EP2203615A1

EP2203615A1 - Mechatronic furniture lock

Info

Publication number: EP2203615A1
Application number: EP08800441A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alexander Schärer; Kaspar Stöckli; Stefan Krenger
Original assignee: USM Holding AG
Current assignee: USM Holding AG
Priority date: 2007-10-18
Filing date: 2008-09-25
Publication date: 2010-07-07
Anticipated expiration: 2028-09-25
Also published as: ES2386690T3; US20100231350A1; DK2203615T3; EP2050902A1; JP5290305B2; JP2011500997A; EP2203615B1; WO2009049433A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a mechatronic lock (1) comprising a linearly movable bolt (2) which can be moved from a retracted position into an advanced position in order to lock the lock (1). Said lock (1) further comprises an actuating element (4) for manually actuating the bolt (2), a blocking element (5) which can laterally engage into a profiled section (3) of the bolt (2) in order to block the linear movement of the bolt (2) in the advanced position of the bolt (2), and an electric drive (18) for moving a movable intermediate element. The blocking element (5) can be actuated by the movable intermediate element via a first spring means (7), especially a coil spring, in such a way that the spring means (7) can be biased by actuating the drive (18) when the bolt (2) is in the retracted position. The blocking element (5) thus snaps into the advanced position thereof in the profiled section (3) of the bolt (2) when the bolt (2) is advanced, and the bolt (2) is prevented from being retracted. Also described is an arrangement comprising at least two furniture compartments that are each fitted with a mechatronic lock (1.1,...,1.5). Said arrangement further comprises at least two individually encodable transponders (20.1,..., 20.7) for opening the locks (1.1,..., 1.5), a central control device (40), and a network (30) via which data can be transmitted between the central control device (40) and the locks (1.1,..., 1.5).

Description

Mechatronic furniture lock

Technical area

The invention relates to a mechatronic lock, in particular a furniture lock, with a linearly movable latch, which is movable for locking the lock from a retracted position to an advanced position and an actuating element for manually actuating the bolt. State of the art

Mechatronic locks are known. They comprise a mechanical part, which in particular comprises a movable locking element, as well as an electronic part

Part which controls the opening and locking of the lock. Mechatronic locks have a number of advantages. Among other things, they make wireless possible

Unlock the castle, z. As can be used by active or passive transponder, send the data to the lock or can be read through the lock. Furthermore, they also allow a flexible adaptation of the locking system by allowing permissions to open a lock, can be easily changed electronically in the lock and / or in the transponder.

DE 38 42 569 C2 (Geze GmbH) shows a locking device for locking and unlocking doors and windows with a locking bolt, which is manually and electrically operated via an emergency control. In this case, the locking bolt is acted upon by a spring in the locking position and cooperates with an electric motor by the locking bolt is held in the electromotive locking and unlocking under the action of the spring with a driven member of the electric motor in abutment. By supported via the spring coupling of the locking bolt this can also function like a snap, d. H. The locking position can already be set before the door is in the closed position.

DE 100 21 839 A1 (Lehmann Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH) relates to an electronic furniture lock with an electrically actuable locking device which has a linear locking slide. The device comprises a reversible DC motor which operates on a buffer spring which makes it possible to operate the locking device and the furniture locking device independently of each other; the two devices interact only when the gate valve is sufficiently biased by the buffer spring and against the force of a retaining spring. The transmission of the rotational movement of the motor to a linear movement of the locking slide via a rotary body with curved path and guided in the curved path element of the locking slide. The spring force of Buffer spring is greater than the spring force of the retaining spring. In one embodiment, a locking pin acts by means of which a pawl can be blocked.

The known mechatronic locks often have a complicated mechanical structure and make intuitive operation of the lock difficult.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide a mechatronic lock belonging to the technical field mentioned at the outset, which has a simple construction and which can be used and used extensively like conventional mechanical locks.

The solution of the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the lock comprises a locking element, which can engage laterally in a profiling of the bolt for blocking the linear movement of the bolt in the advanced position of the bolt and an electric drive for moving a movable intermediate element. The blocking element can be actuated via a first spring means, in particular via a helical spring, of the movable intermediate element in such a way that the spring means can be prestressed by actuating the drive when the locking bar is retracted so that when the bar is advanced into its advanced position, the blocking element is profiled in the profiling of the bar snaps and prevents retraction of the bolt.

The fact that the bolt is operated manually and the locking of the bolt is realized only indirectly electrically, a largely intuitive, ie, conventional locks imitation, operation of the lock is possible. By the spring means the blocking means can be biased against the bolt. This makes it possible in connection with the profiling of the bolt to prepare a closing operation of the locking means regardless of the time of actuation of the bolt, which leads to high energy efficiency of the electric drive and - even at a later date - allows a simple and fast locking of the lock without the drive being actuated needs. The profiling can be performed as a bulge, incision or protruding, for example, as mounted on the latch nose.

Since the bolt is made linearly adjustable, it can be moved by a simple linear movement of the castle in a counterpart or withdrawn from this. This allows a simple construction of the lock and the cooperating counterpart. The latch of the lock cooperates with a counterpart, which is fixedly attached, for example, to a door frame, a piece of furniture or another door.

Electrically actuated drives are basically known and available on the market. They are based, for example, on electromagnets, micromotors or piezoceramic elements.

Advantageously, the intermediate element comprises a driving part movable by operating the drive and a via a second spring means, in particular via a coil spring, the drive part mounted so driven part that the second spring means is tensioned by operating the drive when a release of the bolt by retracting the Blocking the locking element is jammed in the profiling of the bolt.

The output part is in turn coupled to the blocking element, which cooperates in the closed state of the bolt with the profiling of the bolt. If in the context of the opening process of the lock, the bolt is already withdrawn when the locking element is not completely withdrawn from the corresponding profiling, it may happen that the locking element is briefly jammed in the profiling. In this case, the actuator is moved by the operation of the electric drive and thereby tensioned the coil spring. Once the blocking element and thus the driven part is movable, z. B. because the user briefly reduces the force on the bolt, the tensioned second spring means pulls the driven part back, at the same time the locking element is withdrawn from the profiling. By the between the profiling and the blocking element, which is coupled to the driven part, occurring clamping force of the electric drive, the blocking element thus not immediately release. Only after the clamping force between the profiling and the blocking element decreases, the blockage is released.

On such a feature can also be dispensed with. It is also possible that the

Drive acts directly or only via the drive part on the output part, without using a spring that stores the work done by the drive and on the

Output part transfers as soon as it is not clamped. The intermediate element can also be made in one piece, so that it moves the drive directly to the

Locking element transmits. The drive can be controlled so that the force with which it drives the intermediate element is limited so that the drive operates only at a non-clamped locking element.

Advantageously, the drive is formed by an electric motor with a rotation axis. The intermediate element is movable by turning the axis of rotation via a transmission. An electric motor can be safely and precisely controlled by electronics and therefore offers itself as a drive for the intermediate element. The rotation of the axis of rotation of the electric motor is transmitted by a gear on the intermediate element, which can be moved by this rotational movement. Such a transmission allows in addition to a simple technical realization of the drive precise control of the intermediate element.

Instead of an electric motor, other drives, for example a linear actuator, can also be used as the drive.

In a preferred embodiment of the lock, the drive part of the intermediate element is a threaded sleeve which interacts with a profiled output shaft of the transmission via a non-rotatably connected thereto external profiling.

The threaded sleeve is rotatably supported by its thread, so that the transmission of a rotational movement from the output shaft of the transmission to the outer profile of the threaded sleeve causes a linear displacement of the threaded sleeve. The interaction between the output shaft and threaded sleeve can be realized for example by a toothing in the sense of a gear transmission. The output shaft of the transmission can be the rotation shaft of the electric motor itself or driven by this shaft, be over- or stocky rotating shaft. In a multi-part intermediate element, the threaded sleeve can form the drive part whose linear movement is transmitted by the second spring element to the output part of the intermediate element.

Alternatively, the intermediate element can be driven in other ways, for example, without the use of a threaded sleeve or by a drive belt or a frictional connection, which do not require a coordinated profiling of the threaded sleeve and the output shaft of the transmission.

Advantageously, the blocking element is formed by a linearly displaceable locking pin. A locking pin is particularly easy to couple with the intermediate element and therefore offers a particularly uncomplicated possibility of a novel lock. Such a locking pin may be connected via the first spring means with the intermediate element. In a linearly movable intermediate element, the locking pin can move linearly in the same way and engage in the profiling of the bolt.

In addition, it is also possible that the blocking element is designed in a different form. For example, the blocking element may be formed by a rotatably or pivotally mounted lever which projects through the intermediate element between a locked position, in which it engages in the profiling of the bolt, and an unlocked position, in which it releases the profiling of the bolt and let her move.

In a preferred embodiment, the drive part and the driven part of the intermediate element, the locking pin and the first and the second spring means are arranged in the same axis. By such an arrangement of the parts of

Intermediate element and the locking pin and the spring means a particularly simple power transmission is achieved because a linear movement of the drive member is transmitted via the second spring element on the driven part of the intermediate element and from this via the first spring element on the blocking element. In one embodiment of the

Spring elements as coil springs, this linear power transmission is particularly easy to implement.

Alternatively, it is also possible that this drive part and driven part of the intermediate element, the locking element and the first and second spring element not in the same axis are arranged. Other than directly linear acting transmission mechanisms may require such an arrangement of said components.

In a preferred embodiment of the lock, the driven part is displaceably guided in the threaded sleeve and extends from the side facing away from the locking bolt side of the threaded sleeve to the locking pin facing side of the threaded sleeve.

Between the threaded sleeve and a remote from the locking pin end of the

Stripping part is arranged as a second spring element, a compression spring. Between the

Threaded sleeve and a locking pin facing the end of the driven part is arranged a stopper ring. Next affects the locking pin facing the end of the

Stripping part on the first spring means.

The displaceable guide of the driven part in the threaded sleeve allows a resilient force transmission between the threaded sleeve, which is coupled to the drive, and the driven part. This power transmission in a first direction, which serves to unlock the lock, via the compression spring on the side facing away from the locking pin, which forms the second spring element. A movement of the threaded sleeve relative to the driven part of the intermediate element in the first direction leads to a pressurization of the compression spring, which passes on the pressure on the driven part. In an opposite movement of the drive member this acts on a stop ring, which transmits the movement directly to the driven part. The driven part in turn presses on the first spring element, which thereby exerts a force on the locking pin. If the locking pin is movable in the respective direction, an actuation of the drive thus leads to a linear displacement of the locking pin. If the bolt is not movable because the profiling of the bolt is not accessible or because the bolt has jammed in the profiling, is biased by the actuation of the drive of the two spring means.

Alternatively, it is also possible that the threaded sleeve and the output part of the

Intermediate element are firmly connected to each other or that the sleeve is rotatably mounted but not displaceable on the driven part. The arrangement of the driven part and the threaded sleeve and the second spring element may also be different. For example, the threaded sleeve may be mounted on the driven part of the intermediate element such that the second spring element couples the threaded sleeve with the driven part on the side facing the locking pin.

In a further preferred embodiment, the actuating element for actuating the bolt is rotatable. A rotatable actuating element, for example a rotary knob, a door handle, a lever or a latch, represents a pleasant and intuitively operable element.

Alternatively, the actuating element may for example also be designed as a linearly displaceable handle. With a linearly movable handle, the bolt can for example also be operated directly.

Advantageously, the actuator is coupled to the latch by a rack drive, wherein the rack drive is formed by a first actuating element side, gear-like toothing and thus permanently cooperating latch-side rack-like teeth. As a result, the implementation of the rotational movement of the actuating element is achieved in the linear movement of the bolt.

Such a rack drive provides a technically easy to implement and reliable coupling between a rotatable actuator and a linearly displaceable latch. With the rack drive can also be achieved a transmission function.

Advantageously, the actuating element side toothing is formed on the rotatable actuating element itself, and the latch side toothing is formed directly on the latch. Thus, the inventive function can be achieved with a minimum number of parts, and it creates a low-loss, mechanically robust connection between the actuator and the bolt.

Alternatively, the actuator may cooperate with the latch in other ways. The actuating element side toothing and / or the latch side toothing can be arranged on a rotary element arranged downstream of the actuating element or on a linearly movable element arranged upstream of the locking element. It can be provided, for example, that the actuating element is connected by a lever mechanism with the bolt. Instead rack-like, the coupling device may also be designed differently, for example by cams are formed on the rotatable actuator or a downstream rotating element, which contact the bolt or an upstream linearly movable element, or by a toggle lever is used, which is mounted eccentrically on the rotatable actuating element. In addition, it is also possible that an over or reduction gear is provided between the actuating element side, gear-like toothing and the latch side rack-like teeth.

Advantageously, the lock can only be opened when a corresponding coded transponder is brought into a reception area of the lock. Such a design of the lock allows a keyless identification of a person authorized to open the lock. In addition to the simplification of the omitted need for a mechanically engageable with the lock key, a transponder also allows categorization of different users. So users or user groups can be recognized individually. Such recognition of users or user groups leads to the possibility, for example, of unlocking the lock only for certain selected users or of releasing or locking it as a function of a time of day or a day of the week.

Solutions for the wireless transmission of identification data are known in principle under the name RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). Within the scope of the invention, both active and passive transponders can be used. Active transponders are characterized in that they are able to receive signals, eg. B. RF signals or infrared signals to send, which can be received by the receiver of the lock. Passive transponders include elements which are contactless, e.g. B. inductive or capacitive, can be read by the receiver of the lock when they are in the near field of the receiver. If the receiver transmits identification signals from the transponder which are assigned to an authorized user, the controller actuates the drive, so that the actuating element or the bolt or the coupling mechanism is released and the bolt can be withdrawn. Alternatively, it is also possible to dispense with such a transponder. The blocking element can be unlocked, for example, by entering a code on a keypad or a simple push of a button and release the latch.

For use with an active transponder, a lock according to the invention can be equipped with a transmitter which can emit an activation signal in order to activate the active transponder for the purpose of transmitting an identification signal. It is therefore not necessary for the active transponder to be permanently or in a short cadence itself

Sends out signals to ensure, in the event that it approaches a lock, that this lock detects its presence and, if necessary, allows it to open. Only the receiver of the transponder must be in one

Standby mode in order to be able to receive any activation signals of a lock. As a result, the power consumption of the transponder is massively reduced.

Alternatively, a transponder with a control element, for. B. a push button, are used, which only emits an identification signal when the operating element is operated by the user. In a further embodiment, the transponder transmits identification signals continuously or at a predetermined time interval (eg 0.1-0.5 s). To reduce the power consumption, this transponder can be switched off manually; it may also include a motion sensor, so that after a certain period of time (eg, about 30 seconds) during which the transponder has not been moved, the transmission of the signal can be interrupted. After detecting a new movement, the transmission of the identification signal is resumed.

Advantageously, the lock on an operating element, in particular a button, by which the transmitter for emitting the activation signal or for reading passive transponder can be activated. By such a button can be avoided that the transmitter constantly or in short intervals emits appropriate signals and thus consumes unnecessarily much energy. It is also conceivable that an actuation of the operating element, for example a pressure on the button, leads to the emission of a single activation signal, as well as that the actuation of the operating element causes a continuous or regularly repeated transmission of the activation signal over a certain period. Alternatively, the transmitter can emit the activation signal also constantly or at regular intervals, which does not require a corresponding operating element.

In a preferred embodiment, the operating element is designed as arranged in a rotational axis of the rotatable actuating element button. This version of the control element allows a particularly intuitive operation. A user who operates the actuator can thus unlock the lock by a prior pressure on the mounted on the actuator button.

Alternatively, the control element can also be designed differently. On the one hand, it is possible that the operating element is designed differently than by a pushbutton, on the other hand, the button or the otherwise executed operating element may be arranged at a different location than in the axis of rotation of the rotatable actuating element. It is particularly possible to arrange the operating element next to the actuating element. The actuating element can also be designed so that it also serves as an operating element, for. B. by having a slight freewheel about its axis of rotation or by the entire actuator is axially displaceable (and thus equally serves as a button).

Advantageously, the lock comprises a control which controls the lock such that after a predetermined period of time after an opening operation of the locking pin, the electric drive is automatically actuated so that depending on the position of the bolt, the blocking element moved forward or the first spring means is tensioned , This ensures that the lock is locked again after closing the bolt. Thanks to the first spring element, it is unimportant whether the latch is in the locked or in the open position at the time of the actuation of the electric drive. If the latch is in the open position and the blocking element, which is driven via the intermediate element by the electric drive, can not cooperate with the profiling of the bolt, the spring element exerts a tension on the blocking element. The voltage of the spring element on the locking element is yielded as soon as the bolt assumes the locked position and the locking element cooperates with the profiling of the bolt, so snaps into the profiling. In addition to additional security of this embodiment by the automatic locking of the bolt requires this embodiment, no further actuation or operating element, which causes the locking of the bolt actively.

Alternatively, the control for automatically actuating the electric drive can also be dispensed with. It is also possible that the controller automatically locks the latch, for example due to the position of the latch.

In a preferred embodiment, the lock is provided with sensors by means of which a current position of the locking pin is detectable. Such a sensor can be formed, for example, by a limit switch which is activated in one or in both intended end positions of the locking pin. It is important that it is recognized whether the lock locks, so the bolt is locked, or whether the bolt is unlocked, so it can be opened. One or more such sensors are particularly useful in an embodiment in which the electric drive is coupled via a spring element with the locking pin. In fact, in such an embodiment, it is not possible to unambiguously deduce the position of the drive on the position of the locking bolt, which is why a detector of the drive position is not suitable for detecting the blocking bolt position. The information as to whether the bolt is locked or released, but may be of great interest, for. B. when the opening and closing operations are to be logged or when the status of a lock according to the invention is transmitted in real time to a central facility.

Alternatively, it is also possible to dispense with the sensors. It is not necessary for the functionality of the lock itself that is detected by sensors, whether the lock is locked or unlocked.

The power supply of the electric drive, the controller and optionally the receiver is advantageously independent of the mains, for example by a long-lasting battery. In principle, the energy that the user expends when opening the lock can be recovered and used to charge a rechargeable battery or a suitable capacitor. So that the furniture can be easily opened even when the battery is exhausted, the lock according to the invention can comprise a supply connection accessible from the outside, which feeds of the castle with electrical energy allowed. A commercially available or specially designed for the inventive lock power supply can then be connected to this supply connection, after which the lock can be operated in the usual way. After opening the lock, the battery is advantageously easily accessible so that it can be replaced. The power supply can in turn be mains or battery powered. The supply connection to the mechatronic lock is expediently covered when not in use, eg. B. by a cap.

Alternatively, the electric drive, the controller and possibly also the receiver can be powered by an external power source. For this purpose, the lock may be connected, for example, to an external power supply or an external battery.

In particular, if the battery-operated lock comprises no externally accessible supply connection, the lock advantageously has a device for measuring a battery voltage and is controlled such that when falling below a predetermined first battery voltage an alarm signal sounds and that falls below a predetermined second battery voltage, which is lower as the first battery voltage, the lock can only be opened with a specially coded transponder.

In order to be able to indicate early on a critical state of charge of the battery, the charge stored in the battery is checked by the measuring device. The alarm signal, which sounds when falling below a predetermined first battery voltage, alerts the user that the battery must be replaced soon to ensure uninterrupted and trouble-free opening of the lock. If a predetermined second battery voltage is undershot, which is lower than the first battery voltage, the lock limits its operability controlled. The limited operability is that the lock can only be opened by specially coded transponder. These are given, for example, to a certain group of people, for example to the maintenance service. The lock can thus only be opened by these persons, who are also able to replace the battery immediately. Thus, it can be prevented that Lock down to the critical battery voltage, to which the electric drive can still be driven by the battery is operated.

Alternatively, the selection of users who can operate the lock below the predetermined second battery voltage, also be done by a specific, manually entered identification code. In addition, it is also possible in principle for the lock to be operated without a device for measuring a battery voltage and without the mechanisms introduced by means of this device.

The lock is particularly suitable for furniture and arranged for example in or on a door, flap or drawer. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the lock is held between an outer wall and an inner wall of a door of the furniture. The outer and inner walls are arranged at a distance and made of relatively thin material, for. B. made of sheet metal, so that the castle or a substantial part of it finds space between the walls.

The use of a mechatronic, in particular a lock according to the invention in an arrangement of several furniture compartments allows central management and / or monitoring of the locking system. For this purpose, the arrangement a) comprises at least two furniture compartments, each of the furniture compartments comprising at least one mechatronic lock; b) at least two transponders for opening the locks, wherein a first of the transponder, a first identification code and a second of the transponder, a second identification code, which differs from the first identification code, are assigned; c) a central control device; d) a network over which data is transferable between the central controller and the locks.

The individual furniture compartments can be accommodated in the same furniture and / or in several furniture. Particularly preferably, the lock according to the invention is used in connection with a furniture system with a plurality of furniture, wherein the Furniture can each have a mechatronic lock according to the invention or even several furniture compartments with separate mechatronic locks. Advantageously, the network is realized wirelessly, z. Based on known wireless protocols such as WLAN or Bluetooth. The central control device can be formed for example by a conventional personal computer (PC) with appropriate receivers. Depending on the purpose of the central control device, a data flow takes place from the control device to the locks (for example to change the locking plan) and / or in the opposite direction (for example to monitor the actuation processes of the locks). The different identification codes differentiate between different users of the furniture system, which makes it possible to create individualized locking plans and to collect user-related information about the use of the furniture system.

The central control device may include an authorization database into which associations between identification codes and authorizations for opening the locks can be stored so that a central administration of the authorizations is made possible. In this authorization database, the authorizations to open the locks can also be stored differentiated. So it is conceivable, for example, that certain user groups can open the locks only in predetermined time intervals, for example, at certain office hours or on certain days of the week.

Alternatively or additionally, the central control device may also include an access database, in which associations between identification codes and opening operations of the locks can be stored, so that an evaluation of the opening movements in relation to a plurality of users is made possible. Together with the identification codes and the information about the respective operated lock and time information can be stored in the database. In addition to the general evaluation of the opening movements and an association between individual identification codes and opening operations can take place and stored. Thus, a personalized usage statistics and a usage control is possible. The access database allows the use of the inventive furniture system for detecting the use of a working environment. The following steps are carried out for this purpose: a) Transponders for opening the locks are delivered to users of the working environment, whereby different identification codes are assigned to different transponders. b) During opening operations, the respective identification code of the transponder is detected by the opened mechatronic lock. c) Subsequently, the detected identification code is sent to a central database. d) The association between lock and identification code is then stored in the central database.

From the stored assignments (possibly supplemented by time information) can be opened, which users when and how often use which furniture subjects, for example, to remove documents or files or reset. Based on the corresponding data, the working environment can then be optimized, for example by placing documents, files or entire furniture with content differently or assigning office space to users in a different way. In addition to the furniture system can be included more information providers and / or -nehmernehmer, z. As time recording systems, computer equipment or specific detection devices that determine, for example, which rooms are used at what times by which users.

From the following detailed description and the totality of the claims, further advantageous embodiments and feature combinations of the invention result.

Brief description of the drawings

The drawings used to explain the embodiment show:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a non-encapsulated lock according to the invention in a closed position with a relaxed intermediate element. Figure 2 is a plan view of the unencapsulated lock in the open position with a relaxed intermediate element.

3 is a plan view of the non-encapsulated lock in the closed position with a prestressed intermediate element.

Figure 4 is a plan view of the unencapsulated lock in the open position with biased intermediate element.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the lock;

6 shows a furniture door with built-in lock;

7 shows a perspective drawing of the lock according to the invention;

Fig. 8 is a block diagram of an inventive lock and his

Communication with a transponder; and

9 is a block diagram of a furniture system with an inventive

Locking system.

Basically, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

Ways to carry out the invention

1 shows a plan view of a lock according to the invention 1. The lock 1 is not encapsulated, ie the cover of the lock housing is removed in this illustration. Thus, the locking mechanism for the latch 2 can be seen. The bolt 2 is in closed position, ie in the position advanced with respect to the housing, and is locked in this position by a locking bolt 5 which engages in a profiling 3 in the bolt 2. The bolt 2 is rectangular and has a rack 9b. The rack 9b cooperates with a gear 9a, which is rotatably connected to a manually operable rotary handle 4. The rotary handle 4 is designed to be round and has in its center an externally actuated button 31. The button 31 is used in the illustrated embodiment, the activation of the opening mechanism. By pressing the button 31, for example, the lock is switched from a switched-off or stand-by mode to a receiving mode. For example, a signal is sent out which activates an active transponder or reads out a passive transponder. If the lock recognizes that a transponder of a person authorized to open the lock is located in a reception area of the lock, the latch 2 is released.

By turning the rotary handle 4, the associated gear 9a also rotates. This in turn cooperates with the rack 9b, which in turn moves the latch 2 between the advanced closed position and the retracted open position. The housing of the bolt 2 is dimensioned such that the bolt 2 can be completely withdrawn into the housing. The profiling 3 on the bolt 2 is designed as a lateral indentation in the bolt 2. In the advanced closed position, the locking pin 5 can engage in the profiling 3 of the bolt 2 and thus prevents retraction of the bolt 2 in the housing. The front end of the formed as a pin front portion of the locking pin 5 is retracted at right angles to the direction of movement of the bolt 2 in the profiling 3.

The mechanism for locking the bolt 2 is moved by an electric drive 18. The electric drive 18 is formed by an electric motor, on the drive shaft, a gear 17 is arranged. The gear 17 in turn drives another gear 19, wherein the drive shaft and the axis of the further gear 19 are parallel to each other. The further gear 19 is cylindrical, wherein the height of the cylinder, so the extent of the gear 19 along its axis, is more than the diameter of the gear 19. The gear 19 drives via an external profile 22 a threaded spindle.

The threaded spindle is composed of a first part with an outer profile 22 and a second part with an external thread 23. The outer profiling 22 acts together with the gear 19 and thus transmits the rotational movement of the electric drive 18 via the further, elongated gear 19 to the threaded spindle. The external thread 23 of the threaded spindle cooperates with an internal thread 24, which is fixedly arranged on the housing of the lock 1. By the rotational movement, which is transmitted via the outer profile 22 on the threaded spindle, the threaded spindle screws by the interaction of the external thread 23 with the internal thread 24 of the housing along an axis which is parallel to the axis of the further gear 19. By the elongated extent of the gear 19 is ensured that the outer profile 22 of the threaded spindle always cooperates with the gear 19 such that a rotational movement of the gear 19 is transmitted to the threaded spindle.

A pin-shaped output part 16 is movably mounted in the threaded spindle. The longitudinal axis of the driven part 16 coincides with the axis along which the threaded spindle moves during rotation. The threaded spindle encloses the driven part 16 in a ring shape and thus forms a slide bearing, in which the driven part 16 is freely displaceable independently of the rotational movement of the threaded spindle. On the output member 16, a stop ring 34 is further attached to the locking pin facing side of the threaded spindle, which limits an axial movement of the threaded spindle in the direction of the locking pin. In an axial movement of the threaded spindle in this direction is caused by the stopper ring 34 that the output member 16 directly follows the movement of the threaded spindle. In addition to the first part with the outer profiling 22 and the second part with the external thread 23, the threaded spindle on the side facing away from the locking pin still a first plate 25 which also surrounds the driven part 16 annular. The first plate 25 comprises an axial bearing surface, on which a coil spring 8 rests, which likewise surrounds the output part 16 in an annular manner. The helical spring 8 is located between the first plate 25, which is part of the threaded spindle, and a second plate 26, which is fixedly connected to the end face of the driven part 16 facing away from the locking pin.

By an axial movement of the threaded spindle in the direction of the second plate 26, the coil spring 8 is compressed between the first plate 25 and the second plate 26 and thus transmits a force from the threaded spindle to the output member 16. If the output member 16 is free to move, this follows the movement of the threaded spindle directly. If he is not so free to move that he is the movement of the Lead screw can follow directly, the coil spring 8 is compressed. If the output member 16 is released again, the tensioned coil spring 8 causes a directed away from the bolt axial movement of the output member 16, provided that the threaded spindle has not moved back in the meantime again and the spring 8 was thereby relaxed again.

The just described movement of the threaded spindle, in the context of which the spring 8 is compressed, corresponds to the movement for retracting the locking pin 5 from the profiling 3 and thus to release the bolt 2. The locking pin 5 is thereby through the driven part 16 via a third plate fourteenth moves, which is firmly connected to the locking pin 5 end face facing the output member 16. The third plate 14 is arranged in a recess facing away from the bolt of the locking bolt 5, wherein the recess is dimensioned such that the output member 16 can move with the front side on the driven part 16 mounted third plate 14 within the recess.

The recess is closed in the region of its opening by a stop 15, which has a central opening for the output part 16. The stopper 15 otherwise provides a bearing surface for the third plate 14 of the driven part and thus enables a transmission of the axial movement of the driven part 16 in the bolt facing away from the direction of the locking pin 5. The hollow in the locking pin 5 includes a further coil spring 7, which is located between the front-side third plate 14 and the latch side end of the recess is located.

The part of the locking pin 5, which surrounds the recess, is wider than the driven part and wider than that part of the locking pin 5, which engages as a pin in the profiling 3 of the bolt 2. The cross section of the recess enclosing part of the locking pin 5 increases in the illustrated embodiment, starting from the latch side pin-like end of the locking pin 5 in two stages. The step between a part of the locking bolt of average cross section and a part of the locking bolt of the largest cross section serves as an actuating element for a limit switch 29b. A second limit switch 29a is actuated by the latch 2 facing away from the end face of the locking pin 5. The limit switches 29a, 29b are arranged laterally to the axis of movement of the locking pin 5 at a distance from the locking pin 5, that only the widest part of the locking pin 5 comes into contact with the limit switches 29a, 29b. The limit switches 29a, 29b are further arranged along the direction of movement of the locking pin 5 so that the second limit switch 29a is activated when the locking pin 5 is in the retracted position, the latch 2 thus releases. In contrast, the first limit switch 29b is arranged so that it is activated as soon as the locking pin 5 engages in the profiling 3 of the bolt 2 and thus blocks it. Thus, it is possible to reliably determine the position of the locking pin 5 and regardless of the position of the electric drive 18, the driven part 16 or the bolt 2. In Figure 1, the limit switch 29b, which signals the locked position of the locking pin 5, operated.

The limit switches 29a, 29b are in the illustrated embodiment on a printed circuit board, which carries a controller 10 constructed by known per se electronic components. The controller 10 is accommodated in a substantially rectangular housing and is located on the side remote from the electric drive 18 side of the axis along which the threaded spindle, the driven part 16 and the locking pin 5 are moved. In addition to the controller 10 is in the housing of the lock 1 is still a battery compartment 27 for receiving commercially available cylindrical batteries. Finally, the housing of the lock 1 has two fasteners 28a and 28b, which are designed as holes for screws, rivets or similar fastening means.

1 shows the inventive lock 1 in a state in which the bolt 2 is locked, the locking pin 5 thus engages in the profiling 3 and the intermediate element, which includes the output member 16 including the front plates 15, 26 and the threaded spindle, is in the locked position. In the illustrated situation, both springs 7, 8 are in their relaxed position.

FIG. 2 shows the lock 1 according to the invention from FIG. 1 in the same view. In contrast to FIG. 1, the closing mechanism in FIG. 2 is in the open position. In the open position, it is possible to retract the latch 2, as shown in FIG. The retracted latch 2 is not completely in FIG Housing of the castle 1 was added. The bolt 2 can therefore be retracted even further.

The locking pin 5 is in its non-locking position, so that the profiling of the 3

Bolt 2 released and the bolt 2 is freely movable. In order to move the locking pin 5 in this non-locking position, the threaded spindle is in its retracted

Position, d. H. in the perspective shown in Figure 2 as far as possible to the right. The relative arrangement of the other elements of the closing mechanism is analogous to the arrangement of Figure 1. In the position shown in Figure 2 actuates the

Locking pin 5, the limit switch 29 a, which signals that the locking pin 5 is in the non-locking position, the lock can thus be opened.

The actuation of the limit switches 29a, 29b is used to determine the current position of the locking pin 5. On the one hand, this is useful for monitoring and logging the closing situation of the respective lock 1, in particular in the context of a lock system consisting of several locks. On the other hand, the actuation of the limit switch 29a, which signals the non-locking position of the locking pin 5, defines the start of a time interval after which the threaded spindle is automatically returned by the drive 18. In addition, it is possible that by the signal of one of the limit switches 29a, 29b on the position of the locking pin, a display, such as a light emitting diode, makes the user recognizable whether the lock is locked or not locked.

In Figure 2, as in Figure 1, the two springs 7, 8 in a relaxed position, so it is none of the springs 7, 8 compressed.

3 shows the same lock 1 as the two figures 1 and 2. The locking pin 5 is in the locking position, so it engages in the profiling 3 of the bolt 2 a. In contrast, however, to the situation shown in Figure 1, in which the two springs 7, 8 are relaxed, now the spring 8 is stretched.

The threaded spindle is in the position for unlocking the lock 1. In this position, the threaded spindle on the external thread 23 is moved so far back that the first plate 25 exerts a pressure on the spring 8. The spring 8 is compressed and in turn exerts pressure on the second plate 26 and thus on the output member 16. The situation shown in this figure 3 can occur when the locking pin 5, for example, by the user who presses the bolt 2 against the locking locking pin 5, is clamped. Since the locking pin 5 is not freely displaceable in this case, the opening movement of the threaded spindle causes the spring 8 to compress. As soon as the force jamming the locking pin 5 wears off, the force of the spring 8 can transmit the movement of the threaded spindle to the driven part 16 and move the locking pin 5 to the non-locking position.

Figure 4 shows a state of the lock in which the locking pin 5 is in the non-locking position. The bolt 2 is retracted so that the locking pin 5 can not engage in the profiling 3 of the bolt 2. However, the threaded spindle is in the locked position in the situation shown in FIG. The threaded spindle transmits its movement through a stop ring 34 on the driven part 16. The driven part 16 moves along with the third plate 14, which is frontally connected to him, forward. The third plate 14 exerts by its movement with the driven part 16 a force on the spring 7, so that it is compressed between the locking pin 5 and the third plate 14 on the driven part. Once the locking pin 5 can engage in the profiling 3 of the bolt 2, because the bolt 2 has been advanced back into its closed position, the spring 7 sets the force in a movement of the locking pin 5 and brings it into its locking position.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of a lock according to the invention in a cross-sectional view. The figure shows the rotary handle 4 and the centrally located in the rotary handle 4 button 31, which extends from the surface of the rotary handle 4 to the bottom of the castle. At the bottom of the lock, the button 31 cooperates with a contact element, so that by pressing the button 32, a signal can be triggered, which initiates the unlocking of the castle. Once the lock is unlocked, the latch 2 can be withdrawn by the rotary handle 4. If a suitable transponder is located in a reception area of the lock according to the invention is located, takes the unlocking only a few fractions of a second after pressing the button 31 to complete.

FIG. 6 shows the lock according to the invention installed in a door 32 of a piece of furniture. The lock is inserted between an outer wall 36 and an inner wall 37 in the door 32. The outer and inner walls 36, 37 may be made of metal, for example. In addition, it is also possible that the lock is installed in a massive door 32, which has a correspondingly shaped to the dimensions of the lock recess. The lock is positioned on the edge of the door 32, so that the bolt 2 of the lock protrudes in its closing position on the otherwise straight edge of the door 32 and cooperates with a stop of the door 32 such that the opening of the door 32 by the bolt. 2 is blockable. The bolt 2 of the lock protrudes at an outwardly reveal door 32 substantially as an extension of the inner wall 37 beyond the edge of the door 32 also. In the case of a door 32 that opens to the inside, the latch 2 is designed essentially as an extension of the outer wall 36. In addition, it is also conceivable that the bolt 2 is arranged as an extension of both the outer, as well as the inner wall 36, 37 or at a depth between the walls 36, 37 of the door. As in FIG. 5, FIG. 6 also shows a side view of the lock and the door 32 in a cross-sectional view. The lock is essentially as thick as the door 32 of the furniture and is thus retractable into the door 32. As shown in FIG. 5, this FIG. 6 also shows the rotary handle 4 of the lock in cross section and the pushbutton 31, which extends along the axis of rotation of the rotary handle 4 from the surface of the rotary handle to the bottom of the lock. In the unlocked state of the lock, the bolt 2 can be withdrawn by the rotary handle 4.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective drawing of a lock according to the invention. On a bottom plate 35, the elements already shown in the previous figures 1 to 4 are applied. In the left part of the figure, the filled storage compartment for batteries 27 is shown. Right next to it is located in the upper part of the housing of the

Lock the control 10 of the closing mechanism. Below the controller 10, the electrical actuator 6 is shown. The actuator 6 comprises in the embodiment shown here, a rotary electric motor and a transmission which the Rotary movement of the motor translated into a linear movement of the intermediate element 33. The intermediate element 33 extends in Figure 7 from left to right and drives a locking pin, which blocks the latch 2 of the castle in its locking position. The latch 2 of the lock is connected via a rack 9b and a gear with a rotary handle 4, over which it is manually displaceable. In the center of the rotary handle 4 is a button 31, which is pressed to actuate the closing mechanism. The bolt 2 and the rotary handle 4 of the lock are arranged in the embodiment of the lock shown in Figure 7 on the right side. The rotary handle 4 is designed as a round handwheel, which is mounted above the housing of the lock and is provided with a circumferential corrugation, which facilitates an operation of the rotary handle 4. FIG. 7 also shows a fastening 28b in the base plate 35 with which the lock can be fastened to a door of a piece of furniture. The lock has a total of a substantially rectangular shape, which can be adjusted according to the arrangement of the individual components of the castle. The small extent of the lock perpendicular to the orientation of the bottom plate allows the lock comfortably in doors or wall elements of a piece of furniture.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a lock according to the invention and its communication with a transponder. The lock 1 may be formed, for example, according to one of the embodiments shown above. It comprises a latch 2 and a rotary handle 4 with which the latch 2 can be actuated via a coupling mechanism 9 in order to lock or unlock the lock. Further, an actuator 6 is present in the lock 1, which can block the latch 2. The control of the actuator is performed by a central controller 10, which is connected to a button 31 and a transmitter / receiver 12. An antenna 13 is coupled to the transmitter / receiver 12. The controller 10 and the transmitter / receiver 12 can be accommodated in the latch housing, in the actuator housing or in a further housing of the lock 1. The antenna may be formed, for example, in the region of the rotary handle 4, so that an undisturbed communication with the outside space of the furniture is ensured. The lock 1 can be opened by means of an active transponder 20, which is also provided with an antenna 21. The procedure of an opening operation in the illustrated embodiment will be described below. The transponder 20 is controlled so that it is usually in a stand-by state, in which the transponder 20 itself does not transmit signals; only his receiver is on standby. This can save energy. Only when signals of a predetermined type and with a predetermined data content are received via the antenna 21, the transponder is activated to emit itself signals via the antenna 21 by means of a transmitter. These signals have a predetermined shape (frequency, amplitude, modulation) and data content and in particular comprise identification information for the transponder 20. Also, the lock 1 is usually in a stand-by state. In this state, the transmitter / receiver 12 is turned off and the actuator 6 de-energized. The lock 1 is switched, for example via the button 31 via the controller 10 in the operating state. In the operating state, the transmitter / receiver 12 sends controlled by the controller 10 regularly activation signals for the transponder 20; at the same time, the transceiver 12 is also ready to receive signals from transponders 20.

When the user equipped with the transponder 20 approaches the piece of furniture with the lock 1, no communication between the lock 1 and the transponder 20 takes place at first. As soon as the user presses the button 31, but the lock 1 is switched to its operating state. Thus, an activation signal is transmitted and received by the transponder 20. This is activated by sending out its identification signal, which in turn can then be received by the transmitter / receiver 12 of the lock 1.

If the identification information contained in the identification signal of the transponder 20 matches the identification data stored in the controller 10, the

Control 10 the actuator 6, whereupon this releases the latch 2, so that by a

Actuation of the rotary handle 4, the lock 1 can be unlocked. Postponing the

Lock 1 in the operating state, the activation of the transponder 20 and the

Replacement of the identification information takes place within a very short time, so that the actuator 6 is already actuated at matching transponder 20 when the user

Turn knob 4 would like to turn. The user thus suffers no comfort losses, that both the transponder 20 and the lock 1 are usually in their power-saving standby mode.

The identification information may be fed to the controller 10 in various ways. In the simplest case, they are already stored by the manufacturer, z. In a permanent memory; the transponders are then provided with the information corresponding to the locks to be opened. If the locking plan is changed, the changes are made at the transponder level. The lock can also be designed so that the identification information can also be subsequently programmed or changed, for. Example, by means of wireless transmission via the antenna 13 and the transmitter / receiver 12. It is also possible to retrieve the identification information at each opening process online in a central database, which also can be used the existing transmitting / receiving means.

After the latch 2 is released, begins a generally or individually determinable for each lock time interval, after the end of the actuator 6 is moved back into the lock 2 blocking position. The time interval is typically 2

- 3 seconds. Within the time interval between the release of the bolt 2 and the

Retracting the actuator 6, the rotary handle 4 is actuated and the lock 1 are opened. Due to the inventive design and shown in Figures 1 to 4 embodiment of the locking mechanism is the retraction of the actuator 6 in the locking

Position possible, even if the bolt 2 is not yet in its closed position. In this case, namely, the coil spring 7 is biased, so that the

Locking pin 5 after manually locking the lock in the appropriate

Engage depression. After the time interval and the return of the actuator 6, the lock can go back to its power-saving standby mode,

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a furniture system with a locking system according to the invention. The system comprises a plurality of furniture, each with a lock 1.1 ... 1.5 as shown in Figure 8. The locks 1.1 ... 1.5 cooperate with a series of transponders 20.1 ... 20.7, where flexible Schliesspläne be used, in the context of the access to the locks 1.1 ... 1.5 can be freely enabled or disabled for each transponder 20.1 ... 20.7. The locks 1.1 ... 1.5 communicate via a network 30 with a central controller 40. The network 30 is in particular implemented wirelessly and uses, for example, the transmission and reception means present in the locks 1.1. The central controller 40 comprises, on the one hand, an authorization database 41 in which associations between identification codes and authorizations for opening the locks 1.1... 1.5 can be stored so that a central management of the authorizations is made possible. The authorization information relevant for the individual locks 1.1... 1.5 can in each case be queried online from the locks 1.1... 1.5 via the network 30 at the central controller 40, or they are stored in the locks 1.1 from the central controller 40 via the network 30. The entire locking plan can thus be centrally managed and adapted without having to replace the transponders 20.1 ... 20.7 or reprogram them.

On the other hand, the central controller 40 comprises an access database 42 in which the corresponding time and the identification of the used transponder 20.1... 20.7 are stored for each opening operation carried out in one of the locks 1.1. Based on this data can be in hindsight z. B. determine which user has pressed at what time and how many times a particular lock. Further information can be obtained from the collected data using statistical methods. All of this information can be used in a further step to optimize the working environment of the users of the furniture system, for example with a view to shortening ways for the users or to position furniture that is often used by the same user in short time intervals closer together ,

There are also structurally different embodiments of the inventive lock conceivable. For example, the lock may be made less flat by having individual components of the lock different from each other. For example, other batteries may be used which reduce the extent of the lock. In addition to an electric drive in the form of a rotary motor and a linear actuator can be used, which acts on a correspondingly adapted gear on the threaded spindle or a locking pin. The profiling can also be designed differently in addition to a recess at a corner of the bolt, for example by a nose-shaped projection which blocks movement of the bolt when the locking pin is in the locking position. In addition to a locking pin, which engages axially in a profiling of the bolt, and a pivotable locking element can be used, which is movable by the output member in a locking or non-locking position. In addition to coil springs also other resilient elements are conceivable.

In summary, it should be noted that a mechatronic lock is created by the invention, which has a simple construction and which can be largely used and used as conventional mechanical locks.

Claims

claims

A mechatronic lock (1), particularly a furniture lock, comprising: a) a linearly movable latch (2) movable to lock the latch (1) from a retracted position to an advanced position; b) an actuating element (4) for manually actuating the bolt (2); c) a locking element (5) which can engage laterally in a profiling (3) of the bolt (2) for blocking the linear movement of the bolt (2) in the advanced position of the bolt (2); d) an electric drive (18) for moving a movable intermediate element; wherein e) the blocking element (5) via a first spring means (7), in particular via a coil spring, is actuated by the movable intermediate element, such that the spring means (7) by pressing the drive (18) is biased with retracted latch (2) in that, when the bolt (2) is advanced into its advanced position, the blocking element (5) snaps into the profiling (3) of the bolt (2) and prevents the bolt (2) from being retracted.

2. lock (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the intermediate element comprises a by driving the drive (18) movable drive part and a via a second spring means (8), in particular via a coil spring, on

Drive part such mounted output member (16) that the second spring means (8) by operating the drive (18) is tensioned when at a release of the bolt (2) by retracting the locking element (5) the locking element (5) in the profiling ( 3) of the bolt (2) is jammed.

3. lock (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the drive (18) is formed by an electric motor with a rotation axis and that the intermediate element by rotation of the rotation axis via a gear (17, 19) is movable.

4. lock (1) according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the drive part of the intermediate element is a threaded sleeve which cooperates via a non-rotatably connected thereto outer profiling (22) with a profiled output shaft (19) of the transmission.

5. lock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the blocking element (5) is formed by a linearly displaceable locking pin.

6. lock (1) according to claims 2 and 5, characterized in that the drive part and the output part (16) of the intermediate element, the locking pin (5) and the first and second spring means (7, 8) are arranged in the same axis.

7. lock (1) according to claims 4 and 6, characterized in that the driven part (16) is displaceably guided in the threaded sleeve and from the of

Locking pin (5) facing away from the threaded sleeve except for the locking pin (5) facing side of the threaded sleeve that between the threaded sleeve and one of the locking pin (5) facing away from the output part (16) as a second spring element (8) a compression spring is arranged in that between the threaded sleeve and an end of the driven part (16) facing the locking pin (5)

Stop ring (34) is arranged and that the locking pin (5) facing the end of the driven part (16) acts on the first spring means (7).

8. lock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the actuating element (4) for actuating the bolt (2) is rotatable.

9. lock (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the actuating element (4) with the bolt (2) by a rack drive (9a, 9b) is coupled, wherein the rack drive (9a, 9b) by a first actuating element side, gear-like Gearing (9a) and thus a permanently cooperating bolt-side, rack-like teeth (9b) is formed.

10. Lock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the lock (1) can only be opened when a corresponding coded transponder (20) is brought into a reception area of the lock (1).

1 1. Lock (1) according to claim 10, characterized by a transmitter (12) which can send an activation signal to an active transponder (20) for

Activation of an identification signal to activate.

12. lock (1) according to claim 10 or 1 1, characterized by an operating element (31), in particular a button, through which the transmitter (12) for emitting the activation signal or for reading passive transponder (20) can be activated.

13. lock (1) according to claims 8 and 12, characterized in that the operating element (31) as in a rotational axis of the rotatable actuating element (4) arranged button is formed.

14. lock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by a controller

(10), which controls the lock (1) such that after a predetermined period of time after an opening operation of the blocking element (5) automatically the electric

Drive (18) is actuated, so that depending on the position of the bolt (2) the blocking element

(5) moved forward or the first spring means (7) is tensioned.

15. Lock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the lock (1) with sensors (29a, 29b) is provided, by means of which a current position of the locking pin (5) is detectable.

16. Lock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the electric drive (18) is powered by a battery with power.

17. lock (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that it comprises a device for measuring a battery voltage and that the lock (1) is controlled such that when falling below a predetermined first battery voltage an alarm signal sounds and that falls below a predetermined second Battery voltage, which is lower than the first battery voltage, the lock (1) can only be opened with a specially coded transponder (20).

18. Furniture with at least one lock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 17.

19. Furniture according to claim 18, characterized in that the lock (1) is held between an outer wall (36) and an inner wall (37) of a door (32) of the furniture.

20. Arrangement comprising a) at least two furniture compartments, each of the furniture compartments comprising at least one mechatronic lock (1.1 ... 1.5), in particular a lock according to one of claims 1 to 17; b) at least two transponders (20.1 ... 20.7) for opening the locks (1.1 ... 1.5), wherein a first of the transponder (20.1) is a first identification code and a second of the transponder (20.2) is a second identification code, which differs from the first identification code differs, can be assigned; c) a central control device (40); d) a network (30), via which data between the central control device (40) and the locks (1.1 ... 1.5) are transferable.

21. Arrangement according to claim 20, characterized in that the central control device (40) comprises an authorization database (41) into which associations between identification codes and authorizations for opening the

Locks (1.1 ... 1.5) are stored, so that a central administration of the authorizations is made possible.

22. Arrangement according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the central control device (40) comprises an access database (42) into which associations between identification codes and opening operations of the locks (1.1 ... 1.5) can be stored, so that an evaluation of the Opening movements with respect to a plurality of users is made possible.

23. A method for detecting the use of a working environment, which has at least two furniture compartments, each of the furniture compartments comprises at least one mechatronic lock (1.1 ... 1.5), in particular a lock according to one of claims 1 to

17, the method comprising the steps of: a) dispensing transponders (20.1 ... 20.7) to open the locks (1.1 ... 1.5) to users of the work environment, different transponders (20.1 ... 20.7) assigning different identification codes are; b) during opening operations detecting the respective identification code by the respective mechatronic lock (1.1 ... 1.5); c) sending the identification code to a central database (42); d) storing the assignment between lock (1.1 ... 1.5) and identification code in the central database.