EP4182523A1

EP4182523A1 - Rotary knob for a lock cylinder and a method of sensing and actuating the lock cylinder

Info

Publication number: EP4182523A1
Application number: EP20760953.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Tuncay Erhan Yanar; Ömer Dogan
Original assignee: Desi Alarm Ve Guevenlik Sistemleri Sanayi Ve Ticaret AS
Current assignee: Desi Alarm Ve Guevenlik Sistemleri Sanayi Ve Ticaret AS
Priority date: 2020-07-17
Filing date: 2020-07-17
Publication date: 2023-05-24
Also published as: WO2022015255A1

Abstract

The present invention proposes a rotary knob (100) for attaching to a lock cylinder (20), said lock cylinder (20) having a rotatable first cylindrical plug (28), the first cylindrical plug (28) having an axially extending first keyway (25) or a handling part (27) extending outside the lock cylinder (20), a rotatable second cylindrical plug (29) having an axially extending second keyway (26) coaxial to the first keyway (25) or the handling part (27), and a retractable cam (36); said rotary knob (100) comprising: a first part (30) for fastening the rotary knob (100) to the lock cylinder (20); a second part (50) in relation with the first part (30) and rotatable relative to the first part (30); an actuating means (80) placed in the rotary knob (100) for actuating; a battery unit (70) for powering the rotary knob (100); a gear mechanism (60) coupling an actuating means shaft of the actuating means (80) to the first part (30); an electronic card (91) for adjusting the operation of the rotary knob (100) and recording data of a predetermined first position of the key (22) inserted to the first keyway (25) or the handling part (27), said predetermined first position permits fully inserting another key into the second keyway (26), wherein the electronic card (91) comprises a sensor (92) for detecting the position and number of turns of the inserted key (22) at the first keyway (25) or the handling part (27) relative to the predetermined first position recorded on the electronic card (91). The present invention further proposes a method of sensing the position and actuation of a key (22) or a handling part (27) of a lock cylinder (20), comprising the steps of: providing a rotary knob (100), wherein the rotary knob (100) including: a first part (30) for fastening the rotary knob (100) to the lock cylinder (20); a second part (50) in communication with the first part (30) and rotatable relative to the first part (30); an electronic card (91) for adjusting the operation of the rotary knob (100) and storing data; and a battery unit (70) for powering the rotary knob (100); attaching a rotary knob (100) to the lock cylinder (20) having a fully inserted key (22) in a first keyway (25) or a handling part (27), wherein the inserted key (22) or the handling part (27) is in a predetermined first position; said predetermined first position permits inserting another key (22) fully into a second keyway (26) coaxial to the first keyway (25) or the handling part (27) for operating the lock cylinder (20); recording the predetermined first position of the key (22) or the handling part (27) to the electronic card (91); and sensing the angular position and number of turns of the key (22) or the handling part (27), with a sensor (92) provided at the electronic card (91) with respect to the predetermined first position recorded on the electronic card (91).

Description

ROTARY KNOB FOR A LOCK CYLINDER AND A METHOD OF SENSING AND ACTUATING THE LOCK CYLINDER Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a rotary knob, more particularly to an electromechanical rotary knob mountable on conventional lock cylinders by allowing automatic actuation with an emergency function. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of sensing the position of a key or handling part in a lock cylinder using said electromechanical rotary knob.

Background of the Invention

Conventional lock cylinders are operated from both sides of the lock cylinder with a corresponding key. However, when one of the keys is left at position differs from the initial first position, the second key cannot be used at the other side thereof. Therefore, it is not possible to unlock the door from outside in any emergency situation. Some lock cylinders are provided with a thumb turn or a knob at one side of the lock cylinder so that a key is not required to operate the lock cylinder by way of a key from the inside of the property. Electrical or electromechanical rotary knobs attachable on such conventional lock cylinders enable control of authorized users are practiced in prior art systems and are commercially available. In the art, in order to mount electromechanical rotary knobs, there is a need of installing additional part onto the lock cylinder. When mounting, the rotary knob is placed on the additional part and then fastened with connection members or the like. Moreover, if the lock cylinder does not have double clutch feature, it is not possible to open the door from outside in an emergency situation. Such rotary knobs suffer emergency functions. The system should be remotely operated to unlock and lock the lock cylinder and to allow the same operations to be performed in a conventional manual manner in case of an electrical power failure.

A prior art publication in the technical field of the invention may be referred to as EP0627538 (A1), which discloses a double cylinder for a locking device, with a cylinder plug to be actuated by a key and with a cylinder plug which is to be actuated by a motor-operated rotary knob and which has a locking mechanism corresponding to that of the key-actuated cylinder plug, this locking mechanism being released permanently by means of an inserted key.

Objects of the Invention

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a rotary knob for an existing locks cylinder in which an easy installation is provided and no additional parts are needed for assembly.

Another object of the present invention is to solve the majority of the problems caused by the mismatch or short length due to the diverse door thicknesses by allowing in existing lock cylinders.

In particular, the object is to provide a rotary knob which allows using the existing lock cylinder with an accessibility from outside with a key in emergency situations.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a rotary knob which can be attached to any type of lock cylinder.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a rotary knob which eliminates the need of an additional accessory for installation. The proposed electro-mechanic rotary knob can be installed directly by tightening connection means which is efficient and allows an easier montage mechanism.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention proposes an electromechanical rotary knob for attaching to a lock cylinder, said lock cylinder having a rotatable first cylindrical plug, the first cylindrical plug having an axially extending first keyway or a handling part extending outside the lock cylinder, a rotatable second cylindrical plug having an axially extending second keyway coaxial to the first keyway or the handling part, and a retractable cam; said rotary knob comprising: a first part for fastening the rotary knob to the lock cylinder; a second part in relation with the first part and rotatable relative to the first part; an actuating means placed in the rotary knob for actuating; a battery unit for powering the rotary knob; a gear mechanism coupling an actuating means shaft of the actuating means to the first part; an electronic card for adjusting the operation of the rotary knob and recording data of a predetermined first position of the key inserted to the first keyway or the handling part, said predetermined first position permits fully inserting another key into the second keyway, wherein the electronic card comprises a sensor for detecting the position and number of turns of the inserted key at the first keyway or the handling part relative to the predetermined first position recorded on the electronic card.

The present invention also proposes a method of sensing the position and actuation of a key or a handling part of a lock cylinder, comprising the steps of: providing a rotary knob, wherein the rotary knob including: a first part for fastening the rotary knob to the lock cylinder; a second part in communication with the first part and rotatable relative to the first part; an electronic card for adjusting the operation of the rotary knob and storing data; and a battery unit for powering the rotary knob; attaching a rotary knob to the lock cylinder having a fully inserted key in a first keyway or a handling part, wherein the inserted key or the handling part is in a predetermined first position; said predetermined first position permits inserting another key fully into a second keyway coaxial to the first keyway or the handling part for operating the lock cylinder; recording the predetermined first position of the key or the handling part to the electronic card; and sensing the angular position and number of turns of the key or the handling part, with a sensor provided at the electronic card with respect to the predetermined first position recorded on the electronic card.

Brief Description of the Figures

Accompanying drawings are given solely for the purpose of exemplifying a rotary knob and a method thereof whose advantages over prior art were outlined above and will be explained in detail hereinafter:

Fig. 1 demonstrates an exploded view of the rotary knob which is attachable to a lock cylinder having an inserted key at a first keyway, according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 demonstrates an exploded view of the rotary knob according to the present invention.

Fig 3a demonstrates a front cross-section view of the rotary knob according to the present invention.

Fig 3b demonstrates a perspective cross-section view of the rotary knob according to the present invention.

Fig 4a demonstrates a cross-section view of the rotary knob attached to a lock cylinder with an inserted key in a door.

Fig. 4b demonstrates a perspective cross-section view of the rotary knob shown in Fig. 4a.

Fig. 4c demonstrates an exploded cross-section view of the rotary knob shown in Fig. 4a.

Fig. 5a demonstrates a rear perspective view of the rotary knob according to the present invention.

Fig. 5b demonstrates a front perspective view of the rotary knob wherein a cover of the rotary knob is removed, according to the present invention. Fig. 5c demonstrates a front perspective view of the rotary knob wherein an electric card and a cover of the rotary knob are removed, according to the present invention. Fig 6 demonstrates a perspective view of the rotary knob attached to a lock cylinder in a door wherein the rotary knob has a key positioning means attached to the rotary knob.

Fig. 7 demonstrates an exploded perspective view of the rotary knob attached to a lock cylinder having a handling part according to the second embodiment of the invention.

Fig 8 demonstrates a cross-section view of the rotary knob attached shown in Fig. 7, according to the second embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 9a demonstrates side view of a lock cylinder having a key at a first position in a first keyway of the cylinder lock to which said rotary knob is attached according to the present invention.

Fig. 9b demonstrates another side view of the lock cylinder shown in Fig. 9a, wherein another key is inserted into the second keyway when the first key is in the first position, and therefore the first key is partially pushed out of the first keyway with a predetermined length as specified “D1 ”.

Fig. 9c demonstrates another side view of the lock cylinder shown in Fig. 9b and 9a, wherein the second inserted key is rotated after the first key is pushed out from the keyway with a predetermined length as specified “D1 ”

Fig. 9d demonstrates a side view of the lock cylinder having a handling part and inserted key at the opposite end of the lock cylinder to which said rotary knob is attached. Detailed Description of the Invention

The present invention proposes a rotary knob (100) for attaching to a lock cylinder (20), said lock cylinder (20) having a rotatable first cylindrical plug (28), the first cylindrical plug (28) having an axially extending first keyway (25) or a handling part (27) extending outside the lock cylinder (20), a rotatable second cylindrical plug (29) having an axially extending second keyway (26) coaxial to the first keyway (25) or the handling part (27), and a retractable cam (36); said rotary knob (100) comprising: a first part (30) for fastening the rotary knob (100) to the lock cylinder (20); a second part (50) in relation with the first part (30) and rotatable relative to the first part (30); an actuating means (80) placed in the rotary knob (100) for actuating; a battery unit (70) for powering the rotary knob (100); a gear mechanism (60) coupling an actuating means shaft of the actuating means (80) to the first part (30); an electronic card (91) for adjusting the operation of the rotary knob (100) and recording data of a predetermined first position of the key (22) inserted to the first keyway (25) or the handling part (27), said predetermined first position permits fully inserting another key into the second keyway (26), wherein the electronic card (91) comprises a sensor (92) for detecting the position and number of turns of the inserted key (22) at the first keyway (25) or the handling part (27) relative to the predetermined first position recorded on the electronic card (91). According to the present invention, the rotary knob (100) is formed as a single piece and can be attached to an existing lock cylinder (20) without need any additional connection parts. The proposed rotary knob (100) can be attached to the conventional lock cylinders (20) having two keyways (25, 26) as shown in Figs 9a-c, or to the lock cylinder (20) with a first keyway (25) and the handling part (27) as shown in Fig. 9d.

According to the present invention, the lock cylinder (20) which will be used for attaching the rotary knob (100), can be a typically euro profile cylinder, euro lock barrel, double lock cylinder or any type of lock cylinder (20). Said rotary knob (100) can be also attached to the lock cylinder (20) having a handling part (27) formed as a thumb turn. In this case, the lock cylinders (20) having such thumb turns or knobs as a handling part (27) are not required to operate the lock cylinder (20) by way of the key (22) from the inside of the property. The conventional lock cylinders (20) having with this type of handling part (27) are configured to keep the handling part (27) stable and always in operation, generally it is not allowed to push the handling part (27) out of from the first cylindrical plug (28) like in the key operated lock cylinder (20) shown in Figs 9a-c. In the classical lock cylinder (20), the suitable key (22) is inserted in the keyway located in the cylindrical plugs (28, 29), conversely, in a thumb turn operated lock cylinder, the handling part (27) replaces the keyway. Since there is no keyway or provision at handling part (27) portion, the handling part (27) are not pushed out by a key (22). The first cylindrical plug (28) can be coupled with the handling part (27) where a series of connection means (i.e. , set screw, detent pin) can be used for connection therein.

The position of the key (22) at the first keyway (25) or the position of the handling part (27) can be recorded for both locking and unlocking positions to the memory of the electronic card (91) after an initial adjustment. As shown in Fig. 1 , the rotary knob (100) is ready to be attached to a conventional cylindrical lock (20) with the key (22) already inserted to the first keyway (25). When the rotary knob (100) is installed on such lock cylinder (100), the predetermined first initial position of the key (22) is recorded to the electronic card (91). In said predetermined first position, a second key can be inserted into second keyway (26) by pushing out the first key (22) from the first keyway (25) in any emergency situations as shown in Fig 9b and 9c. If the user wants to unlock the door (10) from the outside in an emergency situation, the inserted key (22) pushes the other key (22) inside thus making it possible to locking or unlocking of the lock cylinder (20). In another embodiment, the rotary knob (100) can be attached to the lock cylinder (20) having handling part (27) as shown in Fig 7 and 8, the difference from the first embodiment is that the handling part (27) is not pushed by the second key (22) at the second cylindrical plug (29). The rotary knob (100) advantageously always brings the key (22) at the first keyway (25) and the handling part (27) to the position set on the electronic card (91 ) as a first position, after any rotation of the key (22) or the handling part (27) for allowing the use of another key (22) in the second keyway (26).

Referring to the Fig. 1 , the first part (30) is provided with an at least partially circumferentially arranged inner threaded portion (31 ) at the inside of the first part (30) which couples a rotation gear (61 ) of the gear mechanism (60). The gear mechanism (60) comprises a plurality of gear in communication with each other and arranges the required torque power for rotating the inserted key (22) at the first keyway (25) or the handling part (27). The rotation gear (61 ) is one of gears of the gear mechanism (60) and matches with the inner threaded portion (31 ) of the first part (30). The location of the inner threaded portion (31 ) of the first part (30) can vary but always in communication with the rotation gear (61 ). Since the first part (30) is fixed, rotation of the rotation gear (61 ) on the inner threaded portion (31 ) allows the second part (50) to be rotated with the help of a bearing (32).

Referring to the Fig. 2, the first part (30) is provided with the bearing (32) that contacts a part of the second part (50) for rotation of the second part (50). When the rotation gear (61 ) moves on the inner threaded portion (31 ), an end portion of the second part (50) is guided inside of the bearing (32) for rotation thereof. Moreover, the first part (30) is provided with a bearing segment (33) in the form of a ring for keeping the bearing (32) in place. Thus, the first part (30) and the second part (50) are kept firmly together.

When the rotary knob (100) is installed on the lock cylinder (20), a plurality of fixation members (23) can be used. Referring to the Fig. 2, the first part (30) is provided with at least one fixation member housing (24) into which a fixation member (23) can be inserted for fixing the rotary knob (100) on an outer part of the lock cylinder (21 ). As shown in Fig 5a, the rotary knob (100) has a lower surface with an opening shaped and dimensioned with respect to a key (22). Firstly, the rotary knob (100) is attached to the lock cylinder (100) having an already inserted key (22) at the first cylindrical plug (28) or the handling part (27), and then the fixation members (23) are inserted from corresponding fixation member housing (24) for fixing the rotary knob (100) on an outer part of the lock cylinder (21 ). Accordingly, the first part (30) has a plurality of fixation member housings (24) and the fixation member housings (24) are circumferentially arranged on the first part (30) for fixing the rotary knob (100) to the lock cylinder (20) from more than one location therein. After the first part (30) is fixed to the lock cylinder (20), a first part cover (34) is attached to the first part (30) for covering the circumferentially arranged fixation members (23). The rotatable second part (50) is at least partly inserted into or provided on the first part (30) and has a receiving element housing (52) for accommodating the receiving element (40). Referring to the Figs 1-6, the shaft of key to be used generally has, at a side surface thereof, a longitudinally extending coded surface and is inserted to the first keyway (25) of the first cylindrical plug (28), and the remaining part of the key (22) is surrounded after the rotary knob (100) is attached. The rotary knob (100) has a receiving element (40) with a radially extending slot (41) into which said key (22) can be fitted, when attached. As can be seen in Fig 3a and 3b, the key (22) is completely surrounded by the receiving element (40). In a possible embodiment, the connection method of the second part (50) and the first part (30) can vary, and the second part (50) can be on the first part (30). Referring to the Figs 7-8, remaining part of the handling part (27) is surrounded after the rotary knob (100) is attached.

A radially extending slot (41) of the receiving element (40) is also shaped and dimensioned with respect to the handling part (27) of the lock cylinder (20). As can be seen in Fig. 8, the handling part (27) is completely surrounded by the receiving element (40). Referring to the Fig. 5b, the electronic card (91) is placed between the receiving element housing (52) and a cover (90) that covers and forms a top portion of the second part (50). The cover (90) can be provided with an outwardly extending lip (96) for easily detaching the cover (90). Referring to the Fig. 5a, the rotary knob (100) comprises a lower engagement portion (35) which forms the lower end portion of the rotary knob (100) and has a slot which is shaped and dimensioned with respect to the key (22) or the handling part (27).

The actuating means (80) can be any type of motor wherein the second part (50) has a mounting member (71) for positioning the actuating means (80) thereof. Fig. 5c shows the actual position of the actuating means (80) and the mounting member (71). The mounting member (71) can have a circular hole for accommodating the actuating means (80). The actuating means (80) and the battery unit (70) are configured to provide rotation displacement to the gear mechanism (60) which finally rotates the cam (36) of the lock cylinder (20) to unbolt the lock cylinder (20). Advantageously, the actuating means (80) is responsive to the rotation of the second part (50) such that the actuating means (80) is automatically actuable thereupon.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the electronic card (91) sends an actuation signal to the actuating means (80) and is in a communication with a remote-control unit for authenticating authorized users prior to granting permission. Using a controller including but not limited to a smartphone is possible, the first position of the key (22) or the handling part

(27) is recorded to the rotary knob’s memory. The rotary knob (100) further includes electronic components (not shown in the figures) to enable command to be exchanged with it and a remote controller which may be wired and/or which may be in the form of a cellular telephone, computer, or any device that affording wireless control. Said electronic card (91 ) can be a printed circuit board and in communication with a conductive biasing means (94) that enables the electronic card (91 ) to be triggered by a finger touch of the user. Furthermore, the electronic card (91 ) is provided with a connector (93) for arranging and setting the configuration of the device. The position of the electronic card (91 ) and conductive biasing means (94) in the second part (50) can vary.

The sensor (92) of the electronic card (91 ) can be an accelerometer for determining the angle of rotation and the position of the second part (50) relative to the predetermined first position of the key (22) or the handling part (27). Said accelerometer can detect the angular rotation amount of the rotary knob (100) according to the desired axis (i.e. , predetermined first position). Said accelerometer operates while the rotary knob (100) is turning whether manually or automatically. This operability also allowing system to detect appropriate position of the key (22) or the handling part (27) in an emergency situation or the like.

Referring to the Fig. 6, the rotary knob (100) comprises a key positioning means (97) having at least one arm arranged to push the key (22) to a predetermined position in the lock (20) for allowing the key (22) to be rotated again, after another key (22) is used on the opposite side of the lock cylinder (20) thereof for an emergency. The key positioning means (97) can have a U-shaped cross-section with a predetermined thickness. Said cover (90) also has suitable holes (95) for arms of the key positioning means (97).

Referring to the Fig 9a-c, the cylinder lock (20) comprises the first cylindrical plug (28) having an axially extending first keyway (25) for insertion of the key (22), a rotatable second cylindrical plug (29) having an axially extending second keyway (26) coaxial to the first keyway (25), a cam (36) which is retractable by rotation of each of the first cylindrical plug

(28) and the second cylindrical plug (29) to unlock or lock the lock cylinder (20); and a plurality of locking tumblers mounted within the first and second cylindrical plugs (28, 29) and having their axes arranged radially and provided for being engaged by the key (22) having a predetermined profile in order to be arranged in a position in which they enable the free rotation of the first and second cylinder plugs (28, 29). Referring to the Fig 9d, the cylinder lock (20) can have the handling part (27) instead of a first keyway (25). As stated before, the rotary knob (100) is configured to leave the key (22) or the handling part (27) at the set predetermined first position on the lock cylinder (20) where the lock cylinder (20) can be rotated from other side by another key (22), and the electronic card (91 ) is configured to set the rotatable position with respect to the lock cylinder (20) having different oriented pin tumblers. The proposed electromechanical rotary knob (100) fits over and is mechanically connected to conventional cylinder lock (20) as one piece. The rotary knob (100) detects the direction of rotation and number of turns of the inserted key (22) at the first keyway (25) or the handling part (27), so that different operations can be performed according to different scenarios. The rotary knob (100) is programmable, for example, if the key (22) or handling part (27) are rotated completely 3 times, an in-build or an external alarm can be activated. In another scenario, if the key (22) or handling part (27) are rotated 1 turn (360° rotation) to the opening direction, the alarm can be disabled, if bolts of the lock cylinder (20) are withdrawn by rotation of the cam (36), a signal can be sent to an internal system for turning on the lights at the building.

In a possible embodiment, the rotary knob (100) may comprises a buzzer (72) formed from a piezoelectric element and placed in the rotary knob (100), which emits an audible signal to alert the user if an impact force sensed by the rotary knob (100) exceeds a predetermined threshold level set on the electronic card (91 ).

The present invention also proposes a method of sensing the position and actuation of a key (22) or a handling part (27) of a lock cylinder (20), comprising the steps of: providing a rotary knob (100), wherein the rotary knob (100) including: a first part (30) for fastening the rotary knob (100) to the lock cylinder (20); a second part (50) in communication with the first part (30) and rotatable relative to the first part (30); an electronic card (91) for adjusting the operation of the rotary knob (100) and storing data; and a battery unit (70) for powering the rotary knob (100); attaching a rotary knob (100) to the lock cylinder (20) having a fully inserted key (22) in a first keyway (25) or a handling part (27), wherein the inserted key (22) or the handling part (27) is in a predetermined first position; said predetermined first position permits inserting another key (22) fully into a second keyway (26) coaxial to the first keyway (25) or the handling part (27) for operating the lock cylinder (20); recording the predetermined first position of the key (22) or the handling part (27) to the electronic card (91); and sensing the angular position and number of turns of the key (22) or the handling part (27), with a sensor (92) provided at the electronic card (91) with respect to the predetermined first position recorded on the electronic card (91). The method further comprises the step of: actuating and leaving the key (22) or the handling part (27) always on the predetermined first position recorded on the electronic card (91) after any rotation of the key (22) or the handling part (27) for allowing the use of another key in the second keyway (26) wherein the rotary knob (100) comprises an actuating means (80) placed in the rotary knob (100) for actuating of the key (22) inserted in the first keyway (25) or the handling part (27); and a gear mechanism (60) coupling an actuating means shaft of the actuating means (80) to the first part (30). Moreover, the position of the key (22) or the handling part (27) can be actuated remotely, wherein the rotary knob (100) further comprises a remote-control unit in communication with the electronic card (91 ) for authenticating authorized users prior to granting permission. Manual drive is also configured to provide rotation to unbolt the lock cylinder (20) as described before.

The method further comprises the step of: activating or deactivating an alarm in the rotary knob (100) by detecting position, direction of rotation and the number of turns of the key (22) or the handling part (27). The method further comprises the step of readjusting the position of the key (22) after another key (22) is used on the second keyway (26) wherein the rotary knob (100) comprises a key positioning means (97) having at least one arm arranged to push the key (22) in the first keyway (25) to the first position in the first keyway (25) for allowing the key (22) to be rotated again by the rotary knob (100).

Reference list:

10. Door

20. Lock

21 . Outer part of the lock cylinder

22. Key

23. Fixation member

24. Fixation member housing

25. First keyway

26. Second keyway

27. Handling part

28. First cylindrical plug

29. Second cylindrical plug

30. First part

31 . Inner threaded portion

32. Bearing

33. Bearing segment

34. First part cover

35. Lower engagement portion

36. Cam

40. Receiving element

41 . Slot

50. Second part

52. Receiving element housing

60. Gear mechanism

61 . Rotation gear

70. Battery unit

71. Mounting member

72. Buzzer

80. Actuating means

90. Cover

91 . Electronic card

92. Sensor

93. Connector

94. Conductive biasing means

95. Hole

96. Lip

97. Key positioning means

100. Rotary Knob

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . A rotary knob (100) for attaching to a lock cylinder (20), said lock cylinder (20) having a rotatable first cylindrical plug (28), the first cylindrical plug (28) having an axially extending first keyway (25) or a handling part (27) extending outside the lock cylinder (20), a rotatable second cylindrical plug (29) having an axially extending second keyway (26) coaxial to the first keyway (25) or the handling part (27), and a retractable cam (36); said rotary knob (100) comprising: a first part (30) for fastening the rotary knob (100) to the lock cylinder (20); a second part (50) in relation with the first part (30) and rotatable relative to the first part (30); an actuating means (80) placed in the rotary knob (100) for actuating; a battery unit (70) for powering the rotary knob (100); a gear mechanism (60) coupling an actuating means shaft of the actuating means (80) to the first part (30); an electronic card (91 ) for adjusting the operation of the rotary knob (100) and recording data of a predetermined first position of the key (22) inserted to the first keyway (25) or the handling part (27), said predetermined first position permits fully inserting another key into the second keyway (26), wherein the electronic card (91 ) comprises a sensor (92) for detecting the position and number of turns of the inserted key (22) at the first keyway (25) or the handling part (27) relative to the predetermined first position recorded on the electronic card (91 ).

2. The rotary knob (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the first part (30) is provided with an at least partially circumferentially arranged inner threaded portion (31 ) at the inside of the first part (30) which couples a rotation gear (61 ) of the gear mechanism (60).

3. The rotary knob (100) according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the first part (30) is provided with a bearing (32) that contacts a part of the second part (50) for rotation of the second part (50).

4. The rotary knob (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (30) is provided with at least one fixation member housing (24) into which a fixation member (23) can be inserted for fixing the rotary knob (100) on an outer part of the lock cylinder (21 ).

5. The rotary knob (100) according to claim 4, wherein the first part (30) has a plurality of fixation member housings (24) wherein the fixation member housings (24) are circumferentially arranged on the first part (30) for fixing the rotary knob (100) to the lock cylinder (20) from more than one location. 6. The rotary knob (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rotatable second part (50) is at least partly inserted into the first part (30) or provided on the first part (30), and has a receiving element housing (52) for accommodating a receiving element (40).

7. The rotary knob (100) according to claim 6, wherein the electronic card (91 ) is placed between the receiving element housing (52) and a cover (90) that covers and forms a top portion of the second part (50). 8. The rotary knob (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second part (50) has a mounting member (71 ) for positioning the actuating means (80) thereof.

9. The rotary knob (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating means (80) is responsive to the rotation of the second part (50) such that the actuating means (80) is automatically actuable thereupon.

10. The rotary knob (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic card (91 ) which sends an actuation signal to the actuating means (80) is in a communication with a remote-control unit for authenticating authorized users prior to granting permission.

11. The rotary knob (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary knob (100) is formed as a single piece. 12. The rotary knob (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor

(92) is an accelerometer for determining the angle of rotation and the position of the second part (50) relative to the predetermined first position of the key (22) or the handling part (27).

13. The rotary knob (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary knob (100) comprises a buzzer (72) formed from a piezoelectric element and placed in the rotary knob (100), which emits an audible signal to alert the user if an impact force sensed by the rotary knob (100) exceeds a predetermined threshold level.

14. The rotary knob (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary knob (100) comprises a key positioning means (97) having at least one arm arranged to push the key (22) to a predetermined position in the lock (20) for allowing the key (22) to be rotated again, after another key (22) is used on the opposite side of the lock cylinder (20) thereof for an emergency. 15. The rotary knob (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary knob (100) is configured to leave the key (22) or the handling part (27) at the predetermined first position wherein the lock cylinder (20) can be operated from the second keyway (26) with another suitable key (22).

16. A method of sensing the position and actuation of a key (22) or a handling part (27) of a lock cylinder (20), comprising the steps of: providing a rotary knob (100), wherein the rotary knob (100) including: a first part (30) for fastening the rotary knob (100) to the lock cylinder (20); a second part (50) in communication with the first part (30) and rotatable relative to the first part (30); an electronic card (91 ) for adjusting the operation of the rotary knob (100) and storing data; and a battery unit (70) for powering the rotary knob (100); attaching a rotary knob (100) to the lock cylinder (20) having a fully inserted key (22) in a first keyway (25) or a handling part (27), wherein the inserted key (22) or the handling part (27) is in a predetermined first position; said predetermined first position permits inserting another key (22) fully into a second keyway (26) coaxial to the first keyway (25) or the handling part (27) for operating the lock cylinder (20); recording the predetermined first position of the key (22) or the handling part (27) to the electronic card (91 ); and sensing the angular position and number of turns of the key (22) or the handling part (27), with a sensor (92) provided at the electronic card (91 ) with respect to the predetermined first position recorded on the electronic card (91 ).

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising the step of: actuating and leaving the key (22) or the handling part (27) always on the first position set on the electronic card (91 ) after any rotation of the key (22) for allowing the use of another key in the second keyway (26) wherein the rotary knob (100) comprises an actuating means (80) placed in the rotary knob (100) for actuating of the key (22) inserted in the first keyway (25); and a gear mechanism (60) coupling an actuating means shaft of the actuating means (80) to the first part (30).

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of: actuating the position of the key (22) or the handling part (27) remotely, wherein the rotary knob (100) further comprises a remote-control unit in communication with the electronic card (91 ) for authenticating authorized users prior to granting permission.

19. The method according to claim 16, 17 or 18, further comprising the step of: activating or deactivating an alarm in the rotary knob (100) by detecting the position, the direction of rotation and the number of turns of the key (22) or the handling part (27). 20. The method according to claim 17 or 18, further comprising the step of: readjusting the position of the key (22) after another key (22) is used on a second keyway (26) wherein the rotary knob (100) comprises a key positioning means (97) having at least one arm arranged to push the key (22) in the first keyway (25) to the first position in the first keyway (25) for allowing the key (22) to be rotated again by the rotary knob (100).