AU2021328231A1

AU2021328231A1 - Key having a key head, a key shaft and a generator

Info

Publication number: AU2021328231A1
Application number: AU2021328231A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Matthias DAUBITZ; Ulrich Fischer; Michael Fritz; Philip Mihailovic; Markus Wahl
Original assignee: Assa Abloy Sicherheitstechnik GmbH
Current assignee: Assa Abloy Sicherheitstechnik GmbH
Priority date: 2020-08-20
Filing date: 2021-08-19
Publication date: 2023-04-13
Also published as: AU2021328688A1; DE102021114239A1; EP4200500A1; WO2022038239A1; WO2022038236A1; DE102021114240A1; DE102021114241A1; EP4200501A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a key (1) having a key head (2) and a key shaft (3) for mechanically actuating a lock cylinder (11), the key (1) comprising a key electronics unit (7) which transmit an encoded opening signal to the lock cylinder (11) in order to unlock the lock cylinder (11) and mechanically actuate it by rotation of the key (1). According to the invention, in order to provide a key (1) with a high degree of reliability, low resource consumption and a high level of sustainability, the key has a generator (9) for supplying the key electronics unit (7), wherein a movable component (4) is arranged on the key shaft (3) or key head (2), said movable component interacting with a lock cylinder (11) when the key shaft (3) in inserted in same in order to drive the generator (9).

Description

Key with a key bow and a key shank and a generator

The invention relates to a key with a key bow and a key shank according to the features of the preamble of claim 1.

In practice, keys with key electronics for transmitting a coded opening signal to a lock cylinder are known. This is a key for operating a so-called e-cylinder, whereby the coding of the key or the e-cylinder is easily programmable electronically. Such keys or lock cylinder systems require either replaceable batteries or a complex wiring of the lock cylinder through the lock or through a door.

DE 3208818 discloses a lock cylinder with a generator. When the key is inserted into the lock cylinder, the generator arranged in the lock cylinder is driven in order to generate electrical energy. For this purpose, a toothed rack is stamped into the key shank, which drives a pinion arranged in the lock cylinder in order to actuate the generator. An electronic vehicle key is known from DE 19918817 C1, wherein the key has a key housing in which a generator is arranged. A mass is assigned to the generator in order to use the mechanical energy occurring when the key is moved in order to drive the electrical generator. This is a mass oscillator in the form of a pendulum to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.

The object of the invention is to provide a key that is sustainable from an environmental point of view, while having a high level of security and reliability. In particular, the key should have a long service life and be easy to use.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a key with a key bow and a key shank according to the features of claim 1. Furthermore, the object is achieved according to the invention by a method for actuating a mechatronic lock cylinder using a key according to the features of claim 24.

According to the invention, a key with a key bow and with a key shank for actuating a lock cylinder is proposed, in particular for a mechatronic lock-key system, comprising key electronics which transmit a coded opening signal to a lock cylinder and a generator arranged in the key bow to supply the key electronics and/or lock cylinder electronics with electrical energy, wherein the generator is driven by a movable component. It is essential that the movable component comes into contact with the lock cylinder when the key shank is pushed into a lock cylinder and drives the generator when the key shank is pushed further into the lock cylinder, in particular drives it in a rotational manner.

The invention also includes a method for actuating a mechatronic lock cylinder using a key, in that the lock cylinder is rotated by the key when it is actuated in the opening direction or in the closing direction, and wherein the key comprises a key shank for insertion into a key channel of the lock cylinder, and key electronics, and wherein the lock cylinder comprises an electrically switchable blocking member for releasing or blocking rotation of the lock cylinder and locking cylinder electronics that switch the blocking member. Essential here is that the key has a generator which is driven in rotation when the key shank is inserted into the key channel in order to generate electrical energy for supplying the key electronics and/or the lock cylinder electronics.

One advantage of the invention is that the generator arranged in the key bow, which is automatically driven when the key is inserted into the lock cylinder, provides power for supplying the key electronics. Advantageously, no other power source is required apart from the generator, so that no battery or rechargeable battery is required. This eliminates the need to replace disposable batteries or defective rechargeable batteries over the course of the key's service life. On the one hand, this increases the reliability of the key and, on the other hand, waste is avoided.

Another advantage is that the arrangement of the generator in the key bow means that the key can be used universally for different lock cylinders, since the key has its own power supply.

In particular, actuation of the lock cylinder, in particular mechanical actuation of the lock cylinder, means a rotation of the lock cylinder or the lock cylinder core by the key. To do this, the key shank is inserted into a key channel of the lock cylinder. The lock cylinder is designed in particular as a so-called e-lock cylinder and has lock cylinder electronics and an electronically switchable blocking element. The electronically switchable blocking element normally blocks actuation of the lock cylinder. Only after the lock cylinder electronics or the lock cylinder have received a correct or valid opening signal from the key or the key electronics is the electronically switchable blocking element released and the lock cylinder can be actuated by turning the key.

In particular, the lock cylinder is intended for installation in a lock of a building door, for example a mortise lock with single locking or multiple locking. The lock cylinder can be designed as a lock cylinder according to a DIN standard or as a so-called Swiss lock cylinder or as a lock cylinder according to a Scandinavian standard. These lock cylinders differ in their external dimensions.

A lock cylinder is preferably understood to mean a mechatronic lock cylinder or a so-called e-lock cylinder. In addition to the mechanics of a lock cylinder, these have lock cylinder electronics in order to read and preferably evaluate an electronically coded opening signal. Only with a valid opening signal do the lock cylinder electronics release actuation of the lock cylinder.

Provision can preferably be made for mechanical coding to be attached to the key shank. This mechanical coding can be scanned by the key shank when it is inserted into the lock cylinder and used as a security feature in addition to the coded opening signal.

In alternative configurations, it can preferably be provided that the key shank does not have any mechanical coding, but rather the opening authorisation is provided solely by the electronically coded opening signal.

In particular, a mechatronic lock-key system is understood to be a system which has a lock with a lock cylinder that can be inserted into the lock and a key. The term mechatronic indicates that the key is used for mechanical actuation by turning the lock cylinder. Furthermore, an electronically coded opening signal is transmitted or exchanged between the key and the lock cylinder in order to check whether the key is authorised to open.

An electronically coded opening signal is preferably understood to mean a signal which has a coding or encryption. The opening signal can be generated by the electronic key or is stored in the electronic key via parameterisation or programming. The opening signal can then be encrypted, e.g. RSA-encrypted or DES-encrypted or AES-encrypted.

Different opening signals can be provided or generated in the key electronics. For example, group opening signals or individual opening signals or general opening signals can be provided. A single opening signal is authorised to operate a single lock cylinder. A group opening signal is authorised to operate a plurality of lock cylinders, i.e. a group of lock cylinders. A general opening signal can actuate all lock cylinders of a lock system, similar to a master key.

The coded opening signal can be transmitted to a lock cylinder by wire. Alternatively or additionally, the coded opening signal can also be transmitted wirelessly. For example, the key electronics can have a wireless interface, preferably ZigBee or Bluetooth or an RFID interface.

Preferably, the movable component can be formed as a rectilinear or linear movable component. The movable component can be movably mounted on the key shank and/or the key bow.

In one embodiment, it can be provided that the movable component comes into contact with the lock cylinder when the key shank is pushed into a lock cylinder and drives the generator when the key shank is pushed further into the lock cylinder, in particular drives it in rotation. In particular, the linear movement when the key shank is pushed into the lock cylinder is converted into a rotary movement for driving the generator. One advantage is that pushing the key shank into the lock cylinder causes a continuous movement that causes the generator to rotate. Depending on the speed or strength with which the key is pushed into the key channel of a lock cylinder, the generator is set in continuous rotation. The quicker the key is pushed in, the higher the rotation speed of the generator can be.

In one embodiment, it can be provided in particular that the key has a toothed rack, with the help of which the linear movement of the key when it is inserted into a lock channel of a cylinder core mounted in a lock cylinder is converted into a rotational movement to drive a generator and to generate electrical energy, wherein the toothed rack is displaced by a movable component which is part of the key shank, wherein the movable component is a slider or carriage mounted in the key shank, which engages with a toothed rack which is arranged in a key bow connected to the key shank and which in turn is coupled to the generator via a gear.

In particular, it can be provided that the movable component interacts with a gear element in order to convert a linear movement of the movable component into a rotational movement for rotating the generator. In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the movable component is designed as a linearly movable component mounted on the key bow and/or the key shank, in particular as a slider, or as a plunger, or as a carriage. The movable component can preferably be designed as a magnet and/or have a magnet.

By configuring the movable component as a component that is movably mounted directly on the key shank, a mechanically robust design of the key can be achieved. When the movable component is designed as a carriage or as a slider or as a plunger, a reliable and mechanically robust design results, in that the movable component interacts directly mechanically with the lock cylinder. In particular, when the key is inserted into the lock cylinder, it comes into contact with the lock cylinder.

In an alternative embodiment, the movable component can be designed as a magnet or have a magnet. In this embodiment, there is no direct mechanical interaction with the lock cylinder. Instead, there is a non-contact magnetic interaction between the movably mounted component and the lock cylinder. This can be more resistant to contamination.

Provision can be made for the magnet or the slider or the plunger to protrude out of the key bow parallel to the key shank.

In particular, the carriage is mounted on the key bow and/or on the key shank so that it can be displaced linearly and parallel to the key shank.

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the carriage or the plunger or the slider is connected to the gear element in such a way that tensile forces and/or pressure forces are transmitted between the gear element and the carriage or plunger or slider. It is advantageous if the drive of the generator is constructed in two parts via the gear element and the carriage or slider connected to the gear element. Due to this two-part structure, the gear element assigned to the generator can be accommodated in the key bow and the carriage or slider can be arranged as a movable component outside the key bow on the key shank. It is essential that the carriage or the plunger or the slider will be or is connected to the gear element in order to transmit both tensile forces and compressive forces between the gear element and the carriage or plunger or slider. As a result, with a simple production of the key, a high level of functional reliability and a non-detachable connection between the gear element on the one hand and the carriage or plunger or slider on the other hand is achieved under normal conditions.

It can advantageously be provided that the gear element is connected to a spindle drive or a connecting rod drive or a belt drive, or that the gear element is designed as a spindle drive or as a connecting rod drive or as a belt drive. The linear movement of the movable component can be converted into a rotary movement to drive the generator via the spindle drive or connecting rod drive or belt drive.

In particular, it can be provided that the gear element is part of a gear device. In particular, part of a gear device, comprising the gear element and a transmission in order to transmit the rotational movement of the gear element to the generator at a different speed. The transmission of the gear device can be selected in such a way that the generator is driven at the best possible speed with regard to converting the mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Advantageously, the gear element can be arranged within the key bow; the gear device can preferably be arranged within the key bow.

In order to achieve a particularly compact design, it can be provided that the electronic key system is arranged within the key bow.

In one embodiment, it can be provided that the gear element has a toothed rack that interacts with the movable component.

In particular, an overrunning clutch can be provided between the generator and the movable component. Preferably in such a way that the movable component only engages with the generator when the key is inserted into a lock channel of a lock cylinder, while the overrunning clutch disconnects the movable component when it is pulled out, so that the generator can only be driven in one direction of rotation. The overrunning clutch can be constructed in the same way as a bicycle freewheel. This means that as long as the movable component is moved in the direction of the key bow, the movable component is in driving engagement with the generator. When the movable component slows down or stops towards the end of its travel, the overrunning clutch disconnects the connection between the movable component and the generator. As a result, the generator can continue to rotate even if the movable component is slowed down or is stationary. Furthermore, when the key is pulled out of the lock cylinder, the movable component can move in the opposite direction to the drive direction, without the rotation of the generator being adversely affected as a result.

In particular, it can be provided that the movable component is spring-loaded for resetting, in particular is spring-loaded in the direction of the tip of the key. The spring can be designed as a torsion spring or as a spiral spring, in particular as a linear helical spring or a torsion bar spring. The spring ensures that the movable component is always in its initial position, i.e. in the front position, that is, facing the tip of the key shank, when the key is removed from the lock cylinder.

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the generator and the gear element and the gear device are designed together as a structural unit that can be inserted into the key bow, in particular that the gear, the generator and the toothed rack are designed together as a structural unit that can be inserted into the key bow. Furthermore, the key electronics can be designed as a structural unit or as a module. In particular, the key electronics can have a circuit board on which the components of the key electronics, preferably all components of the key electronics, are arranged.

In particular, a structural unit is understood to mean a modular design. This means that the generator and/or the key electronics are designed as a structural unit or a module and can be used as such in the key or in the key bow. This facilitates the manufacture of the key, since the components of the structural unit, i.e. the generator, the gear element and the gear device, do not have to be connected to one another when used separately.

In order to further increase convenience and operational reliability, it can be provided that an optical display, preferably comprising an LED, is provided on the key bow, wherein the optical display is supplied with electrical energy by the generator. Error messages or status messages, for example, can be visually visualised for a user by the visual optical display.

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the key electronics include an energy store. In particular, it has a capacitor as an energy store for the electrical energy generated by the generator and enables energy to be temporarily stored. The electrical energy generated by the generator can be stored or temporarily stored via the energy store. This makes it possible to use the electrical energy generated by the generator efficiently. For example, the key electronics can be supplied with electrical energy via the energy store for a longer period of time than the generator is supplying electrical energy.

In particular, it can be provided that the key electronics do not require or have any other power source apart from the generator.

Advantageously, it can be provided that the generator or the energy store supplies both the key electronics and the lock cylinder with electrical energy. In particular, lock cylinder electronics and an electrically switchable blocking element of the lock cylinder are supplied with electrical energy. A separate power supply, in particular a mains-connected power supply, can thus be omitted for the lock cylinder.

Provision can advantageously be made for an electrical contact to be arranged on the key shank in order to connect the key electronics to lock cylinder electronics and for the generator to be designed to supply lock cylinder electronics with electrical energy via this contact. The key shank is preferably designed to be electrically conductive and the electrical contact is designed to be insulated from the key shank. As a result, an electrical circuit having two poles can be set up, in which, for example, the key shank is used as earth and the electrical contact is used as the second pole. Thus, when the key is fully pushed into a lock cylinder, a circuit can be closed with the lock cylinder by means of the electrical contact. This makes it possible to supply the electronics of the lock cylinder, i.e. the lock cylinder electronics, with electrical energy from the generator arranged in the key or from the energy store of the key. This completely eliminates the need for wiring the lock cylinder to the lock or through the door. One advantage is that there is no need for power supplies. This means that the resulting power consumption of the lock-key system is zero, meaning that no C02 is released for operation, for example. Furthermore, no rechargeable battery or replaceable battery is required to supply the lock cylinder, so that no hazardous waste is produced when the lock-key system is operated.

In particular, it can be provided that the electrical contact is designed to establish a wired data connection between the key electronics and lock cylinder electronics. Thus, in addition to the power supply, the electrical contact can also be designed as a data interface, in particular a bidirectional data interface. For example, an encrypted, electronically coded opening signal can be exchanged between the lock cylinder electronics and the key electronics via this data interface. Common encryption mechanisms such as AES encryption or RSA encryption can be used for the encryption.

The invention also relates to a system having a key according to one of the exemplary embodiments described above. It is provided that the system includes a mechatronic lock cylinder or a so-called e-cylinder, which has lock cylinder electronics. In particular, the lock cylinder electronics and the key electronics are programmed accordingly so that they can exchange and validate the opening signal with one another. When validating the opening signal, it can be provided, for example, that the key electronics generate a coded opening signal and transmit this to the lock cylinder electronics. The lock cylinder electronics check the opening signal and if the opening signal is valid, the lock cylinder electronics release the switchable blocking element in order to actuate the lock cylinder.

Furthermore, in one embodiment it can be provided that the coded opening signal is exchanged bidirectionally between the lock cylinder electronics and the lock cylinder. For example, the key electronics can first check the lock cylinder electronics to determine whether the lock cylinder electronics or the type of lock cylinder is released for the corresponding key or for the corresponding lock-key system. Only after the lock cylinder has been validated will the lock cylinder electronics then generate a coded opening signal and transmit it to the lock cylinder or the lock cylinder electronics. The lock cylinder or the lock cylinder electronics will then check the coded opening signal and if this is valid, i.e. applicable, release the lock cylinder for actuation. The lock cylinder can then be operated by turning the key, i.e. it can be turned in the opening direction, for example, to open a lock, i.e. to retract the locking elements of a lock into the lock housing and unlock a door.

In particular, provision can be made for the lock cylinder electronics to be supplied with electrical energy by the generator and/or the energy store of the key in order to check an opening signal exchanged between the key electronics and the lock cylinder electronics and, if there is an opening authorisation, to release a blocking element in order to enable mechanical actuation of the lock cylinder.

It can preferably be provided that both the key electronics and the lock cylinder electronics and the blocking element are supplied with electrical energy by the generator.

In particular, the key can be operated with a lock cylinder or the lock-key system in such a way that when the key shank is pushed into the key channel, a movable component arranged on the key comes into contact with the lock cylinder and, when the key shank is pushed in further, is displaced relative to the key shank in order to drive the generator rotatively.

The key or lock-key system according to the invention can be used on locks for building doors. In other applications, however, the key-lock system can also be used for furniture doors or safe doors or even vehicle doors. In particular, the key according to the invention can also be used for so-called furniture cylinders or padlocks.

One advantage is that the key according to the invention enables parallel operation with battery-carrying keys in systems with lock cylinders. The lock cylinders do not require their own power supply, since they are always supplied with energy by the key.

Further embodiments of the invention are shown in the figures and described below. They show as follows: Fig. 1a to 1c: Key with a lock cylinder in different operating positions; Fig. 2a: an exemplary embodiment of the key according to the invention with the key bow open; Fig. 2b: an exemplary embodiment of the key according to the invention as shown in Fig. 2a without key electronics; Fig. 3a: an exemplary embodiment of the key according to the invention with connecting rod drive; Fig. 3b: an exemplary embodiment of the key according to the invention with belt drive;

Fig. 3c: an exemplary embodiment of the key according to the invention with spindle drive; Fig. 4a to 7b: an exemplary embodiment of the key according to the invention with a toothed rack drive; Fig. 8: an alternative exemplary embodiment of the key according to the invention with a modified movable component; Fig. 9: an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the key according to the invention; Fig. 10: another exploded view according to Fig. 9; Fig. 11a: a 3D representation of the generator and the key electronics; Fig. 11b: a side view of the generator and the key electronics; Fig. 12: an enlarged view of the key shank with movably mounted carriage; Fig. 13: a front view of the key according to the invention with the key bow and slider open; Fig. 14: a cross section through the key shank in the region of the movably mounted carriage; Fig. 15: a schematic circuit diagram of the key according to the invention with a lock cylinder Different exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the figures. These are to be understood as merely descriptive and not restrictive. Components with the same effect are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures. A person skilled in the art can vary or interchange different features of the illustrated exemplary embodiments based on his or her technical skills, without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims.

Figures 1a, 1b and 1c show one exemplary embodiment of the invention. The key 1 according to the invention is shown together with a lock cylinder 11 in different operating positions.

In Figure 1a, the key 1 and the lock cylinder 11 are shown separately, i. e. before the key 1 is inserted into the lock cylinder 11. In Fig. 1b, the key 1 is shown partially inserted into the lock channel of the lock cylinder 11. In Fig. 1c, the key 1 is shown fully inserted into the lock channel of the lock cylinder 1[sic]. In this position shown in Fig. 1c, it is possible to actuate the lock cylinder 11 with the key 1. When the lock cylinder 11 is actuated by the key 1, the key is rotated to actuate the lock cylinder 11 in an opening direction or, conversely, in a closing direction. When it is actuated in the opening direction, if the lock cylinder 11 is inserted into a corresponding lock, for example a mortise lock on a building door, this is unlocked, i.e. the locking elements of the bolt lock, for example a lock bolt and/or a lock latch, are pulled back into the lock housing. Accordingly, when the lock is actuated in the closing direction, the lock is locked, i.e. the locking elements, for example the lock bolt and/or a latch bolt, are moved out of the lock housing into the locked position.

The key 1 has a key shank 3 and a key bow 2 connected to the key shank 3. The key bow 2 is designed as a housing with space for accommodating components. A generator 9 is arranged inside the key bow 3.

A movable component 4 is arranged on the key shank 3 and is drive-connected to a gear element 5 arranged in the key bow 2. When the movable component 4 moves along the key shank 3, the generator 9 is driven via the gear element 5 to generate electrical energy. A gear 6 or gear device 6 acting between the gear element 5 and the generator 9 is provided. A rotational movement can be transmitted via the gear device 6 so that the generator 9 is driven at a correspondingly adapted speed.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures la to 1c, the movable component 4 is designed as a carriage 42 or slider 42 that is movably mounted on the key shank 3. In this description, the terms slider 42 and carriage 42 are preferably used synonymously and denote the same component.

As shown in Figures 1a to 1c, the carriage 42 or slider 42 comes into contact with the lock cylinder 11 when the key 1 is inserted into the lock cylinder and is displaced relative to the key shank as the key shank 3 is further inserted into the lock channel of the lock cylinder 11 and thereby drives via the gear element 5 and the gear device 6 in the generator 9. The generator 9 generates electrical energy in order to supply electrical energy to key electronics 7, shown for example in Fig. 2a.

The key electronics 7 shown for example in Fig. 2a generate an electronically coded opening signal and transmits this via an electrical contact 32 arranged on the key shank to the lock cylinder 11 or to an electronic lock cylinder 12 (shown in Fig. 15).

In the fully inserted position of the key shown in Fig. 1c, an electrical circuit between the lock cylinder electronics 12 and the key electronics 7 is closed via the electrical contact 32. A coded opening signal and/or electrical energy can be exchanged between the key electronics 7 and the lock cylinder electronics 12 via this electrical circuit. If a correct opening signal is present, a blocking member of the lock cylinder 11 is released by the lock cylinder electronics 12 so that it can be rotated by the key 1 or the key shank 3.

The lock cylinder 11 is designed as a so-called e-cylinder. That is, it has a switchable blocking member 13 (Figure 15), which must be unlocked in order to enable rotation of the lock cylinder 11. For this purpose, a coded opening signal is generated by the key electronics 7 and transmitted to lock cylinder electronics 12. This coded opening signal is checked and only after confirmation of a correct opening authorisation is the blocking member 13 released. This electronic coding enables a high security standard to be achieved.

In addition to checking the coded opening signal sent by the key electronics 7, the key electronics 7 can check the lock cylinder electronics 12 to determine whether the lock cylinder 11 is a system associated with the key 1. Only after the lock cylinder 11 has been validated by the key electronics 7, so to speak, is a corresponding coded opening signal generated by the lock cylinder electronics 7 and transmitted to the lock cylinder 11. In this way, safety can be significantly increased again.

Fig. 2a shows the key 1 according to the invention with the key bow 2 open. The key electronics 7 can be seen through the open housing of the key bow 2. The generator 9 is arranged in a concealed manner behind or below the key electronics 7.

The movable carriage 42 or slider 42 mounted on the key shank 3 is arranged on the key shank 3 and connected to the gear element 5 arranged inside the key bow 2. The gear element 5 is spatially arranged between the key electronics 7 and the generator 9.

The movable carriage 42 or slider 42 is moved from its front resting position or starting position arranged in the region of the key shank tip 35 when the key 1 is inserted into a lock cylinder along the key shank in the direction of the key bow 2. As a result, the generator 9 is driven by means of a gear device 6 arranged between the movable gear element 5 and the generator 9. The gear device 6 is used to convert the longitudinal movement of the carriage 42 or the slider 42 into a rotational movement for driving the generator 9. At the same time, the gear device 6 adjusts the required speed for the generator 9.

Furthermore, a resetting spring 62 is arranged in the key bow 2. The resetting spring 62 can be designed as a component of the gear device 6 or can be designed as a separate resetting spring. In the example shown, the resetting spring 62 is designed as a torsion spring 62 and is used to return the movable component 4 or the carriage 42 or slider 42 to its rest position, i.e. to the position shown in Fig. 2a near the tip 35 of the key shank 3, when removing the key 1 from a lock cylinder 11.

A locking pin 31 is arranged in the region of the key tip 35. The locking pin 31 is spring-loaded laterally to the key shank 3 and is used to hold the key in the lock cylinder according to the position shown in Fig. 1c, i.e. in the fully pushed in position, in particular to hold against the force of the resetting spring 62.

An energy store 81 is provided in order to use the electrical energy generated by the generator 9 efficiently. The energy store 81 is arranged together with the key electronics 7 on a circuit board. The energy store 81 has a plurality of capacitors. According to the illustration in Fig. 2a, the energy store 81 comprises four capacitors 811, 812, 813 and 814. The capacitors 811, 812, 813 and 814 are in the form of SMD electrolytic capacitors.

The energy generated by the generator 9 is stored in the energy store 81 in order to supply the key electronics 7 and/or the lock cylinder electronics 12. As a result, the energy generated by the generator 9 can be used efficiently. In particular, the duration of the supply to the key electronics 7 and/or the lock cylinder electronics 12 can be extended since the electrical energy is still available via the energy store 81 when the generator 9 is no longer being driven.

Two spring pins 71 and 72 are provided in order to ensure electrical contact between the generator 9 and the key electronics 7 or energy store 81. The spring pins 71 and 72 make contact with two conductive pads 731 and 732, which are shown in Fig. 2b. When connecting the key electronics 7 or the circuit board 84 of the key electronics 7 to the generator 9, an electrical circuit between the generator 9 and the key electronics 7 is automatically closed via the spring pins 71 and 72. I.e. no additional work step is required for the electrically conductive connection of generator 9 and key electronics 7.

Fig. 2b shows the key 1 according to Fig. 2a, wherein here, however, the key electronics 7 have been removed for the sake of clarity. As can be seen from Fig. 2b, the key bow 2 has a panel 23 in the region of the transition to the key shank 3. The panel is used to cover the opening of the key bow 2 arranged in the region of the key shank 3.

Two connection pins 741 and 742 can also be seen from Fig. 2b. These two connection pins are used to connect the key electronics 7 to the key shank 3 in an electrically conductive manner. The first connection pin 741 connects the earth line of the key electronics 7 with the key shank 3. The second connection pin 742 connects key electronics with the electrical contact 32.

A variant of the key 1 according to the invention is shown in Fig. 3a. This key 1 is largely consistent with the versions described so far. The key 1 in turn comprises a key shank 3 which is connected to the key bow 2. A generator 9 is arranged in the key bow 2, which generator is driven by means of a gear device 6 by the movable component 4 arranged on the key shank 3 or by the movable carriage or slider 42. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 3a , a connecting rod drive 53 is driven by the gear element 5. The connecting rod drive 53 has a connecting rod 531 which converts the linear movement of the gear element 5 into a rotational movement on the pinion 61 for driving the generator 9.

Fig. 3b shows a further exemplary embodiment of the key 1 according to the invention. This key 1 also in turn has a key shank 3, as well as a key bow 2 connected to it, in accordance with the exemplary embodiments described above. In turn, a generator 9 is arranged inside the key bow 2. A belt drive 42 for driving the generator 9 is driven by means of the movable gear element 5 via the movable component 4 or the movable carriage 42 or slider 42. The belt drive 52 has a first deflection roller 523 and a second deflection roller 524. A drive belt 521 is guided around the two deflection rollers and drives a pinion 61, via which a gear device 6 and the generator 9 are driven. The circulating drive belt 521 is connected to the gear element 5 by means of a belt shoe 522. When the carriage 42 or slider 42 movably mounted on the key shank 3 moves, the belt 521 is displaced and thereby drives the pinion 61 in rotation. This rotational movement is transmitted by the gear device 6 in order to drive the generator 9 to generate electrical energy.

Another exemplary embodiment of the key 1 according to the invention is shown in Fig. 3c. In contrast to the previously described embodiments, the movable gear element 5 drives a spindle drive 51. This comprises a spindle nut 511 guided on a spindle 512. The spindle nut 511 is connected to the movable gear element 5 and is driven by this or by the carriage 42 or slider 42 along the spindle 512. In the process, the spindle 512 is caused to rotate about its longitudinal axis. These rotations are transmitted into the plane of rotation of the gear device 6 or the generator 9 by means of an angular gear 513 and sent to it. A further exemplary embodiment of the key 1 according to the invention is shown in Figures 4a to 7b. In this exemplary embodiment, a toothed rack drive 54 is driven by the movable component, which is designed here as a toothed rack 55. For this purpose, the toothed rack 55 meshes with a pinion 61 of the gear device 6 in order to convert the linear movement of the carriage 42 or slider 42 into a rotary movement for the generator 9.

An overrunning clutch 63, which is arranged between the gear device 6 and the generator 9, can be seen in Fig. 4a. The overrunning clutch 63 is used to decouple the carriage 42 or slider 42 or the movable component 4 from the generator 9 at the end of the drive movement. The overrunning clutch 63 works according to the principle of a bicycle freewheel. This makes it possible for the carriage 42 or slider 42 to be uncoupled from the generator 9 as soon as the carriage 42 or slider 42 comes to a halt at the end of the drive movement or is returned to its starting position near the key shank tip 35 by the resetting spring.

The overrunning clutch 53 is provided in all exemplary embodiments of the key 1 according to the invention. In the preceding exemplary embodiments, however, the overrunning clutch 63 is not drawn in or labelled for the sake of clarity.

Fig. 4b is a detailed view in the region of the toothed rack drive 54. Here it can be seen how the toothed rack 55 meshes with the pinion 61.

In Fig. 5a and 5b, the key 1 according to the invention is shown in the side position in the starting position. The movable carriage 42 or slider 42 is in its front position, arranged in the region of the key tip 35. The carriage 42 or slider 42 is directly connected to the gear element 5 or the toothed rack 55. As can be seen from the enlarged detail view in Fig. 5b, the toothed rack 55 meshes with the pinion 61 of the gear device 6 and, by means of a further pinion 61a, transmits the rotational movement to the generator 9 to generate electrical energy.

Figures 6a and 6b show the corresponding key 1 in the fully inserted position in a lock cylinder, but without a lock cylinder. It can be seen here that the carriage 42 or slider 42 or the toothed rack 55 are arranged in the rear stop position near the key bow 2.

In this position, a rotational movement is transmitted to the generator 9 by the displacement of the toothed rack 55, causing it to rotate and generate electrical energy. Figures 7a and 7b show the corresponding position according to Figures 6a and 6b in a side view.

In Fig. 8 another exemplary embodiment of the key 1 according to the invention is shown. This exemplary embodiment substantially corresponds to the exemplary embodiment in Figures 1a to 2b. In contrast to this key, however, the movable component 4 on the key shank 3 is designed here as a plunger 41 projecting from the key bow parallel to the key shank. The plunger 41 is mounted on the panel 23 of the key bow 2 so that it can move linearly. Similar to the carriage 42 or slider 42, the plunger 41 comes into contact with a lock cylinder 11 when the plunger shank 3 is inserted and is pushed along the key shank 3 in the direction of the key bow 2 in order to drive via the movable gear element 5, or the generator 9, to generate electrical energy.

Fig. 9 shows an exploded view of the key 1 according to the invention. This key 1 largely corresponds to the embodiments shown in Figures 1a to 2b. The exploded view shows that the key bow 2 has two housing halves 21, 22. A first housing half 21 and a second housing half 22.

The key electronics 7 are arranged in the first housing half 21. The key electronics 7 has a circuit board 84 which is fixed in the first half of the housing. The generator 9 is arranged in the second housing half 22.

The key shank 3 engages between the two housing halves 21 and 22 and is connected to the key bow 2 or to the two housing halves 21 and 22 by means of screws.

In an alternative embodiment, instead of screwing the key shank 3 to one of the two bow halves 21, 22, the key shank can be connected to the plastic material of the bow 21, 22 by overmoulding the metal shank 3.

The panel 23 is used to cover the opening on the key bow 2 in the region of the key shank 3. The panel 23 is pushed onto the key shank 3 from the front and, once the two housing halves 21 and 22 have been attached to one another, it automatically stops on the key bow 2.

The carriage 42 or slider 42 is shown in the removed position on the key shank 3. The key shank 3 has an insertion region 34 in the region of the key bow 2. The material thickness of the key shank 3 is reduced in this region, so that the carriage 42 or slider 42 can be placed on the key shank 3 or removed from the key shank 3 in this region.

Fig. 10 shows a further exploded view of the key 1 according to the invention, this time seen from behind. It can be clearly seen here that both the key electronics 7 and the generator 9 are each designed as a structural unit.

The key electronics 7 has a circuit board 84 as a supporting element. Both the components of the key electronics 7 and the components of the energy store 81 are arranged on the circuit board 84. The key electronics 7 are assigned to the housing half 21 as a structural unit. Opposite, the generator 9 is designed as a structural unit. The generator 9 comprises the gear device 6 as well as the resetting spring 62 and the overrunning clutch 63. For the sake of better clarity, these components of the generator are not shown or labelled individually in Fig. 10. The generator 9 is also designed as an assembly and assigned to the second housing half 22 of the key bow 2.

During production of the key 1 according to the invention, the key electronics 7 are placed in the first housing half 21 as a structural unit. In particular, the housing half 21 has registration marks that are complementary to registration marks arranged on the key electronics 7 or the circuit board 84, so that the key electronics 7 or circuit board 84 can only be inserted into the housing half 21 in a predetermined position. The key electronics 7 are then connected to the key shank 3. The key electronics 7 are conductively connected to the key shank 3 and the electrical contact 32. This is done via the first connection pin 741 and the second connection pin 742. These can be in the form of a wire connection, for example, and can be connected to the circuit board 84 of the key electronics 7 by means of an electrically conductive adhesive or by means of ultrasonic welding.

Furthermore, the generator 9 is assigned as a structural unit to the second housing half 22 of the key bow. Here, too, complementary registration marks can be provided on the generator and the second housing half 22 in order to define the alignment of the generator 9 with respect to the second housing half 22. When the two housing halves 21 and 22 are connected, the generator 9 makes contact with the key electronics 7 automatically via the two spring pins 71 and 72, which are shown in Fig. 11a.

The space-saving, staggered design of the two connected structural units of the generator 9 and the key electronics 7 can be seen from Fig. 11b. The key electronics 7 are arranged on the circuit board 84 together with the energy store 81. The energy store 81 has four capacitors 811, 812, 813 and 814. The capacitors 811, 812, 813 and 814 are relatively bulky components. Furthermore, the generator 9 has the gear device 6 and the resetting spring 62 protruding from the generator 9. In order to save installation space, the capacitors of the energy store 81 are arranged on the circuit board 84 in such a way that they engage in the free spaces left free by the generator 9 and thus keep the overall height and thus the thickness of the key bow 2 as low as possible. As a result, the space between key electronics 7 and generator 9 is optimally utilised.

Fig. 12 shows an enlarged representation of the key shank 3 with the carriage 42 or slider 42 movably mounted thereon.

The slider 42 has a slider shoe 421 and a slider arm 43 projecting from the slider shoe 421. The slider shoe 421 is designed integrally with the slider arm 43. A coupling 45 is provided at the end of the slider arm 43. This coupling is used to connect the slider or slider arm 43 to the movable gear element 5. For this purpose, the coupling 45 has a pin 46 which is arranged on the gear arm 5 and which interacts with a receiving device 47 arranged at the end of the slider arm 43. The coupling is designed as a snap-in coupling and enables the connection between the slider 42 and the movable gear element 5 even when the key bow 2 is closed. For this purpose, the slider 42 is first placed on the key shank 3. This is done by inserting the slider arm 43 through the panel 23 and placing the slider shoe 421 on the key shank 3 in the insertion region 34. The slider shoe 421 can then be moved on the key shank 3 in the direction of the key tip, i.e. forwards. The slider shoe 421 is guided onto a slider guide 33 or threaded into it. At the front end, the slider guide 33 has a stop 335 which prevents the slider 42 or the slider shoe 421 from being pushed forwards beyond the key shank 3 by the resetting spring. To connect the slider 42 to the gear element 5, the slider 42 is inserted backwards into the housing of the key bow 2, starting from the front position on the key shank 3. The movable gear element 5 is automatically positioned in the correct position relative to the slider arm 43 in the housing of the key bow 2. When the slider 42 is moved back into the housing of the key bow 2, the receiving device 47 comes into contact with the pin 46 of the coupling 45. The receiving device 47 has two resilient lugs such that when the slider 42 is pushed further in the direction of the movable gear element 5, the coupling device 45 snaps in by the two lugs or the receiving device 47 gripping the pin 46 in a form-fitting manner and holding it in place. As a result, the slider 42 is connected to the movable gear element 5 by the coupling device 45 without the housing of the key bow 2 having to be open for this purpose. This enables the key 1 to be fitted in an advantageous and rapid manner.

In an alternative embodiment, when the generator is being assembled, the pin 46 can be guided laterally into the clearance of the receiving device and can be received there in a form-fitting manner. This direction of movement is no longer available after assembly, so that the pin 46 remains in the clearance 47 in a form-fitting manner.

Fig. 13 shows an exemplary embodiment of the key according to the invention with the first housing half 21 removed. In Fig. 13 the key shank 3 can be seen from the front. It is clear that the slider 42 is tapered with its slider shoe 421 or slider arm 43. This means that the flanks of the slider shoe 421 or the slider arm 43 taper towards the edge of the key shank 3 or tend towards one another. On the one hand, this reduces the risk of a finger getting caught in the region between the movable component 4 or the slider 42 and the key bow 2 or the panel 23. In addition, an aesthetic appearance is achieved.

Fig. 14 shows a section through the key shank 3 in the region of the slider shoe

421. The slider shoe 421 is guided by the slider guide 33. This has two opposite grooves, 333 and 334. The slider shoe 421 encompasses the slider guide 33 on both sides from the edge of the key shank 3 and is guided in the undercut grooves 333 and 334 in a form-fitting manner. In the grooves 333, 334 the carriage shoe 421 is guided both up and down in the vertical axis and laterally. For this purpose, the slider shoe 421 encompasses the slider guide 33 on both sides and engages with its ends in the undercut grooves 333, 334 in a form fitting manner. Furthermore, the slider guide 33 has surfaces with a first flank 331 and a second flank 332 on its opposite sides. These flanks taper towards the edge of the key shank 3, i.e. they taper to a point. The slider shoe 421 is designed to complement the tapered flanks 331 and 332.

Fig. 15 shows a schematic circuit diagram of the key 1 according to the invention. The components of the key 1 are shown in the rectangle labelled 1 with a dashed border. These comprise the generator 9, the key electronics 7 and an energy store 81 connected between the generator 9 and the key electronics 7. The components of the lock cylinder are shown in the rectangle labelled 11 with a dashed border. These comprise lock cylinder electronics 12 and an electrically switchable blocking member 13 for releasing or blocking an actuation of the lock cylinder 11. The energy store 81 comprises a storage element, which is referred to here as a capacitor 811. This can be designed as a single capacitor 811 or as a plurality of capacitors connected in parallel. The electrical energy generated by the generator 9 is stored in the energy store 811.

The key electronics 7 are connected via the electrical contact 32 to the lock cylinder 11 or to the lock cylinder electronics 12 arranged in the lock cylinder 11 and the blocking member 13. Via the electrical contact 32, the lock cylinder electronics and the switchable blocking member 13 can also be supplied with electrical energy from the energy store 81 or from the generator 9. A separate power supply for the lock cylinder 11 can thus be dispensed with.

Furthermore, it is provided that the electrical contact 32 is designed to transmit electrical energy and electrical information. The electrical contact 32 is advantageously designed as a digital interface, in particular as a bidirectional serial interface.

This makes it possible for the key 1 to be plugged into a programming adapter, a table station or a wall station, for example, and to be programmed or parameterised by the latter via the electrical contact 32.

It is thus possible to ensure a high level of security with the key 1 according to the invention without batteries being required or having to be replaced or without complex wiring being required on a door on which a corresponding lock cylinder 11 is used. On the one hand, this reduces the power consumption of the system, since there is no need for a power supply unit, and on the other hand, no batteries are required, so that the operation of a corresponding key lock cylinder system does not produce any hazardous waste in the form of batteries that pollutes the environment.

List of Reference Numerals 1 key 11 lock cylinder 12 lock cylinder electronics 13 blocking member 2 key bow 21 first housing half 22 second housing half 23 panel 3 key shank 31 lock pin 32 electrical contact 33 slider guide 331 first flank 332 second flank 333 first groove 334 second groove 335 stop 34 insertion region key tip 4 movable component 41 plunger 42 slider 421 slider shoe 431 first surface 432 second surface 43 slider arm coupling 46 pin 47 receiving device gear element 51 spindle drive

511 spindle nut 512 spindle 513 bevelgear 52 belt drive 521 drive belt 522 belt shoe 523 first deflection roller 524 second deflection roller 53 connecting rod drive 531 connecting rod 54 toothed rack drive toothed rack 6 gear device 61 first pinion 61a second pinion 62 resetting spring 63 overrunning clutch 7 key electronics 71 first spring pin 72 second spring pin 731 first contact surface 732 second contact surface 741 first connection 742 second connection 81 energy store 811 first capacitor 812 second capacitor 813 third capacitor 814 fourth capacitor 84 circuit board 9 generator

Claims

Claims Key with a key bow (2) and a key shank (3) for actuating a lock cylinder (11), in particular for a mechatronic lock-key system, comprising key electronics (7) which transmit a coded opening signal to a lock cylinder (11) and a generator (9) arranged in the key bow (2) for supplying the key electronics (7) and/or lock cylinder electronics (12) with electrical energy, wherein the generator (9) is driven by a movable component (4), characterised in that when the key shank (3) is pushed into a lock cylinder (11), the movable component (4) comes into contact with the lock cylinder (11) and drives the generator (9) when the key shank (3) is pushed further into the lock cylinder (11).
2. Key according to claim 1, characterised in that when the key shank (3) is pushed into a lock cylinder (11), the movable component (4) comes into contact with the lock cylinder (11) and drives the generator (9) in a rotational manner when the key shank (3) is pushed further into the lock cylinder (11).
3. Key according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the movable component (4) interacts with a gear element (5) in order to convert a linear movement of the movable component (4) into a rotational movement for driving the generator (9) in a rotational manner.
4. Key according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the movable component (4) is designed as a component that is linearly movably mounted on the key bow (2) and/or the key shank (3), in particular as a slider (42) or as a plunger (41), or as a carriage (42), or is designed as a magnet and/or has a magnet.
5. Key according to claim 4, characterised in that the magnet or the slider (42) or the plunger (41) protrudes from the key bow (2) parallel to the key shank (3).
6. Key according to claim 4, characterised in that the carriage (42) or slider (42) is mounted on the key bow (2) and/or on the key shank (3) so that it can be displaced linearly and parallel to the key shank (3).
7. Key according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterised in that the slider (42) or the plunger (41) or the carriage (42) is connected to the gear element (5) in order to transmit tensile forces and/or pressure forces between the gear element (5) and the slider (42) or plunger (41) or carriage (42).
8. Key according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterised in that the gear element (5) is designed as a spindle drive (51) or as a connecting rod drive (53) or as a belt drive (52).
9. Key according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterised in that the gear element (5) is part of a gear device (6), in particular a gear device (6) comprising the gear element (5) and a transmission (61) in order to transmit a rotational movement of the gear element (5) towards the generator (9) at a different speed.
10. Key according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterised in that the gear element (5) is arranged within the key bow (2), preferably that the gear device (6) is arranged within the key bow (2).
11. Key according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that that the key electronics (7) are arranged within the key bow (2).
12. Key according to any one of claims 3 to 11, characterised in that The gear element (5) has a toothed rack (55) which interacts with the movable component (4).
13. Key according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an overrunning clutch (63) is provided so that the movable component (4) only engages with the generator (9) when the key is inserted into a lock channel of a lock cylinder (11), while the overrunning clutch (63) separates the movable component (4) when it is pulled out, so that the generator (9) can only be driven in one direction of rotation.
14. Key according to claim 13, characterised in that the gear device (6) has the overrunning clutch (63).
15. Key according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the movable component (4) is spring-loaded for resetting, in particular is spring-loaded in the direction of the key tip.
16. Key according to any one of claims 3 to 15, characterised in that the generator (9) and the gear element (5) and the gear device (6) are designed together as a structural unit that can be inserted into the key bow (3)(sic), in particular that the gear device (6), the generator (9) and the toothed rack (55) are designed together as a structural unit that can be inserted into the key bow (2).
17. Key according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an optical display, preferably comprising an LED, is provided on the key bow (2), wherein the optical display is supplied with electrical energy by the generator (9). Key according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the key electronics (7) have a capacitor as an energy store for the electrical energy generated by the generator (9), and in particular enables energy to be temporarily stored.

18. Key according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the key electronics (7) apart from the generator (9) require or have no further power source.

19. Key according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an electrical contact (32) is arranged on the key shank (3) in order to connect the key electronics (7) to lock cylinder electronics (12) and in that the generator (9) is designed to supply lock cylinder electronics (12) with electrical energy via this contact (32).

20. Key according to claim 20, characterised in that the electrical contact (32) is designed to produce a wired data connection between the key electronics (7) and lock cylinder electronics (12).

21. System having a key (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and a mechatronic lock cylinder (11) comprising lock cylinder electronics (12).

23 System according to claim 22, characterised in that the lock cylinder electronics (12) are supplied with electrical energy by the generator (9) in order to check an opening signal exchanged between the key electronics (7) and the lock cylinder electronics (12) and, if there is an opening authorisation, to release a blocking member (13) in order to allow a mechanical actuation of the lock cylinder (11).

24 Method for actuating a mechatronic lock cylinder (11) by means of a key (1), in that the lock cylinder (11) is rotated by the key (1) in the opening direction or in the closing direction when it is actuated, and wherein the key (1) comprises a key shank (3) for insertion into a key channel of the lock cylinder (11), a key bow (2) and key electronics (7), and wherein the lock cylinder (11) comprises an electrically switchable blocking member (13) for releasing or blocking rotation of the lock cylinder and lock cylinder electronics (12) that switch the blocking member (13), characterised in that the key (1) has a generator (9) which is driven in rotation when the key shank (3) is inserted into the key channel in order to generate electrical energy for supplying the key electronics (7) and/or the lock cylinder electronics (12).

25. Method according to claim 24, characterised in that both the key electronics (7) and the lock cylinder electronics (12) and the blocking member (13) are supplied with electrical energy by the generator (9).

26. Method according to claim 24 or 25, characterised in that when the key shank (3) is pushed into the key channel, a movable component (4) arranged on the key (1) comes into contact with the lock cylinder (11) and is displaced relative to the key shank (3) as the key shank (3) is pushed in further, in order to drive the generator (9) in rotation.