WO2023079582A1

WO2023079582A1 - Electric lock

Info

Publication number: WO2023079582A1
Application number: PCT/IT2021/000049
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ubaldo Molinari
Original assignee: Cisa S.P.A.
Priority date: 2021-11-04
Filing date: 2021-11-04
Publication date: 2023-05-11

Abstract

An electric lock (1) comprising a box-like body (2) which accommodates at least one movement element for at least one bolt of the type chosen preferably between a spring latch (3) and a latch (4), at least one electrical device (5) which controls said at least one bolt, the lock (1) being suitable for installation in a closure element (6) which can move with respect to a corresponding opening (7), and furter comprising at least one component, chosen from the at least one movement element, a hinge (12) for coupling the closure element (6) to the respective opening (7), a slider (13) for coupling the closure element (6) to the respective opening (7), a carriage for coupling the closure element (6) to the respective opening (7), comprises an electric generator (14) of a type suitable for the conversion of kinetic energy, of a relative movement between distinct parts of the at least one component, into electric power. An electrical storage unit which powers the device (5) is at least one supercapacitor (15). The lock (1) comprises an electric circuit for connecting the output leads of the electric generator (14) to the at least one supercapacitor (15), optionally with the interposition of an assembly (16) for the adjustment and adaptation of the electrical parameters of the electrical signal that reaches the leads of the at least one supercapacitor (15).

Description

ELECTRIC LOCK

The present invention relates to an electric lock of the autonomous type and independent of the electrical grid, in particular of the self-powered type, known in the field as standalone.

Standalone electric locks, like all closure elements, including more complex and structured ones, are generally preferred to those of the type powered by an electrical grid, since they can be installed without the need for a wired connection to said electrical grid.

Connection by means of electrical wires to the electrical grid in fact requires entails the execution of masonry work.

For example, it may be necessary to provide conduits within which to accommodate the wires: the conduits can be provided directly inside the wall (by cutting seats therein and subsequently inserting the wires, and filling them with mortars and the like) or be coupled externally thereto by means of screws, screw anchors, and the like.

The solution that provides for wire carrying conduits which are external to the walls compromises the aesthetics of the environment and therefore in many cases is rejected.

On the other hand, the execution of masonry work generates many drawbacks and inconveniences and is also rather expensive.

Electrical closure elements and electric locks provided with power supply batteries are therefore preferred, since they simplify installation operations and do not compromise in any way the aesthetics of the installation environment.

However, closure elements and electric locks provided with power supply batteries of the known type require meticulous ordinary maintenance, since the batteries must be replaced periodically in order to ensure correct operation (the absence of a correct electric power supply entails a malfunction of the actuators and therefore the exclusively mechanical operation of the closure element and/or of the lock by using the key and the actuation handle).

Replacement operations cannot be scheduled in time precisely, since they depend on the intensity with which the closure element and/or lock has been used (in case of limited use, the life of the batteries will of course be longer) and also depend on the complexity of the electronic device to be driven, since the more it is complex (or needs to perform more calculations), the more it consumes power.

In the long term, moreover, the cost related to the periodic replacement of batteries might be considerable, especially in buildings in which there are many electric closure elements and locks to be subjected to this kind of maintenance.

Battery replacement operations furthermore require the intervention of a technician who is specialized (or otherwise trained for these operations) and entails additional costs for the management of the system.

It is known to resort to standalone locks in which there is a terminal (which can be accessed from the outside of the installation leaf) to which to connect a power supply to charge the batteries: in this manner it is sufficient to charge the batteries periodically (by connecting the power supply to an electrical outlet connected to the electrical power supply grid and connecting the additional lead to the terminal that is present on the installation leaf).

The accessibility of the terminal in any case entails the risk of tampering therewith (for example for vandalism), which would compromise the possibility to charge the batteries.

Secondly, the need remains to perform periodic maintenance activity, since the rechargeable batteries that are currently in use tends to undergo a degradation of the respective energy storage capacities over time and therefore must be replaced after a preset period of operation. Moreover, in order to be able to access the battery compartment (so as to be able to replace them) it is necessary to provide the lock and the installation leaf so as to make the compartment accessible: this accessibility entails resorting to modifications with respect to the structure of a standard lock and of a standard leaf, which affect production and installation costs, increasing them.

The aim of the present invention is to solve the problems described above, providing an electric lock that is autonomous from an energy standpoint.

Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide an electric lock that does not require operations for replacing the batteries of electrical storage units.

Another object of the invention is to provide an electric lock that does not require terminals that can be accessed from the outside of the installation leaf to charge the batteries of electrical storage units.

Another object of the invention is to provide an electric lock that has space occupations and geometries similar to those of the traditional type and which therefore can be installed within seats of standardized dimensions.

Another object of the invention is to provide an electric lock that has an estimated lifespan compatible with the lifespan of the closure element/installation leaf.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an electric lock that has low costs, is relatively simple to provide in practice and is of assured application.

This aim, these objects and others which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by an electric lock of the type comprising a boxlike body which accommodates at least one movement element for at least one bolt of the type chosen preferably between a spring latch and a latch, at least one electrical device which controls said at least one bolt powered by a respective at least one electrical storage unit, said lock being suitable for installation in a closure element which can move with respect to a corresponding opening, characterized in that - at least one component, chosen from said at least one movement element, a hinge for coupling said closure element to the respective opening, a slider for coupling said closure element to the respective opening, a carriage for coupling said closure element to the respective opening, comprises an electric generator of a type suitable for the conversion of kinetic energy, of a relative movement between distinct parts of said at least one component, into electric power;

- said at least one electrical storage unit being at least one supercapacitor; and in that

- it comprises an electric circuit for connecting the output leads of said electric generator to said at least one supercapacitor, optionally with the interposition of an assembly for the adjustment and adaptation of the electrical parameters of the electrical signal that reaches the leads of said at least one supercapacitor.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the electric lock, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an opening in which a generic closure element is installed which is provided with a possible embodiment of the electric lock according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic enlarged-scale view of the detail designated by II in Figure 1.

With particular reference to the above figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates an electric lock according to the invention.

The electric lock 1 comprises a box-like body 2 which accommodates at least one movement element for at least one bolt of the type chosen preferably between a spring latch 3 and a latch 4.

The box-like body 2 further accommodates at least one electrical device 5, which controls the at least one bolt (i.e., the spring latch 3 and/or 3 the latch 4: such electric circuit is supplied with power by at least one electrical storage unit.

The lock 1 according to the invention is suitable for installation in a closure element 6 which can move with respect to a corresponding opening 7.

The closure element 6 can be constituted by a rotatable leaf (of the type of a traditional door hinged to the opening 7 or of a window and the like) or a sliding leaf (which can slide in any direction) or any other type in use.

The closure element 6 can be any type of element for closing any opening 7 (therefore a leaf, a window, a porthole, a vehicle door, a main door, a portal or any other equivalent component). The electric lock 1 according to the invention can be used on any vehicle or device that allows movement. The movement element for the at least one bolt can move with any relative motion with respect to the user.

The at least one movement element can be constituted by a handle 8 (by virtue of the movement of which it is possible to actuate the retraction of the spring latch 3 and/or of the latch 4) or by a cylinder 9 (by virtue of the movem ent of which it is possible to actuate the retraction of the spring latch 3 and/or of the latch 4).

The handle 8 is accommodated within a respective seat 10 formed in the lock 1, while the cylinder 9 (which might also not be present, since the presence of a handle 8 and of an electric circuit to be powered might be sufficient) can be accommodated within the corresponding compartment 11 of the lock 1.

In the lock 1 according to the invention it is specified that there is at least one component, chosen from the at least one movement element (i.e., the handle 8 and/or the cylinder 9), a hinge 12 for coupling the closure element 6 to the respective opening 7, a slider 13 for coupling the closure element 6 to the respective opening 7, a carriage for coupling the closure element 6 to the respective opening 7 and the like, which advantageously comprises an electric generator 14 of a type suitable to convert kinetic energy of a relative motion between distinct parts of the at least one component into electric power.

It is not excluded to adopt an electric generator 14 of a different type: it is not excluded to use Seebeck-effect generators, the two plates at different temperatures being installed on the two opposite faces of the closure element 6, of piezoelectric generators (which generate across their terminals a potential difference when they undergo a deformation), of photovoltaic generators (utilizing for example the surface of the closure element 6 that is struck by light as a panel), and the like.

The lock 1 according to the invention conveniently comprises, as an electrical storage unit, at least one supercapacitor 15.

The lock 1 according to the invention is provided advantageously with an electric circuit for connecting the output leads of the electric generator 14 to the at least one supercapacitor 15, optionally with the interposition of an assembly for the adjustment and adaptation of the electrical parameters of the electrical signal that reaches the leads of the at least one supercapacitor 15. The assembly 16, in a particular version thereof, can also act by adjusting and adapting the electrical parameters provided by the generator 14, providing a specific circuit arrangement.

The assembly 16 for the adjustment and adaptation of the electrical parameters allows the correct supply of power to the at least one electrical device 5 that controls the at least one bolt.

It is noted that the electric generator 14 can be of a type chosen from a dynamo, an alternator, an induction generator, and the like.

The dynamo and the alternator are particularly suitable for converting into electric power the kinetic energy of a rotary motion of a specific component (for example the handle 8 or the rotor of the cylinder 9 or the hinge 12); a linear induction generator is particularly suitable for converting into electric power the kinetic energy of a translational motion of a specific component (for example of a carriage which is integral with a leaf which can slide with respect to the fixed slider 13, for sliding closure elements).

The electric generator 14 might also, as an alternative, be of the type chosen from a piezoelectric element, an element comprising shape memory alloys, and the like.

These materials associate their deformations with the establishment of a potential difference across them.

It is specified that the supercapacitor 15 is an electrochemical double layer capacitor and has a capacitance comprised between 1 F and 5000 F.

With particular’ reference to an embodiment of unquestionable interest in practice and in application, the capacitance of the supercapacitor 15 is preferably comprised between 50 and 500 F.

It is specified that in order to render the charging times of the supercapacitor 15 consistent with the duration of the supply of electric power by the generators 14 (which depends on duration of the event that generated it, such as the opening and closing of the closure element 1, the rotation of the handle, the rotation of the key, and the like), the supercapacitor 15 conveniently provides for a charging time comprised between 0.1 seconds and 30 seconds.

Another embodiment of unquestionable interest in practice and in application provides for the charging time of the capacitor to be comprised between 1 second and 10 seconds.

In order to illustrate more clearly the operation of the present invention, it is specified that the lock 1 according to the invention can conveniently comprise inductive coupling plates, one of which can be installed on the movable closure element 6 and the other can be installed on a face of the respective opening 7 that faces it and is proximate thereto in at least one operating configuration: said plate of the face of the opening 7 is connected to at least one component chosen from a hinge 12 for coupling the leaf (closure element 6) to the respective opening 7, a slider 13 for coupling the leaf (closure element 6) to the respective opening 7, a carriage for coupling the leaf (closure element 6) to the respective opening 7, and the like. The plate is preset (since it is part of the generator 14) to transfer charge between two generation circuits. By way of example, the device 12 converts kinetic energy into electric power and allows to store it (in a respective storage unit, not shown in the accompanying figures). When the two plates couple (at a specific operating configuration of the closure element 6), the supercapacitor 15 of the closure element 6 receives the charge from the storage unit that is present on the device 12 and charges itself. The conversion into electric power of the kinetic energy of the relative motion between the closure element 6 and the opening 7, which is followed by the transfer thereof, by inductive coupling, to the plate of the movable closure element 6: said second plate is in turn connected to the electric circuit for connecting the output leads of the electric generator 14 to the at least one supercapacitor 15.

It is specified that the plate of the face of the opening 7 can (optionally) be connectable to the electrical grid (or other electric power supply unit of the fixed or portable type), optionally with the interposition of a module for adapting the electrical parameters, for forced charging of the supercapacitor 15 in case of prolonged nonuse of the movable closure element 6.

It is specified that in this case the inductive plates can behave like the inductive bases used to charge a smartphone or a tablet: by facing a plate associated with a respective electric power source, it can couple to the one installed in the closure element 6, which can thus charge the supercapacitor 15 (optionally with the interposition of the assembly 16, which will adapt the electrical parameters that arrive from the plate of the closure element 6 to the specific requirements of the supercapacitor 15).

It is specified that the at least one electrical device 5 which controls the at least one bolt (for example the spring latch 3 and the latch 4) can be constituted by at least one actuator designed for the automatic rearming of the bolt in the closed configuration of the movable closure element 6.

The rearming of the bolt occurs, in other words, when the movable closure element 6 is juxtaposed to and aligned with the installation opening 7, closing it.

It is specified that the at least one electrical device 5 mentioned earlier favorably comprises a control and management unit for storing the state transitions of said lock 1 and for controlling the at least one actuator.

Advantageously, the present invention solves the problems described previously, providing an electric lock 1 that is autonomous from an energy standpoint.

Usefully, the electric lock 1 according to the invention does not require operations for replacing the batteries of electrical storage units.

Conveniently, the electric lock 1 according to the invention does not require terminals which can be accessed from the outside of the installation relief to charge the batteries of electrical storage units.

Favorably, the electric lock 1 according to the invention has space occupations and geometries which are similar to those of the traditional type and therefore can be installed within seats having standardized dimensions.

Positively, the electric lock 1 according to the invention has an estimated lifespan that is compatible with the lifespan of the closure element/installation leaf.

Validly, the electric lock 1 according to the invention is relatively simple to provide in practice and has a low cost: these characteristics make the lock 1 according to the invention an innovation of assured application.

The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the accompanying claims; all the details may furthermore be replaced with other technically equivalent elements. In the embodiments shown, individual characteristics, given in relation to specific examples, may actually be interchanged with other different characteristics that exist in other embodiments.

In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to the requirements and the state of the art.

Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. An electric lock comprising a box-like body (2) which accommodates at least one movement element for at least one bolt of the type chosen preferably between a spring latch (3) and a latch (4), at least one electrical device (5) which controls said at least one bolt powered by a respective at least one electrical storage unit, said lock being suitable for installation in a closure element (6) which can move with respect to a corresponding opening (7), characterized in that

- at least one component, chosen from said at least one movement element, a hinge (12) for coupling said closure element (6) to the respective opening (7), a slider (13) for coupling said closure element (6) to the respective opening (7), a carriage for coupling said closure element (6) to the respective opening (7), comprises an electric generator (14) of a type suitable for the conversion of kinetic energy, of a relative movement between distinct parts of said at least one component, into electric power;

- said at least one electrical storage unit being at least one supercapacitor (15); and in that

- it comprises an electric circuit for connecting the output leads of said electric generator (14) to said at least one supercapacitor (15), optionally with the interposition of an assembly (16) for the adjustment and adaptation of the electrical parameters of the electrical signal that reaches the leads of said at least one supercapacitor (15).

2. The electric lock according to claim 1, characterized in that said electric generator (14) is of the type chosen from a dynamo, an alternator, an induction generator, and the like.

3. The electric lock according to claim 1, characterized in that said electric generator (14) is of the type chosen from a piezoelectric element, an element comprising shape memory alloys, and the like.

4. The electric lock according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said supercapacitor (15) is an electrochemical double layer capacitor and has a capacitance comprised between 1 F and 5000 F.

5. The electric lock according to claim 4, characterized in that said capacitance is comprised preferably between 50 and 500 F.

6. The electric lock according to claim 5, characterized in that said supercapacitor (15) has a charging time comprised between 0.1 seconds and 30 seconds.

7. The electric lock according to claim 6, characterized in that said charging time is comprised between 1 second and 10 seconds.

8. The electric lock according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises inductive coupling plates of which one can be installed on the movable closure element (6) and the other can be installed on one face of the corresponding opening (7) that faces it and is proximate thereto in at least one operating configuration, said plate of said face of said opening (7) being connected to said at least one component, chosen from a hinge (12) for the coupling of said closure element (6) to the respective opening (7), a slider (13) for coupling said closure element (6) to the respective opening (7), a camage for the coupling of said closure element (6) to the respective opening (7), and the like, for the conversion into electric power of the kinetic energy of the relative movement between the closure element (6) and the opening (7) and the transfer thereof, by inductive coupling, to the plate of said movable closure element (6), which in turn is connected to said electric circuit to charge said at least one supercapacitor (15).

9. The electric lock according to claim 8, characterized in that said plate of said face of said opening (7) can be connected to the electrical grid, optionally with the interposition of a module (16) for adapting the electrical parameters, for forced charging of said supercapacitor (15) in case of prolonged nonuse of said movable closure element (6).

10. The electric lock according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one electrical device (5) which controls said at least one bolt is at least one actuator preset for the automatic rearming of said bolt in the closed configuration of said movable closure element (6) when said movable closure element (6) is juxtaposed and aligned with said installation opening (7), closing it.

1 1. The electric lock according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one electrical device (5) comprises a control and management unit for storing the state transitions of said lock (1) and for the control of said at least one actuator.