EP1576246B1 - Locking device - Google Patents

Abstract

The locking device comprises a coupling element ( 5 ). It can be brought into a first and a second coupling condition in an electronically controlled manner by drive means moving the coupling element. A drive-off element ( 4 ) can be connected to locking means. In the first coupling condition, the rotor is decoupled from the drive-off element in the sense that no direct coupling via the coupling element or an other coupling means is present that would mean that the rotation of the rotor would cause a movement of the drive-off element. In the second coupling condition, the coupling element couples the drive-off element with the rotor ( 2 ), which may be operated by means of a key, door handle, door knob or similar means, or by an electrical actuation.

Description

The invention relates to a locking device for a locking system. "Locking system" is understood here to mean a system with mechanical elements which allows or blocks access to or access to an object, depending on whether or not there is authorization. A locking device will in particular enable or prevent the operation of a lock cylinder or lock by rotation of a key or a door knob, by operating a door handle or similar means, or automated, by means of suitable drive means, etc.

Locking devices with mechanically and electronically - mechatronically controlled locking elements are known. They have all the properties of conventional purely mechanical locking devices. The additional electronically controlled locking also provides the option of individually activating and locking keys. With mechatronic locking devices so additional flexibility in the Schliessorganisation can be achieved.

The electronically controlled locking is based on a data transmission between a key-side electronic module and a lock-side electronic module. This data transmission can be by touch - eg. By means of electrical contacts on key and lock - or non-contact - eg. By electromagnetic induction - take place. Data can be transmitted in one or both directions. In the lock-side or in the key-side electronic module is checked based on the transmitted data, whether the inserted key is authorized to access. If this is the case, a lock-side motor is activated, which electronically controls a locking element moves such that it releases the lock cylinder or the lock.

Such a locking device is known, for example, from International Publication WO 98/28508 or from International Publication WO 01/21913.

A disadvantage of such locking devices according to the prior art is that it is sufficient in tampering attempts to overcome the barrier caused by the locking element of the lock cylinder. This can be done by shock, by vibration, by brute force or otherwise.

Nevertheless, to ensure a high level of security, such locking devices are often combined with elements of a conventional, purely mechanical locking device with tumblers. This is also known, for example, in the cited documents WO 98/28508 and WO 01/21913. Such a combination brings with it increased security, but severely restricts the flexibility of a system operator for the following reason: Frequently, the most security-relevant or most frequently accessed accesses to an object (eg a building) are equipped with mechatronic / mechanical locks. However, there are other, purely mechanically trained locks, for example. Doors to individual rooms in the interior of the building. These should - if authorized - be opened with the same key as the mechatronic / mechanical locks. If in an existing building Locks are associated with a first locking system, therefore, a combination with mechatronic / mechanical locks a second locking system - the same manufacturer or another manufacturer - not possible, which, for example, then may be disadvantageous if no mechatronic / mechanical locking system of the first manufacturer is available , The same disadvantage exists when cross-plant access solutions should be found.

In general, existing mechatronic systems find a middle ground between the contradictory requirements of security and flexibility. Often, in order to maintain access flexibility, the mechanical permutation must be carried out in a uniform manner, which, of course, is at the expense of safety.

Mechatronic locking devices with a driven element decoupled from a rotor are shown in EP1 030 011, US Pat. No. 5,640,863, EP 0 312 123, FR 2 801 334 and FR 2 552 809.

It would be desirable to have a locking device which is sufficiently secure to permit decoupling of any mechanical safety elements that may be present, and possibly to function without additional security by mechanical security elements.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a mechatronic locking device which against external foreign influences, in particular against violent. Vibratory and / or shock or magnetic effects, is resistant and ensures safe functioning.

The object is achieved by the locking device and the method as defined by the claims.

The locking device has a coupling element and an output element which can be brought into operative connection with locking means. It can be brought into a first and a second clutch state by means of electronically controlled drive means via drive means which move the clutch element. In the first coupling state, the rotor - that is, the lock-rotatable member by key, door handle or similar means - is decoupled from the output member in the sense that there is no direct coupling via the coupling member or other coupling means which would cause rotation of the rotor causes a movement of the output element. In its second coupling position, the coupling element couples the output element with a rotor which can be actuated by key, door handle, doorknob or a similar means or by an electric drive.

This approach differs fundamentally from existing approaches according to the prior art. There, a coupling between the rotor and a driver for confirming the bolt is either fixed or can be accomplished with the simplest means, for example by inserting a key-shaped object. In the locked normal state, the rotor is locked relative to the housing, whereas in the case of coherence of the mechanical and possibly electronic coding, a release of the rotor relative to the housing takes place. To manipulate the lock, you have to decouple rotor and housing.

The approach according to the invention therefore differs from the prior art in that it is not simply necessary to decouple the rotor and the housing, but rather that The output element must be coupled to the rotor - and possibly also decoupled from the housing. This allows the coupling means - here the coupling element - to be selected in a very simple way so that the coupling only comes about in a single singular state of the coupling agent.

This is advantageous for the following reason:

It can be assumed that in manipulation tests the coupling element or blocking element can be deflected from its rest position, for example by means of bumps. In a manipulation attempt, this is exploited by being manipulated by a plurality of bumps until the locking element is in the free position. At the same time, the locking device is influenced so that the once located in the free-standing blocking element is fixed immediately in this - for example, by a constant acting on the rotor torque.

The requirement that the coupling only occur in a single singular state reduces the likelihood that the coupling element will ever come into the second coupling state by accidental excitations - shocks. And if that happens to be the case, the same random stimulus immediately removes the element from that location. So there is only a very small time window available in which to manipulate. In statistical mechanics, the number of states triggering the event (successful manipulation) is compared with the number of all possible states, and if the ratio is small, the event is unlikely. Thus, in the terminology of statistical mechanics, the approach according to the invention allows only very little phase space to be available for manipulation attempts. Moreover, it is not possible to fix the coupling element by constantly exerting a torque on the rotor, as soon as it in the second Clutch position is because the rotor is not coupled via the output element to the housing but is freely rotatable or fixed with another, independent of the coupling element means.

By a restoring force, which causes the coupling element tends to be moved away from the second coupling position corresponding to the second coupling state, the probability that the coupling element accidentally gets into the second coupling position, can be further reduced.

The mechanical decoupling of the rotor and output element in the first coupling state also has the advantage that even by violent rotation of the rotor, the lock can not be operated: The rotor rotates at most empty.

According to one embodiment, in the first coupling state, the output element is blocked with respect to a housing. Thus it is additionally locked against rotation.

The coupling element may have an at least partially spherical surface - and be formed for example as a ball. This minimizes the number of positions in which it engages - which is advantageous as described above. There is then the requirement that a shear lines between the elements to be coupled and the equator of the coupling element are aligned. When the equator of the coupling element is above or below the shear line, the coupling element is pushed away from the coupling layer by exerting force on one of the elements to be coupled.

Preferably, the coupling element is neither coupled to the housing nor to the rotor. The coupling element can then be rotated in its second coupling position during a rotational movement of the rotor. It is, for example, in an opening which is formed by recesses in the rotor and the output element. For example, there is also no fixed mechanical coupling, such as a hinge or positive locking, but at most a guide through a recess in the same, that is to say the output element. Even if the coupling element is always mitdrehbar with the output element, but it is a mechanically independent element. It can be provided that before the removal of the key, the rotor must be returned to its original orientation, so it can only be rotated by integer turns.

The drive means can, for example, the coupling element between two coupling layers - according to the two coupling states - move: In the first coupling position, the coupling element couples the housing and driven element, while it causes no coupling between the rotor and the driven element. In the second coupling position, it couples the rotor and the output element, but does not cause any coupling between the housing and the output element.

Alternatively, serving as a blocking element propulsion means of the drive means obstruct the output member in the first coupling state relative to the housing. In the second coupling state, the coupling element couples rotor and output sleeve. In this case, blocking element and coupling element are designed and arranged so that the blocking element, when it is moved from the second to the first coupling state, at the same time by direct or indirect action, the coupling element moves away from the coupling position.

Another alternative provides that the output element is not blocked against the housing in the first coupling state. This is advantageous if the output element is, for example, firmly connected to an inner door handle. In this embodiment, on the one hand, it is ensured that a person located in the interior of the object to be closed can leave the object. On the other hand, this direct coupling between output element and inner door handle also provides some protection against manipulation - after all, the inner door handle must be moved with each manipulation attempt.

As drive means, an electric motor can be used with a lifting spindle. Electric motors are relatively economical power consumers compared to magnetic actuators. In addition, they are due to the design largely vibration, shock and magnetic resistant.

The coupling element can be displaceable by the drive means, quasi-positively guided` or even completely positively guided. This means that the position of the coupling element between the first and the second clutch layer is defined at all times by the drive means, for example by being connected to the drive means of the drive means. In the case of quasi-forced operation, this connection can be solved only by a certain amount of force; it may be, for example, that the propulsion means and / or the Kupplungselment has a permanent magnetic moment and thereby the coupling element adheres to the propulsion medium. In the case of positive guidance, the connection is so strong that it is not solvable by normal bumps. For example, the coupling element is fixed by mechanical connections on the propulsion medium; The mechanical connections are, for example, solved as soon as the coupling agent is in the second coupling position.

The locking device can thus be designed so that the coupling element is always on one of two predetermined paths: on the first path quasi-positively guided or positively guided between the first and the second clutch position, and rotated on the second path through the rotor and relative to in a constant position about an axis of the rotor.

The drive means may be provided with spring means which are designed and arranged such that the coupling element located between the first coupling position and the second coupling position can be moved by mechanical action counter to a spring force in the direction of the first coupling position. This can prevent damage caused by violent manipulation attempts and failure of the drive. When the coupling element is in an undefined position between the first and second coupling layers, and force is applied to a shear line, the coupling element deviates toward the first coupling layer without causing any damage.

Locking device may - in the event that it is used with a lock cylinder - have a key blocking element which is movable by inserting the key in the key opening from a first position to a second position, wherein it in the second position, a withdrawal of the key only at certain, predetermined orientations of the rotor allowed. On the one hand, this allows the user to open a door in a manner known per se by pulling on the key which is not oriented vertically. On the other hand, it can be ensured that the system is always in a defined position with the key removed, in which the coupling element between the two coupling layers is displaceable. It may also be provided that the key blocking element blocks the rotor in the first position against rotation so that it can not be moved away from its defined position by a screwdriver or similar means or by randomly induced movements. When trying to use the rotor with a screwdriver or similar and to move with a lot of force, the Schlüsselblockerelement is damaged at best, because of the mechanical decoupling of rotor and housing but never the essential elements for operating the bolt elements.

1. 1. Kein Schlüssel steckt: Erster Kupplungszustand, und das Schlüsselblockierelement blockiert den Rotor
2. 2. Ein unberechtigter Schlüssel steckt: Erster Kupplungszustand, und das Schlüsselblockierelement gibt den Rotor frei. Der Rotor ist frei drehbar, er bewirkt aber keine Betätigung des Riegels. Der Schlüssel kann nur in einer definierten Position des Rotors herausgezogen werden.
3. 3. Der berechtigte Schlüssel steckt: Zweiter Kupplungszustand, der Rotor ist drehbar, und seine Drehung bewirkt ein Betätigen des Riegels.

The key blocking element - together with the coupling element - causes a total of three defined states to exist:

1. 1. No key is in: First clutch state, and the key blocking element blocks the rotor
2. 2. An unauthorized key is: First clutch state, and the key blocking element releases the rotor. The rotor is freely rotatable, but it causes no operation of the bolt. The key can only be pulled out in a defined position of the rotor.
3. 3. The authorized key is: second clutch state, the rotor is rotatable, and its rotation causes the bolt to be actuated.

The key blocking element may be, for example, a rocker arm which is connected to a spring which causes a restoring force to the first position.

The additional security, which is caused by the above elements, has the consequence that the locking device, for example, manages without purely mechanically actuated tumblers. This can be a locking device according to the invention with any existing locking systems combined and used across plants. The locking device allows a connection of multiple systems and a deployment in multiple systems with a system-neutral key.

Of course, a locking device according to the invention may, however, additionally also have mechanical tumblers.

The inventive locking device is thus system neutral in this embodiment: mechanical and mechantronic system components are completely separable.

• Figur 1 schematisch einen Schnitt durch Elemente einer erfindungsgemässen Verriegelungsvorrichtung.
• Figur 2 ebenfalls schematisch einen Schnitt durch Elemente einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemässen Verriegelungsvorrichtung.
• Figur 3 schematisch die möglichen Zustände für das Kupplungselement in den Anordnungen gemäss den Figuren 1 und 2.
• Figur 4 eine Ansicht, teilweise im Schnitt, von Elementen eines Zylinderschlosses mit einer Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemässen Verriegelungsvorrichtungwobei das Kupplungselement in der ersten Kupplungslage ist.
• Figur 5 die Ansicht gemäss Figur 4, wobei ein Schlüssel in die Schlüsselöffung eingeschoben ist und sich das Kupplungselement in der zweiten Kupplungslage befindet.
• Figur 6 eine Explosionsdarstellung von Bestandteilen der Antriebsmittel.
• Figuren 7 und 8 schematisch einen Schnitt durch eine weitere Ausführungsform in zwei Kupplungszuständen.
• Figuren 9 und 10 einen Querschnitt und einen Längsschnitt (schematisch) durch ein -Schloss mit einer erfindungsgemässen Verriegelungsvorrichtung, in zwei Kupplungszuständen
• Figur 11 einen weiteren Querschnitt durch das Schloss gemäss Figuren 9 und 10.

In the following, still preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to drawings. Show it:

• 1 shows schematically a section through elements of a locking device according to the invention.
• Figure 2 also schematically a section through elements of another embodiment of a locking device according to the invention.
• FIG. 3 schematically shows the possible states for the coupling element in the arrangements according to FIGS. 1 and 2.
• Figure 4 is a view, partly in section, of elements of a cylinder lock with an embodiment of the inventive Locking device, wherein the coupling element is in the first coupling position.
• Figure 5 shows the view according to Figure 4, wherein a key is inserted into the keyhole and the coupling element is in the second coupling position.
• Figure 6 is an exploded view of components of the drive means.
• Figures 7 and 8 schematically shows a section through a further embodiment in two coupling states.
• Figures 9 and 10 a cross section and a longitudinal section (schematically) through a lock with a locking device according to the invention, in two coupling states
• 11 shows a further cross section through the lock according to FIGS. 9 and 10.

A principle underlying an embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. Very schematically are a rotatable by a key rotor 2 and connected to a. For example, directly into a door housing connected and therefore not rotatable stator 3. Between the rotor 2 and stator 3 is designed as a drive output shaft output element 4. This is at least partially the axis of rotation of the rotor is rotatable and can be brought into operative connection with a driver, which is designed for actuating locking elements, so that the bolt - if necessary, if certain conditions are met - by turning of the output element 4 can be actuated. Both the rotor and the stator each have a recess 2.1, 3.1, which are aligned in the drawn arrangement with a recess 4.1 in the output element. A coupling element 5 is located in the opening formed by these recesses. In the figure, the coupling element 5 ball is formed. But it could also have a different shape and be, for example, a pin with a partially spherical surface or a pin. The operating principle is the following: The coupling element is displaceable by means not shown drive means of the opening. It assumes a first coupling position - or blocking position - when it is on the shear line S1, which is formed between the stator 3 and the output element. This state corresponds to the first coupling state. In its first coupling position the Kupplugselement couples the output element with the stator. It prevents rotation of the output element and thus actuation of the bolt. But the coupling element does not cause a coupling between the rotor and the driven element when it is in the first coupling position. Rotor and output element and thus also rotor and bolt are thus decoupled when the coupling element is in the locked position. This is a difference from the prior art, where blocking is effected by locking the rotor to the stator.

In a second coupling position - or Freilage - is the coupling element 5, when it is on the shear line S2 between the rotor and the output member. This is the second clutch state.

The arrangement shown in the figure is an example of a locking device with a coupling element 5, which is electronically controlled between a first and a second coupling position - according to the first and second coupling state -verschiebbar, wherein the coupling element 5, 5` in a first coupling position the Output element 4 with respect to the housing blocks and in a second clutch position the output member 4 couples with the rotor 2, wherein the rotor 2 is not coupled to the output member 4 when the clutch member is in its first clutch position.

Figure 2 shows a variant of the principle shown in Figure 1, where the coupling element 5 'is not spherical, but has a partially spherical surface. The recess 2.1 in the rotor is in this embodiment, for example. Limited so that the coupling element the rotor 2 and the output element 4 only couples when it is inserted into the opening to the stop. If the coupling element withdrawn slightly, it is pushed back at a torque on the rotor due to its partially spherical surface in the direction of its first coupling position.

Instead of the hemispherical surface portion of Figure 2 may also be provided another surface shape which causes such a recoil - for example, a conical shape, etc. The actually to be met in this embodiment condition is that the shape of the coupling element is such that it has an area in which it is constantly rejuvenated.

Of course, the feature that the depth of the recess 2.1 is limited in the rotor so that the coupling element in its second coupling position is also at a stop or almost at a stop, also be present in a spherical coupling element.

With reference to FIG. 3, it will now be shown how the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 and 2 contribute to random manipulation attempts Movements of the coupling element the probability of a successful opening of the lock is very low and goes to 0.

FIG. 3 very schematically illustrates the set of all states 11. In the arrangement of FIGS. 1 and 2, the coupling element is guided through the recesses and is displaceable in only one direction x; the states can therefore be characterized by the position in this direction x. The upper diagram of the figure shows the situation for the arrangement according to FIG. 1. The subset of those states in which the coupling element is in its second coupling position and enables the opening of the lock is provided with the reference numeral 12 in the FIGURE. Due to the spherical surface of the coupling element its position must be chosen very precisely so that its equator is on the shear line S2. Otherwise, the coupling element is pushed away in one or the other direction with a torque acting on the rotor. This fact has the effect that the subset 12 of the states in which release takes place is very small. With random movements, the probability almost disappears that the coupling element in the release position (the second clutch position) gets.

The lower diagram of Figure 3 relates to the structure according to Figure 2. This differs from that of Figure 1, characterized in that the Kupplungselelement is also in its second coupling position on a stop. The subset 12 of the states in which a release takes place is therefore entered completely at the edge. Also in this case, it is small in comparison to the amount of all states, since the coupling element is also pushed away from the coupling position with a torque on the rotor, if it is not positioned exactly in the Kupplunslage.

1. 1. Es wird dafür gesorgt, dass bei Anregungen des Kupplungselements durch Stösse die Geschwindigkeit des Kupplungselementes immer gross ist, wenn es in derjenigen Position ist, die der zweiten Kupplungslage entspricht. In den hier beschriebenen Beispielen geschieht das dadurch, dass das Kupplungelement in seiner ersten Kupplungslage mit einer gewissen Kraft fixiert ist - es klebt quasi in der ersten Kupplungslage. Es kann dann nur durch einen sehr massiven Stoss überhaupt von dieser entfernt werden, bei einem solchen ist dann die Geschwindigkeit des sich lösenenden Kupplungelementes sehr gross. In der Ausführungsform gemäss Figur 2 wird es ausserdem am Anschlag sofort reflektiert und schnellt in Richtung erste Kupplungslage zurück. Die Heftwirkung, mit welcher das Kupplungselement in der ersten Kupplungslage quasi fixiert wird, kann bspw. durch einen Ferromagneten bewirkt werden, es können aber auch andere Mittel benutzt werden, bspw. ein Klemmen oder Kleben oder klettverschlussähnliche Mechanismen. Weitere Mechanismen sind denkbar, wie bspw. die im US-Patent 4 103 526 für mechanischen Zuhaltungen beschriebenen T-Nuten oder schwalbenschanzförmigen Nuten.
2. 2. Eine rücktreibende Kraft, wie sie bspw. in der bereits erwähnten Publikation WO 98/28508 beschrieben ist. Bezüglich deren Effekt sei auf diese Publikation verwiesen. Die Quelle der rücktreibenden Kraft kann bspw. ebenfalls ein Ferromagnet sein.

FIG. 3 thus explains how the probability of success in manipulation attempts is already brought to a very small value by pure statistics through the measures described. Additional measures can further reduce this probability of success.

1. 1. It is ensured that when suggestions of the coupling element by impacts the speed of the coupling element is always large when it is in the position corresponding to the second coupling position. In the examples described here, this is done by the fact that the coupling element is fixed in its first coupling position with a certain force - it sticks virtually in the first coupling position. It can only be removed by a very massive shock at all of this, then in such a speed of the loosening coupling element is very large. In the embodiment according to FIG. 2, it is also immediately reflected at the stop and springs back in the direction of the first coupling position. The stitching action, with which the coupling element is quasi fixed in the first coupling position, can for example be effected by a ferromagnet, but other means can also be used, for example a clamping or gluing or velcro-like mechanisms. Further mechanisms are conceivable, such as, for example, the T-slots or dovetail grooves described in US Pat. No. 4,103,526 for mechanical tumblers.
2. 2. A restoring force, as described, for example, in the already mentioned publication WO 98/28508. Regarding their effect, please refer to this publication. The source of the restoring force may, for example, also be a ferromagnet.

The cylinder lock partially shown in Figures 4 and 5 has a double lock cylinder 1 with a first, provided for a door outside part cylinder 1.1 and a second, provided for a door inside partial cylinder 1.2 (optional). The second partial cylinder 1.2 is shown only schematically in the figure. The first partial cylinder 1.1 has a rotor 2 and a stator 3 surrounding it. The rotor is provided with a key opening 2.2. Also shown is a driver 21, which can be brought into connection with bolt elements, not shown. The driver 21 can be coupled in a manner yet darzustellender via a to be inserted by inserting a key 30 wing member 22 via the output member 4; An analogous device can also be provided for the possibly existing second partial cylinder 1.2. The wing element 22 is mechanically coupled to an output element 4. This can be coupled in the manner already explained either with housing parts or the stator 3 or with the rotor. The serving for this purpose coupling element 5 is spherical in the example shown. The coupling element is displaceable by drive means 23 between the first coupling layer (FIG. 4) and the second coupling layer (FIG. 5). In the first coupling position, the equator of the coupling element is located on the shearing line between the output element and the stator, in the second coupling position on the shearing line between the output element and the rotor.

The drive means are electronically controlled. For the control, the cylinder lock has a not-shown electronic module and communication means for communication with a data carrier of the key 30. The communication means for the communication between the data carrier and electronic module can be formed in a conventional manner for non-contact communication via electromagnetic radiation, or the key can Also have contacts that are contactable via pins of the cylinder lock. Other communication options are conceivable. The electronic module determines - for example, also in a conventional manner - by means of data exchanged with the data medium of the key, whether the key authorizes access to the locked object. With an authorization, the electronic module controls the drive means so that they bring the coupling element in the second coupling position and release the lock (Figure 5). The key holder can then cause a rotation of the output element 4 with a rotation of the key, with the coupling element in the opening, which form through recesses 2.1, 4.1 of the rotor and the output element rotates. The output element 4 causes via wing element 22 and driver 21 an actuation of Riegelemententen.

Close to the key opening 2.2 is still designed as a rocker, between a first layer (Figure 4) and a second layer (Figure 5) movable key blocking element 24 is shown. This is mounted in the figure by a pivot pin 25 on the rotor 2 and is held with spring means 26 in its first position when no further forces act. In the first position, it blocks the rotor 2 by standing against the stator 3 in a standard orientation against rotations. By inserting a key, it can be brought into its second position against the spring force. As a result, the blocking of the rotor is released, and this can be freely rotated. As soon as the rotor is no longer in its standard orientation, the presence of a first extension 24.1 on an end face 3.2 of the stator prevents the key blocking element 24 from returning to its first position. At the same time prevents a second extension 24.2 of the Schlüsselblockerelements 24, in conjunction with a projection 30.1 of the key 30 that this can be pulled out.

Of course, it can be ensured in other ways that the coupling axis is synchronized, for example. - In a conventional manner - by mechanical tumblers.

With reference to FIG. 6, the drive means 23 will be described in more detail. It has an electric motor 40 through which a drive shaft 41 can be rotated. On the drive shaft 41, a lifting spindle 42 is placed linearly displaceable along this. In the drawing, between intermediate drive shaft 41 and lifting spindle 42 existing Zwischiteil 43 is still drawn. Mounted on the electric motor 40 with a spring 46 is a Votriebshülse 47 with projecting through slots of the drive sleeve in Schraubnuten the Hubspindel 42 guide elements 48. The electric motor with the lifting spindle 42 and the propulsion sleeve 47 are of a bearing sleeve 49th surrounded and held. The spring 46 presses the propulsion sleeve 47 against a stop surface 49.1 of the bearing sleeve.

When the jackscrew 42 is rotated by the drive shaft, propulsion (or recoil) acts on the jackscrew 42 due to the guide elements 48 projecting into the helical grooves. The jackscrew may be moved between a first, retracted position and a second position, in FIG For example, it protrudes partially from the bearing sleeve and the propulsion sleeve 47. As a result, the coupling element 5 is guided guided between its first and its second clutch position. If on the coupling element, a force in the direction of its first coupling position - ie in the figure against the bottom - so soft coupling element 5, lifting spindle 42 and propulsion sleeve 47 due to the action of the spring 46 against the spring force down. As already explained, such a force may be due to a torque acting on the rotor, if it acts when the coupling element between the two coupling layers.

Also shown in the figure are power supply cables 51 for electronically controlled energization of the electric motor, as well as a base plate 50 carrying these and possibly electronic information transmission channels.

Of course, the mechanism described here for exerting a propulsion is not the only possible way of electronically controlling propulsion. The skilled person will recognize many other ways in which a rotary motion of an electric motor is translated into a propulsion movement, for example, as in the present case by means of a screw gear. Variants without electric motor are also conceivable, for example a magnetic actuator.

Here, the role of the permanent magnet 45 will be briefly explained. When a magnetized body is in direct contact with ferromagnetic material, the ferromagnetic domains in the ferromagnetic material form so that the magnetic field in the transition between the magnetized body and the ferromagnetic material is continuous. If the material and the body are separated by even a short distance, such a steady course is no longer possible, so energy must be expended to separate material and body. This causes something like a, Klebwirkung ', this is known to anyone who has ever played with permanent magnets. This effect is exploited in the present case in order to effect a quasi-positive guidance: The - for example, iron cobalt- and / or nickel-containing - coupling element 5 can be solved only by massive bumps at all from the permanent magnet, once it has i.A. a high speed. This 'adhesive effect' is enhanced when the coupling element has a flat surface, as shown in Figure 2 drawn. A second effect is the long-distance effect: the permanent magnet exerts a certain attraction on the coupling element 5, whereby a restoring force arises, the advantages of which have already been discussed.

The permanent magnet also allows a cylinder installation position rotated in comparison to the illustrated embodiment, for example by 180 °.

The embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8 differs from that of Figures 1-2 and 4-5 in that the coupling element is in the first coupling state in the interior of the rotor. The blocking of the output element 4 relative to the housing is effected by a blocking element, which corresponds to a propulsion means 42 - for example. A lifting spindle 42 as shown in Figure 6 - and is retracted in the first coupling state in an opening in the driven element. This first coupling state is shown in FIG. The coupling element 5 is located completely within a circumferential line of the rotor 2. In the first coupling state shown in FIG. 7, the coupling element is placed so that its equator is on the shearing line between the rotor and the output element 4 and thus couples the rotor and the output element (second coupling layer). , The lifting spindle 42 is retracted in this second coupling state, so that the output element is rotatable. Drawn are still an inner and an outer support member 52, which cause the coupling element remains in the second coupling position even when the rotor is rotated and, for example. Gravity (in a rotation through 180 °) would move the coupling element against the rotor interior ,

The mode of operation of this embodiment is the following: In the first coupling state (FIG. 8), the lifting spindle 42 blocks the output element 4 against the housing. The coupling element prevents rotation of the rotor, unless other means (key blocking element or the like) prevent rotation of the rotor, this is freely rotatable, but without effect (Fig. 8, bottom picture). A transition to the second coupling state is, for example, only possible if the system is in the aligned orientation according to FIG. 8, upper picture, which can be effected again by a key blocking element. In the transition, the lifting spindle is electronically controlled retracted, thereby causing the coupling element is moved into the second coupling position, for example. By gravity, a magnetic force as in the preceding examples and / or acting on the outer of the Halteelmente 52 and of this passed over the inner support member 52 spring force. In the second coupling state, the rotor is rotatable and the driven element coupled with it: the bolt can be operated. The outer holding element 52 is located - for example, initially pressed by a spring force - within an outer circumferential line of the output element and, when the driven element is rotated away, by housing - or stator - held within this outer circumferential line. As a result, it causes, via the inner retaining element 52, that the coupling element 5 slips against the inside.

The transition from the second to the first coupling state is possible only in the aligned in the upper image of Figure 7 oriented orientation. The lifting spindle presses the coupling element into the interior of the rotor, blocking the output element against the housing. The holding elements 52 are displaced outwards, wherein in this orientation for the outer holding element a ensprechende recess is present, where it is, for example. Against the mentioned spring force is pressed.

Instead of the drawn holding elements, other mechanisms are conceivable which prevent a sliding in of the coupling element into the rotor interior.

Although it is shown in Figures 4 and 5, as the locking device, a cylinder lock is installed, it is understood that the principle can also be used in other types of locks. An example is drawn very schematically in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11. Elements which have already been described with reference to Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5, have the same reference numerals and will not be described again here; already described modes of action are also not explained again.

The rotor 2 is directly connected to a door handle or an effect similar means or a door knob, for example. By a shaft 61 of the door handle or doorknob is formed as a square and engages in a corresponding opening in the rotor. The output element is often mounted on an axle, which lies in the installed state over an axis of a lock cylinder and on the locking means. There are then appropriate (not shown) coupling means present which couple the output element with underlying locking means. On the other hand, the axis of a door knob often corresponds to the axis of the replaced by the doorknob locking cylinder.

In Figure 9, the locking device is drawn in the second coupling state: the coupling element 5 protrudes into a recess in the rotor and thereby couples rotor and driven element.

The output member 4 may be directly connected to an inside door handle or effect-like means (only a square shaft 62 drawn). Case wise. the output element in the first coupling state coupled to the housing 3, which leads to a blocking of the inside door handle. Alternatively, as in the example shown, a channel 3.3 is provided in the housing, which forms a link and in which the coupling element 5 located in the first coupling state can move together with the output element 4 between two stops without the rotor rotating (FIG. 10). Alternatively, in the first coupling state, the coupling element 5 may, for example, be such that it does not couple the output element to the housing, for example by being pulled back so far that it no longer protrudes into the opening of the output element. By means of these optional coupling variants of output element and inner door handle with simultaneous decoupling from the housing, it can be ensured that a person located in the interior of an object to be closed can leave the object under all circumstances. In addition, the clutch provides from inner door handle to output element also a certain obstacle in manipulation attempts from the outside.

In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling element 5 is not spherical but formed like a pin. It is not here as a whole magnetic but has on its underside an insert 5.1 made of ferromagnetic material, for example. Of permanently magnetic material. Between the lifting spindle 42 (or the permanent magnet 45) and the coupling element 5 is a here spherical intermediate element 65 made of magnetic material. The intermediate element 65 has the following functions: Due to its at least partially spherical surface and thus only .punktuellen bearing surfaces prevents rotational movements are transmitted from the lifting spindle to the coupling element, whereby friction losses would occur. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the drive means can be brought into the second coupling state even if the output element and coupling means are not in the starting position, for example. Due to a partial actuation of the inner door handle or effect-like means. This is shown in FIG. In a return movement of output element and coupling means in the starting position, for example. Due to the action of a spring cause the surfaces of intermediate element 65 and coupling element 5 that the Kupplungselment 5 is shifted upward and engages in the recess 2.1 of the rotor, ie directly into the second clutch position is shifted.

The locking device according to the invention is particularly advantageous in the case of a direct operative connection between the door handle or the door knob and the rotor, since particularly large torques can be exerted by these means. The inventive decoupling of rotor 2 and driven element 4 in the first coupling state is therefore particularly advantageous here.

In FIG. 11, a section through the line (XI-XI) is drawn in FIG. 9. Recognizable is a spring 66 for returning the output element (and possibly the inner door handle or effect-like element) and a stop element 67, which is designed as a simple insert and allows a switch between a mode with rotation to the left and a mode of rotation to the right.

In addition to the locking device for door handle or doorknob, it is optionally possible to have a locking cylinder which may be mechanically functioning.

Claims (18)

1. A locking device
   with a housing
   and with locking and coupling means
   which comprise a coupling element (5, 5') and electronically controlled drive means (23), connected to the housing, with advance means (42) for moving the coupling element (5, 5'),
   so that the locking and coupling means may be brought into a first and into a second coupling condition
   and with a drive-off element (4) which is designed for actuating bar means,
   wherein in the first coupling condition, the coupling element (5, 5') is positioned such that a rotor (2) is not coupled to the drive-off element (4),
   wherein in the second coupling condition, the coupling element (5, 5') is positioned such that it couples the drive-off element (4) to the rotor (2),
   and wherein the coupling element (5, 5') may be decoupled from the advance means (42) in a manner such that in the second coupling condition it may be moved away from the advance means (42) by way of a rotational movement of the rotor (2).
2. A locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the coupling element (5, 5') has an at least partly spherical surface and for example is designed as a ball.
3. A locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the coupling element (5, 5') is neither fixedly coupled to the housing nor fixedly coupled to the rotor (2).
4. A locking device according to claim 3, characterised in that the coupling element in its second coupling position given a rotational movement of the rotor (2) is rotated with this in an opening which is formed by recesses (2.1, 4.1) in the rotor (2) and in the drive-off element (4).
5. A locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the coupling element is displaceable in a quasi forcibly guided manner by the drive means, for example by way of coupling to a permanent magnet (45) which is connected to the advance means (42).
6. A locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the drive means comprises a rotational drive and a travel spindle (42).
7. A locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the drive means is provided with spring means (46) which are designed and arranged such that the coupling element (5, 5') located between the first coupling position and the second coupling position may be moved against a spring force in the direction of the first coupling position by way of mechanical action.
8. A locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that in the first coupling condition the drive-off element (4) is blocked with respect to the housing and in the second coupling condition the drive-off element (4) is not coupled to the housing.
9. A locking device according to claim 8, characterised in that in the first coupling position the coupling element (5, 5') blocks the drive-off element (4) with respect to the housing.
10. A locking device according to claim 8, characterised in that in the first coupling position a blocking element (42) blocks the drive-off element (4) with respect to the housing, wherein the blocking element and the coupling element (5, 5') are arranged such that a movement of the blocking element on transition between the first and the second condition causes a movement of the coupling element (5, 5').
11. A locking device according to one of the preceding claims, for use in a lock cylinder, characterised in that it is free of purely mechanically actuatable tumblers.
12. A locking device according to one of the claims 1 to 10, for use in a lock cylinder, characterised by mechanical tumblers for engaging into recesses of a key.
13. A locking device according to one of the claims 1 to 11, for use in a lock cylinder, characterised by a key-blocking element (24) which by way of introduction of a key (30) into a key opening (2.2) may be moved from a first position into a second position, wherein it is designed and arranged such that in the second position it permits a withdrawal of the key only at certain defined alignments of the rotor (2).
14. A locking device according to claim 13, characterised in that the key-blocking element is designed and arranged such that in its first position it blocks the rotor (2) against rotation.
15. A locking device according to one of the claims 1 to 7 for use with a door handle or a means having a similar effect, characterised in that the rotor (2) may be coupled to an outer door handle or means having a similar effect, that the drive-off element (4) may be coupled to an inner door handle or means having a similar effect and that the coupling element in a first coupling condition is arranged such that the drive-off element (4) is not blocked.
16. A locking device according to claim 15, characterised in that a channel (3.3) is formed in a region of the housing (3) which guides the drive-off element (4), in which the coupling element (5) is movable by way of a rotation of the drive-off element when it is located in the first coupling condition.
17. A locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by an intermediate element (65) with an at least partly spherical surface, which is arranged between the advance means and the coupling element.
18. A locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the coupling element comprises an insert (5.1) of a ferromagnetic, preferably permanently magnetised material.

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