KEY FOR AN ELECTROMECHANICAL LOCKING DEVICE

Abstract

A key for an electromechanical locking device, wherein a longitudinal axis, a width axis and a thickness axis are defined perpendicular to each other, with a key bow and with a key shank projecting from the key bow along the longitudinal axis for insertion into the locking device, wherein the key bow includes an electrical energy storage device and/or electronics, wherein the key bow includes a frame in which the energy storage device (85) and/or the electronics is received, wherein the frame is rigidly connected to the key shank, and wherein the frame has at least one grip region which forms a top surface of the key bow for a user to grasp.

Claims

1. A key for an electromechanical locking device, wherein a longitudinal axis, a width axis and a thickness axis are defined perpendicular to each other, with a key bow and with a key shank projecting along the longitudinal axis from the key bow for insertion into the locking device, wherein the key bow comprises an electrical energy storage device and/or electronics, wherein the key bow comprises a frame in which the energy storage device and/or the electronics is received, wherein the frame is rigidly connected to the key shank, and wherein the frame comprises at least one grip region which forms a top surface of the key bow for a user to grasp, wherein the key shank comprises a key shank main body, wherein the frame is monolithically connected to the key shank main body, wherein the key bow comprises a housing, wherein the housing is received by the frame, and wherein the housing forms a top surface of the key bow at opposing broad sides intersected by the thickness axis, wherein the frame extends around the thickness axis and wherein the frame forms a free space open on both sides for the arrangement of a housing.

2. (canceled)

3. The key according to claim 1, wherein the frame is made of metal.

4. The key according to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises at least a first frame part and a second frame part, wherein the first and second frame parts are connected to one another in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner at a connection point, wherein the key shank comprises an insert element, wherein the insert element is fastened to the key shank main body in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner.

5. (canceled)

6. (canceled)

7. The key according to claim 1, wherein the housing encloses the electronics and/or the energy storage device, wherein the housing comprises a first housing part and a second housing part, wherein the frame comprises at least one rail, wherein the at least one rail is designed to arrange the first housing part and the second housing part on one another.

8. The key according to claim 4, wherein the insert element is arranged on at least one of the housing parts, wherein the insert element comprises at least one transmission element for transmitting electrical energy and/or electronic data to the locking device.

9. The key according to claim 7, wherein the key comprises a socket for charging the energy storage device and/or for cable connection to the electronics, wherein the frame comprises a frame socket opening for the socket.

10. The key according to claim 9, wherein one of the housing parts comprises an enclosing housing socket opening for the socket.

11. The key according to claim 9, wherein the electronics comprise a circuit board on which the socket is arranged.

12. The key according to claim 8, wherein the key shank comprises at least two of the transmission elements for transmitting electrical energy and/or electronic data to the locking device, wherein the transmission elements are arranged symmetrically for reversible key-like usability.

13. The key according to claim 1, wherein the housing projects beyond the frame on both sides along the thickness axis.

14. The key according to claim 1, wherein the key bow comprises at least one light device, with at least one light element, and the housing comprises at least one light guide, wherein the at least one light guide, when viewed perpendicular to the thickness axis, projects beyond the frame.

15. The key according to claim 1, wherein a key ring through-opening for attaching the key to a key ring is formed between the frame and the housing.

16. An assembly method for assembling a key according to claim 1, wherein the key comprises a key bow and a key shank which is rigidly connected to the key bow, wherein the key bow comprises a housing, wherein the housing is received by a frame, and wherein the housing forms a top surface of the key bow at opposing broad sides intersected by the thickness axis, wherein the key shank comprises a key shank main body, wherein the frame is monolithically connected to the key shank main body, wherein the assembly method includes at least the following steps: a. surrounding electronics and/or an electrical energy storage device of the key with the housing, and b. fastening the housing to the frame, wherein the frame comprises at least one grip region which forms a top surface of the key bow for a user to grasp, wherein the frame extends around the thickness axis and wherein the frame forms a free space open on both sides for the arrangement of a housing.

17. The assembly method according to claim 16, wherein in step b. the housing is arranged, pushed in, on a first frame part and on a second frame part, and the two frame parts are fastened to one another.

18. The assembly method according to claim 16, wherein when the housing is fastened to the frame, an insert element of the key shank is pushed into a key shank main body.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0137] The disclosure will now be explained further on the basis of an exemplary embodiment, in which the following is shown:

[0138] 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,

[0139] FIG. 2 an exploded representation of the key according to the disclosure in accordance with the exemplary embodiment,

[0140] FIG. 3 a view of a narrow side of the key according to the disclosure in accordance with the exemplary embodiment,

[0141] FIG. 4 a view of a broad side of the key according to the disclosure in accordance with the exemplary embodiment,

[0142] FIG. 5 the section A-A marked in FIG. 1,

[0143] FIG. 6 the section B-B marked in FIG. 1,

[0144] FIG. 7 the section C-C marked in FIG. 1,

[0145] FIG. 8 a detail of the key according to the disclosure in accordance with the exemplary embodiment,

[0146] FIG. 9 electronics and a light device of the key according to the disclosure in accordance with the exemplary embodiment,

[0147] FIG. 10 a state during the assembly of the key according to the disclosure in accordance with the exemplary embodiment,

[0148] FIG. 11 an assembly method according to the disclosure, and

[0149] FIG. 12 different light patterns for the key according to the disclosure in accordance with the exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0150] 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 thereby always made to all figures.

[0151] FIG. 1 shows the key 1 according to the disclosure 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 according to the disclosure. The device 103 can also be part of this arrangement 100. In addition, a key ring 102 can be arranged on the key 1.

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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 authorisation, the key 1 can rotate a cylinder core 104. If, on the other hand, there is no electronic access authorisation, the cylinder core 104 cannot be rotated in a locking device housing 106. Here, a locking element, not represented, of the locking device 101 is prevented from leaving a connecting position between the cylinder core 104 and the locking device housing 106 by an electromechanical actuator, not represented, of the locking device 101. This means that the key 1 cannot be rotated in the locking device 101. Thus, a rotation of the key 1 in the locking device 101 is locked.

[0154] If there is an electronic access authorisation, 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 enables the locking element to be withdrawn from the connecting position. A building door can be unlocked via the driver 105.

[0155] The key bow 2 is formed by a housing 10 and a frame 30. The frame 30 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 housing 10 is surrounded by the frame 30 in a top view.

[0156] In the key bow 2, inside the housing 10 and thus surrounded by the frame 30, there is located electronics 70 of the key 1. The electronics 70 have the circuit board 71, which is represented in detail in FIG. 9.

[0157] Furthermore, FIG. 9 illustrates that an energy storage device 85 for powering the electronics 70 and/or the locking device 101, in particular an electronic device and/or the actuator of the locking device 101, is arranged inside the key bow 2. This energy storage device 85 can be charged via a socket 74. The housing 10 surrounds the energy storage device 85. It is also conceivable to transmit data via socket 74. A cable connection to the electronics 70 can be established via the socket 74.

[0158] The frame 30 of the key bow 2 is formed by a first frame part 31 and a second frame part 32.

[0159] 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. This implements the rigid connection according to the disclosure between the frame 30 and the key shank 50.

[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 opposing broad sides 93. These two broad sides 93 are intersected by the thickness axis 91. Furthermore, the key bow 2 has two opposing 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. Both the frame 30 and the housing 10 adjoin the key ring through-opening 14 here.

[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 constantly has this frame thickness 97 at every point. This frame thickness is preferably at least 3 mm such that sufficient stability is guaranteed.

[0163] Furthermore, the representation in FIG. 3 shows that the housing 10 projects 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 92i.e. over its entire circumference. The frame 30 is thus formed circumferentially on the top surface of the key bow 2. In this case, the frame 30 is designed to be open in the direction of the thickness axis 91. The broad sides 93 of the key bow 2, more precisely, the top surfaces of the broad sides 93, are thus formed by the housing 10 and the frame 30.

[0165] The housing 10 forms a top surface of the key bow 2 on opposing broad sides 93 intersected by the thickness axis 91.

[0166] 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 together and to seal the housing 10 tightly.

[0167] 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 way of a two-component injection moulding process.

[0168] 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.

[0169] The second frame part 32 is designed to be U-shaped and thereby comprises a rear section 35 parallel to the front section 33. Parallel rear legs 36 extend from this rear section 35 in the direction of the front side 95.

[0170] Two frame parts 31, 32 are connected to one another via two connection points 37. Each connection point 37 has locking lugs 38 and associated counter locking points 39. Through these connection points 37, the two frame parts 31, 32 are connected to one another in a form-fitting manner. The connection points are spaced from the longitudinal axis 90.

[0171] 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.

[0172] In the housing 10, in particular in the second housing part 12, there is located a housing socket opening 15 for the socket 74.

[0173] 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 through the grip regions 40, which are located directly on the frame 30. There are no undesirable strains on the housing 10.

[0174] According to the disclosure, the grip region 40 is thus rigidly connected to the key shank 50. This enables very good torque transmission from the user to the locking device 101, in particular to the cylinder core 104 and the driver 106.

[0175] 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. The grip regions 40 are separated from each other by the rear section 35 and the front section 33.

[0176] The two grip regions 40 extend over the entire length of the key bow 2.

[0177] 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 an associated button 73. For this purpose, the user presses the two housing parts 11, 12 against each other.

[0178] 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 does not thereby have to look for a specific, small place on the key bow 2 in order to actuate the button 73, but can press on the relatively large actuating section 16.

[0179] 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. Any region of the first housing part 11 that does not form the actuating section 16 is assigned to this support section 18.

[0180] 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. In addition, the first housing part 11 comprises an edge section 20 which extends all around the flat end surface 29. This edge section 20 is also part of the support section 18.

[0181] In order to achieve a correspondingly flexible design of the actuating section 16, the flat end surface 29 can have different wall thicknesses. In particular, the representation in FIG. 6 shows that in the region of the end surface 29, a first thin wall thickness 21 and a second thicker wall thickness 22 are provided. 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.

[0182] In order that the two housing parts 11, 12 cannot be pressed too far or too hard against one another when actuating the button 73, 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.

[0183] 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.

[0184] Furthermore, the housing 10 comprises a first light guide 26 on one broad side 93 and a second light guide 27 on the opposing 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. For this purpose, the light guides 26, 27 protrude beyond the frame 30.

[0185] 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. This 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.

[0186] 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.

[0187] Transmission elements 55 extend inside the insert element 54. Since the key 1 is designed as a reversible key, two of these transmission elements 55 are provided. For this purpose, the transmission elements 55 are arranged symmetrically in the key shank 50.

[0188] 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 therefore be used for data and/or energy transmission to the locking device 101.

[0189] Inside the key bow 2, the transmission elements 55 each have a circuit board contact surface 57 in order to connect the two transmission elements 55 to a circuit board 71 in an electrically conductive manner.

[0190] On the circuit board 71 there is located the button 73 already described, which can be pressed by the actuating section 16, in particular via the button projection 17.

[0191] Furthermore, the socket 74 is located on the circuit board 71, here designed as a USB-C socket.

[0192] 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.

[0193] On the circuit board 71 there is located a wireless communication module 78, designed for near-field communication with the device 103.

[0194] Furthermore, FIG. 9 illustrates that a light device 75 is arranged on the 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 circuit board 71 and a second light element 77 in the form of an LED on the opposing side of the 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.

[0195] The two light elements 76, 77 are in particular LEDs that can light up in a plurality of colours. 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.

[0196] FIG. 12 shows an example of the patterns in terms of light colour, intensity and flashing pattern for different trigger events. Accordingly, blue light (b) with a flashing pattern long, short, short can be emitted, for example, when the button 73 is pressed 301. The long signal represents the connection set-up, the short, short signals represent the existing connection.

[0197] When a charging cable 304 is connected to the socket 74, for example, white light (w) may 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 represent the charging process and a sustained light can indicate that charging is complete.

[0198] When the key 1 is removed 303 from the locking device 101, for example, it can flash blue (b) twice and red (r) once, with the two blue light signals being short and the red light signal being long. The blue light signals indicate the connection to device 103. The red light signal indicates a fault.

[0199] For example, two different patterns representing a combination of information are provided for inserting 302 the key 1 into the locking device 101. 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 white-red-red combination, white stands for a low charge status of the energy storage device and red-red for a denial of an access right. If the energy storage device is sufficiently charged, the key will only emit the green pattern if access is granted and red-red if access is denied.

[0200] 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 already located between the two housing parts 11, 12. Furthermore, the insert element 54 is inserted between the two housing parts 11, 12.

[0201] 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 simultaneously or one after the other.

[0202] 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.

[0203] FIG. 11 illustrates an assembly method 200 for this exemplary embodiment. First, in an assembly method step a) 201, the electronics 70 and the energy storage device 85 are thereby surrounded by the housing 10. The housing 10 is then fastened to the frame 30 in an assembly method step b) 202. This can be done without bending the housing 10 or the circuit board 71.

[0204] In assembly method step b) 202, the rail holders 13 are pushed into one another with the rails 43 of the first frame element 31 and at the same time the insert element 54 is pushed into the key shank main body 51. The second frame element 32 is then pushed onto the housing 10, with the rails 43 of the second frame element 32 engaging in the rail holders 13 of the housing 10. At the end of the sliding movement, the second frame element 32 is fastened to the first frame element 31 by means of the latching connection 38, 39.