Lever cylinder

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic lever cylinder comprising a cylinder housing (2) extending about a longitudinal axis (L), a knob (4) arranged at a first end of the cylinder housing (2), a cylinder core (6) rotatable about the longitudinal axis (L), a driver rotatable about the longitudinal axis (L) and rotationally fixed to the cylinder core, a lever (8) arranged at a second end of the cylinder housing (2) opposite the first end, and a coupling mechanism (10) acting between the driver (6) and the lever (8). The knob (4) is rotatably mounted relative to the cylinder housing (2) about the longitudinal axis (L).The lever cylinder has an activated state in which the knob (4) is rotationally fixed to the driver (6), and a non-activated state in which the knob (4) is not rotationally fixed to the driver (6). Preferably, switching between the activated and non-activated states is possible by means of an electronic actuator. The lever (8) is rotatably arranged between an open position and a closed position about the longitudinal axis (L). The coupling mechanism (10) allows the lever (8) to be rotated from the open position to the closed position by means of a first rotational movement of the driver (6) about the longitudinal axis (L) in a first direction of rotation, and from the closed position to the open position by means of a second rotational movement of the driver (6) about the longitudinal axis (L) in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first.The coupling mechanism (10) has a radially movable gripping element (12) and is configured to prevent a relative rotational movement of the lever (8) relative to the cylinder housing (2) with the aid of the gripping element (12) when the lever (8) is in the closed position, and to prevent a relative rotational movement of the lever (8) relative to the cylinder housing (2) when the lever is in the open position.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to an electronic lever cylinder. Background of the invention

[0002] A lever cylinder is typically a locking cylinder where opening and closing is only possible from one side. Lever cylinders are primarily installed in mailboxes. Instead of a cam, a lever cylinder uses a lever for locking and unlocking.

[0003] An electronic locking cylinder has an electronic actuator and a knob on the outside of the door. A person wishing to lock or unlock the door from the outside requires a transponder that sends a valid authentication signal to an authentication device connected to the actuator. Alternatively, a card, a mobile phone, a PIN code keypad, or any other authentication medium can be used. Once access authorization is verified, the knob is briefly coupled to the cylinder core and the fixed cam, allowing the door to be locked or unlocked from the outside.

[0004] In a knob cylinder, the drive bolt is freely rotatable when uncoupled. However, when installed, the drive bolt is enclosed in a lock case and therefore inaccessible to the user. A lever cylinder is similarly constructed, with its lever also freely rotatable when uncoupled.

[0005] Unlike the drive bar of a lock cylinder installed in the lock case, the lever of a lever cylinder is generally easily accessible through the slot of a mailbox and can therefore be turned relatively easily by hand or with simple tools, without the need for an access medium.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an electronic lever cylinder with improved security features.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the present invention by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, wherein advantageous embodiments of one aspect of the invention are to be regarded as mutually advantageous embodiments of the respective other aspects of the invention. Summary of the invention

[0008] According to the present invention, an electronic lever cylinder is provided, comprising a cylinder housing extending about a longitudinal axis, a knob arranged at a first end of the cylinder housing, a cylinder core rotatable about the longitudinal axis, a driver rotatable about the longitudinal axis and rotatable to the cylinder core in a rotationally fixed manner, a lever arranged at a second end of the cylinder housing opposite the first end, and a coupling mechanism acting between the driver and the lever.

[0009] The knob is preferably mounted to rotate around the longitudinal axis relative to the cylinder housing.

[0010] The electronic lever cylinder preferably has an activated state, in which the knob is rotationally fixed to the driver, and a non-activated state, in which the knob is not rotationally fixed to the driver. Switching between the activated and non-activated states is preferably possible by means of an electronic actuator.

[0011] The lever is arranged to rotate around its longitudinal axis between an open position and a closed position.

[0012] The coupling mechanism allows the lever to be rotated from the open position to the closed position by means of a first rotational movement of the driver around the longitudinal axis in a first direction of rotation, and by means of a second rotational movement of the driver around the longitudinal axis in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation.

[0013] The coupling mechanism preferably has a radially movable gripping element and is configured to prevent relative rotation of the lever relative to the cylinder housing when the lever is in the closed position, and preferably to prevent relative rotation of the lever relative to the cylinder housing when the lever is in the open position.

[0014] The electronic actuator is preferably configured to connect the knob to the drive wheel in a rotationally fixed manner, depending on a valid authentication signal, for example, for a predetermined short duration, such as 1 s, 2 s, 3 s, 4 s, 5 s, 6 s, 7 s, 8 s, 9 s, 10 s, or longer, preferably less than 30 s, preferably less than 15 s. In the inactive state, this rotationally fixed connection is released or held released by the actuator. Therefore, in the inactive state, the drive wheel cannot be rotated by turning the knob. In particular, an authentication device connected to the actuator can be provided, which is configured to receive the valid authentication signal from a transponder, preferably via a radio link. For example, the knob can serve as a space for housing such an authentication device.Preferably, authentication is performed via an active and / or a passive transponder. Preferably, a card (e.g., a Mifare card), an active transponder with an active power supply (battery), a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone), and / or an (external) PIN code keypad, etc., or more generally, an authentication medium, can be provided or used for this purpose.

[0015] The coupling mechanism ensures that the lever cannot be rotated relative to the cylinder housing when the lever is in the closed position (in the non-activated state of the lever cylinder), and preferably also when the lever is in the open position (in the non-activated state). This significantly reduces the risk of the lever being manually or easily rotated out of the closed position without a valid authentication signal. In other words, the coupling mechanism acting between the actuator and the lever prevents the lever from being rotated out of the closed position—or, if necessary, out of multiple closed positions—when a lateral manipulative force or torque is applied to it.

[0016] Thus, increased security can be achieved with the electronic lever cylinder.

[0017] The movable gripping element ensures a mechanically stable and reliable connection between the cylinder housing and the lever. Furthermore, the radial mounting of the gripping element allows the electronic lever cylinder to be designed with a particularly short extension along its longitudinal axis.

[0018] Preferably, the electronic lever cylinder further comprises a lever guide element rotatable about the longitudinal axis and non-rotatably connected to the lever. The lever guide element advantageously transmits a torque acting on the lever into the interior of the cylinder housing. For example, the lever guide element can be elongated, extending along the longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the gripping element is advantageously mounted radially movably on the lever guide element. Thus, a separate bearing component for mounting the gripping element is not required.

[0019] To ensure a rotationally fixed connection between the lever and the lever guide element, the lever may have a non-circular opening encompassing the longitudinal axis, into which the lever guide element engages with a correspondingly shaped non-circular section.

[0020] Preferably, the cylinder housing has a guide surface for guiding the lever guide element, which guides a rotational movement of the lever guide element about the longitudinal axis. Alternatively or additionally, a corresponding guide surface can be formed on a part that is non-rotatably connected to the cylinder housing, for example in the form of a detent ring.

[0021] For example, the guide surface of the cylinder housing can be a circular cylindrical surface extending radially inward with respect to the longitudinal axis and symmetrically around the longitudinal axis. The lever guide element can have a corresponding radially outward-pointing circular cylindrical surface that interacts with the guide surface of the cylinder housing to guide a rotary movement of the lever guide element.

[0022] The lever guide element can have, with respect to its longitudinal axis, a first end region and a second end region opposite the first end region, wherein the first end region comprises the non-circular section for a rotationally fixed connection to the lever, and the second end region comprises the radially outward-facing, circular cylindrical surface for a guided rotary movement relative to the cylinder housing. Accordingly, the first end region is a user-away end region, and the second end region is a user-facing end region.

[0023] Preferably, the gripping element is mounted to be movable radially back and forth between a coupling position and a release position, wherein in the release position the lever can be turned from the open position to the closed position by the driver and in the coupling position the lever cannot be turned from the open position to the closed position by the driver.

[0024] Preferably, the design is such that the lever is in the open position when the gripping element is in the coupling position.

[0025] Preferably, the design is further such that in the coupling position of the gripping element, rotation of the lever guide element relative to the cylinder housing is limited or prevented.

[0026] Preferably, the rotation of the lever guide element relative to the cylinder housing in the coupling position of the gripping element is limited or prevented by a radial engagement of the gripping element in a radial recess formed in the cylinder housing or in a part non-rotatably connected to the cylinder housing, for example in the form of a detent ring.

[0027] Preferably, the gripping element is designed such that it can be elastically compressed along a transverse axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. For example, the gripping element can have a first pin part and a second pin part, both of which are movably mounted relative to each other along the transverse axis, as well as an elastic element acting between the two pin parts, for example in the form of a compression spring, by which the two aforementioned pin parts are forced apart. Furthermore, the design is preferably such that, in the coupling position of the gripping element, the first pin part engages radially in the radial recess of the cylinder housing or of the part non-rotatably connected to the cylinder housing by the action of the elastic element, so that the rotation of the lever guide element relative to the cylinder housing is restricted or prevented.

[0028] Preferably, the cylinder housing or the part non-rotatably connected to the cylinder housing, or the locking ring, has a radially inward-facing sliding surface for the gripping element, along which the first pin part slides during the movement of the lever from the open position to the closed position, such that it is radially biased inwards during this movement. The sliding surface can, in particular, be shaped like a section or sections of a circular cylinder.

[0029] Preferably, the cylinder housing or the part non-rotatably connected to the cylinder housing further has a further radial recess, wherein the gripping element engages radially in a further coupling position by means of a further radial engagement in the further radial recess in such a way that rotation of the lever guide element relative to the cylinder housing is restricted or prevented.

[0030] For example, the design can be such that in the further coupling position of the gripping element, the second pin part of the gripping element engages in the further radial recess of the cylinder housing or of the part that is non-rotatably connected to the cylinder housing through the action of the elastic part, so that the rotation of the lever guide element relative to the cylinder housing is limited or prevented.

[0031] Preferably, the design is further such that the first rotary movement of the driver about the longitudinal axis, by which the lever can be rotated from the open position to the closed position, comprises a first partial rotation and a subsequent second partial rotation, wherein the gripping element is moved from the coupling position to the release position by the first partial rotation and the lever is rotated into the closed position by the second partial rotation. In particular, the first rotary movement can consist of its first partial rotation and its second partial rotation.

[0032] Preferably, the design is further such that the lever is in the closed position when the gripping element is in the further coupling position.

[0033] Preferably, the design is further such that the second rotary movement of the driver about the longitudinal axis, by which the lever can be rotated from the closed position to the open position, comprises a first partial rotation and a subsequent second partial rotation, wherein the first partial rotation moves the gripping element from the further coupling position to a further release position, and the second partial rotation rotates the lever into the open position. In particular, the second rotary movement can consist of its first partial rotation and its second partial rotation.

[0034] Preferably, the electronic lever cylinder further comprises a gripping element guide element rotatable about the longitudinal axis, which is configured to move the gripping element from the coupling position to the release position by rotating it in the first direction of rotation about the longitudinal axis relative to the lever guide element.

[0035] The gripping element guide element can be designed as a section of the driver that is rotationally fixed relative to the rest of the driver. Alternatively, the gripping element guide element can be a separate component coupled to the driver in such a way that rotation of the driver causes rotation of the gripping element guide element. For this purpose, the driver can, for example, have at least one extension extending parallel to the longitudinal axis that engages in a corresponding recess or pocket formed in the gripping element guide element.

[0036] Preferably, the design is such that the rotation of the gripping element guide element in the first direction of rotation comprises an angular range α between 10° and 80°, preferably between 20° and 70°, and more preferably between 30° and 65°, for example between 45° and 55°.

[0037] Preferably, the gripping element guide element has a cam-like recess, and the gripping element has a projection extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and engaging in the cam-like recess, such that when the gripping element guide element rotates in the first direction of rotation, the gripping element is moved from the engaged position to the release position by the projection being guided in the cam-like recess. The rotation of the gripping element guide element in the first direction of rotation can, in particular, be part of the first partial rotation of the first rotary movement of the driver about the longitudinal axis, by which the lever can be rotated from the open position to the closed position.

[0038] Preferably, the gripping element guide element further comprises a further cam-like recess, and the gripping element a further extension extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and engaging in the further cam-like recess, such that during the first partial rotation of the second rotary movement of the driver about the longitudinal axis, by which the lever can be rotated from the closed position to the open position, the gripping element is moved from the further coupling position to the further release position by a guide of the further extension in the further cam-like recess.

[0039] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned below in the figure description and / or shown in the figures alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention. Brief description of the characters

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an electronic lever cylinder according to the present application. Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the electronic lever cylinder from another perspective. Fig. 3 shows one of the Fig. 2 corresponding illustration, with the cylinder housing and knob of the lever cylinder removed. Fig. 4shows a representation of the lever cylinder in the manner of an exploded view (where the cylinder housing is shown cut off). Fig. 5 shows a central area of Fig. 4 closer. Fig. 6 shows one of the Fig. 4 A corresponding representation from another perspective. Fig. 7 shows a central area of Fig. 6 closer. Fig. 8a shows a side view of an end area of ​​the electronic lever cylinder with the cylinder housing removed. Fig. 8b shows a cross-section along the in Fig. 8a designated cutting plane AA normal to the longitudinal axis of the electronic lever cylinder. Fig. 8c shows a perspective view of a gripping element and a locking ring in a form separated from the rest of the electronic lever cylinder. Fig. 9 shows a side view of the electronic lever cylinder with a foreshortened cylinder housing. Figures 10a to 10dEach shows three sectional views perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, specifically along the in Fig. 9 The designated cutting planes are AA (left), BB (center) and CC (right). Figures 11a and 11b as well as Figures 12a to 12d further illustrations of components of the electronic lever cylinder are shown. Detailed description of the figures

[0041] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an electronic lever cylinder according to the present invention. The electronic lever cylinder – also referred to here simply as lever cylinder – has a cylinder housing 2. Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the lever cylinder from another perspective. As in Fig. 2As sketched, the cylinder housing 2 extends along a longitudinal axis L. At a first end of the cylinder housing 2, facing the user, a knob 4 is arranged, which is rotatably mounted relative to the cylinder housing 2 about the longitudinal axis L. At a second end of the cylinder housing 2, opposite the first end and thus facing away from the user, a lever 8 is arranged, which is rotatably mounted between an open position and a closed position about the longitudinal axis L. The open and closed positions of the lever can, as is common practice, be offset by 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis L.

[0042] Fig. 3 shows one of the Fig. 2 The corresponding illustration shows the cylinder housing 2 and knob 4 of the lever cylinder removed. As sketched in this figure, the lever cylinder also has a cylinder core 66 rotatable about the longitudinal axis L, as well as a, for example in Fig. 6The term refers to a driver 6, which is also rotatable about the longitudinal axis L and rotationally fixed to the cylinder core. The driver 6 can be a substantially disk-shaped element, in particular a substantially ring-shaped element whose axis of symmetry coincides with the longitudinal axis L. This is advantageous with regard to the force transmission between the cylinder core 66 and the driver 6. Preferably, the driver 6 has a radial diameter with respect to the longitudinal axis L that is smaller than the diameter of the cylinder core 66. In other words, the driver 6 can be designed such that it is arranged radially inside the cylinder core 66. This is advantageous because it also ensures in a simple and reliable manner that the driver 6 does not interact adversely with an inner wall region of the cylinder housing 2. The driver 6 can be considered part of the cylinder core 66.Alternatively, it can be considered a separate component. In this case, the lever cylinder has an activated state, in which the knob 4 is rotationally fixed to the driver 6, and a non-activated state, in which the knob 4 is not rotationally fixed to the driver 6. Switching between the activated and non-activated states is possible using an electronic actuator.

[0043] Fig. 4 shows a representation of the lever cylinder in the manner of an exploded view (where the cylinder housing is shown shortened or cut off). Fig. 5 shows a central area of Fig. 4 closer.

[0044] As outlined, the lever cylinder further comprises a coupling mechanism 10 acting between the driver 6 and the lever 8. This coupling mechanism allows the lever 8 to be rotated from the open position to the closed position by means of a first rotational movement of the driver 6 about the longitudinal axis L in a first direction of rotation. A second rotational movement of the driver 6 about the longitudinal axis L in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first allows the lever 8 to be rotated from the closed position to the open position.

[0045] The coupling mechanism 10 has at least one radially movable gripping element 12. The coupling mechanism 10 is configured to prevent, with the aid of the gripping element 12, a relative rotational movement of the lever 8 relative to the cylinder housing 2 when the lever 8 is in the closed position, and preferably also to prevent a relative rotational movement of the lever 8 relative to the cylinder housing 2 when the lever is in the open position.

[0046] In the embodiment shown here, the lever cylinder also has a lever guide element 14 that is rotatable about the longitudinal axis L.

[0047] The lever guide element 14 is connected to the lever 8 in a rotationally fixed manner. For this purpose, the lever guide element 14 can have a non-circular section in cross-section normal to the longitudinal axis L at an end region opposite the knob 4, which engages in a rotationally fixed manner in a correspondingly shaped non-circular opening of the lever 8 such that a positive locking is formed, thereby establishing the rotationally fixed connection between the lever guide element 14 and the lever 8.

[0048] Fig. 6 shows one of the Fig. 4 A corresponding representation from another perspective. Fig. 7 shows a central area of Fig. 6 closer.

[0049] To guide a rotary movement of the lever guide element 14 about the longitudinal axis L, the cylinder housing 2 can have a circular cylindrical guide surface, in particular radially inwardly directed (in the Figures 4 to 7(not shown) and the lever guide element 14 has a guide surface 148 that interacts with it accordingly. The guide surface 148 of the lever guide element 14 can, in particular, be a radially outwardly projecting, circular cylindrical surface. Alternatively or additionally, the lever cylinder, as in the example shown here, can have a separate component, for example in the form of a detent ring 18, which is one of the Fig. 5 The lever guide element 14 has a radially inwardly directed guide surface 182 for further guiding the rotation about the longitudinal axis L. The lever guide element 14 can have two corresponding guide surfaces. Fig. 7The guide surfaces 142, 144 are configured such that the interaction of the guide surface 182 of the locking ring 18 with the two guide surfaces 142, 144 of the lever guide element 14 results in a rotational movement of the lever guide element 14 about the longitudinal axis L. The locking ring 18 accordingly overlaps the lever guide element 14 in the area of ​​its guide surfaces 142, 144. The guide surfaces 142, 144 can be positioned opposite each other with respect to the longitudinal axis L, and in particular, symmetrically.

[0050] The gripping element 12 is radially movably mounted on the lever guide element 14. For this purpose, the lever guide element 14 has a bearing surface at its end region facing the knob 4, by means of which the gripping element 12 is radially movably mounted on the lever guide element 14. Fig. 5A corresponding transverse axis R, oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, is sketched, along which the gripping element 12 is radially movably mounted. This transverse axis R is accordingly fixed relative to the lever guide element 14, i.e., when the lever guide element 14 rotates about the longitudinal axis L, the transverse axis R rotates accordingly.

[0051] The bearing surface for guiding the gripping element 14 can be, in particular, elongated and channel-like, extending along the transverse axis R. The bearing surface terminates at two radially opposite openings, which are preferably formed on the two guide surfaces 142, 144 of the lever guide element 14.

[0052] The gripping element 12 is mounted to move radially back and forth between a coupling position and a release position. In the coupling position, the gripping element 12 establishes a coupling between the lever guide element 14 and the cylinder housing 2 or the locking ring 18, which is rotationally fixed to the cylinder housing 2, so that rotation of the lever guide element 14 relative to the cylinder housing 2 is limited or at least prevented. In the release position, the lever guide element 14 can rotate relative to the cylinder housing 2 or the locking ring 18.

[0053] When the gripping element 12 is in the coupling position, the lever 8 is in the open position. Therefore, in the coupling position of the gripping element 12, the lever 8 cannot be rotated from the open position to the closed position by the driver 6. However, when the gripping element 12 is in the release position, the lever 8 can be rotated from the open position to the closed position by the driver 6.

[0054] A rotation of the lever guide element 14 relative to the cylinder housing 2 in the coupling position of the gripping element 12 is in particular limited or prevented by a radial engagement of the gripping element 12 in a radial recess 16 which is formed in the cylinder housing or in the locking ring 18.

[0055] In the example shown, the gripping element 12 is designed such that it can be elastically compressed along the transverse axis R. For this purpose, the gripping element 12 has a [missing information - likely a specific feature or characteristic]. Fig. 5 The first pin part 12' and a second pin part 12" are designated. These two pin parts 12', 12" are movable relative to each other along the transverse axis R. Furthermore, the gripping element 12 has an elastic part, for example in the form of a compression spring 12‴, acting between the two pin parts, by which the two aforementioned pin parts 12', 12" are pushed apart, i.e., away from each other.

[0056] The design is such that in the coupling position of the gripping element 12 the first pin part 12' engages in the radial recess 16 of the locking ring 18 by the action of the elastic part 12‴, so that the rotation of the lever guide element 14 relative to the cylinder housing 2 is limited or prevented.

[0057] In the example shown, the locking ring 18 also has a further radial recess 17, wherein the gripping element 12, in a further coupling position, engages radially in this further radial recess 17 in such a way that rotation of the lever guide element 14 relative to the cylinder housing 2 is again restricted or prevented. In this further coupling position of the gripping element 12, the second pin part 12" engages in the further radial recess 17 of the locking ring 18 by the action of the elastic part 12‴, so that rotation of the lever guide element 14 relative to the cylinder housing 2 is again restricted or prevented.

[0058] The first rotational movement of the driver 6 about the longitudinal axis L, which rotates the lever 8 from the open position to the closed position, comprises a first partial rotation and a subsequent second partial rotation. The first partial rotation moves the gripping element 12 from the coupling position to the release position, and the second partial rotation rotates the lever 8 into the closed position.

[0059] When the gripping element 12 is in the further coupling position, the lever 8 is in the closing position.

[0060] Similarly, the second rotational movement of the driver 6 about the longitudinal axis L, by which the lever can be rotated from the closed position to the open position, comprises a first partial rotation and a subsequent second partial rotation. The first partial rotation moves the gripping element 12 from the further coupling position to a further release position, and the second partial rotation rotates the lever 8 into the open position.

[0061] Fig. 8a shows a side view of an end area of ​​the lever cylinder with the cylinder housing removed. Fig. 8b shows a cross-section along the in Fig. 8a designated cutting plane AA normal to the longitudinal axis L. In Fig. 8b The lever guide element 14 with its two guide surfaces 142, 144 can thus be seen, which interact with the guide surface 182 of the detent ring 18 to guide the rotary movement of the lever guide element 14 about the longitudinal axis L. As further shown, Fig. 8bAs can be seen, the centers of the two radial recesses 16, 17 can be separated from each other by an angular range β, which is, for example, between 70° and 110°, preferably between 80° and 100°, for example 90°. As further described in the Fig. 8b As shown, both pin parts 12', 12" of the gripping element 12 are guided within the lever guide element 14 and can only move along the transverse axis R. The compression spring 12‴ between the two pin parts 12', 12" holds these pin parts in place – as shown in Fig. 8c shown - pressed from the inside against the guide surface 182 of the locking ring 18, unless one of the two pin parts 12', 12" engages in one of the two recesses 16, 17.

[0062] When the lever guide element 14 is rotated within the detent ring 18 in the uncoupled or unlocked state, exactly one of the two pin parts 12', 12" can engage in one of the two recesses 16, 17 of the detent ring 18 at two specific angular positions, and further rotation of the lever guide element 14 relative to the detent ring 18 and thus relative to the cylinder housing 2 is no longer possible. Fig. 8c Figure 1 shows the gripping element 12 and the locking ring 18 in separate form. The two pin parts 12', 12" of the gripping element 12 are guided by the lever guide element 14 so that they can only move along the transverse axis R. The compression spring 12‴ presses the two pin parts 12', 12" from the inside against the guide surface 182 of the locking ring 18, or, depending on the angular position, the first pin part 12' into the recess 16 or the second pin part 12" into the further recess 17.

[0063] As can be seen, the guide surface 182 of the locking ring 18, viewed in the circumferential direction, is not only interrupted by the radial recess 16 and the further radial recess 17, but also by two radially inwardly protruding stop areas 184, 186, which are designed to limit a rotational movement of the lever guide element 14 relative to the locking ring 18.

[0064] Furthermore, the lever cylinder indicates, for example, in the Figures 4 to 7 The gripping element guide element 20, which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis L, is located on the lever 8. With respect to the transverse axis R, the gripping element guide element 20 is arranged opposite the lever 8.

[0065] To guide a rotation of the gripping element guide element 20 about the longitudinal axis L, the lever guide element 14 can have a radially inwardly pointing, in particular circular cylindrical guide surface 147, which for this purpose interacts with a corresponding, radially outwardly pointing, in particular circular cylindrical guide surface 27 of the gripping element guide element 20.

[0066] The gripping element guide element 20 is configured to move the gripping element 12 from the coupling position to the release position by rotating it about the longitudinal axis L in the first direction of rotation relative to the lever guide element 14. For this purpose, the gripping element guide element 20 has a corresponding rotational clearance relative to the lever guide element 14, which can be approximately 50°, for example.

[0067] The gripping element guide element 20 has a cam-like recess 22, and the gripping element 12 has a pin-shaped extension 122 extending parallel to or along the longitudinal axis L and engaging in the cam-like recess 22, such that when the gripping element guide element 20 rotates to move the gripping element 12 radially inward from the coupling position to the release position, the gripping element 12 is moved from the coupling position to the release position by the guidance of the extension 122 in the cam-like recess 22. In other words, the extension 122 of the gripping element 12, which engages the first pin part 12', is positively guided by the cam-like recess 22.

[0068] Similarly, the gripping element guide element 20 is configured to move the gripping element 12 from the further coupling position to the further release position by means of a further rotation about the longitudinal axis L in the second direction of rotation relative to the lever guide element 14.

[0069] Accordingly, the gripping element guide element 20 has a further cam-like recess 23 and the gripping element 12 has a further extension 123 extending parallel to or along the longitudinal axis L and engaging in the further cam-like recess 23, such that during the further rotation of the gripping element guide element 20 to move the gripping element 12 from the further coupling position to the further release position, the gripping element 12 is moved radially inwards from the further coupling position to the further release position by a guide of the further extension 123 in the further cam-like recess 23.

[0070] The rotation of the gripper guide element 20 in the first direction of rotation for moving the gripper element 12 from the coupling position to the release position encompasses an angular range α, which is, for example, between 30° and 65°, preferably between 45° and 55°, i.e., for example, 50°. This angular range α preferably corresponds to the rotational play mentioned above. The same applies to the further rotation of the gripper guide element 20 in the second direction of rotation for moving the gripper element 12 from the further coupling position to the further release position.

[0071] The gripping element guide element 20 is rotationally fixed to the driver 6. The gripping element guide element 20 can be formed as a separate component, as in the example shown. Alternatively, the gripping element guide element 20 can be designed as a section of the driver 6.

[0072] Accordingly, the extensions 122, 123 dip into the stage-like recesses 22, 23 of the gripping element guide element 20 and, through the approximately 50° rotational play between the gripping element guide element 20 and the lever guide element 14, a corresponding movement along the transverse axis R can be forced upon the pin parts 12', 12" by the extensions 122, 123 of the pin parts 12', 12" having to follow correspondingly shaped wall areas of the stage-like recesses 22, 23. This causes the locking or coupling pin part 12' or 12" to be pulled radially inwards out of the respective recess 16 or 17 of the locking ring 18, and a rotation of the lever guide element 14 is now possible to the next locking position, in particular offset by 90°, in which the correspondingly different pin part 12" or 12' can snap into the correspondingly different recess 17 or 16 of the locking ring 18.

[0073] Accordingly, during the first partial rotation of the first rotary movement of the driver 6, the gripping element 12 is moved from the coupling position to the release position via the aforementioned rotation of the gripping element guide element 20 in the first direction of rotation. Similarly, during the first partial rotation of the second rotary movement of the driver 6, the gripping element 12 is moved from the further coupling position to the further release position via the aforementioned rotation of the gripping element guide element 20 in the second direction of rotation.

[0074] The lever guide element 14 also has a, in Fig. 5 The shoulder surface 146, which is formed in the circumferential direction, is designated. The gripping element guide element 20 has a radially projecting driver 28. The shoulder surface 146 and the driver 28 are designed such that, during the second partial rotation of the first rotary movement of the driver 6, the lever guide element 14 is rotated by the gripping element guide element 20.

[0075] Similarly, the lever guide element 14 also has a further shoulder surface 146' which is formed in the circumferential direction. The further shoulder surface 146' and the driver 28 are designed such that during the second partial rotation of the second rotary movement of the driver 6, the lever guide element 14 is rotated by the gripping element guide element 20.

[0076] The two shoulder surfaces 146, 146' and the driver 28 are preferably designed such that they limit the rotational play of the gripping element guide element 20 relative to the lever guide element 14.

[0077] In principle, the cam-like recess 22 can be shaped such that, during the second partial rotation of the first rotary movement of the driver 6, the lever guide element 14 is directly actuated by the interaction between the extension 122 of the gripping element 12 and the cam-like recess 22. However, it is mechanically more advantageous if the corresponding torque transmission occurs via the driver 28 and the shoulder surface 146 of the lever guide element 14. The same applies to the further cam-like recess 23 during the second partial rotation of the second rotary movement of the driver 6.

[0078] Fig. 9 shows a side view of the lever cylinder. Figures 10a to 10d Each shows three sectional views perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, specifically along the in Fig. 9The section planes are designated AA (left), BB (center), and CC (right). Section AA passes through the locking ring 18 such that it penetrates the radial recess 16 and the further radial recess 17. Section BB passes through the lever guide element 14 and the extensions 122, 123 of the gripping element 12; section CC passes through the gripping element guide element 20.

[0079] The Fig. 10aFigure AA shows the state in which the gripping element 12 is in the coupling position. Accordingly, the gripping element 12 engages radially with its first pin part 12' in the radial recess 16 of the locking ring 18, as can be seen in section AA. The lever 8 shown in section BB is in the open position. The extension 122 of the gripping element 12 engages in the cam-like recess 22, the recess 22 being shaped such that the extension 122, and thus the first pin part 12', is in a radially outer position. The extension 122 is essentially free relative to the recess 22. As can be seen in section CC, the gripping element guide element 20 is in a rotational position in which the driver 28 rests against the shoulder surface 146 of the lever guide element 14. This results in, starting from the position shown in section BB, the following: Fig. 10aIn the shown state, a rotational movement of the gripping element guide element 20 relative to the lever guide element 14 is only possible in one direction of rotation, here in the first direction of rotation.

[0080] Furthermore, on average BB is the Fig. 10a the aforementioned radially inwardly directed guide surface 21 of the cylinder housing 2 for guiding a rotary movement of the lever guide element 14.

[0081] Based on the one in Fig. 10a In the state shown, the driver 6 and thus the gripping element guide element 20, which is non-rotatably connected to the driver 6, can be rotated in the first direction of rotation, as indicated by the thick arrow in section CC of the Fig. 10aAs indicated, the cylinder housing 2 is assumed to be fixed in position for the purposes of an installation situation. As long as the gripping element 12 is in the coupling position, the lever guide element 14 is also fixed in its rotational position. Therefore, by rotating the gripping element guide element 20 in the first direction of rotation, the extension 122 of the gripping element 12 is positively guided radially inwards by the rotational movement of the cam-like recess 22, thus moving the gripping element 12 from the coupling position to the release position. Fig. 10bSection AA shows the state after reaching the release position. As can be seen in section AA, the extension 122, and thus the first pin part 12', has retracted radially inwards, so that the latter no longer engages in the radial recess 22 of the locking ring 18. Section BB shows the shape of the cam-like recess 22 and the position of the extension 122. As can be seen in section CC, the gripping element guide element 20 is now in a rotational position in which the driver 28 rests against the further shoulder surface 146' of the lever guide element 14. Section CC also shows the angle α by which the gripping element guide element 20 has rotated. This rotation therefore represents the first partial rotation of the first rotational movement of the driver 6.

[0082] As the driver 6 and thus the gripping element guide element 20 continue to rotate in the first direction of rotation, this rotation is transferred from the driver 28 of the gripping element guide element 20 to the shoulder surface 146 of the lever guide element 14, so that the lever guide element 14 and with it the lever 8 continue to rotate accordingly. As in Fig. 10c As indicated by a thick double arrow, the gripping element guide element 20 can be freely rotated back and forth within a certain angular range because both the first pin element 12' and the second pin element 12", as can be seen in section AA, are pressed from the inside against the radially inwardly directed guide surface 182 of the locking ring 18, so that the gripping element 12 cannot engage in either of the two radial recesses 16, 17 and thus cannot assume either the coupling position or the further coupling position.

[0083] However, if - starting from the one in Fig. 10bIn the depicted state – where the driver 6 and thus the gripping element guide element 20 is rotated further in the first direction of rotation by a certain additional angular range, in particular 90° – the gripping element 12, now with its second pin element 12", finally engages in the further radial recess 17 and the further coupling position is assumed. This state is shown in Fig. 10d This further rotation thus represents the second partial rotation of the first rotary movement of the driver 6. The additional angular range swept through here can, for example, correspond to approximately or exactly 90°. The lever 8 is rotated further by this angular range, so that the typical 90° offset between the open and closed positions of the lever 8 is achieved.

[0084] The reverse rotation occurs in a completely analogous manner. Accordingly, the first partial rotation of the second rotary movement of the driver 6 in the second direction of rotation first moves the gripping element 12 from the further coupling position to the further release position, and then the second partial rotation moves the lever 8 from the closed position to the open position.

[0085] Fig. 11a Figure 1 shows a perspective view of components of the lever cylinder with the cylinder housing removed. Visible are the gripping element guide element 20, which engages with a 50° rotational play in the lever guide element 14, and the detent ring 18. Its recesses 22 and 23 are not visible here due to the viewing angle.

[0086] Fig. 11bFigure 1 shows the lever guide element 14, the gripping element guide element 20, and the locking ring 18. For a rotationally fixed connection between the locking ring 18 and the cylinder housing 2, at least one pin-like connecting part 182 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis L can be provided, which is connected to the locking ring 18 on one side and, as for example in Figure 2, Fig. 5 indicated, with the cylinder housing 2.

[0087] Fig. 12a Figure 1 shows a side view of the lever cylinder with the cylinder housing removed. A section AA through the lever guide element 14, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, is marked.

[0088] Fig. 12b A corresponding perspective view is shown. Among other things, the gripping element guide element 20 can be seen. This can have two pockets 209, into which the corresponding, in Fig. 7The designated extensions 69 of the driver 6 engage for a rotationally fixed coupling. As shown above, the diameter of the driver 6 is preferably slightly smaller than that of the cylindrical core 66 in order to allow the driver 6 to rotate about the longitudinal axis L with as little friction as possible.

[0089] Fig. 12c shows the in Fig. 12a designated section AA and Fig. 12d the in Fig. 12c Detail B is shown. The two projections 122, 123, which engage in the cam-like recesses 22, 23, are visible. Also visible are the wall sections that form the cams along which the projections 122, 123 can slide, thereby forcing the described movements of the two pin parts 12', 12" within the lever guide element 14. This pulls the corresponding locking or coupling pin element radially inwards out of the corresponding recess of the detent ring 18, thereby unlocking the lever 8.

Claims

1. Electronic lever cylinder comprising: - a cylinder housing (2) extending about a longitudinal axis (L), - a knob (4) arranged at a first end of the cylinder housing (2) which is rotatably mounted relative to the cylinder housing (2) about the longitudinal axis (L), a cylinder core (66) rotatable about the longitudinal axis (L) and a driver (6) rotatable about the longitudinal axis (L) and rotatable with the cylinder core in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein the lever cylinder has an activated state in which the knob (4) is rotationally fixed to the driver (6) and a non-activated state in which the knob (4) is not rotationally fixed to the driver (6), wherein it is preferably possible to switch back and forth between the activated state and the non-activated state by means of an electronic actuator, - a lever (8) arranged at a second end of the cylinder housing (2) opposite the first end,which is rotatably arranged about the longitudinal axis (L) between an open position and a closed position, and a coupling mechanism (10) acting between the driver (6) and the lever (8), by means of which, via a first rotational movement of the driver (6) about the longitudinal axis (L) in a first direction of rotation, the lever (8) can be rotated from the open position to the closed position, and via a second rotational movement of the driver (6) about the longitudinal axis (L) in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation, the lever (8) can be rotated from the closed position to the open position, wherein the coupling mechanism (10) has a radially movable gripping element (12) and is configured to prevent, by means of the gripping element (12), a relative rotational movement of the lever (8) with respect to the cylinder housing (2) when the lever (8) is in the closed position,and preferably to prevent a relative rotational movement of the lever (8) with respect to the cylinder housing (2) when the lever is in the open position.

2. Electronic lever cylinder according to claim 1, further comprising a lever guide element (14) rotatable about the longitudinal axis (L) which is connected to the lever (8) in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein the gripping element (12) is mounted radially movable on the lever guide element (14), wherein preferably the cylinder housing (2) has a guide surface (21) for guiding the lever guide element (14), by which a rotational movement of the lever guide element (14) about the longitudinal axis (L) is guided.

3. Electronic lever cylinder according to one of the preceding claims, in which the gripping element (12) is radially movably mounted between a coupling position and a release position, wherein in the release position the lever (8) can be rotated from the open position to the closed position by the driver (6) and as long as the gripping element (12) is in the coupling position, the lever (8) cannot be rotated from the open position to the closed position by the driver (6), wherein preferably the lever (8) is in the open position when the gripping element (12) is in the coupling position.

4. Electronic lever cylinder according to claim 3, with the features mentioned in claim 2, wherein in the coupling position of the gripping element (12) a rotation of the lever guide element (14) relative to the cylinder housing (2) is restricted or prevented.

5. Electronic lever cylinder according to claim 4, in which the rotation of the lever guide element (14) relative to the cylinder housing (2) in the coupling position of the gripping element (12) is limited or prevented by a radial engagement of the gripping element (12) in a radial recess (16) which is formed in the cylinder housing (2) or in a part non-rotatably connected to the cylinder housing (2), for example in the form of a locking ring (18).

6. Electronic lever cylinder according to claim 5, in which the cylinder housing (2) or the part (18) connected to the cylinder housing (2) in a rotationally fixed manner further comprises a further radial recess (17), and the gripping element (12) engages radially in a further coupling position by a further radial engagement in the further radial recess (17) in such a way that rotation of the lever guide element (14) relative to the cylinder housing (2) is restricted or prevented.

7. Electronic lever cylinder according to one of the preceding claims, with the features mentioned in claim 3, wherein the first rotary movement of the driver (6) about the longitudinal axis (L), by which the lever (8) can be rotated from the open position to the closed position, comprises a first partial rotation and a subsequent second partial rotation, wherein the gripping element (12) is moved from the coupling position to the release position by the first partial rotation and the lever (8) is rotated into the closed position by the second partial rotation.

8. Electronic lever cylinder according to one of the preceding claims, with the features mentioned in claim 6, wherein the lever (8) is in the closed position when the gripping element (12) is in the further coupling position.

9. Electronic lever cylinder according to one of the preceding claims, with the features mentioned in claim 6, wherein the second rotary movement of the driver (6) about the longitudinal axis (L), by which the lever (8) can be rotated from the closed position to the open position, comprises a first partial rotation and a subsequent second partial rotation, wherein the first partial rotation moves the gripping element (12) from the further coupling position to a further release position and the second partial rotation rotates the lever (8) into the open position.

10. Electronic lever cylinder according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the features mentioned in claim 4, further comprising a gripping element guide element (20) rotatable about the longitudinal axis (L), which is configured to move the gripping element (12) from the coupling position to the release position by rotating it in the first direction of rotation about the longitudinal axis (L) relative to the lever guide element (14).

11. Electronic lever cylinder according to claim 10, wherein the rotation of the gripping element guide element (20) in the first direction of rotation comprises an angular range (α) between 10° and 80°, preferably between 20° and 70°, further preferably between 30° and 65°, for example between 45° and 55°.

12. Electronic lever cylinder according to one of claims 10 to 11, preferably also with the features mentioned in claim 9, in which the gripping element guide element (20) has a cam-like recess (22), and the gripping element (12) has a projection (122) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) and engaging in the cam-like recess (22), such that when the gripping element guide element (20) is rotated in the first direction of rotation, in particular during the first partial rotation of the first rotary movement of the driver (6) about the longitudinal axis (L), by which the lever (8) can be rotated from the open position to the closed position, the gripping element (12) is moved from the coupling position to the release position by a guidance of the projection (122) in the cam-like recess (22).

13. Electronic lever cylinder according to one of claims 10 to 12, with the features mentioned in claim 11, wherein the gripping element guide element (20) further comprises a further cam-like recess (23), and the gripping element (12) has a further extension (123) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) and engaging in the further cam-like recess (23), such that during the first partial rotation of the second rotary movement of the driver (6) about the longitudinal axis (L), by which the lever (8) can be rotated from the closed position to the open position, the gripping element (12) is moved from the further coupling position to the further release position by a guidance of the further extension (123) in the further cam-like recess (23).

14. Electronic lever cylinder according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic actuator is configured to connect the knob (4) to the driver (6) in a rotationally fixed manner depending on a valid authentication signal and to release the rotationally fixed connection via the actuator in the non-activated state.

15. Electronic lever cylinder according to claim 14, wherein an authentication device connected to the actuator is configured to receive the valid authentication signal from a transponder, preferably via a radio link.

Images