Key with a keyhole and with a key shaft and a generator

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a key with a key blade and with a key shaft according to the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] In practice, keys with key electronics for transmitting a coded opening signal to a locking cylinder are known. These are keys for operating a so-called e-cylinder, where the coding of the key or e-cylinder is easily programmable electronically. Such key or locking cylinder systems require either replaceable batteries or complex cabling of the locking cylinder through the lock or door.

[0003] DE 3208818 discloses a locking cylinder with a generator. When the key is inserted into the locking cylinder, the generator located in the locking cylinder is driven to generate electrical energy. For this purpose, a rack is stamped into the key shaft, which drives a pinion located in the locking cylinder to activate the generator.

[0004] DE 19918817 C1 discloses an electronic vehicle key, wherein the key has a key housing in which a generator is arranged. A mass is assigned to the generator to utilize the mechanical energy generated when the key is moved to drive the electric generator. This mass oscillator, in the form of a pendulum, converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

[0005] The applicant has voluntarily restricted the application for Germany with reference to DE 10 2020 115 201 A by submitting separate patent claims for Germany.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of providing a key that is environmentally sustainable while offering high security and reliability. In particular, the key should have a long service life and be easy to use.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by a key having a key blade and a key shaft according to the features of claim 1. Furthermore, the object is achieved according to the invention by a method for actuating a mechatronic shooting cylinder by means of a key according to the features of claim 14.

[0008] According to the invention, a key with a key bow and a key shaft for actuating a locking cylinder is proposed, in particular for a mechatronic lock-key system, comprising key electronics that transmit a coded opening signal to a locking cylinder and a generator arranged in the key bow for supplying the key electronics and / or a locking cylinder electronics with electrical energy, wherein the generator is driven by a movable component. It is essential that the movable component, when the key shaft is inserted into a

[0009] Lock cylinder comes into contact with the lock cylinder and drives the generator when the key shaft is further inserted into the lock cylinder, in particular by rotating it.

[0010] The invention further comprises a method for actuating a mechatronic locking cylinder by means of a key, in which the locking cylinder is rotated by the key in the opening direction or in the closing direction during actuation, and The key comprises a key shaft for insertion into a keyway of the locking cylinder, a key blade, and key electronics. The locking cylinder comprises an electrically switchable locking element for enabling or blocking rotation of the locking cylinder, as well as locking cylinder electronics that switch the locking element. It is essential that the key has a generator that is driven by rotation when the key shaft is inserted into the keyway in order to generate electrical energy to supply the key electronics and / or the locking cylinder electronics.

[0011] One advantage of the invention is that the generator located in the key's bow, which is automatically activated when the key is inserted into the locking cylinder, provides power to supply the key's electronics. Advantageously, no additional power source is required other than the generator, eliminating the need for a battery or rechargeable battery. This eliminates the need to replace disposable or defective batteries over the key's lifetime. This increases the reliability of the key and also reduces waste.

[0012] A further advantage is that the arrangement of the generator in the key's bow means that the key can be used universally for different locking cylinders, as the key has its own power supply.

[0013] In particular, actuation of the locking cylinder, especially mechanical actuation of the locking cylinder, means rotation of the locking cylinder or the locking cylinder core by the key. For this purpose, the key shaft is inserted into a keyway of the locking cylinder. The locking cylinder is designed in particular as a so-called e-locking cylinder and has locking cylinder electronics and an electronically switchable locking element. The electronically switchable locking element normally blocks actuation of the locking cylinder. Only after the locking cylinder electronics or the locking cylinder has received a correct or valid opening signal from the key or the key electronics is the electronically switchable locking element released and the locking cylinder can be actuated by turning the key.

[0014] In particular, the locking cylinder is intended for installation in a building door lock, for example, a mortise lock with a single locking mechanism or with a multi-point locking mechanism. The locking cylinder can be designed as a locking cylinder according to a DIN standard, a so-called Swiss locking cylinder, or a locking cylinder according to a Scandinavian standard. These locking cylinders differ in their external dimensions.

[0015] A locking cylinder is preferably a mechatronic locking cylinder or a so-called e-locking cylinder. In addition to the mechanical components of a locking cylinder, these have locking cylinder electronics to read and preferably evaluate an electronically coded opening signal. The locking cylinder electronics only authorizes actuation of the locking cylinder when a valid opening signal is received.

[0016] Preferably, a mechanical code can be attached to the key shaft. This mechanical code can be scanned by the locking cylinder when the key shaft is inserted into the locking cylinder and used as a security feature in addition to the coded opening signal.

[0017] Preferably, in alternative embodiments, it can be provided that the key shaft does not have a mechanical coding, but the opening authorization is carried out solely by the electronically coded opening signal.

[0018] In particular, a mechatronic lock-key system is understood to be a system that comprises a lock with a locking cylinder that can be inserted into the lock, and a key. The term "mechatronic" indicates that mechanical actuation is achieved by turning the locking cylinder. Furthermore, an electronically coded opening signal is transmitted or exchanged between the key and the locking cylinder to verify the key's opening authorization.

[0019] An electronically coded opening signal is preferably understood to be a signal that has a code or encryption. The opening signal can be generated by the key electronics or stored in the key electronics via parameterization or programming. The opening signal can then be encrypted, for example, using RSA encryption, DES encryption, or AES encryption.

[0020] Different opening signals can be provided or generated in the key electronics. For example, group opening signals, individual opening signals, or general opening signals can be provided. An individual opening signal authorizes the operation of a single locking cylinder. A group opening signal authorizes the operation of multiple locking cylinders, i.e., a group of locking cylinders. A general opening signal can operate all locking cylinders in a locking system, similar to a master key.

[0021] The coded opening signal can be transmitted to a locking cylinder via a wired connection. Alternatively or additionally, the coded opening signal can also be transmitted wirelessly. For example, the key electronics can have a wireless interface, preferably ZigBee or Bluetooth, or an RFID interface.

[0022] Preferably, the movable component can be designed as a rectilinear or linearly movable component. The movable component can be movably mounted on the key shank and / or the key blade.

[0023] In one embodiment, it can be provided that the movable component comes into contact with the locking cylinder when the key shank is inserted into the locking cylinder and drives the generator, in particular rotating it, when the key shank is inserted further into the locking cylinder. In particular, the linear movement when the key shank is inserted into the locking cylinder is converted into a rotational movement to drive the generator. One advantage is that inserting the key shank into the locking cylinder creates a continuous movement that sets the generator in rotation. Depending on the speed or force with which the key is inserted into the keyway of a locking cylinder, the generator is continuously set in rotation. The faster the key is inserted, the higher the rotation speed of the generator can be.

[0024] In one embodiment, it can be provided in particular that the key has a toothed rack, with the aid of which the linear movement of the key when inserted into a locking channel of a cylinder core mounted in a locking cylinder is converted into a rotational movement for driving a generator and for generating electrical energy, wherein the displacement of the toothed rack takes place by a movable component which is part of the key shank, wherein the movable component is a slide or carriage mounted in the key shank, which engages with a toothed rack arranged in a key blade connected to the key shank, which toothed rack in turn is coupled to the generator via a gear.

[0025] In particular, it can be provided that the movable component cooperates with a gear element in order to convert a linear movement of the movable component into a rotational movement for the rotating drive of the generator.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, the movable component can be designed as a component mounted on the key blade and / or the key shank for linear movement, in particular as a slide, a tappet, or a carriage. Preferably, the movable component can be designed as a magnet and / or comprise a magnet.

[0027] By designing the movable component as a component that is movably mounted directly on the key shaft, a mechanically robust key structure can be achieved. Designing the movable component as a carriage, a slide, or a tappet results in a reliable and mechanically robust design, as the movable component interacts directly with the locking cylinder. This is especially true when the key is inserted into the locking cylinder.

[0028] In an alternative embodiment, the movable component can be designed as a magnet or have a magnet. In this embodiment, direct mechanical interaction with the locking cylinder is eliminated. Instead, a contactless magnetic interaction occurs between the movably mounted component and the locking cylinder. This can be more robust against contamination.

[0029] It can be provided that the magnet or the slider or the plunger protrudes from the key blade parallel to the key shaft.

[0030] In particular, the slide is mounted on the key blade and / or on the key shaft so that it can be moved linearly and parallel to the key shaft.

[0031] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the carriage or the plunger or the slide is connected to the gear element in such a way that tensile forces and / or compressive forces are transmitted between the gear element and the carriage or plunger or slide. It is advantageous if the drive of the generator via the gear element and the carriage or slide connected to the gear element is constructed in two parts. Due to this two-part design, the gear element assigned to the generator can be accommodated in the key blade and the carriage or slide can be arranged as a movable component outside the key blade on the key shank. It is important that the carriage or the plunger or the slide is connected to the gear element in order to transmit both tensile forces and compressive forces between the gear element and the carriage or plunger or slide.This results in a high degree of functional reliability and, under normal conditions, a permanent connection between the gear element on the one hand and the carriage or tappet or slide on the other hand, while simplifying the manufacture of the key.

[0032] Advantageously, the transmission element can be connected to a spindle drive, a connecting rod drive, or a belt drive, or the transmission element can be designed as a spindle drive, a connecting rod drive, or a belt drive. The linear movement of the movable component can be converted into a rotational movement to drive the generator via the spindle drive, connecting rod drive, or belt drive.

[0033] In particular, it can be provided that the transmission element is part of a transmission device. In particular, it can be part of a transmission device comprising the transmission element and a transmission ratio for transmitting the rotational movement of the transmission element to the generator at a changed speed. The transmission ratio of the transmission device can be selected such that the generator is driven at the most optimal speed possible with regard to converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.

[0034] Advantageously, the gear element can be arranged within the key bow, preferably the gear device can be arranged within the key bow.

[0035] In order to achieve a particularly compact design, the key electronics can be arranged within the key blade.

[0036] In one embodiment, it can be provided that the gear element has a rack that interacts with the movable component.

[0037] In particular, a one-way clutch can be provided between the generator and the movable component. Preferably in such a way that the movable component only engages with the generator when the key is inserted into a locking channel of a locking cylinder, whereas the one-way clutch disengages the movable component when it is pulled out, so that the generator can only be driven in one direction of rotation. The one-way clutch can be constructed in a similar way to a bicycle freewheel. This means that as long as the movable component is moved towards the blade of the key, the movable component is in drive engagement with the generator. If the movable component is braked or stops towards the end of its travel, the one-way clutch disengages the connection between the movable component and the generator. This allows the generator to continue to rotate even if the movable component is braked or is at a standstill.Furthermore, when the key is removed from the locking cylinder, the movable component can move in the opposite direction to the drive direction without adversely affecting the rotation of the generator.

[0038] In particular, it can be provided that the movable component is spring-loaded for resetting, in particular spring-loaded toward the tip of the key. The spring can be designed as a torsion spring or a spiral spring, in particular as a linear coil spring or a torsion bar spring. The spring ensures that the movable component is always arranged in its initial position when the key is removed from the locking cylinder—that is, in the front position, i.e., facing toward the tip of the key shaft.

[0039] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the generator and the transmission element and the transmission device are designed together as a structural unit that can be inserted into the key blade, in particular that the transmission, the generator and the rack are designed together as a structural unit that can be inserted into the key blade.

[0040] Furthermore, the key electronics can be designed as a single unit or as a module. In particular, the key electronics can comprise a circuit board on which the components of the key electronics, preferably all components of the key electronics, are arranged.

[0041] In particular, a "modular unit" refers to a modular design. This means that the generator and / or the key electronics are designed as a single unit or module and can be inserted into the key or key blade as such. This simplifies key production, as the components of the modular unit—i.e., the generator, the transmission element, and the transmission device—do not have to be inserted separately and connected to one another.

[0042] To further increase convenience and operational reliability, a visual display, preferably comprising an LED, can be provided on the key blade. The visual display is powered by the generator. The visual display can be used to visually visualize error messages or status reports, for example, to a user.

[0043] In an advantageous embodiment, the key electronics can comprise an energy storage device. In particular, it has a capacitor as an energy storage device for the electrical energy generated by the generator, enabling intermediate energy storage. The electrical energy generated by the generator can be stored or temporarily stored via the energy storage device. This makes it possible to efficiently use the electrical energy generated by the generator. For example, the energy storage device can supply the key electronics with electrical energy for a longer period than the generator provides.

[0044] In particular, it can be provided that the key electronics does not require or have any further power source apart from the generator.

[0045] Advantageously, the generator or energy storage device can supply both the key electronics and the locking cylinder with electrical energy. In particular, it supplies the locking cylinder electronics and an electrically switchable locking element of the locking cylinder with electrical energy. This eliminates the need for a separate power supply, particularly a mains-connected power supply, for the locking cylinder.

[0046] Advantageously, it can be provided that an electrical contact is arranged on the key shank in order to connect the key electronics to the locking cylinder electronics, and that the generator is designed to supply the locking cylinder electronics with electrical energy via this contact. The key shank is preferably designed to be electrically conductive and the electrical contact is designed to be insulated from the key shank. This makes it possible to set up an electrical circuit having two poles, in which, for example, the key shank serves as ground and the electrical contact as the second pole. Thus, when the key is fully inserted into a locking cylinder, an electrical circuit can be closed with the locking cylinder by means of the electrical contact. This makes it possible to power the locking cylinder electronics, i.e. the locking cylinder electronics, from the generator or generator arranged in the key.to supply it with electrical energy from the key's energy storage. This completely eliminates the need for wiring between the locking cylinder and the lock or through the door. One advantage is that power supplies are not required. This means that the resulting power consumption of the lock-key system is zero, and therefore, for example, no CO2 is released during operation. Furthermore, no rechargeable battery or replaceable battery is required to power the locking cylinder, meaning that no hazardous waste is produced during operation of the lock-key system.

[0047] In particular, it can be provided that the electrical contact is designed to establish a wired data connection between the key electronics and the locking cylinder electronics. Thus, in addition to the power supply, the electrical contact can also be designed as a data interface, in particular a bidirectional data interface. For example, an encrypted, electronically coded opening signal can be exchanged between the locking cylinder electronics and the key electronics via this data interface. Common encryption mechanisms such as AES encryption or RSA encryption can be used for encryption.

[0048] The invention further relates to a system comprising a key according to one of the embodiments described above. The system comprises a mechatronic locking cylinder or a so-called e-cylinder having locking cylinder electronics. In particular, the locking cylinder electronics and the key electronics are programmed accordingly so that they can exchange and validate the opening signal with each other. When validating the opening signal, it can be provided, for example, that the key electronics generate a coded opening signal and transmit it to the locking cylinder electronics. The locking cylinder electronics checks the opening signal, and if it is a valid opening signal, the locking cylinder electronics releases the switchable locking element to actuate the locking cylinder.

[0049] Furthermore, in one embodiment, it can be provided that the coded opening signal is exchanged bidirectionally between the locking cylinder electronics and the locking cylinder. For example, the key electronics can first check the locking cylinder electronics to see whether the locking cylinder electronics or the type of locking cylinder is approved for the corresponding key or for the corresponding lock-key system. Only after the locking cylinder has been validated will the locking cylinder electronics generate a coded opening signal and transmit it to the locking cylinder or the locking cylinder electronics. The locking cylinder or the locking cylinder electronics will then check the coded opening signal and, if it is valid, will enable the locking cylinder for operation. The locking cylinder can then be operated by turning the key, i.e.For example, it can be turned in the opening direction to open a lock, i.e. to retract locking elements of a lock into the lock housing and unlock a door.

[0050] In particular, it can be provided that the locking cylinder electronics are supplied with electrical energy by the generator and / or the energy storage device of the key in order to check an opening signal exchanged between the key electronics and the locking cylinder electronics and, if an opening authorization is present, to release a locking element in order to enable mechanical actuation of the locking cylinder.

[0051] Preferably, it can be provided that the generator supplies both the key electronics and the locking cylinder electronics and the locking element with electrical energy.

[0052] In particular, the operation of the key with a locking cylinder or the lock-key system can be carried out in such a way that when the key shaft is inserted into the key channel, a movable component arranged on the key comes into contact with the locking cylinder and is displaced relative to the key shaft when the key shaft is further inserted in order to drive the generator rotorically.

[0053] The key or lock-key system according to the invention can be used on locks for building doors. However, in other applications, the key-lock system can also be used on furniture doors, safe doors, or even vehicle doors. In particular, the key according to the invention can also be used for so-called furniture cylinders or padlocks.

[0054] One advantage is that the key according to the invention enables parallel operation with battery-operated keys in systems with locking cylinders. The locking cylinders do not require their own power supply, as they are constantly supplied with energy by the key.

[0055] Further embodiments of the invention are shown in the figures and described below.

[0056] Showing: Fig. 1a-1c: Key with a locking cylinder in different operating positions; Fig. 2a: an embodiment of the key according to the invention with the key blade open; Fig. 2b: an embodiment of the key according to the invention according to Fig. 2a without key electronics; Fig. 3a: an embodiment of the key according to the invention with connecting rod drive; Fig. 3b: an embodiment of the key according to the invention with belt drive; Fig 3c: an embodiment of the key according to the invention with spindle drive; Fig. 4a-7b: an embodiment of the key according to the invention with a rack and pinion drive; Fig. 8: an alternative embodiment of the key according to the invention with a modified movable component; Fig. 9 an exploded view of an embodiment of the key according to the invention; Fig 10: another exploded view according to Fig. 9 ; Fig. 11 a: a 3D representation of the generator and key electronics; Fig. 11b: a side view of the generator and key electronics; Fig. 12: an enlarged view of the key shaft with a movably mounted slide; Fig. 13: a front view of the key according to the invention with the key blade and slide open; Fig. 14: a cross-section through the key shaft in the area of ​​the movably mounted slide; Fig. 15: a schematic circuit diagram of the key according to the invention with a locking cylinder.

[0057] The figures illustrate various embodiments of the invention. These are intended to be descriptive and not limiting. In the figures, components with equivalent functions are provided with the same reference symbols. A person skilled in the art can vary or interchange various features of the illustrated embodiments based on their technical skill without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0058] The Figuren 1a, 1b and 1c show an embodiment of the invention. The key 1 according to the invention is shown together with a locking cylinder 11 in different operating positions.

[0059] In Figur 1a the key 1 and the locking cylinder 11 are shown separately, ie before the key 1 is inserted into the locking cylinder 11. In the Figur 1b The key 1 is shown partially inserted into the locking channel of the locking cylinder 11. In the Figur 1c The key 1 is shown fully inserted into the locking channel of the locking cylinder 1. In this Figur 1c In the position shown, it is possible to operate the locking cylinder 11 using the key 1. When the locking cylinder 11 is operated using the key 1, the key is turned to operate the locking cylinder 11 in an opening direction or in the opposite direction, in a closing direction. When operated in the opening direction, if the locking cylinder 11 is inserted into a corresponding lock, for example a mortise lock on a building door, this lock is unlocked, i.e. the locking elements of the locking lock, for example a lock bolt and / or a lock latch, are retracted into the lock housing. When operated in the closing direction, the lock is accordingly locked, i.e. the locking elements, for example the lock bolt and / or a latch bolt, are extended from the lock housing into the locked position.

[0060] The key 1 has a key shaft 3 and a key blade 2 connected to the key shaft 3. The key blade 2 is designed as a housing with a space for accommodating components. A generator 9 is arranged inside the key blade 3.

[0061] A movable component 4 is arranged on the key shank 3 and is drive-connected to a gear element 5 arranged in the key blade 2. When the movable component 4 moves along the key shank 3, the generator 9 is driven via the gear element 5 to generate electrical energy. A gear 6 or gear device 6 is provided between the gear element 5 and the generator 9. A rotary motion can be translated via the gear device 6, so that the generator 9 is driven at a correspondingly adjusted speed.

[0062] In the Figuren 1a bis 1c In the embodiment shown, the movable component 4 is designed as a carriage 42 or slide 42 movably mounted on the key shaft 3. Preferably, the terms slide 42 and carriage 42 are used synonymously in this description and refer to the same component.

[0063] As in the Figuren 1a bis 1c As shown, the carriage 42 or slider 42 comes into contact with the locking cylinder 11 when the key 1 is inserted into the locking cylinder and is displaced relative to the key shaft 3 when the key shaft 3 is further inserted into the locking channel of the locking cylinder 11 and thereby drives the generator 9 via the gear element 5 and the gear device 6. The generator 9 generates electrical energy to drive a key electronics 7, shown for example in Figur 2a , to supply with electrical energy.

[0064] For example, in Figur 2a The key electronics 7 shown generates an electronically coded opening signal and transmits this via an electrical contact 32 arranged on the key shaft to the locking cylinder 11 or to a locking cylinder electronics 12 (shown in Fig. 15 ).

[0065] The electrical contact 32 is used to Fig. 1c When the key is fully inserted, as shown, an electrical circuit is closed between the locking cylinder electronics 12 and the key electronics 7. A coded opening signal and / or electrical energy can be exchanged between the key electronics 7 and the locking cylinder electronics 12 via this circuit. When a correct opening signal is present, the locking cylinder electronics 12 releases a locking element of the locking cylinder 11, allowing it to be rotated using the key 1 or the key shaft 3.

[0066] The locking cylinder 11 is designed as a so-called E-cylinder, i.e. it has a switchable locking element 13 ( Figur 15 ), which must be released to allow rotation of the locking cylinder 11. For this purpose, a coded opening signal is generated by the key electronics 7 and transmitted to a locking cylinder electronics 12. This coded opening signal is checked, and only after confirmation of correct opening authorization is the locking element 13 released. This electronic coding enables a high security standard to be achieved.

[0067] In addition to verifying the coded opening signal sent by the key electronics 7, the key electronics 7 can also check the locking cylinder electronics 12 to determine whether the locking cylinder 11 is a system associated with the key 1. Only after the locking cylinder 11 has been validated by the key electronics 7, so to speak, will the locking cylinder electronics 7 generate a corresponding coded opening signal and transmit it to the locking cylinder 11. In this way, security can be significantly increased even further.

[0068] In the Figur 2a The key 1 according to the invention is shown with the key blade 2 open. The key electronics 7 are visible through the open housing of the key blade 2. The generator 9 is concealed behind or below the key electronics 7.

[0069] The movable carriage 42 or slider 42 mounted on the key shaft 3 is arranged and connected to the gear element 5 arranged within the key blade 2. The gear element 5 is spatially arranged between the key electronics 7 and the generator 9.

[0070] The movable carriage 42 or slide 42 is moved from its front rest position or starting position located in the area of ​​the key shaft tip 35 when the key 1 is inserted into a locking cylinder along the key shaft in the direction of the key blade 2. As a result, the generator 9 is driven by a gear device 6 arranged between the movable gear element 5 and the generator 9. The gear device 6 serves to translate the longitudinal movement of the carriage 42 or slide 42 into a rotational movement to drive the generator 9. At the same time, the gear device 6 adjusts the required speed for the generator 9.

[0071] Furthermore, a return spring 62 is arranged in the key blade 2. The return spring 62 can be designed as a component of the gear device 6 or as a separate return spring. In the example shown, the return spring 62 is designed as a torsion spring 62 and serves to return the movable component 4 or the carriage 42 or slide 42 to its rest position when the key 1 is withdrawn from a locking cylinder 11, ie to the position shown in the Fig. 2a shown position near the tip 35 of the key shaft 3.

[0072] A locking pin 31 is arranged in the area of ​​the key tip 35. The locking pin 31 is spring-loaded laterally to the key shaft 3 and serves to lock the locking pin 31 in the shooting cylinder according to the Fig. 1c shown position, i.e. in the fully inserted position, in particular against the force of the return spring 62.

[0073] In order to efficiently use the electrical energy generated by the generator 9, an energy storage device 81 is provided. The energy storage device 81 is arranged together with the key electronics 7 on a circuit board. The energy storage device 81 has several capacitors. According to the illustration of the Figur 2a The energy storage device 81 comprises four capacitors 811, 812, 813 and 814. The capacitors 811, 812, 813 and 814 are designed as SMD electrolytic capacitors.

[0074] The energy generated by the generator 9 is stored in the energy storage device 81 to power the key electronics 7 and / or the locking cylinder electronics 12. This allows the energy generated by the generator 9 to be used efficiently. In particular, the duration of the power supply to the key electronics 7 and / or the locking cylinder electronics 12 can be extended, since the electrical energy is still available via the energy storage device 81 even when the generator 9 is no longer powered.

[0075] To ensure electrical contact between generator 9 and key electronics 7 or energy storage 81, two spring pins 71 and 72 are provided. The spring pins 71 and 72 contact two conductive contact surfaces 731 and 732, which are located in the Fig. 2b are shown. When connecting the key electronics 7 or the circuit board 84 of the key electronics 7 to the generator 9, an electrical circuit is automatically closed between the generator 9 and the key electronics 7 via the spring pins 71 and 72. This means that no additional work step is required for the electrically conductive connection between the generator 9 and the key electronics 7.

[0076] The Fig. 2b shows the key 1 according to the Fig. 2a , but here the key electronics 7 have been removed for the sake of clarity. As can be seen from Fig. 2b As can be seen, the key bow 2 has a cover 23 in the area of ​​the transition to the key shaft 3. The cover serves to cover the opening of the key bow 2 arranged in the area of ​​the key shaft 3.

[0077] Further from Fig. 2b Two connection pins 741 and 742 are visible. These two connection pins serve to electrically connect the key electronics 7 to the key shaft 3. The first connection pin 741 connects the ground line of the key electronics 7 to the key shaft 3. The second connection pin 742 connects the key electronics to the electrical contact 32.

[0078] In the Fig. 3a A variant of the key 1 according to the invention is shown. This key 1 largely corresponds to the previously described embodiments. The key 1 again comprises a key shaft 3, which is connected to the key blade 2. A generator 9 is arranged in the key blade 2, which generator is driven by means of a gear device 6 by the movable component 4 arranged on the key shaft 3 or the movable carriage or slide 42. In the Fig. 3a In the embodiment shown, a connecting rod drive 53 is driven by the gear element 5. The connecting rod drive 53 has a connecting rod 531, which translates the linear movement of the gear element 5 into a rotational movement on the pinion 61 to drive the generator 9.

[0079] The Fig. 3b show a further embodiment of the key 1 according to the invention. This key 1 also has, in accordance with the embodiments described above, a key shank 3 and a key blade 2 connected to it. A generator 9 is again arranged in the key blade 2. A belt drive 42 for driving the generator 9 is driven by means of the movable gear element 5 via the movable component 4 or the movable carriage 42 or slide 42. The belt drive 52 has a first deflection pulley 523 and a second deflection pulley 524. A drive belt 521 is guided circumferentially over the two deflection pulleys and drives a pinion 61, via which a gear device 6 and the generator 9 are driven. The rotating drive belt 521 is connected to the gear element 5 by means of a belt shoe 522. When the carriage 42 or slide 42, which is movably mounted on the key shank 3, moves,Slider 42 moves the belt 521, thereby rotating the pinion 61. This rotational movement is translated by the gear mechanism 6 to drive the generator 9 to generate electrical energy.

[0080] In the Fig. 3c A further embodiment of the key 1 according to the invention is shown. In contrast to the previously described embodiments, here the movable gear element 5 drives a spindle drive 51. This comprises a spindle nut 511 guided on a spindle 512. The spindle nut 511 is connected to the movable gear element 5 and is driven by this or by the carriage 42 or slide 42 along the spindle 512. In this process, the spindle 512 is set in rotation about its longitudinal axis. These rotations are translated by means of an angular gear 513 into the rotation plane of the gear device 6 or the generator 9 and transmitted to the latter.

[0081] In the Figuren 4a bis Fig. 7b A further embodiment of the key 1 according to the invention is shown. In this embodiment, a rack and pinion drive 54 is driven by the movable component, which is designed here as a rack 55. The rack 55 meshes with a pinion 61 of the gear mechanism 6 to convert the linear movement of the carriage 42 or slide 42 into a rotational movement for the generator 9.

[0082] In Fig. 4a A freewheel clutch 63 is visible, which is arranged between the transmission device 6 and the generator 9. The freewheel clutch 63 serves to decouple the carriage 42 or slide 42 or the movable component 4 from the generator 9 at the end of the drive movement. The freewheel clutch 63 functions according to the principle of a bicycle freewheel. This enables the carriage 42 or slide 42 to be decoupled from the generator 9 as soon as the carriage 42 or slide 42 comes to a stop at the end of the drive movement or is returned to its starting position near the key shaft tip 35 by the return spring.

[0083] The overrunning clutch 53 is provided in all embodiments of the key 1 according to the invention. However, in the preceding embodiments, the overrunning clutch 63 is not shown or labeled for the sake of clarity.

[0084] The Fig. 4b is a detailed view of the rack and pinion drive 54. Here you can see how the rack 55 meshes with the pinion 61.

[0085] In the Fig. 5a 5b, the key 1 according to the invention is shown in its lateral position in the starting position. The movable carriage 42 or slider 42 is in its front position, arranged in the area of ​​the key tip 35. The carriage 42 or slider 42 is directly connected to the gear element 5 or the rack 55. As can be seen from the enlarged detail in Figur 5b As can be seen, the rack 55 meshes with the pinion 61 of the transmission device 6 and transmits the rotary movement to the generator 9 by means of a further pinion 61a to generate electrical energy.

[0086] The Figuren 6a und 6b show the corresponding key 1 in the fully inserted position into a locking cylinder, but without a locking cylinder. Here, it can be seen that the carriage 42 or slide 42 or the rack 55 are arranged in the rear stop position near the key blade 2. In this position, the displacement of the rack 55 transmits a rotary motion to the generator 9, causing it to rotate and generate electrical energy. Fig. 7a und 7b shows the corresponding position according to the Figuren 6a und 6b in page view.

[0087] In Fig. 8 A further embodiment of the key 1 according to the invention is shown. This embodiment essentially corresponds to the embodiment of the Figuren 1a bis 2b . In contrast to this key, however, here the movable component 4 on the key shank 3 is designed as a plunger 41 projecting parallel from the key shank to the key shank. The plunger 41 is mounted on the cover 23 of the key shank 2 for linear movement. Analogous to the carriage 42 or slide 42, the plunger 41 comes into contact with a locking cylinder 11 when the plunger shank 3 is inserted into the locking cylinder and is displaced along the key shank 3 in the direction of the key shank 2 in order to drive the movable gear element 5 or the generator 9 to generate electrical energy.

[0088] In the Fig. 9 An exploded view of the key 1 according to the invention is shown. This key 1 largely corresponds to the key shown in the Figuren 1a bis 2b illustrated embodiments. The exploded view shows that the key blade 2 has two housing halves 21, 22. A first housing half 21 and a second housing half 22.

[0089] The key electronics 7 are located in the first housing half 21. The key electronics 7 has a circuit board 84, which is mounted in the first housing half. The generator 9 is located in the second housing half 22.

[0090] The key shaft 3 engages between the two housing halves 21 and 22 and is connected to the key blade 2 or to the two housing halves 21 and 22 by means of screws.

[0091] In an alternative embodiment, instead of screwing the key shaft 3 to one of the two reed halves 21, 22, the key shaft can be connected to the plastic material of the reed 21, 22 by overmolding the metal shaft 3.

[0092] The cover 23 serves to cover the opening on the key blade 2 in the area of ​​the key shank 3. The cover 23 is pushed onto the key shank 3 from the front and, after the two housing halves 21 and 22 have been fastened together, automatically adheres to the key blade 2.

[0093] The slide 42 or slider 42 is shown in the removed position on the key shaft 3. In the area of ​​the key blade 2, the key shaft 3 has an insertion area 34. In this area, the material thickness of the key shaft 3 is tapered, so that the slide 42 or slider 42 can be placed on the key shaft 3 or removed from the key shaft 3 in this area.

[0094] In the Fig. 10 is a further exploded view of the key 1 according to the invention, this time seen from behind. Here it can be clearly seen that both the key electronics 7 and the generator 9 are each designed as a structural unit.

[0095] The key electronics 7 comprises a circuit board 84 as a supporting element. Both the components of the key electronics 7 and the components of the energy storage device 81 are arranged on the circuit board 84. The key electronics 7 is assigned as a structural unit to the housing half 21. Opposite, the generator 9 is designed as a structural unit. The generator 9 comprises the gear device 6 as well as the return spring 62 and the overrunning clutch 63. For the sake of clarity, Fig. 10 These components of the generator are not shown or labeled individually. The generator 9 is also designed as an assembly and is assigned to the second housing half 22 of the key blade 2.

[0096] During the production of the key 1 according to the invention, the key electronics 7 are placed as a structural unit in the first housing half 21. In particular, the housing half 21 has registration marks that complement registration marks arranged on the key electronics 7 or the circuit board 84, such that the key electronics 7 or circuit board 84 can only be inserted into the housing half 21 in a predetermined position. The key electronics 7 are then connected to the key shaft 3. In this process, the key electronics 7 are conductively connected to the key shaft 3 and the electrical contact 32. This is done via the first connection pin 741 and the second connection pin 742. These can be designed, for example, as a wire connection and connected to the circuit board 84 of the key electronics 7 by an electrically conductive adhesive or by ultrasonic welding.

[0097] Furthermore, the generator 9 is assigned as a structural unit to the second housing half 22 of the key blade. Here, too, complementary registration marks can be provided on the generator and the second housing half 22 to determine the alignment of the generator 9 to the second housing half 22. When connecting the two housing halves 21 and 22, the generator 9 automatically contacts the key electronics 7 via the two spring-loaded pins 71 and 72, which are located in the Fig. 11a are shown.

[0098] From the Fig. 11b The space-saving, staggered design of the two connected components of the generator 9 and the key electronics 7 is evident. The key electronics 7 is arranged together with the energy storage unit 81 on the circuit board 84. The energy storage unit 81 has four capacitors 811, 812, 813, and 814. The capacitors 811, 812, 813, and 814 are relatively voluminous components. Furthermore, the generator 9 has the gear device 6 and the return spring 62 protruding from the generator 9. In order to save installation space, the capacitors of the energy storage unit 81 are arranged on the circuit board 84 in such a way that they engage in the spaces left by the generator 9, thus keeping the overall height and thus the thickness of the key blade 2 as low as possible. This ensures optimal utilization of the space between the key electronics 7 and the generator 9.

[0099] In the Fig. 12 an enlarged view of the key shaft 3 with the slide 42 or slider 42 movably mounted thereon is shown.

[0100] The slider 42 has a slider shoe 421 and a slider arm 43 projecting from the slider shoe 421. The slider shoe 421 is formed integrally with the slider arm 43.

[0101] A coupling 45 is provided at the end of the slide arm 43. This coupling serves to connect the slide or slide arm 43 to the movable gear element 5. For this purpose, the coupling 45 has a pin 46 arranged on the gear arm 5, which interacts with a receiving device 47 arranged at the end of the slide arm 43. The coupling is designed as a snap-in coupling and enables the connection between the slide 42 and the movable gear element 5 even when the key blade 2 is closed. For this purpose, the slide 42 is first placed onto the key shank 3. This is done by inserting the slide arm 43 through the cover 23 and placing the slide shoe 421 in the insertion area 34 onto the key shank 3. The slide shoe 421 can then be moved on the key shank 3 towards the key tip, i.e. forwards. The slide shoe 421 is guided onto or threaded into a slide guide 33.At the front end, the slide guide 33 has a stop 335 which prevents the slide 42 or the slide shoe 421 from being pushed forward beyond the key shaft 3 by the return spring.

[0102] To connect the slider 42 to the gear element 5, the slider 42 is inserted backwards into the housing of the key bow 2, starting from the front position on the key shank 3. In the housing of the key bow 2, the movable gear element 5 is automatically positioned in the correct position relative to the slider arm 43. When the slider 42 is moved back into the housing of the key bow 2, the receiving device 47 comes into contact with the pin 46 of the coupling 45. The receiving device 47 has two spring-loaded tabs such that when the slider 42 is pushed further towards the movable gear element 5, the coupling device 45 snaps into place, with the two tabs or the receiving device 47 positively engaging and holding the pin 46. As a result, the coupling device 45 connects the slider 42 to the movable gear element 5 without the housing of the key bow 2 having to be opened.This enables advantageous and quick assembly of key 1.

[0103] In an alternative embodiment, during assembly of the generator, the pin 46 can be guided laterally into the recess of the receiving device and positively received there. This direction of movement is no longer available after assembly, so the pin 46 remains positively seated in the recess 47.

[0104] In the Fig. 13 an embodiment of the key according to the invention is shown with the first housing half 21 removed. Fig. 13 The key shank 3 is seen from the front. It is clear that the slider 42 with its slider shoe 421 or slider arm 43 is tapered. This means that the flanks of the slider shoe 421 or the slider arm 43 taper towards the edge of the key shank 3 or incline towards each other. This reduces the risk of a finger becoming trapped in the area between the movable component 4 or the slider 42 and the key blade 2 or the cover 23. Furthermore, an aesthetic appearance is achieved.

[0105] In the Fig. 14 a section through the key shank 3 in the area of ​​the slide shoe 421 is shown. The slide shoe 421 is guided by the slide guide 33. This has two opposing grooves 333 and 334. The slide shoe 421 engages around the slide guide 33 on both sides from the edge of the key shank 3 and is guided in a form-fitting manner in the undercut grooves 333 and 334. The slide shoe 421 is guided in the grooves 333, 334 both upwards and downwards along the vertical axis and laterally. For this purpose, the slide shoe 421 engages around the slide guide 33 on both sides and engages with its ends in a form-fitting manner in the undercut grooves 333, 334. Furthermore, the slide guide 33 has surfaces with a first flank 331 and a second flank 332 on its opposite sides. These flanks taper toward the edge of the key shank 3, ie, they taper to a point. The slide shoe 421 is designed to complement the tapered flanks 331 and 332.

[0106] The Fig. 15 shows a schematic circuit diagram of the key 1 according to the invention. The components of the key 1 are shown in the dashed-bordered rectangle designated 1. These include the generator 9, the key electronics 7, and an energy storage device 81 connected between the generator 9 and the key electronics 7. The components of the locking cylinder are shown in the dashed-bordered rectangle designated 11. These include locking cylinder electronics 12 and an electrically switchable locking element 13 for enabling or disabling actuation of the locking cylinder 11.

[0107] The energy storage device 81 comprises a storage element, designated here as a capacitor 811. This can be designed as a single capacitor 811 or as several capacitors connected in parallel. The electrical energy generated by the generator 9 is stored in the capacitor 811.

[0108] The key electronics 7 are connected via the electrical contact 32 to the locking cylinder 11 or to the locking cylinder electronics 12 arranged in the locking cylinder 11 and the locking element 13. The locking cylinder electronics and the switchable locking element 13 can also be supplied with electrical energy from the energy storage device 81 or from the generator 9 via the electrical contact 32. Thus, a separate power supply to the locking cylinder 11 is unnecessary.

[0109] Furthermore, it is provided that the electrical contact 32 is designed for the transmission of electrical energy and electrical information. Advantageously, the electrical contact 32 is designed as a digital interface, in particular as a bidirectional serial interface.

[0110] This makes it possible for the key 1 to be inserted, for example, into a programming adapter, a table station or a wall station and to be programmed or parameterized by this via the electrical contact 32.

[0111] This makes it possible to ensure a high level of security with the key 1 according to the invention without the need for batteries or their replacement, or without requiring complex cabling on a door where a corresponding locking cylinder 11 is used. This reduces the system's power consumption, as a power supply is no longer required, and eliminates the need for batteries, meaning that no environmentally harmful hazardous waste in the form of batteries is generated when operating a corresponding key-locking cylinder system. List of reference symbols

[0112] 1Key 11Locking cylinder 12Locking cylinder electronics 13Locking link 2Key blade 21First housing half 22Second housing half 23Aperture 3Key shaft 31Locking pin 32Electrical contact 33Slider guide 331First flank 332Second flank 333First groove 334Second groove 335Stop 34Insertion area 35Key tip 4movable component 41tappet 42slide 421slide shoe 431first surface 432second surface 43slide arm 45coupling 46pin 47receiving device 5Gear element 51Spindle drive 511Spindle nut 512Spindle 513Bevel gear 52Belt drive 521Drive belt 522Belt shoe 523First pulley 524Second pulley 53Connecting rod 531Connecting rod 54Rack and pinion drive 55Rack 6Gearbox device 61First pinion 61aSecond pinion 62Return spring 63Overrunning clutch 7Key electronics 71First spring pin 72Second spring pin 731First contact surface 732Second contact surface 741First connection 742Second connection 81Energy storage 811First capacitor 812Second capacitor 813Third capacitor 814Fourth capacitor 84Board 9Generator

Claims

1. Key with a key head (2) and with a key shank (3) for actuating a locking cylinder (11), in particular for a mechatronic lock-key system, comprising key electronics (7) which transmit a coded opening signal to a locking cylinder (11) and a generator (9) arranged in the key head (2) for supplying the key electronics (7) and / or locking cylinder electronics (12) with electrical energy, the generator (9) being driven by a movable component (4), wherein the movable component (4) comes into contact with the locking cylinder (11) when the key shank (3) is inserted into a locking cylinder (11) and drives the generator (9) when the key shank (3) is further inserted into the locking cylinder (11), characterized in that a freewheel clutch (63) is provided, so that the movable component (4) is only engaged with the generator (9) when the key is inserted into a locking channel of a locking cylinder (11), while the freewheel clutch (63) disengages the movable component (4) when it is pulled out, so that the generator (9) can only be driven in one rotation direction.

2. Key according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable component (4) comes into contact with the locking cylinder (11) when the key shank (3) is inserted into a locking cylinder (11) and rotationally drives the generator (9) when the key shank (3) is further inserted into the locking cylinder (11), preferably in that the movable component (4) interacts with a gear element (5) in order to convert a linear movement of the movable component (4) into a rotational movement for rotationally driving the generator (9).

3. Key according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the movable component (4) is designed as a component mounted on the key head (2) and / or on the key shank (3) so as to be linearly movable, in particular as a slider (42) or as a plunger (41), or as a slide (42), or as a magnet and / or having a magnet.

4. Key according to claim 3, characterized in that the magnet, or the slider (42), or the plunger (41) protrudes from the key head (2) parallel to the key shank (3), or the slide (42), or the slider (42) is mounted on the key head (2) and / or on the key shank (3) so as to be displaceable linearly and parallel to the key shank (3).

5. Key according to one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that, the slider (42) or the plunger (41) or the slide (42) is connected to the gear element (5) in order to transmit traction forces and / or compression forces between the gear element (5) and the slider (42) or plunger (41) or slide (42).

6. Key according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, the gear element (5) is designed as a spindle drive (51) or as a connecting rod drive (53) or as a belt drive (52).

7. Key according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that, the gear element (5) is part of a gear device (6), in particular a gear device (6) comprising the gear element (5) and a transmission (61), in order to transmit a rotational movement of the gear element (5) to the generator (9) at a changed rotational speed, wherein it is preferably provided, that the gear element (5) is arranged inside the key head (2), preferably that the gear device (6) is arranged inside the key head (2).

8. Key according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, the key electronics (7) are arranged inside the key head (2), and / or the gear element (5) has a toothed rack (55) cooperating with the movable component (4).

9. Key according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, that the gear device (6) has the freewheel clutch (63), and / or, that the movable component (4) is spring-loaded for resetting, in particular spring-loaded in the direction towards the tip of the key.

10. Key according to one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that, the generator (9) and the gear element (5) and the gear device (6) are designed together as a structural unit which can be inserted into the key head (3), in particular in that the gear device (6), the generator (9) and the toothed rack (55) are designed together as a structural unit which can be inserted into the key head (2).

11. Key according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, the key electronics (7) have a capacitor as an energy storage device for the electrical energy generated by the generator (9), and in particular enables intermediate energy storage, preferably that the key electronics (7) do not require or have any other power source apart from the generator (9).

12. Key according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, an electrical contact (32) is arranged on the key shank (3) in order to connect the key electronics (7) to a locking cylinder electronics (12) and that the generator (9) is designed to supply a locking cylinder electronics (12) with electrical energy via this contact (32), preferably that the electrical contact (32) is designed to establish a wired data connection between the key electronics (7) and a locking cylinder electronics (12).

13. System comprising a key (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a mechatronic locking cylinder (11) comprising locking cylinder electronics (12), wherein it is preferably provided, that the locking cylinder electronics (12) are supplied with electrical energy by the generator (9) in order to check an opening signal exchanged between the key electronics (7) and the locking cylinder electronics (12) and, if an opening authorization is present, to release a blocking member (13) in order to enable mechanical actuation of the locking cylinder (11).

14. Method for actuating a mechatronic locking cylinder (11) by means of a key (1), in that the locking cylinder (11) is rotated by the key (1) in the opening direction or in the closing direction during actuation, and wherein the key (1) comprises a key shank (3) for insertion into a key channel of the locking cylinder (11), a key head (2) and key electronics (7), and wherein the locking cylinder (11) comprises an electrically switchable blocking member (13) for releasing or blocking rotation of the locking cylinder as well as locking cylinder electronics (12) switching the blocking member (13), characterized in that the key (1) has a generator (9) which is rotationally driven when the key shank (3) is inserted into the key channel in order to generate electrical energy for supplying the key electronics (7) and / or the locking cylinder electronics (12).

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the generator (9) supplies the key electronics (7) as well as the locking cylinder electronics (12) and the blocking member (13) with electrical energy, and / or that when the key shank (3) is inserted into the key channel, a movable component (4) arranged on the key (1) comes into contact with the locking cylinder (11) and is displaced relative to the key shank (3) when the key shank (3) is further inserted in order to rotationally drive the generator (9).