EP3121353B1 - Lock for a socket wrench - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a lock for a socket wrench, in which, in addition to the mechanical locking has an additional electrical release device.

State of the art

In the case of containers that are opened and closed by different users, the problem often arises of allowing the different users access to the containers without unauthorized persons being able to open the containers. The most common solution today is to equip each container with a lock, which can only be opened by means of associated keys, the keys being distributed only to users with access authorization. A disadvantage of such a system is that as the number of containers and users increases, the cost of key distribution increases sharply. In addition, lost keys are also a problem.

Easier is the handling of the key problem through the use of simple keys, such as socket wrenches in the form of triangular or square keys, with which all containers can be opened. However, using such a simple key increases the likelihood of unauthorized access to the containers.

Another solution to this problem resides in the electronic locking system, where authorized users identify themselves to the locking system by means of a smart card, by entering a code or by a transponder. However, such locking systems require electrically operable latches, resulting in increased power consumption of such systems. Especially in containers such as mailbox, which does not necessarily have a connection to the mains, an increased power consumption is not desirable.

Especially in postal service providers very many mailboxes are emptied daily by employees, the individual mailboxes must be secured by a lock against theft of mail by unauthorized persons. Therefore, there is a need to provide the simplest possible locking a container, in particular a mailbox.

The DE 10 2004 008 071 U1 (Erwin Renz Metallwarenfabrik GmbH) discloses a lockable storage container, in particular a mailbox, which a Lock having a latch, wherein the lock is provided with a locking system. The locking system is controlled by means of a non-contact access control, such as a radio remote control or a transponder. After actuation of the locking system, the latch is transferred only for a short period of time from a locking position to an open position in which the lock can be opened by means of a manually operable knob. The locking system has a drive which drives a locking member having a rest position in which this engages behind the bolt or engages in a recess of the bolt.

A disadvantage of the locking system according to the DE 10 2004 008 071 U1 is that unauthorized persons could attempt to open the lock via the knob despite the locking system being locked. With sufficient force, the locking system could be damaged or even overcome.

Also the document US 2015/175174 A1 discloses a lock according to the preamble of claim 1.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide a the technical field mentioned above belonging castle, which on the one hand has a mechanical lock cylinder, with which the lock can be mechanically operated, and on the other hand additionally has an electronic check the access authorization.

The solution of the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, a lock for a socket wrench, in particular for a triangular key, a lock cylinder with a key opening and a partially rotatably mounted in this keyhole shaft. The shaft has, at least at a first end, which is arranged in the key opening, on a complementary to a shape of the socket wrench contour and is connectable at a second end with a locking element, in particular with a bolt. Within the keyhole a cylinder is arranged, which relative to the shaft between a locked position in which the cylinder prevents insertion of a socket wrench in the keyhole opening, and a release position in which a socket wrench in the key opening is insertable, is mounted linearly displaceable along a displacement path within the key opening, wherein the lock has an electrically actuated release device, with which the cylinder can be locked in the locked position and released from this.

The arrangement of the cylinder between the wall of the key opening and the shaft, the insertion of a socket wrench is mechanically prevented in the keyhole. This can prevent an unauthorized person in possession of a corresponding key from inserting it in the key opening in order to open the lock. As a result, relatively simple socket wrench, such as triangular or square wrench can be used without affecting the security of the lock.

The shank has at its first end a contour which matches the socket type used. For example, when using a square wrench this contour in cross section will have the shape of a quadrilateral. The contour is designed in particular as an outer contour.

In the following application, the term "socket wrench" is understood to mean a key which has an inner contour at one end, for example via an inner square or internal tappet. Although three- and four-square keys are the most widespread, the lock according to the invention can also be used with other types of socket wrench, for example with a five- or hexagonal wrench. Alternatively, a socket according to the present application also have an outer contour, with which this can engage in a corresponding inner contour of the shaft.

The locking element, with which the second end of the shaft is connectable, can be configured as desired and is particularly adapted to the type of container to be secured. In order to be connectable to the locking element, the second end of the shaft has corresponding connection means. These may be formed, for example, as screw holes, as a thread or as positive-locking elements.

The cylinder is preferably arranged between a wall of the key opening and the shaft, wherein the displacement of the cylinder is parallel to the extension direction of the shaft. The cylinder is formed in this embodiment as a hollow cylinder which comprises the shaft at least partially.

In an alternative embodiment, it is also conceivable that the complementary shape of the socket wrench contour is formed as an inner contour, in particular as Innenvier- or Innenendreikant at the first end of the shaft, so that the lock with a key with a corresponding outer contour, such as Außenvier- or External strike can be actuated. In this case, the cylinder is slidably disposed not only within the keyhole but also within the shaft. The cylinder has an outer contour in this embodiment, which corresponds to the inner contour of the shaft.

The displacement of the cylinder within the keyhole is chosen such that a good engagement between socket wrench and shank is made possible by the displacement of the cylinder. Preferably, therefore, the cylinder will not be slidable along the entire length of the shank, but only over a partial length, i. the displacement is smaller than the length of the shaft, in particular as the length of the part of the shaft, which is arranged within the key opening.

In the locked position, preferably one end of the cylinder is flush with the first end of the shaft. This prevents a socket wrench from being engaged with the contour at the first end.

The release device is preferably an electronic release device which holds the cylinder in the locked position or releases it for movement. Particularly preferably, the control of the release device via an external signal. The external signal is preferably generated after a successful identification of a user, so that he can open the lock with a socket. The signal can be transmitted via a cable or via a radio link to the lock, for example from an external server. Alternatively, the lock itself has a module with which an identification can be made or the Lock is connected to such a module. The identification can take place by means of input of a code, transmission of a code by a chip card, transponder or the like.

Upon successful identification of a user, the release device releases the blockage of the cylinder so that the user can move the socket along the displacement path by moving a socket key into the key opening to engage the socket key with the contour of the first end of the shaft, such that the shaft can be rotated to operate the locking element connected to the shaft can.

Preferably, the cylinder is biased by a first spring element in the locked position. This will ensure that the cylinder is always returned to the locked position. Particularly preferred as a spring element, a coil spring is used. Alternatively, however, the spring element can also be made of a piece of elastic material which is compressed by the movement of the cylinder from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Preferably, the release device has a pin which is linearly displaceable between a first position and a second position, which engages in the first position in the displacement of the cylinder to block it in the locked position, and releases the displacement in the second position.

The pin is preferably slidably mounted in a direction which is perpendicular to the displacement of the cylinder. This results in a very simple construction, which however is able to hold the cylinder very effectively in the locked position. Preferably, the pin between a wall which limits the displacement of the cylinder, and the cylinder is arranged. Thus, even under great force application, the cylinder can not be moved out of the locked position. The wall has an opening through which the shaft is feasible. The pin can be designed cylindrical. Furthermore, the pin may also have a different shape, such as preferably the shape of an elongated cuboid.

The pin is moved so far out of the displacement of the cylinder by the release device, that it can be pressed into the unlocked position.

Preferably, the pin and the release device are designed such that the pin extends in the first position substantially over the entire extent of the keyhole in one direction, in particular in a direction which is perpendicular to the extension direction of the shaft, and in the second position entirely is withdrawn from this.

The pin is preferably biased by a second spring element in the first position. This ensures that the pin is always moved back to the position in which the cylinder is locked in the locked position.

Preferably, the release device comprises an electromagnet, with which the pin can be moved from the first position to the second position. With this configuration, a mechanically particularly simple and power-saving design of the release device can be achieved.

Preferably, the electromagnet is powered only for a predetermined time, i. the pin is moved only during this predetermined time in the second position and then moved back by the spring force of the second spring element in the first position. As a result, a socket wrench can be pushed onto the first end of the shaft only during the predetermined time. If this does not happen or the socket is removed, the spring force of the second spring element is an automatic return of the pin in the first position, whereby the pin is blocked in the locked position. This increases the security of the castle.

The release device preferably has a radio module with which a radio signal for moving the pin from the first position to the second position can be received.

This makes it relatively easy to identify a user. The radio module can be designed to receive a signal of a common radio protocol, such as RFID, NFC or Bluetooth.

Based on the received signal, the radio module can determine whether the user has the necessary access authorization. This can be realized, for example, by transmitting a code by the radio signal.

As a transmitter of the radio signal, for example, transponders can be used. In a preferred embodiment, however, the received radio signals originate from a mobile terminal, such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, or the like. The radio transmitters already included in smartphones and tablets, such as NFC or Bluetooth, can be used. The corresponding identification code can provide, for example, an app that can be installed on the mobile terminal.

Preferably, the radio signal is a radio signal according to the Bluetooth Low Energy Protocol. In the context of the present application, the term "Bluetooth Low Energy" refers to the specifications of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group, in particular in the Core Version 4.1 of 03 December 2013 or the Core Version 4.2 of 02 December 2014. A significant advantage in the Use of a radio signal according to the Bluetooth Low Energy Protocol is that the energy consumption of the communication module can be significantly reduced compared to other wireless communication signals, in particular to radio frequency signals. In addition, the Bluetooth Low Energy Protocol has an encryption interface that can be used to encrypt information transmitted via the radio signal. In addition, Bluetooth Low Energy can achieve a higher range of radio signals compared to other transmission protocols, such as "Near Field Communication".

Preferably, the lock has a housing connected to the lock cylinder, in which the electromagnet, the radio module and an energy source, preferably a battery, are arranged.

This allows the lock to be designed as a compact module, which includes all the necessary elements for the function of the castle. In this case, the second end of the shaft preferably projects out of a rear end of the lock cylinder so that it can be easily connected to a locking device.

As a power source, a battery is preferably used. Alternatively, it is also possible to use a power cable which can be connected to a power network as the energy source. Furthermore, the lock can also have a solar panel connected to the lock by a cable, with which, for example, the battery can be charged.

The housing preferably has connecting means with which the lock is detachably connectable to a wall of a door or flap.

This allows the lock to be used as a retrofit module with which doors or flaps of containers can be retrofitted. The connecting means may be formed, for example, as an adhesive surface, as screw holes or as a bolt.

The lock cylinder preferably has a key retention device which prevents the key from being pulled out in the opened state.

This can prevent the key from falling out or being removed when the lock is open. As soon as the key falls out of the lock according to the invention or is removed, the cylinder is moved to the locked position, whereby a re-insertion of the key for the purpose of closing the lock is made impossible. In order to enable a closure, the cylinder would have to be released again by means of the release device.

For example, the key retaining device has a bolt that presses on turning the key in the lock cylinder on the key to clamp it in the keyhole.

The present application further relates to the use of a lock according to the invention in a mailbox.

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

Fig. 1

eine schematische Schnittzeichnung eines erfindungsgemässen Schlosses in einer verriegelten Position;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Schnittzeichnung des Schlosses aus der Fig. 1 in einer entriegelten Position.

The drawings used to explain the embodiment show:

Fig. 1

a schematic sectional view of an inventive lock in a locked position;

Fig. 2

a schematic sectional drawing of the castle from the Fig. 1 in an unlocked position.

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

Ways to carry out the invention

The Figures 1 and 2 each show a schematic sectional view of an inventive lock 1. The in the FIG. 1 The illustration shown shows the lock 1 in a locked position, while the FIG. 2 shows the lock 1 in an unlocked position. The lock 1 has a lock cylinder 2 with a key opening 3. Within the key opening 3, a shaft 4 is arranged. The shaft 4 has at a first end 5 via a contour which is complementary to a contour of a socket wrench. At a second end 6 of the shaft 4 with a locking element, which is shown in the figure, for example, as a bolt 7, connectable. A part of the shaft 4 facing the first end 5 is arranged inside the key opening 3, while a further part of the shaft 4 projects out of the locking cylinder 2.

Within the key opening 3, a cylinder 8 is arranged, which is displaceably mounted along the shaft 4. In the Fig. 1 the cylinder 8 is in a locked position. In this locked position, the cylinder 8 prevents a socket key from being inserted over the first end 5 of the shaft 4. A first spring element 9 biases the cylinder 8 in the locked position. One end of the cylinder 8 is flat in the locked position with the first end 5 of the shaft 4. In the embodiment shown, the end of the cylinder 8 is simultaneous with one end the lock cylinder 2 flat, so that the shaft 4, the cylinder 8 and the lock cylinder 2 form a substantially flat surface at this end, so that the shaft from an outside can not be grasped with a tool to open the lock forcibly , As a result, the security of the lock 1 can be increased.

In order to keep the cylinder 8 in the locked position, in a second end 6 of the shaft 4 facing the end of the keyhole 3 in this a linearly movably mounted pin 12 is arranged, which blocks the displacement of the cylinder 8. In this case, the pin 12 is dimensioned such that it extends between a wall of the lock cylinder 2 and the cylinder 8. As a result, the cylinder 8 can not be pushed from the outside from the locked position. The pin 12 is linearly displaceable in a direction which is at right angles to the extension direction of the shaft 4 and the direction of the displacement. For this purpose, the lock cylinder 3 has a bore through which the pin 12 protrudes into the key opening 3. The pin 12 is a release device 10 from the first position shown in the figure to a second position in which the displacement is released (see Fig. 2 ) movable.

The release device 10 comprises an electromagnet 11 and a web 13, which connects the pin 12 with the electromagnet 11. The pin 12 is biased by a second spring element 14 in the first position. By activation of the electromagnet 11, the pin 12 is pulled over the web 13 against the spring force of the second spring element 14 in the second position, where the displacement of the cylinder 8 is released. Since the cylinder 8 can now be pushed freely in the direction of the second end 6 of the shaft 4, a socket wrench 18 can be brought into engagement with the contour of the first end 5 of the shaft 4. Subsequently, the shaft 4 can be rotated by means of the socket wrench 18 in order to actuate the bolt 7 connected to the second end 6.

The electromagnet 11 is housed in a housing 17 which is connected to the lock cylinder 2. Within the housing 17, a radio module 15 and a battery 16 are also arranged as an energy source. About the radio module 15 can a Radio signal are received, with which a release of the lock is triggered. If the radio module 15 receives a corresponding signal, the electromagnet 11 is supplied with power for a predetermined time, in particular for five seconds, in order to move the web 13 and the pin 12 into the second position. Once the power supply of the electromagnet 11 is interrupted, the pin is pressed by the spring force of the second spring element in the direction of the first position. If the socket wrench 18 still engaged with the contour of the first end 5, the pin 12 is prevented from returning to the first position by the cylinder 8 in the unlocked position. However, once the socket wrench 18 is removed, the cylinder 8 is moved by the spring force of the first spring element 9 back into the locked position. This frees the necessary space that the pin 12 can return to the first position, whereby the pin 8 is again blocked in the locked position.

The lock 1 also preferably has attachment means, such as an adhesive surface or screw holes, for attachment to a flap or door of a container or the like. As a result, the lock 1 according to the invention can be retrofitted to existing containers, in particular mailboxes. This container can be retrofitted as the aforementioned mailboxes with the functionality of the inventive lock. The lock 1 can thus be used as a retrofit module, wherein the lock cylinder can be inserted into the existing cylinder opening of the flap or door.

Claims (11)

1. Lock for a socket wrench (18), in particular for a triangular or square wrench, with a closing cylinder (2) with a wrench opening (3) and a shank (4), which is partially mounted rotatably in this wrench opening (3) and has at least at a first end (5), which is arranged in the wrench opening (3), a contour that is complementary to a shape of a socket wrench (18), and at a second end (6) can be connected to a locking element, in particular a bolt (7), characterized in that a cylinder (8) is arranged within the wrench opening (3), said cylinder (8) being mounted linearly displaceably relative to the shank (4) along a displacing path within the wrench opening (3) between a locked position, in which the cylinder (8) prevents a socket wrench (18) from being introduced into the wrench opening (3), and a release position, in which a socket wrench (18) can be introduced into the wrench opening (3), the lock (1) having an electrically actuable release device (10), with which the cylinder (8) can be blocked in the locked position and can be released from it.
2. Lock according to Claim 1, characterized in that the cylinder (8) is biased in the locked position by a first spring element (9).
3. Lock according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the release device (10) has a pin (12), which is linearly displaceable between a first position and a second position and in the first position engages in the displacement path of the cylinder (8) in order to block it in the locked position and in the second position releases the displacement path.
4. Lock according to Claim 3, characterized in that the pin (12) is biased in the first position by a spring element (14).
5. Lock according to either of Claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the release device (10) comprises an electromagnet (11), with which the pin (12) can be displaced from the first position into the second position.
6. Lock according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the release device (10) has a radio module (15), with which a radio signal for moving the pin (12) from the first position into the second position can be received.
7. Lock according to Claim 6, characterized in that the radio signal is a radio signal conforming to the Bluetooth Low Energy protocol.
8. Lock according to either of Claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the lock (1) has a housing (17), which is connected to the closing cylinder (2) and in which the electromagnet (11), the radio module (15) and an energy source, preferably a battery (16), are arranged.
9. Lock according to Claim 8, characterized in that the housing (17) has connecting means, with which the lock (1) can be releasably connected to a wall of a door or flap.
10. Lock according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the closing cylinder (2) has a wrench retaining device, which prevents pulling out of the wrench in the opened state.
11. Use of a lock according to one of Claims 1 to 9 in a mailbox.

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