Coupling system for an electromechanical lock

Abstract

Coupling system for actuating the locking device of an electromechanical lock, comprising a core (1) rotatably mounted in a housing (16) about a longitudinal axis A, a motor (4) with a motor spindle (5) and a motor nut (6a, 6b) arranged thereon, which moves linearly along the longitudinal axis A when the motor spindle (5) is rotated, a coupling element (3) for connecting the core (1) to the locking device, wherein the coupling element (3) is displaceable along the longitudinal axis A from a disengaged state to an engaged state, and wherein in the engaged state the locking device is positively connected to the core (1), and in the disengaged state the locking device is separated from the core (1), wherein two movable drive plates (7a, 7b) are arranged on the motor nut (6a, 6b).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a coupling system for an electromechanical lock and to an electromechanical lock with such a coupling system.

[0002] Coupling systems for electromechanical locks are known from the prior art. Such coupling systems are usually controlled electronically and actuate an electromechanical coupling device to release or lock a lock. For this purpose, a control electronics unit receives a signal, for example via an RFID card, which is evaluated. Depending on the result of the evaluation, electromechanical coupling elements are activated to release or lock the lock.

[0003] Known coupling systems are shown in EP 2 927 395 B1, DE 10 2011 005 125 A1 and CN 109667484 A.

[0004] Systems are particularly well-known in which the clutch system can be switched between an engaged and a disengaged state. In the engaged state, a handle or push button actuates a locking device, for example, the locking cam of a lock. In the disengaged state, the handle or push button is disconnected from the locking device. It is specifically designed that the engaged state can only be activated for a short time, usually only a few seconds, after which the clutch system reverts to the disengaged state.

[0005] Such known coupling systems comprise a housing and a core rotatably mounted within the housing. The core is usually connected to a handle, but an electronic lever or electronic fitting may also be installed. A coupling element is provided that establishes a mechanical, positive-locking, and rotationally secure connection between the core and the locking mechanism.

[0006] Conventional coupling systems use a motor with a motor spindle to move the coupling element. The coupling element can be connected to the motor spindle, for example, by being screwed onto it.

[0007] Coupling systems are also known in which the coupling element is elastically connected to the motor spindle via a spring element, for example, via a motor nut screwed onto the motor spindle, to which a spring element is attached. When the motor spindle rotates, the spring element is stretched or compressed, and this energy is subsequently transferred to the coupling element. Publication AT 520 252 B1 shows such a coupling system.

[0008] One disadvantage of such a coupling system, however, is that the spring element must be firmly connected to the motor spindle and the coupling element on both sides, for example by gluing or welding. This entails additional manufacturing costs, and the quality of the connection represents an additional potential source of error.

[0009] One object of the invention is therefore to solve this problem and to create a coupling system that allows movement of the coupling element in both directions even in the absence of power, so that any movement of the coupling element that has been started and blocked can be completed even after the power supply has failed, without having to use fault-prone fixed connections to the coupling element, in particular welding or adhesive connections.

[0010] These and other problems are solved according to the invention by a coupling system according to claim 1.

[0011] A coupling system according to the invention is designed for actuating the locking device of an electromechanical lock. Such a lock comprises a core rotatably mounted in a housing about a longitudinal axis A. The coupling system according to the invention is designed to engage with the core. The coupling system can include the core, but it can also be designed without the core and configured to engage with the core.

[0012] Furthermore, a motor with a motor spindle and a motor nut mounted thereon is provided, the nut being arranged such that it moves linearly along the longitudinal axis A when the motor spindle rotates. A coupling element serves to couple the core with the locking device and is displaceable by the motor spindle along the longitudinal axis A from a disengaged state to an engaged state. In the engaged state, the locking device is positively connected to the core. In the disengaged state, the locking device is separated from the core.

[0013] According to the invention, two axially movable and spring-loaded drive plates are arranged on the motor nut, which interact with the coupling element in such a way that when the motor nut moves along the longitudinal axis A, one of the drive plates exerts a force on the coupling element to move it along the longitudinal axis A.

[0014] By allowing the drive plates to move axially and being spring-loaded against each other, a mechanical storage of the force exerted by the motor is enabled. This allows the coupling element to continue moving even when the motor is de-energized.

[0015] According to the invention, the drive plates can be arranged to interact with a shoulder of the coupling element for the purpose of transmitting the force to the coupling element. This can be achieved by the drive plates having a larger circumference than the coupling element in the area of ​​the shoulders.

[0016] According to the invention, the motor nut can be designed in a substantially dumbbell-shaped form with two end-face flanges. The drive plates are arranged between the flanges, so that the movement of the drive plates relative to the motor nut is limited by the flanges.

[0017] According to the invention, a spring element, preferably a coil spring, can be arranged between the drive plates. This spring element pushes the two drive plates apart and presses the two flanges against them. The spring element can store mechanical energy when the motor is de-energized. The coil spring can be designed as a tension spring, a compression spring, or a combination of both. Magnetic elements can also be used instead of a coil spring. Preferably, the spring element is not fixed to another component but is arranged to be essentially freely movable on the motor nut. This allows the spring element to move in both directions along the longitudinal axis of the motor nut.

[0018] The motor nut can be a single piece. However, to facilitate easier assembly of the spring element and the drive plates, the motor nut can also be designed in multiple parts, particularly as a two-part design comprising a first and a second motor nut. In this case, the two motor nuts are essentially identical in construction and each has a collar, making it easier to slide the spring element and the drive plates onto the motor nut during assembly.

[0019] According to the invention, it can be provided in particular that a first motor nut with a first circumferentially projecting collar and a first drive plate, and a second motor nut with a second circumferentially projecting collar and a second drive plate are provided. A spring element, preferably a coil spring, for example a coil compression spring or a coil tension spring, can be provided between the first and second drive plates, which presses the two drive plates apart and against the two collars.

[0020] The coupling element is designed for the mechanical coupling of the core and any attached handle to the locking device, for example, a locking cam or a locking lever. The locking device may include a locking lever that can be connected to the coupling element. An adapter may be provided between the coupling element and the locking device. The core may be connected to a handle to operate the locking device when engaged.

[0021] For mechanical coupling, the coupling element can have a connecting pin, which is preferably rectangular. In the coupled state, the connecting pin can engage positively with the locking device. Alternatively, an adapter can be provided between the coupling element and the locking device. In this case, the adapter can include a preferably rectangular insertion opening for the positive-locking insertion of the connecting pin.

[0022] The coupling element itself can have a non-rotationally symmetrical outer shape to enable a positive-locking connection with the core. Essentially, however, the coupling element can be cylindrical. It can have a preferably essentially cylindrical chamber to accommodate the motor nut and the drive plates. The shoulders, which serve to transmit the force of the motor to the coupling element, can be formed as inwardly directed and essentially opposite, preferably annular, projections of the chamber along the longitudinal axis A.

[0023] Preferably, the chamber and the drive plates are designed such that the drive plates are not rotatable within the chamber relative to the longitudinal axis A. The drive plates can, for example, have a rectangular, in particular a square, outer cross-section. The drive plates can have a central recess, in particular a bore, to allow them to be placed on the motor nut. Alternatively, the drive plates can be essentially U-shaped so that they can also be placed on a one-piece motor nut.

[0024] In particular, the drive plates and the motor nut can be designed such that the drive plates are axially movable on the motor nut in the direction of the longitudinal axis A, but not rotatable. For this purpose, the drive plates can have a central recess with a flat surface that is adapted to flat surfaces on the outside of the motor nut. Thus, the drive plates can be placed on the motor nut and moved along it, but are rotationally fixed with respect to the motor nut.

[0025] The invention also relates to a fitting comprising a coupling system according to the invention and designed to engage the core of a locking device of an electromechanical lock. The fitting can be manufactured separately and mounted on a correspondingly designed locking device.

[0026] The invention also relates to a cylinder lock with a coupling system according to the invention. Such a cylinder lock comprises at least a housing in which the core is rotatably mounted, and a locking device.

[0027] Further features can be derived from the claims, the figures, the figure description and the subsequent patent claims.

[0028] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to figures showing an exemplary embodiment. These show: Fig. 1 : a schematic exploded view of an embodiment of a coupling system according to the invention; Fig. 2a a schematic side view of some components of a coupling system according to the invention; Fig. 2b a sectional view of the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 2a ; Figs. 3a - 3d Schematic three-dimensional views of a coupling system according to the invention in various operating states.

[0029] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic exploded view of an embodiment of a coupling system according to the invention for actuating the locking device of an electromechanical lock with a core 1 rotatably mounted in a housing 16 (not shown). An electric motor 4 with a motor spindle 5 is arranged in the core 1. A first motor nut 6a and a second motor nut 6b are screwed onto the motor spindle 5. The motor nuts 6a and 6b are identical in construction, essentially cylindrical with a circumferential flattening, and each has a flange 9a and 9b on its end face. When screwed on, the flanges 9a and 9b are located on opposite sides.

[0030] A coil spring 8 is fitted onto the motor nuts 6a, 6b. Adjacent to each side of the coil spring 8 is a drive plate 7a, 7b. The drive plates 7a, 7b have a substantially square outer cross-section.

[0031] Furthermore, the drive plates 7a, 7b have a central recess with a flattened area. The outer cross-section of the motor nuts 6a, 6b corresponds to the shape of the recess, thus enabling a positive-locking fit of the drive plates 7a, 7b onto the motor nuts 6a, 6b. When fitted, the drive plates 7a, 7b are axially displaceable relative to the motor nuts 6a, 6b, but are not rotatable; rather, they are rotationally fixed.

[0032] The motor nuts 6a, 6b, the drive plates 7a, 7b, and the coil spring 8 are assembled in a chamber 11 of a coupling element 3. The coupling element 3 is designed to connect the core 1 to a locking device (not shown). In this embodiment, an adapter 2 is provided, which includes a rectangular insertion opening 13 for the positive-locking insertion of a rectangular connecting pin 12 of the coupling element 3 and is connected to a locking device. In other embodiments, the coupling element 3 can be connected directly to a locking device, i.e., without an adapter 2.

[0033] Figs. 2a and 2bFigure 1 shows some components of a coupling system according to the invention in a schematic side view and in a sectional view. The electric motor 4 with the motor spindle 5, which can rotate about the longitudinal axis A, is shown. The two motor nuts 6a, 6b are screwed onto the motor spindle 5 and rotationally fixed via the drive plates 7a, 7b, so that they move linearly along the longitudinal axis A when the motor spindle 5 rotates.

[0034] Two movable drive plates 7a, 7b are mounted on the two motor nuts 6a, 6b in such a way that they are axially displaceable relative to the motor nuts 6a, 6b, but not rotatable. The drive plates are pressed apart and against end faces 9a, 9b of the motor nuts 6a, 6b by a coil spring 8.

[0035] Fig. 3a shows a schematic three-dimensional view of a coupling system according to the invention in the coupled state.

[0036] The coupling system according to the invention comprises a core 1 rotatably mounted in a housing 16 and connected to a handle 15, and a motor 4 with a motor spindle 5 and two motor nuts 6a, 6b arranged thereon. The motor nuts 6a, 6b are rotationally fixed relative to the motor spindle 5 so that they move linearly along the longitudinal axis A when the motor spindle 5 rotates. A coupling element 3 is provided for connecting the core 1 to the locking device in the form of a locking lever 14.

[0037] The coupling element 3 is displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the core 1 from a disengaged state to an engaged state. In the engaged state shown, the locking lever 14 is positively connected to the core 1 via an adapter 2, so that a rotation of the handle 15 is transmitted to the locking lever 14.

[0038] On the motor nuts 6a, 6b are two axially movable drive plates 7a, 7b, which engage with the coupling element 3 such that when the motor nut 6a, 6b moves along the longitudinal axis A, one of the drive plates 7a, 7b exerts a force on the coupling element 3, causing it to move along the longitudinal axis A. For this purpose, the drive plates 7a, 7b are located in a chamber 11 of the coupling element 3 and each interacts with an inwardly projecting shoulder 10a, 10b of the coupling element 3.

[0039] The motor nuts 6a, 6b are formed with two end-face flanges 9a, 9b. In other embodiments, a single dumbbell-shaped motor nut may be provided. The drive plates 7a, 7b are fitted between the flanges 9a, 9b, so that the axial movement of the drive plates 7a, 7b relative to the motor nut 6a, 6b is limited by the flanges 9a, 9b.

[0040] To enable the force transmission to the coupling element 3 to be effective in both directions, a coil spring 8 is arranged between the drive plates 7a, 7b. This spring pushes the two drive plates 7a, 7b apart and presses the two collars 9a, 9b against it. By activating the motor 4, the coupling element 3 can thus be moved, and the coupling system can transition from the engaged state to a disengaged state.

[0041] Fig. 3b shows a schematic sectional view of a coupling system according to the invention for an electromechanical lock in the disengagedState. Here, the dashed arrow illustrates the direction of movement of the coupling element 3 when the motor spindle 5 rotates. The two motor nuts 6a, 6b move to the left, so that the left drive plate 7a presses against the shoulder 10a of the coupling element 3. The right drive plate 7b is also moved to the left via the right collar of the right motor nut 6b and, via the coil spring 8, presses the left drive plate 7a against the shoulder 10a. As a result, the coupling element 3 moves to the left and the connecting pin 12 leaves the socket 13.

[0042] After completion of the axial translation movement, the coupling element 3 is no longer positively connected to the adapter 2, and the core 1 is thus decoupled from the adapter 2. Consequently, rotation of the core 1 in the decoupled state does not actuate the locking device.

[0043] Fig. 3cshows a schematic sectional view of a coupling system according to the invention in a blocked The condition in which adapter 2 is twisted relative to core 1, thus preventing engagement. Here, the dashed arrow illustrates the intended direction of movement of the coupling element 3 when the motor spindle 5 rotates.

[0044] The two motor nuts 6a, 6b move to the right, so that the right drive plate 7b presses against the shoulder 10b of the coupling element 3. The left drive plate 7b is also moved to the right via the left collar 9a of the left motor nut 6a and, via the coil spring 8, presses the right drive plate 7b against the shoulder 10b. However, the adapter 2 is twisted for unknown reasons and blocks the insertion of the connecting pin 12 into the socket 13, so that the coupling element 3 cannot be moved axially.

[0045] The spiral spring 8 is compressed by the two drive plates 7a, 7b, as the left drive plate 7a is moved to the right by the left collar 9a of the motor nut 6a, while the right drive plate 7b is prevented from moving to the right by its contact with the right shoulder 10b.

[0046] The depicted state can persist for an extended period, even if the motor 4 loses power. The compressed coil spring 8 stores energy, which is then automatically used to move the coupling element 3 to the right as soon as the adapter 2 is rotated into a position where a positive connection is again possible. This storage of mechanical energy is independent of the power supply to the motor 4, so engagement can be achieved even if the motor 4 is already de-energized.

[0047] This allows the clutch system to automatically return to the engaged state after a blockage. Naturally, the coil spring 8 can also be released by the motor 4 rotating the motor spindle 5 in the opposite direction, which shifts the motor nut 6a to the left and allows the coil spring 8 to push the left drive plate 7a to the left.

[0048] Fig. 3d shows a schematic sectional view of a coupling system according to the invention in a jammed The condition in which adapter 2 is twisted relative to core 1, making disengagement impossible. Here, the dashed arrow illustrates the intended direction of movement of the coupling element 3 when the motor spindle 5 rotates.

[0049] This situation can occur, for example, if an attempt is made to rotate the core 1 relative to the adapter 2 while it is engaged. This creates friction between the contact surfaces of the connecting pin 12 and the plug opening 13, preventing the coupling element 3 from moving axially. However, the motor 4, by rotating the motor spindle 5, still causes axial movement of the two motor nuts 6a, 6b to the left. The coil spring 8 is compressed by the two drive plates 7a, 7b, as the right drive plate 7b is displaced to the left by the right collar 9b of the motor nut 6b, while the left drive plate 7a is prevented from moving to the left by its contact with the left shoulder 10a.

[0050] The compressed coil spring 8 stores energy that can be used to move the coupling element 3 to the left as soon as the friction between adapter 2 and coupling element 3 becomes low enough, even if the motor 4 is already de-energized at that time. This allows the coupling system to automatically transition into the disengaged state.

[0051] Of course, the spiral spring 8 can also be relaxed again by the motor 4 turning the motor spindle 5 in the opposite direction, which shifts the motor nut 6b to the right, allows the spiral spring 8 to push the right drive plate 7b to the right and puts the clutch system back in the engaged state.

[0052] The invention is not limited to the embodiment described here, but encompasses all coupling systems within the scope of the following patent claims.

[0053] Furthermore, the invention is not limited to an application in an electromechanical lock, but also includes coupling systems for purely mechanically or purely electronically operated locks within the scope of the following patent claims.

[0054] In particular, the invention is not limited to the use of two separate motor nuts, but also extends to embodiments with a single motor nut. Reference symbol list:

[0055] 1 Core 2 Adapter 3 Coupling element 4 Motor 5 Motor spindle 6a First motor nut 6b Second motor nut 7a First drive plate 7b Second drive plate 8 Coil spring 9a First collar 9b Second collar 10a First shoulder 10b Second shoulder 11 Chamber 12 Connecting pin 13 Plug opening 14 Locking lever 15 Handle knob 16 Housing Longitudinal axis

Claims

1. A coupling system for actuating the locking device of an electromechanical lock, wherein the lock has a core (1) which is mounted rotatably about a longitudinal axis A in a housing (16), and wherein the coupling system is configured to engage with the core (1), comprising a. a motor (4) with a motor spindle (5) and a motor nut (6a, 6b) arranged thereon, which moves linearly along the longitudinal axis A when the motor spindle (5) rotates, b. a coupling element (3) for connecting the core (1) to the locking device, wherein the coupling element (3) is displaceable along the longitudinal axis A from a decoupled state to a coupled state, and wherein i. in the coupled state, the locking device is positively connected to the core (1), and ii. in the decoupled state, the locking device is separated from the core (1), characterised in that two axially movable and mutually resiliently biased drive plates (7a, 7b) are arranged on the motor nut (6a, 6b), which interact with the coupling element (3) in such a way that, upon movement of the motor nut (6a, 6b) along the longitudinal axis A, one of the drive plates (7a, 7b) exerts a force on the coupling element (3) in order to displace it along the longitudinal axis A.

2. The coupling system according to claim 1, characterised in that the drive plates (7a, 7b) for transmitting the force each interact with a shoulder (10a, 10b) of the coupling element (3).

3. The coupling system according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the motor nut (6a, 6b) is configured substantially dumbbell-shaped with two end-face collars (9a, 9b), wherein the drive plates (7a, 7b) are arranged between the collars (9a, 9b) such that the movement of the drive plates (7a, 7b) relative to the motor nut (6a, 6b) is defined by the collars (9a, 9b).

4. The coupling system according to claim 3, characterised in that a resilient element, preferably a spiral spring (8), is arranged between the drive plates (7a, 7b), which pushes the two drive plates (7a, 7b) apart and presses them against the two collars (9a, 9b).

5. The coupling system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the motor nut (6a, 6b) is divided into two parts, each individual motor nut (6a, 6b) having an end-face collar (9a, 9b) such that the drive plates (7a, 7b) and the resilient element can be fitted onto the motor nut (6a, 6b) during assembly.

6. The coupling system according to claim 5, characterised in that a. a first motor nut (6a) with a first radially protruding collar (9a) and a first drive plate (7a), and b. a second motor nut (6b) with a second radially protruding collar (9b) and a second drive plate (7b) are provided, wherein c. between the first drive plate (7a) and the second drive plate (7b) a resilient element is provided, preferably a spiral spring (8), which presses the two drive plates (7a, 7b) apart and against the two collars (9a, 9b).

7. The coupling system according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the coupling element (3) for receiving the motor nut (6a, 6b) and the drive plates (7a, 7b) has a preferably substantially cylindrical chamber (11), wherein the shoulders (10a, 10b) are configured as inwardly directed and substantially opposite, preferably annular projections of the chamber (11) along the longitudinal axis A.

8. The coupling system according to claim 7, characterised in that the chamber (11) and the drive plates (7a, 7b) are configured such that the drive plates (7a, 7b) are not rotatable in the chamber (11) relative to the longitudinal axis A.

9. The coupling system according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the drive plates (7a, 7b) have an angular, in particular square outer cross-section.

10. The coupling system according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the drive plates (7a, 7b) and the motor nut (6a, 6b) are configured such that the drive plates (7a, 7b) are axially movable in the direction of the longitudinal axis A on the motor nut (6a, 6b), but are not rotatable.

11. The coupling system according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that an adapter (2) is provided between the coupling element (3) and the locking device.

12. The coupling system according to claim 11, characterised in that the adapter (2) comprises a preferably rectangular insertion opening (13) for the form-fitting insertion of a preferably rectangular connecting pin (12) of the coupling element (3).

13. Fitting comprising a coupling system according to one of claims 1 to 12 and configured for engagement with the core (1) of a locking device of an electromechanical lock.

14. A cylinder lock, comprising a coupling system according to one of claims 1 to 12 and a locking device of an electromechanical lock.

15. The cylinder lock according to claim 14, characterised in that the locking device comprises a locking lever (14) that can be connected to the coupling element (3).

16. The cylinder lock according to claim 14 or 15, characterised in that the core (1) is connected to a hand knob (15) in order to actuate the locking device in the coupled state.

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