EP4200500A1

EP4200500A1 - Key having a key head, a key shaft and a generator

Info

Publication number: EP4200500A1
Application number: EP21765905.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Matthias DAUBITZ; Markus Wahl; Ulrich Fischer; Michael Fritz; Philip Mihailovic
Original assignee: Assa Abloy Sicherheitstechnik GmbH
Current assignee: Assa Abloy Sicherheitstechnik GmbH
Priority date: 2020-08-20
Filing date: 2021-08-19
Publication date: 2023-06-28
Also published as: DE102021114240A1; DE102021114241A1; WO2022038236A1; AU2021328688A1; EP4200501A1; DE102021114239A1; WO2022038239A1; AU2021328231A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a key (1) having a key head (2) and a key shaft (3) for mechanically actuating a lock cylinder (11), the key (1) comprising a key electronics unit (7) which transmit an encoded opening signal to the lock cylinder (11) in order to unlock the lock cylinder (11) and mechanically actuate it by rotation of the key (1). According to the invention, in order to provide a key (1) with a high degree of reliability, low resource consumption and a high level of sustainability, the key has a generator (9) for supplying the key electronics unit (7), wherein a movable component (4) is arranged on the key shaft (3) or key head (2), said movable component interacting with a lock cylinder (11) when the key shaft (3) in inserted in same in order to drive the generator (9).

Description

Keys with a key bow and with a key shank and a generator

The invention relates to a key with a key bow and with a key shank according to the features of the preamble of claim 1.

In practice, keys with key electronics for transmitting a coded opening signal to a lock cylinder are known. It is a key for operating a so-called e-cylinder, whereby the coding of the key or the e-cylinder can be easily programmed electronically. Such keys or locking cylinder systems require either replaceable batteries or complex wiring of the locking cylinder through the lock or through a door.

DE 3208818 discloses a lock cylinder with a generator. When the key is inserted into the lock cylinder, the generator arranged in the lock cylinder is driven in order to generate electrical energy. For this purpose, a toothed rack is stamped into the key shank, which drives a pinion arranged in the lock cylinder in order to actuate the generator. An electronic vehicle key is known from DE 19918817 C1, the key having a key housing in which a generator is arranged. A mass is assigned to the generator in order to use the mechanical energy generated when the key is moved in order to drive the electrical generator. This is a mass oscillator in the form of a pendulum to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.

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. In particular, the key should have a long service life and be easy to use.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a key with a key bow and a key shank according to the features of claim 1 . Furthermore, the object is achieved according to the invention by a method for actuating a mechatronic locking cylinder using a key according to the features of claim 24 .

According to the invention, a key with a key bow and a key shaft for actuating a lock cylinder is proposed, in particular for a mechatronic lock-key system, comprising key electronics which transmits a coded opening signal to a lock cylinder and a generator arranged in the key bow to supply the key electronics and/or lock cylinder electronics with electrical energy, the generator being driven by a moving component. It is essential that the moving component when inserting the key shank in a Lock cylinder comes into contact with the lock cylinder and drives the generator when the key shaft is pushed further into the lock cylinder, in particular drives it in rotation.

The invention also includes a method for actuating a mechatronic lock cylinder using a key, in that the lock cylinder is rotated by the key when it is actuated in the opening direction or in the closing direction, and the key has a key shank for insertion into a key channel of the lock cylinder, a key bow and key electronics comprises, and wherein the lock cylinder comprises an electrically switchable locking member for releasing or locking a rotation of the lock cylinder and the locking member switching locking cylinder electronics. What is essential here is that the key has a generator which is driven in rotation when the key shank is inserted into the key channel in order to generate electrical energy for supplying the key electronics and/or the lock cylinder electronics.

One advantage of the invention is that the generator arranged in the bow of the key, which is automatically driven when the key is inserted into the lock cylinder, provides power for supplying the key electronics. Advantageously, no other power source is required apart from the generator, so that no battery or rechargeable battery is required. This eliminates the need to replace disposable batteries or defective rechargeable batteries over the course of the key's service life. On the one hand, this increases the reliability of the key and, on the other hand, waste is avoided. Another advantage is that the arrangement of the generator in the key bow means that the key can be used universally for different locking cylinders, since the key has its own power supply.

In particular, actuation of the lock cylinder, in particular mechanical actuation of the lock cylinder, means 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 is designed in particular as a so-called e-lock cylinder and has lock cylinder electronics and an electronically switchable locking element. The electronically switchable blocking element normally blocks actuation of the lock cylinder. Only after the locking cylinder electronics or the locking 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 locking cylinder can be actuated by turning the key.

In particular, the lock cylinder is intended 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. A lock cylinder is preferably understood to mean a mechatronic lock cylinder or a so-called e-lock cylinder. In addition to the mechanics of a lock cylinder, these have lock cylinder electronics in order to read and preferably evaluate an electronically coded opening signal. Only when there is a valid opening signal do the locking cylinder electronics enable the locking cylinder to be actuated.

Provision can preferably be made for mechanical coding to be attached to the key shank. This 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.

In particular, a mechatronic lock-key system is understood to be a system which has a lock with a lock cylinder that can be inserted into the lock and a key. The term mechatronic indicates that the key is used for mechanical actuation by turning the lock cylinder. Furthermore, 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. 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.

The movable component can preferably be designed as a component that can be moved in a straight line or linearly. The movable component can be movably mounted on the key shank and/or the key bow. In one embodiment it can be provided that the movable component comes into contact with the lock cylinder when the key shank is pushed into a lock cylinder and drives the generator when the key shank is pushed further into the lock cylinder, in particular drives it in rotation. In particular, the linear movement when the key shank is pushed into the lock cylinder is converted into a rotary movement for driving the generator. One advantage is that pushing the key shank into the lock cylinder causes a continuous movement that causes the generator to rotate. Depending on the speed or strength with which the key is pushed into the keyway of a locking cylinder, the generator is set in continuous rotation. The quicker the key is inserted, the higher the rotation speed of the generator can be.

In one embodiment, it can be provided in particular that the key has a toothed rack, with the help of which the linear movement of the key when it is inserted into a locking channel of a cylinder core mounted in a lock cylinder is converted into a rotational movement for driving a generator and for generating electrical energy, wherein the toothed rack is displaced by a movable component which is part of the key shank, the movable component being a slide or slide which is mounted in the key shank and which meshes with a toothed rack which is arranged in a key bow which is connected to the key shank and which in turn has a gear mechanism coupled to the generator.

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

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the movable component is designed as a linearly movable component mounted on the key bow and/or the key shank, in particular as a slide, or as a plunger, or as a carriage.

The movable component can preferably be designed as a magnet and/or have a magnet.

By configuring the movable component as a component that is movably mounted directly on the key shank, a mechanically robust design of the key can be achieved. When the movable component is designed as a carriage or as a slide or as a ram, a reliable and mechanically robust design results, in that the movable component interacts directly mechanically with the lock cylinder. In particular, when the key is inserted into the lock cylinder, it comes into contact with the lock cylinder.

In an alternative embodiment, the movable component can be designed as a magnet or have a magnet. In this embodiment, there is no direct mechanical interaction with the lock cylinder. Instead, there is a non-contact magnetic interaction between the movably mounted component and the locking cylinder. This can be more robust against contamination.

Provision can be made for the magnet or the slide or the plunger to protrude out of the bow of the key parallel to the shank of the key. In particular, the carriage is mounted on the key bow and/or on the key shank so that it can be displaced linearly and parallel to the key shank.

In an advantageous embodiment it can be provided that the carriage or the ram or the slide is connected to the gear element in such a way that tensile forces and/or pressure forces are transmitted between the gear element and the carriage or ram or slide. It is advantageous if the drive of the generator is constructed in two parts via the gear element and the carriage or slide connected to the gear element. Due to this two-part structure, the gear element assigned to the generator can be accommodated in the bow of the key and the carriage or slide can be arranged as a movable component outside the bow of the key on the key shank. It is essential that the carriage or the ram or the slide is or is connected to the gear element in order to transmit both tensile forces and compressive forces between the gear element and the carriage or ram or slide. As a result, with a simple production of the key, a high level of functional reliability and a non-detachable connection between the gear element on the one hand and the carriage or ram or slide on the other hand is achieved under normal conditions.

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 movable 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, part of 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.

Advantageously, the gear element can be arranged within the bow of the key; the gear device can preferably be arranged inside the bow of the key.

In order to achieve a particularly compact design, it can be provided that the electronic key system is arranged within the bow of the key.

In one embodiment, it can be provided that the transmission element has a toothed rack that interacts with the movable component.

In particular, an overrunning clutch can be provided between the generator and the movable component. Preferably in such a way that the movable component only engages with the generator when the key is inserted into a locking channel of a lock cylinder, while the overrunning clutch separates the movable component when it is pulled out, so that the generator can only be driven in one direction of rotation. The overrunning clutch can be constructed in the same way as a bicycle freewheel. That is to say, as long as the movable component is moved in the direction of the bow of the key, the movable component is in driving engagement with the generator. If the mobile If the component is slowed down or stops towards the end of its travel, the overrunning clutch separates the connection between the moving component and the generator. As a result, the generator can continue to rotate even if the moving component is slowed down or is stationary. Furthermore, when the key is pulled out of the lock cylinder, the movable component can move in the opposite direction to the drive direction, without the rotation of the generator being adversely affected as a result.

In particular, it can be provided that the movable component is spring-loaded for resetting, in particular is spring-loaded in the direction of the tip of the key. The spring can be designed as a torsion spring or as a spiral spring, in particular as a linear helical spring or a torsion bar spring. The spring ensures that when the key is pulled out of the lock cylinder, the movable component is always in its initial position, i.e. in the front position, i.e. the position facing the tip of the key shank.

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the generator and the transmission element and the transmission device are designed together as a structural unit that can be inserted into the key bow, in particular that the transmission, the generator and the toothed rack are designed together as a structural unit that can be inserted into the key bow.

Furthermore, the key electronics can be designed as a structural unit or as a module. In particular, the key electronics can have a circuit board on which the components of the key electronics, preferably all components of the key electronics, are arranged. In particular, a structural unit is understood to mean a modular design. This means that the generator and/or the key electronics are designed as a structural unit or a module and can be used as such in the key or in the key bow. This facilitates the manufacture of the key, since the components of the structural unit, ie the generator, the transmission element and the transmission device, do not have to be connected to one another when used separately.

In order to further increase convenience and operational reliability, it can be provided that an optical display, preferably comprising an LED, is provided on the bow of the key, with 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 optical display.

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, the key electronics can be supplied with electrical energy via the energy store for a longer period of time than the generator is supplying 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. Advantageously, it can be provided that the generator or the energy store supplies both the key electronics and the lock cylinder with electrical energy. In particular, a lock cylinder electronics and an electrically switchable blocking element of the lock cylinder are supplied with electrical energy. A separate power supply, in particular a mains-connected power supply, can thus be omitted for the lock cylinder.

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 and for the generator to be designed to supply a lock cylinder electronics with electrical energy via this contact. 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 set up, in which, for example, the key shank serves as ground and the electrical contact serves as the second pole. Thus, 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. This completely eliminates the need for wiring the locking cylinder to the lock or through the door. One advantage is that there is no need for power supplies. This means that the resulting power consumption of the lock-key system is zero, meaning that no CO2 is released for operation, for example. Furthermore, no rechargeable battery or replaceable battery is used to supply the locking cylinder required, i.e. no hazardous waste is produced when the lock-key system is operated.

In particular, it can be provided that the electrical contact is designed to establish a wired data connection between the key electronics and a lock cylinder electronics. 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.

The invention also relates to a system having a key according to one of the exemplary embodiments described above. It is provided 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 accordingly so that they can exchange and validate the 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 the switchable blocking element in order to actuate the locking cylinder. In addition, one embodiment can provide for the coded opening signal to be exchanged bidirectionally between the lock cylinder electronics and the lock cylinder. For example, the key electronics can first check the lock cylinder electronics to determine whether the lock cylinder electronics or the type of lock cylinder is released for the corresponding key or for the corresponding lock-key system. Only after the locking cylinder has been validated will the locking cylinder electronics then generate a coded opening signal and transmit it to the locking cylinder or the locking cylinder electronics. The locking cylinder or the locking cylinder electronics will then check the coded opening signal and if this is valid, i.e. valid, release the locking cylinder for actuation. The lock cylinder can then be operated by turning the key, ie rotated in the opening direction, for example, in order to open a lock, ie to retract locking elements of a lock into the lock housing and unlock a door.

In particular, provision can be made for the locking cylinder electronics to be supplied with electrical energy by the generator and/or the energy store of the key in order to check an opening signal exchanged between the key electronics and the locking cylinder electronics and, if there is an opening authorization, to release a blocking element in order to mechanically actuate the to allow locking cylinder.

It can preferably be provided that both the key electronics and the lock cylinder electronics and the blocking element are supplied with electrical energy by the generator. In particular, the key can be operated with a lock cylinder or the lock-key system in such a way that when the key shank is pushed into the key channel, a movable component arranged on the key comes into contact with the lock cylinder and is displaced relative to the key shank when the key shank is pushed in further is used to drive the generator rotatively.

The key or lock-key system according to the invention can be used on locks for building doors. In other applications, however, the key-lock system can also be used for furniture doors or safe doors or even vehicle doors. In particular, the key according to the invention can also be used for so-called furniture cylinders or padlocks.

One advantage is that the key according to the invention enables parallel operation with battery-carrying keys in systems with locking cylinders. The locking cylinders do not require their own power supply, since they are always supplied with energy by the key.

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

show:

Fig. 1a-1c: Key with a lock cylinder in different

operating positions;

Fig. 2a: an embodiment of the invention

key with open key bow;

Fig. 2b: an embodiment of the invention

Key according to Figure 2a without key electronics.

Fig. 3a: an embodiment of the invention

key with connecting rod drive;

Fig. 3b: an embodiment of the invention

key with belt drive;

3c: an embodiment of the invention

key with spindle drive;

Fig. 4a-7b: an embodiment of the invention

key with a rack and pinion;

8: an alternative embodiment of the key according to the invention with a modified movable component; 9 shows an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the key according to the invention;

FIG. 10: a further exploded view according to FIG. 9;

Fig. 11a: a 3D representation of the generator and the

key electronics;

Fig. 11b: a side view of the generator and the

key electronics;

12: an enlarged view of the key shank with a movably mounted carriage;

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

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

Fig. 15: a schematic circuit diagram of the invention

key 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. The expert can use his Depending on the level of craftsmanship, different features of the illustrated exemplary embodiments may be varied or interchanged without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims.

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 separate, i. H. before the key 1 is inserted into the lock cylinder 11 shown. FIG. 1b shows the key 1 partially inserted into the keyway of the lock cylinder 11. In FIG. 1c, the key 1 is shown fully inserted into the lock channel of the lock cylinder 1. In this position shown in FIG. 1c, 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 it 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. Accordingly, when the lock is actuated in the locking direction, the lock is locked, i.e. 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 one with the

Key shank 3 connected key bow 2 on. The key bow 2 is as Housing designed with a space for receiving 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 gear 6 or

Transmission device 6 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 exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c, the movable component 4 is designed as a carriage 42 or slide 42 that is movably mounted on the key shank 3. FIG. In this description, the terms slide 42 and carriage 42 are preferably used synonymously and denote the same component.

As shown in Figures 1a to 1c, the carriage 42 or slide 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 and thereby drives the generator 9 via the transmission element 5 and the transmission device 6 . The generator 9 generates electrical energy in order to supply electrical energy to a key electronic system 7, shown for example in FIG. 2a. The key electronics 7 shown, for example, in FIG. 2a generates an electronically coded opening signal and transmits this to the lock cylinder via an electrical contact 32 arranged on the key shank

11 or to lock cylinder electronics 12 (shown in FIG. 15).

In the fully inserted position of the key shown in FIG. 1c, an electrical circuit between the lock cylinder electronics 12 and the key electronics 7 is closed via the electrical contact 32 . About this circuit, a coded opening signal, and / or electrical energy between the key electronics 7 and the lock cylinder electronics

12 to be exchanged. 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. That is, it has a switchable blocking element 13 (Figure 15), which must be unlocked 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 coded opening signal sent by the key electronics 7, the key electronics 7 can check the locking cylinder electronics 12 to determine whether the locking cylinder 11 is a system associated with the key 1. First after the lock cylinder 11 has been validated by the key electronics 7 , a corresponding coded opening signal is generated by the lock cylinder electronics 7 and transmitted to the lock cylinder 11 . In this way, safety can be significantly increased again.

FIG. 2a shows the key 1 according to the invention 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 or slide 42 mounted on the key shank 3 is arranged on the key shank 3 and connected to the gear element 5 arranged inside the key bow 2 . The transmission element 5 is spatially arranged between the key electronics 7 and the generator 9 .

The movable carriage 42 or slide 42 is moved from its front resting position or starting position arranged in the area of the key shaft tip 35 when the key 1 is inserted into a lock cylinder 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 convert the longitudinal movement of the carriage 42 or the slide 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. In the example shown, the return spring 62 is designed as a torsion spring 62 and serves to return the movable component 4 or the carriage 42 or slide 42 to its rest position when the key 1 is pulled out of a lock cylinder 11, i.e. to the position shown in Fig 2a near the tip 35 of the key shank 3.

A locking pin 31 is arranged in the area of the key tip 35 . The detent pin 31 is spring-loaded laterally to the key shank 3 and serves to hold the key in the locking cylinder according to the position shown in FIG.

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 illustration in FIG. 2a, the energy store 81 includes four capacitors 811, 812, 813 and 814. The capacitors 811, 812, 813 and 814 are in the form of 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 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 in order to ensure electrical contact between the generator 9 and the key electronics 7 or energy store 81 . The spring pins 71 and 72 make contact with two conductive pads 731 and 732, which are shown in FIG. 2b. 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 .

FIG. 2b shows the key 1 according to FIG. 2a, but here the key electronics 7 have been removed for the sake of clarity. As can be seen from FIG. 2b, 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 .

Two connection pins 741 and 742 can also be seen from FIG. 2b. 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 wire of the key electronics 7 to the key shank 3. The second connection pin 742 connects the key electronics to the electrical contact 32. A variant of the key 1 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 3a. 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 generator is driven by means of a transmission device 6 by the movable component 4 arranged on the key shank 3 or by the movable carriage or slide 42 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3 a , 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 .

3b 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, and a key bow 2 connected thereto. In turn, a generator 9 is arranged in the key bow 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 or slider 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 slide 42 or slide 42 movably mounted on the key shank 3 moves, the belt 521 is displaced and thereby drives the pinion 61 in rotation. These Rotational motion is translated by the gearing device 6 to drive the generator 9 to produce electrical energy.

Another exemplary embodiment of the key 1 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 3c. In contrast to the configurations described above, the movable gear element 5 drives a spindle drive 51 here. 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 or slide 42 along the spindle 512 . 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.

A further exemplary embodiment of the key 1 according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 4a to 7b. 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 or slide 42 into a rotary movement for the generator 9 .

An overrunning clutch 63, which is arranged between the transmission device 6 and the generator 9, can be seen in FIG. 4a. The overrunning clutch 63 serves to decouple the carriage 42 or slide 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 ti

bicycle freewheel. This enables the carriage 42 or slider 42 to be uncoupled from the generator 9 as soon as the carriage 42 or

Slider 42 comes to a halt at the end of the drive movement or is brought back into 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.

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 Fig. 5a and 5b, the key 1 according to the invention is shown in the side position in the starting position. The movable carriage 42 or slide 42 is in its front position, arranged in the area of the key tip 35 . The carriage 42 or slide 42 is directly connected to the gear element 5 or the toothed rack 55 . As can be seen from the enlarged detail view in FIG. 5b, 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 to generate electrical energy.

Figures 6a and 6b show the corresponding key 1 in the fully inserted position in a lock cylinder, but without a lock cylinder. It can be seen here that the carriage 42 or slide 42 or the toothed rack 55 is in the rear stop position near the key bow 2 are arranged. 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. 7a and 7b shows the corresponding position according to FIGS. 6a and 6b in a side view.

In Fig. 8 another embodiment of the key 1 according to the invention is shown. This exemplary embodiment essentially corresponds to the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 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. Similar to the carriage 42 or slide 42, the plunger 41 comes into contact with a lock cylinder 11 when the plunger shaft 3 is inserted and is pushed along the key shaft 3 in the direction of the key bow 2 in order to move via the movable gear element 5 or the generator 9, to drive to generate electric power.

9 shows an exploded view of the key 1 according to the invention. This key 1 largely corresponds to the embodiments shown in Figures 1a to 2b. 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 bow halves 21 , 22 , the key shank can be connected to the plastic material of the bow 21 , 22 by overmoulding the metal shank 3 .

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, once the two housing halves 21 and 22 have been attached to one another, it automatically stops on the key bow 2.

The slide 42 or slide 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 reduced in this area, so that the carriage 42 or slide 42 can be placed on the key shank 3 or removed from the key shank 3 in this area.

10 shows a further 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. On the circuit board 84 are both the components of the key electronics 7 and the components of the energy store 81 are arranged. 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 restoring spring 62 and the overrunning clutch 63. For the sake of clarity, these components of the generator are not shown or labeled individually in FIG. 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 contacted the Generator 9 with the key electronics 7 automatically via the two resilient pins 71 and 72, which are shown in Fig. 11a.

The space-saving, staggered design of the two connected structural units of the generator 9 and the key electronics 7 can be seen in FIG. 11b. The electronic key system 7 is arranged on the circuit board 84 together with the energy store 81 . 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 installation 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 free by the generator 9 and thus keep the overall height and thus the thickness of the key bow 2 as low as possible. As a result, the space between key electronics 7 and generator 9 is optimally utilized.

FIG. 12 shows an enlarged representation of the key shank 3 with the carriage 42 or slide 42 movably mounted thereon.

The slider 42 has a slider shoe 421 and a slider arm 43 projecting from the slider shoe 421 . The slider shoe 421 is integral with the slider arm 43 .

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

To connect the slide 42 to the transmission element 5, the slide 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 slide arm 43 in the housing of the key bow 2 . When the slide 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 resilient tabs, such that when the slide 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. Characterized the slide 42 is connected to the movable gear element 5 by the coupling device 45 without To do this, the housing of the key bow 2 must be open. 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.

13 shows an exemplary embodiment of the key according to the invention with the first housing half 21 removed. In FIG. 13 the key shank 3 can be seen from the front. It is clear that the slide 42 is tapered with its slide shoe 421 or slide arm 43 . This means that the flanks of the slider shoe 421 or the slider 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 slide 42 and the key bow 2 or the cover 23. In addition, an aesthetic appearance is achieved.

A section through the key shank 3 in the area of the slide shoe 421 is shown in FIG. The slider shoe 421 is guided by the slider guide 33 . This has two opposite grooves 333 and 334 . The slider shoe 421 encompasses the slider 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 slider shoe 421 encompasses the slider 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 .

15 shows a schematic circuit diagram of the key 1 according to the invention. The components of the key 1 are shown in the rectangle labeled 1 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 locking cylinder electronics 12 and an electrically switchable blocking element 13 for releasing 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 locking cylinder electronics and the switchable locking element 13 can also be drawn from the energy store 81 or from the generator 9 be supplied with electrical energy. 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 wiring being required on a door on which a corresponding locking 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 bows

21 first case half

22 second case half

23 aperture

3 key shaft

31 detent pin

32 electrical contact

33 slide guide

331 first flank

332 second flank

333 first groove

334 second groove

335 stop 34 area of application

35 key tip

4 moving part

41 pestle

42 sliders

421 slider shoe

431 first face

432 second face

43 pusher arm

45 clutch

46 cones

47 receiving 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 rods

54 rack and pinion

55 rack

6 gear device

61 first sprocket

61a second pinion

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 port

81 energy storage 811 first capacitor

812 second condenser

813 third capacitor

814 fourth capacitor

84 circuit board

9 alternators

Claims

Expectations

1 . Key with a key bow (2) and a key shank (3) for actuating a lock cylinder (11), in particular for a mechatronic lock-key system, comprising key electronics (7) which transmit a coded opening signal to a lock cylinder (11). and a generator (9) arranged in the key bow (2) for supplying the key electronics (7) and/or locking cylinder electronics (12) with electrical energy, the generator (9) being driven by a movable component (4), characterized that the movable component (4) comes into contact with the lock cylinder (11) when the key shank (3) is pushed into a lock cylinder (11) and the generator (9) when the key shank (3) is pushed further into the lock cylinder (11) drives.

2. Key according to Claim 1, characterized in that the movable component (4) comes into contact with the lock cylinder (11) when the key shank (3) is pushed into a lock cylinder (11) and the generator (9) when the key shank is pushed in further (3) in the lock cylinder (11) drives rotating.

3. Key according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the movable component (4) interacts with a gear element (5) in order to convert a linear movement of the movable component (4) into a rotational movement for rotating the generator (9).

4. Key according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable component (4) is designed as a component mounted linearly movably on the key bow (2) and/or the key shank (3), in particular as a slide (42) or is designed as a plunger (41), or as a carriage (42), or as a magnet and/or has a magnet.

5. Key according to claim 4, characterized in that the magnet or that the slide (42) or that the plunger (41) from the key bow (2) protrudes parallel to the key shank (3). Key according to Claim 4, characterized in that the carriage (42) or slide (42) is mounted on the key bow (2) and/or on the key shank (3) so that it can be displaced linearly and parallel to the key shank (3). Key according to one of Claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the slide (42) or that the plunger (41) or that the carriage (42) is connected to the gear element (5) in order to transmit tensile forces and/or compressive forces between the gear element ( 5) and slide (42) or ram (41) or carriage (42) to transfer. Key according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the gear element (5) is designed as a spindle drive (51) or as a connecting rod drive (53) or as a belt drive (52). Key according to one of Claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the gear element (5) is part of a gear device (6), in particular a gear device (6) comprising the gear element (5) and a transmission (61) in order to rotate the gear element (5) to be transferred to the generator (9) at a different speed.

10. Key according to one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the gear element (5) is arranged inside the key bow (2), preferably that the gear device (6) is arranged inside the key bow (2).

11 . Key according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the key electronics (7) are arranged within the key bow (2).

12. Key according to one of claims 3 to 11, characterized in that the transmission element (5) has a movable component (4) cooperating with the toothed rack (55).

13. Key according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an overrunning clutch (63) is provided so that the movable component (4) is only engaged with the generator (9) when the key is inserted into a locking channel of a lock cylinder (11). , while the overrunning clutch (63) separates the moving component (4) when it is pulled out, so that the generator (9) can only be driven in one direction of rotation.

14. Key according to claim 13, characterized in that the transmission device (6) has the overrunning clutch (63).

15. Key according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable component (4) is spring-loaded for resetting, in particular is spring-loaded in the direction of the key tip.

16. Key according to one of Claims 3 to 15, characterized in that the generator (9) and the transmission element (5) and the transmission device (6) are designed together as a structural unit that can be inserted into the key bow (3), in particular that the the transmission device (6), the generator (9) and the toothed rack (55) are designed together as a structural unit that can be inserted into the key bow (2).

17. Key according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an optical display, preferably comprising an LED, is provided on the key bow (2), the optical display being supplied with electrical energy by the generator (9).

18. Key according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the key electronics (7) has a capacitor as an energy storage device for the electrical energy generated by the generator (9), and in particular enables intermediate energy storage.

19. Key according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the electronic key (7) apart from the generator (9) requires or has no further power source. Key according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the key shank (3) an electrical contact (32) is arranged to connect the key electronics (7) with a lock cylinder electronics (12) and that the generator (9) for supplying a Lock cylinder electronics (12) is formed via this contact (32) with electrical energy. Key according to Claim 20, characterized in that the electrical contact (32) is designed to establish a wired data connection between the electronic key system (7) and an electronic system for a locking cylinder (12). System comprising a key (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and a mechatronic lock cylinder (11) comprising a lock cylinder electronics (12). System according to Claim 22, characterized in that the locking cylinder electronics (12) are supplied with electrical energy by the generator (9) in order to check an opening signal exchanged between the key electronics (7) and the locking cylinder electronics (12) and, if an Opening authorization unlock a blocking member (13) to allow mechanical actuation of the lock cylinder (11). Method for actuating a mechatronic lock cylinder (11) using a key (1), in that the lock cylinder (11) is rotated by the key (1) in the opening direction or in the closing direction when it is actuated, and the key (1) has a key shank (3) for insertion into a key channel of the lock cylinder (11), a key bow (2) and key electronics (7), and wherein the lock cylinder (11) comprises an electrically switchable blocking element (13) for releasing or blocking rotation of the lock cylinder and the blocking element (13) comprises switching lock cylinder electronics (12), characterized in that the key (1) has a generator (9) which is driven in rotation when the key shank (3) is inserted into the key channel in order to generate electrical energy to supply the key electronics (7 ) and/or the lock cylinder electronics (12). Method according to Claim 24, characterized in that both the key electronics (7) and the locking cylinder electronics (12) and the blocking element (13) are supplied with electrical energy by the generator (9). Method according to Claim 24 or 25, characterized in that when the key shank (3) is pushed into the key channel, a movable component (4) arranged on the key (1) comes into contact with the lock cylinder (11) and when the key is pushed in further

Key shank (3) is displaced relative to the key shank (3) to drive the generator (9) in rotation.