Electronic locking unit, especially for doors and flaps on compartments of furniture.

Abstract

Electronic locking unit, especially for doors and flaps on compartments of furniture, with an electronic lock (30) which can be mounted inside a compartment on a side wall of that compartment characterized by that an electronic module (20) is provided which can be electrically and / or mechanically connected to the lock (30) and that the electronic module (20) gives the lock (30) additional functions.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electronic lock for doors and flaps on compartments of furniture, cabinet systems and the like. Such locks are used, for example, in locker systems such as those provided in swimming pools and saunas, fitness centers, schools, universities, train stations, companies and the like, or in cabinets in offices, on lockers, compartments, flaps, drawers, etc. Electronic locks have proven themselves in such furniture and cabinet systems because they are very secure. Individual compartments can be accessed via a central module that controls the individual locks, or individually for each compartment. Access authorization is usually granted via an electronic key such as a card, a fob, a smartphone, a wearable, a code, a transponder or even biometric features.

[0002] There is a need to equip all or at least some of the compartments in such a cabinet system or piece of furniture as "smart compartments" with additional functions that are not covered by the electronic lock. This should be possible without major and costly modifications and connection measures. Existing compartments can also be retrofitted, and not all compartments in a cabinet system or piece of furniture need to have additional functions, or not all compartments need to have the same additional functions.

[0003] This object is achieved by the characterising features of claim 1, which have the following particular significance.

[0004] An electronic module is provided which can be electrically and / or mechanically connected to the lock and which provides the desired additional functions. This module is designed as a complete component in a housing which only needs to be mounted in the compartment, on the lock and / or near the lock. This makes it easy to equip both existing and newly installed locks or compartments with the desired additional functions. Since the functions are always implemented in the electronic module, it is possible to equip different compartments with different functions or to equip only some of the compartments with special functions and leave the remaining compartments and use them without an electronic module.

[0005] The electronic module can perform a variety of different tasks or provide various functions. Which tasks and functions are selected depends on the specific application.

[0006] The module can incorporate sensors and / or measuring devices. These can, for example, record the weight of the items stored in the compartment, or the temperature, humidity, the presence of certain substances or chemicals, etc.

[0007] In one embodiment, the electronic module can be used to supply power to electrical devices such as smartphones, tablets, notebooks, wearables, and similar devices. Charging can be done either inductively or via a cable. For example, a connection for a USB-A, USB-B, or USB-C port can be provided. It is also possible to couple this function with a device for paying for the electrical power used.

[0008] Furthermore, the electronic module may contain a power supply for the lock. For example, batteries or rechargeable batteries may be used.

[0009] It is also conceivable to incorporate access control functions into the electronic module. These could then complement existing access control measures or even replace them.

[0010] The electronic module can also be used to indicate the status of the lock or the associated compartment, such as "free", "occupied", "reserved", "broken", etc. This allows a person who wants to use a compartment to see at a glance which compartments are available.

[0011] It is also possible to provide a card reader for chip cards, magnetic cards, cards with transponders, and / or other electronic cards. These cards can be used for access control, for example, or even for payment for a locker. Other applications are also included.

[0012] The electrical connection between the lock and the electronic module can be established via electrical contacts. If the electronic module is subsequently installed in a lock already installed in the compartment, the electrical connection is preferably made during the installation of the electronic module in the compartment. If both components are already pre-assembled, the electrical connection between the two components should be established no later than during installation in the compartment and any connection to the power supply there. This may even be possible during the pre-assembly.

[0013] It is also possible to provide the electrical contact between the lock and the electronic module wirelessly, for example via Bluetooth, WLAN, radio or infrared.

[0014] The mechanical contact between the electronic module and the lock can be made with the interposition of a plate. The lock and / or the electronic module can then be fastened to this. Particularly preferably, the lock and / or the electronic module is fastened in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner. In particular, it is provided that the lock and / or the electronic module are clipped and / or latched to the plate in order to be held thereon. In a particularly preferred exemplary embodiment, the plate has a receptacle, while the electronic module has a tongue that can be inserted into this receptacle and held therein. Furthermore, latching means are preferably provided on the tongue of the electronic module, while counter-latching means are present on the receptacle on the plate.When the tongue is inserted into the receptacle, the locking mechanism and counter-locking mechanism engage, securing the electronic module to the panel. With a snap-in or clip-in mounting system, no tools are required for installation, making the installation of the electronic module and, if applicable, the lock very efficient and convenient. It's not necessary for an operator to use a tool in a potentially narrow or small compartment to secure the electronic module or lock.

[0015] The plate can be pre-installed in the compartment, possibly with the lock already installed. It's possible to attach both the lock and the electronic module to the plate alone. Of course, these components can also be secured to the compartment using additional fasteners such as screws, bolts, nails, or even adhesives.

[0016] If the lock is powered by a cable, the electronic module can be installed in such a way that the cable is concealed by the electronic module. This protects it from damage and tampering, but also creates a positive visual effect, as the cable is no longer visible.

[0017] Furthermore, an emergency release can be provided via the electronic module for the lock. This is used, for example, in the event of a power failure, or if the lock's battery is dead or there is a defect in the electronic lock. The electronic module can then have its own power supply, which can also provide energy for querying access authorization and unlocking the lock.

[0018] Further advantages and embodiments of the invention are shown in the dependent claims, the following description, and the drawings. The figures illustrate the invention in an exemplary embodiment. They show: Fig. 1: an electronic module according to the invention in bottom view, Fig. 2: the module from Fig. 1 in side view, Fig. 3: the module from Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in plan view, Fig. 4: a lock according to the invention in bottom view, Fig. 5: the castle from Fig. 4 in side view, Fig. 6: the castle from Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 in plan view, Fig. 7: a plate according to the invention in bottom view, Fig. 8: the plate from Fig. 7 in side view, Fig. 9: the plate from Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 in plan view, Fig. 10: the electronic module mounted on the plate in top view.

[0019] In Fig. Figures 1 to 3 show an electronic module 20 according to the invention. It is arranged in a housing and has a tongue 21. Two locking means 22 are provided on the tongue 21 to secure the electronic module 20 by means of a locking connection.

[0020] The Fig. Figures 4 to 6 show an example of an electronic lock, such as those used in compartments in furniture or cabinets. The electronic lock is located inside the compartment and interacts with a locking bar mounted on the compartment door to secure the compartment against unauthorized access.

[0021] Furthermore, the Fig. 7 to 9, another plate 40 is provided. This plate 40 can be arranged on a side wall of the compartment of the piece of furniture or cabinet. The plate 40 can be used to fasten both the lock 30 and the electronic module 20 to it. A snap-in connection can be used for this purpose, whereby the lock 30 and the electronic module 20 can be snapped onto the plate 40 independently of one another and in any desired chronological order. This has the advantage that the electronic lock unit according to the invention is very flexible in its application and when retrofitting. Furthermore, both snap-in connections can be achieved without the use of tools.

[0022] A receptacle 41 for the tongue 21 of the electronic module 20 is provided on the plate 40. This receptacle 41 has counter-locking means 42 that can be engaged with the locking means 22 on the tongue 21 in order to lock the electronic module 20 to the plate 40.

[0023] This condition can be Fig. 10. The tongue 21 is inserted into the receptacle 41, and the locking means 22 are locked onto the counter-locking means 42. This creates a locking connection between the plate 40 and the electronic module 20. The electronic module 20 is securely held on the plate 40 and thus in the compartment.

[0024] Finally, it should be noted that the embodiments presented here are merely exemplary embodiments of the invention. This is not limited to them. Rather, modifications and variations are still possible. The type of latching or locking of the electronic module to the plate can vary. Any type of latching or clipping can be used here. It is also encompassed by the invention that no plate is provided and that the electronic module is attached directly to the lock or the housing of the lock. The invention can be used on any type of electronic lock, in the area of ​​furniture, compartments, flaps, cabinets, drawers, etc. It is also possible to provide multiple electronic modules on one lock. List of reference symbols: 20 Electronic module 21 Tongue 22 rest stops 30 Electronic lock 40 plate 41 recording 42 Counter-locking devices

Claims

[1] Electronic locking unit, especially for doors and flaps on compartments of furniture, with an electronic lock (30) which can be mounted inside a compartment on a side wall of this compartment characterized by , that an electronic module (20) is provided which can be electrically and / or mechanically connected to the lock (30) and that the electronic module (20) provides the lock (30) with additional functions. [2] Electronic lock unit according to claim 1, characterized by that the electronic module (20) can be retrofitted to the lock (30). [3] Electronic lock unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the electronic module (20) contains sensors and / or measuring devices. [4] Electronic lock unit according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat electrical devices such as smartphones, tablets, notebooks, wearables, etc. can be charged via the electronic module (20). [5] Electronic lock unit according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the electronic module (20) contains a power supply for the lock (30). [6] Electronic lock unit according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the electronic module (20) equips the lock (30) with additional functions regarding access control. [7] Electronic lock unit according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the electronic module (20) functions as a reader for chip cards, cards provided with transponders, magnetic cards or other electronic cards. [8] Electronic lock unit according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized bythat the status of the lock or compartment is displayed by means of the electronic module (20), e.g. whether the compartment is occupied or free and / or whether the lock (30) is closed or open. [9] Electronic lock unit according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the electrical contact between the electronic module (20) and the lock (30) is made via electrical contacts, whereby the contact is made automatically at the latest when the electronic module (20) and the lock (30) are mounted in the compartment. [10] Electronic lock unit according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the electrical contact between the electronic module (20) and the lock (30) is made wirelessly, in particular via Bluetooth, WLAN, radio or infrared. [11] Electronic lock unit according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized bythat the mechanical contact between the electronic module (20) and the lock (30) is made with the interposition of a plate (40) to which the lock (30) and / or the electronic module (20) can be fastened. [12] Electronic lock unit according to claim 11, characterized by that the lock (30) and / or the electronic module (20) can be held on the plate (40) in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner, in particular in a latching or clip-on manner. [13] Electronic lock unit according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by that the plate (40) has a receptacle (41) and the electronic module (20) has a tongue (21), wherein the tongue (21) can be inserted into the receptacle (41) and held there. [14] Electronic lock unit according to claim 13, characterized bythat the tongue (21) has locking means (22) while the receptacle (41) has counter-locking means (42) and that the tongue (21) can be locked into the receptacle (41) without tools by being inserted therein. [15] Electronic lock unit according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized by that the plate (40) is attached to a side wall of a compartment and the lock (30) and / or the electronic module (20) are only fixed to the plate (40) but not to the side wall of the compartment. [16] Electronic lock unit according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by that the electronic module (20) covers the power line responsible for supplying energy to the electronic lock (30).

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