EP4390013A1 - Coupling system for an electromechanical lock - Google Patents

Abstract

Coupling system for actuating the locking device of an electromechanical lock, comprising a core (1) which is mounted in a housing (16) so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis A, a motor (4) with a motor spindle (5) and a motor nut (6a, 6b) arranged thereon, which moves linearly along the longitudinal axis A when the motor spindle (5) rotates, a coupling element (3) for connecting the core (1) to the locking device, wherein the coupling element (3) is displaceable along the longitudinal axis A from a disengaged state to an engaged state, and wherein in the engaged state the locking device is positively connected to the core (1), and in the disengaged state the locking device is separated from the core (1), wherein two movable driver plates (7a, 7b) are arranged on the motor nut (6a, 6b).

Description

The invention relates to a coupling system for an electromechanical lock and an electromechanical lock with such a coupling system.

Coupling systems for electromechanical locks are known from the state of the art. Such coupling systems are usually controlled electronically and operate an electromechanical coupling device to release or block a lock. For this purpose, control electronics receive a signal, for example via an RFID card, which is evaluated and, depending on the result of the evaluation, electromechanical coupling means are controlled to release or block the lock.

Systems are particularly known in which the clutch system can be switched between a coupled state and a disengaged state. In the coupled state, a hand knob or a push button actuates a locking device, for example the locking lug of a lock. In the disengaged state, the hand knob or push button is separated from the locking device. In particular, it is intended that the coupled state can only be activated for a short time, usually only a few seconds, and that the clutch system then returns to the disengaged state.

Such known coupling systems comprise a housing and a core that is rotatably mounted in the housing. The core is usually connected to a hand knob, but an electronic handle or an electronic fitting can also be installed. A coupling element is provided that can create a mechanical, positive and rotationally fixed connection between the core and the locking device.

In conventional coupling systems, a motor with a motor spindle is provided to move the coupling element. The coupling element can be connected to the motor spindle, for example screwed onto the motor spindle.

Coupling systems are also known in which the coupling element is elastically connected to the motor spindle via a spring element, for example via a motor nut that is screwed onto the motor spindle and to which a spring element is attached. When the motor spindle rotates, the spring element is pulled apart or compressed, and this energy is subsequently transferred to the coupling element. The publication AT 520 252 B1 shows such a coupling system.

However, a disadvantage of such a coupling system is that the spring element must be firmly connected to the motor spindle and the coupling element on both sides, for example by gluing or welding. This entails additional manufacturing costs and the quality of the connection point represents an additional potential source of error.

One object of the invention is therefore to solve this problem and to create a coupling system which enables movement of the coupling element in both directions even when the power is off, so that any movement of the coupling element which has been started and blocked can be completed even after the power supply has been interrupted, without having to use error-prone fixed connections to the coupling element, in particular welded or adhesive connections.

These and other objects are achieved according to the invention by a coupling system according to claim 1.

A coupling system according to the invention is designed to actuate the locking device of an electromechanical lock. A corresponding lock comprises a core which is mounted in a housing so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis A. The coupling system according to the invention is designed to engage in the core. The coupling system can comprise the core, but it can also be formed without the core and designed to engage in the core.

A motor is also provided with a motor spindle and a motor nut arranged thereon, which is arranged such that it moves linearly along the longitudinal axis A when the motor spindle rotates. A coupling element serves to couple the core to the locking device and can be moved by the motor spindle along the longitudinal axis A from a disengaged state to an engaged state. In the engaged state, the locking device is positively connected to the core. In the disengaged state, the locking device is separated from the core.

According to the invention, two axially movable driver plates which are resiliently braced against one another are arranged on the motor nut and interact with the coupling element in such a way that, when the motor nut moves along the longitudinal axis A, one of the driver plates exerts a force on the coupling element in order to displace it along the longitudinal axis A.

Because the driver plates are axially movable and spring-loaded against each other, mechanical storage of the force exerted by the motor is possible. This allows the movement of the coupling element to continue even when the motor is de-energized.

According to the invention, it can be provided that the driver plates each interact with a shoulder of the coupling element to transmit the force to the coupling element. This can be achieved by the driver plates having a larger circumference than the coupling element in the area of the shoulders.

According to the invention, it can be provided that the motor nut is essentially dumbbell-shaped with two collars on the front side. The driver plates are arranged between the collars, so that the movement of the driver plates relative to the motor nut is limited by the collars.

According to the invention, a spring element, preferably a spiral spring, can be arranged between the driver plates, which pushes the two driver plates apart and presses the two collars against them. The spring element can ensure that the mechanical energy is stored while the motor is de-energized. The spiral spring can be designed as a tension spring, a compression spring, or as a combination of tension and compression spring. Instead of a spiral spring, magnetic elements can also be provided. Preferably, the spring element is not fixedly mounted on another component, but is arranged essentially freely movable on the motor nut. This allows the spring element to be moved in both directions along the longitudinal axis of the motor nut.

The motor nut can be made in one piece. To facilitate easier assembly of the spring element and the driver plates, the motor nut can also be made in several parts, in particular in two parts, and includes a first motor nut and a second motor nut. In this case, the two motor nuts are essentially identical in construction and each have a collar so that the spring element and the driver plates can be more easily placed on the motor nut during assembly.

According to the invention, it can be provided in particular that a first motor nut with a first circumferentially protruding collar and a first driver plate and a second motor nut with a second circumferentially protruding collar and a second driver plate are provided. In this case, a spring element, preferably a spiral spring, for example a spiral compression spring or a spiral tension spring, can be provided between the first driver plate and the second driver plate, which presses the two driver plates apart and against the two collars.

The coupling element is designed for mechanically coupling the core and a hand knob connected thereto, if applicable, to the locking device, for example a locking lug or a locking lever. The locking device can comprise a locking lever that can be connected to the coupling element. An adapter can be provided between the coupling element and the locking device. The core can be connected to a hand knob in order to actuate the locking device in the coupled state.

For mechanical coupling, the coupling element can have a connecting pin, which is preferably rectangular. In the coupled state, the connecting pin can engage in the locking device in a form-fitting manner. An adapter can also be provided between the coupling element and the locking device. In this case, the adapter can comprise a preferably rectangular plug-in opening for the form-fitting introduction of the connecting pin.

The coupling element itself can have a non-rotationally symmetrical external shape in order to enable a positive coupling with the core. Essentially, however, the coupling element can be cylindrical. To accommodate the motor nut and the driver plates, it can have a preferably essentially cylindrical chamber. The shoulders, which serve to transfer the force of the motor to the coupling element, can be formed as inward-facing, preferably annular projections of the chamber, which are essentially opposite one another along the longitudinal axis A.

The chamber and the driver plates are preferably designed in such a way that the driver plates cannot be rotated in the chamber relative to the longitudinal axis A. The driver plates can, for example, have an angular, in particular a square, outer cross-section. The driver plates can have a central recess, in particular a bore, in order to be able to put them on the motor nut. The driver plates can also be essentially U-shaped, so that they can also be put on a one-piece motor nut.

In particular, the driver plates and the motor nut can be designed in such a way that the driver plates on the motor nut can move axially in the direction of the longitudinal axis A, but cannot rotate. For this purpose, the driver plates can have a central recess with a flattened area, which is adapted to flattened areas on the outside of the motor nut. The driver plates can thus be placed on the motor nut and moved along it, but are rotationally fixed in relation to the motor nut.

The invention also relates to a fitting comprising a coupling system according to the invention and designed to engage in the core of a locking device of an electromechanical lock. The fitting can be manufactured separately and placed on a correspondingly designed locking device.

The invention also relates to a cylinder lock with a coupling system according to the invention. Such a cylinder lock comprises at least one housing in which the core is rotatably mounted, as well as a locking device.

Further features emerge from the claims, the figures, the figure description and the subsequent patent claims.

• Fig. 1: eine schematische Explosionsdarstellung einer Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Kupplungssystems;
• Fig. 2a eine schematische Seitenansicht einiger Komponenten eines erfindungsgemäßen Kupplungssystems;
• Fig. 2b eine Schnittdarstellung des Ausführungsbeispiels aus Fig. 2a;
• Figs. 3a - 3d schematische dreidimensionale Ansichten eines erfindungsgemäßen Kupplungssystems in verschiedenen Betriebszuständen.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to figures showing an embodiment. They show:

• Fig.1 : a schematic exploded view of an embodiment of a coupling system according to the invention;
• Fig. 2a a schematic side view of some components of a coupling system according to the invention;
• Fig. 2b a sectional view of the embodiment from Fig. 2a ;
• Figs. 3a - 3d Schematic three-dimensional views of a coupling system according to the invention in different operating states.

Fig.1 shows a schematic exploded view of an embodiment of a coupling system according to the invention for actuating the locking device of an electromechanical lock with a core 1 which is rotatably mounted in a housing 16 (not shown). An electric motor 4 with a motor spindle 5 is arranged in the core 1. A first motor nut 6a and a second motor nut 6b are screwed onto the motor spindle 5. The motor nuts 6a, 6b are identical in construction, essentially cylindrical with a circumferential flattening and each have a front collar 9a, 9b. When screwed on, the collars 9a, 9b are on opposite sides.

A spiral spring 8 is placed on the motor nuts 6a, 6b. Adjacent to each side of the spiral spring 8 there is a driver plate 7a, 7b. The driver plates 7a, 7b have an essentially square outer cross-section.

Furthermore, the driver plates 7a, 7b have a central recess with a flattened area. The outer cross section of the motor nuts 6a, 6b corresponds to the shape of the recess, so that the driver plates 7a, 7b can be positively attached to the motor nuts 6a, 6b. When attached, the driver plates 7a, 7b can be moved axially relative to the motor nuts 6a, 6b, but cannot rotate, but are fixed in rotation.

The motor nuts 6a, 6b, the driver plates 7a, 7b and the spiral spring 8 are assembled in a chamber 11 of a coupling element 3. The coupling element 3 is designed to connect the core 1 to a locking device (not shown). In this embodiment, an adapter 2 is provided which comprises a rectangular plug opening 13 for the positive insertion of a rectangular connecting pin 12 of the coupling element 3 and is connected to a locking device. In other embodiments, the coupling element 3 can be connected directly, i.e. without adapter 2, to a locking device.

Figs. 2a and 2b show some components of a coupling system according to the invention in a schematic side view and in a sectional view. Shown is the electric motor 4 with the motor spindle 5, which can rotate about the longitudinal axis A. The two motor nuts 6a, 6b are screwed onto the motor spindle 5 and fixed in rotation via the driver plates 7a, 7b, so that they move linearly along the longitudinal axis A when the motor spindle 5 rotates.

Two movable driver plates 7a, 7b are placed on the two motor nuts 6a, 6b in such a way that they can be moved axially relative to the motor nuts 6a, 6b, but cannot rotate. The driver plates are pressed apart by a spiral spring 8 and against the front collars 9a, 9b of the motor nuts 6a, 6b.

Fig. 3a shows a schematic three-dimensional view of a coupling system according to the invention in the coupled state.

The coupling system according to the invention comprises a core 1, which is rotatable in a housing 16 and connected to a hand knob 15, and a motor 4 with a motor spindle 5 and two motor nuts 6a, 6b arranged thereon. The motor nuts 6a, 6b are rotationally fixed relative to the motor spindle 5, so that they move linearly along the longitudinal axis A when the motor spindle 5 rotates. A coupling element 3 is provided for connecting the core 1 to the locking device in the form of a locking lever 14.

The coupling element 3 can be moved along the longitudinal axis of the core 1 from a disengaged state to a coupled state. In the coupled state shown, the locking lever 14 is positively connected to the core 1 via an adapter 2, so that a rotation of the hand knob 15 is passed on to the locking lever 14.

On the motor nuts 6a, 6b there are two axially movable driver plates 7a, 7b, which engage with the coupling element 3 in such a way that when the motor nut 6a, 6b moves along the longitudinal axis A, one of the driver plates 7a, 7b exerts a force on the coupling element 3 in order to move it along the longitudinal axis A. For this purpose, the driver plates 7a, 7b are located in a chamber 11 of the coupling element 3 and each interact with an inwardly projecting shoulder 10a, 10b of the coupling element 3.

The motor nuts 6a, 6b are designed with two front-side collars 9a, 9b. In other embodiments, a single dumbbell-shaped motor nut can be provided. The driver plates 7a, 7b are placed between the collars 9a, 9b, so that the axial movement of the driver plates 7a, 7b relative to the motor nut 6a, 6b is limited by the collars 9a, 9b.

So that the force transmission to the coupling element 3 can be effective in both directions, a spiral spring 8 is arranged between the driver plates 7a, 7b, which pushes the two driver plates 7a, 7b apart and presses the two collars 9a, 9b against them. By activating the motor 4, the coupling element 3 can thus be moved and the clutch system can change from the engaged state to a disengaged state.

Fig. 3b shows a schematic sectional view of a coupling system according to the invention for an electromechanical lock in the uncoupled state. Here, the dashed arrow shows the direction of movement of the coupling element 3 when the motor spindle 5 rotates. The two motor nuts 6a, 6b move to the left so that the left driver plate 7a presses against the shoulder 10a of the coupling element 3. The right driver plate 7b is also moved to the left via the right collar of the right motor nut 6b and presses the left driver plate 7a against the shoulder 10a via the spiral spring 8. As a result, the coupling element 3 moves to the left and the connecting pin 12 leaves the plug opening 13.

After the axial translational movement has ended, the coupling element 3 is no longer positively connected to the adapter 2 and the core 1 is thus decoupled from the adapter 2. A rotation of the core 1 in the decoupled state therefore does not lead to any actuation of the locking device.

Fig. 3c shows a schematic sectional view of a coupling system according to the invention in a blocked state, wherein the adapter 2 is rotated relative to the core 1 and thus coupling is not possible.
Here, the dashed arrow indicates the intended direction of movement of the coupling element 3 when the motor spindle 5 rotates.

The two motor nuts 6a, 6b move to the right so that the right driver plate 7b presses against the shoulder 10b of the coupling element 3. The left driver plate 7b is also moved to the right via the left collar 9a of the left motor nut 6a and presses the right driver plate 7b against the shoulder 10b via the spiral spring 8. However, for unknown reasons, the adapter 2 is twisted and blocks the insertion of the connecting pin 12 into the plug opening 13 so that the coupling element 3 cannot be moved axially.

The spiral spring 8 is compressed by the two driving plates 7a, 7b, since the left driving plate 7a is displaced to the right by the left collar 9a of the motor nut 6a, while the right driving plate 7b is prevented from moving to the right by its contact with the right shoulder 10b.

The state shown can remain for a long time, even if the motor 4 is de-energized. The compressed spiral spring 8 stores energy, which is then automatically used to move the coupling element 3 to the right as soon as the adapter 2 is rotated into a position in which a positive connection is possible again. This storage of mechanical energy is independent of a power supply to the motor 4, so that engagement can be achieved even if the motor 4 is already de-energized.

This allows the clutch system to automatically return to the engaged state after a blockage. Of course, the spiral spring 8 can also be released again by the motor 4 rotating the motor spindle 5 in the opposite direction, whereby the motor nut 6a is moved to the left and the spiral spring 8 can press the left driver plate 7a to the left.

Fig. 3d shows a schematic sectional view of a coupling system according to the invention in a jammed state, wherein the adapter 2 is rotated relative to the core 1 and thus disengagement is not possible. Here, the dashed arrow shows the intended direction of movement of the coupling element 3 when the motor spindle 5 rotates.

This can happen, for example, if an attempt is made to rotate the core 1 in the coupled state relative to the adapter 2. This creates friction between the contact surfaces of the connecting pin 12 and the plug opening 13, which means that the coupling element 3 cannot move axially. However, the motor 4 still causes the two motor nuts 6a, 6b to move axially to the left by rotating the motor spindle 5. The spiral spring 8 is compressed by the two driver plates 7a, 7b because the right driver plate 7b is moved to the left by the right collar 9b of the motor nut 6b, while the left driver plate 7a is prevented from moving to the left by its contact with the left shoulder 10a.

The compressed spiral spring 8 thus stores energy that can be used to move the coupling element 3 to the left as soon as the friction between the adapter 2 and the coupling element 3 becomes low enough, even if the motor 4 is already de-energized at that time. This allows the coupling system to automatically switch to the disengaged state.

Of course, the spiral spring 8 can also be relaxed again by the motor 4 rotating the motor spindle 5 in the opposite direction, whereby the motor nut 6b is moved to the right, the spiral spring 8 can press the right driver plate 7b to the right and the clutch system is again in the engaged state.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment described here, but encompasses all coupling systems within the scope of the following patent claims.

The invention is also not limited to an application with an electromechanical lock, but also includes coupling systems for purely mechanically or purely electronically operated locks within the scope of the following patent claims.

In particular, the invention is not limited to the use of two separate motor nuts, but also extends to embodiments with a single motor nut.

List of reference symbols:

1

core

2

adapter

3

Coupling element

4

engine

5

Motor spindle

6a

First engine nut

6b

Second engine nut

7a

First driver plate

7b

Second driver plate

8th

Spiral spring

9a

First Covenant

9b

Second Covenant

10a

First shoulder

10b

Second shoulder

11

chamber

12

Connecting pin

13

Plug opening

14

Locking lever

15

Hand knob

16

Housing

A

Longitudinal axis

Claims (16)

Coupling system for actuating the locking device of an electromechanical lock, wherein the lock has a core (1) which is mounted in a housing (16) so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis A, and wherein the coupling system is designed to engage in the core (1), comprising a motor (4) with a motor spindle (5) and a motor nut (6a, 6b) arranged thereon, which moves linearly along the longitudinal axis A when the motor spindle (5) rotates, b. a coupling element (3) for connecting the core (1) to the locking device, wherein the coupling element (3) is displaceable along the longitudinal axis A from a disengaged state to a coupled state, and wherein i. in the coupled state, the locking device is positively connected to the core (1), and ii. in the disengaged state, the locking device is separated from the core (1), characterized in that two axially movable driver plates (7a, 7b) which are resiliently braced against one another are arranged on the motor nut (6a, 6b), which interact with the coupling element (3) in such a way that when the motor nut (6a, 6b) moves along the longitudinal axis A, one of the driver plates (7a, 7b) exerts a force on the coupling element (3) in order to displace it along the longitudinal axis A. Coupling system according to claim 1, characterized in that the driver plates (7a, 7b) each cooperate with a shoulder (10a, 10b) of the coupling element (3) for transmitting the force. Coupling system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the motor nut (6a, 6b) is essentially dumbbell-shaped with two end-face collars (9a, 9b), wherein the driver plates (7a, 7b) are arranged between the collars (9a, 9b), so that the movement of the driver plates (7a, 7b) relative to the motor nut (6a, 6b) is limited by the collars (9a, 9b). Coupling system according to claim 3, characterized in that a spring element, preferably a spiral spring (8), is arranged between the driver plates (7a, 7b), which pushes the two driver plates (7a, 7b) apart and presses the two collars (9a, 9b) against it. Coupling system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the motor nut (6a, 6b) is divided into two parts, each individual motor nut (6a, 6b) having a front-side collar (9a, 9b) so that the driver plates (7a, 7b) and the spring element can be placed on the motor nut (6a, 6b) during assembly. Coupling system according to claim 5, characterized in that a first motor nut (6a) with a first circumferentially projecting collar (9a) and a first driver plate (7a) and b. a second motor nut (6b) with a second circumferentially projecting collar (9b) and a second driver plate (7b) are provided, wherein c. a spring element, preferably a spiral spring (8), is provided between the first driver plate (7a) and the second driver plate (7b), which presses the two driver plates (7a, 7b) apart and against the two collars (9a, 9b). Coupling system according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the coupling element (3) for receiving the motor nut (6a, 6b) and the driver plates (7a, 7b) has a preferably substantially cylindrical chamber (11), wherein the shoulders (10a, 10b) are designed as inwardly directed and substantially opposite, preferably annular projections of the chamber (11) along the longitudinal axis A. Coupling system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the chamber (11) and the driver plates (7a, 7b) are designed such that the driver plates (7a, 7b) are not rotatable in the chamber (11) relative to the longitudinal axis A. Coupling system according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the driver plates (7a, 7b) have an angular, in particular a square, outer cross-section. Coupling system according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the driver plates (7a, 7b) and the motor nut (6a, 6b) are designed such that the driver plates (7a, 7b) on the motor nut (6a, 6b) are axially movable in the direction of the longitudinal axis A, but are not rotatable. Coupling system according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the locking device comprises a locking lever (14) connectable to the coupling element (3). Coupling system according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that an adapter (2) is provided between the coupling element (3) and the locking device. Coupling system according to claim 12, characterized in that the adapter (2) comprises a preferably rectangular plug opening (13) for the positive insertion of a preferably rectangular connecting pin (12) of the coupling element (3). Coupling system according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the core (1) is connected to a hand knob (15) in order to actuate the locking device in the coupled state. Fitting comprising a coupling system according to one of claims 1 to 14 and designed to engage in the core (1) of a locking device of an electromechanical lock. Cylinder lock comprising a coupling system according to one of claims 1 to 14 and a locking device of an electromechanical lock.

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