Electronic knob cylinder for a lock

Abstract

An electronic knob cylinder (1) for a lock, wherein the knob (2) is covered by a removable casing (4), the casing (4) having a circular opening (5) for the insertion of the knob (2), and said opening (5) being provided with a flange (6). The electronic cylinder comprises an elastic foil (7) including an annular body (8) having at least one radial protrusion (9). The annular body (8) is housed in a housing and guiding groove (10) that extends along a peripheral circumference (11) of the knob (2), and is rotatable between an engagement position (12) and a release position (13) of the protrusion (9) relative to the flange (6), for respectively securing or releasing the casing (4) from the knob (2).

Description

[0001] ELECTRONIC KNOB CYLINDER FOR A LOCK

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The present invention relates to an electronic knob cylinder for a lock.

[0004] It is known that electronic knob cylinders must be enabled in order to rotate the cam or the locking bolt.

[0005] The enabling can be provided by an external command, given for example through a badge, an NFC device, or a tablet / smartphone.

[0006] The electronic components that receive the command — comprising a circuit board and usually a power battery — are integrated into the knob, which also functions as a handle to open the door once the lock has been enabled.

[0007] The knob is covered by a casing that protects the electronic components and allows limited access to them.

[0008] The casing should therefore be removable to gain easy access to those components.

[0009] For instance, since the battery must necessarily be contained in a grippable knob, it cannot have an extremely high capacity and must therefore be replaced after a certain number of uses. To replace the battery, the casing is first removed and then reattached.

[0010] This operation is necessary each time a battery is depleted, so removing the casing must be relatively quick and not particularly difficult.

[0011] However, the casing should not be too easy to remove, otherwise there is a risk that it could be inadvertently or improperly detached during normal use of the knob.

[0012] Currently, the casing is attached to the knob by screwing it on, with the risk that, as mentioned, it could be unscrewed too easily by anyone.

[0013] In more advanced systems, the casing is attached to the knob using a metal ring positioned at the inner end of the knob, i.e., the end facing the lock. Once the knob is in place, the ring is rotated using a specific tool, thus securing it to the casing and preventing it from slipping off.

[0014] The same tool is needed to remove the casing, which means the casing cannot be removed by someone who does not have the tool.

[0015] Such systems are known to be ineffective, because if the ring needs to be replaced for any reason — such as wear or breakage — the entire knob must be disassembled and removed, the new ring positioned, and then the knob reassembled.

[0016] Consequently, despite the ring having a very low manufacturing cost, its replacement becomes significantly more expensive due to the labor involved.

[0017] There is therefore a need to find a solution that enables maintenance or repair of the casing-to- knob coupling system without requiring disassembly of the entire knob.

[0018] The technical aim of the present invention is therefore to provide an electronic knob cylinder for a lock that eliminates the technical drawbacks of the known art.

[0019] In this context, one objective of the invention is to provide an electronic knob cylinder for a lock that allows for easy and quick access to the interior of the knob.

[0020] Another objective is to provide an electronic knob cylinder for a lock that prevents unauthorized removal of the casing from the knob.

[0021] The technical aim, as well as these and other objectives, are achieved by an electronic knob cylinder for a lock according to claim 1.

[0022] Further features of the present invention are also defined in the dependent claims.

[0023] Additional features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, though non-exclusive, embodiment of the electronic knob cylinder for a lock according to the invention, illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the electronic knob cylinder with the elastic foil in the release position, the casing detached from the knob, and the battery outside its housing; Figure 2 shows a perspective view from a different angle of the knob and casing, again with the elastic foil in the release position and the casing detached;

[0024] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the elastic foil;

[0025] Figures 4A and 4B show a perspective view of the knob with the elastic foil in the release position (Fig. 4A) and in the engagement position (Fig. 4B);

[0026] Figures 5A and 5B show a front view of the knob and casing with the elastic foil in the release position (Fig. 5A) and in the engagement position (Fig. 5B);

[0027] Figures 6A and 6B show a perspective view of the knob, casing, and tool with the elastic foil in the release position (Fig. 6A) and in the engagement position (Fig. 6B).

[0028] With reference to the mentioned figures, an electronic knob cylinder for a lock is shown, generally indicated by reference number 1.

[0029] The electronic knob cylinder 1 for a lock has an outer side 31 and an inner side 32. The outer side 31 is connected to the knob 2, while the inner side 32, as visible in Figure 1, can be connected to an additional knob 25.

[0030] The external knob 2 and the internal knob 25 are configured to rotate the locking bolt 28 of the electronic cylinder 1 independently from one another to open or close the lock.

[0031] However, while the internal knob 25 is permanently and rotationally connected to the locking bolt 28, the external knob 2 must be externally enabled to be rotationally coupled with the locking bolt 28.

[0032] The knob 2, in the specific embodiment shown, includes a battery compartment 3 and is covered by a removable casing 4 for access to the battery compartment.

[0033] The battery compartment 3 is designed to house a battery 26 for powering an electronic enabling circuit 27 of the external knob 2. The electronic circuit 27 is configured to receive an enabling command from an external device, such as a badge, NFC device, tablet, smartphone, etc.

[0034] In particular, the electronic circuit 27 is electrically connected to an electric motor capable of moving a coupling element (not shown) between: an engagement position, where the external knob 2 and the locking bolt 28 are rotationally connected, and a disengagement position, where the external knob 2 and the locking bolt 28 are disconnected.

[0035] The knob 2 and the removable casing 4 are preferably cylindrical in shape. Furthermore, the internal diameter of the casing 4 is larger than the external diameter of the knob 2, as the casing is designed to axially fit over the knob.

[0036] The casing 4 features a circular opening 5 for inserting the knob 2, equipped with a flange 6. The flange 6 extends radially towards the interior of the casing 4 and has one side facing towards the interior and one side facing towards the exterior of the casing 4.

[0037] The electronic cylinder 1 also includes an elastic foil 7 with an annular body 8 featuring at least one radial protrusion 9.

[0038] The elastic foil 7 is curved in the direction of its thickness — meaning it has greater axial length than radial thickness.

[0039] The annular body 8 is configured as an open ring.

[0040] The annular body 8 is made of metal, designed to deform and return to its original shape after deformation.

[0041] The radial protrusion 9 extends radially towards the exterior of the annular body 8.

[0042] In particular two such protrusions 9 are provided and positioned diametrically opposite each other. The annular body 8 is housed in a housing and guiding groove 10 that runs along a peripheral circumference 11 of the knob 2. The groove 10 is designed to bind axially but not in rotary manner the annular body 8 to the knob 2 so that the annular body 8 is designated to rotate along the peripheral circumference 11 but not to axially slide.

[0043] Indeed, the annular body 8 is rotatable respectively between an engagement position 12 and a release position 13 respectively for coupling and decoupling the casing 4 from the knob 2.

[0044] The radial protrusion 9 is intended to axially fix the annular body 8 to the casing 4, as it is intended to press against the inner side of the flange 6, preventing the casing 4 from slipping off the knob 2.

[0045] Relative rotation between the annular body 8 and the casing 4 is still possible, as the interaction between the radial protrusion 9 and the flange 6 only constrains axial movement, not rotational movement.

[0046] The release position 13 allows removal of the casing 4 from the knob 2; indeed in the release position 13, to each radial protrusion 9 corresponds and is aligned with a pass-through recess 30 on the flange 6, enabling passage of the radial protrusion 9.

[0047] In the engagement position 12, the radial protrusion 9 and the pass-through recess 30 are no longer aligned, thus preventing the passage of the radial protrusion 9 and removal of the casing 4.

[0048] As the foil 7 has a symmetrical configuration with two diametrically opposed protrusions 9, the casing also has two diametrically opposed pass-through recesses 30.

[0049] Since the annular body 8 is axially constrained both to the casing 4 and the knob 2, the casing 4 and the knob 2 are also axially constrained. Thus, once the annular body 8 is in the engagement position 12, the casing 4 cannot be removed from the knob 2.

[0050] The relative rotation between the casing 4 and the knob 2 is instead blocked by a locking tooth 29 located on the outer side of the knob 2, which locking tooth 29 is designed to fit into a corresponding shaped locking seat formed on the inner side of the casing 4. Once the casing 4 is fitted onto the knob 2, the locking tooth 29 and the corresponding locking seat prevent any relative rotation between knob 2 and casing 4, while still allowing relative rotation between the annular body 8 and the knob 2, and between the annular body 8 and the casing 4. The annular body 8 also features rotation gripping teeth 14.

[0051] These teeth 14 are housed within the extensions of the internal and external cylindrical generatrices of the annular body 8.

[0052] They are designed this way to avoid interference during insertion or removal of the casing 4 from the knob 2.

[0053] There are at least two teeth 14, but more specifically, there are two pairs of teeth, with the second pair being diametrically opposed to the first.

[0054] The teeth 14 are slidably housed in at least one recess 15 of the knob 2, which is accessible by a tool 16.

[0055] This tool 16 is designed to rotate the annular body 8 from a base 17 of the knob 2. In particular, the rotation tool 16 engages in the space between each pair of teeth 14.

[0056] The tool 16 is made from a single metal sheet and has two ends 33 designed to engage with the teeth 14.

[0057] These two ends 33 are oriented toward the knob 2 in use, so they can be inserted into the recesses 15 to facilitate the rotation of the teeth 14.

[0058] The recess 15 includes: a first stop 18 for one tooth of the pair of teeth 14 at the engagement position 12, and a second stop 19 for the other tooth of the pair of teeth 14 at the release position 13.

[0059] Since the elastic foil 7 preferably includes two diametrically opposed pairs of teeth 14, the knob 2 also preferably features two diametrically opposed recesses 15.

[0060] As a result, there are also two first stops 18 and two second stops 19, also in diametrically opposed positions. The annular body 8 also includes a protruding lug 20 that can engage with a first locking seat 21 formed in the knob 2 to lock the engagement position 12, or a second locking seat 22 formed in the knob 2 to lock the release position 13.

[0061] Preferably, there are two diametrically opposed first locking seats 21 and two second locking seats 22, also diametrically opposed.

[0062] The lug 20 is housed within the extensions of the internal and external cylindrical generatrices of the annular body 8, for the same reason of the teeth 14, that is to say to avoid interfering with the axial movement between the annular body 8 and the casing 4.

[0063] Both the lug 20 and the teeth 14 project from the same peripheral edge 24 of the annular body 8. Specifically, they project from the peripheral edge 24 facing toward the cylinder 1.

[0064] The lug 20 is elastically yielding. This yieldingness is provided by a closed longitudinal through- slot 23 positioned at the lug 20.

[0065] This elasticity allows the lug 20 to exit the locking seat 21 , 22 where it is engaged when a rotational force is applied via tool 16, the annular body 8 to rotate between the engagement position 12 and the release position 13 or vice versa, and the lug 20 to enter the other locking seat 21, 22.

[0066] The closed longitudinal through - slot 23 is shaped in such a way that the lug 20 does not flex unintentionally due to vibrations or external impacts.

[0067] Thus, only tool 16 can be used to rotate the annular body 8 between the engagement position 12 and the release position 13.

[0068] The operation of the electronic knob cylinder for a lock, as described and illustrated, is essentially as follows.

[0069] To disassemble the device for replacement of battery 26, the following procedure is followed.

[0070] A step is performed to insert tool 16 into position as shown in Fig. 6B, so that the two ends 33 are placed each into the space between each pair of teeth 14. Then a step is performed to rotate the tool until reaching the position shown in Fig. 6A, in which the lug 20 has reached the second locking seat 22.

[0071] In this position, two of the teeth 14 will have reached the second stop 19, thus preventing further rotation.

[0072] At this point, the casing 4 can be slid axially off the knob 2, in a direction opposite to that of the cylinder 1.

[0073] The battery 26 and the battery compartment 3 are now accessible and the battery 26 can be replaced.

[0074] If the elastic foil 7 also needs to be replaced (e.g., due to wear or damage), it is sufficient to slightly expand it manually and pull it off the knob 2.

[0075] In a similar way, to insert a new elastic foil 7, it is expanded just enough to fit into the housing and guiding groove 10 of the knob 2. Once released, it returns elastically to its original configuration. This means the replacement of the annular body 8 has been advantageously completed without removing the knob 2 from the cylinder 1.

[0076] Next, the previous steps are reversed.

[0077] A step is performed to insert casing 4 back onto knob 2 by sliding it axially; during this step it is important to align the locking tooth 29 with its corresponding locking seat, to ensure proper engagement of the casing 4.

[0078] Indeed it is not sufficient to simply align any protrusion 9 with any pass through recess 30 as each protrusion properly cooperates with only a corresponding pass through recess 30.

[0079] By means of the tool is then possible to rotate the annular body 8 from the release position 13 back to the engagement position 12, meaning the lug 20 reaches the first locking seat 21.

[0080] In this position, two teeth 14 reach the first stop 18, preventing further rotation.

[0081] The device is now reassembled and ready to function again. In practice, it has been found that the electronic knob cylinder for locks according to the invention is particularly advantageous, as it allows for replacement of the locking annular body without the need to completely disassemble the knob.

[0082] Furthermore, during use, the casing remains firmly secured to the knob, even under significant external stresses, without detaching.

[0083] The electronic knob cylinder thus conceived is subject to numerous modifications and variations, all within the scope of the inventive concept.

[0084] In particular, the electronic knob cylinder can be of the type not involving a battery and a battery compartment.

[0085] In a first example, the electronic knob cylinder can be of the type where the knob 2 is equipped with electronic means for receiving energy transmitted from NFC means embedded into a smartphone or a tablet. In this case the removal of the casing 4 makes it possible to access the interior of the knob 2 where a mechanism for unhooking the knob 2 from the electronic cylinder is placed.

[0086] In a second example, the electronic knob cylinder can be of the type where into the casing 4 a mechanism to harvest energy by means of mechanical movement of the casing 4 is installed. In this case as well the removal of the casing 4 makes it possible to access the interior of the knob 2 where a mechanism for unhooking the knob 2 from the electronic cylinder is placed.

[0087] In addition, all details can be replaced with technically equivalent elements.

[0088] In practice, the materials used, as well as dimensions, may vary depending on needs and technological developments.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Electronic knob cylinder (1) for a lock, wherein the knob (2) is covered by a removable casing (4), said casing (4) having a circular opening (5) for the insertion of said knob (2), said opening (5) being equipped with a flange (6), characterized in that it comprises an elastic foil (7) including an annular body (8) having at least one radial protrusion (9), said annular body (8) being housed in a housing and guiding groove (10) extending along a peripheral circumference (11) of said knob (2) and being rotatable between an engagement position (12) of said protrusion (9) with said flange (6) for attaching said casing (4) to said knob (2) and a release position (13) of said protrusion (9) from said flange (6) for detaching said casing (4) from said knob (2).

2. Electronic knob cylinder (1) for a lock according to claim 1, characterized in that said annular body (8) is configured as an open ring.

3. Electronic knob cylinder (1) for a lock according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said radial protrusion (9) extends radially outward from said annular body (8).

4. Electronic knob cylinder (1) for a lock according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said annular body (8) has rotation gripping teeth (14) slidably housed in at least one recess (15) of said knob (2), which is accessible by a tool (16) for rotating said annular body (8) from a base (17) of said knob (2).

5. Electronic knob cylinder (1) for a lock according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one pair of rotation gripping teeth (14) is provided, between which said annular body (8) rotation tool (16) is engagable.

6. Electronic knob cylinder (1) for a lock according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said recess (15) includes a first stop (18) for a first tooth of the pair of teeth (14) in said engagement position (12), and a second stop (19) for a second tooth of the pair of teeth (14) in said release position (13).

7. Electronic knob cylinder (1) for a lock according to any of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that said teeth (14) are contained within the extensions of the internal and external cylindrical generatrices of said annular body (8).

8. Electronic knob cylinder (1) for a lock according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said annular body (8) includes a snap-fit lug (20) engagable in a first locking seat (21) formed in the knob (2) for locking in the engagement position (12), or in a second locking seat (22) formed in the knob (2) for locking in the release position (13).

9. Electronic knob cylinder (1) for a lock according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said lug (20) is elastically yielding.

10. Electronic knob cylinder (1) for a lock according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said annular body (8) has, at the location of said lug (20), a closed longitudinal through-slot (23) which allows the elastic yielding of said lug (20).

11. Electronic knob cylinder (1) for a lock according to any of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that said lug (20) is contained within the extensions of the internal and external cylindrical generatrices of said annular body (8).

12. Electronic knob cylinder (1) for a lock according to any of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that said lug (20) and said teeth (14) project from the same peripheral edge (24) of said annular body (8).

13. Electronic knob cylinder (1) for a lock according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said elastic foil (7) is curved in the direction of its thickness.

14. Electronic knob cylinder (1) for a lock according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said foil (7) has a symmetrical configuration with two diametrically opposed protrusions (9), two diametrically opposed pairs of teeth (14), and said knob (2) has two diametrically opposed first locking seats (21), two diametrically opposed second locking seats (22), and two diametrically opposed recesses (15).

15. Electronic knob cylinder (1) for a lock according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is of the type comprising a battery compartment (3) in the knob (2), or of the type where the knob (2) is equipped with electronic means for receiving energy transmitted from NFC means embedded into a smartphone or a tablet and the removal of the casing (4) makes it possible to access the interior of the knob (2) where a mechanism for unhooking the knob (2) from the electronic cylinder is placed, or of the type where into the casing (4) a mechanism to harvest energy by means of mechanical movement of the casing (4) is installed and the removal of the casing (4) makes it possible to access the interior of the knob (2) where a mechanism for unhooking the knob (2) from the electronic cylinder is placed.

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