Coupling arrangement for a locking device and locking device

Abstract

A coupling arrangement (12) for a locking device (10), the coupling arrangement comprising: an input element (14) and an output element (18) rotatable about an axis of rotation (16); an engagement member (34) movable between a first position (80) and a second position (88); an electric motor (36) arranged to influence movement of the engagement member between the first position and the second position; a coupling member (38) rotationally locked to the input element and axially movable relative to the input element between a decoupled position (82) in which rotation of the input element is not transmitted to rotation of the output element by the coupling member and a coupled position (90) in which rotation of the input element is transmitted to rotation of the output element by the coupling member; and a transmission mechanism (56) arranged to transmit rotation of the coupling member to movement of the coupling member from the decoupled position to the coupled position when the engagement member adopts the second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a connection arrangement structure for a locking device. In particular, a connection arrangement structure for a locking device and a locking device including such a connection arrangement structure are provided, the connection arrangement structure including an input element, an output element and a connecting member. Background Technology

[0002] Some locking devices include a core housing, an output element rotatable about a rotation axis relative to the core housing, a knob rotatable about the rotation axis, and an electromechanical connection arrangement for selectively connecting the knob to the output element. When the user is authorized, the connection arrangement connects the knob and the output element, and the locking device can be opened by turning the knob. Such a locking device may be referred to as a digital lock cylinder.

[0003] In some locking devices of this type, the connecting arrangement includes an electric motor and a connecting member, such as a pin, driven by the electric motor, which is linearly parallel to the axis of rotation, between a disconnected and connected position. However, the arrangement of the electric motor parallel to the axis of rotation and the movement of the connecting member parallel to the axis of rotation increase the size of the locking device in the axial direction, i.e., along the axis of rotation. Therefore, the locking device can protrude from the door surface, and may thus require a ring or trim to conceal the protrusion. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One object of this disclosure is to provide a connection arrangement structure for a locking device, the connection arrangement structure having a compact design.

[0005] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a connection arrangement structure for a locking device, the connection arrangement structure having a small size.

[0006] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a connection arrangement structure for a locking device, the connection arrangement structure including a cost-effective design.

[0007] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a connection arrangement structure for a locking device that has low power consumption.

[0008] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a connection arrangement structure for a locking device, which has a low-complexity design.

[0009] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a connection arrangement structure for a locking device, the connection arrangement structure being robust.

[0010] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a connection arrangement structure for a locking device that provides reliable operation.

[0011] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a connection arrangement structure for a locking device that addresses some or all of the aforementioned objects in combination.

[0012] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a locking device including a connecting arrangement structure that solves one, several, or all of the aforementioned objects.

[0013] According to one aspect, a coupling arrangement structure for a locking device is provided, the coupling arrangement structure including an input element rotatable about a rotation axis; an output element rotatable about a rotation axis; an engagement hook movable between a first position and a second position; an electric motor arranged to influence the movement of an engagement member between the first and second positions; a coupling member rotatably locked to the input element relative to a rotation axis and axially movable relative to the input element along the rotation axis between a disconnected engagement position and an engaged position, wherein in the disconnected engagement position, rotation of the input element is not transmitted to rotation of the output element through the coupling member, and in the engaged position, rotation of the input element is transmitted to rotation of the output element through the coupling member; and a transmission mechanism arranged to transmit rotation of the coupling member to movement of the coupling member from the disconnected engagement position to the engaged position when the engagement member is in the second position.

[0014] When the connecting member is in the connected position, the output element of the locking device can be rotated by rotating the input element. Therefore, in the connected position of the connecting member, the locking device can be locked or unlocked by rotating the input element.

[0015] When the connecting member is in the disconnected position, rotation of the input element is not transmitted to rotation of the output element. In the disconnected position, both the input element and the connecting member can rotate freely relative to the output element about the axis of rotation. Therefore, in the disconnected position, the locking device cannot be locked or unlocked by rotating the input element.

[0016] The connecting member is arranged such that it does not transmit the rotation of the input element to the rotation of the output element in the disengaged position, and transmits the rotation of the input element to the rotation of the output element in the engaged position. Thus, the connecting member functions as a clutch.

[0017] In the second position, the engaging member can engage the connecting member. In the first position, the engaging member can disengage from the connecting member. The engaging member can be arranged to employ either the first or second position when the connecting member is in the disengaged position. The connecting member may include one or more recesses. The engaging member can engage one recess in the second position and can disengage from each recess in the first position.

[0018] Because the rotation of the connecting member is transmitted via a transmission mechanism to the movement of the connecting member from the disconnected position to the connected position when the engaging member is in the second position, the connecting arrangement structure allows the engaging member to move between the first and second positions in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Compared to prior art connecting arrangements—where the engaging member moves parallel to the axis of rotation between the disconnected position and the engaged position of the engaging output element—this allows the connecting arrangement structure to be made more compact and smaller along the axis of rotation. In this way, the entire locking device can also be made more compact and smaller.

[0019] The input element can be fixed to a manually operable actuator, such as a knob, or constituted by a manually operable actuator, such as a knob. Since the rotation of the input element is transmitted to the movement of the connecting member from the disconnected position to the connected position when the engaging member is in the second position, the connecting member moves from the disconnected position to the connected position by manual force rather than by an electric motor. However, the position of the engaging member (controlled by an electric motor) determines whether the connecting member moves from the disconnected position to the connected position when the input element is rotated manually. Therefore, the electric motor indirectly contributes to the movement of the connecting member from the disconnected position to the connected position.

[0020] Because the connecting member moves from the disconnected position to the connected position through the rotation of the input element, the distance between the engaging member and the second position can be quite short. This further contributes to the compact design of the connecting arrangement structure.

[0021] The transmission mechanism can take various forms to mechanically transmit the rotation of the connecting member to the movement of the connecting member from the disconnected position along the axis of rotation to the connected position when the engaging member is in the second position. According to one variation, the transmission mechanism is formed by the connecting member, or by the engaging member and the connecting member. However, in addition to the engaging member and the connecting member, the transmission mechanism may optionally include other components.

[0022] The input element can be configured to rotate continuously about a rotation axis. This provides seamless access.

[0023] The connecting member can move forward when moving from the disconnected position to the connected position. Conversely, the connecting member can move backward when moving from the connected position to the disconnected position. The output element can be arranged in front of the connecting member.

[0024] The connecting member is capable of sliding along the input element between a disconnected position and a connected position. Therefore, the connecting member can be a sliding member. The connecting member can enclose the input element. Alternatively or additionally, the connecting member can be concentric with the axis of rotation.

[0025] Input elements may include one or more input axes. Correspondingly, output elements may include one or more output axes.

[0026] The output element may include a locking member, such as a tailpiece. The output element may be arranged to drive the bolt in the lock housing between an engaged position where the bolt engages the impact plate and a disengaged position where the bolt retracts from the impact plate.

[0027] The second position can be located radially inside the first position relative to the axis of rotation. The connecting member can have a generally cylindrical or cylindrical shape.

[0028] The electric motor can be a linear motor used to influence the movement of the engaging member between a first position and a second position. The electric motor can be powered by a battery. Alternatively or additionally, the electric motor can be powered by energy harvesting.

[0029] The electric motor can be arranged to influence the linear movement of the engaging member between a first position and a second position along the actuation direction. The electric motor can be elongated. In this case, the electric motor can be concentric with the actuation direction.

[0030] The actuation direction and the axis of rotation may not be parallel. The actuation direction may be at an angle of, for example, 45 to 135 degrees, or 80 to 100 degrees, relative to the axis of rotation.

[0031] The actuation direction can be at an angle of approximately 90 degrees, such as 90 degrees, relative to the axis of rotation.

[0032] The connection arrangement may further include an actuating member arranged to be driven by an electric motor and an engaging spring arranged to push the engaging member relative to the actuating member from a first position to a second position. The actuating member, engaging spring, and engaging member may form a spring-loaded assembly for selectively engaging the connection members. The engaging spring may be arranged between the actuating member and the engaging member.

[0033] An electric motor may include a threaded and rotatable motor shaft. In this case, an actuating member may be threadedly engaged with the motor shaft, such that rotation of the motor shaft causes linear movement of the actuating member.

[0034] The actuating member is movable between a first actuated position and a second actuated position. In this case, the engagement spring can be arranged to push the engagement member from the first position to the second position when the actuating member is in the second actuated position. Therefore, by moving the actuating member from the first actuated position to the second actuated position, the electric motor can influence the movement of the engagement member from the first position to the second position.

[0035] For example, when the electric motor is not actuated to the position of the actuating member in the first actuated position, the engaging member is held in the first position by the engaging spring. When the electric motor is actuated to the position of the actuating member moving from the first actuated position to the second actuated position and the engaging member is not aligned with the recess in the connecting member, the actuation of the electric motor causes the engaging spring to be compressed. When the connecting member is rotated to align the engaging member with the recess in the engaging member, the engaging spring pushes the engaging member relative to the actuating member from the first position into the second position where the engaging member enters the recess. Therefore, the engaging member can only be arranged in the second position when the actuating member is in the second actuated position and when a recess in the connecting member is rotatably aligned with the engaging member relative to the axis of rotation.

[0036] The transmission mechanism may include at least one cam profile. In this case, the engaging member may be arranged to engage one of the at least one cam profile in a second position. Each cam profile may be disposed on the engaging member, for example, on the radial outer circumference of the engaging member. Each cam profile may include one or more surfaces at an angle to the axis of rotation, for example, at an angle of 40 to 80 degrees relative to the axis of rotation.

[0037] Each cam profile can be the edge of a recess in the connecting member. When the engaging member is in the second position and engages one of the cam profiles, the engagement causes the engaging member to be pushed forward along the axis of rotation as the connecting member rotates about the axis of rotation.

[0038] The connecting member may include a circular track. In this case, the engaging member can be arranged to engage the track. The track may partially or completely surround the connecting member. In any case, the track may lie in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. When the engaging member engages the track, the connecting member remains in the engaged position. Each cam profile may be located between the track and the output element.

[0039] An electric motor can be arranged to influence the movement of the engaging member from a second position to a third position. In this case, the second position can be located between the first and third positions, and the engaging member can be arranged to engage the track when the engaging member is in the third position and the connecting member is in the connecting position. Also in the third position, the engaging member can engage the connecting member. The movement of the engaging member from the first to the second position and the subsequent movement of the engaging member from the second to the third position provide a two-step engagement of the connecting member via the engaging member.

[0040] The third position can be located radially inside the second position relative to the axis of rotation. The second position can be located radially between the first and third positions relative to the axis of rotation.

[0041] As mentioned above, the engaging member can be arranged in either the first or second position when the connecting member is in the disconnected position along the axis of rotation. The engaging member can also be arranged in a third position when the connecting member is in the connected position along the axis of rotation. The connecting member can be closer to the output element in the connected position than in the disconnected position.

[0042] As a possible alternative, the connecting member can engage the track when it is in the second position. For example, when the connecting member is in the connecting position, the angular distance between the two recesses in the connecting member can be used to rotate the output element by means of the input element.

[0043] The engagement spring can be arranged to push the engagement member from the second actuation position to the third position when the actuation member is in the second actuation position. Therefore, the distance by which the actuation member moves from the first actuation position to the second actuation position can be equal to or greater than the distance by which the engagement member moves from the first position to the third position.

[0044] The connection arrangement may further include a connector configured to transmit rotation of the connecting member to rotation of the output element when the connecting member is in a connected position. The connector may include a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion. The first connecting portion may be disposed on the connecting member and / or the second connecting portion may be disposed on the output element.

[0045] The connector can be a face tooth connector. Face tooth connectors provide a self-centering effect and thereby prevent clogging of the connection arrangement. Face tooth connectors may include beveled teeth on each of the first and second connection portions, which mesh together when the connector components are in the connected position. Alternatively, the connector can be a toothed clutch.

[0046] The connection arrangement may also include a connection pressing device arranged to push the connecting member toward the disconnected connection position. The connection pressing device may be a spring, such as a compression coil spring. When the engaging member is in the third position, the connecting member is held in the connected position by the force of the connection pressing device against the engaging member. When the engaging member retracts from the third position to the first position, the connection pressing device pushes the connecting member from the connected position back to the disconnected connection position, for example, in a rearward direction along the axis of rotation.

[0047] According to another aspect, a locking device is provided that includes a connection arrangement structure according to this disclosure. The locking device can be, for example, a lock cylinder. In this case, the locking device can constitute a digital lock cylinder or an electromechanical lock cylinder. The locking device can replace various lock cylinders, such as door locks, padlocks, or bicycle locks.

[0048] The locking device may also include a core housing. In this case, the electric motor, engaging member, and connecting member can be arranged inside the core housing. In this way, resistance to tampering or damage can be further prevented.

[0049] The locking device may also include a manually operable actuating element. The actuating element may be, for example, a lever handle, a knob, or a thumb dial. The actuating element may be configured to be contacted and moved by the user's hand. The actuating element may be rigidly connected to the input element or integrally formed with the input element. When the user rotates the actuating element, the input element and the connecting member rotate together about a rotation axis. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Other details, advantages and aspects of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0051] Figure 1 : A perspective view schematically showing a locking device including a connecting arrangement structure;

[0052] Figure 2 : A schematic cross-sectional side view of the locking device;

[0053] Figure 3 : A schematic representation of a partial perspective view of the locking device;

[0054] Figure 4 : A schematic diagram illustrating the locking device;

[0055] Figure 5 : A schematic perspective view of the connection arrangement structure when the actuating member is in the first actuating position, the engaging member is in the first position, and the connecting member is in the disconnected connection position;

[0056] Figure 6: A schematic representation of the connection arrangement structure when the actuating member is in the second actuation position;

[0057] Figure 7 : A schematic perspective view of the connection arrangement structure when the connecting member is in the second position;

[0058] Figure 8 This diagram schematically illustrates a three-dimensional view of the connection arrangement structure as the input element rotates.

[0059] Figure 9 : A schematic perspective view of the connection arrangement structure when the input element is further rotated, the connecting member is in the connection position, and the engaging member is in the third position;

[0060] Figure 10 A schematic perspective view of the connection arrangement structure as the output element rotates due to the rotation of the input component; and

[0061] Figure 11 The diagram schematically illustrates a perspective view of the connection arrangement structure when the actuating member has returned to the first actuating position, the engaging member has returned to the first position, and the connecting member has returned to the disconnected connection position. Detailed Implementation

[0062] The following describes a connection arrangement structure for a locking device and a locking device including such a connection arrangement structure, which includes an input element, an output element, and a connecting member. The same or similar reference numerals will be used to denote the same or similar structural features.

[0063] Figure 1 A perspective view of a locking device 10 is schematically shown. The locking device 10 includes a connecting arrangement structure 12. The connecting arrangement structure 12 includes an input element 14 rotatable about a rotation axis 16 and an output element 18 rotatable about the rotation axis 16. The output element 18 in this example includes a tail piece 20. The tail piece 20 is an example of a locking member according to this disclosure.

[0064] The locking device 10 in this example also includes a core housing 22. A portion of the coupling arrangement 12 is disposed inside the core housing 22. An input element 14 protrudes from one side of the core housing 22, and a tail piece 20 is positioned on the opposite side of the core housing 22.

[0065] The locking device 10 in this example also includes a knob 24. Knob 24 is an example of an actuating element according to this disclosure. Knob 24 can be rotated by hand about a rotation axis 16. Input element 14 is fixed to knob 24 and rotates together with knob 24. Knob 24 and input element 14 can rotate continuously about the rotation axis 16.

[0066] The locking device 10 in this example also includes a generator 26. The generator 26 may, for example, be fixed to a door leaf (not shown). The knob 24 may be able to rotate relative to the door leaf in this case.

[0067] The generator 26 can be driven to generate electrical energy by the rotation of the input element 14. For this purpose, the locking device 10 in this example includes a crown gear 28, a pinion 30, and a gearbox 32. The crown gear 28 is fixed to the input element 14 and rotates about a rotation axis 16. The pinion 30 meshes with the crown gear 28 and rotates about an axis perpendicular to the rotation axis 16. Here, the crown gear 28 and the pinion 30 form a bevel gear. The gearbox 32 can be a gear transmission device including one or more intermediate gears. The rotation of the pinion 30 is transmitted via the gearbox 32 to the rotation of the rotor (not shown) of the generator 26 to generate electrical energy.

[0068] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional side view of the locking device 10 is shown. (As shown) Figure 2 As shown, the locking device 10 also includes an engagement member 34, an electric motor 36, and a connecting member 38.

[0069] The input element 14 in this specific example includes an input shaft 40, a square shaft 42, a plug 44, and a shoulder screw 46. Each of the input shaft 40, square shaft 42, plug 44, and shoulder screw 46 is concentric with and rotatable about the rotation axis 16. The input shaft 40 is fixed to the knob 24. The square shaft 42 is fixed to the input shaft 40 by being received within it. The plug 44 is fixed to the square shaft 42. The shoulder screw 46 is fixed to the plug 44. Figure 2 As shown, the plug 44 and the shoulder screw 46 are arranged inside the core housing 22. The crown gear 28 is fixed to the input shaft 40.

[0070] The engaging member 34 is disposed inside the core housing 22. In this example, the engaging member 34 includes a cylindrical pin.

[0071] In this example, the electric motor 36 is arranged to be powered by the generator 26. Therefore, the locking device 10 in this example is powered by energy harvesting. The electric motor 36 can alternatively be powered by a battery.

[0072] The electric motor 36 includes a threaded motor shaft 48 and an actuating member 50 threadedly engaged with the motor shaft 48. By actuating the electric motor 36 to rotate the motor shaft 48, the actuating member 50 can move in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 16. Figure 2As shown, the electric motor 36 has an elongated shape and is oriented perpendicular to the rotation axis 16. By arranging the electric motor perpendicular to the rotation axis 16, the connecting arrangement structure 12 does not protrude too much from the door leaf as if the electric motor 36 were parallel to the rotation axis 16. The locking device 10 thus becomes more compact. The core housing 22 can, for example, be only 13 mm long while containing the electric motor 36. Therefore, the core housing 22 will fit completely into most of the holes drilled for the core housing without protruding from the door surface. The door surface can be positioned between the generator 26 and the core housing 22.

[0073] The connection arrangement 12 also includes a coupling spring 52. The coupling spring 52 is arranged between the actuating member 50 and the coupling member 34. The coupling spring 52 is designed here as a compression helical spring surrounding the motor shaft 48.

[0074] The connecting member 38 is rotatably fixed to the input element 14, which is then fixed to and around the plug 44. Therefore, when the input element 14 rotates about the rotation axis 16, the connecting member 38 also rotates about the rotation axis 16. However, the connecting member 38 is arranged to slide relative to the input element 14 along the rotation axis 16.

[0075] The connecting member 38 in this example includes a track 54 and a cam profile 56. The cam profile 56 is an example of a transmission mechanism according to this disclosure. As described below, the engaging member 34 can engage the cam profile 56 and the track 54. The connecting member 38 also includes a first engaging portion 58. The cam profile 56 is here arranged along the axis of rotation 16 between the track 54 and the first engaging portion 58. Figure 2 As shown, the connecting member 38 is also arranged inside the core housing 22.

[0076] In addition to the tail piece 20, the output element 18 of this example also includes a second connecting portion 60. The second connecting portion 60 is fixed to the tail piece 20. The second connecting portion 60 is rotatable relative to the shoulder screw 46. For this purpose, a clearance is provided between the shoulder screw 46 and the second connecting portion 60. The second connecting portion 60 is disposed inside the core housing 22 and the tail piece 20 is disposed outside the core housing 22.

[0077] The connection arrangement 12 in this example also includes a connection spring 62. The connection spring 62 is an example of a connection pressing device according to this disclosure. The connection spring 62 acts between the connection member 38 and the output element 18. In this example, the connection spring 62 is a compression helical spring surrounding the plug 44.

[0078] Figure 3A partial perspective view of the locking device 10 is schematically shown. The connecting member 38 includes a plurality of recesses 64. In this example, the connecting member 38 includes three recesses 64 evenly distributed around the axis of rotation 16. The track 54 is deeper than each recess 64. The track 54 is arranged around the entire circumference of the connecting member 38 and lies in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation 16. In this example, the edge of each recess 64 defines one cam profile 56. Each cam profile 56 includes two surfaces. Each such surface is inclined at approximately 60 degrees relative to the axis of rotation 16.

[0079] Each of the first connecting portion 58 and the second connecting portion 60 has a circular circumference and is centered relative to the axis of rotation 16. The first connecting portion 58 and the second connecting portion 60 form an example of a connector according to the present disclosure. Each of the first connecting portion 58 and the second connecting portion 60 includes a plurality of conical teeth for meshing engagement. This example connector is a face tooth connector.

[0080] The generator 26 can convert the mechanical energy from the manual rotation of the knob 24 into electrical energy. Thus, the electrical energy collected by manually rotating the knob 24 can be used by an authorized user to command the electric motor 36 to move the actuating member 50 from a first actuated position to a second actuated position, and to command the electric motor 36 to move the actuating member 50 back from the second actuated position to the first actuated position after a period of time. The generator 26 can serve as the primary energy source for the connected device.

[0081] Figure 4 A block diagram schematically illustrates one of many implementations of the locking device 10. The locking device 10 also includes electronic devices, generally indicated by reference numeral 66. The electronic devices 66 are arranged to be powered by the generator 26. The electronic devices 66 are also configured to generate an authorization signal 68 upon user authorization. When the electric motor 36 receives the authorization signal 68, the electric motor 36 drives the actuating member 50 from a first actuated position to a second actuated position.

[0082] like Figure 4 As illustrated, electronic device 66 electrically connects generator 26 to electric motor 36. Figure 4 The example electronic device 66 includes a power management electronic device 70, a reading electronic device 72, and a credential evaluation electronic device 74. The generator 26, power management electronic device 70, reading electronic device 72, credential evaluation electronic device 74, and electric motor 36 are connected by electrical conductors, such as... Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, the electric motor 36 is thus arranged to be powered by the generator 26.

[0083] The power management electronics 70 of this example includes energy harvesting electronics, such as a diode (not shown) and a capacitor (not shown). The reading electronics 72 of this example includes an antenna (not shown) and a reading unit (not shown) for receiving input signals.

[0084] When knob 24 is manually grasped and rotated by the user, generator 26 collects electrical energy from the rotation. Once generator 26 has collected sufficient electrical energy, the authorization process is initiated. During the authorization process, reading electronics 72 is powered by power management electronics 70 and can wirelessly communicate with external devices, such as with a mobile phone via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). Reading electronics 72 receives credentials from the external device and, based on those credentials, sends an access signal 76 to credential evaluation electronics 74.

[0085] The credential evaluation electronics 74 then determines whether access should be granted based on the access signal 76. If the authorization request is denied, the electric motor 36 is not actuated, i.e., the actuating member 50 remains in the first actuated position. If the authorization request is granted, for example if valid credentials are provided, the credential evaluation electronics 74 sends an authorization signal 68 to the electric motor 36. When sufficient electrical energy has been collected through further continuous rotation of the knob 24, the electric motor 36 is actuated to drive the actuating member 50 from the first actuated position to the second actuated position.

[0086] Figure 5 A perspective view schematically illustrates the connection arrangement structure 12, wherein the actuating member 50 is in a first actuated position 78, the engaging member 34 is in a first position 80, and the connecting member 38 is in a disconnected position 82. In the disconnected position 82 of the connecting member 38, the first connecting portion 58 and the second connecting portion 60 are spaced apart along the rotation axis 16. Rotation of the input element 14 is thus not transmitted to rotation of the output element 18. Therefore, the locking device 10 cannot be unlocked (or locked) by rotation of the knob 24 when the connecting member 38 is in the disconnected position 82.

[0087] When the actuating member 50 is in the first actuated position 78, the engaging member 34 is held in the first position 80 by the engaging spring 52. In the first position 80, the engaging member 34 is not engaged with the connecting member 38. The connecting member 38 is thus pushed to the disengaged position 82 by means of the connecting spring 62. Figure 5 (Left side of the middle).

[0088] Figure 6 This schematic perspective view illustrates the connection arrangement 12 when the actuating member 50 has been driven from a first actuated position 78 to a second actuated position 84 by the electric motor 36, for example, in response to an authorized request. Figure 6As shown, the engaging member 34 is not aligned with any recess in the recess 64. Therefore, the movement of the actuating member 50 from the first actuated position 78 to the second actuated position 84 causes the engaging spring 52 to be compressed. The engaging member 34 is now pressed against the outer surface of the connecting member 38, located radially outward of the recess 64 relative to the axis of rotation 16.

[0089] Figure 6 It is also shown that the movement of the actuating member 50 from the first actuating position 78 to the second actuating position 84 occurs in an actuation direction 86 perpendicular to the rotation axis 16. Therefore, the actuation direction 86 is at a 90-degree angle to the rotation axis 16 here.

[0090] Figure 7 A perspective view schematically illustrating the connection arrangement 12 with the engaging member 34 in the second position 88. By manually rotating the knob 24 with the actuating member 50 in the second actuated position 84, the engaging member 34 eventually aligns with a recess in the recess 64 of the connecting member 38. The engaging spring 52 then forces the engaging member 34 to move radially inward (relative to the axis of rotation 16) from the first position 80 to the second position 88 to engage the connecting member 38. Figure 7 It is understood that the distance by which the engaging member 34 moves from the first position 80 to the second position 88 is quite short and substantially corresponds to the depth of the recess 64.

[0091] Since the positioning of the actuating member 50 in the second actuated position 84 is a prerequisite for the movement of the engaging member 34 from the first position 80 to the second position 88, the electric motor 36 is said to be arranged to influence the movement of the engaging member 34 from the first position 80 to the second position 88. Note that the connecting member 38 remains in the disengaged position 82 immediately after the engaging member 34 has entered the recess 64.

[0092] Figure 8 This is a schematic perspective view of the connection arrangement structure 12 as the input element 14 is further rotated via the knob 24. (See diagram below.) Figure 8 As shown, when the engaging member 34 is in the second position 88 and the connecting member 38 rotates, the engagement between the engaging member 34 and the cam profile 56 causes the connecting member 38 to be pushed forward against the force of the connecting spring 62 (to... Figure 8 (Right side of the middle). The connecting member 38 thus slides forward on the input element 14 by the manual force of rotating the knob 24 rather than by the force from the electric motor 36.

[0093] Figure 9 A schematic perspective view of the connection arrangement structure 12 as the input element 14 is further rotated. (See diagram below.) Figure 9As shown, further rotation of the connecting member 38 has caused it to move further along the rotation axis 16 and into the connecting position 90. Simultaneously, the input element 14 becomes aligned with the track 54. The engaging spring 52 thus forces the engaging member 34 to move radially inward (relative to the rotation axis 16) from the second position 88 to the third position 92 of the engaging track 54. Figure 9 It is understood that the distance by which the engaging member 34 moves from the second position 88 to the third position 92 is quite short and substantially corresponds to the radial distance between the bottom of the track 54 and the bottom of the recess 64 (relative to the axis of rotation 16).

[0094] When the engaging member 34 is in the second position 88, the rotation of the engaging member 38 about the rotation axis 16 is transmitted to the movement of the connecting member 38 from the disconnected position 82 to the connected position 90 by means of the engagement between the engaging member 34 and the cam profile 56. In this way, the transmission mechanism exemplified here by the cam profile 56 is arranged to transmit the rotation of the connecting member 38 about the rotation axis 16 to the movement of the connecting member 38 along the rotation axis 16 from the disconnected position 82 to the connected position 90 when the engaging member 34 is in the second position 88.

[0095] When the connecting member 38 is in the connected position 90, the input element 14 and the output element 18 rotate together through the engagement between the first connecting portion 58 and the second connecting portion 60. As long as the actuating member 50 is in the second actuated position 84, the connecting member 38 is held in the connected position 90 (via the engaging member 34 in the third position 92). Since the positioning of the actuating member 50 in the second actuated position 84 is a prerequisite for the movement of the engaging member 34 from the second position 88 to the third position 92, the electric motor 36 is said to be arranged to influence the movement of the engaging member 34 from the second position 88 to the third position 92.

[0096] Figure 10 The diagram schematically illustrates a perspective view of the connection arrangement 12 as the output element 18 rotates via the rotation of the input element 14. Rotation of the tail piece 20, for example, causes the locking device 10 to unlock by driving a plug in the lock housing (not shown).

[0097] Knob 24 can be continuously rotated about the rotation axis 16 during the authorization process. The electrical energy collected by manually rotating knob 24 can then be used by the authorizing user to actuate electric motor 36 to drive actuation member 50 from a first actuation position 78 to a second actuation position 84. The user can continuously rotate knob 24 during the authorization process, subsequent switching of actuation member 50, and subsequent rotation of tail piece 20. This provides seamless access.

[0098] Figure 11This schematic view shows the connection arrangement 12 in perspective when the actuating member 50 has returned to the first actuated position 78. When the actuating member 50 returns to the first actuated position 78, the engagement spring 52 pulls the engagement member 34 from the third position 92 away from the track 54 and back to the first position 80. Then, the engagement spring 62 pushes the engagement member 38 from the engagement position 90 back to the disengaged engagement position 82.

[0099] While this disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to what has been described above. For example, it will be understood that the dimensions of the components may vary as needed. Therefore, this means that the invention may be limited only to the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connection arrangement structure (12) for a locking device (10), the connection arrangement structure (12) comprising: - Input element (14), which is rotatable about rotation axis (16); - Output element (18), which is rotatable about the rotation axis (16); - A connecting member (34) that is movable between a first position (80) and a second position (88); - An electric motor (36) arranged to influence the movement of the engaging member (34) between the first position (80) and the second position (88); - A connecting member (38) rotatably locked to the input element (14) relative to the rotation axis (16) and axially movable relative to the input element (14) along the rotation axis (16) between a disconnected connection position (82) and a connected position (90), in which rotation of the input element (14) is not transmitted to rotation of the output element (18) through the connecting member (38), and in the connected position (90), rotation of the input element (14) is transmitted to rotation of the output element (18) through the connecting member (38), wherein the connecting member (38) includes a circular track (54), and wherein the engaging member (34) is arranged to engage the track (54); and - A transmission mechanism (56) arranged to transmit the rotation of the connecting member (38) to the movement of the connecting member (38) from the disconnected connection position (82) to the connected position (90) when the connecting member (34) is in the second position (88); The electric motor (36) is arranged to influence the movement of the connecting member (34) from the second position (88) to the third position (92), wherein the second position (88) is located between the first position (80) and the third position (92), and wherein the connecting member (34) is arranged to engage the track (54) when the connecting member (34) is in the third position (92) and the connecting member (38) is in the connecting position (90).

2. The connection arrangement structure (12) according to claim 1, wherein, The electric motor (36) is arranged to linearly influence the movement of the engagement member (34) between the first position (80) and the second position (88) in the actuation direction (86).

3. The connection arrangement structure (12) according to claim 2, wherein, The actuation direction (86) and the rotation axis (16) are not parallel.

4. The connection arrangement structure (12) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The actuation direction (86) forms an angle of approximately 90 degrees with the rotation axis (16).

5. The connection arrangement structure (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 further includes an actuation member (50) arranged to be driven by the electric motor (36), and an engagement spring (52) arranged to push the engagement member (34) relative to the actuation member (50) from the first position (80) toward the second position (88).

6. The connection arrangement structure (12) according to claim 5, wherein, The actuating member (50) is movable between a first actuating position (78) and a second actuating position (84), wherein the engaging spring (52) is arranged to push the engaging member (34) from the first position (80) to the second position (88) when the actuating member (50) is in the second actuating position (84).

7. The connection arrangement structure (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The transmission mechanism (56) includes at least one cam profile (56), and wherein the engagement member (34) is arranged to engage one of the at least one cam profile (56) in the second position (88).

8. The connection arrangement structure (12) according to claim 6, wherein, The engagement spring (52) is arranged to push the engagement member (34) from the second position (88) to the third position (92) when the actuating member (50) is in the second actuated position (84).

9. The connection arrangement structure (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 further includes a connector (58, 60) arranged to transmit rotation of the connection member (38) to rotation of the output element (18) when the connection member (38) is in the connection position (90).

10. The connection arrangement structure (12) according to claim 9, wherein, The connectors (58, 60) are end-face tooth connectors.

11. The connection arrangement structure (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 further includes a connection pressing device (62) arranged to press the connection member (38) toward the disconnected connection position (82).

12. A locking device (10) comprising a connection arrangement structure (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The locking device (10) according to claim 12 further includes a core housing (22), wherein, The electric motor (36), the connecting member (34), and the connecting member (38) are arranged inside the core housing (22).

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