Patent Description:
Various types of electronic locking systems are known. Instead of utilizing a purely mechanical lock, some locking systems include an electronic drive of a lock member (e.g. a lock bolt) to unlock, for example, a door to give access to the area behind the door.

Furthermore, instead of utilizing a traditional key to unlock the door, various types of electronic communication methods for authorizing a person to access the area behind the door are known. For example, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system may be used where a reader of the RFID system is installed in the door and a tag is carried by or attached to an object to be identified.

In order to power an electronic locking system, so called "self-powered" electronic locking systems have been proposed, where electricity is generated by a mechanical actuation of a door handle and is used to power the electronic locking system. This concept is also known as energy harvesting.

<CIT> discloses a power supply device for a door handle. By turning a door handle to move a latch, a rotation shaft of the door handle is driven to turn a drive gear. The rotation of the drive gear is transmitted to a rotation of a generator shaft to generate power for an electric lock. Furthermore, some locking assemblies comprise a latch shaft blocked by a blocking device. If the latch shaft can only adopt two states, i.e. either a blocking state or an unblocking state, the handle shaft cannot be used for energy harvesting when being blocked. Such locking assemblies typically require a further power source for manoeuvring the blocking device.

<CIT> discloses an electromechanical lock, comprising a power transmission mechanism to receive mechanical power produced by a user of the lock; a generator to produce electric power from the mechanical power; an electronic circuit, powered by the electric power, coupleable with a key, to read data from the key, and to issue an open command provided that the data matches a predetermined criterion; and an actuator, powered by the electric power, to receive the open command, and to set the lock in a mechanically openable state.

<CIT> discloses padlock that may use a Geneva Cam type arrangement, in which a driver cam is first rotated from a first latch cam deadlocking condition to engage a pin extending from the driver cam within a slot in a latch cam.

One object of the present invention is to provide a lock device for an electronic locking system, which lock device enables energy harvesting while the lock device is locked.

A more specific object of the present invention is to provide a lock device for an electronic locking system, which lock device enables energy harvesting while a latch shaft is blocked or while a latch shaft is decoupled from a handle shaft.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a lock device for an electronic locking system which, lock device can harvest energy and rotate an output member by means of one single rotation of an input member, i.e. that provides seamless access.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a lock device for an electronic locking system, which lock device has a simple (e.g. with few parts), compact, reliable and/or cheap design.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a lock device for an electronic locking system, which lock device has a low energy consumption.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a lock device for an electronic locking system which, lock device provides a good protection against manipulation of a latch.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a lock device for an electronic locking system, which lock device comprises a transfer device that can be moved between a locking state and an unlocking state by a stationary actuator.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a lock device for an electronic locking system, which lock device solves several or all of the foregoing objects.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide an electronic locking system comprising a lock device, which electronic locking system solves one, several or all of the foregoing objects.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a method for operating a lock device of an electronic locking system, which method solves one, several or all of the foregoing objects.

According to one aspect, there is provided a lock device according to claim <NUM>. Throughout the present disclosure, the locking state and the unlocking state of the transfer device may be constituted by a locking position and an unlocking position, respectively.

The lock device may be said to be locked and unlocked, respectively, when the transfer device adopts the locking state and the unlocking state, respectively. In the locking state of the transfer device, the transfer device may for example block the output member, and/or decouple the output member from the input member. Conversely, in the unlocking state of the transfer device, the transfer device may for example unblock the output member, and/or couple the output member to the input member. Throughout the present disclosure, the locking state of the transfer device may be referred to as a first position and the unlocking state of the transfer device may be referred to as a second position.

With the lock device, the input member can be rotated about the input rotational axis and energy from this rotation can be harvested while the transfer device is in the locking state, regardless of whether or not access is granted and the transfer device is subsequently moved to the unlocking state. Once sufficient energy for activation of the transfer device has been generated by the energy harvesting arrangement, the transfer device can be moved from the locking state to the unlocking state.

When the input member is rotated a first angular distance in the first direction about the input rotational axis, the harvested energy may be used to wake up an access control device, to perform an access control procedure by the access control device and to move the transfer device from the locking state to the unlocking state (if access is granted) and back to the locking state. If access is granted, the input member may be rotated a second angular distance, following the first angular distance, in the first direction about the input rotational axis to manipulate the output member, e.g. a latch shaft, to open the lock device. The rotation of the input member may be continuous through the first angular distance and the second angular distance in the first direction about the input rotational axis. Thereby, based on one single rotation of the input member, the lock device can carry out an access control procedure by energy harvested by the rotation, the transfer device can be moved from the locking state to the unlocking state by energy harvested by the rotation and the output member can be rotated, e.g. a latch shaft can be rotated from a locking state to an unlocking state. In other words, the same single movement can be used to generate energy and unlock the lock device. The energy harvested by the same rotation may also be used to move the transfer device from the unlocking state back to the locking state.

The transfer device may be powered directly by the energy harvesting arrangement. Alternatively, or in addition, the energy harvesting arrangement may comprise a power storage unit. In this case, the transfer device may be powered indirectly by the harvesting arrangement, i.e. via the power storage unit. Examples of power storage units according to the present disclosures are capacitors and supercapacitors.

The transfer device may only be powered by the energy harvesting arrangement. The lock device according to the present disclosure may alternatively be referred to as a lock assembly.

The input rotational axis and the output rotational axis may be substantially concentric, or concentric. Alternatively, the input rotational axis and the output rotational axis may be offset from each other. Alternatively, the input rotational axis and the output rotational axis may be angled relative to each other.

According to one example useful for understanding the invention, the input member comprises an engaging structure; the output member comprises an engageable structure arranged to be engaged by the engaging structure; the transfer device is constituted by a blocking device movable between a blocking state, in which the blocking device blocks the output member from rotating about the output rotational axis, and an unblocking state, in which the output member is allowed to rotate about the output rotational axis; and the engaging structure is rotatable about the input rotational axis through an angular clearance prior to engaging the engageable structure. With this example, energy harvesting can be carried out while rotating the input member through the angular clearance. Throughout the present disclosure, the blocking state and the unblocking state of the blocking device may be constituted by a blocking position and an unblocking position, respectively.

In this example, the locking state of the transfer device is constituted by the blocking state of the blocking device and the unlocking state of the transfer device is constituted by the unblocking state of the blocking device. When the blocking device adopts the blocking state, the output member is blocked from rotation about the output rotational axis. Even if the output member is blocked, the input member can be rotated through the angular clearance and energy can be harvested from this rotation of the input member.

Thus, the present disclosure provides for a lock device for an electronic locking system, the lock device comprising an input member arranged to rotate about an input rotational axis, the input member comprising an engaging structure; an output member arranged to rotate about an output rotational axis, the output member comprising an engageable structure arranged to be engaged by the engaging structure; an energy harvesting arrangement configured to generate electric energy from rotation of the input member in a first direction about the input rotational axis; and a blocking device movable between a blocking state, in which the blocking device blocks the output member from rotating about the output rotational axis, and an unblocking state, in which the output member is allowed to rotate about the output rotational axis, with energy from the energy harvesting arrangement; wherein the engaging structure is rotatable in the first direction about the input rotational axis through an angular clearance prior to engaging the engageable structure.

The blocking device may for example comprise a movable blocking member that is moved into a recess in the output member when adopting the blocking state and that is moved out from the recess when adopting the unblocking state.

The angular clearance may be <NUM>° to <NUM>° , such as <NUM>° to <NUM>°, such as <NUM>°, about the input rotational axis. Throughout the present disclosure, an angular clearance may alternatively be referred to as a sector or free sector.

The engaging structure may comprise at least one engaging protrusion. The at least one engaging protrusion may be constituted by a pin. The engageable structure may comprise at least one engageable protrusion. The at least one engageable protrusion is constituted by a stop.

According to one variant, the transfer device is constituted by a coupling device movable between a decoupling state, in which the input member is decoupled from the output member, and a coupling state, in which the input member is coupled to the output member. In the coupling state of the coupling device, the input member may be fixedly coupled to the output member, e.g. for common rotation about the input rotational axis. Throughout the present disclosure, the decoupling state and the coupling state of the coupling device may be constituted by a decoupling position and a coupling position, respectively.

Even if rotation of the input member is not transferred to the output member, energy can be harvested from the rotation of the input member. Thus, with this variant, energy harvesting can be carried out prior to coupling the input member to the output member.

In this variant, the locking state of the transfer device is constituted by the decoupling state of the coupling device and the unlocking state of the transfer device is constituted by the coupling state of the coupling device. The lock device of this variant may be arranged in a lock case.

Thus, the present disclosure provides for a lock device for an electronic locking system, the lock device comprising an input member arranged to rotate about an input rotational axis; an output member arranged to rotate about an output rotational axis; an energy harvesting arrangement configured to generate electric energy from rotation of the input member in a first direction about the input rotational axis; and a coupling device movable between a decoupling state, in which the input member is decoupled from the output member, to a coupling state, in which the input member is coupled to the output member; and wherein the coupling device is powered by the energy harvesting arrangement.

According to a further variant, transfer device is constituted by a blocking and coupling device, the blocking and coupling device comprising a blocking part movable between a blocking state, in which the blocking part blocks the output member from rotating about the output rotational axis, and an unblocking state, in which the output member is allowed to rotate about the output rotational axis; and a coupling part movable between a decoupling state, in which the input member is decoupled from the output member, and a coupling state, in which the input member is coupled to the output member; wherein the coupling part is arranged to be moved between the decoupling state and the coupling state in common with a movement of the blocking part between the blocking state and the unblocking state. Throughout the present disclosure, the blocking state and the unblocking state of the blocking part may be constituted by a blocking position and an unblocking position, respectively. Moreover, throughout the present disclosure, the decoupling state and the coupling state of the coupling part may be constituted by a decoupling position and a coupling position, respectively.

In this variant, the locking state of the transfer device is constituted by a locking state of the blocking and coupling device and the unlocking state of the transfer device is constituted by an unlocking state of the blocking and coupling device. The locking state of the blocking and coupling device is in turn constituted by the blocking state of the blocking part and by the decoupling state of the coupling part. Furthermore, the unlocking state of the blocking and coupling device is constituted by the unblocking state of the blocking part and by the coupling state of the coupling part.

Thus, the present disclosure provides for a lock device for an electronic locking system, the lock device comprising an input member arranged to rotate about an input rotational axis; an output member arranged to rotate about an output rotational axis; an energy harvesting arrangement configured to generate electric energy from rotation of the input member in a first direction about the input rotational axis; and a blocking and coupling device, the blocking and coupling device comprising a blocking part movable between a blocking state, in which the blocking part blocks the output member from rotating about the output rotational axis, and an unblocking state, in which the output member is allowed to rotate about the output rotational axis; and a coupling part movable between a decoupling state, in which the input member is decoupled from the output member, and a coupling state, in which the input member is coupled to the output member; wherein the coupling part is arranged to be moved between the decoupling state and the coupling state by means of a movement of the blocking part between the blocking state and the unblocking state.

When the coupling part adopts the decoupling state, the input member is free to rotate about the input rotational axis. Energy from this rotation can thereby be harvested by the energy harvesting arrangement. The lock device of this variant may comprise an actuator powered by the energy harvesting arrangement. The actuator may be arranged to push the blocking part from the blocking state to the unblocking state and arranged to pull the blocking part from the unlocking state back to the blocking state.

When the lock device comprises a blocking and coupling device according to the present disclosure, the input rotational axis and the output rotational axis may be concentric. In this case, the input member and the output member may be coupled to rotate together about a common rotational axis, e.g. about the input rotational axis and the output rotational axis, in the coupling state of the coupling part.

The coupling part may be moved from the decoupling state to the coupling state by means of the movement (e.g. by pushing and/or pulling) of the blocking part from the blocking state to the unblocking state. Conversely, the coupling part may be moved from the coupling state to the decoupling state by means of the movement (e.g. by pushing and/or pulling) of the blocking part from the unblocking state to the blocking state.

The movement of the coupling part between the decoupling state and the coupling state, and consequently the movement of the blocking part between the blocking state and the unblocking state, may be in a direction substantially perpendicular to, or perpendicular to, the input rotational axis. When the coupling part adopts the coupling state, a rotation of the input member about the input rotational axis may be transferred to a movement of the coupling part in a direction substantially perpendicular to, or perpendicular to, the movement of the blocking part between the blocking state and the unblocking state. The movement of the coupling part in the direction substantially perpendicular to, or perpendicular to, the movement of the blocking part between the blocking state and the unblocking state, may be transferred to a rotation of the output member about the output rotational axis. In this way, the input member is coupled to the output member.

The blocking part may comprise a frame. In this case, the coupling part may be constituted by a slider member movable within the frame. The slider member may for example be guided along a track in the frame.

The slider member may comprise a plate, e.g. oriented substantially perpendicular to, or perpendicular to, the input rotational axis. The slider member may further comprise an input member engaging profile on a side of the plate facing the input member and an output member engaging profile on an opposite side of the plate facing the output member. The input member may comprise an input member engageable profile for being engaged by the input member engaging profile when the coupling part adopts the coupling state. The output member may comprise an output member engageable profile for being engaged by the output member engaging profile when the coupling part adopts the coupling state. The input member engaging profile and/or the output member engaging profile may be constituted by, or comprise, one or more pins. The input member engageable profile and/or the output member engageable profile may be constituted by, or comprise, one or more teeth for being engaged by corresponding pins when the coupling part adopts the coupling state. The one or more pins of the input member engaging profile and the output member engaging profile may be arranged substantially perpendicular to, or perpendicular to, the frame.

According to the invention, the lock device comprises a Geneva mechanism having a rotatable drive wheel and a rotatable driven wheel, wherein the drive wheel is rotatable by rotation of the input member about the first rotational axis when the transfer device adopts the unlocking state, wherein the drive wheel cannot be rotated by rotation of the input member about the first rotational axis when the transfer device adopts the locking state, and wherein the output member is constituted by the driven wheel. Various types of Geneva mechanisms exist. The Geneva mechanism according to the present invention is configured to translate a continuous rotation of the drive wheel to an intermittent rotation of the driven wheel. For this purpose, the drive wheel may comprise a pin and the driven wheel may comprise one or more slots for being engaged by the pin. The lock device may further comprise a blocking device configured to selectively block the driven wheel.

The drive wheel may comprise a blocking disc. The driven wheel may comprise a plurality of spokes and arced recesses between the spokes. In this case, each of the arced recesses has a curvature conforming to the curvature of the blocking disc. Thereby, a latch connected to, or integrally formed with, the driven wheel, cannot be rotated by manipulating the latch when the blocking disc is received in one of the arced recesses.

The lock device may further comprise a differential gear, the differential gear comprising a rotatable differential input, connected to, coupled to, integrally formed with, or constituted by the input member; a rotatable differential output, connected to, coupled to, integrally formed with, or constituted by the drive wheel; and a rotatable ring gear; wherein the differential gear is configured to transmit a rotation of the differential input to a rotation of the differential output when the ring gear is blocked and to not transmit a rotation of the differential input to a rotation of the differential output when the ring gear is unblocked; and wherein the transfer device is constituted by a blocking device movable between a blocking state, in which the blocking device blocks the ring gear, and an unblocking state, in which the blocking device unblocks the ring gear. Throughout the present disclosure, the blocking state and the unblocking state of the blocking device may be constituted by a blocking position and an unblocking position, respectively. The differential gear may for example be constituted by a ball differential.

A lock device comprising a Geneva mechanism according to the present invention does not necessarily need to comprise a differential gear.

Alternatively, or in addition, the lock device may comprise a blocking device configured to selectively block the driven wheel in order for the lock device to adopt the locking state and the unlocking state.

The unblocking state of the blocking device thus constitutes the locking state of the transfer device and the blocking state of the blocking device thus constitutes the unlocking state of the transfer device.

The lock device may further comprise a handle connected to, or integrally formed with, the input member. The handle may for example be constituted by an elongated handle or by a knob. Thus, throughout the present disclosure, the input member may be constituted by a handle shaft.

Alternatively, or in addition, the lock device may further comprise a latch connected to, or integrally formed with, the output member. Thus, throughout the present disclosure, the output member may be constituted by a latch shaft.

The energy harvesting arrangement may comprise an electric generator; a drive member arranged to drive the electric generator, the drive member being displaceable by means of the input member from a starting position to a releasing position; an elastic element arranged to store mechanical energy from the displacement of the drive member from the starting position to the releasing position; and a release mechanism arranged to release mechanical energy stored in the elastic element to a returning displacement of the drive member when the drive member reaches the releasing position.

The drive member may be displaceable by means of a rotation about the input rotational axis. In this case, an angular distance about the input rotational axis between the starting position and the releasing position may be less than <NUM>°, such as <NUM>°.

Energy harvesting arrangements according to the present invention are however not limited to the above type or to energy harvesting arrangements comprising a release mechanism. As one alternative example, an energy harvesting arrangement may comprise an electric generator that is continuously driven by rotation of the input member about the input rotational axis, i.e. a direct drive energy harvesting arrangement. This may for example be realized by means of a drive gear attached on the input member and a driven gear connected to a rotor of the electric generator, where the drive gear always is in meshing engagement with the driven gear. That is, the drive gear is always coupled to the driven gear.

According to a further aspect, there is provided an electronic locking system comprising a lock device according to the present invention and an electronic access control device powerable by the energy harvesting arrangement. The access control device may be configured to send an unlock signal or authorization signal to the transfer device upon verifying that an operator is authorized to open the lock device. The access control device may for example communicate by means of BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

According to a further aspect, there is provided a method for operating a lock device of an electronic locking system according to claim <NUM>. The moving of the transfer device from the locking state to the unlocking state may be made upon verifying that an operator is authorized to open the lock device. According to an example useful for understanding the invention, the rotation of the input member the first angular distance comprises rotating an engaging structure of the input member through an angular clearance relative to an engageable structure of the output member; and the moving of the transfer device comprises moving a transfer device constituted by a blocking device from a blocking state, in which the blocking device blocks the output member from rotating about the output rotational axis, to an unblocking state, in which the output member is allowed to rotate about the output rotational axis. Also in the method, the angular clearance may be <NUM>° to <NUM>°, such as <NUM>° to <NUM>°, such as <NUM>°, about the input rotational axis.

According to a further example useful for understanding the invention, the moving of the transfer device comprises moving a transfer device constituted by a coupling device from a decoupling state, in which the input member is decoupled from the output member, to a coupling state, in which the input member is coupled to the output member.

According to a further example useful for understanding the invention, the moving of the transfer device comprises moving a transfer device constituted by a blocking and coupling device from a locking state, in which the output member cannot be rotated about the output rotational axis by means of rotation of the input member about the input rotational axis, to an unlocking state, in which the output member can be rotated about output rotational axis by means of rotation of the input member in the first direction about the rotational axis. The movement of the blocking and coupling device from the locking state to the unlocking state may comprise moving a blocking part from a blocking state, in which the blocking part blocks the output member from rotating about the output rotational axis, to an unblocking state, in which the output member is allowed to rotate about the output rotational axis, and moving a coupling part in common with the blocking part from a decoupling state, in which the input member is decoupled from the output member, to a coupling state, in which the input member is coupled to the output member.

According to one variant, the moving of the transfer device comprises moving a transfer device from a locking state, in which rotation of the input member about the input rotational axis is not transmitted to a drive wheel of a Geneva mechanism, to an unlocking state, in which rotation of the input member about the input rotational axis is transmitted to the drive wheel of the Geneva mechanism, and rotating the output member constituted by a driven gear of the Geneva mechanism by manually rotating the input member about the input rotational axis.

Further details, advantages and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:.

In the following, a lock device for an electronic locking system where the lock device comprises an energy harvesting arrangement; an electronic locking system comprising the lock device, and a method for operating a lock device of an electronic locking system, will be described. The same reference numerals will be used to denote the same or similar structural features.

<FIG> schematically represents a perspective view of one example of a lock device <NUM> according to the present invention, The lock device <NUM> of this example comprises an input member <NUM>, here constituted by a handle shaft, and a handle <NUM>, here constituted by a knob, fixedly connected to the input member <NUM> and for manually manoeuvring the input member <NUM>. The input member <NUM> is arranged to rotate about an input rotational axis <NUM>. The lock device <NUM> in <FIG> may for example be used for a cabinet lock.

The lock device <NUM> of the example in <FIG> further comprises an output member <NUM>, here constituted by a latch shaft, and a latch <NUM> fixedly connected to the output member <NUM>. The output member <NUM> is arranged to rotate about an output rotational axis <NUM>. In the example in <FIG>, the output rotational axis <NUM> is concentric with the input rotational axis <NUM> but this relationship may be different, e.g. including inclined or offset relationships. The output member <NUM> is supported for rotation about the output rotational axis <NUM> by means of a bearing device <NUM>.

The lock device <NUM> of the example in <FIG> further comprises an energy harvesting arrangement <NUM>. The energy harvesting arrangement <NUM> is configured to harvest energy from rotation of the input member <NUM> in a first direction <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM>. Many types of energy harvesting arrangements are possible and the present invention is not limited to the specific design in <FIG>. For example, a direct drive energy harvesting arrangement may alternatively be used with the lock device <NUM> in <FIG>.

The energy harvesting arrangement <NUM> of the example in <FIG> comprises a drive member <NUM>, a driven member <NUM>, an electric generator <NUM>, a drive pin <NUM>, a stop pin <NUM>, an elastic element <NUM> and a release mechanism <NUM>. The drive member <NUM> is constituted by a rigid piece arranged to rotate relative to the input member <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM>. The drive member <NUM> comprises drive teeth <NUM> for driving driven teeth <NUM> of the driven member <NUM>, here implemented as a gear wheel. The driven member <NUM> is arranged to drive the electric generator <NUM>. In this example, the driven member <NUM> is coupled to a shaft <NUM> of the electric generator <NUM>. The drive pin <NUM> is fixed to the input member <NUM>.

The elastic element <NUM> is here implemented as a tension spring. In the state of the energy harvesting arrangement <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the elastic element <NUM> is tensioned, i.e. preloaded, and rotationally forces the drive member <NUM> in a second direction <NUM>, opposite to the first direction <NUM>, about the input rotational axis <NUM> against the stop pin <NUM>. Mechanical energy is stored in the elastic element <NUM> as the drive member <NUM> rotates in the first rotational direction <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM>. In this example, the tension in the elastic element <NUM> is increased.

The stop pin <NUM> may be replaced by alternative stopping structures. Alternatively, the stop pin <NUM> may be removed and the drive member <NUM> can be positioned in the position illustrated in <FIG> by a resting position (i.e. in an unloaded state) of the elastic element <NUM>.

The release mechanism <NUM> of the example in <FIG> comprises a release member <NUM> connected to the drive member <NUM> and a stationary release member activator <NUM>, here exemplified as a block. The release member <NUM> is rotatable about a hinge between an extended position (as illustrated in <FIG>) and a retracted position. The energy harvesting arrangement according to the present invention does however not need to comprise a release mechanism <NUM>.

The lock device <NUM> of the example in <FIG> further comprises a transfer device <NUM>. The transfer device <NUM> can be selectively moved, e.g. based on a granted access control procedure, from a locking state, in which the output member <NUM> cannot be rotated about the output rotational axis <NUM> by means of rotation of the input member <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM>, and an unlocking state, in which the output member <NUM> can be rotated about the output rotational axis <NUM> by means of rotation of the input member <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM>. The transfer device <NUM> can be powered by the energy harvesting arrangement <NUM>, either directly or indirectly, e.g. via a power storage (not shown) such as a capacitor, supercapacitor, rechargeable battery etc..

In the example in <FIG>, the transfer device <NUM> is constituted by a blocking device <NUM>. The locking state of the transfer device <NUM> is constituted by a blocking state of the blocking device <NUM> and the unlocking state of the transfer device <NUM> is constituted by an unblocking state of the blocking device <NUM> (as illustrated in <FIG>).

A blocking device according to the present invention is not limited to the type in <FIG>. Rather, the blocking device <NUM> in <FIG> merely constitutes one of numerous examples of blocking devices according to the present invention. In <FIG>, the blocking device <NUM> is arranged to move into a recess <NUM> in the output member <NUM> to adopt the blocking state and to move out from the recess <NUM> to adopt the unblocking state. Movements of the blocking device <NUM> are illustrated by arrow <NUM>. An actuator (not shown) may be used to drive the blocking device <NUM> between the blocking state and the unblocking state.

In the example in <FIG>, the input member <NUM> comprises an engaging structure <NUM> and the output member <NUM> comprises an engageable structure <NUM> arranged to be engaged by the engaging structure <NUM>. In <FIG>, the engaging structure <NUM> is arranged at the distal end of the input member <NUM> and the engageable structure <NUM> is arranged at the proximal end of the output member <NUM>. However, the engaging structure <NUM> and/or the engageable structure <NUM> may be arranged at alternative locations, e.g. not necessarily distal/proximal. Furthermore, in <FIG>, the input member <NUM> is distanced from the output member <NUM> to facilitate the view of the engaging structure <NUM> and the engageable structure <NUM>.

The engaging structure <NUM> is here exemplified as two engaging protrusions and the engageable structure <NUM> is here exemplified as two engageable protrusions. Each engaging protrusion is constituted by a pin extending radially with respect to the input rotational axis <NUM>. Each engageable protrusion is constituted by a stop extending parallel to the output rotational axis <NUM>.

The engaging structure <NUM> and the engageable structure <NUM> define an angular clearance <NUM> or sector through which engaging structure <NUM> can rotate about the input rotational axis <NUM> before the engageable structure <NUM> is engaged. In the example of <FIG>, the angular clearance <NUM> is <NUM>°. However, the angular clearance <NUM> can be made either larger or smaller.

In <FIG>, the input member <NUM> is positioned in a starting position or in a neutral position. <FIG> further denotes a vertical axis Z and two horizontal axes X and Y for referencing purposes. In <FIG>, the lock device <NUM> is generally horizontally oriented. However, the lock device <NUM> may be oriented arbitrarily in space.

One example of a method of operating the lock device <NUM> in <FIG> will now be described. When the blocking device <NUM> is positioned in the blocking state, the output member <NUM> is blocked from rotating about the output rotational axis <NUM>. However, the input member <NUM> may be rotated <NUM>° about the input rotational axis <NUM>, e.g. such that the engaging structure <NUM> rotates through the angular clearance <NUM>, when the blocking device <NUM> is positioned in the blocking state. The input member <NUM> can therefore always be rotated <NUM>°, and energy from this rotation can always be harvested by the energy harvesting arrangement <NUM>, regardless of the state adopted by the blocking device <NUM>.

By manually rotating the input member <NUM> in the first direction <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM>, e.g. by manually grabbing and turning the handle <NUM>, the drive pin <NUM> pushes the release member <NUM>, which is in the extended position, such that the drive member <NUM> rotates in the first direction <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM>. The rotation of the drive member <NUM> is counteracted by the elastic element <NUM>.

As the drive member <NUM> is initially rotated in the first direction <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM>, the electric generator <NUM> is driven via the drive teeth <NUM>, the driven teeth <NUM> and the driven member <NUM>. The energy generated by the electric generator <NUM> during this initial rotation may be used to wake up and perform an access control procedure of an access control device (described in <FIG>), for example by means of BLE communication.

When the input member <NUM> has rotated further in the first direction <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM>, such as approximately <NUM>° from the starting position, the release member <NUM> is brought into contact with the release member activator <NUM> and the release member activator <NUM> pushes the release member <NUM> from the extended position into a retracted position. As a consequence, the engagement between the drive pin <NUM> and the release member <NUM> is lost and the release mechanism <NUM> is released.

Upon release, the elastic element <NUM> pulls the drive member <NUM> to rotate in the second direction <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM> which generates a relatively fast rotation of the driven member <NUM>. The drive member <NUM> is then stopped by the stop pin <NUM> (or stopped when the elastic element <NUM> adopts the resting position). A relatively high amount of energy is thereby harvested by the energy harvesting arrangement <NUM>. If the access control procedure results in granted access, the blocking device <NUM> is moved from the blocking state to the unblocking state, e.g. by means of the energy collected by the release of the release mechanism <NUM> or by means of energy collected by one or more earlier releases of the release mechanism <NUM>. The energy harvested by the energy harvesting arrangement <NUM> during the release of the release mechanism <NUM> may be sufficient to move the blocking device <NUM> from the blocking state to the unblocking state, and back to the blocking state. A part of the harvested energy may also be stored and used for one or more subsequent movements of the blocking device <NUM> from the blocking state to the unblocking state, and back to the blocking state. The harvested energy may also be used for other tasks and/or for waking up the access control device and carry out the access control procedure a second time.

For a cabinet lock, the energy harvested by the energy harvesting arrangement <NUM> during the release of the release mechanism <NUM> may be just a little bit more than required to move the blocking device <NUM> from the blocking state to the unblocking state, and back to the blocking state. According to one variant, e.g. in a cabinet lock, the excess energy may be stored and used to wake up an access control device and to unblock the blocking device <NUM> during a subsequent passage. The energy harvested during the subsequent passage may be used to block the blocking device <NUM> after the subsequent passage.

For some implementations, such as door handles, a relatively large power storage may be used. The energy harvesting arrangement <NUM> may in this case repetitively charge the power storage such that the power storage remains substantially fully charged. In this case, the blocking device <NUM> may be moved from the blocking state to the unblocking state before rotation of the handle <NUM>. The energy harvested can thereby be used for a later passage.

When the input member <NUM> has rotated <NUM>° in the first direction <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM>, the engaging structure <NUM> of the input member <NUM> starts to engage the engageable structure <NUM> of the output member <NUM>. That is, the engaging structure <NUM> is brought into contact with the engageable structure <NUM>. Since the blocking device <NUM> now adopts the unblocking state, further rotation of the input member <NUM> in the first direction <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM>, for example from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, causes the output member <NUM>, and consequently the latch <NUM> to be rotated. In this way, the lock device <NUM> can be unlocked. The first rotation of <NUM>° from the starting position in the first direction <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM> of the input member <NUM> constitutes a first angular distance and the second rotation from <NUM>° to <NUM>° from the starting position in the first direction <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM> of the input member <NUM> constitutes a second angular distance, beyond the first rotational distance.

Depending on the time required by the access control device to wake up and carry out the access control procedure, it may be the case that a very fast rotation of the input member <NUM> may cause a stop in the rotation of the input member <NUM>. That is, the input member <NUM> may be moved through the entire angular clearance <NUM>, such that the engaging structure <NUM> is brought into engagement with the engageable structure <NUM>, before the blocking device <NUM> has moved from the blocking state to the unblocking state. In this case, the user has to wait for completion of the access control procedure before the blocking device <NUM> is moved to the unblocking state and the rotation of the input member <NUM> can proceed.

If the lock device <NUM> is to be locked again, the input member <NUM> is rotated in the second direction <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM>. During the initial returning rotation, e.g. from <NUM>° from the starting position to <NUM>° from the starting position, the engaging structure <NUM> of the input member <NUM> moves through the angular clearance <NUM>. During the subsequent returning rotation, e.g. from <NUM>° from the starting position to the starting position, the output member <NUM>, and consequently the latch <NUM>, is rotated together with the input member <NUM>. Just prior to returning to the starting position, the drive pin <NUM> rides over the release member <NUM> such that the drive member <NUM> can be rotated again. In other words, the energy harvesting arrangement <NUM> is reset. Once it is determined that the latch <NUM> has been locked again, for example by means of a position sensor (not shown) reading a value indicative of the position of the latch <NUM> or of the input member <NUM>, the blocking device <NUM> is moved from the unblocking state back to the blocking state. In cases where the blocking device <NUM> comprises, for example, a spring loaded actuator pin for engaging the recess <NUM>, movement of the blocking device <NUM> from the unblocking state to the blocking state can be actuated earlier such that the actuator pin "jumps" into the recess <NUM> when the output member <NUM> is rotationally aligned with the blocking device <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically represents a top view of a further example of a lock device <NUM> according to the present invention. The lock device <NUM> in <FIG> differs from the lock device <NUM> in <FIG> by comprising a transfer device <NUM> constituted by a coupling device <NUM>. Furthermore, the lock device <NUM> in <FIG> does not comprise the engaging structure <NUM> and the engageable structure <NUM> according to <FIG>. The energy harvesting arrangement <NUM> in <FIG> is exemplified with the same non-limiting example of energy harvesting arrangement <NUM> as used in <FIG>. A direct drive energy harvesting arrangement may alternatively be used with the lock device <NUM> in <FIG>, for example in cabinet lock applications.

In <FIG>, the bearing device <NUM> is schematically illustrated with a cross-sectional view and two bearings <NUM> of the bearing device <NUM> can be seen. <FIG> further shows that the energy harvesting arrangement <NUM> comprises a bearing <NUM> for allowing the drive member <NUM> to rotate relative to the input member <NUM>.

The coupling device <NUM> in <FIG> is implemented as a clutch. The coupling device <NUM> is movable between a decoupling state, in which the input member <NUM> is decoupled from the output member <NUM>, and a coupling state, in which the input member <NUM> is coupled to the output member <NUM>. In this manner, also the coupling device <NUM> constitutes a transfer device <NUM> that is selectively movable, e.g. based on a granted access control procedure, between a locking state (the decoupling state), in which the output member <NUM> cannot be rotated by means of rotation of the input member <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM>, and an unlocking state (the coupling state), in which the output member <NUM> can be rotated about the output rotational axis <NUM> by means of rotation of the input member <NUM> in the first direction <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM>. Movements of the coupling device <NUM> are illustrated by arrow <NUM>.

The coupling device <NUM> is powered by the energy harvesting arrangement <NUM>, either directly or indirectly, e.g. via a power storage (not shown) such as a capacitor or supercapacitor. An actuator (not shown) may be used to drive the coupling device <NUM> between the decoupling state and the coupling state. In <FIG>, the input member <NUM> is positioned in a starting position or in a neutral position.

One example of a method of operating the lock device <NUM> in <FIG> will now be described. When the coupling device <NUM> is positioned in the decoupling state, rotation of the input member <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM> is not transferred to rotation of the output member <NUM>. The input member <NUM> can therefore be rotated endlessly around the input rotational axis <NUM> when the coupling device <NUM> adopts the decoupling state, and energy from this rotation can be harvested by the energy harvesting arrangement <NUM>.

By manually rotating the input member <NUM> in the first direction <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM>, e.g. by manually grabbing and turning the handle <NUM>, energy can be harvested during an initial rotation as described in connection with <FIG>. The energy generated by the electric generator <NUM> during this initial rotation may be used to wake up and perform an access control procedure of the access control device.

When the input member <NUM> has rotated further in the first direction <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM>, such as approximately <NUM>° from the starting position, the release mechanism <NUM> is released as described in connection with <FIG>. Upon release, a relatively high amount of energy is harvested by the energy harvesting arrangement <NUM>. The release mechanism <NUM> also ensures that a minimum amount of energy can be harvested by the energy harvesting arrangement <NUM>. Thus, a relatively high and consistent amount of energy is harvested by the energy harvesting arrangement <NUM> upon release of the release mechanism <NUM>. If the access control procedure results in granted access, the coupling device <NUM> is moved from the illustrated decoupling state to the coupling state, e.g. by means of the energy collected by the release of the release mechanism <NUM>. The energy harvested by the energy harvesting arrangement <NUM> during the release of the release mechanism <NUM> may be sufficient to perform an access control procedure by the access control device and to move the coupling device <NUM> from the decoupling state to the coupling state, and back to the decoupling state.

Once the coupling device <NUM> has moved to the coupling state, any rotation of the input member <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM> is transferred to a rotation of the output member <NUM>, and consequently of the latch <NUM>, about the output rotational axis <NUM>. In this way, the lock device <NUM> can be unlocked. In <FIG>, a first angular distance may be constituted by a rotation of the input member <NUM> in the first direction <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM> from the starting position to a transfer position, i.e. the angular position of the input member <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM> where the coupling device <NUM> adopts the coupling state. In many cases, the transfer position is approximately <NUM>° from the starting position. A second angular distance may be constituted by a rotation of the input member <NUM> in the first direction <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM> from the transfer position to approximately <NUM>° from the starting position, e.g. between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. Thus, the second angular distance may be <NUM>°. In some cases, the transfer position is approximately <NUM>° from the starting position and the second angular distance is constituted by a rotation of the input member <NUM> in the first direction <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM> from the transfer position to approximately <NUM>° from the starting position, e.g. between <NUM>° and <NUM>°.

The exact position of the transfer position may vary, for example depending on the rotational speed of the input member <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM> and on the movement speed of the coupling device <NUM> from the decoupling state to the coupling state. In some cases, if the input member <NUM> is moved very fast, the second angular distance may be constituted by a rotation of the input member <NUM> in the first direction <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM> from <NUM>° to <NUM>°.

If the lock device <NUM> is to be locked again, the input member <NUM> may simply be rotated approximately <NUM>° in the second direction <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM>. Since the coupling device <NUM> is in the coupling state, the output member <NUM>, and consequently the latch <NUM>, is rotated together with the input member <NUM>. Once it is determined that the latch <NUM> has been locked again, for example by means of a position sensor (not shown) reading a value indicative of the position of the latch <NUM>, the coupling device <NUM> is moved from the coupling state back to the decoupling state.

<FIG> schematically represents a perspective view of an example of a lock device <NUM> not being part of the invention, <FIG> schematically represents a front view of the lock device <NUM> in <FIG> schematically represents a rear view of the lock device <NUM> in <FIG>. Mainly differences with respect to <FIG> and <FIG> will be described.

With collective reference to <FIG>, the lock device <NUM> comprises a transfer device <NUM> constituted by a blocking and coupling device <NUM>. The blocking and coupling device <NUM> is movable between a locking state, in which the output member <NUM> cannot be rotated about the output rotational axis <NUM> by means of rotation of the input member <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM>, and an unlocking state, in which the output member <NUM> can be rotated about the output rotational axis <NUM> by means of rotation of the input member <NUM> in the first direction <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM>. The locking device <NUM> of this example also comprises an energy harvesting arrangement (not shown) according to the present disclosure configured to generate electric energy from rotation of the input member <NUM> in the first direction <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM>. The energy harvesting arrangement may be of the type in <FIG> and <FIG>, or of alternative types according to the present disclosure, for example a direct drive energy harvesting arrangement. The blocking and coupling device <NUM> is powered by the energy harvesting arrangement.

In <FIG>, the blocking and coupling device <NUM> is in the locking state. The blocking and coupling device <NUM> comprises a blocking part <NUM> and a coupling part <NUM>. The blocking part <NUM> is movable between a blocking state, in which the blocking part <NUM> blocks the output member <NUM> from rotating about the output rotational axis <NUM>, and an unblocking state, in which the output member <NUM> is allowed to rotate about the output rotational axis <NUM>. The coupling part <NUM> is movable between a decoupling state, in which the input member <NUM> is decoupled from the output member <NUM>, and a coupling state, in which the input member <NUM> is coupled to the output member <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate the blocking part <NUM> in the blocking state and the coupling part <NUM> in the decoupling state. These states constitute the locking state of the blocking and coupling device <NUM>. Moreover, in this example, the blocking state of the blocking part <NUM> is constituted by a blocking position and the decoupling state of the coupling part <NUM> is constituted by a decoupling position. The input member <NUM> and the output member <NUM> are journaled on a common axis, but are not coupled to each other in the locking state of the lock device <NUM> in <FIG>. Thus, in this example, the input rotational axis <NUM> is concentric with the output rotational axis <NUM>.

With specific reference to <FIG>, the coupling part <NUM> comprises a plate and an input member engaging profile <NUM>, here implemented as three pins. The input member <NUM> comprises an input member engageable profile <NUM>, here implemented as teeth on the input member <NUM>. In the illustrated decoupling state of the coupling part <NUM>, the input member engaging profile <NUM> is separated from the input member engageable profile <NUM> (along the X-axis in <FIG>). As a consequence, rotation of the input member <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM> is not transmitted to a rotation of the output member <NUM> about the output rotational axis <NUM>. The output member <NUM> is also blocked in the locking state of the lock device <NUM> in <FIG>. The input member <NUM> is however free to rotate about the input rotational axis <NUM> and energy can be harvested by this rotation.

With specific reference to <FIG>, the blocking part <NUM> further comprises a frame and a blocking part engaging profile <NUM>. The frame and the plate are oriented perpendicular to the input rotational axis <NUM>. The blocking part engaging profile <NUM> is here implemented as a protrusion that protrudes inwardly from the frame (i.e. towards the input rotational axis <NUM>). The output member <NUM> comprises a blocking part engageable profile <NUM>, here implemented as a recess in the output member <NUM>. In the illustrated blocking state of the blocking part <NUM>, the blocking part engaging profile <NUM> engages the blocking part engageable profile <NUM>. As a consequence, the output member <NUM> is blocked from rotating about the output rotational axis <NUM>.

<FIG> further shows that the coupling part <NUM> comprises an output member engaging profile <NUM>, here implemented as three pins, and that the output member <NUM> comprises an output member engageable profile <NUM>, here implemented as teeth or recesses in the output member <NUM>. In the illustrated decoupled state of the coupling part <NUM>, the output member engaging profile <NUM> is separated from the output member engageable profile <NUM> (in the X-direction). The output member engaging profile <NUM> is arranged on the opposite side of the coupling part <NUM> with respect to the input member engaging profile <NUM>.

The plate is movable within the frame in a direction perpendicular to the input rotational axis <NUM> (along the Z-axis in <FIG>). For this purpose, the plate may be guided in tracks (not visible) in the frame. The coupling part <NUM> of this example may thus be referred to as a slider member.

The blocking and coupling device <NUM> is selectively movable, e.g. based on a granted access control procedure, between the locking state to an unlocking state. More specifically, the blocking part <NUM> is movable between the blocking position to an unblocking position, as illustrated by arrow <NUM> (in the X-direction in this example). The movement of the blocking part <NUM> may be performed by means of an actuator (not shown) of the blocking and coupling device <NUM> powered by the energy harvesting arrangement, either directly or indirectly.

<FIG> schematically represents a perspective view of the lock device <NUM>, <FIG> schematically represents a front view of the lock device <NUM> in <FIG> schematically represents a rear view of the lock device in <FIG>. In <FIG>, the lock device <NUM> is in an unlocking state. <FIG> schematically represents a perspective view of the lock device <NUM> in <FIG>, <FIG> schematically represents a front view of the lock device <NUM> in <FIG> schematically represents a rear view of the lock device <NUM> in <FIG>. In <FIG>, the lock device <NUM> is also in an unlocking state and the latch <NUM> has been moved from a locked position to an unlocked position.

One example of a method of operating the lock device <NUM> in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> will now be described. When the coupling part <NUM> is positioned in the decoupling position according to <FIG>, input member <NUM> is free to rotate about the input rotational axis <NUM> and the rotation is not transferred to the output member <NUM>. The input member <NUM> can be rotated endlessly around the input rotational axis <NUM> when the blocking and coupling device <NUM> adopts the locking state, and energy from this rotation can be harvested by an energy harvesting arrangement.

Moreover, when the blocking part <NUM> is positioned in the blocking position according to <FIG>, the output member <NUM> is blocked from rotating about the output rotational axis <NUM>.

By manually rotating the input member <NUM> in the first direction <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM>, e.g. by manually grabbing and turning the handle <NUM>, energy can be harvested and used by the electric generator to wake up and perform an access procedure of the access control device. If the access procedure results in granted access, the actuator is powered by the energy harvesting arrangement and actuates a movement in direction <NUM> of the blocking part <NUM> from the blocking state in <FIG> to the unblocking state in <FIG>. Since the coupling part <NUM> is arranged within the blocking part <NUM>, also the coupling part <NUM> moves together with the blocking part <NUM> at the same time. The coupling part <NUM> thereby moves from the decoupling state in <FIG> to the coupling state in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, when the coupling part <NUM> adopts the coupling state, the input member engaging profile <NUM> of the coupling part <NUM> is brought into engagement with the input member engageable profile <NUM> of the input member <NUM>. Moreover, as shown in <FIG>, when the blocking part <NUM> adopts the unblocking state, the blocking part engaging profile <NUM> of the blocking part <NUM> is disengaged from the blocking part engageable profile <NUM> of the output member <NUM>.

When the blocking part <NUM> has adopted the unblocking state and the coupling part <NUM> has adopted the coupling state according to <FIG>, i.e. when the blocking and coupling device <NUM> has adopted the unlocking state, rotation of the input member <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM> is transferred to a rotation of the output member <NUM>, and consequently also of the latch <NUM>, about the output rotational axis <NUM>. Thus, in the unlocking state of the blocking and coupling device <NUM>, the input member <NUM> rotates together with the output member <NUM>.

More specifically, when the input member <NUM> is rotated in the first direction <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM>, the engagement between the input member engageable profile <NUM> and the input member engaging profile <NUM> causes the plate of the coupling part <NUM> to move upwards (in the Z-direction). This is particularly illustrated in <FIG>. Furthermore, when the plate of the coupling part <NUM> is moved upwards, the engagement between the output member engaging profile <NUM> and the output member engageable profile <NUM> causes the output member <NUM>, and consequently the latch <NUM>, to rotate in the first direction <NUM> about the output rotational axis <NUM> from the locked position to the unlocked position. This is particularly illustrated in <FIG>. A reverse procedure may then be carried out to lock the lock device <NUM> again.

<FIG> schematically represents a perspective view of a further example of a lock device <NUM> according to the present invention. The lock device <NUM> of this example comprises a Geneva mechanism <NUM> and an energy harvesting arrangement (not shown) configured to generate electric energy from rotation of the input member <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM>. The energy harvesting arrangement may be of the type in <FIG> and <FIG>, or of alternative types according to the present invention, for example a direct drive energy harvesting arrangement.

The Geneva mechanism <NUM> comprises a drive wheel <NUM> and a driven wheel <NUM>. The drive wheel <NUM> comprises a blocking disc <NUM> and a pin <NUM>. The driven wheel <NUM> comprises a plurality of spokes <NUM>, each comprising a slot <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the driven wheel <NUM> comprises four spokes <NUM> and four associated slots <NUM>. However, the driven wheel <NUM> may comprise fewer or more spokes <NUM> and associated slots <NUM>. The Geneva mechanism according to the present invention is not limited to the particular type shown in <FIG>. Any type of Geneva mechanism configured to translate a continuous rotation of the drive wheel <NUM>, e.g. through an angular range of between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, such as approximately <NUM>°, to an intermittent rotation of the driven wheel <NUM>, may be used.

In the example of <FIG>, the drive wheel <NUM> is arranged to rotate about the input rotational axis <NUM>. Thus, the drive wheel <NUM> is concentric with the input member <NUM>. However, the drive wheel <NUM> may be arranged to rotate about a different axis, such as an axis offset from, or angled to, the input rotational axis <NUM>.

The driven wheel <NUM> is arranged to rotate about the output rotational axis <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the driven wheel <NUM> and the latch <NUM> are fixedly connected and constitute an output member <NUM> according to the present invention.

The driven wheel <NUM> comprises a plurality of arced recesses <NUM> (four in <FIG>), one between each pair of spokes <NUM>. In the illustrated position of the Geneva mechanism in <FIG>, the blocking disc <NUM> of the drive wheel <NUM> is received in one of the arced recesses <NUM> of the driven wheel <NUM>. As a consequence, the driven wheel <NUM> cannot be rotated by manipulating the latch <NUM> about the output rotational axis <NUM>. In other words, in the state of the Geneva mechanism in <FIG>, the output member <NUM> is locked.

The lock device <NUM> of the example in <FIG> further comprises a differential gear <NUM>, here exemplified as a ball differential. The present invention is however not limited to a differential gear constituted by a ball differential. A differential gear according to the present invention may for example alternatively be constituted by a planetary gear.

The differential gear <NUM> in the example of <FIG> comprises a differential input, a differential output and a ring gear <NUM>. In this example the differential input is constituted by the input member <NUM> and the differential output is fixedly connected to the drive wheel <NUM>. The lock device <NUM> also comprises a preload spring <NUM> encircling the differential output. One of two thrust bearings <NUM> and one of two ball bearing bushings <NUM> of the differential gear <NUM> can also be seen in <FIG>.

The lock device <NUM> of the example in <FIG> further comprises a transfer device <NUM> constituted by a blocking device <NUM>. The blocking device <NUM> of this example comprises an elastic element <NUM>, here implemented as a compression spring, and is movable between a blocking state and an unblocking state, as indicated by arrow <NUM>. In the blocking state of the blocking device <NUM>, the blocking device <NUM> blocks the ring gear <NUM> from rotating about the input rotational axis <NUM>. In the unblocking state, the blocking device <NUM> unblocks the ring gear <NUM> such that the ring gear <NUM> is free to rotate about the input rotational axis <NUM>.

The blocking device <NUM> of the specific example in <FIG> is configured to block the ring gear <NUM> by engaging one of several holes in the ring gear <NUM>. However, the blocking device <NUM> and the ring gear <NUM> may alternatively be configured such that the blocking device <NUM> can block the ring gear <NUM> in any rotational position. Thus, the holes in the ring gear <NUM> are optional. The blocking device <NUM> may be of any type to selectively block the ring gear <NUM>, including for example a pin, a ratchet, or similar. When the ring gear <NUM> is blocked, torque can be transferred from the differential input to the differential output. Thus, when the ring gear <NUM> is blocked, the lock device <NUM> is unlocked.

<FIG> schematically represent top views of the lock device <NUM> in <FIG>. More specifically, <FIG> represents the Geneva mechanism <NUM> in different states.

With collective reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, one example of a method of operating the lock device <NUM> will now be described. When the blocking device <NUM> adopts the unblocking state, the differential gear <NUM> does not transfer any torque. In this case, rotation of the input member <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM> is transferred to a rotation of the ring gear <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM>. When the blocking device <NUM> is in the unblocking state, the input member <NUM> can rotate endlessly about the input rotational axis <NUM>. The locking state of the transfer device <NUM> is thereby constituted by the unblocking state of the blocking device <NUM> in this example.

By manually rotating the input member <NUM> in the first direction <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM>, e.g. by manually grabbing and turning a handle <NUM> connected to the input member <NUM>, energy is harvested by the energy harvesting arrangement. The energy generated by the electric generator (not shown) from this rotation can be used to wake up and perform an access control procedure of the access control device. If the access control procedure results in granted access, the blocking device <NUM> is moved from the unblocking state to the blocking state as illustrated by arrow <NUM> with power from the energy harvesting arrangement.

When the blocking device <NUM> adopts the blocking state, the ring gear <NUM> is blocked by the blocking device <NUM>. As a consequence, torque from the differential input is transferred to the differential output. The unlocking state of the transfer device is thereby constituted by the blocking state of the blocking device <NUM> in this example. In <FIG>, torque is transferred from the input member <NUM> to the drive wheel <NUM> of the Geneva mechanism <NUM>. Since the differential gear <NUM> in this example is constituted by a ball differential, rotation of the input member <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM> in the first direction <NUM> is transferred to a rotation of the drive wheel <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM> in the second direction <NUM>.

As the drive wheel <NUM> starts to rotate in the second direction <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM>, the pin <NUM> moves into one of the slots <NUM> of the driven wheel <NUM>. This is illustrated in <FIG>. As the drive wheel <NUM> rotates further in the second direction <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM>, the pin <NUM> engages the slot <NUM> such that the driven wheel <NUM> starts to rotate in the first direction <NUM> about the output rotational axis <NUM>. As a consequence, also the latch <NUM> is rotated. This is illustrated in <FIG>.

As the drive wheel <NUM> rotates further in the second direction <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM>, the engagement between the pin <NUM> and the slot <NUM> causes the driven wheel <NUM> to rotate further about the output rotational axis <NUM>. When the driven wheel <NUM> and the latch <NUM> have rotated approximately <NUM>° about the output rotational axis <NUM>, the pin <NUM> disengages from the slot <NUM>. This is illustrated in <FIG> shows that further rotation of drive wheel <NUM> in the first direction <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM> does not cause rotation of the driven wheel <NUM>. In the state of the Geneva mechanism <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, an arced section of the blocking disc <NUM> of the drive wheel <NUM> is again received in one of the arced recesses <NUM> of the driven wheel <NUM>. As a consequence, the driven wheel <NUM> is mechanically blocked by the blocking disc <NUM> and the driven wheel <NUM> cannot rotate. Thereby, the latch <NUM> cannot be manipulated to open.

<FIG> schematically represents an environment in which embodiments presented herein can be applied. More specifically, <FIG> shows an electronic locking system <NUM> comprising a lock device <NUM> according to the present invention and an electronic access control device <NUM>.

Access to a physical space <NUM> is restricted by a movable access member <NUM>. The movable access member <NUM> is positioned between the restricted physical space <NUM> and an accessible physical space <NUM>. Note that the accessible physical space <NUM> can be a restricted physical space in itself, but in relation to the access member <NUM>, the accessible physical space <NUM> is accessible. The movable access member <NUM> can be a door, gate, hatch, cabinet door, mailbox door, drawer, window, etc..

The access control device <NUM> can be powered by the energy harvesting arrangement <NUM> of the lock device <NUM>. The electronic access control device <NUM> is connected to the transfer device <NUM>, which is controllable by the access control device <NUM> to be set in the locking state or in the unlocking state.

The access control device <NUM> communicates with a portable key device <NUM> over a wireless interface <NUM> using a plurality of antennas 140a-b. The portable key device <NUM> is any suitable device portable by a user and which can be used for authentication over the wireless interface <NUM>. The portable key device <NUM> is typically carried or worn by the user and may be implemented as a mobile phone, smartphone, key fob, wearable device, smart phone case, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) card, etc. In <FIG>, two antennas 140a-b can be seen. However, only one antenna or more than two antennas may be provided in connection with the access control device <NUM>. Using wireless communication, the authenticity and authority of the portable key device <NUM> can be checked in an access control procedure, e.g. using a challenge and response scheme, after which the access control device <NUM> grants or denies access.

When the access control procedure results in granted access, the access control device <NUM> sends an unlock signal to the transfer device <NUM>, whereby the transfer device <NUM> is moved from the locking state to the unlocking state. In this embodiment, this can e.g. imply a signal over a wire-based communication, e.g. using a serial interface (e.g. RS485, RS232), Universal Serial Bus (USB), Ethernet, or even a simple electric connection (e.g. to the transfer device <NUM>), or alternatively using a wireless interface.

When the transfer device <NUM> is in the unlocking state, the output member <NUM> can be rotated about the output rotational axis <NUM> by means of rotation of the input member <NUM> about the input rotational axis <NUM>. By rotating the latch <NUM> connected to the output member <NUM> in this way, the access member <NUM> can be opened.

When the access control procedure results in denied access, the access control device <NUM> does not send an unlock signal to the transfer device <NUM>. In this way, access to a restricted physical space <NUM> can be controlled by the access control device <NUM>.

Claim 1:
Lock device (<NUM>) for an electronic locking system (<NUM>), the lock device (<NUM>) comprising:
- an input member (<NUM>) arranged to rotate about an input rotational axis (<NUM>);
- an output member (<NUM>) arranged to rotate about an output rotational axis (<NUM>);
- an energy harvesting arrangement (<NUM>) configured to generate electric energy from rotation of the input member (<NUM>) in a first direction (<NUM>) about the input rotational axis (<NUM>); and
- a selective transfer device (<NUM>) movable between a locking state, in which the output member (<NUM>) cannot be rotated about the output rotational axis (<NUM>) by means of rotation of the input member (<NUM>) about the input rotational axis (<NUM>), and an unlocking state, in which the output member (<NUM>) can be rotated about the output rotational axis (<NUM>) by means of rotation of the input member (<NUM>) in the first direction (<NUM>) about the input rotational axis (<NUM>);
characterized in that the lock device (<NUM>) further comprises a Geneva mechanism (<NUM>) having a rotatable drive wheel (<NUM>) and a rotatable driven wheel (<NUM>);
wherein the transfer device (<NUM>) is powered by the energy harvesting arrangement (<NUM>), wherein the drive wheel (<NUM>) is rotatable by rotation of the input member (<NUM>) about the first rotational axis (<NUM>) when the transfer device (<NUM>) adopts the unlocking state, wherein the drive wheel (<NUM>) cannot be rotated by rotation of the input member (<NUM>) about the first rotational axis (<NUM>) when the transfer device (<NUM>) adopts the locking state, and wherein the output member (<NUM>) is constituted by the driven wheel (<NUM>).