KEY WITH A BUTTON FOR AN ELECTROMECHANICAL LOCKING DEVICE

Abstract

A key for an electromechanical locking device includes a key bow, and with the key bow includes a housing and an, in particular single, button. The housing includes an actuating section for actuating the button and a support section for supporting the actuating section, with the actuating section and the support section being configured in one piece with one another.

Claims

1. A key for an electromechanical locking device, with a key bow, wherein the key bow comprises a housing and single s button, and wherein the housing comprises an actuating section configured to actuate the button and a support section configured to supporting the actuating section, wherein the actuating section and the support section are designed in one piece with one another, wherein the housing comprises a support column to limit a travel upon actuation of the actuating section.

2. The key according to claim 1, wherein the key bow comprises a broad side and the actuating section occupies at least 20 of the extension of the broad side, and/or wherein the housing comprises a flat end surface and the actuating section occupies at least 30% of the extension of the end surface.

3. The key according to claim 1, wherein the actuating section and the support section are formed monolithically in relation to one another, as an injection molded part.

4. The key according to claim 1, wherein the actuating section and the support section merge into one another in a common, flat, end surface of the housing.

5. The key according to claim 1, wherein the actuating section and the support section differ at least partially in an internal wall thickness of the housing and/or wherein the actuating section has a changing wall thickness.

6. The key according to claim 1, wherein the one-piece, support section forms the housing on a narrow side the key bow.

7. The key according to claim 1, wherein the support column comprises a first support column part and a separately formed second support column part.

8. The key according to claim 1, wherein the button is arranged on a printed circuit board, wherein the circuit board comprises a column recess for the support column.

9. The key according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a first housing part and a second housing part, wherein the first housing part, the first support column part and the second housing part comprises the second support column part.

10. The key according to claim 9, wherein the button is configured to be actuated by pressing the first and second housing parts against one another.

11. The key according to claim 1, wherein the key bow comprises electronics with a wireless communication module for wireless communication, near-field communication, with a device; wherein the electronics are designed such that when the button is actuated, communication with the device begins.

12. The key according to claim 1, wherein the housing is surrounded by a frame, wherein the support section is partially located in the frame, and/or wherein the first and the second housing part are surrounded by the frame, and/or wherein the frame is designed to arrange the first and the second housing part on one another.

13. The key according to claim 12, wherein the frame is designed to transmit a torque to the locking device.

14. The key according to claim 1, wherein the key comprises a key shank, wherein the key shank is rigidly connected to the key bow, to the frame.

15. The key according to claim 14, wherein the key shank comprises at least one transmission element for the transmission of electrical energy and/or data to the locking device, wherein the electronics are designed such that insertion and/or removal of the key shank into/from the locking device causes the electronics to perform an action.

16. The key according to claim 1, wherein the key bow comprises at least one light device, wherein the light device is designed to display, differently, a communication setup and/or communication with the device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0141] The disclosure will now be described further on the basis of an exemplary embodiment, in which is shown:

[0142] FIG. 1 a schematic view of an arrangement according to the disclosure with a locking device, device and key according to the disclosure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment,

[0143] FIG. 2 an exploded representation of the key according to the disclosure in accordance with the exemplary embodiment,

[0144] FIG. 3 a view of a narrow side of the key according to the disclosure in accordance with the exemplary embodiment,

[0145] FIG. 4 a view of a broad side of the key according to the disclosure in accordance with the exemplary embodiment,

[0146] FIG. 5 the section A-A marked in FIG. 1,

[0147] FIG. 6 the section B-B marked in FIG. 1,

[0148] FIG. 7 the section C-C marked in FIG. 1,

[0149] FIG. 8 a detail of the key according to the disclosure in accordance with the exemplary embodiment,

[0150] FIG. 9 electronics and a light device of the key according to the disclosure in accordance with the exemplary embodiment,

[0151] FIG. 10 a state during assembly of the key according to the disclosure in accordance with the exemplary embodiment,

[0152] FIG. 11 an assembly method according to the disclosure, and

[0153] FIG. 12 different light patterns for the key according to the disclosure in accordance with the exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0154] The design of a key 1 according to an exemplary embodiment is explained in detail below on the basis of FIGS. 1 to 10. Unless otherwise stated, reference is always made to all figures.

[0155] FIG. 1 shows the key 1 in an isometric view together with a locking device 101 and a device 103. The key 1 with the locking device 101 forms an arrangement 100. This arrangement 100 can also include the device 103. In addition, a key ring 102 can be arranged on the key 1.

[0156] The locking device 101 is a lock cylinder with a corresponding electronic device, as explained in the general part of the description. The device 103 is a mobile device or a stationary terminal, also as defined in the general part of the description.

[0157] The key 1 comprises a key bow 2 and a key shank 50. The key shank 50 is used to insert into the locking device 101. If there is an electronic access authorization, the key 1 can rotate a cylinder core 104. If, on the other hand, there is no electronic access authorization, the cylinder core 104 cannot be rotated in a locking device housing 106. A locking element, not represented, of the locking device 101 is prevented by an electromechanical actuator, not represented, of the locking device 101 from leaving a connecting position between cylinder core 104 and locking device housing 106. Thus the key 1 cannot be rotated in the locking device 101 either. A rotation of the key 1 in the locking device 101 is thus locked.

[0158] If there is an electronic access authorization, a driver 105, which is designed as a locking lug, can be rotated with the cylinder core 104. For this purpose, the electromechanical actuator has been operated, which allows the locking element to be withdrawn from the connecting position. A building door can be unlocked via the driver 105.

[0159] The key bow 2 is formed by a housing 10 and a frame 30. The frame forms a free space 44 open on both sides (see FIG. 10) for arranging the housing 10. As soon as the housing 10 is mounted in the frame, the free space 44 in the frame 30 is filled by the housing 10. The frame 30 surrounds the housing 10 like a frame.

[0160] To define the disclosure, axes and sides are used, which are in particular illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. Accordingly, the key shank 50 extends along a longitudinal axis 90. A thickness axis 91 and a width axis 92 are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 90. The key bow 2 has two opposite broad sides 93. These two broad sides 93 are intersected by the thickness axis 91. Furthermore, the key bow 2 has two opposite narrow sides 94. The narrow sides 94 are intersected by the width axis 92.

[0161] The key shank 50 is located on a front side 95 of the key bow 2. A rear side 96 is opposite this front side 95. A key ring through-opening 14 for the key ring 102 can be located on this rear side 96. The front side 95 and the rear side 96 are intersected by the longitudinal axis 90.

[0162] A frame thickness 97 of the frame 30 is defined parallel to the thickness axis 91. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the frame 30 has this frame thickness 97 at every point.

[0163] The representation in FIG. 3 also shows that the housing 10 protrudes beyond the frame 30 on both sides, i.e. on both broad sides 93, when viewed along the longitudinal axis 90 or the width axis 92.

[0164] The top view in FIG. 4 shows a view along the thickness axis 91. It can be seen that the frame 30 protrudes beyond the housing 10 along the longitudinal axis 90 and along the width axis 92that is to say over the entire circumference. The frame 30 is thus formed circumferentially on the top surface of the key bow 2. Here, the frame 30 is designed to be open in the direction of the thickness axis 91 in the direction of the thickness axis 91. The broad sides 93 of the key bow 2, to be more precise, the top surfaces of the broad sides 93, are thus formed by the housing 10 and the frame 30.

[0165] The housing 10 is composed of a first housing part 11 and a second housing part 12. Each housing part 11, 12 has a rail holder 13 in each case. Corresponding rails 43 of the frame 30 are inserted into this rail holder 13 in order to arrange the two housing parts 11, 12 on one another and to seal the housing tightly. The frame surrounds both housing parts 11, 12 here like a frame.

[0166] In the housing 10, in particular in the second housing part 12, there is a housing socket opening 15 for a socket 74.

[0167] According to the disclosure, the key 1 comprises a button 73.

[0168] For example, the section A-A in FIG. 5 shows a button projection 17 on the inside of the first housing part 11. This button projection 17 can be pressed on the associated button 73. For this purpose, the user presses the two housing parts 11, 12 against each other.

[0169] The key bow 2 has a relatively large actuating section 16 which is designed to be flexible in such manner that it can be pushed in by the user to actuate the button 73. The user thereby does not have to look for a specific, small spot on the key bow 2 in order to actuate the button 73, but can press the relatively large actuating section 16. The button projection 17 is arranged on the actuating section 16. This makes it easier to operate button 73.

[0170] For example, the views in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 illustrate that a relatively large area of the first housing part 11 is designed as an actuating section 16. This actuating section 16 is surrounded all around by a support section 18. When actuated, the actuating section 16 curves in relation to the support section 18. Any region of the first housing part 11 that does not form the actuating section 16 is assigned to this support section 18. Pressure on the support section 18 does not result in the button 73 being actuated.

[0171] According to the disclosure, the actuating section 16 and the support section 18 are designed in one piece. In this exemplary embodiment, the actuating section 16 and the support section 18 are formed monolithically. The actuating section 16 and the support section 18 together form the first housing part 11. The first housing part 11 is e.g. an injection molded part made of plastic. As a result, the key 1 is easy to manufacture.

[0172] In particular, the first housing part 11 has a flat end surface 29 on one of the two broad sides 93. This flat end surface 29 is largely formed by the actuating section 16. At least a rear part of the flat end surface 29 is designed as a support section 18. Thus, the actuating section 16 and the support section 18 together form the end surface 29 of the first housing part 11. In addition, the first housing part 11 comprises an edge section 20 which extends around the flat end surface 29. This edge section 20 is also part of the support section 18. The support section 18 thus forms the first housing part 11 on the narrow sides 94.

[0173] The edge section 20 has the rail holder 13 of the first housing part 11. Thus, the support section 18 is partially in the frame.

[0174] The actuating section 16 occupies at least 20%, preferably 25%, particularly preferably 30% of the spatial extension of the broad side 93. The spatial extension here means the extension perpendicular to the thickness axis 91. That is to say in a top view in the direction of the thickness axis 91 according to FIG. 4, in which the frame 30, the edge section 20 and the flat end surface 29 together form the broad side 93, the actuating section 16 occupies at least 20%, preferably 25%, particularly preferably 30% of the visible area.

[0175] The actuating section 16 occupies at least 30%, preferably at least 30%, particularly preferably 50% of the spatial extension of the end surface 29. The spatial extension here means the extension perpendicular to the thickness axis 91 (see FIG. 4).

[0176] In order to achieve a correspondingly flexible configuration of the actuating section 16, the flat end surface 29 can have different wall thicknesses. In particular, the representations in FIGS. 6 and 8 show that a first, thin wall thickness 21 and a second, thicker wall thickness 22 are provided in the region of the end surface 29. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the two wall thicknesses 21, 22 merge into one another with a step 19. Alternatively, a plurality of steps or a continuous change in the wall thickness can also be provided here.

[0177] The step 19 can, but does not have to, form the boundary between the actuating section 16 and the support section 18. It is also conceivable that part of the end surface 29 with the wall thickness 22 is part of the actuating section 16 since pressing on this region causes the button 73 to be actuated.

[0178] In order that the two housing parts 11, 12 cannot be pressed too far or too hard against one another, a support column is provided, which is formed from a first support column part 23 and the inside of the first housing part 11 and a second support column part 24 on the inside of the second housing part 12. When the actuating section 16 is pushed in, the two support column parts 23, 24 meet to form the support column.

[0179] Electronics 70 of the key 1 are located in the key bow 2, inside the housing 10 and thus surrounded by the frame 30 and the housing 10. The electronics 70 have the printed circuit board 71, which is represented in detail in FIG. 9.

[0180] The button 73 is located on the printed circuit board 71 and can be pressed by the actuating section 16, in particular via the button projection 17.

[0181] A column recess 72 is located relatively close to the button 73, here as a hole. The support column, formed by the two support column parts 23, 24, protrudes through this column recess 72.

[0182] For example, FIG. 8 shows that the first housing part 11 has a receiving groove 25 for inserting an insert element 54. This makes it possible to arrange the insert element 54 on the housing 10.

[0183] Furthermore, the housing 10 comprises a first light guide 26 on one broad side 93 and a second light guide 27 on the opposite broad side 93. The two light guides 26, 27 are each arranged to emit light on the associated broad side 93 and beyond the frame 30 in the direction of the key shank 50. The light guides 26, 27 can be produced, for example, with the rest of the housing 10 using a two-component injection molding process.

[0184] The exploded representation in FIG. 2 shows that a seal 28 can be inserted between the two housing parts 11, 12. Alternatively, this seal 28 can also be part of one of the two housing parts 11, 12, for example by a two-component injection molding process.

[0185] The frame 30 of the key bow 2 is formed by a first frame part 31 and a second frame part 32.

[0186] The first frame part 31 has a front section 33. The key shank 50, in particular a key shank main body 51, is located on this front section 33. This key shank main body 51 is formed monolithically together with the first frame part 31, for example cast together from metal.

[0187] Two front legs 34 of the first frame part 31 extend from the front section 33 in the direction of the rear side 96. As a result, the first frame part 31 is formed in the shape of a fork together with the key shank main body 51.

[0188] The second frame part 32 is designed to be U-shaped and thereby comprises a rear section 35 parallel to the front section 33. Two parallel rear legs 36 extend from this rear section 35 in the direction of the front side 95.

[0189] The two frame parts 31, 32 are connected to one another via two connection points 37. Each connection point 37 has two latching lugs 38 and two associated opposite latching points 39. Through these connection points 37, the two frame parts 31, 32 are connected to one another in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner.

[0190] The frame 30, in the exemplary embodiment shown the second frame part 32, has a frame socket opening 41 through which the socket 74 is accessible.

[0191] The frame 30 has a grip region 40 on each of the two narrow sides 94. The two grip regions 40 each form a top surface of the key bow 2 which can be gripped by the user in order to rotate the key 1 in the locking device 101. The torque can be transmitted directly to the key shank 50 and from there to the cylinder core 104 of the locking device 101 through the grip regions 40, which are located directly on the frame 30. There are no undesired stresses on the housing 10.

[0192] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the two grip regions 40 extend parallel and spaced apart from the longitudinal axis 90. In particular, the two grip regions 40 are formed by the two front legs 34 and the two rear legs 36.

[0193] The two grip regions 40 extend over the entire length of the key bow 2.

[0194] As already described, the key shank 50 comprises the key shank main body 51 which is a monolithic component of the first frame part 31. Thus, the key shank 50 and the frame 30 are rigidly connected to each other.

[0195] The key shank main body 51 has two shank legs 52 spaced apart from one another and a shank leg connection 53. The shank leg connection 53 connects the two shank legs 52 to one another at the front end of the key 1.

[0196] Furthermore, the key shank 50 comprises the insert element 54, in particular made of plastic. This insert element 54 is inserted between the two shank legs 52. In particular, the sectional representation C-C in FIG. 7 illustrates that the insert element 54 is located between the two shank legs 52 and is connected to both shank legs 52 via a tongue and groove connection 58.

[0197] Two transmission elements 55 extend inside the insert element 54. Since the key 1 is designed as a reversible key, at least two of these transmission elements 55 are provided.

[0198] In the region of the key shank 50, the two transmission elements 55 each have a locking device contact surface 56. The respective locking device contact surface 56 is exposed on the top surface of the key shank 50 and can thus be used for the transmission of data and/or power to the locking device 101.

[0199] Inside the key bow 2, the transmission elements 55 each have a printed circuit board contact surface 57 in order to connect the two transmission elements 55 to the printed circuit board 71 in an electrically conductive manner.

[0200] Furthermore, the socket 74 is located on the printed circuit board 71 and is designed here as a USB-C socket.

[0201] A wireless communication module 78, designed for near-field communication with the device 103, is located on the printed circuit board 71.

[0202] FIG. 9 also illustrates that an energy storage device 85 to power the electronics 70 and/or the locking device 101 is arranged inside the key bow 2. This energy storage device 85 can be charged via the socket 74, for example.

[0203] The button 73 is to be actuated in order to communicate with the device 103 via the near-field communication. If the button 73 has not been pressed shortly beforehand, the wireless communication module 78 sleeps, so that electrical energy of the energy storage device 85 can be saved.

[0204] Also to save energy, the electronics 70 can be woken up when the transmission element 55 comes into contact with corresponding contact points of the lock cylinder 101. Thus, inserting the key 1 into the lock cylinder 101 can cause an action, in particular to transmit data to the lock cylinder. If the key is removed again, this can also trigger an action; data is preferably transmitted from the key 1 to the device 103.

[0205] If the button 73 has not been pressed and the transmission elements 55 have been out of contact with the corresponding contact points of the lock cylinder 101 for a long time, the electronics 70 are idle.

[0206] Furthermore, FIG. 9 illustrates that a light device 75 is arranged on the printed circuit board 71. In the exemplary embodiment shown, this light device 75 comprises a first light element 76 in the form of an LED on one side of the printed circuit board 71 and a second light element 77 in the form of an LED on the opposite side of the printed circuit board 71. The first light element 76 is arranged to feed light into the first light guide 26. The second light element 77 is arranged to feed light into the second light guide 27. In particular, the two light elements are actuated synchronously so that they both emit the same pattern.

[0207] The two light elements 76, 77 are, in particular, LEDs that can light up in a plurality of colors. In addition, the electronics 70 are designed to actuate the light device 75, i.e. the two light elements 76, 77, to reproduce at least one item of information in a luminous manner.

[0208] FIG. 12 shows an example of the patterns in terms of light color, intensity and flashing pattern for different trigger events. Accordingly, e.g. when pressing 301 the button 73, blue light (b) with a flashing pattern long, short, short can be emitted. The long signal represents the connection setup, the short and short signals represent the existing connection. This means that connection setup and existing connection are represented differently.

[0209] When connecting 304 a charging cable with the socket 74 e.g. white light (w) can be emitted, with both the light intensity and the duration of the individual light signals being able to increase over time. An interrupted pattern can in this case represent the charging process and a sustained light the fully charged state.

[0210] When the key 1 is removed 303 from the locking device 101, blue (b) can be flashed twice and red (r) once, for example, with the two blue light signals being short and the red light signal being long. The blue light signals indicate the connection to the device 103. The red light signal indicates a disruption. If there is no disruption, only the blue light is emitted.

[0211] For an insertion 302 of the key 1 into the locking device 101, two different patterns are provided, for example, which represent a combination of information. In the combination white (w) green (g), white stands for a low charge status of the energy storage device and green for an access right. In the combination white-red-red, white stands for a low charge status of the energy storage device and red-red for a denied access right. If the energy storage device is sufficiently charged, the key will only emit the pattern green if access is granted and red-red if access is denied.

[0212] FIG. 10 illustrates a state during the assembly of the key 1 according to the disclosure. Accordingly, the two housing parts 11, 12 are first placed one on top of the other. The electronics 70, in particular also the energy storage device 85, are thereby already located between the two housing parts 11, 12. Furthermore, the insert element 54 is inserted between the two housing parts 11, 12.

[0213] In order to press the two housing parts 11, 12 firmly onto one another and thereby in particular to compress the seal 28, the described rail holders 13 are provided in the two housing parts 11, 12, which are pushed into the associated rails 43 of the two frame parts 31, 32. The two frame parts 31, 32 can be pushed onto the housing 10 at the same time or one after the other.

[0214] During this assembly process, the insert element 54 already connected to the housing 10 is inserted through an insert element through-opening 42 in the first frame part 31 and can thus be inserted between the two shank legs 52.

[0215] FIG. 11 illustrates an assembly method 200 for this exemplary embodiment. In this case, the electronics 70 and the energy storage device 85 are initially surrounded by the housing 10 in an assembly method step a) 201. In an assembly method step b) 202, the housing 10 is then fastened to the frame 30.

[0216] In the assembly method step b) 202, the rail holders 13 are pushed into one another with the rails 43 and at the same time the insert element 54 is pushed into the key shank main body 51.