EP3957809B1 - Method for producing a key with a generator - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for producing a key with a key bow and a key shank protruding freely from the key bow according to the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Keys for actuating an electric cylinder are known from practice. These keys have key electronics to transmit a coded opening signal to the locking cylinder, a so-called E-cylinder. One advantage is that the coding of the key or e-cylinder can be easily programmed electronically.

From the EP 1 039 074 B1 a key with a key bow and a key shank for actuating electronically secured locks is known. This key has a flywheel generator and an energy store, which is arranged in the key bow. The flywheel generator has a mass pendulum in the form of a flywheel, which is driven by vibrations that occur when carrying or moving the key. This energy will be in one Stored energy storage in order to use this energy when operating a lock cylinder, if necessary, to generate an electronically coded opening signal. In addition to the mechanical components of a key, such a key also has additional components for the generator and the electronics. The production of such a key is therefore correspondingly expensive.

The object of the invention is to provide a key that is sustainable from an environmental point of view, while having a high level of security and reliability and, in particular, being easy to produce.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method for producing a key according to the features of claim 1 .

According to the invention, a method for producing a key with a key bow and with a key shank protruding freely from the key bow is proposed, the key having key electronics which transmits a coded opening signal to a lock cylinder and also having a generator which transmits the key electronics and/or a Lock cylinder electronics supplied with electrical energy. It is essential that the generator and the key electronics are each designed as a structural unit and the generator is placed on the key electronics, or the key electronics is placed on the generator, the generator being electrically connected to the key electronics by the placement.

Both the generator and the key electronics each include a plurality of individual components. By these components each as a unit are formed, there is no need to integrate such a plurality of corresponding components individually into the key. Instead, in the production according to the invention, it is sufficient if one structural unit from the generator and one structural unit from the key electronics are used and connected to one another. In particular, this is done in one step. This simplifies the production of the key considerably and production costs can also be reduced without the quality or reliability of the key suffering as a result. Furthermore, at the same time as the generator is placed on the key electronics, an electrical connection is created between the generator and the key electronics, without this having to be produced separately, ie with an additional work step. As a result, both the mechanical connection and the electrical connection are preferably completed in one work step.

Placing the generator on the key electronics is preferably understood to mean a mechanical connection, placement or joining of the two structural units. In particular, the generator unit and the key electronics unit can be joined or placed on top of one another or connected to one another in such a way that a new, in particular composite, unit is formed.

In particular, a structural unit is understood to mean a modular configuration. This means that the generator and/or the key electronics are each designed as a structural unit or as a module and can be used as such in the key or in the key bow. This simplifies the production of the key, since the components of the respective structural unit do not have to be used separately and connected to one another. Instead of this the assembly can be prefabricated and used as a complete module in the manufacture of the key. A structural unit preferably has a mechanical support for holding a number of components of the generator or the key electronics and/or a housing for holding a number of components of the generator or the key electronics.

In one embodiment, it can be provided that the key electronics have at least two contact pins and the generator has at least two corresponding contact sockets, or that the generator has at least two contact pins and the key electronics have at least two corresponding contact sockets, and that when the generator is placed on the key electronics, the at least two Contact pins are electrically connected to the at least two corresponding contact sockets.

For example, the contact pins and the corresponding contact sockets can be designed as a plug-in connection. The contact pins or the contact sockets can each be arranged mechanically firmly on a structural unit, i.e. the generator or the key electronics and aligned in such a way that when the generator is placed on the key electronics, a plug connection is automatically established and the generator is electrically connected to the key electronics . The at least two corresponding contact sockets can be formed as a single socket with two poles. Correspondingly, the at least two contact pins can be designed as a plug with two poles. By putting on a plug connection between the socket and the plug can be made automatically.

In one embodiment, it can be provided that the electronic key has at least two contact pins and the generator has at least two corresponding contact surfaces, or that the generator has at least two contact pins and the electronic key has at least two corresponding contact surfaces, and that when the generator is placed on the electronic key, the at least two Contact pins are electrically connected to the at least two corresponding contact surfaces. This configuration has the advantage that the alignment of the generator and electronic key to one another can have more tolerance, since the contact surfaces corresponding to the contact pins can produce a reliable electrically conductive connection even if there is a certain deviation from an optimal alignment of the generator and electronic key to one another.

Provision can preferably be made for the at least two contact pins to be in the form of spring-loaded pins or pogo pins. By designing the contact pins as spring-loaded pins, an additional tolerance compensation can take place. This improves the reliability of the electrically conductive connection.

Alternatively, contact springs produced using stamping and bending technology with a dedicated contact rivet or also known as conical coil connectors with a corresponding coating, such as those used for contacting battery cells, can also be used as contact pins. These also allow tolerance compensation and, at the same time, long-term stable contact.

In one embodiment, it can be provided that the bow of the key is designed as a housing with a space for accommodating the generator and the key electronics.

In particular, the bow of the key can have two halves of the housing, with the key electronics being arranged in the first half of the housing and the generator being arranged in the second half of the housing.

In this case, it can be provided that by connecting the two housing halves to form the bow of the key, the generator is placed on the key electronics and connected in an electrically conductive manner. This further simplifies the manufacture of the key, since the attachment between the generator and the key electronics can take place in one go with the connection of the two housing halves.

In particular, it can be provided that the key shank is connected to the first housing half and the key electronics are arranged in the first housing half, preferably connected to the first housing half, in particular glued, latched or screwed, and that the key electronics are electrically conductively connected to the key shank before the generator is placed on the key electronics.

In one embodiment, it can be provided that the key shank has an electrically conductive body and a contact that is electrically insulated from this for establishing an electrical connection to a lock cylinder, and that the key electronics in the first housing half are connected to the electrically conductive body of the key via a first connection Key shank and is electrically conductively connected via a second terminal to the contact. As a result, the key electronics can be electrically conductively connected to the key shank in a simple manner.

Alternatively, two electrically conductive contacts can also be provided on the key shank, which are designed to be insulated from the key shank. This has the advantage that the key can also be used in potentially explosive areas.

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the electronic key is formed together with an energy store, comprising at least one capacitor, on a common circuit board as a structural unit. Further components of the key electronics can be passive components, for example resistors and/or capacitors and/or coils, and/or active components such as, for example, integrated circuits (ICs) and/or transistors and/or diodes.

In addition, it can be provided that the generator is designed as a structural unit together with a restoring spring and with a transmission device and preferably with a transmission element. Further components of the generator can be bearings and/or magnets and/or pole coils and/or a rotor and/or a stator.

In particular, the generator arranged in the bow of the key is designed to supply the key electronics with electrical energy. Preferably, the generator is driven by a movable component, which when inserting the key shank of the key in a Lock cylinder comes into contact with the lock cylinder and drives the generator upon further insertion of the key shank into the lock cylinder, preferably drives it in rotation.

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

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

In particular, during operation, a lock cylinder is actuated or mechanically actuated by the key produced by the method according to the invention. Actuation of the lock cylinder, in particular mechanical actuation of the lock cylinder, is preferably understood to mean rotation of the lock cylinder or the lock cylinder core by the key. To do this, the key shank is inserted into a key channel of the lock cylinder. The lock cylinder can be designed in particular as a so-called e-lock cylinder and has key electronics and an electronically switchable blocking element.

In particular, an electronically coded opening signal is transmitted or exchanged between the key and the lock cylinder in order to check whether the key is authorized to open.

The electronically switchable blocking element normally blocks actuation of the lock cylinder. Only after the key electronics or the lock cylinder has received a correct or valid opening signal from the key or the key electronics is the electronically switchable blocking element released and the lock cylinder can be actuated by turning the key.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Provision can advantageously be made for an electrical contact to be arranged on the key shank in order to connect the key electronics to a lock cylinder electronics, with the generator for supplying a lock cylinder electronics with electrical energy via this contact is trained. The key shank is preferably designed to be electrically conductive and the electrical contact is designed to be insulated from the key shank. As a result, an electrical circuit having two poles can be constructed, for example by using the key shank as ground and the electrical contact as the second pole. When the key is fully inserted into a lock cylinder, a circuit can be closed with the lock cylinder by means of the electrical contact. This makes it possible to supply the electronics of the lock cylinder, ie the lock cylinder electronics, with electrical energy from the generator arranged in the key or from the energy store of the key. As a result, a wiring of the lock cylinder through the lock or through the door can completely fail. One advantage is that there is no need for a power supply unit.

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

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

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

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

In particular, one embodiment can provide that when the key is inserted in a lock cylinder, the generator and/or the energy store supplies the lock cylinder electronics of the lock cylinder with electrical energy via the electrical contact of the key shank becomes. A separate power supply, in particular a mains-connected power supply, can thus be omitted for the lock cylinder.

Advantageously, the housing of the key bow can be electrically insulating, preferably made of a plastic. This creates a mechanically robust and at the same time electrically non-conductive installation space for the generator and the key electronics. In particular, the key bow or the housing of the key bow can be mechanically firmly connected to the key shank, for example glued, or riveted, or screwed or molded onto the key shank.

In one embodiment, it can be provided that a movable component, in particular a carriage or a slide, is arranged on the key shank. The moveable member cooperates with the generator to drive the generator, preferably in rotation, to generate electrical energy. When the key shank is inserted into a lock cylinder, the movable component preferably comes into contact with the lock cylinder. As the key is further inserted, the movable component is displaced relative to the key shank.

The terms carriage and slide are preferably used synonymously here. These are components that have the same function. Carriages and sliders usually differ in the way they are mounted. A slide, for example, sits more on the outside of its guide, i.e. on the key shank, and encompasses a guide. A slide is guided, for example, in a groove in the key shank and preferably engages in a form-fitting manner. Both types of storage can be implemented next to each other in one component.

In particular, it can be provided that the movable component, in particular the carriage or the slide, is arranged on the key shank or connected to the key shank before the key shank is connected to the key bow.

In particular, it can be provided that the movable component or that the carriage or the slide interacts with a gear element in order to convert the linear movement of the movable component or the carriage or the slide into a rotational movement for rotating the generator.

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

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

Provision can preferably be made for the gear element to be connected to the carriage or the slide via a clutch after the generator has been placed on the key electronics. The advantage of the clutch is that the drive of the generator with the gear element and the carriage are constructed in two parts. Due to this two-part structure, the gear element assigned to the generator can be accommodated in the bow of the key. The carriage or the slide can be arranged as a movable element outside the key bow on the key shank. It is advantageous that the carriage or the slide is connected to the gear element via the coupling in such a way that both tensile forces and pressure forces are transmitted between the gear element and the carriage or slide. In particular, the coupling is dimensioned in such a way that the pressure forces or thrust forces occurring during normal operation are not sufficient to release the coupling connection. As a result, a high level of functional reliability and a non-detachable connection between the gear element and the carriage or slide under normal conditions is achieved with a simple production of the key.

Provision can advantageously be made for the transmission element to be arranged between the generator and the key electronics.

The coupling can be designed as a snap-in coupling or snap-on coupling and the carriage or slide can be connected to the transmission element by pressure in the direction of the transmission element by snapping in or snapping in the coupling.

In particular, it can be provided that the gear element converts a linear movement of the carriage or slide into a rotational movement for rotating the generator.

In one embodiment, an overrunning clutch can be provided so that the carriage or the slide only engages with the generator when the key is inserted into a locking channel of a lock cylinder, while the overrunning clutch separates the carriage or the slide when it is pulled out, so that the generator only driven in one direction of rotation. In particular, the overrunning clutch can be provided between the generator and the movable component. The overrunning clutch can be constructed in the same way as a bicycle freewheel. I.e. as long as the carriage or the slide is moved in the direction of the key bow, they are in driving engagement with the generator. If the carriage or the slider is braked or stops towards the end of the path, the overrunning clutch separates the connection to the generator. As a result, the generator can continue to rotate even if the carriage or slide is braked or is stationary. Furthermore, when the key is pulled out of a lock cylinder, the carriage or the slide can move in the opposite direction to the original drive direction, i.e. move back into the starting position, without the rotation of the generator being adversely affected as a result.

In particular, it can be provided that the carriage or the slide is acted upon by a spring in the direction of the tip of the key. The spring can be designed as a torsion spring or as a spiral spring. The spring can be used to ensure that the carriage or slide is always in its initial position when the key is removed from a lock cylinder. ie in the front position, ie in the position facing the tip of the key shank.

In particular, it can be provided that an optical display, preferably comprising an LED, is arranged on the bow of the key, the optical display being supplied with electrical energy by the generator. Error messages or status messages, for example, can be visually visualized for a user by the visual display.

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

Preferably, it can be provided that the lock cylinder electronics is supplied by the generator with electrical energy to a between the To check the opening signal exchanged between the key electronics and the lock cylinder electronics and, if there is an opening authorization, to activate a blocking element in order to enable mechanical actuation of the lock cylinder.

Fig. 1a-1c:

Schlüssel mit einem Schließzylinder in unterschiedlichen Bedienpositionen;

Fig. 2a:

ein Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen Schlüssels mit geöffneter Schlüsselreide;

Fig. 2b:

ein Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen Schlüssels gemäß Fig. 2a ohne Schlüsselelektronik;

Fig. 3a:

ein Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen Schlüssels mit Pleueltrieb;

Fig. 3b:

ein Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen Schlüssels mit Riementrieb;

Fig 3c:

ein Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen Schlüssels mit Spindeltrieb;

Fig. 4a-7b:

ein Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen Schlüssels mit einem Zahnstangentrieb;

Fig. 8:

ein alternatives Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen Schlüssels mit einem abgewandelten beweglichen Bauteil;

Fig. 9

eine Explosionsdarstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Schlüssels;

Fig 10:

eine weitere Explosionsdarstellung gemäß Fig. 9;

Fig. 11a:

eine 3D Darstellung des Generators und der Schlüsselelektronik;

Fig. 11b:

eine Seitendarstellung des Generators und der Schlüsselelektronik;

Fig. 12:

eine vergrößerte Darstellung des Schlüsselschaftes mit beweglich gelagertem Schlitten;

Fig. 13:

eine Vorderansicht des erfindungsgemäßen Schlüssels mit geöffneter Schlüsselreide und Schlitten;

Fig. 14:

ein Querschnitt durch den Schlüsselschaft im Bereich des beweglich gelagerten Schlittens;

Fig. 15:

ein schematisches Schaltbild des erfindungsgemäßen Schlüssels mit einem Schließzylinder.

Further embodiments of the invention are shown in the figures and described below. show:

Figures 1a-1c:

Keys with a lock cylinder in different operating positions;

Figure 2a:

an embodiment of the key according to the invention with the key bow open;

Figure 2b:

an embodiment of the key according to the invention Figure 2a without key electronics;

Figure 3a:

an embodiment of the key according to the invention with connecting rod;

Figure 3b:

an embodiment of the key according to the invention with belt drive;

Figure 3c:

an embodiment of the key according to the invention with spindle drive;

Figures 4a-7b:

an embodiment of the key according to the invention with a rack and pinion;

Figure 8:

an alternative embodiment of the key according to the invention with a modified movable component;

9

an exploded view of an embodiment of the key according to the invention;

Figure 10:

another exploded view according to 9 ;

Figure 11a:

a 3D representation of the generator and the key electronics;

Figure 11b:

a side view of the generator and the key electronics;

Figure 12:

an enlarged view of the key shank with movably mounted slide;

Figure 13:

a front view of the key according to the invention with the key bow and slide open;

Figure 14:

a cross section through the key shank in the area of the movably mounted carriage;

Figure 15:

a schematic circuit diagram of the key according to the invention with a lock cylinder.

Different exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the figures. These are to be understood as merely descriptive and not restrictive. Components with the same effect are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures. A person skilled in the art can vary or interchange different features of the illustrated exemplary embodiments based on his or her technical skills, without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims.

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

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

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

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

In the in the Figures 1a to 1c In the exemplary embodiment shown, the movable component 4 is designed as a carriage 42 that is movably mounted on the key shank 3 . As in the Figures 1a to 1c shown, the carriage 42 comes into contact with the lock cylinder 11 when the key 1 is inserted into the lock cylinder and is displaced relative to the key shank as the key shank 3 is further inserted into the firing channel of the lock cylinder 11, thereby driving via the gear element 5 and the gear device 6 in generator 9. In this case, the generator 9 generates electrical energy in order to provide key electronics 7, shown for example in Figure 2a to supply with electrical energy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Furthermore, a restoring spring 62 is arranged in the bow 2 of the key. The restoring spring 62 can be designed as a component of the transmission device 6 or can be designed as a separate restoring spring. The return spring 62 is formed in the example shown as a torsion spring 62 and serves to move the movable component 4 or the carriage 42 when removing the key 1 from a lock cylinder 11 back to its rest position, ie in the Figure 2a To spend position shown near the tip 35 of the key shank 3.

A locking pin 31 is arranged in the area of the key tip 35 . The locking pin 31 is spring-loaded laterally to the key shank 3 and is used for the locking cylinder according to the 1c position shown, so to keep in the fully retracted position, in particular to hold against the force of the return spring 62.

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

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

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

The Figure 2b shows the key 1 according to the Figure 2a , but here the electronic key 7 has been removed for the sake of clarity. How out Figure 2b As can be seen, the bow 2 of the key has an aperture 23 in the area of the transition to the shank 3 of the key. The cover serves to cover the opening of the key bow 2 arranged in the area of the key shank 3 .

Next are out Figure 2b two connection pins 741 and 742 can be seen. These two connection pins are used to connect the key electronics 7 to the key shank 3 in an electrically conductive manner. The first connection pin 741 connects the ground line of the key electronics 7 to the key shaft 3. The second connection pin 742 connects the key electronics to the electrical contact 32.

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

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

In the 3c another exemplary embodiment of the key 1 according to the invention is shown. In contrast to the previously described embodiments, the movable gear element 5 drives a spindle drive 51. This includes a spindle nut 511 guided on a spindle 512. The spindle nut 511 is connected to the movable gear element 5 and is driven by this or by the carriage 42 along the Spindle 512 driven. In the process, the spindle 512 is caused to rotate about its longitudinal axis. These rotations are translated into the plane of rotation of the gear device 6 or the generator 9 by means of an angular gear 513 and transmitted to it.

In the Figures 4a to 7b another exemplary embodiment of the key 1 according to the invention is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, a rack and pinion drive 54 is driven by the movable component, which is designed here as a rack 55 . For this purpose, the toothed rack 55 meshes with a pinion 61 of the transmission device 6 in order to convert the linear movement of the carriage 42 into a rotary movement for the generator 9 .

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

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

The Figure 4b is a detailed representation in the area of the rack and pinion drive 54. It can be seen here how the rack 55 meshes with the pinion 61.

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

The Figures 6a and 6b Fig. 1 shows the corresponding key 1 fully inserted into a lock cylinder, but without a lock cylinder. It can be seen here that the carriage 42 or the toothed rack 55 are arranged in the rear stop position close to the bow 2 of the key. In this position, the shifting of the toothed rack 55 transmitted a rotational movement to the generator 9, causing it to rotate and generate electrical energy. The Figures 7a and 7b shows the corresponding position according to the Figures 6a and 6b in side view.

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

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

The electronic key system 7 is arranged in the first housing half 21 . The key electronics 7 has a circuit board 84 which is fixed in the first half of the housing. The generator 9 is arranged in the second housing half 22 . The key shank 3 engages between the two housing halves 21 and 22 and is connected to the key bow 2 or to the two housing halves 21 and 22 by means of screws.

In an alternative embodiment, instead of screwing the key shank 3 to one of the two halves 21, 22 of the saddle Key shank by overmolding the metal shank 3 with the plastic material of the bow 21, 22 are connected.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the 12 an enlarged representation of the key shank 3 with the carriage 42 movably mounted thereon is shown. The carriage 42 has a carriage shoe 421 and a carriage arm 43 projecting from the carriage shoe 421 . The carriage shoe 421 is integral with the carriage arm 43 .

At the end of the carriage arm 43, a clutch 45 is provided. This coupling serves to connect the carriage or carriage arm 43 to the movable gear element 5 . For this purpose, the coupling 45 has a pin 46 which is arranged on the gear arm 5 and which interacts with a receiving device 47 arranged at the end of the carriage arm 43 . The coupling is designed as a snap-in coupling and enables the connection between the carriage 42 and the movable gear element 5 even when the key bow 2 is closed. This is done by inserting the carriage arm 43 through the panel 23 and placing the carriage shoe 421 on the key shank 3 in the insertion area 34 . Then he can Sledge shoe 421 on the key shank 3 in the direction of the key tip, ie forwards. The carriage shoe 421 is guided onto a carriage guide 33 or threaded into it. At the front end, the carriage guide 33 has a stop 335 which prevents the carriage 42 or the carriage shoe 421 from being able to be pushed forward beyond the key shank 3 by the return spring.

To connect the carriage 42 to the transmission element 5, the carriage 42 is inserted backwards into the housing of the key bow 2, starting from the front position on the key shank 3. The movable gear element 5 is automatically positioned in the correct position relative to the carriage arm 43 in the housing of the key bow 2 . When the carriage 42 is moved back into the housing of the key bow 2, the receiving device 47 comes into contact with the pin 46 of the coupling 45. The receiving device 47 has two spring-loaded tabs, such that when the carriage 42 is pressed further in the direction of the movable gear element 5 the coupling device 45 snaps into place in that the two tabs or the receiving device 47 engages around the pin 46 in a form-fitting manner and holds it in place. As a result, the carriage 42 is connected to the movable gear element 5 by the coupling device 45 without the housing of the key bow 2 having to be open for this purpose. This enables the key 1 to be assembled quickly and advantageously.

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

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

In the 14 a section through the key shank 3 in the area of the slide shoe 421 is shown. The slider shoe 421 is guided by the slider guide 33 . This has two opposite grooves 333 and 334 . The slide shoe 421 encompasses the slide guide 33 on both sides from the edge of the key shank 3 and is guided in the undercut grooves 333 and 334 in a form-fitting manner. In the grooves 333, 334 the carriage shoe 421 is guided both up and down in the vertical axis and laterally. For this purpose, the slide shoe 421 encompasses the slide guide 33 on both sides and engages with its ends in the undercut grooves 333, 334 in a form-fitting manner. Furthermore, the slider guide 33 has surfaces with a first flank 331 and a second flank 332 on its opposite sides. These flanks taper towards the edge of the key shank 3, ie run to a point. The slider shoe 421 is designed to complement the tapered flanks 331 and 332 . The 15 shows a schematic circuit diagram of the key 1 according to the invention shown as a rectangle with a dashed border. These include the generator 9, the key electronics 7 and an energy store 81 connected between the generator 9 and the key electronics 7. The components of the lock cylinder are shown in the rectangle labeled 11 with a dashed border. These include lock cylinder electronics 12 and an electrically switchable blocking element 13 for enabling or blocking actuation of the lock cylinder 11.

The energy store 81 includes a storage element, which is referred to here as a capacitor 811 . This can be designed as a single capacitor 811 or as a plurality of capacitors connected in parallel. The electrical energy generated by the generator 9 is stored in the capacitor 811 .

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

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

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

It is thus possible to ensure a high level of security with the key 1 according to the invention without batteries being required or having to be replaced or without complex cabling being required on a door on which a corresponding lock cylinder 11 is used. On the one hand, this reduces the power consumption of the system, since there is no need for a power supply unit, and on the other hand, no batteries are required, so that no hazardous waste in the form of batteries, which is harmful to the environment, is produced when operating a corresponding key-lock cylinder system.

Reference List

1

Key

11

lock cylinder

12

lock cylinder electronics

13

locking member

2

key bow

21

first half of the case

22

second half of the case

23

cover

3

key shaft

31

locking pin

32

electric contact

33

carriage guidance

331

first flank

332

second flank

333

first groove

334

second groove

335

attack

34

deployment area

35

key tip

4

moving component

41

pestle

42

Sleds

421

sled shoe

431

first face

432

second surface

43

slide arm

45

coupling

46

cones

47

recording facility

5

gear element

51

spindle drive

511

spindle nut

512

spindle

513

bevel gear

52

belt drive

521

drive belt

522

strap shoe

523

first pulley

524

second pulley

53

connecting rod drive

531

connecting rod

54

rack and pinion drive

55

rack

6

gear device

61

first sprocket

61a

second sprocket

62

return spring

63

overrunning clutch

7

key electronics

71

first spring pin

72

second spring pin

731

first contact surface

732

second contact surface

741

first connection

742

second connection

81

energy storage

811

first capacitor

812

second condenser

813

third capacitor

814

fourth capacitor

84

circuit board

9

generator

Claims (15)

1. Method for producing a key (1) with a key bow (2) and a with a key blade (3) projecting freely from the key bow (2), wherein the key has key electronics (7) which transmit a coded opening signal to a lock cylinder (11) and also has a generator (9) which supplies the key electronics (7) and/or lock cylinder electronics (12) with electrical power,
   characterised
   in that the generator (9) and the key electronics (7) are each configured as a structural unit and the generator (9) is placed on the key electronics (7), or the key electronics (7) are placed on the generator (9), wherein as a result of this placement, the generator (9) is electrically conductively connected to the key electronics (7).
2. Method according to claim 1,
   characterised
   in that the key electronics (7) have at least two contact pins (71, 72) and the generator (9) has at least two corresponding contact sockets, or in that the generator (9) has at least two contact pins and the key electronics (7) have at least two corresponding contact sockets, and in that when the generator (9) is placed on the key electronics (7), the at least two contact pins (71, 72) are electrically conductively connected to the at least two corresponding contact sockets.
3. Method according to claim 1,
   characterised
   in that the key electronics (7) have at least two contact pins (71, 72) and the generator (9) has at least two corresponding contact surfaces (731, 732), or in that the generator (9) has at least two contact pins (71, 72) and the key electronics (7) have at least two corresponding contact surfaces (731, 732), and in that when the generator (9) is placed on the key electronics (7), the at least two contact pins (71, 72) are electrically conductively connected to the at least two corresponding contact surfaces (731, 732), wherein it is preferably provided that the at least two contact pins (71, 72) are configured as spring-loaded pins or as pogo pins.
4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised
   in that the key bow (2) is configured as a housing with an installation space for accommodating the generator (9) and the key electronics (7).
5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised

   in that the key bow (2) has two housing halves (21, 22), wherein the key electronics (7) are arranged in the first housing half (21) and the generator (9) is arranged in the second housing half (22), wherein it is preferably provided that by connecting the two housing halves (21, 22) to the key bow (2), the generator (9) is placed on the key electronics (7) and electrically conductively connected,
   and/or

   that the key blade (3) is connected to the first housing half (21) and the key electronics (7) are arranged in the first housing half (21), preferably connected to the first housing half (21), in particular adhesively bonded, latched or screwed, wherein it is preferably provided that the key electronics (7) are electrically conductively connected to the key blade (3) before the generator (9) is placed onto the key electronics (7).
6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised

   in that the key blade (3) has an electrically conducting body and a contact (32) electrically isolated from the latter for producing an electrical connection to a lock cylinder (11), and

   in that the key electronics (7) in the first housing half (21) are electrically conductively connected to the electrically conducting body of the key blade (3) via a first port (741) and to the contact (32) via a second port (742).
7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised

   in that the key electronics (7), together with an energy storage device (81) comprising at least one capacitor (811), are configured on a common circuit board (84) as a structural unit, and/or

   in that the generator (9), together with a return spring and with a gear mechanism (6) and preferably with a gear component (5), is configured as a structural unit.
8. Method according to either one of claims 6 or 7,
   characterised
   in that, when key (1) is inserted into a lock cylinder (11), the generator (9) and/or the energy storage device (81) supplies the lock cylinder electronics (12) of the lock cylinder (11) with electrical power via the electrical contact (32) of the key blade (3).
9. Method according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised

   in that a movable component part (4), in particular a slide (42) or a slider (42), is arranged on the key blade (3), which component part makes contact with a lock cylinder (11) when the key blade (3) is pushed into the lock cylinder and is displaced relative to the key blade (3) and in the process interacts with the generator (9) in order to drive the generator (9), preferably in rotary fashion, to generate electrical power,

   wherein it is preferably provided

   that the slide (42) or the slider (42) is arranged on the key blade (3) or is connected to the key blade before the key blade (3) is connected to the key bow (2), and/or that the gear component (5) is connected to the slide (42) or slider (42) via a coupling (45) once the generator (9) has been placed on the key electronics (7).
10. Method according to any one of claims 7 to 9,
    characterised
    in that the gear component (5) is arranged between the generator (9) and the key electronics (7).
11. Method according to claim 9 or 10,
    characterised
    in that the coupling (45) is configured as a latching coupling or snap-on coupling and by exerting pressure in the direction of the gear component (5), the slide (42) or slider (42) is connected to the latter by latching or snapping the coupling (45) into place.
12. Method according to any one of claims 7 to 11,
    characterised
    in that the gear component (5) converts a linear movement of the slide (42) or slider (42) into a rotational movement so as to drive the generator (9) in a rotary fashion.
13. Method according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterised

    in that an overrunning clutch (63) is provided so that the slide (42) or slider (42) only engages with the generator (9) when the key is inserted into a lock channel of a lock cylinder (11), while the overrunning clutch (63) disengages when the slide (42) or slider (42) is pulled out so that the generator (9) is only driven in one direction of rotation, wherein it is preferably provided

    that the slide (42) or slider (42) is loaded by a spring in the direction towards the key tip.
14. Method according to any one of claims 6 to 13,
    characterised
    in that the electrical contact (32) is configured as a bidirectional data interface for producing a wired data connection between the key electronics (7) and lock cylinder electronics (12).
15. System having a key (1), produced by a method according to one of the preceding claims, also having a mechatronic lock cylinder (11), comprising lock cylinder electronics (12) and a switchable blocking element (13) for releasing actuation of the lock cylinder (11), wherein it is preferably provided
    that the generator (9) supplies the lock cylinder electronics (12) with electrical power in order to check an opening signal exchanged between the key electronics (7) and the lock cylinder electronics (12) and, in the presence of an opening authorisation, to release a blocking element (13) in order to enable mechanical actuation of the lock cylinder (11).

Images