Electronically locking multi-platform modular system

Abstract

The present invention discloses an electronically locking multi-platform modular system, which relates to a system formed by an electronic cylinder that can be activated and powered, or put into operation, alternatively and alternately, by means of at least two independent peripheral devices that use different cylinder activation and powering technologies depending on both the programming and structure of the cylinder and the peripheral devices themselves.

Description

[0001] MULTI-PLATFORM MODULAR ELECTRONIC LOCK SYSTEM DESCRIPTION OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention, a multi-platform modular electronic lock system, refers to a system consisting of an electronic cylinder that can be activated and powered, or put into operation, by at least two independent peripheral devices that employ different technologies for activating and powering the cylinder depending on both the programming and structure of the cylinder and the peripheral devices themselves.

[0003] The field of application of the present invention is the access control sector and specifically the area of ​​electromechanical cylinders that can be activated and powered by peripheral devices.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In the prior art, various access control systems are known that consist of an electronic lock which, when activated, acts on a mechanical lock or activation element to open and / or close a door or other element such as a window, padlock, locker, or cabinet, among others. These electronic locking systems replace traditional, exclusively mechanical systems based on a physical lock and key.

[0006] Electronic locking systems require power to activate the actuator, solenoid, or motor, which is connected to the mechanical lock or activation element. This power is then used to move the mechanical lock, which is preferably activated mechanically by a user. Activating the actuator, solenoid, or motor activates the activation element, or mechanical lock, allowing the user to open or close the aforementioned elements. Power is also required to supply the electronics responsible for managing access, understood as the opening of the door, window, or any of the aforementioned elements. Locking systems typically consist of an electromechanical cylinder associated with a single peripheral activation device. The interaction between these two components allows the door, window, or other element where the cylinder is installed to be opened.

[0007] The electromechanical cylinder typically comprises an actuator, usually a motor, associated with a mechanical locking component or activation element, preferably a bolt that interacts with the door or window frame to allow its opening and closing. It also includes an electronic component or circuit board with a microprocessor, responsible for recognizing or rejecting the activation device. If the device is recognized, the motor connected to the activation element is activated, enabling the user to open the door or window. The cylinder includes a clutch actuator mechanism associated with the motor, specifically positioned between the motor's rotor and the activation element, and also connected to the electronic board. This clutch actuator mechanism is designed for low power consumption.Low power consumption refers to the maximum electrical power required to activate or operate the cylinder's activation element, using either batteries installed in peripheral devices or smart mobile devices such as mobile phones, tablets, or active tags. Preferably, the mechanical lock or activation element requires user interaction to open the access point. This electronic component or board also regulates the energy used by the cylinder to activate the motor and to recognize the peripheral device. This energy, necessary to power the electronic locking systems, can be supplied in various ways, as is known in the prior art.

[0008] Some of the known electromechanical locking systems include:

[0009] An electromechanical cylinder with its own electrical power supply, either through internal batteries or through physical connections with an external power source, for example, through wiring over the door or window.

[0010] An electromechanical cylinder with an external power supply, provided by a battery housed in a peripheral device, such as an electronic knob, permanently connected to the cylinder. The knob is activated by a passive electronic tag, which does not require a battery. This tag communicates with the knob via an antenna, and the knob transmits information to the cylinder to verify its authentication. If authentication is confirmed, the tag is powered, activating the cylinder's mechanical locking mechanism. Thanks to the continuous, external power supply, this solution allows for remote, active wireless monitoring of the cylinder, enabling real-time opening and closing.In the prior art, electromechanical cylinders connected to and operated by battery-powered electronic knobs are known. These knobs communicate with a passive tag that signals the cylinder's activation via a knob. Patents EP2698489B1 and EP3241961B1 describe electromechanical cylinders activated and powered by knobs, as peripheral devices, connected to said cylinders.

[0011] The main problem with this solution is that the batteries of the connected peripheral device run out, requiring replacement and resulting in environmental impact. Additionally, it's important to highlight the economic cost of battery replacements in the field, especially in remote installations. These problems are compounded if the user cannot change the batteries themselves without having to open a door, window, or access point—a common security measure.An electromechanical cylinder with external power supply, provided by a peripheral electronic device, preferably an electronic key, with an internal battery, said electronic key being removablely connected to the cylinder, so that when connected it can be authenticated to transmit information to said cylinder, as well as power it electrically and proceed to activate the mechanical mechanism of the cylinder.

[0012] US patent 8973417B1 describes a locking mechanism consisting of a key that provides power and information to an electromechanical cylinder equipped with a microprocessor and a motor. The key and cylinder exchange secure information to authenticate whether the user has permission to access the lock.

[0013] This solution is more compact than the previous one because it doesn't have a device permanently connected to the cylinder that physically protrudes from it, thus simplifying installation. However, this solution shares the same problem as the previously described system: the battery also runs out over time, although battery replacement is easier in this system than in the previous case. Furthermore, because this system lacks an external communication antenna, remote activation of the cylinder is prevented in some situations, for example, if the peripheral device or electronic key is lost.

[0014] One advantage of this electronic key solution is the reduction in maintenance costs, as there is no need to replace batteries in the field, since they are rechargeable, thus reducing the environmental impact compared to the previous option. Conversely, a drawback of this solution compared to the one described earlier is the cost of the electronic key itself, which leads to user resistance due to the high cost of having to purchase an electronic unit or key for each user.

[0015] An electromechanical cylinder with an external power supply, comprising a passive peripheral device attached to the cylinder, without a battery, for example, a knob permanently connected to the cylinder, and requiring an external active activation device that provides electrical power, for example, an active tag with a battery, or a mobile smart device (phone, smartphone, tablet, etc.). Thus, when the external active activation device approaches the passive device, or knob, attached to the cylinder, which includes an antenna, as well as the external activation device, active tag, or mobile device, power and authentication information are transmitted, preferably using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology.

[0016] Regarding this solution, Australian patent application AU2009201756A1 describes an electronic locking system that includes a lock with at least one antenna. An external power source powers the lock for activation using induction technology. The external power source is preferably an external activation device with near-field communication (NFC) technology, with an antenna and a battery capable of creating a near-field NFC field. This device can be a mobile phone or an active transmitter, such as an active tag, label, or fob.

[0017] Another document describing similar technology is US patent 9670694B1, which refers to a safe with a compartment for storing, for example, a physical key that will open a door or window. The safe receives electrical power from an external access or activation device via inductive coupling, using the received electrical power to activate communication with an NFC transceiver located within the safe. The external activation device and the safe's NFC transceiver also communicate wirelessly so that the safe receives instructions from the external activation device.

[0018] As in the previous case, this solution does not require any batteries to be replaced, since power is supplied by the external activation device—namely, the battery-powered mobile device, tag, or fob. If the battery runs out, it is recharged by the user, offering environmental benefits. This external activation device also provides the authentication keys for activating the cylinder lock once it is wirelessly powered. However, because this solution does not have a continuous power supply, it cannot be operated remotely and its status cannot be transmitted online in real time.The advantage of this solution over the previous one is that the peripheral device attached to the cylinder can be activated by any external activation device, preferably a mobile phone or active tag, so the user is not required to purchase an electronic device, or electronic key, which represents a high-cost investment. In light of the above, the present invention, a modular, multi-platform system of electronic locks, allows the activation and powering of an electronic cylinder by at least two different peripheral devices, and preferably three, thus mitigating the drawbacks of known electronic locking systems. In this way, the user decides, depending on their needs, which may change over time or depending on the location of the access control, which peripheral to use to activate the electronic cylinder at any given time during the product's lifespan.

[0019] EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention, a multi-platform modular system for electronic locks, relates to a modular system for powering and activating a single electromechanical locking cylinder in access control systems, preferably for doors and / or windows, among other access points, using at least two different peripheral devices, preferably three different peripheral devices, which can interact individually and alternately with the cylinder. Each peripheral device is different, incorporating distinct technologies for cylinder activation, thus resulting in a modular system with different cylinder activation platforms.

[0021] This modular system benefits both the manufacturer and the customer using the cylinders in their facilities. The manufacturer can produce at least two, preferably three, different peripheral devices compatible with a single cylinder, depending on the customer's needs. This reduces product costs, streamlines manufacturing logistics, and offers the customer various configuration options. Furthermore, the customer with the cylinder in their facility can replace the initially purchased peripheral device with a different one, and can also have additional peripheral devices as alternative opening methods, for example, in case of emergency openings.

[0022] Thus, the modular system of the present invention allows for the electronic connection of different peripheral devices to a single electromechanical cylinder in an alternating fashion. This is achieved using an electronic connector that enables an electronic connection with the electronic connectors of these peripheral devices. Furthermore, coupling between the cylinder and the peripherals is facilitated through a mechanical connector on the cylinder that is compatible with the mechanical connectors of the various peripheral devices.

[0023] In this way, an electromechanical cylinder can be electromechanically connected to different peripheral devices alternately, giving rise to the multi-platform modular electronic lock system of the invention, that is, enabling the connection on the same cylinder of different peripheral devices with different technology for the activation of the cylinder.

[0024] Therefore, the present invention has as its first object a modular, multi-platform electromechanical lock system according to claim 1. Specifically, the system of the invention comprises an electromechanical cylinder equipped with a rotor and a stator, and at least two peripheral devices for activating, or operating, the cylinder, this having:

[0025] - A mechanical activation or closing element,

[0026] - An electronic board with at least one signal demodulator, an NFC tag, and at least one energy storage element,

[0027] - A clutch actuator mechanism, associated with the motor, or solenoid, of the rotor, and consequently with the electronic board, responsible for regulating the action of the activation element, and

[0028] - At least one electronic cylinder connector, associated with the electronic board, with at least two sets of connections, for its electronic coupling with at least two peripheral cylinder activation devices.

[0029] In the present invention, an NFC tag refers to a microchip that manages the data transaction by RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), and in turn converts the wirelessly transmitted energy into an input voltage to the electronic circuit of the cylinder, commonly known as Energy Harvesting.

[0030] Peripheral devices have electronic connections for pairing or connecting electronically, alternately, to the cylinder via its connection sets. Depending on the peripheral device connected to the cylinder, different connection sets will be activated, causing various signals to be transmitted to the different internal components of the cylinder plate. This allows the system to manage each peripheral device according to its properties. Each cylinder connection set preferably consists of at least two connection points, although two connection sets may consist of three points, with each set sharing one of the three connection points. However, four connection points are preferable.

[0031] Preferably, the cylinder's electronic board comprises a signal demodulator, an NFC tag, and at least one energy storage element. It also preferably includes a controller, memory, a power management unit, and an actuator driver, which is preferably a motor or solenoid. The memory stores the procedure or code and is also used for controlling and storing information about user access to the electromechanical cylinder. Thus, depending on the peripheral device connected to the cylinder, different components of the electronic board will be activated.

[0032] As mentioned, the system preferably comprises a mechanical connector on the cylinder which has at one end first coupling means to be able to releasably, removablely or detachably couple at least two peripheral mechanical connectors arranged on two different peripheral devices which each have second coupling means that are complementary to the first coupling means of the cylinder, thus enabling the interchange of the different peripheral devices on the cylinder.

[0033] Mechanical coupling means are understood as components used to mechanically join, in this case, the cylinder and a device. Their main function is to transmit force and motion from one element to the other, so that both work together in a coordinated manner. In the present invention, the mechanical coupling means allow the transmission of rotation from the peripheral device to the cylinder.

[0034] The system comprises at least two peripheral devices, each featuring an electronic connector with at least two electronic connections or electronic connection points that form a connection set for electronically connecting or linking with one of the connection sets of the cylinder's electronic connector. Additionally, the system also features at least one mechanical connector with secondary coupling means that complement the primary coupling means of the cylinder.

[0035] The various peripherals can employ different mechanical means of connection or coupling with the electromechanical cylinder, being compatible and complementary to each other so that any of the at least two peripheral devices can be connected to the same electromechanical cylinder. These mechanical coupling means can have different configurations as long as they allow the interconnection of the different peripherals with the same electromechanical cylinder to transmit a rotational movement between the peripheral device and the cylinder. Both the peripherals and the cylinder have connection areas with complementary configurations, allowing the connection area of ​​the peripheral to be coupled with the connection area of ​​the electromechanical cylinder. These connection areas preferably include tongue and groove joints that allow the coupling and decoupling of the peripheral and the cylinder.In addition to the complementary connection areas, additional elements can be used that allow the connection to be permanent for a user, but separable by a technician or specialist, for example, for knob-shaped peripheral devices.

[0036] Thus, the system of the invention, as described above, allows the use of different peripheral devices on a single electromechanical cylinder for opening, preferably, a door or window, or another item such as a padlock, locker, or cabinet, among others. The peripheral devices may preferably be one of the following three:

[0037] - As the first peripheral device, a knob with a battery, permanently connected for a user, but separable by a technician or specialist, to the electromechanical cylinder through some first mechanical means, and which is activated, or put into operation, by a passive label, tag or fob.

[0038] - As a second peripheral device, a removable device with a battery, preferably a removable key with a battery that connects to the electromechanical cylinder through mechanical means.

[0039] - As a third peripheral device, a knob permanently connected to the electromechanical cylinder by a user, but detachable by a technician or specialist, via mechanical means, which does not, however, include an integrated battery. This peripheral is activated, or put into operation, by a personal device, mobile smart device, or tablet, with a battery, which acts as an active tag or fob.

[0040] The first peripheral device is a device, preferably a knob, containing a battery and control electronics with an antenna powered by that battery. This first peripheral device connects via a first mechanical connector to the mechanical connector of the cylinder. This connection is preferably permanent for a user, although a skilled technician can remove the knob, for example, to replace it with another device, or to replace the battery. The distinguishing feature of this first device, connected to the cylinder both mechanically and electronically, is that it is activated wirelessly by a user bringing a passive tag or fob—that is, a tag or fob without a battery—close to the peripheral.The device, through its electronic board, regulates the received energy and authenticates the connection with the tag. The tag communicates with the cylinder's electronic board so that the cylinder receives power from the peripheral's battery, thus activating the cylinder's motor. This motor, in turn, activates the cylinder's locking mechanism, allowing the user to unlock the peripheral and open the lock. These types of systems, which are already well-established, are primarily used for opening doors or windows where the electromechanical cylinder is located.

[0041] The second peripheral device also comprises a battery and an electronic board, but it is a removable device, meaning it can be detached from the cylinder, preferably a key. This second device also provides power and information to the cylinder, just like the previous one. When the removable device is connected to the cylinder, the cylinder is electronically powered by this device, and both are authenticated. As with the previous device, the energy supplied by the battery activates the cylinder's motor, which in turn activates the locking mechanism, allowing the user to subsequently open the mechanical lock.

[0042] A third peripheral device, unlike the previous two, does not include a battery, but it does include an electronic board, preferably a knob permanently connected to the cylinder via mechanical coupling means, although it can be detached by a specialist or technician. To activate the cylinder via the passive, battery-less knob, an external power source is required, specifically a mobile device, preferably a smartphone or tablet, or an active tag or fob with a battery and antenna. This mobile device will wirelessly activate the cylinder, specifically its motor and activation element, as well as the cylinder's electronic board and the peripheral's electronic board.This mobile device thus provides authentication information to the peripheral, as well as to the cylinder, in addition to wirelessly providing the necessary power to activate the cylinder's motor and consequently its activation element.

[0043] As mentioned, each of the peripherals features a connection set, which preferably comprises two connectors that make contact with a connection set on the cylinder.

[0044] Preferably, a first set of cylinder connections comprises a first connector or connection point connected to the electronic board demodulator and a fourth connector or connection point connected to ground / earth.

[0045] Likewise, the cylinder also features a second set of connections with a second connection point or connector and a third connection point or connector connected to the NFC tag of the electronic board.

[0046] The first cylinder connection set can be electronically connected, alternately, to one or two peripherals, and the second cylinder connection set can be electronically connected, alternately, to one or two peripherals other than the previous ones.

[0047] Accordingly, the electronic connectors or connection points of the cylinder will preferably have the following functions:

[0048] - The first connector or electronic connection point is used for the transmission of power and data when connecting the first and second peripheral devices,

[0049] The second and third connectors or electronic connection points are used for the transmission of a signal when the third peripheral device is connected to them, and

[0050] - The fourth connector or electronic connection point is used as a ground for the connections with the first and second peripheral devices.

[0051] These electronic connectors or connection points on the cylinder are connected to the electronic circuitry of the cylinder's circuit board. Depending on the peripheral device connected to the cylinder, one of the cylinder's connection sets will be activated, so that the signals generated from the peripherals are transmitted to different internal components of the cylinder's circuit board, allowing the peripheral devices to be managed according to their technical specifications.

[0052] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] To complete the description of the present invention and to facilitate its understanding, a set of figures is included in this descriptive document as an integral part thereof, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes.

[0054] Figure 1 shows a view of the components of an example of a modular system according to the present invention with an electromechanical cylinder and three peripheral devices.

[0055] Figure 2 shows a similar view to the previous one with a breakdown of the peripheral devices showing their basic components.

[0056] Figures 3A and 3B show a perspective view of an electromechanical cylinder with a partial section to see some of its components.

[0057] Figure number 4 shows a front view of the cylinder and an enlargement of the front view of the cylinder where its electronic connections can be seen.

[0058] Figure number 5 shows the identification of the electromechanical connections of the cylinder.

[0059] Figure 6 shows the electronic schematic of the cylinder's circuit board. Figure 7 shows an electromechanical cylinder with an active knob, powered by a battery, as the first connected peripheral device.

[0060] Figure number 8 shows a side view of figure 7.

[0061] Figure number 9 shows the electromechanical cylinder with a knob from figures 7 and 8 with a section conforming to figure 8.

[0062] Figure 10 shows a front view of the electromechanical cylinder with a knob according to figures 7 to 9.

[0063] Figure 11 shows the sectioned area of ​​Figure 9 with an enlargement of the connection between the cylinder and the knob.

[0064] Figure number 12 shows an electromechanical cylinder with a removable, battery-powered device as a second peripheral device, before being connected together.

[0065] Figure 13 shows a side view of the cylinder and the second peripheral device from Figure 12 connected.

[0066] Figure 14 shows the electromechanical cylinder with the second peripheral device of Figures 12 and 13 with a section conforming to Figure 13.

[0067] Figure number 15 shows a front view of the electromechanical cylinder with a knob according to figures 12 to 15.

[0068] Figure 16 shows the sectioned area of ​​Figure 14 with an enlargement of the connection between the cylinder and the second peripheral device.

[0069] Figure number 17 shows an electromechanical cylinder with a passive knob, without a battery, as a third peripheral device, connected.

[0070] Figure 18 shows a side view of Figure 17.

[0071] Figure 19 shows a front view of the electromechanical cylinder with a knob according to figures 17 to 18.

[0072] Figure number 20 shows the electromechanical cylinder with the passive knob of figures 17 to 19 with a section conforming to figure 18.

[0073] Figure 21 shows the sectioned area of ​​Figure 20 with an enlargement of the connection between the cylinder and the knob.

[0074] Figure 22 shows an electromechanical cylinder and an active knob, or first peripheral device, before they are mechanically connected to each other.

[0075] Figure 23 shows the mechanical connection of the electromechanical cylinder. Figure 24 shows a section of the connection between the cylinder and the knob in Figures 22 and 23, detailing the mechanical connection between them.

[0076] Figure number 25 shows an electromechanical cylinder and a second active peripheral or removable device, before they are mechanically connected to each other.

[0077] Figure 26 shows the mechanical connection of the second peripheral device. Figure 27 shows the mechanical connection of the electromechanical cylinder. Figure 28 shows a section of the connection between the cylinder and the knob from Figures 25 to 27, detailing the mechanical connection between them.

[0078] Figure 29 shows an electromechanical cylinder and a passive knob, or third peripheral device, before they are mechanically connected to each other.

[0079] Figure number 30 shows another perspective view of the previous figure.

[0080] Figure 31 shows the mechanical connection of the electromechanical cylinder. Figure 32 shows a section of the connection between the cylinder and the passive knob of Figures 29 to 32, detailing the mechanical connection between them. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0081] According to the figures above, the system that is the subject of the present invention is shown in general in figures 1 and 2. In them, the possible connections of three peripheral devices 20, 30, 40 to a single modular electromechanical cylinder 1, with a rotor 19 and a stator 17, can be seen.

[0082] Said modular electromechanical cylinder 1 has (Figures 3A, 3B, 4, 5 and 6), at least: - An activation element 18,

[0083] - An electronic board 12 with at least one signal demodulator 121, an NFC tag 122 and at least one energy storage element 128,

[0084] - A motor 127 associated with electronics 12, arranged in the rotor 19, capable of actuating the activation element 18 through a clutch actuator mechanism 10, this being a low consumption mechanism.

[0085] - At least one electronic connector 11 associated with the electronic board 12, for the connection, alternately and interchangeably, of at least two electronic connectors in two different peripheral devices 20, 30, 40, and

[0086] - At least one mechanical connector for coupling, alternatively and alternately, with at least two distinct mechanical connectors each arranged on a peripheral device 20, 30, 40.

[0087] Accordingly, the modular electromechanical cylinder 1 allows the connection of different peripheral devices 20, 30, 40 to it via a mechanical connector that is complementary to the mechanical connectors of the different peripheral devices 20, 30, 40, and in turn allows the electronic connection of cylinder 1 to said peripheral devices 20, 30, 40. This electronic connection is made through an electronic connector 11 of cylinder 1 that allows the electronic linking or coupling of this cylinder with the electronic connectors located on said peripheral devices 20, 30, 40. Thus, an electromechanical cylinder 1 can be electromechanically connected to different peripheral devices 20, 30, 40, resulting in a multi-platform modular electronic lock system.It is a multi-platform modular system because several peripheral devices 20, 30, 40 can be connected to the same cylinder 1 in an alternative and alternating manner, that is, a single peripheral device at a time, resulting in a modular system, and because these peripheral devices are different in terms of their technology for activating cylinder 1, resulting in a multi-platform system.

[0088] The following describes different peripheral devices 20, 30, 40 comprising different technologies for the activation of the electromechanical cylinder 1.

[0089] The first peripheral device 20 (Figures 7 to 11) is a device with a battery 21 and control electronics 22 with an antenna powered by said battery 21. This first peripheral device, preferably a knob 20, is permanently connected mechanically via a first mechanical connector to the mechanical connector of the cylinder 1. A technician with the appropriate training and tools can remove the knob 20, for example, to replace it with another device with the same or different characteristics, for repair, or to change the batteries 21. This knob 20 is activated wirelessly by a user bringing a passive tag or fob 50 (Figure 1), i.e., a tag or fob without a battery, close to it. The knob 20, through its electronic board 22, allows for power regulation and authentication of the connection with the tag 50.This tag 50 communicates with the electronic board 12 of cylinder 1 so that it receives power from the battery 21 of the knob 20. This power is used to activate the motor 127 of cylinder 1, which in turn activates the activation element 18 and allows the device 20 to be unlocked, enabling the user to open the mechanical lock. This type of system is preferably used for opening a door or window where the electromechanical cylinder 1 is located, thus granting the user access.

[0090] The second peripheral device 30 (Figures 12 to 16) also comprises a battery 31 and an electronic control board 32, but unlike the first peripheral device 1, this one is removable and therefore separable from cylinder 1. This second device 30 provides information and electricity to cylinder 1, so that when both are connected, the authentication of the second device 30 is either confirmed or not, and if it is confirmed, cylinder 1 is electrically powered from the second device 30. As with the first device 20, the energy provided by the battery of the second device 30 activates the motor of cylinder 1 to actuate the activation element 18, which enables the user to subsequently open the mechanical lock.

[0091] The third peripheral device 40 (Figures 17 to 21) in Figure 1, unlike the previous devices, does not include a battery, although it does include an electronic control board 42. This third device 40 is permanently connected to cylinder 1. As with the first device 20, this third device 40 can be detached from cylinder 1 using appropriate tools, preferably by a qualified technician. In this example, to activate cylinder 1, specifically the motor 127 and the activation element 18 of cylinder 1, as well as the electronic board 12 of cylinder 1 and the electronic board 42 of the third peripheral device 40, an external power source is required, in particular, a mobile device or tag, or active fob 60, with a battery and antenna.Thus, the mobile device, such as a mobile phone, tablet or smart device, or active tag 60, with battery, would provide the authentication information to the third peripheral device 40 as well as to cylinder 1, in addition to the energy needed to activate the motor of cylinder 1 and consequently the activation element 18 of the same.

[0092] In the previous examples, the power supply can be transmitted to the cylinder either at the same time as the information for opening the activation element 18 is authenticated or after that information has been confirmed.

[0093] For the electronic connection of the various peripheral devices 20, 30, and 40 to cylinder 1, cylinder 10 has a connector 11 with several electronic connections 13, 14, 15, and 16. Depending on how these connections are grouped, they will be used to connect at least one of the three different peripheral devices 20, 30, and 40. As mentioned, cylinder 1 has an electronic connection connector 11 with various connections that can be configured into different sets of connections depending on the peripheral device to which they are connected. Specifically, the electronic connections of cylinder 1 will have the following functions:

[0094] - A first electronic connection 13 for connecting the first 20 and second 30 device alternately and alternately, is used for power and data transmission.

[0095] - A second 14 and a third 15 electronic connection are used for the transmission of a signal when the third peripheral device 40 is connected to them. - A fourth connection 16, preferably external to the previous ones in the form of a ring, is used as ground for the connections with the first 20 and second 30 peripheral devices.

[0096] The previous electronic connections 13, 14, 15 and 16 are connected to the electronic board 12 of cylinder 1, whose electronic circuit is shown in figure 6. Depending on the peripheral device 20, 30, 40 that is connected to the electronic connector 11 of cylinder 1, a set, or combination, of connections of said cylinder 1 will be activated so that the generated signals will be transmitted to different internal components of the board 12 of cylinder 1 so that the peripheral devices 20, 30, 40 can be managed according to their characteristics.

[0097] The electronic board 12 of cylinder 1 preferably comprises the following components: a signal demodulator 121, an NFC tag 122, and at least one energy storage element 128. It also preferably comprises a controller 123, a memory 124, a power management unit 125, and a motor driver 126 for 127. The computer program, or software, containing the procedure or code is stored in memory 124, and part of it is also used for controlling and storing information about user access. Depending on the peripheral device 20, 30, 40 and their connections to the connections 13, 14, 15, 16 of connector 11 of cylinder 1, different components of the electronic board 12 of cylinder 1 will be activated.

[0098] According to the above, the interaction of the different peripheral devices 20, 30, 40 with a modular electromechanical cylinder 1 is described below.

[0099] Figures 8 and 13 show, respectively, a detail of a first 20 and a second 30 peripheral device electronically connected to the electronic connector 11 of a modular cylinder 1. In particular, it can be seen how a first electronic connection point 23, 33 of the peripheral device 20, 30 contacts the first electronic connection 13 of cylinder 1 and how a second electronic connection point 26, 36 of the peripheral device 20, 30 contacts the fourth electronic connection 16 of cylinder 1. Therefore, the electronic contact between the first 20 and second 30 peripheral device and cylinder 1 is made through the first 13 and fourth 16 electronic connections, which form a first set of connections, of the modular cylinder 1.

[0100] Through both connections, and in particular through electronic connection 13, a modulated signal referenced to electronic connection 16 to ground is introduced. This modulated signal is fed into a current demodulator 121 of the electronic circuit board 12 of cylinder 1, which, as mentioned, contains various electronic components. The function of the current demodulator 121 is to divide the signal received by cylinder 1 into two parts. The first part of the signal is converted into a demodulated signal corresponding to the communication and is transmitted to the controller 123 of electronic circuit 1. The second part of the signal generates a signal responsible for supplying the necessary power or energy to cylinder 1 and is transmitted to an energy management unit 125. This energy management unit 125 is responsible for supplying power to cylinder 1 from its various sources.Thus, on one hand, it is responsible for powering the controller 123, on the other hand, powering the driver 126 of the motor 127 of cylinder 1 and on the other hand storing energy in at least one energy storage element 128.

[0101] According to the above scheme, controller 123 aims to process communication with peripheral device 20, 30 to verify user permissions and, if these are confirmed, generate the opening or closing. At that moment, controller 123 sends an opening or closing command to the motor 127's electronic board 12, so that it starts and acts on the closing mechanism 18. If peripheral device 20, 30 cannot provide sufficient power to activate the activation element 18, the motor 127's driver 126 will use the energy stored in the energy storage element(s) 128 to activate said activation element 18.According to the above, to activate cylinder 1 with the peripheral device 20, or battery-powered knob, the user brings the external passive tag or fob close to knob 20, which communicates with the electronic board 12 of cylinder 1 to authenticate the user. If the user is authenticated, knob 20 communicates with cylinder 1 and supplies it with power to execute the opening operation of activation element 18 of cylinder 1. Once activation element 18 of cylinder 1 is activated, access is opened, preferably to a door or window, and the user can turn knob 20.

[0102] On the other hand, to activate cylinder 1 with peripheral device 30, or electronic key, with battery, which is removable from cylinder 1 unlike peripheral device 20, it is necessary to make contact of key 30 with cylinder 1, usually by inserting key 30 into cylinder 1, so that the electronic connector of key 30 comes into contact with the electronic connector 11 of cylinder 1. Once key 30 is inserted into cylinder 1, the process to open the access, preferably a door or window, is the same as that followed by the first peripheral device 20 or knob.

[0103] Figure 20 shows a detail of the third passive peripheral device 40, i.e., without a battery, connected to the electronic connector 11 of cylinder 1. As mentioned before, the third peripheral device 40 is permanently attached to cylinder 1, in a manner that cannot be removed except by a professional. Specifically, it can be seen how a second electronic connection point 44 of the peripheral device 40 connects to the second electronic connection 14 of cylinder 1, and how a third electronic connection point 45 of the peripheral device 40 connects to the third electronic connection 15 of cylinder 1, forming a connection set with the second 14 and third 16 electronic connections of cylinder 1. Thus, through these electronic connections, communication and power transmission are achieved between the third peripheral device 40 and cylinder 1.

[0104] Through both electronic connections 14, 15, the modulated signal is introduced from the third passive peripheral device 40, preferably a battery-less knob, which reaches an NFC tag element 122 (acronym for Near Field Communication) of the electronic circuit of the electronic board 12 of cylinder 1. An NFC tag, or NFC label, is a microchip that manages the data transaction by RFID (acronym for Radio Frequency Identification), and in turn converts the wirelessly transmitted energy into an input voltage to the circuit, commonly known as Energy Harvesting.Thus, this NFC tag element 122 divides the modulated signal into two parts. The first part of the signal generates a demodulated signal, equivalent to a communication transmitted to the controller 123. The second part of the signal is converted into a signal to supply the necessary power or energy to cylinder 1 via the power management unit 125. This power management unit 125, which manages the power supply to cylinder 1, provides input energy to various components. Specifically, it powers the controller 123, the motor driver 126 for cylinder 1, and the energy storage unit(s) 128.

[0105] The controller 123 is therefore responsible for processing the communication between cylinder 1 and the third peripheral device 40 to verify the user's permissions to activate cylinder 1 and if they are confirmed, generate the opening or closing of the activation element 18 by sending a signal to the motor driver 126 so that it communicates with the motor electronics 127 and the motor rotates the activation element 18 so that the user can turn the knob without a battery.

[0106] Unlike peripheral devices 20, 30, which are active devices because they incorporate a battery, in the third peripheral device 40 the energy is supplied, as mentioned, by a mobile device, or active tag, 60 associated with the passive peripheral device 40 that is attached to cylinder 1. If the power supplied by the mobile device or active tag 60 is not sufficient to activate the activation element 18 through the motor of cylinder 1, it is necessary to store the maximum possible supplied energy in the energy storage or storages 128 so that it can be used by cylinder 1 at the specific moment of activation of the activation element 18.

[0107] Thus, the communication and energy storage procedure in this third peripheral device 40 is:

[0108] - First, the mobile device 60 transmits sufficient power to the NFC tag 122 on plate 12 of cylinder 1, establishing a secure communication channel between the peripheral device 40 and the mobile device 60. - After this communication begins, the storage of all available energy, provided by the mobile device 60 wirelessly connected to the third peripheral device, or passive knob, 40, in the energy storage unit or units 128, preferably capacitors 128, also begins. This energy will be needed later to activate the activation element 18 via the motor.- After the controller 123 checks that the stored energy is sufficient, the authentication of user access begins by transmitting information between the mobile device 60 and the third peripheral device or passive knob 40, and the transmission of energy from the mobile device 60 is stopped after said authentication, ending the energy collection by the NFC tag in the capacitors 128.

[0109] - If the user has access, controller 123 sends an opening signal to the motor driver 126, which uses the energy stored in capacitors 128 to activate the activation element 18 via the motor electronics 127, which starts the motor, allowing the user to manually activate the battery-less knob 40. - Conversely, if the user does not have access, controller 123 receives a rejection message and capacitors 128 are discharged.

[0110] Figures 22 to 32 show the electromechanical cylinder 1, which, in addition to the electronic connector 11, has a mechanical connector 70 for coupling the different peripheral devices 20, 30, and 40. Each peripheral device 20, 30, and 40 also has a peripheral mechanical connector 80, which, together with the mechanical connector 70 of cylinder 1, transmits a rotational movement. The peripheral mechanical connectors 80 may vary slightly depending on the usage characteristics of the peripheral device 20, 30, and 40.

[0111] The mechanical connector 70 of cylinder 1 comprises a cylindrical wall 71 that surrounds the electronic connector 11 and corresponds to the front portion of the stator 17 of cylinder 1. Inside the stator 17, the rotor 19 is visible, which has axial projections that define axial channels 72 between them. Axial means that they are parallel to the axis “e” of cylinder 1. Also, on the inner portion of the front cylindrical wall of stator 71, there is an axial channel or groove 75, which will receive a projection or protrusion of one of the peripheral devices, as will be detailed later. Furthermore, the cylindrical wall 71 of stator 17 has a through radial groove 74, connecting the inside and outside of the cylindrical wall 71, and extending along a portion of the perimeter of said cylindrical wall 71 of stator 17.

[0112] This mechanical connector 70 of cylinder 1 is coupled in a complementary manner with the different peripheral mechanical connectors 80 of peripheral devices 20, 30, 40.

[0113] Thus, the first peripheral device 20, or active knob, with battery, has (Figures 22 to 24) a hollow cylindrical body 81 with longitudinal protrusions 82 on its inner surface, and two opposing radial grooves 83 on the outer surface of the hollow cylindrical body 81. Inside said cylindrical body 81 are arranged the electronic connections 23, 26 of the active knob 20.

[0114] For coupling the mechanical mechanism 70 of cylinder 1 and the mechanical mechanism 80 of the active knob 20, it is necessary to insert the hollow cylindrical body 81 into the front cylindrical wall 71 of the stator 17 of cylinder 1, so that the axial channels 72 of cylinder 1 are positioned between the axial projections 82 of the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical body 81. When the hollow cylindrical body 81 is inserted into the cylindrical wall 71, the electronic connections 13, 16 of the electronic mechanism of cylinder 1 come into contact with the electronic connections 26, 26 of the electronic mechanism of the active knob 20. Once both mechanical mechanisms 70, 80 are coupled, a U-shaped washer 84 is inserted into the radial through groove 74 of cylinder 1, which in turn is inserted into the two radial grooves 83 of the active knob 20, securing the position of the knob. 20 in cylinder 1.As described above, once the activation element 18 of cylinder 1 is activated, the user turns the knob 20, whose rotation rotates the rotor 19 of cylinder 1 due to the fit between the longitudinal channels 72 of the mechanical connector 70 of cylinder 1 and the longitudinal projections 82 of the peripheral mechanical connector 80, which push the rotor 19 while maintaining the electronic connection between the knob 20 and cylinder 1.

[0115] In this mechanical coupling between the active knob 20 and the cylinder 1, the coupling can be made in different positions between the hollow cylindrical body 81 of the knob 20 and the cylindrical wall 71 of the cylinder 1, since, being a coaxial electronic connection between the active knob 20 and the cylinder 1, the rotor 19 can be in any position when the knob 20 is inserted into the cylinder 1.

[0116] Regarding the second peripheral device, or active electronic key, 30 (Figures 25 to 28), it also has a hollow cylindrical body 81 with axial protrusions 82 on its inner surface, and a radial protrusion 85 on the outer surface of the hollow cylindrical body 81. Inside this cylindrical body 81 are arranged the electronic connections 33, 36 of the active knob.

[0117] For coupling the mechanical mechanism 70 of cylinder 1 and the mechanical mechanism 80 of the active key 30, it is necessary to insert the hollow cylindrical body 81 of the key 30 into the interior of the front cylindrical wall 71 of the stator 17 of cylinder 1, so that the axial channels 72 of cylinder 1 are positioned between the axial projections 82 of the inner surface of the projection 81. When the hollow cylindrical body 81 is inserted into the front cylindrical wall 71, the electronic connections 13, 16 of the electronic mechanism of cylinder 1 come into contact with the electronic connections 33, 36 of the electronic mechanism of the active key 30. The key 30 must be able to be inserted into and removed from cylinder 1, and allow it to be rotated by the user to open the access point, preferably a door or window.The radial projection 85 on the outer surface of the cylindrical body 81 of the active key 30 must be aligned with an axial recess 75 on the inner surface of the front cylindrical wall 71 of the stator 17 of cylinder 1 to couple the removable active key 30 and cylinder 1. This axial recess 75 is connected to a radial internal cylindrical channel 76 in the stator 17. Once the key 30 is inserted, the axial projections 82 of the key 30 engage the axial channels 72 of the rotor 19. To allow the key 30 to turn, the projection 85, after being inserted into the front cylindrical wall 71 of the stator, is housed in the radial internal cylindrical channel 76, so that when the key 30 is turned, the radial projection 85 rotates inside the radial internal cylindrical channel 76 of the inner wall of the front wall 71 of the stator 17 and also rotates the rotor 19, pushed by the axial projections 82.Detail B in Figure 28 shows a section of the coupling with the protrusion 85 of key 30 aligned with the radial recess 75 of cylinder 1 and inserted into the channel 76 after the key 30 is inserted into cylinder 1. In contrast, detail A in the same figure shows a section of the same coupling of key 30 inserted into cylinder 1, where it can be seen how the protrusion 85 is no longer aligned with the radial recess 75 after the key 30, and therefore the protrusion 85, has been turned into the channel 76.

[0118] In this case, as with the first peripheral device or active knob 20, since there is a coaxial electronic connection between the key 30 and the cylinder 1, the rotor 19 can be in any position when the key 30 is inserted into the cylinder 1. As described above, once the activation element 18 of the cylinder 1 is activated, the user turns the key 30, whose rotation rotates the rotor 19 of the cylinder 1 due to the fit between the axial channels 72 of the mechanical connector 70 of the cylinder 1 and the axial projections 82 of the peripheral mechanical connector 80, pushing the rotor 19 while maintaining the electronic connection between the key 30 and the cylinder 1. To remove the key 30, it is sufficient to rotate it, in either direction, to the insertion position where the projection 85 of the key 30 aligns with the radial recess 75 of the cylinder 1.

[0119] Regarding the third peripheral device, or passive knob, 40 (Figures 29 to 32), this also has a hollow cylindrical body 81 with axial protrusions 82 on its inner surface. Inside this cylindrical body 81 are located the electronic connections 44, 45 of the passive knob 40.

[0120] For coupling the mechanical mechanism 70 of cylinder 1 and the mechanical mechanism 80 of the passive knob 40, it is necessary to insert the hollow cylindrical body 81 into the cylindrical wall 71 of cylinder 1, so that the axial channels 72 of cylinder 1 are positioned between the axial projections 82 of the inner surface of the projection 81. When the hollow cylindrical body 81 is inserted into the cylindrical wall 71, the electronic connections 14, 15 of the electronic mechanism of cylinder 1 come into contact with the electronic connections 44, 45 of the electronic mechanism of the passive knob 40. Once both mechanical mechanisms 70, 80 are coupled, a U-shaped washer 84 is inserted into the radial through groove 74 of cylinder 1, which in turn is inserted into the two radial grooves 83 of the passive knob 40, securing the position of the passive knob 40 in cylinder 1.As described above, once the activation element 18 of cylinder 1 is activated, the user turns the passive knob 40, whose rotation rotates the rotor 11 of cylinder 1 due to the fit between the axial channels 72 of the mechanical connector 70 of cylinder 1 and the axial projections 82 of the peripheral mechanical connector 80, which push the rotor 11 while maintaining the electronic connection between the passive knob 40 and cylinder 1. In this mechanical coupling between the passive knob 40 and cylinder 1, the coupling must be made in a single position to ensure that the electronic connections of cylinder 14, 15 coincide with the corresponding electronic connections 44, 45 of the passive knob 40. For this purpose, one of the axial channels 72 is wider than the other channels 72, such that only one of the axial projections 82, which is also wider than the other projections 82, can fit into it.This ensures a single coupling position between the passive knob 40 and cylinder 1. On the other hand, in the two previous devices, first 20 and second 30 devices, the axial protrusions 82 are of equal width between them, that is, there is none of greater width, so when connecting with the axial channels 72 of cylinder 1, even if there is play between one of said axial protrusions 82 and one of the axial channels 72, it does not affect the connection between the first 20 or second 30 devices with cylinder 1, and it can be coupled in any position.

[0121] The mechanical coupling mechanisms 70, 80 between cylinder 1 and peripheral devices 20, 30, 40, described above are an example of a non-exclusive embodiment, and other mechanical coupling mechanisms 70, 80 may be arranged in the multi-platform modular electronic lock system.

Claims

YOU CLAIMS 1. Multi-platform modular electromechanical lock system characterized in that it comprises an electromechanical cylinder (1), equipped with a motor (127) with a rotor (19) and a stator (71), and at least two peripheral devices (20, 30, 40) for activating the cylinder (1), said cylinder (1) having: - An activation element (18), - An electronic board (12) with at least one signal demodulator (121), an NFC tag (122) and at least one energy storage element (128), - A clutch actuator mechanism (10), associated with the rotor motor (127) (19), and consequently with the electronic board (12), responsible for regulating the operation of the activation element (18), and - at least one electronic connector, associated with the electronic board (12), with at least two connection sets (13, 16; 14, 15), for its electronic coupling, alternately and alternately, with at least two peripheral devices (20, 30, 40) for activating the cylinder (1).

2. System, according to claim 1, characterized in that the cylinder (1) comprises at least one mechanical connector (70) with first coupling means for the removable joining of at least two peripheral devices (20, 30, 40) comprising mechanical connectors with second coupling means (80) that are complementary to the first coupling means (70) of the cylinder (1).

3. System, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least two peripheral devices (20, 30, 40) each comprise an electronic connector, which have at least two electronic connection points (23, 26; 33, 36; 44, 45) forming a set (23, 26; 33, 36; 44, 45) that connects to at least one of the connection sets (13, 16; 14, 15) of the electronic connector of the cylinder (1).

4. System, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one connection set of the cylinder (1) comprises a first connection point (13) connected to the demodulation unit (121) of the electronic board (12) and a fourth connection point (16) connected to ground / earth.

5. System, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one connection set of the cylinder (1) comprises a second connection point (14) and a third connection point (15) connected to the NFC tag (122) of the electronic board (12).

6. System, according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one peripheral device (20,30) comprises a battery (21, 31), which provides electrical energy to the cylinder (1), an electronic board (22, 32), a first electronic connection point (23, 33) and a second electronic connection point (26, 36) to be electronically coupled to the connection set (13, 16) of the cylinder (1).

7. System, according to claim 6, characterized in that the peripheral device (30) is a removable key.

8. System, according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one battery-free peripheral device (40) comprises an electronic board (41), a first electronic connection point (44) and a second electronic connection point (45) for electronic coupling to the connection set (14, 15) of the cylinder (1).

9. System, according to claim 8, characterized in that the electrical energy for the activation of the cylinder (1) is provided by an active tag (60) with battery.

10. System, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy storage unit (128) comprises at least one capacitor.

11. System, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cylinder (1) receives authentication information for its activation, or operation, by a passive tag (50), an active tag (60) or a removable key (30).

12. System, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the NFC tag comprises a microchip that manages the RFID data transaction and converts wirelessly transmitted energy, Energy Harvesting, into an input voltage to the circuit of the electronic board (12) of the cylinder (1).

13. System, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clutch actuator mechanism (10) is a low-consumption mechanism.

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