Electronic lock with embedded mechatronic system for cascade actuation and self-supply

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electronic lock with an embedded mechatronic system for cascade actuation and self-supply (1) comprising an electric generator (2) that generates electric energy having a voltage that varies between a minimum voltage and a maximum voltage from mechanical energy. The invention is able to communicate via the lock starter chip (3) with a near field, be powered, and store the identification data (4b) supplied by the near field (4) in the local memory (3a) of the lock starter chip (3), allowing the retrieval thereof in a specific amount of time by using the energy generated by the electric generator (2).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Electronic lock with embedded mechatronic actuation system and cascade self-power supply.

[0003] Field of the invention

[0004] This technology concerns an electronic lock with an embedded mechatronic system for cascade actuation and self-powering, similar to those used to lock cabinets, drawers, and other furniture such as lockers in gyms, with the ability to communicate and power through a near field.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Currently, and as a reference to the state of the art, electronic locks for furniture are well-known. Also popular are battery-powered locks and even locks with rechargeable batteries that recharge using an electric generator (dynamic mechanical generator, solar panel, etc.).

[0007] Electric generators, depending on the type and mode of activation, produce variable voltage energy from a minimum voltage to a maximum voltage. Systems and methods for simultaneous generation and consumption are known. These methods harness the generated electrical energy by sequentially activating the lock's components based on the energy required and the time required to activate them. This is so that when the generated energy is low (for example, at the beginning of activation), the components requiring low voltage are activated, and when the generated energy is high (peak activation), the components requiring high voltage are activated.However, these methods require maintenance or energy accumulators, which have a significant environmental impact, in order to perform the action quickly. To apply the method, they must first "wake up" or activate the lock to decide which element to activate, and this requires minimal initial energy, which is why these systems require additional batteries or accumulators.

[0008] Nowadays, electronic locks have a wide range of data entry possibilities (NFC, RFID, keyboard, online applications, ...), often combining several possibilities in the same lock. This combination implies that the lock must be active (searching for signals) all the time, constantly, with the consequent high energy consumption, making it necessary to add batteries or energy accumulators that limit the ideal of renewable energy and self-power supply of the lock.

[0009] Summary

[0010] Given this state of affairs, the present technology refers to an electronic lock with an embedded mechatronic system for cascade actuation and self-powering. The lock comprises an electric generator that generates variable voltage electrical energy from a minimum voltage to a maximum voltage based on mechanical energy, allowing the sequential activation of all the elements comprising the lock, making the most of the generated electrical energy. It is also capable of receiving energy from the near field to include identification data in an initiator chip and communicating through the lock's initiator chip to receive and store the identification data provided by the near field in the local memory of the lock's initiator chip.This storage allows the lock to retrieve identification data from local memory for a specific period of time, using a cascade activation system with the energy subsequently generated by the electric generator when mechanical energy is applied.

[0011] The lock's initiator chip is turned off due to the lack of power, without searching for any signal, until a power source approaches, such as a near field, which upon entering into communication with the initiator chip activates or wakes it up, allowing the insertion of data into it, such as; identification data, for example, data that identifies a user, event data, for example, data that defines the history of operations performed by the lock (who has given instructions to the lock, when or the type of instructions: opening, closing, etc.) or system data, for example, data necessary for the operation of the system such as software updates, new authorized users, permissions, etc.

[0012] This near field can communicate via near field communication (NFC) or radio frequency identification (RFID) among others and can be constituted by a photovoltaic ambient energy source such as a solar panel or electromagnetic such as NFC or RFID.

[0013] The lock described here comprises an electric generator that generates an electric energy of variable voltage from a minimum voltage to a maximum voltage from a mechanical energy, the application of this mechanical energy being necessary, either in the form of pulsation, rotation or any other application mode so that the electric generator provides the electric energy necessary at a second time for the recovery of the identification data given by the near field inserted in the local memory of the initiator chip for comparison with the identification data of the lock.

[0014] The lock's cascade actuation and self-powering refers to the sequence of actuations of the lock's components. This sequence, given the variability of the voltage generated by the lock's electrical generator, is based on establishing the order of actuation of the components to maximize the energy generated. To achieve this, as soon as the electrical generator begins generating power, a voltage regulator, activated with minimal energy, notifies the lock's microcontroller that power is available and simultaneously supplies it with electricity. This microcontroller, which has a very low energy requirement, the lowest after the voltage regulator, communicates via data lines with the rest of the lock's mechatronic components.The microcontroller is pre-programmed with the activation sequence for the components that require power, based on the minimum activation voltage and the activation time interval for each component. The activation sequence begins with the components that require the lowest activation voltages and ends with those that require the highest, prioritizing the element with the longest activation time interval in the event of equal activation voltages. Following the programmed activation sequence, the microcontroller sequentially activates the lock's components in a cascade, intelligently managing the use of the electrical energy generated by the power generator.

[0015] The use of energy transmission through a power source, such as a near field, allows the energy transmitter to actively search for a receiver, so the receiver, in our case the initiator chip, remains passive until receiving the energy. The near field can be formed by electromagnetic radio frequency waves that allow energy induction and data transmission, such as NFC or RFID, or by photovoltaic or electromagnetic energy, such as a small solar panel. The initiator chip, upon communicating with this near field, stores the identification data transmitted via the near field in a local memory and starts a counter for a predetermined time. During this predetermined time, the user can apply mechanical energy to activate the electric generator that generates the main energy for the electronic lock with an embedded mechatronic actuation system and cascade self-powering.This mechanical activation, which can be achieved by pressing the knob, for example, can be performed directly using the mobile phone itself. It is even envisioned that the lock could be opened simultaneously by the near field and the cascade self-power supply, thereby reducing the force required to press the knob and facilitating accessibility. Once the identification data transmitted by the near field is stored, if the mechanical energy is applied within the predetermined time, the initiator chip will transmit the identification data to the electronic lock with an embedded mechatronic actuation system and cascade self-power supply for internal comparison with the lock's identification data.If mechanical energy is not applied within the predetermined time, the initiator chip will not transmit data, and the user will be denied access. The stored data will be erased in approximately 10 seconds, although a different time can be set. With this preliminary step, if additional identification (an additional security lock) is not required, very rapid opening is achieved by providing the lock with the identification data upon activation, without the need to request it. It also offers the possibility of using smaller generators, eliminating the energy demand for data capture.

[0016] This configuration also disconnects data entry from the lock's main power supply, allowing for a power-off state without power to the lock until the initializer chip receives power. This power-off state allows for a truly self-powered lock, as it is independent of (without) batteries and capacitors, as it does not require the electronic lock's continuous search for signals with an embedded mechatronic actuation system and cascade self-powering. The initiator chip remains in a passive state until receiving power from the power source or near field, which in turn communicates the identification data.

[0017] With this lock configuration, alternatively, it is envisioned that the entry and storage of access data in the local memory can be powered by a solar panel located on the exterior of the lock, providing another source of energy. Since the energy required is exclusively for the entry of identification data, this solar panel can be a very small solar cell and can even operate with interior lighting (such as the solar panels located on a pocket calculator), which is convenient given the typical location of furniture requiring this type of lock, such as inside locker rooms, offices, or warehouses, i.e., interior spaces with little or no natural lighting.Entering the identification data at the same time as power is applied enables two-phase verification (additional security lock), increasing security. For example, entering identification data using near-field communication (NFC) and, after applying mechanical energy to the generator, using an RFID access card, performing a second radio frequency identification data transmission. This second identification data transmission requires the card to be held near a reader, powered by the energy generated by the generator. This second identification data transmission can be performed using any known data transmission medium, such as keypads, RFID, NFC, Bluetooth, BLE, etc.

[0018] The initiator chip can consist of a single chip capable of receiving near-field energy and also communicating via the near field. The lock configured in this way is easier to produce, as it integrates a single chip with multiple functions (power and communication) into a single element. It is less polluting, as it is composed of fewer polluting elements.

[0019] This initiator chip, alternatively, can consist of a single communication chip that does not require an additional chip for additional communications (additional security lock) because it is capable of receiving communications via communication protocols (e.g., NFC and RFID) and receiving near-field energy using discrete electronics designed for this purpose. This results in a less polluting, additional security lock.

[0020] Another added advantage is that the initial data entry is not limited to identification data, as there are situations where the lock does not need to be opened. However, data exchange is required, such as event data (who gave instructions to the lock, when, or the type of instructions) requested by the administrator, or system data such as new users, automatic opening hours, system updates, etc., without requiring the activation of the power generator. To do this, the user identifies themselves with the initial entry of identification data as an authorized user to consult event data or enter data into the system and, using energy from the power supply such as the near-field power supply, powers the transmission of event data and / or system data.Thanks to this rapid exchange, it is not necessary to apply mechanical energy to activate the electric generator every time you want to perform a query or insert event data.

[0021] Another aspect of this technology is the potential online functionality. After entering the identification data and recovering it using the energy generated by the electric generator, it allows, via a high-frequency antenna powered by the electric generator, online communication with a server through a gateway. The purpose of the online communication may be to compare the user with the server's access data, identifying, or not, the user as authorized to operate the electronic lock with an embedded mechatronic actuation system and cascade self-powering.

[0022] A user's authorization to operate the electronic lock with an embedded mechatronic actuation system and cascade self-power supply will follow the following scheme: After transmitting the identification data and energy to the initiator chip, if the mechanical energy to activate the electric generator has been applied within the time predetermined by the counter, the initiator chip transmits the identification data previously saved in the local memory for data processing. If online functionality is available, the electronic lock with an embedded mechatronic actuation system and cascade self-power supply checks the connection; if it is adequate, it sends the information received from the identification data to the server through the Gateway.The server compares the received identification data with the server's access data, identifying the user as authorized or not. It responds by sending the corresponding operating instructions through the Gateway to the electronic lock with an embedded mechatronic actuation system and cascade self-power supply, so that it can perform the corresponding operation and transmit the generated events. If online functionality is not available, or even if it is available, the connection is inadequate, the electronic lock with an embedded mechatronic actuation system and cascade self-power supply compares the identification data with the lock's identification data, determining whether the user is authorized or not and performs the operations that allow or deny access.

[0023] By using the online functionality, semi-automatic openings can be programmed by programming the server to send an opening order to the lock at a pre-set time (for example, in gyms at closing time), so that it would only be necessary to apply mechanical energy (for example, pressing the knob) to, thanks to the electric generator, energize the electronic lock with an embedded mechatronic actuation system and cascade self-power supply, which receives the opening order and acts accordingly (for example, retracting a latch) to open the locker.

[0024] Furthermore, the online functionality allows identification data information to be sent from the mobile phone through an online application directly to the server and this connects to the Gateway which, after identifying the user as an authorized user, sends the corresponding operating instructions to the electronic lock with an embedded mechatronic actuation system and cascade self-power supply so that it can carry out the corresponding operation, thus allowing remote user identification, for example, in the case of locks with additional security, second identification data can be sent in order to access, for example, files that contain information that requires special permission or, if you want to make an online pre-payment for the application and use of lockers, the server sends the second identification data once the payment for use has been confirmed.

[0025] Online communication also allows for the entry of other data, such as system data, via a high-frequency antenna. After entering the identification and activation data, the electronic lock is equipped with an embedded mechatronic actuation system and self-powered in cascade by applying mechanical energy to the electric generator. This online communication allows a user to receive system data directly from the server via the Gateway and validate any changes made online (such as certifying a new user or updating the system).

[0026] Drawings and references

[0027] To better understand the nature of the invention, the attached drawings show an industrial embodiment that is merely illustrative and not limiting.

[0028] Figure 1 shows the lock operation diagram in which the flow of energy and data entered by near field or alternatively by keyboard (dotted line) can be observed, in which the identification data (4b) emitted by near field (4) are entered into the lock initiator chip (3) of the electronic lock with embedded mechatronic system for actuation and cascade self-power supply (1), are transmitted to the local memory (3a) and the counter (3b) is activated and the part of the process powered by an electric generator that feeds the recovery of identification data (4b) from the local memory (3a), the comparison of the identification data with (4b) with the lock identification data (1a) and the cascade activation system for opening or closing the electronic lock with embedded mechatronic system for actuation and cascade self-power supply (1)

[0029] Figure 2 shows the operating diagram of the lock with online functionality in which the identification data (4b) are transmitted, after recovery, to a server (6) through a Gateway (7) for comparison with the access data (6a).

[0030] Figure 3 shows the operating diagram of the lock with online functionality and communication of event data (4c) to the server (6) through the Gateway (7) after opening / closing the lock.

[0031] Figure 4 shows the operating diagram of the lock with online functionality and communication of system data (4d) to a server (6) through a Gateway (7) for validation with valid system data (6b)

[0032] The following references are indicated in these figures:

[0033] 1.- Electronic lock.

[0034] 1a - Lock identification data

[0035] 2.- Electric generator

[0036] 3.- Lock initiator chip.

[0037] 3a - Local memory

[0038] 3b - Accountant

[0039] 4.- Near field.

[0040] 4a - Near field energy

[0041] 4b - Identification data

[0042] 4c - Event data

[0043] 4d - Systems Data

[0044] 5.- High frequency antenna

[0045] 6.- Server

[0046] 6a - Access data

[0047] 6b - Valid system data

[0048] 7.- Gateway

[0049] Detailed description

[0050] With reference to the drawings and references listed above, the attached plans illustrate embodiments of the present technology, referring to an electronic lock (1) with an embedded mechatronic actuation system and cascade self-power supply. The electronic lock (1) comprises an electric generator (2) that generates variable voltage electric energy from a minimum voltage to a maximum voltage from a mechanical energy and is capable of being energized through a near field (4) and communicating through a lock initiator chip (3). The electronic lock (1) stores the identification data (4b) supplied by the near field (4) in the local memory (3a) of the lock initiator chip (3) allowing its recovery for a specific time, by means of the energy generated by the electric generator (2).

[0051] In the embodiments, by bringing a near field generator close to the electronic lock

[0052] (1) with an embedded mechatronic system for cascade actuation and self-powering, such as NFC, by means of a mobile phone or smartwatch, a first source, or first power source, such as the near field generator, will emit energy and data to the receiver or lock initiator chip (3). By means of NFC near field communication (4), the identification data (4b) and the required near field energy (4a) are transmitted to the lock initiator chip (3). Thus, the NFC communication of a mobile phone, smartwatch, or any device equipped with this technology can be used to energize the lock initiator chip (3) and identify the user.This near field energy (4a) transmitted via NFC is solely that required for the energy activation and inclusion of data in the lock initiator chip (3), which stores the identification data (4b) in the local memory (3a) and starts a counter (3b) for a specific time of approximately 10 seconds, although another specific time can be set. By using a predetermined period of time, the impact on the battery of the device, for example, the mobile phone, will not be as high as if the entire lock were energized and solves the problem of excessive battery demand that occurs in locks that only use NFC power.

[0053] In some embodiments, at some point after receiving the identification data (4b), a user will provide mechanical energy to the lock (1) by manipulating an actuator of the lock. This mechanical energy is used to start the electric generator (2). Upon start-up, a (small) initial voltage of the electric generator is used.

[0054] (2) to retrieve lock identification data (1a) from a permanent memory within the lock (1). One or more processors within the lock (1) then compare the received identification data (4b) and the lock identification data (1a) retrieved from the local memory (3a). In some embodiments, the mechanical energy used to start the electrical generator (2) must be received within the time period measured by the counter (3b). Otherwise, the lock (1) will not open. The lock (1) will also not open if the received and retrieved identification data (4b) do not match when compared by the one or more processors.

[0055] Although the mechanical energy can be received some time after the identification data (4b) is received, it is also envisaged that the two power supply modes; a first near field energy (4a), this being able to be electromagnetic energy, such as NFC or photovoltaic energy such as solar energy through a solar panel, and the energy obtained from a second source such as mechanical energy (knob pressing or similar) to power the electric generator (2) can act simultaneously, once the identification data (4b) is incorporated into the lock initiator chip (3) through the near field (4).Furthermore, although embodiments are described in which near field energy (4a) powers a first set of one or more functions, and mechanical energy from actuating the lock (1) powers a second set of one or more functions, it is understood that the near field energy (4a) and / or mechanical energy may power additional and / or alternative functions in other embodiments, and may share the entirety of the functions differently in other embodiments.

[0056] The user has a certain time established by the counter (3b) of the lock initiator chip (3) which can be approximately 10 seconds, to apply the mechanical energy necessary to activate the electric generator (2) and generate the main energy of the electronic lock with embedded mechatronic system of actuation and self-powering in cascade (1). Preferably the mechanical energy applied will be in the form of a pulsation. However, it is understood that this mechanical energy can be applied by pressing, pulling, turning, etc. any of the various mechanical actuators of the mechatronic system.

[0057] This configuration gives rise to an electronic lock (1) with an embedded mechatronic actuation system and cascade self-power supply. "Self-powered" as used here refers to the fact that the lock operates independently of (without) batteries and capacitors since the introduction of identification data (4b) is independent of the main power supply of the electronic lock with an embedded mechatronic actuation system and cascade self-power supply (1) which is produced by the electric generator (2) and does not require power until receiving power, transmitted via near field (4) NFC or an alternative power source such as a solar panel, in the lock initializer chip (3).With the energy generated by the electric generator (2), the electronic lock with embedded mechatronic system of actuation and cascade self-power supply (1) distributes the energy following cascade guidelines where a voltage regulator, which is activated with minimum energy, communicates to the lock's microcontroller that there is energy while supplying it electrically. This microcontroller, which has a very low energy requirement, the lowest after the voltage regulator and communicates by means of data lines with the rest of the mechatronic components of the lock. The microcontroller is previously programmed with the activation sequence of the components that need power based on the minimum activation voltage and the activation time interval of each component.The activation sequence begins with the components that require the lowest activation voltages and ends with those that require the highest, prioritizing the element with the longest actuation time interval in case of equal activation voltage. Following the programmed activation sequence, the microcontroller sequentially activates, in cascade, the components of the lock, intelligently managing the use of the electrical energy generated by the electric generator (2) until activating each element that makes up the electronic lock with embedded mechatronic actuation system and cascade self-power supply (1).With the energy received, it recovers the identification data (4b) from the local memory (3a) of the lock initiator chip (3) and compares the identification data (4b) received by means of near field (4) with the lock identification data (1a) to accredit, or not, the user as an authorized user and sends the corresponding instruction (opening, closing) to the electronic lock with embedded mechatronic system of actuation and cascade self-power supply (1). With this configuration, an electronic lock with embedded mechatronic system of actuation and cascade self-power supply (1) is obtained without the need to store energy in an accumulator for the initial entry of identification data (4b) and consequently free of batteries and accumulators.

[0058] Another embodiment of the present technology allows the verification of the identification data (4b) in two phases, increasing security through the introduction and initial energization of identification data (4b) by means of near field (4). This alternative embodiment allows, after the activation of the electric generator (2), the use of for example an RFID access card with its consequent reading of card data containing the second identification data (4b), thus increasing the security of the electronic lock with embedded mechatronic system of actuation and self-powering in cascade (1) by requiring two identification data (4b) to authorize access to the lock.

[0059] The provisions of this invention allow the energization of the storage for the initial insertion of identification data (4b) into the local memory (3a) of the lock initializer chip (3) and to start a counter (3b) by means of different energy generation means or energy power sources, such as a solar panel located on the outside of the lock or other means in combination with identification data entry means (4b), such as a keyboard. Because the energy required is only that necessary to energize the identification data entry (4b), this solar panel can be small in size and even operate with interior lighting, which is convenient given that the usual location of this type of locks is in interior spaces with little or no natural lighting. (In this case, it would be possible to store the mobile phone, etc.(near field generator (4)) inside the furniture, since they would not be necessary for energizing the lock initializer chip (3)).

[0060] There are situations that do not require the opening of the electronic lock with embedded mechatronic system of actuation and self-power supply in cascade (1), but the exchange of data with the electronic lock with embedded mechatronic system of actuation and self-power supply in cascade (1), such as event data (4c) (who has operated the lock when and details about the operation performed) requested by the authorized administrator or system data (4d) such as the introduction of authorizations for new users, automatic opening hours, system updates, etc. without it being necessary to activate the electric generator (2).For these cases, together with the introduction of identification data (4b) which, after comparison with the lock data (1a), accredits the user as suitable to carry out the action, additional data such as event data (4c) and / or system data (4d) can be transmitted via near field (4). It is also planned that, in the event that transmissions of many data such as user lists are necessary, the electronic lock with embedded mechatronic system of actuation and self-powering in cascade (1), communicates online by means of a high frequency antenna (5), powered by the energy transmitted via near field (4), with a server (6) through a Gateway (7).

[0061] Another embodiment of the present technology allows, through a high frequency antenna (5), powered by the electrical energy generated by the electric generator (2), online communication with a server (6) through a Gateway (7) for decision-making management, the electronic lock with embedded mechatronic actuation system and cascade self-power supply (1) receiving the action instructions from the server (6) through the Gateway (7). In this embodiment with online functionality, after the application of the mechanical pulsation energy applied to the electric generator (2), it first checks the existence of a connection, if the connection is adequate, it sends the information received from the identification data (4b) (and the second identification data (4b) of double verification by means of RFID card, if this functionality is available) to the server (6) through the Gateway (7).The server compares these identification data (4b) with the access data (6a) found in the server (6), accredits, or not, the user as an authorized user, makes the programmed decision and sends the operating instructions to the electronic lock with embedded mechatronic system for actuation and cascade self-power supply (1) (opening, closing, denial, ...) which carries out the instructed operation and then communicates the event data (4c) to the server (6). If the online connection is not adequate, a local comparison would be made in the electronic lock with embedded mechatronic system for actuation and cascade self-power supply (1), comparing the identification data (4b) with the lock identification data (1a) as if it did not have this online functionality, and would save the data in the local memory (3a) awaiting communication of the event data (4c) when a subsequent adequate connection is made.

[0062] With the online functionality, it is possible to program automatic openings (for example, in gyms at closing time), so it would only be necessary to activate the electric generator (2) (press the knob) to open the electronic lock with embedded mechatronic actuation system and cascade self-power supply (1) (powered with the energy generated by the electric generator (2)), since the electronic lock with embedded mechatronic actuation system and cascade self-power supply (1) can receive, from a certain time, the pre-programmed opening instruction.

[0063] Furthermore, this online functionality allows the identification data information (4b) to be sent from the mobile phone through an online application directly to the server (6) and this connects with the Gateway (7) to send the operating instructions to the electronic lock with embedded mechatronic system for actuation and cascade self-power supply (1), thus being able to allow double remote identification of users, or online pre-payment for the use of lockers thanks to the sending by the server (6) of the identification data (4b) after receiving confirmation of payment and even sending automatic opening instructions to the electronic lock with embedded mechatronic system for actuation and cascade self-power supply (1), if the paid time is exceeded.

[0064] Online communication also allows the introduction of other data such as system data (4d), such as scheduled updates, although, in this case, it would be necessary to activate the electric generator (2) of the electronic lock with embedded mechatronic system of actuation and self-powering in cascade (1) by applying mechanical energy. This feature is convenient if a large amount of system data (4c) is to be transmitted, since it does not depend on the energy generated by the near field (4) NFC.

[0065] A. In embodiments, the present technology relates to an electronic lock (1) comprising: a mechatronic system configured to receive identification data (4b) upon receipt of a first energization signal from a first source, storing the data (4b) in a local memory (3a), retrieving the identification data (4b) stored in the local memory (3a) resident in the mechatronic system of the lock (1) upon receipt of a second energization signal from a second source, different from the first source, comparing the received and retrieved identification data (4b) with identification data of the lock (1a), and unlocking the electronic lock if the received and retrieved identification data (1a) matches the identification data of the lock (1a),

[0066] B. The electronic lock (1) of paragraph A, wherein the lock will only operate if the identification data (4b) is retrieved within a preset period of time from receipt of the identification data (4b).

[0067] C. The electronic lock (1) of paragraph A, in which the first source transmits the first radio frequency energization signal.

[0068] D. The electronic lock (1) of paragraph A, in which the first source transmits the identification data (4b) by radio frequency.

[0069] E. The electronic lock (1) of paragraph A, wherein the first source transmits the first energization signal by near field communication (4), near field energy (4a). F. The electronic lock (1) of paragraph A, wherein the first source transmits the identification data (4b) by near field communication (4).

[0070] G. The electronic lock (1) of paragraph A, where the first source transmits the first solar energy energization signal.

[0071] H. The electronic lock (1) of paragraph A, wherein the second source comprises an electric generator (2) within the electronic lock (1), and the lock (1) further comprises a manual actuator, the electric generator (2) providing the second energization signal upon receiving energy from the manual actuator.

[0072] I. The electronic lock (1) of paragraph H, wherein the electric generator (2) generates variable voltage electric power from a minimum voltage to a maximum voltage from the mechanical actuator, different voltages from the electric generator used to energize different components of the electronic lock (1).

[0073] J. The electronic lock (1) of paragraph A, further comprising a counter (3b), energized by the first energizing signal, for counting down the present time period.

[0074] K. In some embodiments, the present technology relates to a self-powered electronic lock (1) comprising: a mechatronic system configured to receive identification data (4b) upon receiving a first energization signal from a first source, retrieve identification data (4b) stored in local memory (3a) resident within the mechatronic system of the lock (1) upon receiving a second energization signal from a second source of mechanical energy, different from the first source, compare the received and retrieved identification data (4b) with identification data of the lock (1a), and operate the electronic lock if the received and retrieved identification data matches the identification data of the lock (1a),

[0075] L. The electronic lock (1) of paragraph K, wherein the lock will only operate if the identification data (4b) is retrieved within a preset time period from receipt of the identification data (4b). M. The electronic lock (1) of paragraph K, wherein the first source transmits the first radio frequency energization signal.

[0076] N. The electronic lock (1) of paragraph K, in which the first source transmits the radio frequency identification data.

[0077] O. The electronic lock (1) of paragraph K, where the first source transmits the first energization signal by near field communication.

[0078] P. The electronic lock (1) of paragraph K, in which the first source transmits the identification data (4b) by near field communication (4).

[0079] Q. The electronic lock (1) of paragraph K, where the first source transmits the first solar energy energization signal.

[0080] A. The electronic lock (1) of paragraph K, where the second mechanical source comprises an electrical generator (2) within the electronic lock (1), and the lock (1) further comprises a manual actuator, the electrical generator (2) provides the second energizing signal by receiving mechanical energy from the manual actuator.

[0081] S. The electronic lock (1) of paragraph R, wherein the electric generator (2) generates variable voltage electric power from a minimum voltage to a maximum voltage from the mechanical actuator, different voltages from the electric generator used to energize different components of the electronic lock (1).

[0082] T. The mechatronic system of the lock (1) is configured to receive identification data (4b) upon receipt of a first energization signal using near field communication (4), retrieving stored identification data (4b) upon receipt of a second energization signal from the electric generator (2), comparing the received and retrieved identification data (4b) with identification data of the lock (1a), and unlocking the electronic lock if the received and retrieved identification data matches the identification data of the lock (1a). U. The electronic lock (1) of paragraph T, further wherein the lock only operates if the retrieved identification data (4b) is retrieved within a preset time period from receipt of the identification data (4b).

[0083] V. The electronic lock (1) of paragraph U, the lock (1) further comprises a manual actuator, the electric generator (2) provides the second energization signal by receiving energy from the manual actuator.

[0084] W. The electronic lock (1) of paragraph U further comprises a counter (3b), energized by the first energizing signal, for counting down the present time period.

[0085] X. In other embodiments, the present technology relates to an electronic lock (1) comprising: a mechatronic system configured to receive identification data (4b) upon receipt of a first energization signal from a first source, the mechatronic system further configured to transmit the identification data (4b) stored in the local memory (3b) of the lock (1) to a remote server (6) upon receipt of a second energization signal from a second source, different from the first source, comparing the received identification data (4b) and the stored access data (6a) of the remote server, and operating to unlock the electronic lock if the received identification data (4b) and the stored access data (6a) of the remote server (6) match.

[0086] Y. The electronic lock (1) of section X, in which the mechatronic system is further configured to receive system updates from the server (6) after the successful matching of the identification data (4b) received and the access data (6a) stored from the remote server (6).

[0087] Z. The electronic lock (1) of paragraph X, wherein the mechatronic system is further configured to exchange data with the server (6) after successful matching of the received identification data (4b) and the stored access data (6a) of the remote server (6).

[0088] AA. The electronic lock (1) of section X, in which the first source transmits the first energization signal by radio frequency. BB. The electronic lock (1) of section X, in which the first source transmits the identification data (4b) by radio frequency.

[0089] CC. The electronic lock (1) of paragraph X, where the first source transmits the first energization signal by near field communication (4).

[0090] DD. The electronic lock (1) of paragraph X, in which the first source transmits the identification data (4b) by near field communication (4).

[0091] EE. The electronic lock (1) of paragraph X, in which the first source transmits the first solar energy energization signal.

[0092] FF. The electronic lock (1) of paragraph X, wherein the second source comprises an electric generator (2) within the electronic lock (1), and the lock (1) further comprises a manual actuator, the electric generator (1) provides the second energization signal upon receiving power from the manual actuator.

[0093] GG. The electronic lock (1) of paragraph X, wherein the second energization signal from the second source must be received within a predetermined period of time from the reception of the first energization signal from the first source for the lock (1) to open.

[0094] The essentiality of this invention is not altered by variations in materials, shape, size and arrangement of the component elements, described in a non-limiting manner, which is sufficient for its reproduction by an expert.

Claims

CLAIMS 1 a .- Electronic lock (1) with embedded mechatronic system of actuation and self-powering in cascade comprising an electric generator (2) that generates electric energy from a mechanical energy characterized in that it is capable of being energized through a near field (4) and communicating through the lock initiator chip (3) and storing the identification data (4b) supplied by the near field (4) in the local memory (3a) of the lock initiator chip (3) allowing its recovery during a specific time, by means of the energy generated by the electric generator (2). 2 a.- Electronic lock (1) with embedded mechatronic system of actuation and cascade self-power supply according to claim 1, characterized in that after the recovery of the identification data (4b) given by the near field (4) in the local memory (3a) of the lock initiator chip (3), the identification data (4b) of the near field (4) are compared with the lock identification data (1a). 3 a - Electronic lock (1) with embedded mechatronic system for actuation and cascade self-power supply according to the previous claims, characterized in that the lock initiator chip (3) is a single chip capable of receiving identification data (4b) and near field energy (4a). 4 a.- Electronic lock (1) with embedded mechatronic system of actuation and self-power supply in cascade according to claim 1, characterized in that alternatively the lock initiator chip (3) is a chip capable of receiving identification data (4b) given by the near field (4) and by radio frequency through discrete electronics and obtains energy from the near field (4a). 5 a .- Electronic lock (1) with embedded mechatronic system of actuation and self-power supply in cascade according to claim 1, characterized in that alternatively after the recovery of the identification data (4b) given by the near field (4) in the local memory (3a) of the lock initiator chip (3), it allows, through a high frequency antenna (5), online communication with the server (6) through a Gateway (7) to compare the identification data (4b) of the near field (4) with the access data (6a) of the server (6). 6 a- Electronic lock (1) with embedded mechatronic system for actuation and self-powering in cascade according to claim 1, characterized in that it is alternatively capable of introducing the system data (4d) and access data (4b) from the near field (4), and subsequently being activated by the energy generated by the electric generator (2), allowing, through a high frequency antenna (5), online communication with the server (6) via a Gateway (7) to validate the system data (4d) with the valid system data (6b) of the server (6). 7 a - Electronic lock (1) with embedded mechatronic system for actuation and cascade self-power supply according to claim 1, characterized in that the voltage of the electric generator (2) varies from a minimum voltage to a maximum voltage. 8 a- Electronic lock (1) with embedded mechatronic system for actuation and cascade self-powering according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification data (4b) stored in the local memory (3a) are recoverable during a predetermined period of time.

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