Closing device

Abstract

The invention relates to a locking device, comprising a rotor (4), which is rotatably supported in a stator (5). The rotor (4) can be coupled to an output element (8, 9) by an electronically controlled drive. The electronically controlled drive is arranged in the rotor (4), and when the rotor rotates, the electronically controlled drive rotates with the rotor. According to the approach of the invention, the locking device comprises a spring element (14) in the rotor, wherein said spring element couples the electrical drive to a coupling element (15) such that when the drive inside the rotor (4) is actuated as intended, the coupling element (15) is moved by the spring element (14), wherein said motion could be blocked by a corresponding counterforce against the spring force.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electronic locking device, in particular an electronic locking cylinder.

[0002] In such electronic locking devices – also called "mechatronic" locking devices because a locking mechanism is actuated electronically – electromechanical coupling and / or locking devices are actuated electronically to unlock or lock a lock. For this purpose, an electronic circuit receives a signal from a corresponding electronic key (an access medium, e.g., a transponder). The signal is evaluated by the electronic circuit, and depending on the result of the evaluation, the electromechanical coupling and / or locking devices are activated to effect unlocking or locking.

[0003] The coupling and / or locking means, in the release state, can couple a rotor, which can be actuated by an actuator or a key, with a driven device, which in turn can actuate a bolt. In such cases, the release state can also be referred to as the "coupling state." If the locking device is designed as a so-called double-knob cylinder with an inside and an outside door knob as actuators, the inside door knob is often rigidly coupled to the driven device. Additionally or alternatively, the coupling and / or locking means can also lock the rotor against a housing (a stator) in the locked state.

[0004] WO 2004 / 057137 illustrates, as one example among many, the principle of a locking device in which the coupling and / or locking elements are arranged in the stator. Such solutions have a disadvantage when used in conjunction with knob cylinders. Generally, at least parts of the locking device electronics are located in one or both knobs, and therefore electrical conductors, and thus sliding contacts or possibly means for wireless information transmission, must be present between the rotating knob and the non-rotating coupling and / or locking elements.

[0005] According to WO 2004 / 057137, the coupling means have a coupling element that rotates with the rotor when actuated and moves away from the coupling and / or locking means. Alternatively, locking devices are also known which have a locking element movable by a spring, with which the rotor can be locked against the stator. However, these have the additional disadvantage that they cannot be used to couple the rotor with the output device.

[0006] German patent DE 103 03 220 proposes arranging the coupling and / or locking means largely within the rotor and coupling the electric drive to the coupling element via a magnetic field. This eliminates the disadvantages discussed above and also enables frictionless operation. However, a disadvantage is that applying an external magnetic field opens up a new possibility for manipulation. German patent DE 10 2007 040 356 A1 describes a locking device of this type.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a locking device that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. Preferably, the locking device should be simple in design, not place high demands on the control system, and be tamper-proof.

[0008] This problem is solved by the invention as defined in the patent claims.

[0009] A locking device of the type described here has a rotor rotatably mounted in a stator. The rotor can be coupled to an output element and / or locked against the stator by an electronically controlled drive. The electronically controlled drive is located in the rotor and rotates with it when the rotor rotates. According to the inventive design, the locking device has a spring element in the rotor that couples the electric drive to a coupling element for coupling the rotor to the output element or for locking the rotor against the stator, such that the coupling element is moved inside the rotor by the spring element when the drive is actuated as intended. This movement could be blocked by a corresponding counterforce against the spring force.

[0010] In coupling embodiments – that is, when the coupling element selectively couples the rotor to an output element – ​​the rotor can, in the decoupled state, rotate freely within the stator without affecting the closed state, or it can be additionally locked against the stator. In locking embodiments, the rotor can alternatively be rigidly coupled to the output element or even form the output element itself.

[0011] The coupling element is moved radially inside the rotor. In the engaged state, a coupling projection of the coupling element engages on the outside with a corresponding coupling recess of the output element, or, in the case of locking embodiments, with a locking geometry of the stator or a housing surrounding it.

[0012] In one embodiment, the coupling element has mass components on both sides of the rotor's axis of rotation. More precisely, this means that the coupling element extends through a plane perpendicular to its radial direction of movement and passing through the rotor's axis of rotation. Components of the coupling element on the side of the axis of rotation furthest from the coupling projection (relative to the decoupled state) serve as a counterweight. Thus, in the decoupled state, the center of gravity of the coupling element lies approximately on the aforementioned plane through the axis of rotation or on the side of the axis of rotation furthest from the coupling projection. This has the advantage that, when the rotor rotates at high speed, the coupling element cannot be moved into the engaged position due to centrifugal force.

[0013] Another preferred feature of coupling embodiments of the invention relates to the design of the coupling projection and the corresponding coupling recess. Preferably, the torque-transmitting surface of the coupling projection has an angle to the radial direction. This ensures that a small spring force is sufficient to return the coupling element from the coupled state to the decoupled state. However, the aforementioned angle and the surface finish of the coupling projection and the coupling recess are preferably matched such that the structure is self-locking, i.e., that when a torque is applied, the radial component of the static friction between the coupling element and the driven element is approximately equal to or greater than the radial component of the normal force.At a sufficiently high torque, radial retraction of the coupling element by the spring force can be prevented. For example, the angle between the aforementioned surface and the radial direction can be between 3° and 10°, preferably between 4° and 7°, for this purpose. This design has the advantage that the coupling element cannot be unintentionally forced inwards from the coupled position against the spring force when a high torque is applied.

[0014] Alternatively, particularly when using a stronger spring, the coupling geometry can be designed to limit the transmissible torque, thus creating an overload coupling. In such designs, the structure is not self-locking but rather designed so that, at a relative torque exceeding a maximum value, the radial component of the normal force is sufficient to displace the coupling element radially against the spring force. In such designs, for example, the angle between the aforementioned surfaces can be greater than 7°.

[0015] In one embodiment, the coupling element is guided by a bearing sleeve. In specific designs, this sleeve can be configured to deform under overload, thereby allowing the coupling element to move out of position, for example, by eliminating the self-locking effect after deformation of the bearing sleeve. This deliberate weak point allows for relatively simple and inexpensive repair of the locking mechanism after excessive force, without compromising its security.

[0016] In one embodiment, the spring element is displaceable on the drive side by an endless spindle, which is rotated by the drive. The coupling element side is moved accordingly by the spring if no resistance is encountered; otherwise, the spring is pre-tensioned for such coupling element-side movement. An "endless spindle" here refers to a spindle in which an element guided by the spindle windings does not encounter a stop on the spindle; that is, the spindle is designed to taper off at both ends.

[0017] The spring element is a torsion spring (or coil spring), one leg of which can be guided by the endless spindle, while the other leg of the torsion spring is connected to the coupling element.

[0018] The endless spindle can have a globoidal shape to compensate for the rotation angle of the spring arm engaging with it, without requiring an excessively deep thread. This results in a compact design advantage, which is beneficial because, according to the inventive concept, the drive is located within the rotor.

[0019] An advantage of the inventive method in combination with the use of an endless spindle is that the coupling mechanism functions flawlessly even when the state of the locking device is unknown and / or not precisely defined. Nevertheless, during a (rotary) movement of the drive in the opening or closing direction, the drive is never subjected to an excessive load, and the problem of excessive energy consumption never arises. For example, it can be provided that the drive performs a predetermined number of revolutions with each opening or closing command from the control electronics. After completing this predetermined number of revolutions, the locking device is always in a defined and known state, even if the initial state was unknown – for example, due to a previous interruption in the power supply.

[0020] This eliminates the need for complex means of determining the closed state. However, the use of state sensors is not excluded. For example, the coupling element can have a permanent magnet or a magnetic field sensor that interacts with a magnetic field sensor or permanent magnet of an element stationary relative to the rotor housing, such as a Hall sensor mounted on the rotor's electronic circuit board. Another possible sensor for detecting the state is a suitably positioned, mechanically actuated switch in the rotor.

[0021] Preferably, the rotor incorporates not only the drive mechanism but also the safety-relevant electronic components. For example, all the evaluation electronics are preferably mounted within the rotor, specifically behind the mechanical guard. Regarding the possible division of electronic components between standardized components such as an RFID chip on the one hand and a safety-relevant evaluation unit on the other, reference is made to the teachings of Swiss patent application 1177 / 09 dated July 29, 2009.

[0022] Another design concerns mechanical protection. It is known to equip a locking device with drill protection. This protection consists of a plate or similar component made of a very hard material, intended to prevent the drill bits of commercially available drills from creating an opening from the outside to the security-relevant components – for example, the drive control mechanism. According to this further design of the locking device, the drill protection now includes a drill guard element that is freely rotatable within the rotor. This has the advantage of presenting an additional obstacle to an attack with a rotating instrument, as the drill protection can simply rotate along with the rotating instrument. Furthermore, the freely rotating drill protection is also more cost-effective from a manufacturing perspective.

[0023] Furthermore, the rotor has a predetermined breaking point which is located outside the safe area, i.e. preferably outside the mechanical protection, and which gives way when the rotor or the entire locking device is pulled, thus ensuring that an abuser cannot access the safety-relevant components by pulling, a bending attack or applying an excessive torque.

[0024] The locking device can, for example, be designed as a cylinder lock, whereby the outer contour (i.e., the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the rotor's axis of rotation) and, if necessary, other elements such as a cam of the output element can conform to a standard. At least one doorknob can be provided for operating the locking device; alternatively, operation by means of a key is also conceivable, in which case mechanical locking mechanisms may optionally be present. Furthermore, it is possible that the electronic components of the locking device are arranged in a door fitting and that operation is effected via a door handle. Other configurations are conceivable.

[0025] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Identical reference numerals in the different figures denote identical or analogous elements. The figures show: Figure 1an overview representation of a locking device, in which the rotor housing and the stator are shown in section; Figure 2 A view of elements of the rotor, excluding either of the two rotor housing shells; Figure 3 a detailed illustration highlighting the guidance of the coupling element; Figure 4 a representation of the coupling element; Figure 5 a detailed illustration that clearly shows the design of the endless spindle; Figures 6-9 Each a detailed illustration showing the displacement of the coupling element by the endless spindle in different states of the locking device; Figure 10 a representation of the drive element; Figure 11 a sectional view of the coupling between rotor and output element; Figure 11a a schematic drawing illustrating the torque transmission between the coupling element and the output element; Figure 12a detailed illustration that shows the drill protection in the rotor and the predetermined breaking point; Figure 13 A representation of the rotor, in which the bearing rings are also visible.

[0026] The locking device 1 according to Figure 1The cylinder lock has an outer door knob 2 with an integrated RFID receiver (not shown) and an inner door knob 3. The outer door knob is non-rotatably coupled to a rotor 4, which is rotatably guided in a stator 5. The inner door knob 3 is non-rotatably coupled to an output element via a spacer sleeve 7. The extension of the spacer sleeve 7 depends on the thickness of the door in which the cylinder lock is installed; depending on the thickness, the spacer sleeve may also be omitted. The cylinder lock can also be designed as a half-cylinder, in which case the inner door knob is omitted. Actuation methods other than via a door knob are also possible, e.g., turning the rotor with a lever handle or with a key. In the latter case, the drill protection 21, described in more detail below, is designed differently than shown in the figures.Another alternative to the illustrated embodiment is a dual cylinder in which a knob with RFID receiver and antenna - in the manner of the outer door knob 2 - as well as a battery are present on both sides and a complete coupling module is present both on the outside and inside, so that either the outer or the inner door knob can be coupled with the output element.

[0027] The output element comprises an output sleeve 8 and a driver 9. The latter is configured in a manner known per se to actuate a latch or pawl by means of a cam 9.1. The output sleeve is configured to be rotationally fixed to the rotor 4 via a coupling element 15, depending on its state, for which purpose the coupling element has torque transmission surfaces 15.1. How this is achieved in Figure 2To see even better, an electric drive is provided inside the rotor 4 for the purpose of optional coupling. This drive comprises a motor 11, which is fixed in the rotor by an optional motor mount 12 and drives an endless spindle 13 via a gearbox, or optionally directly. The gearbox consists of the motor pinion 11.1 and a larger gear 13.1 integrally formed on the endless spindle 13. One leg of a torsion spring 14, rotatably mounted (by a bearing journal 18 of the rotor housing), engages in the windings of the endless spindle, while the other leg is coupled to the coupling element 15. This allows the coupling element 15 to be radially displaceable in a bearing sleeve 16 when the torsion spring rotates about the axis of the spring windings and, in this case, the bearing journal. In the Figure 2 clutch position shown - the clutch element is in the orientation according to Figure 2"above" - ​​a coupling projection of the coupling element engages with the torque transmission surfaces in the corresponding coupling recess of the output sleeve 8.

[0028] The electric drive is controlled by control electronics, which are arranged on an electronic carrier 17 (circuit board). This is connected via a flex-printed connection 17.1 or via a flat cable to a connector socket 22, through which the components arranged on the electronic carrier 17 can communicate with electronic components of the outer door handle, and through which they can also be powered.

[0029] Figure 3 shows a detail on which features of the coupling element 15 are particularly clearly visible, and Figure 4Figure 1 shows a view of only the coupling element 15. The coupling element 15 is a single piece and, in addition to the coupling projection with the torque transmission surface 15.1, has a shaft section 15.2 and a counterweight 15.3. This causes the center of gravity S of the coupling element to lie beyond the axis of rotation 20 of the rotor with respect to the coupling projection. Therefore, when the rotor is rotated at very high speeds, the coupling element is never engaged by centrifugal force (in Figures 3 and 4 (upwards) dodge.

[0030] The wall thickness of the bearing sleeve 16 is chosen such that when a large, increasing torque is applied to the coupling element - which acts as a shear force on the coupling element - the bearing sleeve is deformed first.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling element 15, in addition to the recess for the leg 14.2 of the leg spring, also has a recess for a permanent magnet 31. This magnet can interact with a Hall sensor (not shown) on the electronic carrier, thereby enabling the determination of the closed state. However, as explained at the outset, this is an optional feature due to the nature of the procedure described here: the operating principle of the locking device does not require knowledge of the closed state.

[0032] According to Figure 5The endless spindle 13 is globoid, specifically in that an outer and an inner contour are curved outwards, deviating from the cylindrical shape. This allows the first leg 14.1 of the leg spring to engage in the coils and follow the contour line during a rotational movement around the axis of the bearing journal 18. This, in turn, means that the thread depth does not have to significantly exceed the thickness of the spring leg, while still ensuring reliable guidance along the entire length of the spindle. The globoid spindle thus saves space; a very compact design is possible.

[0033] Figure 6Figure 1 illustrates the state in which the drive has received a coupling signal and moved the first leg accordingly by means of the endless spindle 13. However, the coupling element is blocked and cannot move into the coupled state because, in the depicted state, the rotor is not aligned with the coupling recesses of the output element. Consequently, the spring 14 is tensioned by moving the leg 14.1 into the state shown. Figure 6 is being moved.

[0034] As the rotor rotates, it will eventually be in an orientation where the coupling projection of the coupling element 15 can engage in a corresponding coupling recess, whereupon, due to the tension of the spring, the coupling element automatically engages in the recess. Figure 7The coupling position shown is shifted. The rotor is then coupled to the output element, and a rotation of the rotor – by turning the outer doorknob – causes a rotation of the output element and a corresponding movement of the bolt or latch.

[0035] Provided the coupling element is not blocked, the locking device can also move directly from the decoupled state to the state according to Figure 7 transition.

[0036] Once in the coupled state according to Figure 7 When the control electronics send a corresponding signal, the electric drive will reverse the coupling. The endless spindle 13 will axially extend the first leg 14.1 into the Figures 8 and 9The depicted position is moved back. However, if, in an exceptional situation, a substantial torque is exerted on the rotor at this time and the output element experiences corresponding resistance, the coupling element can initially be blocked in its coupling position, which in Figure 8 This is illustrated. This is again accompanied by tension on the torsion spring 14, so that the coupling element moves into the decoupled position according to Figure 9 is retracted as soon as this torque ceases. If the aforementioned exceptional situation does not exist, the locking device is directly retracted from the state of Figure 7 in the state according to Figure 9 transition.

[0037] Figure 10 The output sleeve is shown. On its inner side, it has a plurality of coupling recesses 8.1 into which the coupling projection of the coupling element can engage.

[0038] As one can also in Figure 11As can be seen, the output sleeve 8 is rotationally fixed to the driver 9 via external coupling recesses 8.4. Figure 11 Furthermore, the principle of the coupling between the rotor with the bearing sleeve 16 on the one hand and the output sleeve 8 on the other hand can be seen: The coupling element 15 engages one of the coupling recesses 8.1 in the coupling state.

[0039] Contrary to the representation according to Figure 11 The output element can also be manufactured in one piece, i.e., output sleeve 8 and driver 9 are formed by a single component.

[0040] As in Figure 11 visible and in Figure 11aAs shown in an exaggerated, schematic representation, the torque transmission surface 8.2 of the output sleeve 8 and the torque transmission surface 15.1 of the coupling element 15 are not parallel to the axial direction 30, but at an angle α to it other than 0°. This ensures that the force of the torsion spring is always sufficient to retract the coupling element into the decoupled position when no external torque is applied to the rotor—in other words, it ensures that the force of the torsion spring is sufficient to overcome any static friction forces between the rotor and the stator and the resulting torque. However, as explained in detail, the angle is chosen to be so small that the radial component (i.e., the force component along the radial direction 30) of the normal force N is approximately equal in magnitude to, or less than, the radial component of the maximum static friction force FH.For better comparability, the figure shows the negative value -FH of the maximum static friction force FH exerted on the coupling element at a given torque on the rotor. This prevents the coupling element from being pushed back into the disengaging position against the spring force due to the normal force when high torque is applied to the rotor.

[0041] In locking embodiments, instead of engaging in a coupling recess of the output sleeve in the engaged state, the coupling element engages in a locking geometry of the stator in the locked state. In such an embodiment, the angles discussed above must, of course, either be 0° or, in any case, be so small that the coupling element cannot be displaced radially against the spring force without damage by a large applied torque. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the center of gravity of the coupling element is preferably located on this side of the axis of rotation.

[0042] Figure 12Figure 21 shows the drill guard. This is designed as a disc that is rotatably inserted into a guide structure of the rotor housing. A predetermined breaking point 41 is also visible outside the drill guard. This breaking point yields under strong tension on the rotor, preventing the rotor or the entire locking cylinder from being pulled out of its anchorage. It also provides protection against twisting attacks and the application of excessive torque. To a certain extent, it also prevents the drill guard from being easily pried off and prevents larger pieces of the coupling module from being torn out.

[0043] Figure 13Finally, the figure shows the rotor as a whole. It can be seen that in the illustrated embodiment, the rotor housing is composed of two housing shells 10.1, 10.2, which are generally not identical on the inside and have structures that allow the attachment of the elements described above. The housing shells can be made of a hard and heat-resistant plastic or of a metal – for example, with zinc die-casting. The housing shells are held together by two bearing rings 51, 52 and optionally by a clamp (not shown). The bearing rings can be made of stainless steel or another suitable material and, in addition to providing mechanical stability, also serve to ensure low-friction bearing of the rotor in the stator.

[0044] Many variations are conceivable. The spring element can also be designed differently than the one shown with multiple coils and two legs, for example, as a leaf spring. An axial movement of the coupling element instead of the radial arrangement described and discussed here is also conceivable, even though the radial arrangement shown is particularly simple and reliable in its design and therefore advantageous.

Claims

1. A locking device with a rotor (4) mounted in a stator (5), wherein the rotor (4) by way of an electronically controlled drive can be coupled to a drive element (8, 9), and wherein the electrically controlled drive is arranged in the rotor and co-rotates with the rotor given a rotational movement of this, wherein the electrical drive is coupled via a spring element (14) to a coupling element (15) for coupling the rotor to the drive element, in a manner such that a movement produced by the electric drive can be transmitted by the spring element (14) onto the coupling element (15), wherein the coupling element (15) is radially movable in the rotor by way of the spring element (14), and in a decoupled condition of the locking device has mass shares on both sides of the rotation axis (20) of the rotor (4), characterised in that the coupling element (15) comprises a coupling projection which in a coupling condition engages into a corresponding coupling recess of the drive element (8, 9), and the centre of gravity (S) of the coupling element (15) with respect to the coupling projection lies roughly on the rotation axis (20) or on the side of the rotation axis which is remote from the coupling projection.

2. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein the coupling element (15) comprises a coupling projection which in a coupling condition engages into a corresponding coupling recess of the drive element (8, 9), characterised in that a torque transmission surface (15.1) which transmits a torque between the rotor (4) and the drive element (8, 9) has an angle (α) to the movement direction of the coupling element, which is different from 0°.

3. A locking device according to claim 2, characterised in that the mentioned angle is between 3° and 10°.

4. A locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by a bearing sleeve (16) for guiding the coupling element (15), wherein the bearing sleeve is deformable by a torque between the rotor (4) and the drive element (8, 9), said torque exceeding a certain value, wherein the other elements of the locking device remain unaffected given a torque with this value.

5. A locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the spring element (14) is movable by a rotation spindle (13) which is drivable by the electric drive.

6. A locking device according to claim 5, characterised in that the rotation spindle is an endless spindle.

7. A locking device according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the rotation spindle has a globoid outer shape.

8. A locking device according to one of the claims 5-7, characterised in that the spring element (14) is a leg spring whose one end engages into the turns of the rotation spindle.

9. A locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that evaluation electronics for evaluating received data signals and for making a decision with regard to the presence of an access authorisation, are arranged in the rotor (4).

10. A locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a drill protection element (21) is rotatably attached in the rotor (4).

11. A locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the rotor (4) has a predetermined breakage location (41) which is arranged outside a secure region.

12. A locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is designed as a locking cylinder with a standardised outer contour and for example comprises at least one door knob (2, 3).

13. A locking device with a rotor (4) mounted in a stator (5), wherein the rotor (4) by way of an electronically controlled drive can be coupled to a drive element (8, 9), and wherein the electrically controlled drive is arranged in the rotor and co-rotates with the rotor given a rotational movement of this, wherein the electrical drive is coupled via a spring element (14) to a coupling element (15) for coupling the rotor to the drive element, in a manner such that a movement produced by the electric drive can be transmitted by the spring element (14) onto the coupling element (15), characterised by a bearing sleeve (16) for guiding the coupling element (15), wherein the bearing sleeve is deformable by a torque between the rotor (4) and the drive element (8, 9), said torque exceeding a certain value, wherein the other elements of the locking device remain unaffected given a torque with this value.

14. A locking device with a rotor (4) mounted in a stator (5), wherein the rotor (4) by way of an electronically controlled drive can be coupled to a drive element (8, 9) and / or blocked with respect to the stator (5), and wherein the electrically controlled drive is arranged in the rotor and co-rotates with the rotor given a rotational movement of this, wherein the electrical drive is coupled via a spring element (14) to a coupling element (15) for coupling the rotor to the drive element or for blocking the rotor with respect to the stator, in a manner such that a movement produced by the electric drive can be transmitted by the spring element (14) onto the coupling element (15), wherein the coupling element (15) is radially movable in the rotor by way of the spring element (14), characterised in that the spring element (14) is movable by a rotation spindle (13) which is drivable by the electric drive, and the spring element (14) is a leg spring whose one end engages into the turns of the rotation spindle.

15. A locking device with a rotor (4) mounted in a stator (5), wherein the rotor (4) by way of an electronically controlled drive can be coupled to a drive element (8, 9) and / or blocked with respect to the stator (5), and wherein the electrically controlled drive is arranged in the rotor and co-rotates with the rotor given a rotational movement of this, wherein the electrical drive is coupled via a spring element (14) to a coupling element (15) for coupling the rotor to the drive element or for blocking the rotor with respect to the stator, in a manner such that a movement produced by the electric drive can be transmitted by the spring element (14) onto the coupling element (15), characterised in that a drill protection element (21) is rotatably attached in the rotor (4) and the rotor (4) has a predetermined breakage location (41) which is arranged outside a secure region.

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