WO2006118444A1

WO2006118444A1 - Lock Assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2006118444A1
Application number: PCT/NL2006/000229
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Johan Langendoen; Johan Willem Siert Wolters
Original assignee: Lips Nederland B.V.
Priority date: 2005-04-29
Filing date: 2006-04-28
Publication date: 2006-11-09
Also published as: EP1888864A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a lock assembly comprising: a lock case to be placed on or in a leaf such as a door or window, and having at least one latch, an operating device placed in the lock case for making the at least one latch operable, a first transmitting/receiving device placed in the lock case for wireless exchange of digital data with a second transmitting/receiving device outside the lock case, for wireless reception of a release signal by means of said exchange, and in response thereto activating the operating device, and its own independent energy supply placed in the lock case for supplying electric power to the first transmitting/receiving device and the operating device, wherein the energy supply comprises a battery and/or a generator, and a release unit, separate from the lock case, provided with the second transmitting/receiving device for transmitting the release signal to the first transmitting/receiving device.

Description

Lock Assembly

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a lock assembly comprising a lock case and an operating unit.

Such assemblies are known per se. For instance a lock is known from W0-A1 -96/41486, which lock has a receiver for wireless reception of a key code, a processor for comparing the received key code with stored key codes and when the key code corresponds with a stored key code giving control signals to an electromechanic device for activating or deactivating a latch assembly. Said lock assembly moreover comprises a wireless remote control for sending a coded signal to the receiver in the lock.

A drawback is that such a lock assembly is complex as a result of which it is difficult to build into an existing door. Such a lock assembly will moreover usually use a considerably quantity of energy. Moreover the lock assembly is only suitable for a wireless remote control generating a key code.

From US-A1 -2003/01 60681 a lock assembly is known having a cylinder lock with a latch, a wireless communication system for transmitting signals that show the relative position of the latch, and operating the lock. The lock is connected to a power supply by means of cabling.

A drawback is that such a lock is not easy to install in an existing building. From EP-A2-1 .020.593 a lock is known that can be mounted in a front door and which has been provided with an electromotor for operating latches and a mechanic emergency control.

A drawback of such known locks is that in many cases an electromotor or another operating unit for the operation needs to be connected to an external power supply. As a result cabling to the door and through the door to the lock case is necessary.

In addition, in case of a power failure, the locks usually either cannot be operated any more or are in a permanent-free position.

From US-A-3.733.861 a lock is known having a lock case provided with a dynamo connected to a handle so that when operating the handle electric power is generated. The lock case is furthermore provided with a control unit, fed by the dynamo and connected to a coil operating a pawl for releasing a latch of the lock. By means of a transmission unit that is remote from the lock, a key code is sent wireless to the control unit. The control unit can first of all send a signal to the transmission unit in order to activate it.

Most of these locks cannot be or are difficult to build into existing doors, or exchanged with existing mechanic locks.

Another drawback is that most locks are provided with a related unit for generating a key code. Adding another or new unit for generating a key code does not seem easily possible.

In addition security against manipulation, the object being an unauthorised person opening the lock, in many cases can be improved. For instance, using modern tools, it is possible with many known locks to intercept the key code that is transmitted wireless. This as well needs improvement.

Most systems moreover use too much energy. In many cases it is not indicated either how a session for opening a lock is started. It is an object of the invention to offer a lock assembly that is easier to use and more generally applicable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For that purpose the invention regards a lock assembly comprising: a lock case to be placed on or in a leaf such as a door or window, and having at least one latch, an operating device placed in the lock case for making the at least one latch operable, a first transmitting/receiving device placed in the lock case for wireless exchange of digital data with a second transmitting/receiving device outside the lock case, for wireless reception of a release signal by means of said exchange, and in response thereto activating the operating device, and its own independent energy supply placed in the lock case for supplying electric power to the first transmitting/receiving device and the operating device, wherein the energy supply comprises a battery and/or a generator, and a release unit, separate from the lock case, provided with the second transmitting/receiving device for transmitting the release signal to the first transmitting/receiving device.

By disposing the various parts of the electromechanic lock according to the invention in the lock case, and particularly in a lock case of dimensions that substantially correspond with the dimensions of an existing mechanic lock (optionally standardised), it is easy to use the lock according to the invention as a replacement of an existing mechanic lock.

A further advantage of building in the various parts into the lock case is that these parts can be protected by the lock case against sabotage or breaking in. This protective function can further be improved by using a mortise lock case, wherein the lock case is for instance built into the leaf such as a door or window and can be protected by said leaf against sabotage or breaking in. The lock case according to the invention may be a mortise lock case, a surface-mounted lock case or a multipoint lock. These types of lock cases are generally known to the expert in this field and are generally used per se. The lock case may however in an alternative embodiment also be used for for instance a locker or a different type of cabinet.

As according to the invention the lock case with electromechanic lock and its release unit are separated in fact an electronic lock is created that may serve as replacement of the existing mechanic locks. The lock of the lock assembly according to the invention is released depending on a release signal originating from the release unit. When the first transmitting/receiving device in the lock case receives the release signal, the operating device is activated for making the at least one latch operable.

In a first embodiment the operating device will make the at least one latch operable by releasing the latch so that it can be moved by the manual operating element, such as a turning knob or door handle, which, when operative, is operationally connected to the lock case.

In a second embodiment the operating device will make the at least one latch operable by operationally connecting the latch with the manual operating element, which, when operative, is connected to the lock case, so that the operating element is operationally connected to the latch and said latch can thus be moved by the operating element.

Said first and second embodiment can also be used in combination with each other.

The operating device in the lock case only depends on the release signal, preferably a binary release signal; namely open or closed. As a result no complicated electronic circuits, such as identification and/or authorisation device, are necessary in the lock case. This also makes it possible to minimise the energy consumption of the electromechanic lock and an own independent energy supply placed in the lock case will suffice in the lock according to the invention. Such an operating device is suitable to realise a lock case that can be fitted without wiring. Of course it is advisable to encrypt the release signal in the data exchange between the lock case and the release unit.

A further advantage of building in the various parts in the lock case is that the electromechanic lock according to the invention can be combined with the usual door furniture, such as operating knobs or operating handles, roses, escutcheons or long escutcheons. The user thus has a wide choice of various models and types of door furniture.

In the lock assembly according to the invention the actual identification and/or authorisation preferably does not take place in the lock case but at the release unit. As a result a freer choice of identification and/or authorisation devices is possible. Especially when the transmission/reception range of the first and second transmitting/receiving device is such that the release unit can be placed separate from the leaf. In this case the release unit can be placed remote from the leaf, for instance on or in a wall or a casing in which the leaf has been placed. The release unit can then be connected to an external energy supply.

Due to the nature of the transmitting/receiving device a user moreover may choose an alternative device for carrying out the identification and/or the authorisation. The identification and/or the authorisation may even be separated.

In one embodiment of the lock assembly according to the invention the operating device comprises a piezo-actuator, and preferably a so-called piezo-latch, which piezo-actuator, in a further embodiment is operationally connected to the first transmitting/receiving device. Such a piezo-actuator has a low energy consumption and thus is extremely suitable to be used in an electromechanic lock according to the invention having its own independent energy supply placed in the lock case.

In one embodiment of the lock assembly according to the invention the release signal comprises an encrypted wireless signal. In one embodiment of the lock assembly according to the invention the release signal is an electromagnetic wireless signal, preferably a radio signal.

In one embodiment of the lock assembly according to the invention the first and second transmitting/receiving device are adapted for transmitting the release signal as a so-called spread spectrum signal, preferably a so-called "direct sequence spread spectrum" signal, preferably complying with the IEEE 802.15.4 standard. Such a signal complies with an open standard as a result of which manufacturers of for instance biometric detection equipment can easily adapt their equipment to make them suitable for operating a lock case according to the invention. Moreover due to its nature the signal is hard to intercept, at least to decode.

In one embodiment according to the invention the energy supply in the lock case comprises a battery.

In one embodiment according to the invention the energy supply in the lock case comprises a generator for converting kinetic energy into electric power. As a result the lock case can be made independent from external energy sources and optionally a long-term internal energy storage.

In one embodiment according to the invention a manual operating element, which, when operative, is operationally connected to the lock case comprises a handle that can be moved up and down.

In a further embodiment according to the invention said movable handle is operationally connected to the generator.

In one embodiment according to the invention the operating element is adapted for enabling to make two movement strokes, a first movement stroke connected to the generator and free from the latch, and a second movement stroke for setting the latch into motion, at least if the latch has been made operable by the operating device. In one embodiment according to the invention the lock assembly furthermore comprises a reading unit for reading a key code, with a processor for generating an authorisation signal or the release signal from the key code. The reading unit may furthermore be provided with a transmitting/receiving device for exchanging data with the lock case or with the release unit. In this way it is easy for third parties to supply equipment able to operate a lock case according to the invention. As a result the invention can be widely used.

In one embodiment according to the invention the lock assembly comprises an identification device, which preferably integrated therein comprises a reading unit for reading a key code and a processor for generating the release signal from the key code.

In one embodiment of the lock assembly according to the invention the identification device further comprises a receiver for receiving a wireless authorisation signal. In one embodiment of this lock assembly it further comprises a reading unit for reading a key code, a processor for generating the authorisation signal from the key code, and a transmission unit for wireless transmission of the authorisation signal to the receiver of the release unit. In a further embodiment thereof the reading unit is separate and placed remote from the release unit and from the lock case.

In one embodiment of the lock assembly according to the invention the transmitting/receiving device in the lock case is of the Zigbee type or similar. Such a transmitting/receiving device has a low energy consumption and therefore is particularly suitable for use in an electromechanic lock according to the invention having its own independent energy supply placed in the lock case.

In one embodiment the transmitting/receiving device of the Zigbee type or similar is combined with an operating device comprising a piezo- actuator. In this way both low-energy components are combined. In a further embodiment the transmitting/receiving device and the piezo- actuator are disposed on one joint circuit plate. It can for instance be cast in synthetic material as an extra physical protection. In one embodiment of the lock assembly the transmitting/receiving device of the release unit is also of the Zigbee type or similar.

In one embodiment of the lock assembly the identification unit further comprises an authentication unit, at least one key reader for generating a key code, a list of authorised key codes and the authentication unit is adapted for searching the key code in the list and generating an authorisation or release signal when the key code occurs in the list.

In one embodiment of the lock assembly the first and second transmitting/receiving device are adapted for setting up and supporting a wireless computer network.

In one embodiment of the lock assembly the identification unit further comprises a data processing unit, wherein the second transmitting/receiving device ensures a two-way communication connection with the data processing unit. As a result the assembly can be provided with an extra functionality. The lock case may for instance be equipped with sensors showing the status of the lock case. An attempt at fraud, sabotage or breaking in will then automatically raise an alarm.

In one embodiment the lock assembly is further provided with a main release unit for giving a main release signal, and the first transmitting/receiving device is further provided with software for, when the first transmitting/receiving device receives the main release signal, adding a further release, identification and/or authorisation unit to the assembly. In this way a user is able to add release, identification or authorisation units to the assembly.

The invention further relates to a lock comprising, a lock case to be placed in or on a leaf, such as a door or window, at least one latch, an operating device placed in the lock case for making the at least one latch operable, a first transmitting/receiving device placed in the lock case, for wireless exchange of digital data with a second transmitting/receiving device outside the lock case, for by means of the exchange receiving a wireless release signal from the second transmitting/receiving device, and in response thereto activating the operating device, and its own independent energy supply placed in the lock case, for supplying electric power to the first transmitting/receiving device and the operating device, wherein the energy supply comprises a battery and/or a generator.

In one embodiment the first transmitting/receiving device in the lock case is of the Zigbee type or similar and the operating device comprises a piezo-actuator for blocking or releasing the latch and/or for coupling or uncoupling the latch with a manual operating element which, when operative, is operationally connected to the lock case, and wherein the transmitting/receiving device and the piezo-actuator preferably are placed on one joint circuit plate.

The invention further relates to a release unit for a lock or lock assembly as described above, wherein the release unit comprises the second transmitting/receiving device. In one embodiment the second transmitting/receiving device is of the Zigbee type or similar.

The invention further relates to a lock case for a lock or lock assembly as described above, wherein the lock case preferably is provided with attachment members for attaching the lock case on or in a leaf, such as a door or window.

The lock case or the release unit or both may be provided with a data processing unit or processor provided with software for implementing one or more of the functionalities mentioned in this patent application.

The aspects and measures described and/or shown in the application may where possible also be used individually. Said individual aspects, such as the lock case, for instance provided with a so-called piezo-latch or transmitting/receiving device or energy supply, or the release unit with transmitting/receiving device, and other aspects may the subject of divisional patent applications related thereto.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be elucidated on the basis of a number of exemplary embodiments shown in the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of the components of a lock assembly according to the invention; and

Figure 2 shows a schematic view in more detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 schematically shows various parts of a lock assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Such a lock assembly among others comprises a lock case 1 , in this case a mortise lock provided with a latch plate 2, which can be screwed to the head end of the door 3. Such a lock case 1 is in this case provided with a dead bolt 4 and a latch 5. In this lock case 1 an operating device 6 has been built in. In a particular embodiment such an operating device 6 is a so-called piezo-latch. Such a piezo-latch is among others sold by the firm Servocell under the name "active latch". Examples of such devices are among others indicated by type indication ALI a₇ AIc and AL1 d.

The lock case is furthermore provided with a first transmitting/receiving device 7. A highly suitable transmitting/receiving device for a lock assembly according to this invention are among others the so-called Zigbee transmitting/receiving devices. Such transmitting/receiving device are among others of the "direct sequence spread spectrum" type and are among others described in the so-called IEEE 802.15.4 standard. Such a transmitting/receiving device has a very low energy consumption. In addition the so-called "direct sequence spread spectrum" signal results in a signal that is hard to intercept, due to which it offers extra security.

The lock case is further provided with a power supply 14, in this case schematically shown by a battery, placed in the lock case. In particular a modern so-called polymer lithium ion battery with a very low self- discharge or an alkaline battery is very suitable for this use. An alternative for or a supplement to a battery is a so-called micro generator, such as for instance supplied by the firm Kinetron. Such a generator may for instance be connected to a door handle by means of a transmission, wherein by manual operation of the door handle, but for instance also of a different type of handle or door knob, sufficient power can be generated for letting the first transmitting/receiving device and the piezo-actuator function.

In a particular embodiment the lock case will only be provided with a so-called latch 5, which can be operated by means of a handle. The piezo-latch can be operationally connected to the latch to make the latch operable when there is an authorisation to open the lock.

On the one hand the piezo-latch is able to block the latch 5 permanently and only release it when the transmitting/receiving device 7 has received a release signal. On the other hand the latch 5 and the handle may be permanently uncoupled and only be operationally coupled when the transmitting/receiving device 7 has received a release signal.

The lock assembly according to the exemplary embodiment is in this case further provided with a release unit 10 having an identification/authorisation unit integrated therein. The release unit 10 is provided with a second transmitting/receiving device 1 1 which is able to enter into communication with the first transmitting/receiving device 7 of the lock case. The transmitting/receiving device 1 1 and the transmitting/receiving device 7 are able to exchange digital data as a result of which the transmitting/receiving device in the lock case is able to receive a so-called release signal 9. Said release signal 7 may by nature be very simple, the release signal only needs to indicate whether the lock has to be opened or closed.

In the release unit 10 shown here, verification of an offered key 13 also takes place by checking the key 13 against an authorisation list which is stored in the release unit 10. Thus the release unit 10 is also an authorisation unit through which authorisation 12 takes place. When the unit 10 has concluded that the key 13 corresponds with an authorised key, the transmitting/receiving device 1 1 will be ordered to give the release signal 9 to the transmitting/receiving device 7.

Prior to giving the release signal, digital data may optionally be exchanged between the transmitting/receiving device 1 1 of the unit 10 and the transmitting/receiving device 7 of the lock case 1 . Because of said exchange of digital data for instance first transmitting/receiving device 7 is able to verify whether the transmitting/receiving device that tries to contact it, is a transmitting/receiving device with which the first transmitting/receiving device 7 is allowed to communicate, and the second transmitting/receiving device 1 1 which tries to contact the first transmitting/receiving device 7 is also able to verify whether said first transmitting/receiving device 7 occurs in a list of permitted transmitting/receiving devices. As a result it can be prevented on both sides that any side at all is broken into.

Optionally the lock case 1 can further be provided with sensors, which, when for instance the latch is moved whereas no release signal has been given, the first transmitting/receiving device 7 gives a warning or alarm signal to indicate that the lock is operated in an unauthorised manner.

The lock case 1 and the release unit 10 may be adapted such that they get into contact with each other at set times. Various safety arrangements can be built in here.

In this exemplary embodiment the release unit 10 as already indicated has been provided with an authorisation list, on which or in which key codes are stated wherein the release unit compares the offered key code of a key 13 with key codes in the authorisation list to see whether a release signal may be given. The key, in this case depicted as physical key, may also be a finger print wherein the release unit 10 is provided a finger print reading device, or it may be an iris wherein the release unit 10 is provided with an iris scanning unit. The key may also be a chip card or a chip card that can be read wireless. The key may for instance also be a PDA which contacts the release unit wireless, for instance via bluetooth or any wireless means at all. By using the open communication standard, such as zigbee, with which the second transmitting/receiving device 1 1 and the first transmitting/receiving device 7 communicate with each other, it is possible to make very many units that can be connected wireless suitable as release unit for a lock case of a lock assembly according to the invention.

In order to realise a low energy consumption in the lock case, and to save space, the transmitting/receiving device 7 and the piezo-latch 6 and possibly even the electric power supply 14 are preferably arranged on single circuit plate which for extra security may be cast in synthetic material.

For further security the release unit may specifically be assigned to one related lock case.

However, for some applications wherein the lock needs to be operated from more than one location, it may be advantageous to assign more than one release unit to a lock case. For adding and/or exchanging a release unit 10 the lock assembly may further be provided with a so- called master key. Said master key for instance when using a master release unit or by means of a wireless computer or other transmitting/receiving device, will give a so-called master release signal to the transmitting/receiving device 7 in the lock case 1 , as a result of which it enters a particular mode. In said mode it is possible to assign a new release unit to, or to delete an assigned release unit from an existing list of authorised release units that have been registered within the transmitting/receiving device 7. As a result a user is able to add a release unit to the lock assembly according to the invention for operating the lock or lock case 1 .

Figure 2 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of a lock assembly according to the invention, wherein the release unit 10' and an authorisation unit 10" have been split up.

The release unit 10', which has been provided with at least one receiver 1 1 ' and one transmitter 1 1 , only serves to transmit a release signal 9 wireless to a transmitting/receiving device 7 in a lock case 1 . Said release signal 9 preferably is transmitted during a session wherein digital data are exchanged between the transmitting/receiving device 1 1 in the operating unit 10' and the transmitting/receiving device 7 in the lock case.

In said authorisation/release unit 10 the functionality is split and two separate wireless units are created. The actual release unit 10' may for instance be mounted indoors, for instance above the door or elsewhere near the door or lock case, without necessitating physical contact between the lock case and said release unit 10'.

The lock assembly according to this exemplary embodiment is further provided with an authorisation unit 10", which sends an authorisation signal 12 from a transmitter or transmitting/receiving device 1 1 " to a transmitting/receiving device (receiver part thereof 1 1 ') in the release unit 10'. Said authorisation signal may also be sent wireless. The authorisation unit 10" can be placed remote from the release unit 10' for instance outdoors.

The authorisation unit 10" is provided with a key reading unit 21 for reading out a key code 22 from a key 13. As already stated before such a key may be a biometric characteristic such as an iris which is read by means of an iris scanning device, wherein the key reader 21 is an iris scanner, but it may also be a finger print for instance, or a chip card or a PDA which establishes a wireless connection with the authorisation unit 10".

The authorisation unit 10" is furthermore provided with a processor 20 and a memory provided with an authorisation list or key code list in which key codes have been stored that are authorised key codes. When the processor receives a generated key code 22 from a key, compares it to the key codes in the list, and concludes that said key code is an authorised key code, the processor will order 12 the transmitting/receiving device 1 1 " to send an authorisation signal 15 to the release unit 10'.

Due to this modular set-up manufacturers of identification devices and authorisation devices will be able to couple their products to a release unit of a lock assembly according to the invention, and thus be able to make their identification and authorisation devices suitable for use in a lock assembly according to the invention, or enabling them to cooperate with a release unit.

For adding an identification or authorisation unit the lock assembly may furthermore be provided with a so-called master key. Said master key for instance when using a master identification device or by means of a wireless computer or another transmitting/receiving device, will give a so-called master identification signal to the release unit 10', as a result of which it enters a particular mode. In said mode it will be possible to add a new authorisation device or identification device to an existing list of authorised identification or authorisation units that have been registered within the release unit 10'. As a result a user may add an authorisation or identification unit to the lock assembly according to the invention for operating the lock or lock case 1 .

It will be clear that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of preferred embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. Starting from the above explanation many variations that fall within the spirit and the scope of the present invention will be evident to an expert.

Claims

1 . Lock assembly comprising: a lock case to be placed on or in a leaf such as a door or window, and having at least one latch, an operating device placed in the lock case for making the at least one latch operable, a first transmitting/receiving device placed in the lock case for wireless exchange of digital data with a second transmitting/receiving device outside the lock case, for wireless reception of a release signal by means of said exchange, and in response thereto activating the operating device, and its own independent energy supply placed in the lock case for supplying electric power to the first transmitting/receiving device and the operating device, wherein the energy supply comprises a battery and/or a generator, and a release unit, separate from the lock case, provided with the second transmitting/receiving device for transmitting the release signal to the first transmitting/receiving device.

2. Lock assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the operating device comprises a piezo-actuator, and preferably a so-called piezo-latch.

3. Lock assembly according to claim 2, wherein the piezo-actuator is operationally connected to the first transmitting/receiving device.

4. Lock assembly according to claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the first or second transmitting/receiving device, respectively, is adapted for receiving or transmitting, respectively, the release signal as an electromagnetic wireless signal, preferably a radio signal.

5. Lock assembly according to claim 4, wherein the first or second transmitting/receiving device, respectively, is adapted for receiving or transmitting, respectively, the release signal as a so-called spread spectrum signal, preferably a so-called "direct sequence spread spectrum" signal, preferably according to the IEEE 802.15.4 standard.

6. Lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second transmitting/receiving device is adapted for transmitting a release signal comprising an encrypted wireless signal.

7. Lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second transmitting/receiving device ensures a two-way communication connection with the first transmitting/receiving device.

8. Lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy supply comprises at least the generator for converting kinetic energy into electric power, wherein the generator is drivably connected to a drive mechanism.

9. Lock assembly according to claim 8, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a manual operating element, such as a handle that can be moved up and down, which, when operative, is connected to the lock case and can be operationally connected to the generator.

10. Lock assembly according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the drive mechanism is adapted for enabling to make two movement strokes, a first movement stroke for driving the generator and free from the latch, and a second movement stroke for setting the latch into motion.

1 1 . Lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an authorisation unit, separate from the lock case, for generating an authorisation signal or the release signal.

12. Lock assembly according to claim 1 1 , wherein the authorisation unit is connected to the release unit.

13. Lock assembly according to claim 1 1 or 12, wherein the authorisation unit is separate from the release unit and from the lock case, wherein the authorisation unit comprises a transmitter and the release unit comprises a receiver for transmitting a wireless authorisation signal from the authorisation unit to the release unit.

14. Lock assembly according to claim 1 1 or 12, wherein the authorisation unit comprises a third transmitting/receiving device for transmitting a wireless authorisation signal to the second transmitting/receiving device of the release unit.

15. Lock assembly according to claim 14, wherein the third transmitting/receiving device ensures a two-way communication connection to the second transmitting/receiving device.

16. Lock assembly according to claim 1 1 or 12, wherein the authorisation unit is integrated into the release unit.

17. Lock assembly according to any one of the claims 1 1 -16, wherein the authorisation unit comprises a reading device for reading a key code, and wherein the authorisation unit comprises a processor for generating the authorisation or release signal from the key code.

18. Lock assembly according to claim 17, wherein the authorisation unit comprises an identification device having a list of authorised key codes, wherein the identification device is adapted for searching the key code in the list and generating an authorisation or release signal when the key code occurs in the list.

19. Lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second transmitting/receiving device are adapted for setting up and supporting a wireless computer network.

20. Lock assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, further provided with a main release unit for giving a main release signal, and wherein the first transmitting/receiving device is further provided with program instructions for, when the first transmitting/receiving device receives the main release signal, adding a further release and/or authorisation unit to the assembly.

21 . Lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first, second and/or third transmitting/receiving device is of the Zigbee type or similar.

22. Lock comprising, a lock case to be placed in or on a leaf, such as a door or window, at least one latch, an operating device placed in the lock case for making the at least one latch operable, a first transmitting/receiving device placed in the lock case, for wireless exchange of digital data with a second transmitting/receiving device outside the lock case, for by means of the exchange receiving a wireless release signal from the second transmitting/receiving device, and in response thereto activating the operating device, and its own independent energy supply placed in the lock case, for supplying electric power to the first transmitting/receiving device and the operating device, wherein the energy supply comprises a battery and/or a generator.

23. Lock or lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first transmitting/receiving device in the lock case is of the Zigbee type or similar and the operating device comprises a piezo-actuator for blocking or releasing the latch and/or coupling or uncoupling the latch with a manual operating element which, when operative, is operationally connected to the lock case, wherein the transmitting/receiving device and the piezo-actuator are placed on one joint circuit plate.

24. Release unit for a lock or lock assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the release unit comprises the second transmitting/receiving device.

25. Lock case suitable and intended for a lock or lock assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims.

26 Lock or lock assembly provided with one or more of the characterising measures described in the attached description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

27. Release unit provided with one or more of the characterising measures described in the attached description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

28. Method comprising one or more of the characterising steps described in the attached description and/or shown in the attached drawings.