Electronic lock cylinder including a motorized electric unit and a power and control unit

Abstract

Electronic cylinder for a lock comprising an eccentric, a first and a second knob longitudinally opposed to this eccentric, and with the first knob being fixed to the eccentric so as to be locked to rotation relative to an axis (XI ), and with the second knob having a first end facing the eccentric on which a housing is made parallel to the axis; the cylinder further comprising a shuttle disposed between the first and the second knob, the shuttle including a tooth engaged in the housing so that the shuttle and the second knob are locked to rotation relative to the axis (XI ), and the shuttle extending longitudinally towards the first knob defining a first longitudinal cavity facing the second knob in which a first spring is housed; and the cylinder further comprising a motorized electric unit on board the first knob, the electric unit including an insert extending longitudinally through the eccentric and having a shoulder longitudinally interposed between the first spring and the second knob, with which the first spring is in contact so that the insert is movable longitudinally between a first position in which it more strongly compresses the first spring so as to generate a force that moves the shuttle and causes a form-fitting engagement of the shuttle in the eccentric, locking the first and second knobs to rotation relative to the axis when the shuttle is housed in a circumferential pocket of the eccentric, and a second position in which the insert is displaced to release the first spring in order to facilitate the disengagement of the shuttle from the eccentric.

Description

[0001] "Electronic cylinder for lock comprising a motorized electrical unit and a power and control unit"

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention concerns the field of electronic cylinders for locks , speci fically an electronic cylinder for locks comprising a motori zed electrical unit and a power and control unit electrically connected to the motori zed electrical unit , configured to lock and unlock the opening of a door, window, etc . , in which the cylinder is installed .

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] In the field of electronic cylinders for locks , there are common solutions that include a first and a second knob, which, in use , are positioned in a longitudinally opposed manner relative to the door, window, etc . , where the cylinder is mounted, e . g . , respectively towards the inside of a dwelling and towards the outside , such as on the landing side . Speci fically, the currently available electronic cylinders in the market have a structural configuration in which the first knob is positioned on the dwelling side so that it is permanently locked to rotation on an eccentric mounted on the cylinder, configured to actuate a movable pin to lock and unlock the door lock when the first knob is operated . In this way, it is possible to lock and unlock the door from within the dwelling . The second knob, positioned externally to the dwelling, e . g . , on the landing side , is configured to be disconnected from the eccentric so that it spins freely when a user attempts to open the door by rotating the second knob . Therefore , to enable opening the door from outside the dwelling, current solutions generally include an electrical actuation mechanism mounted on the cylinder, configured to connect the second knob to the eccentric, allowing rotation to open the door from outside the dwelling . For example , an onboard electronic control unit may be connected in data exchange with a portable electronic device , such as a smartphone , which can actuate the electrical actuation mechanism . However, currently available solutions on the market involve complex structural configurations requiring a high number of mechanical components on the cylinder, resulting in high production costs and reduced reliability .

[0007] There is thus a signi ficant need to develop simple and compact solutions to reduce production costs while also providing greater reliability and reducing energy consumption to minimi ze maintenance interventions , such as replacing the power batteries of the electrical actuation mechanism .

[0008] OBJECTIVE AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The obj ective of the present invention is to address , at least in part , the aforementioned needs . This obj ective is achieved by an electronic cylinder for a lock as defined in claim 1 .

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an electronic cyl inder for a lock is presented with a simple and compact structural configuration that does not require the use of mechanical keys to lock or unlock a door . In particular, the operation of this electronic cylinder can be controlled remotely, e . g . , through a smartphone via a dedicated application or a wireless connection protocol , such as Bluetooth . To achieve this result , the electronic cylinder comprises an eccentric configured to actuate , for example , a movable pin onboard the lock suitable for locking or unlocking the opening of a door , window, etc . , where the cylinder is installed . Additionally, this cylinder includes a first and a second knob arranged longitudinally opposed relative to this eccentric, and positioned at least partially within a stator mounted in use in a lock housing formed within the door . According to one aspect of the present invention, the first knob is linked to the eccentric in such a way that it is rotationally locked along an axis XI , for example , by means of a threaded connection . For this reason, the first knob is positioned in use towards the ins ide of a dwelling, of fice , etc . , so that the door can always be locked and unlocked by rotating this first knob from inside the dwelling . The second knob, however, is located externally to the dwelling, e . g . , on the landing side , and is configured to have an end facing the eccentric on which a housing is made parallel to axis XI . Additionally, the cylinder includes a shuttle positioned between the first and second knobs , which has a tooth engaged in the housing so that this shuttle and the second knob are rotational ly locked with respect to axis XI . Therefore , in this structural configuration, since it is not locked to the eccentric in rotation, the second knob rotates freely when manipulated by a user, meaning a user cannot actuate the cylinder into a locked or unlocked configuration of the door opening through manipulation of the second knob .

[0011] Moreover, the shuttle extends longitudinally toward the first knob, for example , through a through-hole made in the eccentric, defining a longitudinal cavity facing the second knob in which a first spring is housed . According to an aspect of the present invention, this spring is used to rotationally lock the second knob to the eccentric to allow the door where the cylinder is installed to be locked or unlocked from outside the dwelling as well . To accomplish this , the cylinder also includes a motori zed electrical unit onboard the first knob, comprising an insert extending longitudinally through the eccentric toward the second knob . In particular, this motori zed electrical unit includes an electric motor, preferably connected at the output to a gear reducer, which is in turn connected to the insert so that rotation of the motor causes translation of the insert , e . g . , by means of a screw-nut connection, e . g . , the electric motor has a threaded end engaged within a threaded hole made on the insert .

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, the insert has a shoulder longitudinal ly interposed between the first and second knobs, which is in contact with the first spring. In this way, the first spring is longitudinally supported on one side by the bottom surface of the shuttle's cavity and on the other by the shoulder. Therefore, by actuating the electric motor, the insert is movable longitudinally between a first position in which it further compresses the first spring to generate a force that moves the shuttle and causes a shape coupling of the shuttle with the eccentric. When this occurs, a portion of the shuttle is engaged within a circumferential pocket of the eccentric, thereby locking both the first and second knobs in rotation relative to axis XI. This pocket is formed on a portion of the eccentric, particularly along a circular sector, to define two circumferential stops capable of housing the shuttle, preferably the tooth of the shuttle, with circumferential play. Additionally, the shuttle is movable to a second position, in which the insert is translated to release the first spring, facilitating disengagement of the shuttle from the eccentric. For example, the second position can be reached by reversing the rotation direction of the electric motor. Furthermore, to power and actuate the electric motor, the cylinder includes a power and control unit positioned onboard the first knob, e.g., on a grip portion of this first knob, comprising an electronic control unit, e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB) , programmed to actuate the electric motor based on a wireless signal received remotely, e.g., via a smartphone or a wireless connection protocol, e.g., Bluetooth.

[0013] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The structural and functional characteristics of the electronic cylinder for locks can be better understood from the detailed description that follows, in which reference is made to the attached figures illustrating a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, where:

[0014] - Fig.l shows a perspective view of the electronic cylinder according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] - Fig.2 shows a sectional view of the electronic cylinder of Fig.l;

[0016] - Figs. 2a-2c show detailed views of the eccentric of the electronic cylinder of Fig.l;

[0017] - Fig.3 shows an exploded view of the power and control unit mountable on the electronic cylinder of Fig.l;

[0018] - Fig.4 shows an exploded perspective view of the electronic cylinder of Fig.l;

[0019] - Fig.5 shows an exploded perspective view of the motorized electrical unit of Fig.l.

[0020] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Fig.l shows a perspective view of an electronic cylinder S for doors, windows, etc., that can be actuated electronically to lock or release the opening of the door, window, etc., in which it is installed. Fig.2, instead, shows a sectional view of this electronic cylinder S, where the components used to construct the cylinder can be identified in greater detail. Specifically, this cylinder includes a body 1 extending parallel to an axis XI, with this body being constructed by the rigid connection of a first and a second stator la, lb, which are longitudinally hollow parallel to axis XI . Speci fically, to create the connection between the first and second stators , the body 1 further includes a j oining element 1c interposed longitudinally between the first and second stators , axially spacing them to define an axial space between these first and second stators . Additionally, the electronic cylinder includes a first knob 2 with a profile portion extending longitudinally within the body 1 , speci fically within the first stator la, so as to have a longitudinal end 3 that proj ects at least partially into the axial space between the first and second stators . Furthermore , the electronic cylinder includes an eccentric 4 with a first and a second seat 4a, 4b positioned longitudinally opposed to each other and connected through a first hole 5 , where this first seat is rigidly fixed to the first longitudinal end 3 of the first knob such that the eccentric 4 and the first knob 2 are locked in rotation with respect to axis XI , e . g . , through a threaded connection . Speci fically, when the electronic cylinder is in operation, the eccentric 4 is rotated to lock or release the opening of the door, window, etc . , where the cylinder is installed . To accomplish this , the eccentric 4 is rotated, e . g . , by rotating the first knob, to actuate one or more movable pins configured to extend from the door, window, etc . , engaging with the frame when it is desired to lock the opening, or to retract disengaging from the frame when it is desired to unlock the opening of the door, window, etc . As can be understood, since the eccentric 4 is stably locked in rotation with the first knob 2, so that, for example, the opening of a door can always be locked or released by rotating the first knob 2, this knob is positioned in use on the side of the environment that a user intends to protect, e.g., a residence, an office, etc. To open a door, window, etc., from an environment external to the one a user wishes to protect, the electronic cylinder includes a second knob 6 containing a rotor 7 that extends longitudinally within the body 1, specifically within the second stator lb, so as to have a second longitudinal end 8 that projects at least partially into the axial space between the first and second stators, facing the second seat 4b of the eccentric. Furthermore, this second knob 6 includes a grip portion 9 that is longitudinally hollow, defining a blind hole 10 in which a longitudinal portion 7a of the rotor 7, extending outside the second stator lb, is rigidly fixed so that a user can rotate the second knob, for example, to lock or unlock the opening of the door in which the cylinder is installed. Preferably, to secure the grip portion 9 to the rotor 7, this grip portion may have a hole 11 made transversely in the longitudinal portion 7a so that a locking element (not shown in the figure) can be inserted into this hole 11, securing the grip portion and rotor by interference. Furthermore, to prevent axial movement parallel to axis XI of the first and second knobs 2, 6, holes 12, 13 are made in the first and second stators la, lb, in which pins are inserted, each having a longitudinal end that projects at least partially inside the longitudinal cavity in which the first and second knobs are at least partially housed. Moreover, the longitudinal end of each pin is positioned inside a first and second peripheral groove 14 , 15 made respectively on a profile portion of the first knob 2 and a profile portion of the rotor 7 , so that these first and second knobs 2 , 6 can be guided in rotation with their respective groove moving relative to the corresponding pin, while also being blocked in axial translation so that in use these first and second knobs cannot be extracted from the body 1 , e . g . , during a theft attempt . According to an aspect of the present invention, the electronic cylinder further comprises a longitudinally hollow shuttle 16 positioned at least partially in the second seat 4b of the eccentric, extending through hole 5 toward the first end 3 of the first knob 2 in such a way that it has an end opposite the one positioned in the seat 4b of the eccentric, which is at least partially engaged within a first longitudinal cavity 17 formed on the first end 3 of the first knob 2 . Furthermore , the end of the shuttle 16 on the side of seat 4b of the eccentric includes a tooth 18 engaged in a housing 19 made on the second longitudinal end 8 of rotor 7 , parallel to axis XI , so that the second knob 6 and the shuttle 16 are locked in rotation with respect to axis XI . Therefore , according to this structural configuration, since the second knob 6 is not locked in rotation to the eccentric 4 , it is not possible in a resting position to engage or release the lock on a door in which the electronic cylinder is installed by rotating the second knob . As can be understood, therefore , this structural configuration is particularly advantageous , as the second knob 6 is positioned on the side of an external environment , e . g . , a landing, relative to the environment a user wishes to protect , e . g . , a home , of fice , etc . ; a user cannot lock or unlock the door from that external environment , i . e . , the second knob spins freely . According to another aspect of the present invention, in order to open a door in which cylinder S is installed using the external second knob 6 , it is necessary to lock the second knob 6 in rotation with respect to axis XI to the first knob 2 , in particular to lock the second knob 6 to the eccentric 4 .

[0022] To achieve this , the electronic cylinder includes a motori zed electric unit Ul , shown in an exploded view in Fig . 5 , mounted on the first knob 2 and compri sing an electric motor 20 positioned at least partially within a second longitudinal cavity 21 in the first knob 2 , where it is rigidly fixed; this second cavity is connected to the first cavity 17 via a hole 22 . Additionally, the motori zed electric unit

[0023] Ul includes a connecting element 23 rigidly locked in rotation to the shaft of the electric motor 20 and positioned to extend longitudinally from the second cavity toward the first cavity . Moreover, the motori zed electric unit Ul includes an insert 25 mounted on the end of the connecting element 23 opposite the end fixed to the shaft of the electric motor, with this insert 25 configured to move the shuttle 16 longitudinally to engage it with the eccentric 4 so as to lock the second knob 6 in rotation to the first knob 2 . Speci fically, this insert 25 extends parallel to axis XI from the connecting element 23 through the shuttle 16 in such a way that it has an end positioned opposite the end fixed to the connecting element with respect to the shuttle . Furthermore , the insert 25 is connected to the connecting element 23 in such a way that a rotation of the connecting element , activated via the electric motor 20 , causes a translation of the insert 25 parallel to axis XI . For example , as shown in Fig . 2 , the conversion of rotational motion into translational motion between the connecting element 23 and the insert 25 can be achieved using a screw-thread configuration, where the connecting element 23 has a threaded end portion engaged within a threaded longitudinal hole 26 made along a section of the insert . According to this structural configuration, it is possible to activate the electric motor 20 to rotate the connecting element 23 , which in turn translates the insert 25 toward the first knob 2 to engage the shuttle 16 with the eccentric, speci fically by engaging a portion of the shuttle 18 within a pocket 4c ( Figs . 2a-2c ) made on a portion of the second seat 4b of the eccentric defined by a circular segment . In this manner, the pocket 4c provides two circumferential stops to accommodate the shuttle , more preferably the tooth 18 of the shuttle , with circumferential play . Preferably, an additional pocket 4d may be made to engage the diametrically opposite edge to that on which tooth 18 is positioned when it engages with pocket 4c . According to another aspect of the present invention, the shuttle 16 has a longitudinal cavity 16a facing toward rotor 7 and configured to house a first spring 27 that extends from this seat parallel to axis XI to contact a shoulder 28 formed on insert 25 , positioned longitudinally between the first spring 27 and the second knob 6 , with which the first spring is in contact . In this way, such shoulder 28 can be used to load the first spring 27 while the insert 25 is translated in motion toward the first knob 2. When this happens, the first spring 27 generates a pushing force on the shuttle 16, so that a portion of the shuttle is inserted into pocket 4c made on the eccentric. This also occurs when pocket 4c and portion 18 are not initially aligned in the angular direction: as a result of the 'free rotation' of knob 6 by the user attempting to open the door, when portion 18 and pocket 4c become angularly aligned, spring 27, preloaded by the action of motorized electric unit Ul, will push the portion itself into the pocket. In this way, a shape coupling is defined, so that shuttle 16 is locked in rotation to eccentric 4, which in turn remains engaged with rotor 7, making the first and second knobs 2, 6 rigidly locked in rotation with respect to axis XI. This way, the door in which cylinder S is mounted can be locked or unlocked from an external environment, such as a home, office, etc., by rotating the second knob 6. To disengage the second knob 6 from eccentric 4, so that this knob rotates freely again, i.e., preventing the door from being locked or unlocked from an environment external to the home, the electric motor 20 is actuated to rotate in the opposite direction, thereby translating insert 25 toward rotor 7. In this way, first spring 27 is released to facilitate the axial withdrawal of shuttle 16 from eccentric 4, allowing it to disengage from the latter. Specifically, to cause an axial shift of the shuttle toward rotor 7, the electronic cylinder includes a spacer 29 rigidly fixed to insert 25 in a position opposite shoulder 28 with respect to shuttle 16.

[0024] Specifically, this spacer 29 is used to axially move shuttle 16 when insert 25 translates toward second knob 6. For example , the spacer 29 can be a component mounted on insert 25 , e . g . , an elastic ring, or it may be a portion of the insert that extends radially, e . g . , a shoulder . In this way, when insert 25 translates , the spacer contacts shuttle 16 , moving it toward rotor 7 and disengaging it from pocket 4c on the eccentric . This spacer 29 is also used during the assembly stages of the cylinder components within body 1 , in particular acting as a stop against which shuttle 16 with the first spring 27 mounted on it rests , e . g . , thus blocking axial movement toward the first knob 2 . Preferably, to facilitate the disengagement of shuttle 16 from eccentric 4 , the electronic cylinder may include a second spring 30 positioned in the first longitudinal cavity 17 of the first knob 2 , in opposition to the first spring 27 with respect to shuttle 16 . Speci fically, this second spring 30 is configured to exert a reaction force less than the pushing force of the first spring 27 when insert 25 is translated longitudinally, approaching the first knob 2 . However, when the first spring 27 is unloaded due to the translation of insert 25 toward rotor 7 , the second spring 30 exerts a pushing force greater than the reaction force of the first spring, so an additional force is exerted on the shuttle by the spacer 29 .

[0025] Preferably, rotor 7 may have a blind hole 31 made axially on its second longitudinal end 8 , where this blind hole is configured to house a longitudinal portion of insert 25 resting against a third spring 32 , preloaded to exert a pushing force on insert 25 toward the first knob 2 . Advantageously, with the presence of the third spring 32 , it is possible to provide an additional pushing force on insert 25 to facilitate the approach of shuttle 16 to eccentric 4 , while also dampening the force applied on insert 25 by the second spring 30 toward rotor 7 , thus reducing peak loads on components and resulting in greater overall reliability . Similarly to the use of the third spring 32 , the cylinder S may preferably include a fourth spring 33 positioned inside the longitudinal hole 26 within insert 25 . Advantageously, the presence of this fourth spring 33 allows for an additional pushing force on insert 25 when the latter translates toward rotor 7 , further facilitating the disengagement of shuttle 16 from pocket 4c on eccentric 4 . According to a further aspect of the present invention, the locking and unlocking of the opening of a door, window, etc . , in which the electronic cylinder is installed, is electrically controlled, so as not to require the use of mechanical keys to be inserted into the cylinder . To achieve this result , the electronic cylinder includes on the first knob 2 a power supply and control unit U2 that can be mounted in a releasable manner within a gripping portion of the first knob extending out from body 1 , particularly out from the first stator la, forming a first casing Al . Speci fically, the power supply and control unit U2 includes an electronic control unit B, e . g . , a printed circuit board such as a PCB, mounted on a bottom surface A2 of a compartment A3 longitudinally created within the first casing Al , i . e . , the gripping portion of the first knob, toward the second cavity 21 . According to one aspect of the present invention, the electric motor 20 is electrically connected to the power supply and control unit U2 , e . g . , by means of power cables , so it can be powered and operated by the latter . Speci fically, to power the electric motor 20 and the electronic control unit B, the power supply and control unit U2 includes a plurality of batteries C, preferably of the button cell type , and a second casing D containing a compartment DI configured to house the plurality of batteries . Speci fically, the second casing D is mounted axially within the first casing A so that compartment DI faces toward the electronic control unit B . In this way, the plurality of batteries C can be arranged in compartment DI of the second casing D so that each battery is in contact with the adj acent one , defining an arrangement from the bottom to the end of that compartment , i . e . , toward the electronic control unit . Preferably, there are three batteries housed within compartment DI in a parallel connection configuration to increase the capacity of the power supply and control unit U2 . However, there can also be versions with fewer than three batteries or more than three batteries . Speci fically, to achieve the parallel connection among the three batteries shown in Fig . 3 , these batteries are arranged in compartment DI of the second casing D so that terminals of the same polarity face and are in contact . Therefore , according to this arrangement , to power the electronic control unit B, the latter includes a first pin Bl electrically connected with the terminals of the same polarity of the batteries , for example with the positive terminals . Specifically, the electrical connections described below are configured to connect button batteries in parallel , stacked one on top of the other and arranged with like-polarity terminals in contact with each other, two by two . As shown in the exploded view in Fig . 3 , the batteries are arranged so that the battery facing the electronic control unit B contacts the first pin Bl with its positive terminal .

[0026] To connect all the positive terminals of the batteries behind the battery in electrical contact with the first pin Bl , speci fically to electrically connect the electronic control unit with terminals having the same polarity as that of the terminal in contact with the first pin Bl , the second casing D includes first radial holes D2 made on a portion of the perimeter surface of the second casing facing in use toward the surface of compartment A3 of the first casing A, with these first holes D2 being through-holes to allow access to compartment DI of the second casing . Furthermore , the first holes D2 are positioned to face at least a part of the terminals of the batteries having the same polarity as the battery in contact with the first pin Bl of the electronic control unit , e . g . , the positive terminal . It should be noted that the positive terminal of button cells extends over a flat face and a circular lateral surface of the battery . Thus , within holes D2 , first electrically conductive elements D3 may be inserted in contact with the battery terminal , e . g . , spring-loaded metal pins that are radially movable with a first end connected to the positive terminal of the battery via contact with the lateral surface and a second end longitudinally opposite to the first that extends radially from the respective first hole D2 , and these first electrically conductive elements are connected together, e . g . , by a conductor N, so as to be able to conduct power from each battery terminal to the battery terminal in contact with the first pin Bl of the electronic control unit . The electrically conductive elements D3 are longitudinally spaced to connect the lateral surfaces, i.e., the samepolarity terminals, of two batteries in contact at the opposite-polarity terminal, e.g., connecting the lateral surface of the battery in contact with the first pin Bl to the lateral surface of the adjacent battery, with such batteries in contact at the negative terminals. Furthermore, to electrically connect the opposite-polarity terminals to the electronic control unit, opposite to those in contact with the first pin Bl, e.g., the negative terminals, the second casing D includes at least one second radial and through hole D4, created on a portion of the perimeter surface of the second casing, preferably close to the area where the first holes D2 are made, to allow access to compartment DI of the second casing. Additionally, at least one second hole D4 is positioned to face at least a part of the terminals of the batteries with opposite polarity to the battery in contact with pin Bl of the electronic control unit, e.g., the negative terminals. Therefore, within the at least one second hole D4, it is possible to insert a second electrically conductive element D5 in contact with the terminals of the batteries having the same polarity, e.g., a metal spring pin having a first end in contact with terminals of the same polarity that are facing and in contact and a second end longitudinally opposite the first, extending radially out of the second hole D4. Preferably, this second electrically conductive element D5 is angularly spaced from the first electrically conductive elements D3 to reduce the risk of short circuits and is in contact with a third electrically conductive element E, preferably a ring made of metallic material, configured to engage axially on an end edge of the second casing D positioned on the side of the electronic control unit B .

[0027] For example , the third electrically conductive element E can feature a recessed surface portion shaped to wrap in contact with the second electrically conductive element D5 . Additionally, based on the number of batteries used in the embodiment described here , there is an alternative structural solution for connecting the battery terminal facing the bottom surface of compartment DI , i . e . , the negative terminal , to the electronic control unit . Speci fically, the second casing D includes , on a portion of the perimeter surface facing toward the surface of compartment A3 of the first casing Al , diametrically opposed radial openings D6 configured to partially insert within compartment DI a fourth electrical ly conductive element D7 , which extends in use parallel to the bottom surface of compartment DI , preferably within a longitudinal recess , so as to remain in contact with the terminal of that battery, e . g . , the negative terminal . Furthermore , this fourth electrically conductive element D7 is shaped to have longitudinally opposite ends extending axially toward the electronic control unit B, so as to be in contact with the third electrically conductive element when the second casing D is mounted inside the first casing A. In this way, according to this structural configuration, the ends of the fourth electrically conductive element D7 are in use at least partly in contact with the surface of the third electrically conductive element E , and this latter is in turn in contact with a second pin B2 protruding from the electronic control unit . In this manner, all terminals with the same polarity as the battery terminal in contact with the first pin Bl , e . g . , the negative terminals , are electrically connected to the electronic control unit B . It should also be noted that the second casing D is made of an electrically insulating material , e . g . , a polymer res in such as acetal resin, polyoxymethylene , etc . , so that the battery terminals are not short-circuited while connected to the corresponding pins Bl and B2 .

[0028] Preferably, to reduce the axial footprint of the third electrically conductive element E when mounted on the second casing D, an axial recess can be created defining a portion of a slot configured to wrap the first electrically conductive elements without coming into contact with them . According to a further aspect of the present invention, to rigidly secure the second casing D to the first casing Al , i . e . , the gripping portion of the first knob 2 , the power supply and control unit U2 includes a cap F with an end Fl shaped to be rigidly but releasably engaged with the second casing D . Speci fically, this second casing has protrusions D8 extending longitudinally from the transverse surface on the end opposite to where the third electrically conductive element E is mounted in use .

[0029] The cap F, in turn, is shaped with axially through-holes F2 so that when end Fl of this cap is engaged on the end of the second casing D, a form- fitting connection is created between the holes F2 and the protrusions D8 to rigidly secure the cap F to the second casing D and to create a barrier preventing the entry of impurities like dust or similar into the first casing A. In this way, an end portion Fl of the cap is engaged on the end of the second casing extending at least partially axially along a longitudinal section of the end of this second casing. Specifically, the end Fl of the cap, collar-shaped, can be used to rigidly secure the second casing D to the first casing Al, e.g., by means of a threaded connection achieved by axially engaging the first end Fl of the cap with the second casing mounted on the first casing A, e.g., by means of a threaded connection created by axially engaging the first end Fl of the cap with the second casing mounted on the first casing A, and to pre-assemble the second casing D on the cap F so that by securing the latter to the first casing A, the power supply connection of the electronic control unit B with the third electrically conductive element E and the terminal, e.g., positive terminal, of the button cell battery is also achieved. According to a further aspect of the present invention, between the perimeter edge at the end of the first casing A and the surface of the cap F in contact with this perimeter edge, a seal G, e.g., an o-ring, can be provided to prevent the entry of dust, moisture, etc., into the power supply and control unit U2 when in operation, i.e., mounted within the grip portion of the first knob 2. The power supply and control unit U2 also includes an antenna (not shown in the figure) connected for data exchange with the electronic control unit B. In particular, the electronic control unit is programmed to receive a wireless command signal, e.g., from a smartphone via a dedicated application or wireless connection, e.g., Bluetooth, and to process this signal to actuate the electric motor 20 in rotation, thereby moving the insert 25 axially to lock or unlock the opening of a door in which the cylinder is mounted, depending on the command received. For example, when the electronic control unit B receives a command signal to unlock the opening of the door in which the cylinder S is mounted, e.g., the entry door of a residence, the control unit sends an actuation signal to the electric motor 20, which rotates the connecting element 23, which in turn, by rotating, causes the insert 25 to move towards the first knob 2. As previously described, the advancement of the insert 25 enables the rotation of both the first and second knobs 2, 6 through the shuttle, which is brought close to the eccentric. This allows a user outside the residence to rotate the second knob 6 and open the door to gain access. To re-lock the door once the user has entered, e.g., into their home, a wireless command signal can be sent to the electronic control unit, e.g., via smartphone, to cause the electric motor 20 to rotate in the opposite direction, releasing the shuttle from the eccentric 4, i.e., thus disengaging the second knob from the eccentric so that when a user tries to open the door from outside, this second knob spins freely. Preferably, to prevent a user who has entered, e.g., their residence, from forgetting to send the command signal to the electronic control unit B to re-lock the door, i.e., thereby leaving the door unlocked, or to prevent a user from having to manually turn the first knob 2 to lock the door, the electronic control unit B can also be programmed to automatically actuate the electric motor 20 to rotate and release the shuttle 16 after a predefined period.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Electronic cylinder (S) for lock comprising an eccentric (4) , a first and a second knob (2, 6) longitudinally opposite with respect to this eccentric, and with the first knob constrained to the eccentric so as to be locked in rotation relative to an axis (XI) , and the second knob having a first end (8) facing the eccentric (4) on which a housing (19) is formed parallel to the axis (XI) ; the cylinder (S) further comprising a shuttle (16) placed between the first and second knob (2, 6) comprising a tooth (18) engaged in the housing (19) so that this shuttle and the second knob (6) are locked in rotation relative to the axis (XI) , and this shuttle (16) extending longitudinally towards the first knob (2) defining a first longitudinal cavity (16a) facing towards the second knob (6) in which a first spring (27) is housed; and the cylinder further comprising a motorized electrical unit (Ul) on board the first knob (2) comprising an insert (25) extending longitudinally through the eccentric (4) and presenting a shoulder (28) longitudinally interposed between the first spring (27) and the second knob (6) , with which the first spring (27) is in contact so that the insert (25) is longitudinally movable between a first position in which it further compresses the first spring (27) so as to generate a force that moves the shuttle (16) and causes an interlocking fit of the shuttle (16) in the eccentric (4) , locking the rotation of the first and second knobs (2, 6) relative to the axis (XI) when the shuttle (16) is housed in a circumferential pocket (4c) of the eccentric (4) and a second position in which the insert (25) is shifted torelease the first spring, thereby facilitating the disengagement of the shuttle (16) from the eccentric (4) .

2. Electronic cylinder (S) according to claim 1, wherein the first knob (2) has an end (17) on the side of the eccentric (4) on which a second longitudinal cavity (17) is formed in which a second spring (30) is housed, configured to exert a reaction force lower than the pushing force of the first spring (27) when the insert (25) translates towards the first knob (2) , thereby facilitating the disengagement of the shuttle (16) when the insert (25) translates towards the second knob ( ) .

3. Electronic cylinder (S) according to any of the preceding claims, in which the insert (25) has a first longitudinal bore (26) connected to an electric motor (20) of the motorized electrical unit (Ul) , and housed in this longitudinal bore is a third spring configured to exert a thrust on the insert (25) , favoring translation towards the second knob (6) , and with this second knob having a second longitudinal bore (31) formed on the first end (8) in which a fourth spring (32) is housed, configured to exert a thrust on the insert (25) favoring its translation towards the first spring (2) .

4. Electronic cylinder (S) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a power and control unit (U2) on board the first knob (2) , and this power and control unit comprising an electronic control unit (B) connected for data exchange to the electric motor (20) and programmed tooperate this electric motor to rotate in a manner to disengage the shuttle (16) from the eccentric (4) after a predefined period.

5. Electronic cylinder (S) according to claim 4, wherein the power and control unit (U2) comprises a cap (F) rigidly fixed on one end of the first knob (2) , and between this end and the cap is arranged a first seal (G) configured to prevent the entry of unwanted material into the first knob ( 2 ) .

6. Electronic cylinder (S) according to claim 4, in which the power and control unit (U2) comprises a housing (D) , a plurality of batteries (C) stacked inside this housing so that poles with the same sign face each other and are in contact, and this power and control unit further comprising first and second electrical conductors (D3; D5, D7) configured to electrically connect the poles with the same sign, and these first and second electrical conductors are electrically connected respectively to a first pin (Bl) and a second pin (B2) of the electronic control unit (B) .

7. Electronic cylinder (S) according to claim 5, in which the housing (D) has a longitudinal end facing the cap (F) on which protrusions (D8) are formed, engaged in corresponding holes (F2) made on the cap so as to define a form-fitting coupling between this housing and the cap.

8. Electronic cylinder (S) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a spacer (29) mounted on the insert (25)in a position opposite to the first spring (27) with respect to the shuttle (16) , and defining this spacer an axial stop for the shuttle when the shuttle moves towards the first knob ( 2 ) .

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