Detecting device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10, 100) for detecting the presence of a locking element (12) made of a material that is at least partially magnetic or magnetizable in a locking position, comprising a magnetic field device (14) for providing a magnetic field (15), a sensor device (16) for detecting the magnetic field (15), wherein the sensor device (16) is designed and configured to detect a change in the magnetic field (15), and an evaluation unit (18) which is designed and configured to detect the presence of the locking element (12) in the locking position based on the detected change in the magnetic field (15), characterized in that the magnetic field device (14) and the sensor device (16) are arranged adjacent to the locking position of the locking element (12), in particular on a door frame side or a lock side.Furthermore, the invention relates to a lock arrangement.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a detection device for detecting the presence of a locking element and a corresponding lock arrangement.

[0002] Doors, especially revolving doors, can have two states, among others. They are either locked in a closed position by means of a lock or unlocked. For the locked state, the lock has at least one latch and / or a bolt. A locked state of the door exists, in particular, when at least the latch or bolt engages in an opening or strike plate located on the opposite side of the lock in a door frame, thereby preventing the door from being opened, i.e., from being moved from the closed position. This state is referred to in this disclosure as the locking position of the latch or bolt. The bolt and latch can each be a locking element.

[0003] In larger buildings with multiple doors to be monitored, especially fire doors, it would be advantageous if each door or lock could report its status. Devices for this purpose are known in the prior art, which detect the position of the door or door leaf, or the latch or bolt.

[0004] For example, devices are known that are arranged on the door closer to close the door and detect the door's position via a measuring sensor. Such a device can, for example, include an angle gauge to measure the angular position of a door closer shaft. Fire doors have the particular requirement that they must close reliably. Despite very precise angle measurement at the pivot point of a door closer, it can happen that the door has reached the defined angular range, namely the closed position, but the latch and / or bolt in the strike plate are still not engaged. In such a position, the door would not be securely closed and could be forced open again in the event of a fire by a draft generated by the flames.

[0005] From US patent 2012 / 167646 A1, a device is known in which one or more magnets are arranged in the latch opening of a door assembly. Hall sensors are located near or within the latch on the door side, detecting the strength or direction of a magnetic field emitted by the magnets. The sensors, or rather the signals from the sensors, indicate to a computer when the latch and the latch opening are aligned. The publication also discloses an embodiment in which the position of the latch is detectable by a magnetic sensor. In this case, the strength of a magnetic field from a magnet arranged on the latch and moving with the latch is measured. The strength of the magnetic field differs when the latch is extended compared to when the latch is retracted.The strength of the magnetic field can be used to detect a locked position (extended position of the latch) and an unlocked position (retracted position of the latch) of a lock.

[0006] Other arrangements are known in the prior art which detect the position of a door or a latch in an extended or retracted position based on the distance between a magnet and a magnetic sensor, such as US 2007 / 069894 A1, WO 2013 / 167091 A1, US 2016 / 290005 A1, US 2017 / 362856 A1 or WO 2020 / 254324 A1.

[0007] A disadvantage of the known embodiments is that the magnet(s) are arranged on one side of a door or lock, and the magnetic sensors are located on the opposite side. This means that there are arrangements where the magnet is on the door frame side and the magnetic sensor is on the door side, and there are arrangements where the magnet is on the door side and the magnetic sensor is on the door frame side. This makes retrofitting a device for detecting the position of the door latch impossible or difficult, as both the lock and the components interacting with the lock on the door frame side would have to be adapted, modified, or replaced.

[0008] The purpose of the present disclosure is to specify a device for detecting the state of a door or lock, which can be easily retrofitted to a door or lock.

[0009] The problem is solved by a device according to independent claim 1 and by a lock arrangement according to independent claim 16.

[0010] According to the invention, a device for detecting the presence of a locking element made of a material that is at least partially magnetic or magnetizable in a locked position is proposed. The device comprises a magnetic field device for providing a magnetic field, a sensor device for detecting the magnetic field, wherein the sensor device is configured and set up to detect a change in the magnetic field, and an evaluation unit configured and set up to detect the presence of the locking element in the locked position based on the detected change in the magnetic field. According to the invention, the device is characterized in that the magnetic field device and the sensor device are arranged adjacent to a locking position of the locking element, in particular on a door frame side or a lock side.

[0011] As described in the introduction, the locking position of the locking element is characterized by the fact that the locking element is arranged in or engages in an opening of the door frame or the strike plate. In this position, the locking element is disengaged from the lock. On the lock side, the locking position is characterized by the fact that the locking element releases a space within the lock and is at least partially disengaged from the lock. The locking position can be clearly distinguished from an unlocked position of the locking element. According to the invention, the magnetic field device and the sensor device are arranged adjacent to the locking position of the locking element on the same side of the lock or the door frame.Adjacent means that in the locked position of the locking element, the distance between the locking element, the magnetic field device, and the sensor device is minimal compared to other possible positions of the locking element, particularly the unlocked position. This means that the distance between the locking element and the magnetic field device, and the distance between the locking element and the sensor device, are minimal in the locked position. The magnetic field device and the sensor device are thus arranged such that when the locking element enters the locked position, it influences the magnetic field provided by the magnetic field device. This influence leads to a change in the magnetic field. The change is detected by the sensor device. An evaluation unit analyzes the data acquired by the sensor device.Based on the detected change, the presence of the locking element in the locked position can then be determined. Only the presence of the locking element in the locked position constitutes a safe state for a fire door. Thus, a simple device has been created and provided that can be retrofitted, requiring adjustments to only one side of the door system – either the door side or the door frame side.

[0012] In an alternative embodiment, the device according to the invention is arranged on the lock side. In this case, in the unlocked position, i.e., when the locking element is in the retracted position within the lock, the distance between the locking element and the magnetic field device and the distance between the locking element and the sensor device are minimal. In the locked position, the distance between the locking element and the magnetic field device and the distance between the locking element and the sensor device are maximal. As already described, the locking element leaves a space within the lock in the locked position. When the device according to the invention is arranged within the lock, the distance between the locking element and the magnetic field device and the distance between the locking element and the sensor device are maximal in the locked position.

[0013] It should be noted that the distance between the locking element and the magnetic field device and the distance between the locking element and the sensor device are referenced to a reference point of the locking element, for example the center point of the locking element or an edge of the locking element.

[0014] In one embodiment of the device, the sensor device is configured and set up to detect a change in the magnetic field strength and / or a change in the magnetic field direction of the magnetic field provided by the magnetic field device, wherein the evaluation unit is configured and set up to recognize the presence of the locking element in the locked position based on the detected change in magnetic field strength and / or the detected change in magnetic field direction. The magnetic field at any given point is specified by both a direction and a strength (or intensity); as such, it is represented by a vector field. The magnetic field strength, i.e., the intensity of the magnetic field at a point in space, is suitable for detecting the magnetic field provided by the magnetic field device.In particular, the magnetic flux density is relevant here, as it indicates the effect of the magnetic field on a body within a magnetic field, taking into account the material properties. Alternatively or additionally, the direction of the magnetic field can also be evaluated. When the locking element enters the magnetic field provided by the magnetic field device, it influences the magnetic field, causing changes in both the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field. Both changes in the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field can be detected by the sensor device. Based on the detected changes, the evaluation unit can then recognize the presence of the locking element in the locked position.

[0015] A further embodiment of the device is characterized in that the evaluation unit is designed and configured to detect the time course of the magnetic field strength and / or the magnetic field direction of the magnetic field provided by the magnetic field device and to compare the detected time course with a respective reference course of the magnetic field strength or the magnetic field direction, and to recognize, based on this comparison, the presence of the locking element in the locked position. As described, when the locking element enters the sphere of influence of the magnetic field provided by the magnetic field device, the magnetic field strength and the magnetic field direction change. This change occurs throughout the entire period that the locking element requires to reach the locked position.This means that a characteristic pattern of magnetic field strength and direction is established as the locking element moves into the locking position. Due to the fixed arrangement of the magnetic field device and the sensor device, and the essentially constant material properties of the locking element, this pattern is repeatable with each movement of the locking element. In other words, the time course of the magnetic field strength and direction is always the same, so the patterns can be used to determine whether the locking element has reached the locking position. The recorded pattern can be easily compared with a reference pattern, which is done in the evaluation unit, and if there is a match, it can be recognized that the locking element has reached the locking position. The reference pattern can be programmed during commissioning of the device.

[0016] Another embodiment of the device is characterized in that the evaluation unit is designed and configured to compare the detected change in magnetic field strength, the detected change in magnetic field direction, or the respective detected temporal profile with a corresponding reference value range and, if the respective value falls within the corresponding reference value range, to detect the presence of the locking element in the locked position. Since, due to mechanical play in the components of the lock or door, the locking element is not always in exactly the same position, it is permissible to allow a range of values ​​that the detected values ​​of magnetic field direction, magnetic field strength, and the respective temporal profile of the magnetic field direction and magnetic field strength can occupy.Even if the evaluation unit detects values ​​within the reference range, the presence of the locking element in the locked position is reliably recognized. The reference ranges can be programmed during commissioning of the device.

[0017] A deviation in the magnetic field strength or direction, or in the temporal course of the magnetic field strength or direction, can indicate tampering with the lock or locking element. Furthermore, a fault may also exist in the mechanical components of the lock, which, for example, could cause the lock to operate stiffly. Therefore, the device according to the invention can also detect tampering with the lock or an impairment of its function.

[0018] A further development of the device is characterized by the fact that the sensor device is designed and configured to detect the magnetic field in multiple spatial directions, and the evaluation unit is designed and configured to evaluate the detected change in magnetic field strength, the detected change in magnetic field direction, or the respective detected temporal profile in the respective multiple spatial directions. As mentioned, the magnetic field is a vector field. By detecting and evaluating different spatial directions of the magnetic field, the accuracy of the measurement can be increased. This also reduces the susceptibility to manipulation of the locking element or the lock.

[0019] Another embodiment of the device is characterized in that the evaluation unit is designed as an internal evaluation unit integrated with the sensor device, or that the evaluation unit is externally mounted, with the sensor device configured to transmit the detected values ​​of the magnetic field and / or a value derived therefrom to the external evaluation unit. The internal evaluation unit can, for example, be part of the sensor device. In other words, the sensor device includes, for example, a measuring chip that evaluates the detected values ​​of the sensor device. The evaluation unit is thus also arranged adjacent to the locking position of the locking element. Alternatively, the evaluation unit can be designed as an external evaluation unit. An external evaluation unit can, for example, run on a device external to the device.For example, the external evaluation unit can run in a so-called cloud or on a server. Alternatively, the evaluation unit can also be part of a building management system.

[0020] A further embodiment of the device includes a communication module designed and configured to transmit signals from the sensor device and / or data from the internal evaluation unit, indicating the presence or absence of the locking element in the locked position, to a monitoring device. The communication module thus communicates with the monitoring device. This communication can be wireless or wired. A monitoring device could, for example, be the aforementioned building management system. Alternatively, a server in a cloud could also represent or include a monitoring unit. In any case, the monitoring unit monitors the position of the locking element or the position of the lock in which the locking element is located. Consequently, all information about the device's state is stored locally within the monitoring device.

[0021] A further embodiment of the device is characterized in that the evaluation unit and / or the monitoring device are designed and configured to acquire and jointly evaluate signals from the sensor device and signals from a door closer, and to recognize the position of a door leaf and / or validate the door closer signal based on the joint evaluation of the sensor device and door closer signals. In this embodiment, the evaluation unit and / or the monitoring device receive signals from both the sensor device and the door closer to be monitored. For example, a door leaf can be monitored by evaluating the two status signals from the sensor device and the door closer. Signals from the door closer can, for example, relate to the (angular) position of an output shaft of the door closer.Alternatively, the door closer signals can also relate to the position of a sliding block. Signals from the sensor device relate to the presence of the locking element in the locked position. This allows a statement to be made about the position of the door leaf. Furthermore, the door closer signal can be validated. By combining the signals from the sensor device and the door closer signals, the accuracy of a statement based on the respective signals can be increased.

[0022] One embodiment of the device is characterized in that the evaluation unit and / or the monitoring device is designed and configured to detect and jointly evaluate a signal from the sensor device indicating the presence of the locking element in the locked position and a signal from a door closer indicating that the door closer is in the open position. Based on the joint evaluation of the sensor device signal and the door closer signal, a malfunction of the door closer can be detected. The evaluation unit is therefore capable of receiving or detecting signals from a door closer belonging to the door. Furthermore, in such a case, the evaluation unit is also configured to evaluate the door closer signals.Since the evaluation unit also evaluates the signals from the sensor device, both signals—namely, the signals from the door closer and the signals from the sensor device—can be evaluated together. By comparing the respective signals, conclusions can be drawn about the functionality of the door closer. Based on the characteristics of the magnetic field change described above, it can be ruled out that the sensor device is malfunctioning, as a correctly transmitted characteristic of the magnetic field change reflects the correct state of the locking element. Thus, if a discrepancy is detected between the signals from the sensor device and the signals from the door closer, a malfunction of the door closer can be identified.If the sensor device sends a status signal indicating that the locking element is in the locked position, and therefore the door is closed and locked, and the door closer sends a status signal indicating that it is in an open position, i.e., the door is not closed, then there is a malfunction or tampering with the door closer. This can be detected by the evaluation unit.

[0023] Alternatively, the respective signals from the sensor device and the door closer can also be transmitted to and received by the monitoring device. This means that all signals from the sensor device and the door closer are available in the monitoring device. The monitoring device is designed, as described above for the evaluation unit, to jointly evaluate the signals from the sensor device and the door closer and to draw the conclusions described above.

[0024] A further development of the device is characterized by the fact that the evaluation unit and / or the monitoring device are designed and configured to detect and jointly evaluate a signal from the sensor device indicating the presence of the locking element in the locked position and a signal from a door closer indicating a closed position of the door closer, and to recognize a closed position of a door leaf based on this joint evaluation. If, as described above, the respective signals from the sensor device and the signals from the door closer are evaluated jointly, if identical states are present and detected, i.e.,The signal from the sensor device indicates that the locking element is in the locked position, so the door is closed, and the signal from the door closer indicates that the door closer is in the closed position, so the door is closed, ensuring that the closed position of the door leaf is detected.

[0025] By jointly evaluating the respective signals from the sensor device and the door closer, as explained in the configurations described above, the signals can be mutually validated and checked for consistency, or they can indicate a malfunction or tampering. Furthermore, measurement inaccuracies can also be detected, for example, if the door closer signals indicate that the door leaf is almost closed. The evaluation unit or monitoring device can therefore provide indications of potential maintenance needs.

[0026] In another embodiment of the device, the magnetic field device and the sensor device are arranged on a strike plate insert, which can be inserted into an existing locking element receptacle of a door frame. The necessary components of the device can thus be easily installed in an existing door frame using the strike plate insert, eliminating the need for a complex separate installation of the magnetic field device and the sensor device.

[0027] Another embodiment of the device is characterized by the fact that the strike plate insert has at least one holder for receiving the magnetic field device and the sensor device. The magnetic field device or the sensor device can thus be easily arranged on the strike plate insert. Preferably, the magnetic field device or the sensor device can be attached to the strike plate insert before the strike plate insert is inserted into the locking element receptacle of the door frame. This allows for significantly improved handling and installation of the respective device compared to if the magnetic field device or sensor device itself had to be inserted into the locking element receptacle of the door frame.

[0028] The device is characterized by the fact that the strike plate insert has at least one locking opening for receiving the locking element, with the at least one bracket being arranged on a boundary side of the locking opening. The device thus has at least one bracket. This bracket is designed to receive and hold the magnetic field device and / or sensor device. The bracket, and consequently the magnetic field device or sensor device, can therefore be arranged adjacent to and outside the locking opening. Alternatively, the bracket can also arrange the magnetic field device or sensor device inside the locking opening. However, this requires sufficient space for the additional reception of the locking element and / or a compact, space-saving design for the magnetic field device or sensor device.The presence of the locking element in the locking opening, and in particular the presence of the fully disengaged locking element in the locking opening, indicates the locking position of the locking element. Additionally or alternatively, a holder may be provided for each of the magnetic field device and the sensor device. That is, the device has a first holder for holding the magnetic field device and a second holder for holding the sensor device.

[0029] A further development of the device includes a power supply unit for providing electrical energy to the magnetic field device and / or the sensor device and / or the evaluation unit. The power supply unit can provide an interface to an external power supply. Alternatively, the power supply unit can also be an internal power supply unit, for example, using batteries or accumulators.

[0030] In one embodiment, the device is characterized in that the magnetic field device and the sensor device are arranged on a circuit board, in particular on the same circuit board.

[0031] This makes the assembly of the magnetic field device and the sensor device even easier, as only the respective or alternatively common circuit board needs to be installed.

[0032] A further aspect of the invention relates to a lock assembly comprising a lock with a locking element made of a material that is at least partially magnetic or magnetizable, wherein the lock is designed for installation in or on a door leaf, characterized in that the lock assembly further comprises a device according to one of the described embodiments, wherein the device is arranged in or on a door frame on a side opposite the lock. The device may be arranged in or on a locking element receptacle of the door frame. An alternative embodiment provides that the device is arranged in the lock.

[0033] The lock assembly is characterized by the fact that the locking element is designed as a latch or bolt. If the latch is detected in the locked position, it can be reliably concluded that the door is closed. This allows, for example, the reliable detection of a fire door. Similarly, if the bolt is detected in the locked position, it can be reliably concluded that the door is locked, meaning that movement of the door is prevented.

[0034] One embodiment of the lock assembly is characterized in that the device is at least partially arranged in or on a locking element receptacle of a strike plate. A strike plate is typically arranged on the door frame, which has an opening for the locking element to pass through. This opening is connected to the locking element receptacle. In some embodiments, the strike plate has a pocket that is located in the locking element receptacle of the door frame. Within the scope of the invention, such a pocket of the strike plate is equated with the locking element receptacle of the door frame. This allows the device to be easily arranged on the strike plate, thus ensuring simple installation.

[0035] One embodiment of the lock assembly is characterized in that the magnetic field device and the sensor device are arranged together on or at one side of the locking element receptacle, or that the magnetic field device is arranged on or at a first side of the locking element receptacle and the sensor device is arranged on or at a second side of the locking element receptacle. Arranging the magnetic field device and the sensor device on one side allows for a space-saving arrangement. Only a single, shared installation space is required for the arrangement of the magnetic field device and the sensor device. Alternatively, the magnetic field device and the sensor device can be arranged on different sides of the locking element receptacle. This allows for flexible installation of the respective devices.

[0036] The invention is explained in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying figures. Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention, wherein the locking element is located outside the locking position, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the device according to the invention Fig. 1 , wherein the locking element is in the locking position, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention, wherein the locking element is located outside the locking position, Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a third embodiment of the device according to the invention, wherein the locking element is located outside the locking position, Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of the device according to the invention, wherein the locking element is located outside the locking position, Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of the device according to the invention, wherein the locking element is located outside the locking position.

[0037] In Fig. 1 A first embodiment of the invention is shown schematically. The device 10 serves to grasp a locking element 12. The locking element 12 is shown schematically here and can be part of a door lock (not shown in further detail). The locking element 12 is in Fig. 1 The locking element 12 is shown in an unlocked position outside the locked position. It is made of a magnetic or magnetizable material.

[0038] The device 10 further comprises a magnetic field device 14. The magnetic field device 14 is designed and configured to provide a magnetic field 15. The magnetic field device can be a permanent magnet or an electric magnet.

[0039] Furthermore, the device 10 comprises a sensor device 16. The sensor device 16 is configured and set up to detect the magnetic field 15. The sensor device 16 is also configured and set up to detect a change in the magnetic field 15. For this purpose, the sensor device 16 is configured as a magnetic sensor or as a magnetic measuring chip.

[0040] The device 10 further comprises an evaluation unit 18. The evaluation unit 18 is designed and configured to determine, on the basis of the change in the magnetic field 15 detected by the sensor device 16, the presence of the locking element 12 in the locking position, which is in Fig. 2 As shown, the evaluation unit 18 is communicatively connected to the sensor device 16 in order to exchange signals, data, and the like.

[0041] Evaluation unit 18 is in the Fig. 1 schematically represented. The evaluation unit 18 can be integrally formed with the sensor device 16, i.e., as a single unit with the sensor device 16. Alternatively, the evaluation unit 18 can also be formed externally to the device or sensor device.

[0042] A power supply unit 19 is provided for operating the sensor device 16 and the evaluation unit 18. The power supply unit 19 can, for example, be a battery. Since the device 10 is arranged in a door frame 26, a power supply unit 19 connected to the mains power supply can also be easily considered.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the magnetic field device 14 is arranged directly on a locking element receptacle 24 of a door frame 26. For this purpose, a separate pocket can be provided for the magnetic field device 14, in which the magnetic field device 14 is held. Opposite the magnetic field device 14, also on the locking element receptacle 24, the sensor device 16 is arranged. The sensor device 16 is also, for example, arranged in a separate pocket. The magnetic field device 14 and / or the sensor device 16 can be held in the pocket by suitable means.

[0044] The locking element receptacle 24 serves to receive the locking element 12. The locking element 12 is part of a door lock, the other components of which are not shown in the figures for the sake of clarity. The locking position of the locking element 12 is located within the locking element receptacle 24. The magnetic field device 14 and the sensor device 16 are thus arranged adjacent to the locking position. Advantageously, according to the invention, the magnetic field device 14 and the sensor device 16 are arranged on the same side. "On the same side" here means that the magnetic field device 14 and the sensor device 16 are arranged on the side of the door frame 26.

[0045] The door frame 26 has a door frame edge on which, for example, a strike plate 30 can be arranged. When the locking element 12 is outside the locked position, the magnetic field 15 is not affected by the locking element 12. This is in Fig. 1 The straight magnetic field arrows represent the position of the locking element 12. In this position, the sensor device 16 detects the absence of the locking element 12 in the locked position. The evaluation unit 18 will consequently output a signal indicating that the door 26 is open. This signal can be transmitted wirelessly to a user of the door via a communication unit. It is also possible to transmit the signal to a building management system.

[0046] The Fig. 2 shows the embodiment of the Fig. 1 , wherein the locking element 12 is arranged in the locked position. The locking element 12 is now at least partially arranged in the locking element receptacle 24 and moved out of the lock into an unlocked position. During the movement of the locking element 12 from the unlocked position of the Fig. 1 into the locking position of the Fig. 2 The locking element 12, made of magnetic material, influences the magnetic field 15; that is, the locking element 12 affects the orientation of the magnetic field lines, as represented by the diffracted magnetic field lines. This change in the magnetic field 15 is detected by the sensor device 16 and communicated to the evaluation unit 18. Based on the detected change in the magnetic field 15, the evaluation unit 18 can recognize the presence of the locking element 12 in the locked position.

[0047] In a modified embodiment, the evaluation unit 18 can also be designed as a single unit with the sensor device 16.

[0048] The presence of the locking element 12 can also be detected based on other features of the magnetic field, namely: a change in magnetic field strength, a change in magnetic field direction, a time course of magnetic field strength, a time course of magnetic field direction.

[0049] The change in magnetic field strength can be used, for example, to quantify the closed position of the locking element 12. This allows it to be determined whether the locking element 12 is in a single-locked or double-locked position. The time course of the magnetic field strength and / or the time course of the magnetic field direction can be stored in the evaluation unit 18 as a respective reference course. The actually recorded course of the magnetic field strength or the magnetic field direction can then be compared with this respective reference course. If the recorded course and the reference course are essentially the same, the evaluation unit 18 recognizes that the locking element 12 is in the locked position. The reference course can be programmed, for example, during commissioning of the device.

[0050] If the recorded history and the reference history do not match, this may indicate tampering with the lock or the locking element 12. Furthermore, stiffness in the operation of the locking element 12 can also affect the time course, so that maintenance of the lock may be necessary.

[0051] The figures described below illustrate various further embodiments of the device according to the invention. The locking element is shown in the unlocked position in each case. However, the functioning of the respective device and the detection of the locking element in the locked position do not differ from the embodiment of the Fig. 1 and 2 , so reference is made to this.

[0052] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows a device 10 comprising an external monitoring device 20. The monitoring device 20 is connected to the evaluation unit 18 via a communication module (not shown). The communication module can provide wireless or wired communication between the evaluation unit 18 and the monitoring device 20. The monitoring device 20 can be configured to perform tasks of the evaluation unit 18.

[0053] Does the device 10 include a monitoring device 20 according to the embodiment of the Fig. 3 The evaluation of the signals detected by the sensor device 16 can also be carried out by the monitoring device 20. Alternatively or additionally, the monitoring device 20 is also designed and configured to receive and further process the data provided by the evaluation unit 18. For example, the monitoring device 20 can also receive data from a door closer 21 assigned to the door. In this case, the monitoring device 20 is also designed to evaluate the data from the evaluation unit 18 or the sensor device 16 together with the data from the door closer 21.

[0054] The monitoring device 20 is designed and configured to receive and jointly evaluate data from the evaluation unit 18 or the sensor device 16 and a door closer 21 associated with the door. This allows for increased knowledge and control of the door's position by combining the data. For example, the signals from the sensor device 16 may indicate that the locking element 12 is engaged and thus the door is in the closed position, while the signals from the door closer 21 may indicate that the door is not in the closed position. This could indicate that the door or the door closer components that cause the door's movement have play and may be worn or have become detached.

[0055] The monitoring device 20 can be configured as an external monitoring device 20 on a computer server. Among other things, the monitoring device 20 can be part of a building management system.

[0056] The monitoring device 20 can also have its own communication unit, allowing it to communicate with other devices. This enables, for example, a door user or maintenance person to read data from the door closer or locking element. This facilitates maintenance cycles.

[0057] The monitoring device 20 can also be designed and configured to evaluate operating data of the door closer 21 and / or the lock or locking element 12. In this way, necessary maintenance of the door closer 21 or the locking element 12 can be predicted.

[0058] In the Fig. 4 In the embodiment shown, the magnetic field device 14 is arranged on a strike plate insert 22. The sensor device 16 is also arranged on the strike plate insert 22. The magnetic field device 14 and the sensor device 16 are attached to the strike plate insert 22 by means of respective brackets. The strike plate insert 22 is inserted into the locking element receptacle 24 of the door jamb or door frame 26. By means of a stop 28, the strike plate insert 22 is attached to a strike plate 30 by suitable means, such as a screw. The strike plate insert 22 is open at one end and has a locking opening 23 for receiving the locking element 12. The locking opening 23 is shown in the sectional view of the Figur 4 The three visible boundary sides 22a, 22b, and 22c are bounded. The magnetic field device 14 and the sensor device 16 are arranged on each boundary side 22a and 22b, respectively, by means of a suitable holder (not shown in detail).

[0059] In the Fig. 5 In the embodiment shown, the magnetic field device 14 and the sensor device 16 are arranged on a common circuit board 32. In this embodiment, the magnetic field device 14 and the sensor device 16 are arranged side by side. Even with such an arrangement, the movement of the locking element 12 into the locked position will cause a detectable change in the magnetic field 15. According to the invention, the magnetic field device 14 and the sensor device 16 are arranged on the same side, namely the door frame 26. The circuit board 32, or the magnetic field device 14 and the sensor device 16, could also be arranged on the vertical side 22b or the opposite side 22c of the strike plate insert 22. For example, the magnetic field device 14 could also be arranged on side 22a and the sensor device 16 on side 22b, or vice versa.The magnetic field device 14 and the sensor device 16 can therefore be arranged together on or at one side of the locking element receptacle 24, or the magnetic field device 14 is arranged on or at a first side of the locking element receptacle 24 and the sensor device 16 is arranged on or at a second side of the locking element receptacle 24.

[0060] Fig. 6Figure 1 shows a further embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the device 100 is arranged on the lock side of a lock in the door. According to the invention, both the magnetic field device 14 and the sensor device 16 are arranged on the same side. When the magnetic locking element 12 is disengaged from the lock into the locking position, the locking element 12 influences the magnetic field 15, which in turn can be detected by the sensor device 16. Since a power supply connected to the mains is difficult when the device 100 is arranged in the lock on the door leaf side, the power supply unit 19 is preferably designed as a battery. In this arrangement in the lock, the device 100 is located adjacent to the locking element 12.Naturally, the locking element 12 requires installation space in the lock, so the lock also provides a locking element receptacle 24' on which the device 100 can be arranged.

[0061] The magnetic field lines of magnetic field 15, indicated by arrows in the figures, are purely schematic and do not necessarily run from the magnetic field device 14 to the sensor device 16. Typically, magnetic field lines run spatially from a north pole to a south pole. The general purpose is to illustrate that the sensor device 16 detects the magnetic field 15 and any changes in the magnetic field 15.

[0062] Due to the spatial orientation of the magnetic field lines, the sensor device 16 is designed and configured to detect the magnetic field lines in multiple spatial directions. For example, the spatial orientation of the magnetic field lines can be in an xyz coordinate system. The sensor device 16 can then be configured as a multi-axis magnetic sensor that detects a respective vector component of the magnetic field in each spatial direction. For example, the magnetic sensor can be a 3-axis magnetic sensor configured to detect one component in the x-direction, one component in the y-direction, and one component in the z-direction of the magnetic field 15. This increases the accuracy of the measurement and enhances safety, as it virtually eliminates the possibility of manipulation in all spatial directions, for example, via an external magnet.

[0063] In general, and for all figures, the locking element 12 can be designed as a latch or as a bolt. It can also be provided that a respective device 10, 100 is arranged in relation to a respective latch and a respective bolt of the same lock.

Claims

1. Device (10, 100) for detecting the presence of a locking element (12) made of a material that is at least partially magnetic or magnetizable in a locking position, comprising a magnetic field device (14) for providing a magnetic field (15), a sensor device (16) for detecting the magnetic field (15), wherein the sensor device (16) is configured and set up to detect a change in the magnetic field (15), and an evaluation unit (18) configured and set up to detect the presence of the locking element (12) in the locking position based on the detected change in the magnetic field (15). characterized by the fact that the magnetic field device (14) and the sensor device (16) are arranged adjacent to the locking position of the locking element (12), in particular on a door frame side or a lock side.

2. Device (10, 100) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the sensor device (16) is designed and configured to detect a change in the magnetic field strength and / or a change in the magnetic field direction of the magnetic field (15) provided by the magnetic field device (14), wherein the evaluation unit (18) is designed and configured to detect the presence of the locking element (12) in the locking position based on the detected change in magnetic field strength and / or the detected change in magnetic field direction.

3. Device (10, 100) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact thatThe evaluation unit (18) is designed and configured to detect a time course of the magnetic field strength and / or the magnetic field direction of the magnetic field (15) provided by the magnetic field device (14) and to compare the detected time course with a respective reference course of the magnetic field strength or the magnetic field direction, and to recognize, on the basis of the comparison, the presence of the locking element (12) in the locking position.

4. Device (10, 100) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by the fact that the evaluation unit (18) is designed and configured to compare the detected change in magnetic field strength or the detected change in magnetic field direction or the respective detected time course with a respective reference value range and, if the respective value is within the respective reference value range, to detect the presence of the locking element (12) in the locking position.

5. Device (10, 100) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by the fact that the sensor device (16) is designed and configured to detect the magnetic field (15) in several spatial directions, and the evaluation unit (18) is designed and configured to evaluate the detected change in magnetic field strength or the detected change in magnetic field direction or the respective detected temporal progression in the respective several spatial directions.

6. Device (10, 100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the evaluation unit (18) is designed as an internal evaluation unit (18) in a unit with the sensor device (16), or that the evaluation unit (18) is externalized as an external evaluation unit, wherein the sensor device (16) is designed to send the detected values ​​of the magnetic field (15) and / or a value derived therefrom to the external evaluation unit.

7. Device (10, 100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a communication module configured and equipped to communicate signals from the sensor device (16) and / or data from the internal evaluation unit, indicating the presence or absence of the locking element (12) in the locking position, to a monitoring device (20).

8. Device (10, 100) according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the evaluation unit (18) and / or the monitoring device (20) is / are designed and configured to capture and jointly evaluate signals from the sensor device (16) and signals from a door closer (21), and to recognize a position of a door leaf and / or to validate the signal from the door closer (21) based on the joint evaluation of the signals from the sensor device (16) and the signals from the door closer (21).

9. Device (10, 100) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by the fact thatThe evaluation unit (18) and / or the monitoring device (20) is / are designed and configured to detect and jointly evaluate a signal from the sensor device (16) indicating the presence of the locking element (12) in the locked position and a signal from a door closer (21) indicating that the door closer (21) is in the open position, and to detect a malfunction of the door closer (21) based on the joint evaluation of the signal from the sensor device (16) and the signal from the door closer (21).

10. Device (10, 100) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by the fact thatThe evaluation unit (18) and / or the monitoring device (20) is / are designed and configured to detect and jointly evaluate a signal from the sensor device (16) indicating the presence of the locking element (12) in the locking position and a signal from a door closer (21) indicating a closed position of the door closer (21), and to recognize a closed position of a door leaf based on the joint evaluation.

11. Device (10, 100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the magnetic field device (14) and the sensor device (16) are arranged on a strike plate insert (22), wherein the strike plate insert (22) can be inserted into an existing locking element receptacle (24) of a door frame (26).

12. Device (10, 100) according to claim 11, characterized by the fact thatthe strike plate insert (22) has at least one holder for receiving the magnetic field device (14) and the sensor device (16).

13. Device (10, 100) according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that the strike plate insert (22) has at least one locking opening (23) for receiving the locking element (12), wherein the at least one holder is arranged on a limiting side (22a, 22b, 22c) of the locking opening (23).

14. Device (10, 100) according to one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a power supply unit (19) for supplying the magnetic field device (14) and / or the sensor device (16) and / or the evaluation unit (18) with electrical energy.

15. Device (10, 100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the magnetic field device (14) and the sensor device (16) are arranged on a circuit board (32), in particular on the same circuit board (32).

16. Lock arrangement comprising a lock with a locking element (12) made of a material that is at least partially magnetic or magnetizable, wherein the lock is intended for arrangement in or on a door leaf, characterized by the fact that the lock arrangement further comprises a device (10, 100) according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the device (10, 100) is provided for arrangement in or on a door frame (26) on a side opposite the lock, or that the device (10, 100) is provided for arrangement in the lock.

17. Lock arrangement according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that the locking element (12) is designed as a latch or bolt.

18. Lock arrangement according to claim 16 or 17, characterized by the fact that the device (10, 100) is arranged at least partially in or on a locking element receptacle (24, 24') of a strike plate (30) or of the lock.

19. Lock arrangement according to claim 18, characterized by the fact that the magnetic field device (14) and the sensor device (16) are arranged together on or at one side of the locking element receptacle (24, 24'), or that the magnetic field device (14) is arranged on or at a first side of the locking element receptacle (24, 24') and the sensor device (16) is arranged on or at a second side of the locking element receptacle (24, 24').

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