Patent Description:
A digital cylinder may comprise a lock cylinder, a rotatable plug inside the lock cylinder and a knob for rotating the plug. A clutching mechanism and electronics for controlling the clutching mechanism may be arranged inside the plug. A credential receiver may be provided at a front end of the knob. When the knob rotates, the credential receiver, the clutching mechanism and the electronics also rotate together with the knob. This causes an orientation problem of the credential receiver. For example, in case a fingerprint sensor is incorrectly oriented, an authorization process may take longer time or may result in read failures. In order to avoid the above orientation problem, some lock devices comprise a static credential receiver positioned next to the knob, such as in an escutcheon.

<CIT> discloses an electronic door lock comprising a knob and a keypad distanced from the knob.

<CIT> discloses a lock cylinder comprising a cylinder housing, a knob rotatable about an axis of rotation and having an inner housing, a reader unit arranged in the inner housing, a lock member and a coupling. The knob further comprises an internal toothing.

<CIT> discloses a mechatronic lock cylinder comprising cylinder extension, communication elements accommodated in the cylinder extension, a manual drive element rotatable about an axis of rotation and having an internal toothing, a rotatable lock bit, and an electromechanical switching element for transmitting a force from the manual drive element to a cylinder core and to the lock bit.

<CIT> discloses a lock cylinder comprising a knob carrier containing an aerial, an operating knob non-rotatably connected to the knob carrier, a rotatable lock member, a driving shaft and a coupling for coupling the driving shaft to the lock member.

One object of the present invention is to provide an actuating device for a lock device, which actuating device enables an improved user experience.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an actuating device for a lock device, which actuating device enables a more consistent user experience.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide an actuating device for a lock device, which actuating device enables an improved interaction between a user and the actuating device.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide an actuating device for a lock device, which actuating device enables a user to more reliably provide a credential input.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide an actuating device for a lock device, which actuating device has a compact design.

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

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

According to the invention, there is provided an actuating device for a lock device according to claim <NUM>.

The actuating device thus has a static credential receiver arranged at least partly inside the actuating element, such as at least partly inside a knob. This contributes to a compact design of the actuating device. When the actuating element rotates, the credential receiver remains static. The actuating device thereby also provides a consistent user experience.

A major portion of the credential receiver may be arranged radially inside the actuating element with respect to the actuation axis. For example, the credential receiver may be arranged entirely radially inside the actuating element with respect to the actuation axis.

Alternatively, or in addition, a major length of the credential receiver along the actuation axis, such as the entire length of the credential receiver along the actuation axis, may be arranged radially inside the actuating element. A length of the credential receiver is thus a dimension of the credential receiver along the actuation axis or parallel with the actuation axis.

The credential receiver provides a credential interface between the user and the actuating device. The credential receiver may be of a wide range of types. The credential receiver may for example comprise a biometric sensor, a keypad, a display and/or an antenna. In case the credential receiver comprises a biometric sensor, the credential input may be various types of biometric traits of a person, such as fingerprint, iris, face and/or voice. In case the credential receiver comprises a keypad or a display, the credential input may be a code input by a person to the keypad or the display. In case the credential receiver comprises an antenna, the credential input may be a wireless signal from a wireless key device, such as an RFID (radio-frequency identification) card or a mobile phone. In any case, the credential receiver may be configured to issue an access signal in response to the credential input. The access signal may then be evaluated by a control system of the actuating device. Due to the stationary structure inside the actuating element, the actuating device enables various types of credential receivers to be easily installed in the actuating device.

With direct manipulation of the actuating element is meant that the user can physically contact the actuating element directly. The user may for example grab and rotate the actuating element.

The transfer device may comprise an input element and an output element. The input element may be driven to rotate by rotation of the actuating element. The output element may be fixed to, or integrally formed with, the locking member.

The transfer device may for example be a coupling device or a blocking device. In case the transfer device is a coupling device, the input element may be decoupled from the output element in the disabled state and may be coupled to the output element in the enabled state. Thus, in case the transfer device is a coupling device, the actuating element can always be rotated. In case the transfer device is a blocking device, the input element may be fixed to, or integrally formed with, the output element. The input element may be blocked in the disabled state and may be unblocked in the enabled state. Thus, in case the transfer device is a blocking device, the actuating element can only be rotated when the transfer device adopts the enabled state. The disabled state and the enabled state may alternatively be referred to as a locked state and an unlocked state, respectively.

The actuating device may further comprise a lock cylinder. In this case, the lock cylinder may form part of the stationary structure. The transfer device may be provided in the lock cylinder. Static components inside the actuating element may be secured to the lock cylinder, e.g. by one or more fasteners, such as screws. The actuating element may comprise a cavity for accommodating the stationary structure, or a part of the stationary structure, therein.

The stationary structure may or may not be stationary in space. The stationary structure may for example be fixed to an access member, such as a door, which is movable in space.

The actuating device further comprises a transfer wheel rotatable about a transfer axis parallel with the actuation axis. The transfer wheel is positioned radially inside the actuating element with respect to the actuation axis. The transfer wheel is arranged to drive an input element of the transfer device. Furthermore, the actuating element comprises an internal profile engaging the transfer wheel.

The internal profile may be circular. A diameter of the transfer wheel may be at least <NUM> %, such as at least <NUM> %, of a diameter of the internal profile. Alternatively, or in addition, the diameter of the transfer wheel may be less than <NUM> %, such as less than <NUM> %, of the diameter of the internal profile. In this way, stationary components, such as cables and fasteners, can pass through the internal profile without interfering with the movements of the internal profile and the transfer wheel. Thus, the transfer wheel can transmit a movement of the actuating element to a movement of the transfer device (e.g. the input element thereof) at the same time as the stationary structure passes through the internal profile, i.e. through a space inside the internal profile.

The internal profile may be concentric with the actuation axis. The transfer axis may be stationary.

The input element may be rotatable. In this case, the transfer wheel may be fixed to, or integrally formed with, the input element. Alternatively, the actuating device may comprise a transmission between the transfer wheel and the input element. In this case, the input element does not have to move by rotation.

The actuating device further comprises a second wheel rotatable about a second axis and a third wheel rotatable about a third axis. Each of the second axis and the third axis is parallel with the actuation axis, and each of the second wheel and the third wheel is positioned radially inside the actuating element with respect to the actuation axis. Furthermore, the internal profile engages each of the second wheel and the third wheel.

The transfer wheel may be larger than the second wheel. The transfer wheel may be made as large as possible in view of the needed area for the stationary structure through the internal profile and the second wheel may be made as small as possible. In this way, the input element can rotate relatively slowly and the second wheel can rotate relatively fast (e.g. to drive a generator) for a given rotational speed of the actuating element. When the actuating device comprises the three wheels, the third wheel centers the actuating element with respect to the actuation axis. Each of the second axis and the third axis may be stationary.

Since the internal profile engages each of the three wheels, the actuating element is supported by the three wheels. The support of the actuating element on three wheels reduces the friction counteracting the rotation of the actuating element, for example in contrast to a large support wheel having an external diameter corresponding to the internal diameter of the internal profile.

The transfer wheel may alternatively be referred to as a first wheel. The first wheel, the second wheel and the third wheel may lie in a common plane perpendicular to the actuation axis. The first wheel, the second wheel and the third wheel may provide the only support of the actuating element in radial directions with respect to the actuation axis.

The provision of three wheels each engaging the internal profile in a common plane results in spaces inside the internal profile between the wheels. These spaces can be used for passing one or more static components of the stationary structure therethrough, for example one or more screws fixing the credential receiver to the lock cylinder.

One, several or all of the transfer wheel, the second wheel and the third wheel may be a gear wheel. In this case, the internal profile may comprise an internal gear meshing with the one or more gear wheels. In this way, the actuating device comprises a gear train. The one or more gear wheels and the internal gear may be spur gears. The teeth of the internal gear face radially inwards with respect to the actuation axis. The actuating element may comprise a ring gear comprising the internal profile with the internal gear.

As an alternative to gear wheels and an internal profile comprising an internal gear, each wheel may be a friction wheel and the internal profile may comprise a friction surface frictionally engaging each of the one or more friction wheels. Such frictional surfaces may for example comprise rubber.

The actuating element may comprise a knob. The knob may be cylindrical and/or hollow. Alternatively, or in addition, the internal profile may be fixed to the knob. For example, the ring gear may be fixed to the knob. The internal profile may be provided in a rear region of the knob, such as within <NUM> % of a length of the knob along the actuation axis from a rear end of the knob. A diameter of the internal profile may be at least <NUM> %, such as at least <NUM> %, of an external diameter of the knob.

The actuating element may comprise a front end. In this case, the credential receiver may be substantially aligned with, or aligned with, the front end. In this way, the actuating device can provide a static front face. A substantial alignment may include offsetting a front side of the credential receiver less than <NUM> % of the length of the knob from the front end.

The actuating device may further comprise a control system. The control system may be configured to issue an authorization signal to the transfer device upon presentation of a valid credential input by the user. The control system may be arranged in the stationary structure. In this way, the control system does not rotate together with any of the actuating element, the transfer wheel, the input element, the output element or the locking member. The control system may be arranged inside the actuating element.

The transfer device may comprise an electromagnetic actuator. The authorization signal from the control system may be sent to the actuator.

The control system may be configured to evaluate the access signal from the credential receiver and to issue the authorization signal based on the evaluation of the access signal. For example, in case the user presents a valid credential input, the control system may issue an authorization signal to the transfer device causing the transfer device to adopt the enabled state. In case the user presents an invalid credential input, or does not present any credential input at all, the control system may not issue the authorization signal to the transfer device. In this case, the transfer device remains in the enabled state.

The control system may comprise at least one data processing device and at least one memory having at least one computer program stored thereon, the at least one computer program comprising program code which, when executed by the at least one data processing device, causes the at least one data processing device to perform, or command performance of, various steps as described herein. For example, the at least one computer program may comprise program code which, when executed by the at least one data processing device, causes the at least one data processing device to provide an access signal from the credential receiver, evaluate the access signal, and issue the authorization signal upon concluding that the access signal represents a valid credential input.

The actuating device may further comprise a power source.

The transfer device may be arranged to be electrically powered by the power source. For example, the actuating device may comprise one or more electrical cables interconnecting the power source and the transfer device.

The power source may be arranged in the stationary structure. The power source may for example be arranged inside the actuating element.

The power source may comprise an electric generator arranged to be driven by rotation of the actuating element to thereby generate electric energy. In addition to the generator, the power source may comprise a battery and/or a capacitor. Alternatively, or in addition, the actuating device may comprise a speed increasing transmission between the actuating element and the generator.

The generator may be arranged to be driven by rotation of the transfer wheel. In this case, the actuating element may rotate endlessly about the actuation axis for energy harvesting.

In this variant, the transfer wheel can drive both the generator and the input element. In case the second wheel and/or the third wheel are provided, these wheels provide support for the actuating element. As an alternative, the generator may be arranged to be driven by rotation of the second wheel.

The generator may comprise a generator axis. In this case, the generator axis may be angled <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees to the actuation axis. The generator axis may for example be angled <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees, such as <NUM> degrees, to the actuation axis. The generator may comprise a stator and a rotor rotatable relative to the stator about the generator axis. The rotor may be rotationally driven about the generator axis by the transfer wheel or by the second wheel.

The actuating device of this variant may comprise a first bevel gear and a second bevel gear, meshing with the first bevel gear. The first bevel gear may be rotationally driven by the transfer wheel or by the second wheel. The first bevel gear may rotate about a first bevel gear axis parallel with, or concentric with, the actuation axis. In some variants, the first bevel gear is fixed to, or integrally formed with, the transfer wheel or the second wheel. The second bevel gear may rotate about the generator axis.

The first bevel gear may be larger than the second bevel gear. In this way, one example of a speed increasing transmission between the actuating element and the generator is provided.

In case the power source does not comprise a generator, the power source may comprise a battery inside stationary structure, such as inside the actuating element. Alternatively, the power source may be external to the actuating device, e.g. comprising a mains power supply. When the power source does not comprise a generator, the actuating element does not have to be configured to rotate endlessly about the actuation axis. It may in this case be sufficient if the actuating element can rotate <NUM> degrees or less about the actuation axis. This in turn enables more space inside the internal profile to be used for the stationary structure. As a consequence, the actuating device can be made more compact.

In case the actuating element can rotate only <NUM> degrees about the actuation axis as mentioned above, the actuating element may comprise a <NUM> degrees sector (in a plane transverse to the actuation axis) that can be occupied by the stationary structure.

If the power source does not comprise a generator, the actuating element may be fixed to the input element of the transfer device. In this case, no wheels need to be used. The input element may then also be rotatable about the actuation axis.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a lock device comprising an actuating device according to the first aspect.

As an example, there is provided an access member comprising a lock device according to the second aspect. The access member may be a door.

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

In the following, an actuating device comprising a manually rotatable actuating element, and a lock device comprising an actuating device, will be described. The same or similar reference numerals will be used to denote the same or similar structural features.

<FIG> schematically represents a side view of a lock device <NUM>. The lock device <NUM> comprises an actuating device 12a. The lock device <NUM> of this example further comprises a lock case <NUM>.

The actuating device 12a comprises an actuating element <NUM>. The actuating element <NUM> is rotatable about an actuation axis <NUM>. A user may for example grab and rotate the actuating element <NUM>.

The actuating element <NUM> of this example comprises a hollow cylindrical knob <NUM>. The actuating element <NUM> further comprises a front end <NUM>.

The actuating device 12a further comprises a locking member <NUM>. The locking member <NUM> of this example is rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

The actuating device 12a of this example further comprises a lock cylinder <NUM>. The locking member <NUM> here protrudes rearwardly from the lock cylinder <NUM>.

The actuating device 12a of this example further comprises a rosette <NUM>. The lock cylinder <NUM> and the rosette <NUM> for part of one example of a stationary structure of the actuating device 12a.

The lock case <NUM> of this example comprises a spindle <NUM>, an arm <NUM>, a dead bolt <NUM> and a latch bolt <NUM>. The lock case <NUM> is provided inside a door <NUM>. The rosette <NUM> mates with an outer surface of the door <NUM>. The stationary structure is fixed to the door <NUM>. Thus, the stationary structure is stationary with respect to the door <NUM> but may move in space as the door <NUM> moves.

The locking member <NUM> provides an interface to the lock case <NUM>. Rotation of the locking member <NUM> from the locked position to the unlocked position causes the spindle <NUM> to rotate and the dead bolt <NUM> to be retracted by means of the arm <NUM>. In this way, the dead bolt <NUM> can be retracted from a strike plate in a door frame (not shown) and the door <NUM> can be opened.

<FIG> schematically represents a front perspective view of the actuating device 12a, and <FIG> schematically represents a rear perspective view of the actuating device 12a. With collective reference to <FIG>, the actuating device 12a further comprises a credential receiver <NUM>. The user can provide a credential input <NUM> to the credential receiver <NUM>. The credential receiver <NUM> of this example is a keypad and the credential input <NUM> of this example is a code. Many alternative types of credential receivers <NUM> are known as such.

The credential receiver <NUM> is stationary and forms part of the stationary structure of the actuating device 12a. The actuating element <NUM> is rotatable relative to the stationary credential receiver <NUM>.

The credential receiver <NUM> is in this example arranged entirely radially inside the knob <NUM> with respect to the actuation axis <NUM>. Furthermore, as shown in <FIG>, a front side of the credential receiver <NUM> is flush with the front end <NUM> of the knob <NUM> in this example.

<FIG> further show that the actuating device 12a of this example comprises a plurality of screws <NUM>. The screws <NUM> pass through the lock cylinder <NUM>. The screws <NUM> are used to secure the credential receiver <NUM> and other static components inside knob <NUM> to the lock cylinder <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically represents a partial front perspective view of the actuating device 12a. As shown in <FIG>, the actuating device 12a further comprises a power source <NUM>. The power source <NUM> forms part of the stationary structure of the actuating device 12a and is arranged inside the knob <NUM>. The power source <NUM> of this example comprises a an electric generator <NUM>, a capacitor <NUM> and a battery <NUM>.

The generator <NUM> comprises a stator and a rotor rotatable relative to the stator about a generator axis <NUM>. In this example, the generator axis <NUM> is parallel with, and offset from, the actuation axis <NUM>.

The actuating device 12a further comprises a ring gear <NUM>. The ring gear <NUM> is fixed to the knob <NUM> and constitutes a part of the actuating element <NUM>. The ring gear <NUM> is concentric with the actuation axis <NUM>.

The ring gear <NUM> comprises a toothed internal profile <NUM> facing towards the actuation axis <NUM>. The internal profile <NUM> is thus here exemplified as an internal gear. An inner diameter of the ring gear <NUM> (within top lands of the toothed internal profile <NUM>) is larger than an outer diameter of the lock cylinder <NUM>.

The actuating device 12a further comprises a transfer wheel <NUM>. The transfer wheel <NUM> may alternatively be referred to as a first wheel. The transfer wheel <NUM> is arranged inside the ring gear <NUM>. The transfer wheel <NUM> is here a spur gear in meshing engagement with the internal profile <NUM>.

The actuating device 12a of this example further comprises a second wheel <NUM> and a third wheel <NUM>. Each of the second wheel <NUM> and the third wheel <NUM> is arranged inside the ring gear <NUM>. Moreover, each of the second wheel <NUM> and the third wheel <NUM> is here a spur gear in meshing engagement with the internal profile <NUM>. The transfer wheel <NUM>, the second wheel <NUM> and the third wheel <NUM> provide the only support for the actuating element <NUM> in radial directions with respect to the actuation axis <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically represents a further partial front perspective view of the actuating device 12a. As shown in <FIG>, the transfer wheel <NUM> is rotatable about a transfer axis <NUM>. The transfer axis <NUM> may alternatively be referred to as a first axis. The transfer axis <NUM> is parallel with, and offset from, the actuation axis <NUM>.

The second wheel <NUM> is rotatable about a second axis <NUM> and the third wheel <NUM> is rotatable about a third axis <NUM>. Each of the second axis <NUM> and the third axis <NUM> is parallel with, and offset from, the actuation axis <NUM>. The second axis <NUM> is concentric with the generator axis <NUM>.

In this example, the actuating element <NUM> can rotate endlessly around the actuation axis <NUM>. When the actuating element <NUM> is rotated, the transfer wheel <NUM>, the second wheel <NUM> and the third wheel <NUM> are driven to rotate about the transfer axis <NUM>, the second axis <NUM> and the third axis <NUM>, respectively. Rotation of the second wheel <NUM> drives the generator <NUM>, either directly or via a speed increasing transmission, to harvest electric energy.

A diameter of the transfer wheel <NUM> is here approximately <NUM> % of a diameter of the internal profile <NUM>. A diameter of the second wheel <NUM> is here approximately <NUM> % of the diameter of the internal profile <NUM>. A diameter of the third wheel <NUM> is here approximately <NUM> % of the diameter of the internal profile <NUM>. The transfer wheel <NUM> is thus larger than the second wheel <NUM>. Moreover, the second wheel <NUM> is larger than the third wheel <NUM>. Each wheel <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may have a thickness (i.e. a dimension along the actuation axis <NUM>) of <NUM> to <NUM>, such as <NUM>.

The relatively small size of the second wheel <NUM> contributes to a higher rotational speed of the generator <NUM>. The relatively large size of the transfer wheel <NUM> contributes to a relatively low rotational speed thereof. The function of the third wheel <NUM> is here to support the actuating element <NUM> and to center the actuating element <NUM> with respect to the actuation axis <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a continuous space is formed inside the internal profile <NUM> and between the wheels <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. This space is used for the stationary structure of the actuating device 12a. Some or all of the screws <NUM> and/or electric cables can pass through this space without interfering with the ring gear <NUM> or the wheels <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of the actuating device 12a. As shown in <FIG>, the ring gear <NUM> is fixed to a rear end (to the left in <FIG>) of the knob <NUM>. A diameter of the internal profile <NUM> is approximately <NUM> % of an external diameter of the knob <NUM>.

The actuating device 12a further comprises an electromechanical transfer device 72a. The transfer device 72a is configured to switch from a disabled state to an enabled state based on the credential input <NUM> to the credential receiver <NUM>. The transfer device 72a is functionally and geometrically arranged between the transfer wheel <NUM> and the locking member <NUM>. The transfer device 72a is here arranged in the lock cylinder <NUM>.

In the disabled state of the transfer device 72a, the locking member <NUM> can not be rotated from the locked position to the unlocked position by means of rotation of the actuating element <NUM>. In this example, the actuating element <NUM> can however be rotated for energy harvesting when the transfer device 72a adopts the disabled state. In the enabled state of the transfer device 72a, the locking member <NUM> can be rotated from the locked position to the unlocked position by means of rotation of the actuating element <NUM>.

The transfer device 72a of this example comprises an input element <NUM>, an output element <NUM>. The input element <NUM> is here fixed to the transfer wheel <NUM> and the output element <NUM> is here integrally formed with the locking member <NUM>.

The transfer device 72a further comprises an electromechanical actuator <NUM>. By driving the actuator <NUM>, the transfer device 72a can be switched between the disabled state and the enabled state. The transfer device 72a of this example comprises a coupling shaft <NUM> having a collar <NUM>.

The actuating device 12a further comprises a control system <NUM>, here exemplified as a PCB (printed circuit board) lying in a plane transverse to the actuation axis <NUM>. The control system <NUM> is arranged inside the actuating element <NUM>, between the ring gear <NUM> and the generator <NUM> along the actuation axis <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically represents a side view of the transfer device 72a. The coupling shaft <NUM> has a polygonal profile. The coupling shaft <NUM> is always received in the input element <NUM>. In the disabled state, the coupling shaft <NUM> does not engage in a corresponding polygonal opening of the output element <NUM>. Rotation of the input element <NUM> is thereby not transmitted to a rotation of the output element <NUM> and the locking member <NUM>. By driving the actuator <NUM>, the coupling shaft <NUM> can be moved linearly (to the right in <FIG>) into the opening of the output element <NUM>. When the coupling shaft <NUM> enters this opening, rotation of the input element <NUM> is transmitted by the coupling shaft <NUM> to a rotation of the output element <NUM> and the locking member <NUM>.

In this specific example, the transfer device 72a comprises a torsion spring <NUM> and a nut <NUM>. When the actuator <NUM> drives the nut <NUM> linearly to the right in <FIG>, the torsion spring <NUM> exerts a force on the collar <NUM>. In case the coupling shaft <NUM> is not aligned with the opening in the output element <NUM>, the actuator <NUM> can be stopped and the torsion spring <NUM> continues to exert a force on the coupling shaft <NUM> to the right. When the input element <NUM> is rotated such that the coupling shaft <NUM> becomes aligned with the opening in the output element <NUM>, the torsion spring <NUM> forces the coupling shaft <NUM> into the opening. The transfer device 72a thereby adopts the enabled state.

<FIG> schematically represents a side view of the actuating device 12a. In <FIG>, the stationary structure <NUM> of the actuating device 12a is shown as a volume within dashed lines. As shown, the stationary structure <NUM> is arranged partly inside the actuating element <NUM>. The credential receiver <NUM> is here arranged entirely radially inside the knob <NUM> with respect to the actuation axis <NUM>. Moreover, an entire length of the credential receiver <NUM> is here arranged radially inside the knob <NUM> with respect to the actuation axis <NUM>.

When the actuating element <NUM> is rotated by the user, the actuating element <NUM> and the wheels <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> rotate relative to the stationary structure <NUM>. Rotation of the second wheel <NUM> drives the generator <NUM> to harvest electric energy. During rotation of the actuating element <NUM>, the credential receiver <NUM> remains static. This provides an improved user experience and a more consistent interaction between the user and the credential receiver <NUM>.

The control system <NUM> comprises a data processing device <NUM> and a memory <NUM>. The memory <NUM> has a computer program thereon. The computer program comprises program code which, when executed by the data processing device <NUM> causes the data processing device <NUM> to perform, or command performance of, various steps as described herein.

The actuating device 12a comprises electrical conductors <NUM> connecting the control system <NUM> to each of the power source <NUM>, the credential receiver <NUM> and the actuator <NUM>, and an electrical conductor <NUM> between the power source <NUM> and the credential receiver <NUM>. The power source <NUM> electrically powers the control system <NUM> and the credential receiver <NUM>. Moreover, the power source <NUM> here electrically powers the actuator <NUM> via the control system <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the credential receiver <NUM> is configured to send an access signal <NUM> to the control system <NUM> in response to the credential input <NUM>. The control system <NUM> is configured to evaluate the access signal <NUM>, i.e. to determine whether the credential input <NUM> is valid or invalid. In case the credential input <NUM> is valid, the control system <NUM> sends an authorization signal <NUM> to the actuator <NUM> to thereby command the transfer device 72a to switch from the disabled state to the enabled state. In case the credential input <NUM> is invalid, the control system <NUM> does not issue the authorization signal <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically represents a side view of a further example of an actuating device 12b. Mainly differences with respect to the actuating device 12a will be described. The actuating device 12b does not comprise any electric generator. Instead, the actuating device 12b is electrically powered by an external power source <NUM>, such as a mains supply. In the actuating device 12b, both the second wheel <NUM> and the third wheel <NUM> are support wheels for the actuating element <NUM>. When no power source <NUM> is provided in the stationary structure <NUM> inside the actuating element <NUM>, the actuating element <NUM> can be made even more compact, i.e. shorter along the actuation axis <NUM>. As an alternative to the power source <NUM> outside the actuating device 12b, a power source <NUM> comprising a battery (but no generator) may be provided in the stationary structure <NUM> inside the actuating element <NUM>.

Since the actuating element <NUM> of the actuating device 12b does not drive an electric generator, the actuating element <NUM> does not have to be rotated endlessly around the actuation axis <NUM>. A rotation range of for example <NUM> degrees about the actuation axis <NUM> can be sufficient. In this way, more space inside the ring gear <NUM> can be used for the stationary structure <NUM>.

Furthermore, when the actuating element <NUM> of the actuating device 12b does not drive an electric generator, the actuating element <NUM> can alternatively be fixed to the input element <NUM> of the transfer device 72a. In this way, each of the wheels <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> can be omitted.

<FIG> schematically represents a side view of a further example of a transfer device 72b. Similarly to the transfer device 72a, the transfer device 72b is a coupling device. The transfer device 72b comprises a clutch <NUM> controlled by the actuator <NUM>. In <FIG>, the clutch <NUM> is controlled by the actuator <NUM> to be open. The transfer device 72b thereby adopts a disabled state <NUM>. In the disabled state <NUM>, rotation of the input element <NUM> is not transferred to a rotation of the locking member <NUM>. The locking member <NUM> thereby remains in a locked position <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically represents a side view of the transfer device 72b. In <FIG>, the clutch <NUM> is controlled by the actuator <NUM> to be closed, e.g. in response to the authorization signal <NUM>. The transfer device 72b thereby adopts an enabled state <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically represents a side view of the transfer device 72b. As shown in <FIG>, the locking member <NUM> can be rotated from the locked position <NUM> to an unlocked position <NUM> by rotation of the input element <NUM> when the transfer device 72b adopts the enabled state <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically represents a side view of a further example of a transfer device 72c. Mainly differences with respect to the transfer device 72b will be described. The transfer device 72c is a blocking device. Moreover, the input element <NUM> is fixed to the locking member <NUM>, here integrally formed with the locking member <NUM>.

The transfer device 72c comprises a blocking member <NUM> controlled by the actuator <NUM>. In <FIG>, the blocking member <NUM> is controlled by the actuator <NUM> to engage in a recess in the input element <NUM>. The blocking member <NUM> blocks rotation of the input element <NUM> and the locking member <NUM>. The transfer device 72c thereby adopts the disabled state <NUM>. In case the actuating device 12a and 12b comprises the transfer device 72c, the actuating element <NUM> cannot be rotated when the transfer device 72c adopts the disabled state <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically represents a side view of the transfer device 72c. In <FIG>, the blocking member <NUM> is controlled by the actuator <NUM> to be retracted from the recess in the input element <NUM>, e.g. in response to the authorization signal <NUM>. The transfer device 72c thereby adopts the enabled state <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically represents a side view of the transfer device 72c. As shown in <FIG>, the locking member <NUM> can be rotated from the locked position <NUM> to the unlocked position <NUM> by rotation of the input element <NUM> when the transfer device 72c adopts the enabled state <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically represents a front perspective view of a further example of an actuating device 12c, <FIG> schematically represents a partial front perspective view of the actuating device 12c, and <FIG> schematically represents a side view of the actuating device 12c. With collective reference to <FIG>, mainly differences with respect to the actuating device 12a will be described. The actuating device 12c of this example comprises the transfer device 72c. The actuating device 12c further comprises the transfer wheel <NUM>, but not the second wheel <NUM> and the third wheel <NUM>. The generator <NUM> is here driven by the transfer wheel <NUM>. The stationary structure <NUM> can thereby make use of more space inside the ring gear <NUM>. Alternatively, or in addition, the ring gear <NUM> (and the knob <NUM>) can be made smaller in a plane transverse to the actuation axis <NUM>.

The generator axis <NUM> is here oriented perpendicular to the actuation axis <NUM>. This enables the actuating device 12c to be made even more compact, i.e. shorter along the actuation axis <NUM>.

The actuating device 12c comprises a first bevel gear <NUM> and a second bevel gear <NUM> in meshing engagement with the first bevel gear <NUM>. The first bevel gear <NUM> is driven by the transfer wheel <NUM>. Thus, in the actuating device 12c, the transfer wheel <NUM> drives both the input element <NUM> and the generator <NUM>.

The first bevel gear <NUM> is here concentric with the transfer wheel <NUM>. The second bevel gear <NUM> is concentric with the generator axis <NUM>. A transmission (not shown) may be arranged between the transfer wheel <NUM> and the first bevel gear <NUM>. Alternatively, the first bevel gear <NUM> may be fixed to the transfer wheel <NUM>.

The first bevel gear <NUM> lies in a plane perpendicular to the actuation axis <NUM> and the second bevel gear <NUM> lies in a plane parallel with the actuation axis <NUM>. The first bevel gear <NUM> is larger than the second bevel gear <NUM>. The first bevel gear <NUM> and the second bevel gear <NUM> thereby form a speed increasing transmission between the transfer wheel <NUM> and the generator <NUM>.

As an alternative example, the actuating device 12c may comprise the second wheel <NUM>. The first bevel gear <NUM> may then be driven by the second wheel <NUM>. As a further alternative example, the actuating device 12c comprises the second wheel <NUM> and the third wheel <NUM> functioning as support wheels.

Claim 1:
An actuating device (12a, 12b, 12c) for a lock device (<NUM>), the actuating device (12a, 12b, 12c) comprising:
- a stationary structure (<NUM>) having a credential receiver (<NUM>) for receiving a credential input (<NUM>) from a user;
- an actuating element (<NUM>) rotatable about an actuation axis (<NUM>) relative to the stationary structure (<NUM>) by direct manipulation by the user, where the stationary structure (<NUM>) is arranged at least partly inside the actuating element (<NUM>);
- a locking member (<NUM>) movable between a locked position (<NUM>) and an unlocked position (<NUM>); and
- an electromechanical transfer device (72a-72c) arranged, based on the credential input (<NUM>), to adopt a disabled state (<NUM>) in which the locking member (<NUM>) cannot be moved from the locked position (<NUM>) to the unlocked position (<NUM>) by rotation of the actuating element (<NUM>), and an enabled state (<NUM>) in which the locking member (<NUM>) can be moved from the locked position (<NUM>) to the unlocked position (<NUM>) by rotation of the actuating element (<NUM>);
wherein the credential receiver (<NUM>) is at least partly arranged radially inside the actuating element (<NUM>) with respect to the actuation axis (<NUM>); wherein the actuating device (12a, 12b, 12c) further comprises a transfer wheel (<NUM>) rotatable about a transfer axis (<NUM>) parallel with the actuation axis (<NUM>), wherein the transfer wheel (<NUM>) is positioned radially inside the actuating element (<NUM>) with respect to the actuation axis (<NUM>), wherein the transfer wheel (<NUM>) is arranged to drive an input element (<NUM>) of the transfer device (72a-72c), and wherein the actuating element (<NUM>) comprises an internal profile (<NUM>) engaging the transfer wheel (<NUM>);
characterized in that the actuating device (12a, 12b, 12c) further comprises a second wheel (<NUM>) rotatable about a second axis (<NUM>) and a third wheel (<NUM>) rotatable about a third axis (<NUM>), wherein each of the second axis (<NUM>) and the third axis (<NUM>) is parallel with the actuation axis (<NUM>), wherein each of the second wheel (<NUM>) and the third wheel (<NUM>) is positioned radially inside the actuating element (<NUM>) with respect to the actuation axis (<NUM>), and wherein the internal profile (<NUM>) engages each of the second wheel (<NUM>) and the third wheel (<NUM>).