Lock device with actuator and method for controlling an actuator of a lock device

Abstract

Method for controlling an electric actuator in an electrically powered lock system, which comprises the following steps: - determining whether the actuator is receiving electrical power, - if the actuator is receiving electrical power, then checking whether the lock system has enough energy to carry out a change of state without needing to resort to the electrical power supply, and if not, starting energy storage using the electrical power supply, - then, proceeding to the actuator changing state.

Description

[0001] LOCKING DEVICE WITH ACTUATOR AND METHOD FOR CONTROL

[0002] OF AN ACTUATOR OF A LOCKING DEVICE

[0003] DESCRIPTION

[0004] The present invention relates to locking devices with an actuator and methods of controlling them.

[0005] Locking devices are devices that secure an access point, typically a hinged element. Hinged elements or door components can include, for example, door or window leaves or panels, door or window frames, and so on. Locking devices that incorporate an actuator are common. An actuator is a device capable of transforming energy (hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical) into the activation of a process to generate an effect. The actuator changes the state of the locking device (open / closed or locked / unlocked) based on the signals (power and / or control) it receives.

[0006] Electric door openers are a type of locking device that can be operated via an electrical circuit. They consist of a latch designed to hold a door handle, typically located on a door lock. In electric door openers, the door opens due to external pressure that releases the latch when it is not locked. This pressure is usually transmitted from the door handle itself; there is no mechanism within the opener that actively moves the latch. Electric door openers also include a latch locking mechanism and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism's activation consists of an actuator with a coil.

[0007] Depending on the resting state, i.e., default position without electricity flow, the action of electric door openers can be either to lock the swing elements upon receiving an electrical signal, which is called in the state of the art as "fail safe" (while at rest it is unlocked) or to unlock upon receiving an electrical signal, which is called "fail secure" (while at rest it is locked).

[0008] In a locked position, the latch is positioned in the path of the door handle, so that the door or hinged element cannot be opened, but when the movement of the latch is allowed (unlocking), this in turn allows the latch to be pushed out of the way of the door handle, thus allowing the door to be opened.

[0009] There are several known methods for locking a door opener latch. The use of a short and long bar mechanism is the most widespread in the prior art and is used in almost all electric door openers. Typically, the long bar directly locks the latch, while the short bar engages the long bar and, in turn, locks it in the latch's locked position.

[0010] The locking mechanism is typically activated / deactivated by a coil acting on the short rod. The coils are energized when powered and return to their rest position when power is removed. When this occurs, the rods (short and long) return to their locked position by means of elastic elements located in the door opener. In short, the coils have a defined rest position that they adopt when no action is taken. This behavior is commonly referred to as "monostable." Therefore, the coils are monostable actuators. In the context of this invention, a monostable actuator is a device capable of transforming hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical energy into the activation of a process to generate an effect. The actuator exhibits two states, adopting one or the other depending on whether or not it receives external power.Because the actuator always takes the same state in case of a lack of external energy supply, it is called "monostable".

[0011] Coils are widely used as actuators in door openers due to their small size and ease of installation and operation. Only power control to the coil is required to lock / unlock the opener and thus allow the door to open. In short, due to their monostable nature, coil-based door openers require only two wires, which simultaneously power the coil and control the locking or unlocking position of the opener.

[0012] However, the coils also have clear drawbacks. One of these is their limited force capacity. Consequently, the door opener may fail to transition from the locked to the unlocked position in pre-loading situations—that is, when the user is applying force to the door in an attempt to open it. In these circumstances, the door opener will not open until the user stops trying to open the door. Another drawback of the coils is that if they are continuously powered for extended periods, they will fail and become unusable. This problem is more pronounced with higher-power coils, so attempting to overcome the pre-loading issue with a more powerful coil will inevitably lead to door opener failure.Finally, the coils consume relatively high power, because their consumption is at its maximum while they are being energized, regardless of whether the door opener is already unlocked or not.

[0013] For all these reasons, the ability to replace coils with other types of actuators has always been an unmet need in the sector. However, this is not easy. In particular, other actuators, while offering advantages, have the disadvantage of not being monostable, which necessarily implies more complex control and / or installation. For example, a motor cannot be used in the same way as a coil because there is no energy available to reset it after a power outage. In the event of a power failure, the motor remains in its current position, unlike the coil, which returns to its default position. Therefore, according to current technology, it is not possible to use two-wire technology with motors, requiring external control and continuous maintenance of a power source.

[0014] It is an objective of the present invention to disclose means that allow non-monostable actuators to be controlled as if they were monostable, and locking devices, preferably door openers, that have this type of control.

[0015] More specifically, the present invention discloses a method for controlling an electric actuator in an electrically powered locking system, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a. Determining whether the locking system receives an external power supply. b. If it receives a power supply, then checking whether the locking system has stored sufficient energy to perform a state change without resorting to the external power supply, and if not, proceeding to store energy using the external power supply. c. Then, proceeding to change the state of the actuator using the external power supply.

[0016] The previous steps allow the execution of the next step: d. When it is detected that the locking system stops receiving electrical power, proceed to change the state of the actuator to its initial state using energy stored by the locking system.

[0017] According to the present invention, when power is supplied to the locking device, energy is first stored, and then the actuator (motor) is activated. Once the actuator has changed state, it remains in its locked or unlocked position for the duration of the power supply, but, unlike a coil, it does not require any power consumption. If the power supply to the locking device is interrupted, this is detected, and the actuator is returned to its initial state or position using the stored energy. This allows the use of any type of actuator, and in particular non-monostable actuators, with a locking device using two-wire technology.Additionally, the use of non-monostable actuators controlled according to the present invention results in energy savings compared to the operation of monostable actuators (coils), without requiring a continuous external power supply. While the invention is not limited to a specific type of actuator, it particularly facilitates the use of electric motors in locking devices. The invention can also be applied to other locking devices, such as motorized locks, independent locking elements, etc. More specifically, the present invention allows the use of motors in applications where coils are currently used as actuators, such as electric door openers.

[0018] Ideally, the process of changing the actuator's state using external power does not begin until the locking system has stored enough energy to produce a complete state change of the actuator without relying on external power. This ensures that the locking system can always return the actuator to its initial state, even in the event of an unexpected power outage, such as mid-operation. In this way, the system does not require energy storage to continuously maintain a specific charge, ensuring the locking device remains available at all times without requiring maintenance of the energy storage device.

[0019] The duration of the energy supply process can be governed by a measurement of an energy storage level or by another means. For example, a predetermined energy storage time can be determined, sufficient to meet the condition of sufficient energy storage. This can be implemented using a timer that marks a specific energy storage period before the actuator begins operating. In any case, it is preferable that the energy storage time be as short as possible, since this time can cause a delay between the command to the locking device and its response. It is therefore desirable that this time be imperceptible to the user, if possible. In any case, when applying the invention to door opener systems, due to the energy quantities that need to be stored, this delay time is not perceptible to the user.

[0020] For energy storage, the lock system can incorporate any known type of energy storage system. The energy storage system is preferably an electrical energy storage system, such as a capacitor or a rechargeable battery. Capacitors are particularly preferable due to their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and durability.

[0021] Preferably, the locking system includes a sensor system to detect the actuator's state. The objective is for the control device to be able to determine the actuator's state. The sensor system may comprise, for example, a position sensor system that detects when the actuator is in an initial state and when a state change to a final state is complete. The initial state may be closed or unactuated, while the final state may be open or actuated, or vice versa. Such a sensor system may comprise multiple individual sensors. Alternatively, the sensor system may comprise a single sensor to detect the final, open, or actuated state, with the initial state being determined through programming.

[0022] Preferably, the step of proceeding to change the state of the actuator using the external power supply comprises the actuation of the actuator until a sensor system detects that a change of state has occurred with respect to the initial state.

[0023] Even more preferably, before proceeding to change the actuator's state to its initial state using energy stored by the locking system, the locking system checks whether the sensor system detects that a change of state has occurred with respect to the initial state.

[0024] Even more preferably, the change of state of the actuator to its initial state using energy stored by the locking system comprises the actuation of the actuator until the sensor system detects that the initial state of the actuator has been reached.

[0025] More preferably, returning the actuator to its initial state involves actuating the actuator in the reverse direction to the action performed during the actuator's state change using the external power supply. However, in certain embodiments, it may also be possible to return the actuator to its initial position by actuating it in the same direction as the action performed during the actuator's state change using the external power supply.

[0026] The present invention is valid for both fail-safe and fail-secure locking devices. While the present invention can be applied to all types of locking devices, its application is particularly advantageous in door openers, and more specifically electric door openers. More particularly, the present invention discloses a locking system comprising an actuator and an energy storage system, preferably an electrical energy storage system, and a control system, the control system being configured to execute a method according to the present invention.

[0027] Preferably, the energy storage system is a capacitor, or a rechargeable battery.

[0028] Preferably, the actuator is a non-monostable actuator. In preferred embodiments, the actuator is a motor. More preferably, the locking system comprises a kinematic mechanism that transforms the circular motion of the motor into linear motion. Even more preferably, the kinematic mechanism transforms the circular motion of the motor into linear motion parallel to the motor's axis of rotation.

[0029] Preferably, the actuator acts on a locking system of a locking mechanism to produce a change of state of the locking system. More preferably, the locking system is an electric door opener.

[0030] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the present invention discloses a locking device, preferably an electric door opener, comprising a housing containing a latch, a latch locking mechanism, and an electrically powered activation / deactivation mechanism for the locking mechanism. Opening is effected by pressure applied to the latch from outside the door opener, with the locking mechanism in the deactivated state. Preferably, the activation / deactivation mechanism for the locking mechanism comprises an electric motor and a kinematic mechanism for converting the motor's rotation into linear motion parallel to a longitudinal axis of the motor.

[0031] Combining a motor with a kinematic mechanism that transforms the motor's rotation into linear motion along the motor's longitudinal axis, or parallel to it, saves space and allows a motor to physically replace the coil in an existing system, since coils generate linear motion along their own longitudinal axis. Furthermore, it becomes possible to design locking devices, and in particular door openers, with dimensions identical to current coil-operated systems.

[0032] The use of non-monostable actuators, and in particular motors, as actuators in locking devices offers the advantage over coils of being able to exert greater force. Therefore, the locking device of the present invention has a higher opening capacity under preload than known door openers. Additionally, the electrical consumption of the device of the present invention is lower than that of coil-driven devices, since the motor, unlike the coil, consumes energy only while it is moving. In contrast, the coil consumes energy while it is being energized, regardless of whether it changes state or not.

[0033] The latch locking mechanism of the locking device of the present invention may be, for example, a long bar / short bar mechanism as previously described. However, the present invention may be applied to any type of latch locking mechanism, such as knee lever mechanisms.

[0034] Preferably, the activation mechanism of the locking / unlocking mechanism comprises a moving element driven by the kinematic mechanism and which comes into contact with the latch locking mechanism to transmit the motor action to the latch locking mechanism.

[0035] Preferably, the kinematic mechanism comprises a part connected to and fixed to the motor shaft.

[0036] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the kinematic mechanism (and preferably, the aforementioned part) comprises a circularly developed inclined surface connected to the motor. This type of surface allows the circular motion of the motor to be transformed into linear motion in a very space-efficient manner. For this purpose, for example, the surface can be combined with a moving element equipped with guides that allow its linear movement in a direction parallel to the motor axis, such that the moving element rests on the inclined surface. As the motor rotates, the inclined surface also rotates. This causes the stationary moving element to travel along the inclined surface. As it travels along the inclined surface, the moving element changes position and slides along the guides. In this way, a linear motion of the moving element is obtained, which can be used to actuate the locking mechanism of the locking device.

[0037] Preferably, the inclined surface is located adjacent to two resting surfaces. The arrangement of resting sections, preferably flat, in the end positions ensures that the motor does not over-press in the locked / unlocked positions, which could lead to stresses that could cause malfunctions and / or breakage.

[0038] The resting surfaces correspond, respectively, to the initial and final positions of the travel of the moving element that comes into contact with the latch locking mechanism. The resting surfaces are preferably perpendicular to the motor's axis of rotation. However, the resting surfaces may have a slight inclination with respect to the plane perpendicular to the motor's axis of rotation (transverse plane), preferably less than 5°. eThe inclined surface preferably has a gradual slope between the resting surface corresponding to the initial position and the resting surface corresponding to the final position. More preferably, the angle of inclination of the inclined surface with respect to both resting surfaces is constant. However, since the intermediate positions of the inclined surface do not correspond to any locking or unlocking position of the device, but rather to a transition between a locked and an unlocked position, a non-gradual slope is also possible, including sections of variable or negative slope, or even a slope that reaches a height greater than that of the resting surface corresponding to the final position.The term “height” should be understood as the dimension measured with respect to an axis parallel to the motor's axis of rotation, or the axis of rotation of the kinematic mechanism, and considering that the height or dimension of the resting surface corresponding to the initial or starting position of the mechanism is lower than that of the resting surface corresponding to the final or end-of-stroke position of the mechanism. The transition between the resting surface corresponding to the final position and the resting surface corresponding to the initial position on the side opposite the inclined surface can be a radial surface with respect to the axis of rotation of the kinematic mechanism (abrupt transition). It can also be a second inclined surface (smooth transition).

[0039] Preferably, when the moving element rests on one of the respective resting surfaces, the door opener is in the unlocked position, and when the moving element rests on the other resting surface, the door opener is in the locked position. When the moving element rests on the inclined surface, it is in transition between the locked and unlocked positions and / or vice versa.

[0040] In certain preferred embodiments, the present invention discloses an electric door opener comprising a housing containing a latch, a latch locking mechanism, and an electrically powered activation / deactivation mechanism for the locking mechanism. The door is opened by applying pressure to the latch from outside the door opener, with the locking mechanism in the deactivated state. The activation / deactivation mechanism for the locking mechanism comprises an actuator. A door opener control device operates the actuator according to a method described in the present invention.

[0041] The activation / deactivation mechanism of the locking mechanism may, in certain applications, comprise an electric motor and a kinematic mechanism for transforming the motor's rotation into a linear motion in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the motor.

[0042] The latch locking mechanism of the door opener of the present invention may be a long / short bar mechanism. In this case, preferably, the kinematic mechanism and / or the moving element of the present invention actuates a short bar of a door opener latch locking mechanism.

[0043] In other preferred embodiments, the door opener comprises a knee lever system which, in turn, comprises a first arm and a second arm articulated together by means of an intermediate joint, wherein the first arm is connected to the latch such that the opening pressure on the latch is transmitted to the first arm, and wherein the latch locking mechanism acts on the knee lever mechanism in a locked position in which the first and second arms of the knee lever system form an angle of less than 180° eblocking the opening movement of the latch.

[0044] A knee lever system is very useful as a force multiplier. Through its configuration and positioning, it can counteract a very high force by applying very little force at a specific point in the system, taking advantage of the lever principle. This allows the door opener to withstand high preloads without resorting to mechanical locks, which would then make unlocking difficult under load.

[0045] Preferably, the locking mechanism includes an interposing element that contacts the knee lever system. The presence of an interposing element facilitates more precise contact with the knee lever system. This precision allows the locking function to be performed at an optimal point for the system. In this case, it is advantageous to apply the locking action directly to the intermediate joint, i.e., as close as possible to the joint's axis of rotation. In this way, a large force applied to the latch, such as a preload force, can be counteracted by applying a very small force to the intermediate joint. Thus, the knee lever system achieves a significant force reduction or multiplication effect, depending on the chosen reference point.

[0046] The present invention is applicable to any type of lock. In particularly preferred embodiments, the door opener of the present invention is intended to be mounted on a door frame. The latch of the door opener is intended to retain a latch of a lock mounted on a hinged element, such as a door.

[0047] For better understanding, drawings of embodiments of the present invention are attached as illustrative but not limiting examples. Figure 1 shows a schematic of a first example of a control method according to the present invention.

[0048] Figure 2 shows a second example of a control method according to the present invention.

[0049] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the voltage (V), current (I), and power consumed (P) by an actuator operated by any of the methods shown in the first two figures compared to the same values ​​during the operation of a coil.

[0050] Figure 4 shows a diagram that graphs the voltage and current in the different stages of the actuation of an actuator according to the method of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a locking device, in particular a door opener, according to the present invention.

[0052] Figure 6 shows a side view of the door opener, without the side cover, allowing you to see its different elements.

[0053] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of internal elements of the door opener box, in which the actuator can be seen.

[0054] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the door opener latch locking mechanism.

[0055] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the door opener box.

[0056] Figure 10 is a side view of the example motor, kinematic mechanism and moving element of the door opener shown in the previous figures.

[0057] Figure 11 is a side view showing only the motor and the kinematic mechanism. Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the kinematic mechanism of the first embodiment.

[0058] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the first embodiment, in which the sensor system comprises two sensors.

[0059] Figure 14 shows a side view, with the box lid removed, so that the internal elements of a second embodiment can be observed.

[0060] Figure 15 shows another side view in which, in addition to the cover, the long bar has been removed, clearly revealing the activation / deactivation mechanism of the locking mechanism.

[0061] Figures 16 and 17 are detailed side views illustrating the operation of the activation / deactivation mechanism of the door opener locking mechanism.

[0062] Figure 18 shows a detailed perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the door opener that is the subject of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 1 shows the flowchart of a first embodiment of an operating procedure according to the present invention. In an initial step 1000, the lock system control device detects whether or not the lock device is receiving power. If it is receiving power (YES), i.e., if there is a potential difference between the two power supply wires, in a second step 1001, it must be determined whether it will be possible to subsequently return the actuator to its initial position from the final position. More specifically, this step involves determining whether there is sufficient stored energy to return the actuator from its initial to its final position. If the determination is negative, energy must then be stored, preferably until there is a sufficient amount of energy to ensure a return to the initial position.When the determination is positive, command 1010 is issued to the actuator to change its state (for example, from the initial position to the final position). This determination can be made by measuring stored energy, using a timer, or any other system. When power is cut off to the locking device, the locking device's control unit will determine that there is no external power supply ('NO' in the initial step 1000). It then issues command 1010 to the actuator to change its state (for example, from the final position to the initial position). This state change upon detecting a power interruption will only occur if the locking device has sufficient energy to trigger the change, since it is not receiving external power.For better detection of when the locking device stops receiving power, the initial step 1000 can be executed, for example, continuously or periodically. In this example, the actuator is non-monostable, meaning it does not automatically return to its initial position when power is lost.

[0064] Figure 2 shows the flowchart of a second embodiment of an operating procedure according to the present invention. Elements identical or equivalent to those shown in the first figure have been represented with the same numerals. Similarly, the procedure begins with an initial step 1000, which involves detecting whether the device is receiving power (active power supply or determination of the existence of a voltage difference). If the determination is positive, i.e., if the device is being powered, the second step 1001 consists of determining whether the energy storage of the locking device (for example, a capacitor or a rechargeable battery) has sufficient energy to ensure a change of actuator state. If the determination is negative, the power supply is used to charge 1007 the energy storage until the aforementioned condition is met.When the energy storage has sufficient energy for the actuator to change state (for example, returning from the final position to the initial position) without requiring external power, the actuator (for example, a motor) is activated 1002 using the external power supply, and its position is checked 1003. When the actuator's position is the final position (YES), it is stopped 1011. As long as the position is not the desired final position ("NO" in the check step 1003), the actuator remains activated. Once the actuator is stopped, the system waits for events, specifically for the power supply to be interrupted.

[0065] When the power supply is interrupted ('NO' in initial step 1000), it is checked 1003 whether the actuator is in its final position. If the actuator is in its initial position, the control device takes no action, as no action is required. If the actuator is in its final position, it is actuated 1002, for example, in the opposite direction, using energy stored in the locking device, such as the energy stored during the charging step 1007, or other available energy. The actuator continues to be actuated until it is checked 1004 that it has reached its initial position. The actuator is then stopped 1012. This ensures that, when the power supply is interrupted, the locking device remains in its initial position. The initial position of the actuator may correspond, depending on the case, to a locked or closed position or an unlocked or open position.This is important for locking devices that must maintain a specific state or position in the event of a power outage (“fail safe” or “fail secure”). When the power supply is interrupted, the device can use previously stored energy to return to its initial position, if necessary.

[0066] Determining whether there is enough stored energy can be done, for example, by measuring energy storage or by using a timer to ensure that the storage time is sufficient to reach the required level.

[0067] Either of the two procedures shown in Figures 1 and 2 allows for the control of, for example, a motor in such a way that it exhibits behavior similar to that of a coil. Following this method, the controller can be operated using only two power wires, without requiring continuous power, or three wires for both power and control. Furthermore, energy consumption is reduced when using a motor with this procedure compared to using a coil.

[0068] Figure 3 illustrates this point. The figure shows the power consumed (P), the available potential difference or voltage (V), and the current (I) consumed by a coil-operated door opener (2001) and a motor-driven door opener (2000) controlled by a method according to the present invention. The initial moment 2010, when the device is powered, and the final moment 2011, when the power supply ceases, are indicated on the x-axis. It can be seen that the energy consumption is lower because the coil consumes maximum power while it is being energized, regardless of whether it has reached its final position or not. Conversely, the motor consumes power only during movement, with consumption decreasing to a minimum once it has reached the end of its travel, regardless of whether the device is being powered or not.

[0069] Figure 4 also illustrates the available voltage and the current drawn from the external source by the actuator during a procedure like the one illustrated in Figure 2. The available voltage is represented by line 3001 and depends on the time the user is pressing the "open" button. The current drawn from the external source is represented by line 3002. The current drawn is at its maximum during steps 1007 and 1002, that is, while the energy storage is being charged and during the opening operation, during which energy is drawn from the external source. After the opening movement is completed, the consumption drops to a minimum. When the user releases the open button, the power supply is interrupted and the locking device proceeds with the actuator's return movement, but this movement is performed without consuming any external energy, since it uses the energy stored during the first step.

[0070] Figures 5 to 12 show an example of a locking device, in particular a door opener, according to the present invention.

[0071] Figure 5 shows a compact electric door opener 1. This figure shows the exterior of the door opener 1, the most visible part of a door opener installed on a door. A latch 3 and the housing 6 that covers the internal mechanism of the door opener 1 can be seen in this figure.

[0072] In Figures 6 to 8, one of the covers of box 6 has been removed to better show the internal structure and mechanism of the door opener 1. In this figure, in addition to the latch 3, it can be seen how said latch 3 comprises projections 32 that form a latch-first arm joint together with a shaft 2 and an end 13 of a first arm 10. This first arm 10, in turn, comprises, at its other end 14, an intermediate joint 19 formed, in this case, by the end 14 of the first arm 10, an end 91 of a second articulated arm 9, and a shaft 22. The first arm 10, the intermediate joint 19, and the second arm 9 form a knee lever system. In this figure, you can also see an interposition element 7, on one side of the knee lever system, in contact with the second arm 9 at the level of the intermediate joint 19. The interposition element 7 is surrounded by a guide piece 8, which is fixed to the housing.The guide piece 8 only allows movement of the interposing element 7 in a direction perpendicular to a plane formed by the longitudinal axes of each arm of the knee lever system. At the end opposite the end in contact with the knee lever system of each interposing element 7, an inclined plane 72 can be seen. The inclined plane 72 is in contact with a piece 105. A return spring 300 acts on piece 105. A position sensor 240 (a microcontroller) interacts with piece 105 and sends a signal to the control device 106 based on the position of piece 105. The control device 106 contains instructions for executing a procedure according to the present invention. The capacitor 107 and the control device of the example are located on a printed circuit board 103.It can be seen that the elements of the example have been able to be inserted into a box of identical dimensions to that of a coil-operated door opener.

[0073] The second arm 9 is a U-shaped fork, with a base end 96 and two bars, the ends 91 of which are located one on each side of the first arm 10 in the usual way, such that one end 14 of the first arm 10 and the two ends 91 of the two bars of arm 9 form, together with a cylindrical shaft 22, the intermediate joint 19, while the base end 96 of the second arm 9 is articulated to the box 6 by means of another shaft 12 forming the box-second arm joint.

[0074] The interposing element 7 comprises a recess 73, in which elastic means (not shown) are located between an inner part of the guide piece 8 inserted into the recess 73 and an inner wall of said recess 73. In this way, the elastic means, inside the recess 73, exert a force on the interposing element 7, pushing it until its inclined end plane 71 is in oblique contact with the intermediate joint 19 formed by the ends 91 of the second arm 9, the end 14 of the first arm 10, and a shaft 22. The locking mechanism comprises a motor 220 and a kinematic device that transforms the circular motion of the motor 220 into a linear motion that pushes the interposing element 7 to a position where it no longer blocks a push on the knee lever mechanism exerted from the latch.The kinematic device comprises a part 221 connected to the motor shaft 220 and which pushes a guided bar 230 that, in turn, pushes the interposing element 7. The guided bar 230 is guided by a guide piece 110. The position sensor 240 has the function of giving information to the door opener control device about the state of the actuator (motor 220) so that the control device 106 orders the motor 220 to return to its initial position when the appropriate circumstances arise.

[0075] Figure 8, thanks to its cross-sectional view, shows the pivot axis 31 of latch 3, the axis 22 of the intermediate joint 19, and the axis 12 of the box-second arm joint. This figure shows the latch in the locked position, where it can be seen that arms 10 and 9 are almost aligned. Thus, despite receiving a pushing force from the latch, the knee lever system, composed of arms 10 and 9 and axes 2, 22, and 12, is locked with minimal resistance from the contact of the intermediate joint 19 with the inclined plane 71 of the interposing element 7. This figure also shows elements of the mechanism such as one of the guide pieces 8, the box 6, and the ends of arms 13, 14, 91, and 96, which form the various joints of the system along with their respective axes 2, 22, and 12.The angle formed by both arms of the knee lever system, in the locked or rest position, is slightly less than 180. e measured from the point of view of the latch position. The relative position of the latch and knee lever is such that the thrust of the latch against the knee lever system tends to decrease the aforementioned angle between both arms. In the embodiment shown, the arms are never aligned with each other during operation.

[0076] Figure 9 shows box 6. In the figure, a hole 69 can be seen which can be used to house a screw for adjusting the relative position of the arms of the knee lever mechanism.

[0077] Figures 10, 11, and 12 illustrate the activation / deactivation mechanism of the locking mechanism in the example shown. This mechanism consists of the motor 220, part 221, and the guide bar 230. Part 221 in the example is generally cylindrical and is located in the motor head, fixed to its shaft through its central hole 223. Around the central hole, on its outer face—that is, on the base of the cylinder facing away from the motor—part 221 has a circularly developed inclined surface 222. In the example shown, this inclined surface 222 begins and ends at two resting sections, corresponding to the position of the guide bar 230 in the locked and unlocked positions. The resting sections in the example shown are flat. The term "flat" means that the points on this surface lie in the same plane, transverse to the motor shaft.The resting surfaces, however, could have a slight inclination with respect to the aforementioned transverse plane, preferably less than 5. e The inclined surface has a steeper incline than the resting surfaces. The two resting sections are immediately adjacent to the inclined surface. The arrangement of resting sections, preferably flat, in the end positions ensures that the 220 motor does not over-pressurize in the locking / unlocking positions, which could lead to stresses that could cause malfunctions and / or breakage.

[0078] The rest sections correspond to the device in the locked / unlocked position, while the inclined section corresponds to the travel between these two positions. Thus, when the mechanism is in the locked / unlocked position, the guide bar is located on one of the rest sections. As the guide bar 230 travels along the inclined section, the mechanism is transitioning from one locked / unlocked position to another. The inclined section, advantageously, rises continuously between the height of an initial rest section and the height of a final rest section. However, the incline can be variable, and even negative at some points. On the side opposite the connection to the inclined section, the final rest section is adjacent to the initial rest section.In the example, both the initial and final resting sections converge, on the side opposite the inclined surface, at a radial surface with respect to the axis of rotation of the part. However, a second inclined surface could be placed between the two resting sections. When the door opener is powered, the control device 106 first charges the energy storage (capacitor 107) with enough energy for the motor to return from its final to its initial position. Then, it activates the motor, which is in its initial position. When activated, the motor 220 rotates about its own axis. This rotation is transmitted to the part 221, which is fixed to the motor shaft. As the part 221 rotates, the circularly developed inclined surface 222 changes position, and this exerts a thrust on the guided bar 230.The guided bar 230, due to the arrangement of the kinematic mechanism that transforms the motor's rotation into linear motion, is able to press against the interposing element 7, pushing it so that the interposing element no longer blocks the movement of the knee lever mechanism. This, in turn, allows the latch 3 to be pushed from the outside, thus opening the door. When the latch is pushed against the knee lever mechanism, the arms of the knee lever mechanism decrease the angle they form with each other, which is always less than 180°. e .

[0079] When the interposing element 7 is pushed by the guided bar, it in turn pushes part 105. At that moment, the position sensor 240 informs the control device 106 that the unlocked position has been reached. When the door opener is no longer powered, the control device 106 will command, according to a procedure of the present invention, for example, according to any of the example procedures shown in Figures 1 and 2, the return of the motor to the initial position. This is done using energy from capacitor 107. The return to the initial position can be performed in two ways. In the first mode, the motor is driven in the opposite direction until the guided bar returns to its initial position, on the resting surface that corresponds to the start of its travel.In a second mode, the motor continues to act in the same direction until the guided bar passes the second rest position, which corresponds to the end of the stroke, and falls to the first rest surface.

[0080] As can be seen in the example shown, when the motor is not actuating, the door opener is locked. Obviously, it would also be possible to arrange the elements in the opposite way, so that when the motor is not actuating, the door opener is not locked, and when it is actuated, it pushes the interposing element to its locking position in the knee lever system. Figure 13 shows an alternative embodiment of the first embodiment in which the sensor system comprises two microswitch-type sensors 240, 241. The remaining elements are identical to those shown in the first embodiment and have been identified with the same numbers. Each sensor 240, 241 indicates whether the actuator is in the final or initial position, respectively.Specifically, each microswitch 240, 241 is activated at one of the extreme positions of part 105, which is pushed by the interposing element 7, which in turn is pushed by the guided bar 230, which is driven by the motor (not shown in the figures). In contrast, the embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 12 has only one microswitch-type sensor 240 to detect when the actuator is in the end position (and, therefore, in that embodiment, when the door opener is unlocked). With two sensors 240, 241, the system operates more stably and efficiently.

[0081] Figures 14 to 17 show a second embodiment of a locking device, in particular an electric door opener according to the present invention. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the locking mechanism of the door opener is a long bar / short bar mechanism typical of electric door openers. Elements identical or equivalent to those of the first embodiment have been represented with identical numerals.

[0082] In Figure 14, one of the covers of housing 6 has been removed to better show the internal structure and the mechanism of the door opener 1. The latch 3 in the example can rotate around an axis (hidden in the figure). During its opening movement, latch 3 must overcome the resistance of a long bar 200. The long bar in the example rotates, at one of its ends, around an axis 112. Additionally, at an intermediate point along the long bar 200, a spring 300 acts, located, in this case, between housing 6 and the long bar 200. Its action tends to maintain contact between the long bar 200 and latch 3. In the locked position, the long bar 200 is held in place by the short bar 210, which has a recess 211 for this purpose. The shape of the recess 211 is designed to match that of the long bar 200 to ensure a more secure locking mechanism. The short bar 210 also rotates around an axis 212 at one of its ends.A spring 302 also acts on the short bar, tending to place it in its locked position. The long bar / short bar assembly constitutes the door opener's locking mechanism, as shown in Figure 14 in the locked position. One corner of the free end of the long bar 200 is locked by the corresponding recess 211 of the short bar 210, preventing the latch 3 from pushing the long bar 200 during its opening movement. The door opener is therefore locked. To unlock the door opener, it is necessary to rotate the short bar 210 to the left in the figure, against the action of the short bar's spring 302. To do this, the force of spring 302 and the preload force must be overcome.The preload force comes from the push on latch 3 exerted from the outside, which is transmitted from latch 3 to the long bar 200 and from there to the contact area between the long bar 200 and the short bar 210. The elements described so far coincide with electric door openers of a known type, which are normally operated by a coil.

[0083] Figures 15 to 17 show the activation mechanism of the locking mechanism of the second embodiment, its operation and its parts.

[0084] The locking mechanism comprises a motor 220 and a kinematic device that transforms the circular motion of the motor 220 into a linear motion that drives the short bar 210 to the unlocked position. The kinematic device comprises a part 221 connected to and fixed to the shaft of the motor 220. As part 221 rotates with the motor shaft, it pushes a guided bar 230, which, in turn, pushes the short bar 210 to the unlocked position. The guided bar 230 is guided by a guide piece 108. An additional elastic element / spring 301 acts on the guided bar 230, ensuring its permanent contact with part 221. Figure 15 also shows a position sensor 240, whose function is to provide the door opener control device with information about the system's status or position so that the control device can instruct the motor to return to its initial position when the appropriate conditions arise.

[0085] Figures 16 and 17 show the system when motor 220 is actuated. When actuated, motor 220 rotates about its own axis. This rotation is transmitted to part 221. As part 221 rotates, the inclined circular surface 222 changes position, which in turn exerts a thrust on the guided bar 230. As shown in the figure, the inclined circular surface is located immediately adjacent to two circular resting surfaces, in this case parallel to a plane transverse to the axis of rotation of part 221. As shown in the figure, the guided bar 230, due to the arrangement of the kinematic mechanism that transforms the motor's rotation into linear motion, is able to press the short bar 210 against the same surface 213 where the short bar is pressed in a conventional coil-operated door opener.The guided bar 230, in turn, pushes the short bar 210 which comes out of its locked position of the long bar 200, which can now be pushed by the latch 3.

[0086] When the guided bar 230 reaches the position where it has released the lock between the short bar 210 and the long bar 200, the position sensor 240 informs the control device that the unlocked position has been reached. The control device will then command, according to a program as explained in Figures 1 and / or 2, the motor to return to its initial position. When this occurs, the short bar 210 will return to its initial position thanks to the action of spring 302, and the guided bar 230 will do the same due to the action of spring 301. In principle, it would also be possible to cause the return of both elements with a single spring (for example, spring 300), but the arrangement of two springs is safer. The return to the initial position can be achieved by keeping motor 220 rotating, which will cause part 221 to continue rotating in the same direction, or by reversing the action of motor 220, which will cause part 221 to rotate in the opposite direction.The energy required to turn the motor can come from an external power source or from an internal energy storage (not shown).

[0087] The activation / deactivation mechanism of the locking mechanism in the second example is identical to that shown in Figures 10, 11, and 12, corresponding to the first embodiment. A control device and a capacitor can be located behind the elements shown, as in the first embodiment, or in the attachable box arranged to the right of the door opener in Figure 14. The control device in the second example contains the commands necessary to carry out a method according to the present invention.

[0088] As can be seen in the figures, box 6 in the example is a standard coil-operated door opener box of a known type. Thanks to the example's design, the coil could be replaced with a 220 motor and the corresponding kinematic mechanism without modifying the box or its dimensions. Adapting the kinematic mechanism and motor assembly to the box was easily accomplished using an existing coil-operated door opener box, as its dimensions are even smaller than those of a coil.

[0089] Figure 18 shows an alternative embodiment of the second embodiment in which the sensor system comprises two microswitch-type sensors 240, 241. Each sensor 240, 241 indicates whether the actuator is in the final or initial position, respectively. In contrast, the embodiment of Figures 14 to 17 has only one microswitch-type sensor 240 to detect when the actuator is in the final position (and, therefore, in these embodiments, when the door opener is unlocked). With two sensors 240, 241, the system operates more stably and efficiently.

[0090] Although the invention has been presented and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it is understood that these are not limiting to the invention. Therefore, numerous construction details and other aspects may vary and become apparent to those skilled in the art after interpreting the material disclosed in this description, claims, and drawings. In particular, in principle, all the features of each of the different embodiments and alternatives shown and / or suggested are combinable. Thus, all variations and equivalents will be included within the scope of the present invention if they can be considered to fall within the broader scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Method for controlling an electric actuator in an electrically powered locking system, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - determine if the actuator receives electrical power, - If the actuator receives electrical power, then check if the locking system has enough energy to perform a state change without resorting to electrical power, and if not, initiate energy storage using electrical power. - then, proceed to change the actuator's state.

2. Method, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that if it is determined in the step of determining whether the actuator receives electrical power that the system has stopped receiving electrical power, the locking system generates an order to the actuator to change state, using energy stored by the locking system.

3. A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step of proceeding to change the state of the actuator using the external power supply does not begin until the locking system has stored enough energy to produce a complete change of state of the actuator without resorting to the external power supply.

4. Method, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy is stored in a capacitor of the locking system.

5. Method, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking device determines the state of the actuator based on information provided by a sensor system.

6. Method, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that proceeding to change the state of the actuator using the external power supply comprises actuating the actuator until the sensor system detects that a change of state has occurred with respect to the initial state.

7. Method, according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that before proceeding to change the state of the actuator to its initial state using energy stored by the locking system, the locking system checks whether the sensor system detects that a change of state has occurred with respect to the initial state.

8. Method, according to any of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the change of state of the actuator to its initial state using energy stored by the locking system comprises actuating the actuator until the sensor system detects that the initial state of the actuator has been reached.

9. Locking device comprising an actuator and an energy storage device, and a control system, the control system being configured to execute a method according to any of the preceding claims.

10. Device, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a sensor system for determining the state of the actuator.

11. Device, according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the actuator is configured to act on a locking system of a locking mechanism of the locking device to produce a change of state of the locking system.

12. Device, according to any of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the energy storage system is a capacitor.

13. Device, according to any of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the actuator is a motor.

14. Device, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the locking system has a kinematic mechanism that transforms the circular motion of the motor into a linear motion parallel to the axis of rotation of the motor.

15. Locking device, characterized in that it is an electric door opener.

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