ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED OPENER FOR A LOCKING SYSTEM, A LOCKING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE LOCKING SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electronically controllable opener for a locking system, a locking system and a method for operating the locking system.

[0002] Electronically controlled openers are known. An electronically controlled opener is understood to be a motorized drive designed to lock and / or unlock a locking device, in particular a multi-point locking device, for example, comprising a latch bolt and / or a pivot bolt. The opener actuates or drives, for example, a drive rod, which locks and / or unlocks the locking device, for example, a latch bolt and / or a pivot bolt.

[0003] The opener enables a motor-assisted drive of the drive rod, which increases, among other things, the ease of use and operating options of the locking device.

[0004] The opener can be supplied with a supply voltage via appropriate electronic inputs. Corresponding control signals can be provided via a third input. For example, the receipt of a valid control signal triggers the motor drive of the locking mechanism. In previously known openers, the control signal is generated by applying a defined voltage level, such as the supply voltage, to the third input. The level is detected and interpreted as a control signal.

[0005] This conventional control can be manipulated quite easily, for example by bridging the power supply and a control line.

[0006] Alternatively, locking systems with bus coupling are known from the state of the art, for example DE 19 533 255 A1.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of providing an opener that meets higher security requirements, for example, is resistant to wire tampering. At the same time, the opener should be backward compatible, meaning that it should continue to be able to be operated with conventional control.

[0008] This object is achieved with an opener according to claim 1. According to the invention, it is provided that the opener is designed such that the opener can be operated in a first control mode and a second control mode, wherein in the first control mode the opener can be controlled via the third input by applying a simple level and in the second control mode the opener can be controlled via the third input by providing a serial control signal.

[0009] The opener according to the invention can be controlled via a serial control signal, allowing it to meet increased safety requirements, such as those according to DIN EN 1627:2021. A serial control signal cannot be easily manipulated.

[0010] A serial control signal, particularly a bit-serial control signal, is a bit-coded signal comprising a bitwise sequence of two different voltage levels, for example, ground and a positive voltage. For example, a serial control signal is based on a LIN (Local Interconnect Network) standard. A serial control signal is, for example, a LIN message structured according to a LIN frame format.

[0011] Backward compatibility is also achieved with the opener according to the invention, as the opener can be operated in the first control mode. According to the invention, both the control via a simple level and the control via a serial control signal are carried out via the third input of the opener.

[0012] This allows an existing line, such as a single-wire line or single-core cable, that is connected or connectable to the third input of the opener to continue to be used. This line can be used for both single-level control and serial control signal control. The opener can be operated in both the first and second control modes via a total of three electronic inputs. Additional electronic inputs are not required.

[0013] According to the invention, it is provided that the opener comprises a computing device, wherein the computing device is designed to monitor the third input and / or to evaluate a control signal received via the third input.

[0014] The computing device is, for example, a processor with corresponding peripheral functions, for example, in the form of a microcontroller, in the form of a single-chip computer system. Peripheral functions include serial bus interfaces such as LIN, A / D converters, etc. For example, the computing device checks the validity of a received control signal.

[0015] Advantageously, the computing device is configured to initiate locking and / or unlocking of the lock depending on the received control signal. For example, upon receipt of a valid control signal, the locking and / or unlocking of the lock is initiated, for example, by controlling the motor drive of the lock and thus, for example, actuating or driving a drive rod. The computing device is configured, for example, to control the motor drive upon receipt of a valid control signal, for example, by generating a corresponding signal.

[0016] Advantageously, it is provided that the computing device of the opener is connected to the third input via a first connection pin and via a second connection pin, and the computing device is designed such that the third input is monitored for the simple level via the first connection pin and the third input is monitored for a serial control signal via the second connection pin.

[0017] A connection pin of the computing device is understood to be, for example, a port pin of a microcontroller.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment, the opener is designed such that the opener can be switched from the first control mode to the second control mode by means of the computing device. For example, the switching is stored in a memory device, in particular a non-volatile memory device, of the computing device. For example, it can be provided that in a default state of the opener, for example a delivery state, the first control mode is initially selected. To switch from the first to the second control mode, the computing device can generate a corresponding signal, for example a corresponding memory entry in the memory device. The memory device then stores information that the opener is being operated or can be operated in the second control mode or is in the second control mode.

[0019] The opener can then only be controlled using serial control signals. This means that applying a single level to the third input of the opener no longer triggers the locking and / or unlocking of the lock. The opener only responds to serial control.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment, the opener is designed such that switching from the first control mode to the second control mode occurs depending on the receipt of a valid serial control signal. For example, it can be provided that in a default state of the opener, for example a delivery state, the first control mode is initially selected. In the first control mode, the opener can be controlled via the third input by applying a simple level. The computing device monitors the third input both for the application of a simple level and for a serial control signal. For example, it can be provided that the first receipt of a valid serial control signal triggers switching from the first to the second control mode.

[0021] If the opener is operated or operable in the second control mode or is in the second control mode, the opener can advantageously only be controlled by means of serial control signals, so that the control by applying a simple level does not lead to unlocking and / or locking of the lock.

[0022] It may be advantageous for the opener to not be switchable from the second to the first control mode during operation of the locking system. This can further increase tamper resistance.

[0023] Further advantageous embodiments relate to a locking system, in particular for a door or a window, comprising at least one electronically controllable opener according to the described embodiments, and a control module for controlling the opener, wherein the opener can be supplied with a supply voltage by means of the control module via a first and a second input line, which are each connected to the first and the second input of the opener, and wherein a control signal can be provided by means of the control module via a third input line, which is connected to the third input of the opener, and the control signal can be received by means of the opener.

[0024] The control module generates or provides corresponding control signals. For example, the control module can apply a simple level to a third input line. For example, the control module can generate corresponding serial control signals.

[0025] The third line, for example, is a simple wire connection between the control module and the third input of the opener, i.e. a single-wire line.

[0026] The serial control signals are advantageously control signals according to the LIN standard or another single-wire bus system standard.

[0027] Communication between the control module and the opener can take place, particularly in the second control mode, for example, in the form of master / slave communication according to the LIN standard. The control module assumes the role of the master, while the opener assumes the role of the slave. During the communication, the opener can transmit information to the control module, for example, status information, particularly regarding a locking and / or unlocking state and / or a successfully completed locking and / or unlocking process, and / or an unsuccessful locking and / or unlocking process.

[0028] For example, a specific data record format is used for communication. For example, a serial control signal comprises a 10-byte data record format. Each communication participant—i.e., master and slave, or control module and opener—is assigned an address. The address of an opener can contain information about a specific type of opener and / or information about the opener's range of functions.

[0029] Communication takes place, for example, by means of a query, in particular cyclic query, also called polling, by the master and / or by sending messages, for example control signals and / or information, in particular status information, for example in a predetermined time grid, for example between 50ms and 150ms.

[0030] It can also be provided that the locking system comprises at least two openers that can be electronically controlled by the control module. Thus, multiple openers can be controlled by one control module.

[0031] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a locking system according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a further schematic representation of a locking system; and Fig. 3 shows a method for operating a locking system.

[0032] Fig. 1 shows a schematic front view of a door assembly 10 according to one embodiment. The door assembly 10 has a stationary frame 12. A door leaf 14 is located on the frame 12, which can be opened in a known manner, for example, rotatably. For example, a plurality of locking devices 16 are provided on the door leaf 14. The locking devices 16 are attached, for example, to a face plate 18. The locking devices 16 include, for example, locking elements, such as latch bolts.

[0033] According to Fig. 1 An electronically controllable opener 20 is provided. The opener 20 comprises a motor drive (not shown) intended to lock and / or unlock the locking elements of the locking devices 16. The opener 20, in particular the motor drive of the opener 20, actuates or drives, for example, a drive rod (not shown), wherein the drive rod acts on the locking devices 16 for locking and / or unlocking. A monitoring device 22 for a door status, for example, open or closed, is shown as an example.

[0034] According to Fig. 1 A control module 24 is provided. In this illustration, the connection between the control module 24 and the opener 20 is shown in simplified form using a system cable 26. The system cable 26 comprises three lines that are connected to the inputs of the opener 20.

[0035] This will be explained below with reference to Fig. 2 explained.

[0036] According to the illustrated embodiment, the opener 20 comprises three electronic inputs 28a, 28b, 28c.

[0037] For example, a voltage supply is provided via inputs 28a and 28b. A control signal, for example, is provided via input 28c.

[0038] The three electronic inputs 28a, 28b, 28c of the opener are connected to the control module 24 via three lines 26a, 26b, 26c.

[0039] The control module is advantageously located in a secure area, for example, within a building, in a control cabinet, or within a wall. A secure area means that the control module is not easily accessible from the outside, for example, outside a building.

[0040] The control module provides the control signal, for example, depending on the receipt of an opening request 38. The control module receives the opening request, for example, via a corresponding electronic input, whereby the opening request 38 can be generated and / or provided, for example, via a button / switch, such as a door opener button, via a fingerprint scanner, or other identification devices. The opening request can also be provided in the form of a conventional control signal, i.e., as a simple voltage level. However, due to its installation, the control module is located in a secured area and is therefore not easily accessible.

[0041] For example, the receipt of a valid control signal triggers the motor drive 32 of the locking device.

[0042] The opener 20 is designed such that the opener 20 can be operated in a first control mode and a second control mode, wherein in the first control mode the opener 20 can be controlled via the third input 28c by applying a simple level and in the second control mode the opener 20 can be controlled via the third input 28c by providing a serial control signal.

[0043] The opener 20 comprises a computing device 30. The computing device 30 is, for example, a processor with corresponding peripheral functions, for example in the form of a microcontroller, in the form of a single-chip computer system. Peripheral functions include, for example, serial bus interfaces, such as LIN, A / D converters, etc.

[0044] The computing device 30 is configured to monitor the third input 28c and / or evaluate a control signal received via the third input 28c. For example, the computing device 30 checks the validity of a received control signal.

[0045] The computing device 30 is configured, for example, to initiate unlocking and / or locking of the lock depending on the received control signal. For example, upon receipt of a valid control signal, unlocking and / or locking of the lock is initiated, for example, by controlling the motor drive 32 of the lock and thus, for example, actuating or driving the drive rod. The computing device 30 is configured, for example, to control the motor drive 32 upon receipt of a valid control signal, for example, by generating a corresponding signal.

[0046] According to the illustrated embodiment, the computing device 30 of the opener 20 is connected to the third input 28c via a first connection pin 34a and a second connection pin 34b. For example, the third input 28c is monitored for a single level via the first connection pin 34a, and the third input 28c is monitored for a serial control signal via the second connection pin 34b.

[0047] A simple level is understood to mean the application of a defined voltage level, for example, supply voltage, to the third input 28c. The level is detected, for example, by the computing device 30, in particular by means of corresponding peripheral functions, and interpreted as a control signal.

[0048] If the opener 20 is in the first control mode or is operated in the first control mode, the detection of the level triggers a control of the motor drive 32, in particular by means of a corresponding signal from the computing device 30.

[0049] If the opener 20 is in the second control mode or is operated in the second control mode, the receipt of a valid serial signal triggers a control of the motor drive 32, in particular by means of a corresponding signal by the computing device 30.

[0050] For example, it can be provided that in a default state of the opener 20, for example a delivery state, the first control mode is initially selected. The opener 20 can be switched from the first control mode to the second control mode, for example by means of the computing device 30. For example, the switching is stored in a, in particular non-volatile, memory device 36 of the computing device 30. To switch from the first to the second control mode, the computing device 30 can generate a corresponding signal, for example a corresponding memory entry in the memory device 36. The memory device 36 then stores that the opener 20 is operated or can be operated in the second control mode or is in the second control mode.

[0051] After switching to the second control mode, the opener 20 can only be controlled using serial control signals. This means that applying a single level to the third input 28c of the opener 20 no longer triggers the locking and / or unlocking. The opener 20 now only responds to serial control.

[0052] Fig. 3 shows steps of a method for operating a locking system, for example according to the Figuren 1 and 2 .

[0053] Block 40 represents, by way of example, a first control mode. It can be provided, for example, that in a default state of the opener 20, for example a delivery state, the first control mode is initially selected. In the first control mode, the opener 20 can be controlled via the third input 28c by applying a simple level. An exemplary step 42 represents the monitoring of the third input by means of the computing device 30. An exemplary step 44 represents the application of a simple level to the third input 28c. The application of the simple level occurs, for example, depending on an opening request 38. An exemplary step 46 represents the control of the motor drive 32 for locking and / or unlocking the locking device. As long as the opener 20 is in the first control state, steps 42 to 46 can be repeated as desired.

[0054] In step 48, a serial control signal is received for the first time. The serial control signal is generated, for example, by the control module, for example, depending on an opening request 38.

[0055] The first receipt of the serial control signal triggers the switching from the first to the second control state. The switching is illustrated by way of example in step 50. The switching takes place, for example, by means of the computing device 30. For example, the switching is stored in the memory device 36 of the computing device 30 as described above. To switch from the first to the second control mode, the computing device 30 can generate a corresponding signal, for example a corresponding memory entry in the memory device 36. The memory device 36 then stores that the opener 20 is operated or can be operated in the second control mode or is in the second control mode.

[0056] The second control mode is exemplified by block 52. An exemplary step 54 represents the monitoring of the third input by the computing device. An exemplary step 56 represents the reception of a serial control signal at the third input 28c. An exemplary step 58 represents the evaluation of the serial control signal. An exemplary step 60 represents the activation of the motor drive 32 to lock and / or unlock the locking device. Step 60 is executed upon receipt of a valid serial control signal. Steps 54 to 60 can be repeated as desired in the second control state.

[0057] If the opener 20 is operated or operable in the second control mode or is in the second control mode, the opener 20 can only be controlled by means of serial control signals, so that the control by applying a simple level does not lead to unlocking and / or locking of the lock.

[0058] It may be advantageous for the opener 20 not to be switchable from the second to the first control mode during operation of the locking system. This can further increase tamper security.

Claims

1. Electronically controllable opener (20) for unlocking and / or locking a locking device (16) of a locking system, in particular for a door (14) or a window, the opener (20) being suppliable with a supply voltage via a first and a second input (28a, 28b), and a control signal being providable via a third input (28c), in particular by means of a control module (24), and the control signal being receivable by the opener (20), the opener (20) comprising a computing device (30), and the computing device (30) being designed to monitor the third input (28c) and / or to evaluate a control signal received via the third input (28c), characterized in that the opener (20) is designed such that the opener (20) can be operated in a first control mode and a second control mode, in the first control mode the opener (20) being controllable via the third input (28c) by the application of a simple level and in the second control mode the opener (20) being controllable via the third input (28c) by the provision of a serial control signal.

2. Opener (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the computing device (30) is designed to cause the locking device to be unlocked and / or locked depending on the received control signal.

3. Opener (20) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the computing device (30) of the opener (20) is connected to the third input (28c) via a first connection pin (34a) and via a second connection pin (34b), and the computing device (30) is designed such that the third input (28c) is monitored for the simple level via the first connection pin (34a) and the third input (28c) is monitored for a serial control signal via the second connection pin (34b).

4. Opener (20) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the opener (20) is designed such that the opener (20) can be switched from the first control mode to the second control mode by means of the computing device (30).

5. Opener (20) according to claim 4, characterized in that the opener (20) is designed such that switching from the first control mode to the second control mode takes place depending on receiving a valid serial control signal.

6. Opener (20) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opener (20) can be controlled only by means of serial control signals in the second control mode, so that the control by applying a simple level does not lead to an unlocking and / or locking of the locking device.

7. Opener (20) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opener (20) cannot be switched from the second to the first control mode during operation of the locking system.

8. Locking system, in particular for a door or a window, comprising at least one electronically controllable opener (20) according to any of claims 1 to 7, and a control module (24) for controlling the opener (20), wherein the opener (20) can be supplied with a supply voltage by means of the control module (24) via a first and a second input line (26a, 26b), which are connected to the first and the second input of the opener (20), respectively, and wherein a control signal can be provided by means of the control module (24) via a third input line (26c), which is connected to the third input (28c) of the opener (20), and the control signal can be received by the opener (20).

9. Locking system according to claim 8, wherein the locking system comprises at least two openers (20) which can be electronically controlled by means of the control module (24).

10. Method for operating a locking system according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the opener (20) is initially operated in the first control mode.

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the opener (20) is operated in the first control mode and a valid serial control signal is received, and a switch being made from the first control mode to the second control mode depending on the valid serial control signal.

12. Method according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the computing device (30) of the opener (20) monitors the third input line (26c).