EP3272975B1 - Housing for locking system and corresponding tool - Google Patents

Description

The invention is in the field of locking systems, in particular mechatronic locking systems, for example for doors. The invention relates to a housing which has at least one movable element and a locking device by means of which the movable element can be locked, as well as a tool and a method with which the locking of the movable element can be released.

An illustrative example is the housing, which has a battery compartment and can be attached to a door and contains the essential parts of a mechatronic locking system, a coupling mechanism and elements for authentication, data transmission and drive.

A housing, which releasably connects two housing parts which are movable relative to one another again by means of a closure device and which can be used in safety-related devices, is for example in EP 0871813 B1 disclosed. According to the teaching of EP 0871813 B1 a lid is connected to a lower part by pressing permanent magnetic locking pins vertically against the lid using springs or oppositely polarized permanent magnets and engaging in the locking shoulder attached there. Since the locking pins are permanently magnetic, they can be created by magnetic force, which is greater than the force generated by the springs or oppositely polarized permanent magnets, are removed from their position engaging in the locking shoulders, whereby the housing can be opened. Due to the arrangement and implementation of the locking pins and locking shoulders, the housing is in accordance with EP 0871813 B1 only suitable to a limited extent for use in locking systems. For example, the fact that all locking pins move along the same direction of movement to open the housing leads to the housing being susceptible to impact attacks. Furthermore, any force acting on the locking pins, which opposes the force generated by the springs / oppositely polarized permanent magnets and is somewhat larger in amount, can result in the locking pins leaving their locking position. An abrupt movement of the housing, such as occurs, for example, when a door slams shut, could thus lead to unlocking. Furthermore, the use of permanent magnetic locking pins means that the position of the locking pins can easily be determined from the outside, which in turn increases the risk that the housing is successfully manipulated by an unauthorized person.

DE 20 2013 103 126 U1 shows an electronic door fitting with a cover cap, the cover cap being attached to the door fitting via a magnetic lock. For this purpose, the magnetic closure has a magnetic latch which is mounted on a spring and is pressed into a corresponding receptacle in the wall of the cap. To remove the cap, the bolt is pushed back against the force of the spring by magnetic repulsive forces from the receptacle of the cap into the door fitting. According to the teaching of DE 20 2013 103 126 U1 caused by a tool which has a magnet of opposite polarity in the anticipated section opposite the bolt.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a housing which overcomes disadvantages of the known prior art and which is particularly suitable for use in locking systems and for meeting the associated security requirements.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a tool and a method with which an authorized person can open the housing in a simple manner, in spite of improved security against unauthorized manipulations, in order, for example, to carry out maintenance work.

At least one of these objects is achieved by the invention as defined in the patent claims.

A housing according to the invention is set up for use in a locking system. The locking system is, in particular, a mechatronic locking system that is attached to a door, for example, for access control, or is integrated into the door.

The housing has a wall with an opening, a member movable relative to the wall and a closure device. The conversion defines an interior in which parts relevant to the locking system and the locking device can be accommodated.

The closure device has an element for locking, a first elastic element, a guide and a latching device.

The element for locking can in particular be a locking pin. In the following, the more descriptive term "locking pin" is used instead of the term "element for locking". However, this should not be interpreted as a restriction to a pin-shaped locking element. Furthermore, features which are shown below using the example of the locking pin also apply mutatis mutandis to the element for locking.

The closure device is designed to lock the movable element in a certain position relative to the transformation. The locking mechanism comprises the engagement of the locking pin in the latching device, which is described in detail below. The particular position is in particular about a position in which the housing is closed by the movable element or parts thereof, ie in which the interior cannot be accessed directly via the opening.

The first elastic element movably supports the locking pin and the locking pin can be moved along a direction of movement given by the guide such that it engages in the latching device in a first position and does not engage in the latching device in a second position. In the first position, movement of the latching device relative to the locking pin is prevented, in particular movement of the latching device perpendicular to the direction of movement of the locking pin is prevented. For this purpose, the latching device has, for example, a depression, an extension or a bore into which the locking pin engages in such a way that the latching device is fixed.

It goes without saying that a housing according to the invention and the embodiments discussed below can have more than one — in particular 2, 3 or 4 — locking device or more than one locking pin, although in the following only one locking device is explicitly described and discussed in the rule becomes.

The locking pin can have a longitudinal axis and the first elastic element can support the same movable along the longitudinal axis.

The first elastic element is in particular set up to hold the locking pin in the first position in a non-deformed state. In this embodiment, the locking pin can only be brought into the second position by applying force. The force to be applied corresponds at least to the force which is required to deform the first elastic element to such an extent that the locking pin can assume the second position. The force is directed in particular along the direction of movement of the locking pin.

The first elastic element is in particular a spring or another body that can be elastically deformed along at least one axis.

The locking device of a housing according to the invention has a second elastic element which acts on the locking device or the locking pin or both locking device and locking pin with a force which has a component perpendicular to the direction of movement of the locking pin.

In particular, the locking device is directly or indirectly, i.e. via a component located between the latching device and the second elastic element, with the force. Said component has a high degree of rigidity.

The second elastic element can be a spring or another body that can be elastically deformed along at least one axis. The second elastic element can in particular be a battery spring which clamps and contacts a battery used in the locking system.

Furthermore, the locking pin of a closure device of a housing according to the invention has ferromagnetic material, as a result of which it can be moved along the direction of movement given by the guide by applying a magnetic field.

So that the position of the locking pin from outside the housing cannot be determined by the magnetic properties of the locking pin, the ferromagnetic material can in particular be a material that is not magnetized without applying a magnetic field.

The magnetic field, by means of which the locking pin can be moved, can be generated in particular by a permanent magnet (permanently magnetized ferromagnet) which is brought into the region of the locking pin from outside the housing. However, it is also conceivable for the locking pin to be a permanent magnet and for a ferromagnetic element which is not magnetized without applying a magnetic field to be brought to the outside of the housing.

Alternatively, the magnetic field can be generated by coils, in particular by coils that are located in the housing.

The ferromagnetic material of the locking pin is preferably not a permanent magnet. This can prevent the position of the pin from being easily ascertained from outside the housing. Furthermore, the arrangement of the north and south poles along the direction of movement of the pin of a possibly used permanent magnet for generating the magnetic field is irrelevant in such a pin. This is advantageous for the manufacture of a tool that is used to open the housing.

The magnetic properties of the locking pin in combination with the magnet to be brought to the outside of the housing in the region of the locking pin are in particular set up to generate a force on the locking pin, which in Amount and direction is sufficient to deform the first elastic element to such an extent that the locking pin can assume the second position.

The closure device is arranged in the interior of the housing. The central elements of the locking device, in particular the locking pin, the first and second elastic element, the guidance of the locking pin and the locking device, can neither be identified nor recognized from outside the housing, nor can the position of these central elements be determined. This is especially true if the locking pin is in the second position.

The force with which the locking device and / or locking pin is applied is in particular such that the locking device and the locking pin are pressed against one another in such a way that the locking pin is tilted or that one side of the locking pin is pressed against a surface of the locking device or that the locking pin is both canted and pressed flat against the locking device.

The canting of the locking pin takes place in particular between the latching device and the guide through which the locking pin is guided along the direction of movement. Alternatively, the snap-in device can be set up in such a way that a part of the locking pin which engages in the snap-in device jams in the snap-in device itself.

Both the tilting of the locking pin and the flat, pressurized abutment of the locking pin and the locking device mean that additional resistance has to be overcome in order to move the locking pin along its direction of movement. The resistance is in particular a frictional resistance.

The additional resistance is in particular so great that a force which is identical or insignificantly greater, for example twice as great, is than the force which is required to deform the first elastic element to such an extent that the locking pin cannot assume the second position is sufficient to move the locking pin into the second position.

The additional resistance can also be so great that even much greater forces are not sufficient to deform the first elastic element to such an extent that the locking pin can assume the second position. In particular, the resistance can be so great that a force that is not applied mechanically to the closure device is not sufficient to move the locking pin from the first to the second position. In particular, a force generated by magnets and / or by movement of the closure device may not be sufficient to apply said force.

Instead, it can be provided that in addition to the force required to deform the first elastic element to such an extent that the locking pin can assume the second position, a second force is to be applied to the closure device, which deforms the second elastic element to such an extent that the additional resistance is massively reduced or even eliminated.

The second force can in particular have a component perpendicular to the direction of movement of the locking pin or a force directed essentially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the locking pin.

The second force can in particular be generated thereby, or the housing can be set up to exert a force from outside the housing is exerted or can be applied to the same, which generates a force in the interior which is directed against the force generated by the second elastic element on the latching device and / or the element for locking and thus leads to a relief of the locking pin.

This force exerted on the same from outside the housing can in particular be exerted on a region of the movable element which is accessible from outside the housing. In particular, this can be a front, which will be described in detail below.

The force exerted on the same from outside the housing can be generated, for example, using a tool, as will be described below.

The second force as well as the way in which it is to be applied to the locking device is relevant with regard to the security of the housing and thus of the locking system which is wholly or partly accommodated. In particular, the security of the housing can be increased in that the second force, the way in which it is to be applied, the force which must be applied in order to bring the locking pin into the second position and the manner in which it is applied is, the amount, direction and time of the attachments must be coordinated to effect a transition of the locking pin into the second position.

This coordination can in particular be guaranteed by using a tool, as will be described below.

In one embodiment, the latching device is part of the element which is movable relative to the conversion or is rigidly connected to the movable element. In addition, the movable element can be at least partially brought into and out of the interior through the opening.

In addition, the guidance of the locking pin is rigidly connected to the wall.

The movable element can in particular be introduced into and out of the interior along an opening axis, which is, for example, perpendicular to a surface which passes through the regions of the wall defining the opening.

The movable element can be mounted so that the movement of the movable element for insertion or removal is limited to a movement along the opening axis. In particular, a movement along the direction of movement of the locking pin is not possible.

The movable element can be a drawer, in particular a battery compartment, which can be at least partially pulled out of the housing.

Alternatively, the movable element can be a cover which closes a compartment in the interior of the housing and through the opening, or shaft, slot, insertion opening, etc., against an exterior space of the housing.

The cover can have one or more extensions which can be brought into the interior of the housing through the opening. The latching device can, for example, be arranged on an extension.

The compartment is in particular a battery compartment.

The movable element can be in direct contact with the second elastic element and can apply this force to the latching device, which is rigidly connected to the movable element.

However, it is also possible for the latching device to be acted upon directly or indirectly with the said force via a transmission element which interacts mechanically with the second elastic element. For example, the transmission element can be connected to the movable element and in this way act on the latching device with the force. However, it is also possible for the transmission element to engage directly on the latching device.

Alternatively, it is possible for the transmission element to engage the locking pin, but not the movable element or the latching device.

The transmission element can in particular be a battery. This can be used to power the locking system or the components connected to it (data transmission for authentication, lighting, etc.).

In one embodiment, the movable element has a front which can be brought into a position which is flush with the conversion and closes the opening. If the movable element is a drawer, the front is in said flush and closing position, particularly when the drawer is fully inserted. If the movable element is a cover of the type described above, this completely closes the opening in said position.

In addition, the front can have ferromagnetic material. A magnetic force can thus be exerted on the movable element via the front. This can serve, for example, to move the movable element along the opening axis without gripping the movable element at the front or the edges of the front.

In one embodiment, the housing has a first and a second locking pin. The two locking pins (and the corresponding latching devices) are aligned with respect to one another in such a way that the direction of movement of the first locking pin for taking the first or second position is opposite to the direction of movement of the second locking pin for taking the first or second position. This means that the first and second locking pins perform an opposite movement both to unlock the locking device (locking pins move to the second position) and to lock the locking device (locking pins move to the first position). As a result, the closure device can be further secured, for example against impacts.

The opposite movement required to unlock the locking device can be generated in particular by two magnets, which come from outside the housing be brought up to the housing. The two magnets can be part of a tool which will be described below, which can ensure that the two magnets come to rest in the correct positions on the housing.

In one embodiment, the housing also has an elastically deformable seal, the front lying on the seal in the flush position and closing the opening.

The elastically deformable seal is in particular a silicone seal. This can be arranged on a, for example, continuous or self-contained projection which reduces the dimensions of the opening. The projection is offset from the outer surface of the wall in the direction of the interior.

Alternatively, the elastic, deformable seal, for example made of silicone, can be attached to the front. In this embodiment, the seal can cover at least one peripheral area of the front facing the interior. The opening can then have a seat which is set up in such a way that the front, in the flush position and closing the opening, lies on the seat and can be pressed against it.

The elastically deformable seal can be deformed in particular along the opening axis, ie the axis along which the movable element can be at least partially inserted and removed from the interior.

Additionally or alternatively, the elastically deformable seal is deformable in such a way that the movable element and thus the snap-in device rigidly connected to it can be moved so that the resistance generated by the canting of the locking pin and / or by the flat, pressurized contact of the locking pin and snap-in device is massively reduced or even eliminated.

This movement of the movable element, or the latching device, while deforming the elastically deformable seal, is generated in particular by pressure on the front.

In one embodiment, the housing has means which are set up to fasten the housing on a component. The component is in particular a door or a window. The component is movably supported about an axis of rotation, which is defined, for example, by one or more hinges.

The fasteners are, for example, bores for screws or surfaces on which the housing can be glued, screwed, nailed, etc.

In the case of housings which are fastened on said component in accordance with this embodiment, the opening axis preferably runs parallel to the axis of rotation of the component. This can prevent a movable element, which can be introduced and removed from the interior along the opening axis, from changing its position by rapid, in particular jerky movement of the component. In particular, it can be prevented that a position which is flush with the conversion and closes the opening leaves this position.

In other words: the housing can have means which are set up to fasten the housing on a component, the component being movable about an axis of rotation and the opening axis running parallel to the axis of rotation of the component.

The invention also includes a tool 20 with which a housing according to the invention can be opened.

In embodiments of the housing which have a named element which is movable relative to the wall and which can be at least partially brought into and out of the interior through the opening and a front already mentioned, the tool has a self-positioning shape. The self-positioning shape refers in particular to the shape of the closed housing. As already described, the front can be brought into a position which is flush with the conversion and closes the opening. This position of the front defines a closed state of the housing.

In addition, the closed position can be defined in that the locking pin (s) assume the first position.

"Self-positioning shape" here means that the shape of the tool as a whole or in areas is matched to the housing, which may have shape-relevant means such as extensions, recesses or recesses, that the tool is correctly positioned correctly on the housing.

For example, the shape of the tool is so matched to the shape of an area of the housing on which the tool is to be opened that the tool and said housing area engage in a form-fitting manner.

As an alternative or in addition, the housing can have, for example, two or more cutouts and the tool can have a corresponding number of extensions which are matched to the shape of the cutouts.

• einen Permanentmagneten aufweist, der eingerichtet ist, mit dem ferromagnetischen Material des Sperrstifts in Wechselwirkung zu treten. Die Anzahl Permanentmagneten kann auf die Anzahl Sperrstifte abgestimmt sein. Insbesondere kann das Werkzeug zwei oder mehr Magnete aufweisen.
• einen Vorsprung aufweist. Dieser ist so angeordnet ist, dass er bei am Gehäuse richtig positioniertem Werkzeug in Kontakt zur Front steht. Ferner ist dieser so eingerichtet, dass er bei einer am Werkzeug angelegten Kraft die Front so mit einer Kraft beaufschlägt, dass ein durch die Beaufschlagung der Einrastvorrichtung und/oder des Sperrstifts mit der durch das zweite elastische Element erzeugten Kraft, generierter Effekt zumindest teilweise kompensiert.

A tool according to the invention is particularly characterized in that it

• has a permanent magnet which is set up to interact with the ferromagnetic material of the locking pin. The number of permanent magnets can be matched to the number of locking pins. In particular, the tool can have two or more magnets.
• has a projection. This is arranged so that it is in contact with the front when the tool is correctly positioned on the housing. Furthermore, this is set up in such a way that, when a force is applied to the tool, it exerts a force on the front such that an effect generated by the application of the locking device and / or the locking pin with the force generated by the second elastic element at least partially compensates.

In particular, the shape of the tool is such that it can only be brought into contact with the housing on the front and possibly on surfaces that are normal to the surface of the front. In addition, it can be provided that from a maximum force applied to the tool additional parallel to the front running surfaces of the housing come into contact with the tool. The maximum force is greater than the force generated by the second elastic element.

The effect generated by the action of the locking device and / or the locking pin (the element for locking) with the force generated by the second elastic element is, in particular, a tilting of the locking pin (the element for locking) and / or by pressing one side of the locking pin (the locking element) against a surface of the latch.

The force exerted on the front by the projection is directed along an axis of deformation of the second elastic element. The deformation axis is the deformation axis along which the second elastic element is deformed, at least in the closed state of the housing, thereby generating the force with which the latching device and / or the locking pin is acted on.

In one embodiment, the permanent magnet has a linear, i.e. along a straight line, magnetization axis. When the tool is correctly positioned on the housing, the magnetization axis preferably runs along the direction of movement of the locking pin provided by the guide.

Furthermore, the tool can have a frontal permanent magnet, which lies in the region of the front when the tool is correctly positioned on the housing.

The frontal permanent magnet is in particular set up in such a way that the movable element can be guided over it when the closure device is in an open state, i.e. when the locking pin (s) is in the second position.

The housing in one of the above-mentioned embodiments and the tool in one of the above-mentioned embodiments can be part of a system which is in particular set up to house a mechatronic locking system, for example for a door, and to ensure easy access to the locking system or parts thereof, this easy access does not compromise the security of the locking system.

• Zur Verfügung stellen des Gehäuses in einem geschlossenen Zustand, wobei der geschlossene Zustand dadurch gegeben ist, dass die Front in einer mit der Umwandung bündigen und die Öffnung verschliessenden Position ist und dass der Sperrstift in der ersten Position ist.
• Ansetzen einer entlang der Öffnungsachse gerichteten Kraft an das bewegliche Element, beispielsweise indem Druck auf die Front ausgeübt wird. Bei Ausführungsformen des Gehäuses, beziehungsweise der Verschlussvorrichtung, bei welcher die Einrastvorrichtung starr mit dem beweglichen Element verbunden ist, kann durch die angesetzte Kraft der Sperrstift entlastet werden, indem der durch das zweite elastische Element erzeugten Kraft, mit welcher der Sperrstift und/oder die Verschlussvorrichtung beaufschlagt sind, entgegengewirkt wird.

A method according to the invention for opening a previously described housing which has an element with a front which is movable relative to the conversion, the movable element being able to be at least partially introduced into and out of the interior along an opening axis through the opening, has the following steps :

• Providing the housing in a closed state, wherein the closed state is given by the fact that the front is in a position flush with the wall and the opening is closed and that the locking pin is in the first position.
• Applying a force directed along the opening axis to the movable element, for example by exerting pressure on the front. In embodiments of the housing, or the closure device, in which the latching device rigidly with the Movable element is connected, can be relieved by the applied force of the locking pin by counteracting the force generated by the second elastic element with which the locking pin and / or the locking device are applied.

• Bewegen des Sperrstiftes von der ersten Position in die zweite Position. In Ausführungsformen mit einem Sperrstift, welcher ferromagnetisches Material aufweist, geschieht dies vorzugsweise über einen, von aussen an das Gehäuse herangeführten Permanentmagneten.
• Übergang des Gehäuses vom geschlossenen Zustand in einen offenen Zustand, wobei der offene Zustand dadurch gegeben ist, dass der Sperrstift in der ersten Position ist. Auch in dem so definierten offenen Zustand kann sich die Front noch in einer mit der Umwandung bündigen und die Öffnung verschliessenden Position befinden. Dies ist insbesondere dann der Fall, wenn das bewegliche Element und die damit verbundene Einrastvorrichtung über ein Übertragungselement mit der durch das zweite elastische Element erzeugten Kraft beaufschlagt werden und das Übertragungselement fehlt.
• Herausziehen des beweglichen Elements, wobei das bewegliche Element insbesondere so weit herausgezogen wird, dass die über die Öffnung auszuführende Manipulation, beispielsweise ein Ersatz der Batterien, aufgeführt werden kann.

Of course, embodiments of the housing or of the closure device are also conceivable (different arrangement and / or configuration of the second elastic element), in which tension must be exerted on the movable element in order to provide for said relief.

• Moving the locking pin from the first position to the second position. In embodiments with a locking pin, which has ferromagnetic material, this is preferably done via a permanent magnet which is brought to the outside of the housing.
• Transition of the housing from the closed state to an open state, the open state being given by the locking pin being in the first position. Even in the open state defined in this way, the front can still be in a position flush with the conversion and closing the opening. This is particularly the case when the movable element and the locking device connected to it are acted upon by the force generated by the second elastic element via a transmission element and the transmission element is missing.
• Pulling out the movable element, wherein the movable element is particularly pulled out so far that the over the opening manipulation to be carried out, for example a replacement of the batteries, can be listed.

The method can further comprise the step "making a tool available according to one of the previously described embodiments". The tool is used in particular in the steps "applying a force directed along the opening axis" and "moving the locking pin (the element for locking)". The former occurs via the shape already described, in particular the projection, of the tool, the latter via the permanent magnets mentioned, which, when the tool is correctly positioned, can have a magnetization axis which runs along the direction of movement of the locking pin.

In addition, the step "pulling out the movable element" can also be carried out using the tool, for example in that it has an already mentioned frontal permanent magnet.

• Fig. 1 ein mechatronisches Schliesssystem, welches eine Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemässen Gehäuses aufweist und an welchem ein erfindungsgemässes Werkzeug zum Einsatz kommen kann;
• Fig. 2 eine Explosionsdarstellung einer Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemässen Gehäuses;
• Fig. 3 eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemässen Gehäuses in geschlossenem Zustand;
• Fig. 4 das Gehäuse gemäss Figur 3 in offenem Zustand;
• Fig. 5 das Gehäuse gemäss Figuren 3 und 4 während des Übergangs vom offenem in den geschlossenen Zustand;
• Fig. 6 eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform eines Werkzeugs; und
• Fig. 7.1 bis 7.4 eine Abfolge von schematischen Darstellungen, welche den Ablauf einer Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemässen Verfahrens illustrieren.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to drawings. Show it:

• Fig. 1 a mechatronic locking system which has an embodiment of a housing according to the invention and on which a tool according to the invention can be used;
• Fig. 2 an exploded view of an embodiment of a housing according to the invention;
• Fig. 3 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a housing according to the invention in the closed state;
• Fig. 4 the housing according to Figure 3 in open condition;
• Fig. 5 the housing according to Figures 3 and 4 during the transition from the open to the closed state;
• Fig. 6 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a tool; and
• Fig. 7.1 to 7.4 a sequence of schematic representations which illustrate the sequence of an embodiment of a method according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows a mechatronic locking system 100 which has a housing 2 according to the invention in a closed state and on which a tool 20 according to the invention can be used. When viewed from the outside, only a conversion 10 of the housing 2 and a front 13 of a movable element 12 described in more detail below can be seen in the closed state.

• Die Umwandung 10 mit einer Öffnung 11 sowie mit Mitteln 30 zur Befestigung des Gehäuses an einer Tür in Form von Bohrungen mit innenseitigem Gewinde. Die Umwandung 10 ist derart geformt, dass sie einen Innenraum definiert. Ein geschlossener Innenraum entsteht in Kombination mit weiteren, nicht gezeigten Front- und Rückelementen.
• Zwei Verschlussvorrichtungen 1, wobei jede der beiden dargestellten Verschlussvorrichtungen 1 ein ersten elastischen Elements 4 in Form einer (Schrauben-)Feder, einen Sperrstift 3, eine Führung 5 in Form einer durchgehenden Bohrung durch eine (im fertigen Gehäuse) im Innenraum liegende Wandung, und eine Einrastvorrichtung 6 aufweist. Die Einrastvorrichtungen 6 sind als Aussparungen auf gegenüberliegenden Seiten des beweglichen Elements 12 realisiert.

Figure 2 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a housing 2 according to the invention. This has the following components: - The movable element 12 with the front 13, wherein in the embodiment shown the movable element 12 is a battery compartment.

• The transformation 10 with an opening 11 and with means 30 for fastening the housing to a door in the form of bores with an internal thread. Conversion 10 is shaped to define an interior. A closed interior is created in combination with other front and rear elements, not shown.
• Two locking devices 1, each of the two locking devices 1 shown, a first elastic element 4 in the form of a (helical) spring, a locking pin 3, a guide 5 in the form of a continuous bore through a wall (in the finished housing) in the interior, and has a locking device 6. The latching devices 6 are realized as cutouts on opposite sides of the movable element 12.

The locking pins have a metallic area made of iron. A force can thus be exerted on the locking pins by applying a magnetic field.

Two battery springs form a second elastic element 7, the second battery spring being attached to an inside of the movable element 12 and not shown in the illustration.

• Ein für das Gehäuse 2 optionales, für die gezeigte Ausführungsform mit einem Batteriefach als bewegliches Element 12 spezifisches Gegenstück 14 zum Batteriefach. In der gezeigten Ausführungsform umfasst das Gegenstück 14 neben den Führungen 5 der Sperrstifte 3 eine seitliche Führung 15 des beweglichen Elements (Batteriefach) 12 und es trägt eine erste der beiden Batteriefedern.

Each locking pin 3 has a longitudinal axis 19 which runs essentially parallel to an axis of the guide (bore) 5 and a movement direction 17 discussed below. Furthermore, the locking pins 3 shown have a collar 9, which is used on the one hand for mounting the locking pin 3 on the first elastic element 4 and on the other hand for defining a maximum deflection of the locking pin 3 along the direction of movement 17.

• An optional counterpart 14 for the housing 2, specific for the embodiment shown with a battery compartment as a movable element 12 to the battery compartment. In the embodiment shown, in addition to the guides 5 of the locking pins 3, the counterpart 14 comprises a lateral guide 15 of the movable element (battery compartment) 12 and carries a first of the two battery springs.

The movable element 12 is set up so that it does not form a self-contained load frame. Instead, the movable element 12 and counterpart 14 — provided the second elastic element 7 is not in its equilibrium state — are under mechanical tension relative to one another.

Figure 3 shows the specific arrangement of the various components according to Figure 2 for the case of a closed housing 2, ie on the one hand an outer side of the front 13 runs flush with an outer side of the wall 10 and closes the opening 11 and on the other hand the locking pins 3 are in a position (first position) in which they fit into the recesses 6 intervene.

In each of the two closure devices 1 shown, the first elastic element (spring) 4 lies against the inside of the wall 10.

The locking pin 3 has a locking pin part located relative to the collar 9 against the wall 10 (hereinafter outside locking pin part 3.1) and a locking pin part lying relative to the collar against the interior of the housing 2 (hereinafter inside locking pin part 3.2) on.

The inside locking pin part 3.2 is guided through the guide 5 realized as a through hole. The depth of the bore is smaller than the length of the inside locking pin part 3.2 along the longitudinal axis 19 of the locking pin 3.

The locking pin 3 rests on a wall-side surface of the collar 9 on the first elastic element (spring) 4. The collar 9 rests on a transverse surface of the guide 5 on a surface of the collar 9 lying against the interior. The latter defines the maximum deflection of the locking pin 3 along its direction of movement 17. The first elastic element 4 is set up, the locking pin 3 even with maximum deflection with an impacting, i.e. force directed against the interior.

At maximum deflection, the inside locking pin part 3.2 projects so far beyond the guide 5 that it engages in the locking device (recess) 6.

In the embodiment shown, batteries perform the function of the transition element 16 mentioned in the text.

When batteries are inserted, the second elastic element (the battery springs 7, the battery spring of the battery shown in the figure on the left is on the side of the battery facing away from the front 13 and is therefore not visible) is not in its equilibrium state, but rather along one Deformation axis 8 pressed together. Since, as mentioned, the movable element (battery compartment) 12 does not form a closed load frame, the movable element 12 is subjected to a force in relation to all components which are firmly connected to the housing 2. This leads to the fact that the movable element 12 is pressed out of the interior of the housing 2 until a force of the same size but opposite to the force generated by the second elastic element 7 has arisen at the contact point between the latching devices (recesses) 6 and the inside locking pin parts 3.2 , This is in Figure 3 shown in that the locking pins 3 do not lie centrally in the corresponding latching devices (recesses) 6, but rest on the sides facing away from the cover 13. The force acting between the two locking pins 3 and the two latching devices 6 leads to a tilting of the locking pins 3 and to a frictional resistance, whereby the movement of the locking pins 3 along their directions of movement 17 in the direction of the transformation 10 is made considerably more difficult.

In the in Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the two locking devices 1 are arranged such that only an opposite movement of the locking pins 3 leads to an opening (or closing) of both locking devices 1 and thus of the housing 2.

Figure 4 shows the specific arrangement of the various components according to Figure 2 in the case of an open housing 2, ie on the one hand the locking pins 3 are in a position (second position) in which they do not engage in the latching devices (recesses) 6, and on the other hand the opening 11 is not complete closed by the front 13, in that the movable element 12 is pushed into the opening along an opening axis 18.

Furthermore shows Figure 4 an optionally available, elastically deformable seal 31. This allows the movable element (battery compartment) 12 to be pushed a little further into the housing 2 even when the housing 2 is closed. This is how in Figure 7 is still shown in detail, advantageous to relieve the locking pins 3 for a short time and thus to facilitate their movement along their directions of movement 17 in the direction of the transformation.

Ultimately shows Figure 5 the specific arrangement of the various components according to Figure 2 for the case of a housing 2 immediately after opening or immediately before closing the same. Since the locking pins 3 are each mounted on the wall on a first elastic element (spring) 4, they can retract in the direction of the guide (through hole) 5.

The inside locking pin part 3.2 each has chamfered edges and a flat end surface which has a reduced diameter compared to the diameter of the inside locking pin part 3.2 (see also Figures 3, 4 and 7 ). As a result, the movable element (battery compartment) 12 can slide along the locking pins 3 as soon as this - for example through a like in Figure 7 shown method - was released, ie after the locking pins 3 have moved at least briefly from their first to their second position.

After the movable element 12 has been released, or before it is pushed in, the element 12 takes the position shown in FIG Figure 5 shown position in which the second elastic element (battery springs) 7 is in its equilibrium state.

If the second elastic element 7 does not exert any force on the movable element 12, for example because the transmission elements (batteries) 16 are missing, or if such a force is too weak and no other means for automatically jumping the movable element 12 out of the housing 2 are provided a tool like in Figure 6 shown remedy. For this purpose, the front 13 has ferromagnetic, for example ferritic material.

Figure 6 shows a tool 20 for opening a housing 2 according to the invention, the tool 20 being set up to carry out the optional function “pulling out the movable element 12 no longer locked”.

The tool 20 has a shape that is matched to the shape of the housing 2 in such a way that the tool 20 can be fitted in a form-fitting manner around a region of the housing 2, this region comprising the front 13. For this purpose, the tool 20 has a central tool part 25 and two tool extensions 26.

A projection 23 is arranged on an area of the tool 20 which faces the housing 2 when the tool 20 is correctly positioned. When the tool 20 is correctly positioned, this projection comes to lie directly above the front 13. Thus, a force acting on the tool 20 parallel to the opening axis 18 is transmitted from the same only to the front, whereby the relief of the locking pins 3 already described can be achieved.

A permanent magnet 21 is arranged on each of the two tool extensions 26 and has a magnetization axis 24 which is oriented essentially parallel to the direction of movement 17 of the locking pins. Since the locking pins 3 have a metallic area made of iron, but are not themselves magnets, it is of no importance for the functionality of the tool 20 which of the two poles faces the locking pin 3. This is particularly advantageous for the manufacture of the tool.

The permanent magnets 21 are also arranged locally on the tool extensions 26 such that they come to lie centrally over the locking pins 3 when the tool 20 is correctly positioned.

In order to carry out the optional function “pulling out of the non-locked movable element 12” described above, this is shown in Figure 6 Tool 20 shown further has a permanent magnet arranged in the region of the central tool part 25 (hereinafter referred to as frontal permanent magnet 22). When the tool is correctly positioned, this is located centrally above the front, which has ferromagnetic material.

The permanent magnets are made, for example, of neodymium-iron-boron, in particular Nd2Fe14B.

The Figures 7.1 to 7.4 show the central steps of a method for opening a Figures 1-5 housing 2 shown using the in Figure 6 Tool 20 shown. Furthermore, the state of the housing (upper area of the respective figure) or of the closure system 1 (detailed view in the lower area of the respective figure) is shown during each step. Because of The number of reference symbols in the Figures 7.2 to 7.4 reduced. It goes without saying that the reference symbols according to Figure 7.1 for the Figures 7.2 to 7.4 apply accordingly.

In Figure 7 , 1 the tool 20 is positioned correctly, ie essentially positively, on the housing 20. However, no force is yet exerted on the movable element (battery compartment) 12 via the tool 20. Accordingly, locking pins 3 and locking devices (recesses) 6 are still pressed against one another and the force generated by the magnetic field of the permanent magnets 21 on the ferromagnetic regions of the locking pins 3 is not sufficient to deform both the first elastic elements (springs) 4 and the to overcome resistance generated by the canting of the locking pins 3 and by pressing together locking pins 3 and locking devices 6. Consequently, the housing 2 is unchanged in the closed state, or the locking pins 3 are unchanged in the first position.

In Figure 7 , 2 the state is shown immediately after it has started to exert a force on the movable element 12 and thus the latching devices 6 via the tool 20 and the front 13. This force relieves the locking pins 3, whereby the aforementioned resistance is reduced, that is to say the locking pins 3 are no longer tilted and are no longer pressed against the latching devices 6.

Thanks to this relief of the locking pins 3 and the associated reduction in the aforementioned resistance, the force generated by the magnetic field of the permanent magnets 21 on the ferromagnetic regions of the locking pins 3 is now sufficient to move them into their second position. The resulting state of the Locking system 1 with locking pins 3 in the second position and with the force still present on the tool 20 is shown in FIG Figure 7 , 3 shown.

Ultimately shows Figure 7 , 4 the condition of the locking system (detailed view in the lower area of the Figure 7.4 ), or the housing 2 (upper part of the Figure 7.4 ) after no more force is exerted on the movable element 12 via the tool 20. The second elastic element (battery springs) 7 has changed into its basic state, whereby it has pushed the movable element 12 out of the housing. The locking devices 6 are no longer in the area of the locking pins 3, as a result of which they can no longer pass into their first position even after the force generated by the magnetic field of the permanent magnets 21 has ceased to exist.

Claims (15)

1. A housing (2) for a locking system (100), wherein the housing (2) includes a surrounding walling (10) with an opening (11), an element (12), which is mobile in relation to the surrounding walling (10), and a closure device (1), wherein the surrounding walling (10) defines an interior space and the closure device (1) is adapted to arrest the mobile element (12) in relation to the surrounding walling, and wherein the closure element (1) includes an element (3) for interlocking, a first elastic element (4), a guide (5) and a latching device (6), wherein the first elastic element (4) movably supports the element (3) for interlocking, and the element (3) for interlocking is movable along a direction of movement (17) specified by the guide (5) in such a manner that, in a first position, it engages into the latching device (6) and, in a second position, it does not engage into the latching device (6), wherein, in the first position, the latching device (6) is prevented from movement in relation to the element (3) for interlocking, characterized in that, furthermore, the closure device (1) includes a second elastic element (7), which charges the latching device (6) and/or the element (3) for interlocking with a force having a component vertical to the direction of movement (17) of the element (3) for interlocking, and in that the element (3) for interlocking includes ferromagnetic material and is movable by means of applying a magnetic field along the direction of movement (17), which is specified by the guide (5).
2. The housing according to claim 1, wherein the force is adapted to press the latching device (6) and the element (3) for interlocking in such a manner against each other that the element (3) for interlocking is canted and/or in that one side of the element (3) for interlocking is pressed against a surface of the latching device (6).
3. The housing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the latching device (6) is a part of the element (12), which is mobile in relation to the surrounding walling (10), or is rigidly connected to the mobile element (12), wherein the mobile element (12) can be brought into the interior space and out of said space at least partially through the opening (11).
4. The housing according to claim 3, wherein the mobile element (12) is a push tray, in particular a battery compartment or a cover, which is adapted to close a compartment, in particular battery compartment, which is located in the interior space of the housing (2) and is accessible through the opening (11).
5. The housing according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the second elastic element (7) charges the latching device (6) with the force via the mobile element (12) and/or via a transmission element (16), in particular a battery.
6. The housing according to any of the claims 3 to 5, wherein the mobile element (12) includes a front (13), which can be brought into a position, which is flush with the surrounding walling (10) and closes the opening (11).
7. The housing according to claim 6, wherein the front (13) includes ferromagnetic material and/or the housing includes an elastically deformable seal (31), on which the front (13) rests in the position, which is flush and closes the opening (11).
8. The housing according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second elastic element (7) is a battery spring.
9. The housing according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the closure device (1) includes a first element for interlocking and a second element for interlocking, wherein the direction of movement of the first element for interlocking for occupying the first, respectively the second positions is opposite to the direction of movement of the second element for interlocking for occupying the first, respectively the second positions.
10. A tool (20) for opening a housing (2) according to any of the claims 1 to 9, wherein

    - the housing (2) includes an element (12), which is mobile in relation to the surrounding walling (10) and which can be brought into the interior space and out of said interior space at least partially through the opening (11), and a front (13), which can be brought into a position flush with the surrounding walling (10) and closing the opening (11), wherein said position of the front (13) defines a closed condition of the housing (2),

    - the tool (20) has a shape, which self-positions the tool (20) at the closed housing,

    wherein the tool (20) is characterized in that it includes a permanent magnet (21), which is adapted to reach interaction with the ferromagnetic material of the element (3) for interlocking, and in that furthermore, the tool (20) includes a projection (23), which is disposed such that, with the tool (20) being positioned at the housing (2), said projection is in contact to the front (13) and in that, with a force applied at the tool (20), said projection charges the front (13) with such a force that an effect, which is generated by means of charging the latching device (6) and/or the element (3) for interlocking, is at least partially compensated for by the force developed by the second elastic element (7).
11. The tool according to claim 10, wherein the force exerted onto the front (13) by means of the projection (23) is directed along an axis of deformation (8) of the second elastic element (7), wherein a deformation of the second elastic element (7) along said axis of deformation (8) develops the force, with which the latching device (6) and/or the element (3) for interlocking is charged.
12. The tool according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the permanent magnet (21) has a linear axis of magnetization (24), and wherein, with the tool (20) being positioned at the housing (2), the axis of magnetization (24) extends along the direction of movement (17) of the element (3) for interlocking.
13. The tool according to any of the claims 10 to 12, including a frontal permanent magnet (22), which, with the tool (20) being positioned at the housing (2), is located in the area of the front (13).
14. A system including a housing (2) according to any of the claims 1 to 9, and a tool (20) according to any of the claims 10 to 13.
15. A method for opening a housing (2) according to any of the claims 1 to 9, including the following steps:

    - providing the housing (2) in a closed condition, wherein the housing (2) includes an element (12), which is mobile in relation to a surrounding walling (10), and with a front (13), wherein, along an opening axis (18), the mobile element (12) can be brought into the interior space and out of said space at least partially through the opening (11), and wherein the closed condition is given in that the front (13) is in a position flush with the surrounding walling (10) and closing the opening (11), and in that the element (3) for interlocking is in the first position;

    - applying a force at the mobile element (12), which force is directed along the opening axis (18);

    - moving the element (3) for interlocking from the first position into the second position;

    - the housing (2) transitioning from the closed condition into an opened condition, wherein the opened condition is given in that the element (3) for interlocking is in the second position;

    - pulling out the mobile element (12).

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