Electronic lock control unit and electronic lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a control unit for an electronic lock, in particular for a door lock of a safe, which is designed for electronic data processing of a user-enterable identifier, comprising a housing with at least one housing wall and a manually operable actuator for controlling a shaft connected to a locking device of the lock, wherein the actuator is designed to be activatable depending on the validity of the entered identifier, characterized in that the actuator has a handle which, in the non-use position, is at least partially, preferably completely, recessed into a recess in the housing wall, wherein the handle is arranged to pivot about two axes of rotation relative to the housing.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a safe with an electronic door lock comprising a control unit designed for electronic data processing of a user-enterable digital identifier, a housing with at least one housing wall, and a manually operable actuator for controlling a shaft connected to a locking mechanism of the lock, wherein the actuator is designed to be activated depending on the validity of the entered identifier. The invention further relates to an electronic lock with a control unit according to the invention.

[0002] Such a safe is known, for example, from DE 199 28 947 A1.

[0003] The aforementioned control units primarily serve to input and process an identifier, particularly an electronic one, for example, in the form of a numerical sequence. The input identifier is compared with a target value. If the identifier and target value match, the identifier is valid. Only when a valid identifier is present is the actuator activated, allowing the shaft connected to the locking device, especially the drive shaft, to be controlled by the actuator. The shaft moves the locking device between the "open" and "closed" positions. A locking device typically includes bolts that can be extended and retracted depending on the desired position.

[0004] The actuator can control the shaft directly through a mechanical motion coupling. Alternatively, it can control the shaft indirectly by using the actuator to energize a drive motor connected to the shaft. In this case, the actuator acts, for example, as an electrical switch, opening or closing the drive motor's power supply circuit.

[0005] Control units with an actuator having a handle, for example in the form of a grip or a lever, are well known from the prior art. A separate printed reference is therefore unnecessary here.

[0006] These common designs are usually implemented as a protruding door handle or a rotary handle. Both designs, however, are prone to certain malfunctions that necessitate increased repair and maintenance. Due to their respective mechanisms, both designs tend to become misaligned and scratched over time. Furthermore, these actuators are often points of entry for unauthorized manipulation and access to the locking mechanism.

[0007] It is therefore the Task to remedy this situation with the invention and in particular to provide an ergonomically manageable and also secure control unit against unauthorized access.

[0008] To SolutionThe invention proposes a safe of the aforementioned type to solve the problem, characterized in that the actuator has a handle which, in the non-use position, is at least partially, preferably completely, recessed into a recess in the housing wall, wherein the handle is pivotable about two axes of rotation relative to the housing.

[0009] The design according to the invention is jam-proof compared to designs known from the prior art. Furthermore, the handle is comparatively well protected against unintentional, damaging influences. This is particularly because the handle does not protrude beyond the housing wall when not in use. Instead, the handle is recessed into the housing. The surface area susceptible to external influences is thus significantly reduced compared to solutions known from the prior art. "Recessed" in the sense of the invention means that the outer surface of the housing and the adjacent outer surface of the handle lie at most in the same plane. This also includes the fact that said outer surface of the handle is recessed relative to said outer surface of the housing. The non-use position of the handle simultaneously defines the "closed" position of the actuator.Overall, this results in a control unit that offers greater security against unauthorized access.

[0010] According to a further feature of the invention, the handle is arranged to pivot about two axes of rotation relative to the housing. Preferably, the two axes of rotation are aligned at right angles to each other. This has the advantage that the handle can be moved from the non-use position to a use position. For this purpose, the handle can be pivoted at least partially out of the recess. The handle is preferably designed as a grip. Preferably, the handle has a pivot section. The pivot section is located on one end of the handle. The handle is pivotally connected to the housing, particularly in the area of ​​the recess, via the pivot section. Furthermore, the pivot section serves to receive the drive shaft, which connects the closing device to the actuator. For this purpose, the pivot section has a central hole, preferably a bore, into which the shaft engages as intended.The shaft and pivot section can be arranged coaxially as intended. This design serves in particular for the mechanical coupling of movement between the actuator and the shaft. However, electronic configurations are also conceivable in which the actuator serves as an electrical switch for supplying power to a drive motor.

[0011] According to a further preferred feature of the invention, the pivoting section has a groove and / or a projection on the housing side. Preferably, the housing also has a groove and / or a projection on the pivoting section side, which engages in the corresponding projection and / or groove when not in use. This design serves the purpose of aligning the handle in the non-use position. Preferably, both the pivoting section and the housing have alternating corresponding grooves and projections.

[0012] According to a preferred feature of the invention, the recess is bounded by side walls provided by the housing and a base extending substantially transversely thereto. This creates space for the handle and, in combination with the aforementioned features, ensures that the handle, in its non-use position, is essentially flush with the outside of the housing outside the recess. "Essentially" in this context means that a gap remains between the side walls of the recess and the side walls of the handle. It is particularly provided that at least one side wall is formed, at least partially, with a rounded, preferably arcuate, and especially concave, contour. This creates a pivoting space for the pivoting section of the handle within the recess.In this context, it is preferred that the pivot section of the handle, corresponding to the contour of the side wall, is formed at least partially with a corresponding rounded, preferably corresponding arc-shaped, and in particular convex, contour. This feature allows the handle to be moved within the recess in a completely jam-proof manner, defining an actuation pivot path for the handle.

[0013] Preferably, the handle further comprises an actuating section adjoining the pivoting section. The actuating section is, as intended, manually grasped by a user when the handle is operated. Preferably, the actuating section has an angular, preferably rectangular, contour when viewed from the user-side exterior. This allows it to fit particularly well into the housing without offering potential points of attack for external influences, especially the application of burglary tools. Preferably, the pivoting section and the actuating section are formed in one piece. It is particularly recommended that the entire handle be formed as a single-piece casting, preferably an injection-molded part. It preferably has an upper wall and two side walls adjoining it on both sides. The side walls extend parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the handle. The handle is preferably made of plastic.

[0014] According to a further preferred feature of the invention, the pivot section has an inclined ramp extending from its convex side wall towards the bottom of the recess. In conjunction with the convex contour of the side wall, the ramp allows the handle to pivot in several spatial directions. When the handle is actuated from the "closed" position (non-use position), the actuating section is first pivoted upwards at its free end opposite the pivot section. This is made possible by the chamfer of the ramp. As a result, the grooves and projections of the handle disengage from those of the housing. The free end is then moved out of the recess. The handle is now in the use position and can be pivoted laterally over the edge of the recess and perpendicular to the first pivot direction to open the lock.The second pivoting movement is terminated by a positive engagement between the side wall of the actuating section and the rounded part of the housing's side wall. This position corresponds to the "Open" state, in which the lock is open.

[0015] According to a preferred feature of the invention, at least one of the side walls is chamfered on the pivot side in the longitudinal direction of the side wall. Preferably, the angle between the flat part of the side wall and the (first) chamfered part of the side wall is 20° to 60°, preferably 25° to 45°, and particularly preferably 35° to 40°. This allows the handle to be moved from the recess from the non-use position to the use position and operated without collision.

[0016] According to a further preferred feature of the invention, at least one of the side walls has a second chamfered portion. The second chamfered portion is arranged between the first chamfered portion and the pivot section. Preferably, the second chamfered portion is chamfered towards the outside of the side wall. The angle between the second chamfered portion and the outside of the side wall is preferably 20° to 60°, more preferably 30° to 55°, and particularly preferably 40° to 50°. In combination with the first chamfered portion, a pivot path of the handle can be achieved that is guided particularly close to the housing, thereby further improving the jamming protection. Furthermore, this allows the handle to be designed to be comparatively narrow and material-efficient. The small external dimensions are also particularly advantageous for scratch protection.

[0017] According to a preferred feature of the invention, the housing has a fastening element in the area of ​​the recess, with which the handle can be secured in the non-use position. This can be achieved, in particular, by a fastening element that interacts force-fit with the actuating section of the handle. A design of the fastening element with spring-elastic properties is especially preferred. Alternatively, a locking element can be provided that secures the handle predominantly by positive locking.

[0018] According to a preferred feature of the invention, the actuating section has a central reinforcing rib arranged between the side walls and extending longitudinally along the handle. The rib serves to mechanically reinforce the handle. In cross-section, the actuating section thus has an E-shaped profile. This profile has proven to be particularly lightweight and resistant to improper force application.

[0019] According to a preferred feature of the invention, the door lock comprises a locking mechanism integrated into a door of the safe and a shaft that connects the control unit to the locking mechanism in the area of ​​the pivot section. Overall, the invention provides a safe in which the handle can be operated without jamming and is largely protected against scratching.

[0020] The invention is illustrated below with reference to an exemplary embodiment which is not to be understood as limiting to a person skilled in the art. The following are shown: Fig. 1 a control unit of a safe according to the invention in a perspective view from the front in the non-use position; Fig. 2 the control unit according to the invention in a perspective view from the side in the non-use position; Fig. 3 the control unit according to the invention in a perspective view from the front in the use position; Fig. 4 the control unit according to the invention in a perspective view from the side in the use position; Fig. 5 a handle according to the invention in a perspective view from below; Fig. 6 the control unit according to the invention in a perspective view from the front without a handle; Fig. 7 the control unit according to the invention in a perspective view from the rear in the non-use position.

[0021] Figure 1Figure 1 shows the control unit 1 according to the invention in a front view. The housing 2 is visible, which has a control panel 3 on the front for entering a number- and / or letter-based identifier.

[0022] Furthermore, the housing 2 has a radio receiver 4, in particular for receiving a WLAN, Bluetooth or NFC signal. It is intended that the electronic identifier is transmitted and further processed via an external transmitter, in particular a smartphone or a tablet, in addition to or as an alternative to input via the control panel 3.

[0023] Furthermore, the control unit 1 has a sensor 5 on the front of the housing 2 for acquiring biometric data. This biometric data can also be processed as an identifier within the meaning of the invention. Biometric data preferably includes fingerprint, facial, and / or retinal data of a user.

[0024] The identifiers received via the control panel 3, the radio connection, and / or the sensor can be compared in combination with each other and with a predefined target value. Only when all three values ​​match the target value is a valid state present, allowing the activation of an actuator 6. This improves the overall security of the lock.

[0025] The control unit 1 has a display 7 on the front of the housing 2. This display can show the user certain control states and provide instructions. Preferably, this is an LCD or OLED display.

[0026] The display 7 and the sensor 5 are arranged in a surface area positioned at an angle to the rear of the housing 2, such that the display 7 and the use of the sensor 5 are ergonomically optimized. This ensures good readability of the display 7 and allows the use of the sensor 5 to be associated with a comfortable user movement, for example, of the hand with the finger extended for authentication. The arrangement of these components in this surface area also makes their operation self-explanatory, so that even users with limited knowledge of such control units can quickly become familiar with their use.

[0027] With regard to the actuator 6, the handle 8 can be seen in the form of a grip. The grip is completely enclosed in a Figure 2 The recess 19 of the housing 2 is more easily recognizable. It is located in Figure 2in the non-use position.

[0028] As from Figure 2 As can be seen, the outer surface 9 of the handle 8 is flush with the outer surface 11 of the housing 2, leaving a gap 10. The two side walls 12, 13 of the actuating section 14 of the handle 8 are also visible.

[0029] Furthermore, the housing 2 has a fastening element 15 in the base area of ​​the recess 19. The fastening element 15 engages positively with the inside of the outer wall 13. It has a P-shaped cross-section. In particular, it has a rectangular web and a web arranged at a right angle to it with a rounded edge. In the non-use position, the rounded edge is in contact with the inside of the side wall 13.

[0030] Also shown is a reinforcing rib 16, which extends longitudinally along the handle 8 between the side walls 12, 13. The reinforcing rib 16 serves to mechanically stabilize the handle 8. Overall, the actuating section 14 thus has an E-shaped cross-section.

[0031] Also shown is a drive shaft 17, which interacts with a pivot section 18 of the handle 8 and is connected to it via a pin 38 extending radially to the drive shaft 17. The pin 38 extends through a radial bore in an end of the drive shaft 17 that projects beyond the recess 19, such that the pin protrudes with two ends beyond the outer surface of the drive shaft 17. In the assembled state, the pin then engages, on the side of the handle 8, in two coaxially aligned and spaced-apart receptacles 39 in the area of ​​a central opening 35 ( Figure 5 ).

[0032] Figures 3 and 4The control unit 1 is shown with a handle 8 in the operating position. Figure 6 For the sake of clarity, handle 8 has been removed.

[0033] With regard to the Figures 3 , 4 and 6 The side wall 13 of the handle 8 is in a positive fit with the concave side wall section 20 of the housing 2 with respect to its pivoting direction. In this end position, the actuator 6 is in the "Open" state.

[0034] The housing 2 has an opening 23 in the area of ​​the recess 19. In the non-use state, the free end 24 of the actuating section 14 covers the opening 23. The opening 23 is designed to allow the user to easily grasp the free end 24, thus facilitating handling. For this purpose, the opening 23 has a groove-shaped cross-section and is open on one side. Furthermore, the housing 2 has a rear grip 37 on the narrow side opposite the opening 23, which serves as a finger grip and facilitates the movement of a safe door equipped with a control unit 1.

[0035] The housing 2 also has grooves 25 and projections 26 in the area of ​​the recess 19 corresponding to the pivot section 18. These contribute to the operation in the non-use position. Figure 5 The corresponding grooves 27 and projections 28 of the pivot section 18 shown together.

[0036] Also visible is a battery compartment flap 29, which contains a Figure 7 The battery compartment shown is sealed.

[0037] Figure 5 Figure 8 shows the handle 8 in a perspective view from below. The handle 8 is formed from the actuating section 14 and the pivoting section 18.

[0038] The actuating section 14 comprises the aforementioned side walls 12, 13 and the reinforcing rib 16. The side walls 12, 13 each have two chamfered sections 31, 32. The chamfered sections 31 are chamfered at an angle of 37° along the longitudinal direction of the side walls 12, 13. The chamfered sections 32 are chamfered at an angle of 45° perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the side walls 12, 13. This allows for a particularly narrow swivel range of the handle 8.

[0039] The fastening section 18 has a convex outer surface section 33. From this outer surface section 33, an inclined ramp 34, divided into two surface sections, extends upwards with respect to the image plane, the two surface sections being Figure 5 The surface sections are shown separated from each other by a dashed line. The surface sections form planes that are oriented antiparallel, with one surface section being formed in the area of ​​the projections 28. The handle 8 can be swung out of the recess 19 at its free end 24.

[0040] Furthermore, the pivot section has a central opening 35 for receiving the drive shaft 17.

[0041] Figure 7 The image now shows the control unit 1 from the rear. Visible are the electronic components: reset switch 21, circuit board 22, radio receiver 4, control panel 3, sensor 5, and display 7.

[0042] Furthermore, handle 8 in the form of the free end 24 can be seen through the opening 23. Also shown are the battery compartment cover 29 and the battery holder 30, in which 4 AA batteries are arranged.

[0043] Overall, the invention provides a control unit and an electronic lock in which the handle can be operated in a jam-proof manner and is largely protected against scratching.

[0044] The control panel 3 has a film 40, which is arranged on the housing 2. The film 38 contains the buttons of the control panel 3. These are touch-sensitive elements, meaning the buttons have no mechanically moving parts. This prevents, for example, the reading of a security secret by pressing a button. Furthermore, the surface of the film 40 is designed so that fingerprints can be easily removed. For this purpose, the surface of the film 40 can be lipophobic. Reference sign

[0045] 1 Control unit 2 Housing 3 Control panel 4 Radio receiver 5 Sensor 6 Actuator 7 Display 8 Handle 9 Exterior 10 Gap 11 Exterior 12 Side wall 13 Side wall 14 Actuating section 15 Fastener 16 Reinforcing rib 17 Drive shaft 18 Swivel section 19 Recess 20 Side wall section 22 Circuit board 23 Opening 24 Free end 25 Grooves 26 Protrusions 27 Grooves 28 Protrusions 29 Battery compartment cover 30 Battery receptacle 31 Beveled area 32 Beveled area 33 Exterior side section 34 Slanted ramp 35 Central opening 36 Batteries 37 Rear handle 38 Pin 39 Receptacle 40 Foil

Claims

1. Safe with an electronic door lock, comprising a control unit (1) which is designed for the electronic data processing of an identifier that can be entered by the user, comprising a housing (2) with at least one housing wall and a manually operable actuator for controlling a shaft connected to a locking device of the lock, wherein the actuator is designed to be activated depending on the validity of the entered identifier, characterized in that the actuator has a handle (8) which in the non-use position is completely embedded in a recess (19) of the housing wall, wherein the handle (8) is arranged so that it can pivot about two axes of rotation relative to the housing (2).

2. Safe according to claim 1, characterized in that the two axes of rotation are aligned at right angles to each other.

3. Safe according to claim 2, characterized in that the handle (8) can be moved from the non-use position to a use position, for which purpose the handle (8) can be pivoted at least partially out of the recess (19).

4. Safe according to claim 3, characterized in that the handle (8) has a pivot section at one end side, which has a central bore for receiving the shaft.

5. Safe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the housing (2) has a fastening means in the region of the recess (19) with which the handle (8) can be fixed in the non-use position.

6. Safe according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the pivot section has a groove and / or a projection on the housing side.

7. Safe according to claim 6, characterized in that the housing (2) has a groove and / or a projection on the pivot section side, which engages in the corresponding projection and / or groove in the non-use position.

8. Safe according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the handle (8) has a central reinforcing rib (16) which extends in the longitudinal direction of the handle (8).

9. Safe according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the recess (19) is bounded by side walls (12, 13) provided by the housing (2) and a base extending substantially transversely thereto, at least one side wall (12, 13) being formed with a concave contour at least in sections.

10. Safe according to claim 9, characterized in that the pivot section of the handle (8) is formed with a convex contour at least in sections corresponding to the concave contour of the side wall (12, 13).

11. Safe according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the housing (2) has an undercut feature (37) which serves as a finger attachment and facilitates the movement of a door.

12. Safe according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the door lock has a locking device (1) built into a door of the safe and a shaft which connects the control unit (1) to the locking device in terms of movement in the region of the pivot section.

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