Patent ID: 8692650

Claim:
An access control device, comprising: a lock ( 2 ) with a locking element, an actuating element ( 3 ) for the locking element, an electronic key ( 5 ), and an electrical circuit including a receiver unit for receiving key identification data and an evaluation circuit for determining access authorization based on received identification data, said evaluation circuit cooperating with one or more of the actuating element ( 3 ) and the locking element for selectively locking or unlocking the lock ( 2 ), wherein the electronic key ( 5 ) comprises means for generating a capacitive near field via which the identification data is emitted, and a device for coupling the capacitive near field to a person ( 4 ) carrying the electronic key ( 5 ), the receiver unit of the lock ( 2 ) comprises at least two electrodes ( 10 , 11 ; 16 , 18 ; 18 , 19 ; 21 , 22 ) jointly forming a receiver capacitor ( 7 ), at least one of said electrodes forming a capacitive coupling surface such that an alternating current circuit closes at a contact of the lock ( 2 ), or at an approach of the lock ( 2 ), by said person ( 4 ) and an electric flux is created across the lock ( 2 ), which is detected by the receiver unit, wherein said electrodes of the receiver capacitor are integrated in the lock, at least one electrode is arranged in a knob of the lock, designed as the knob of the lock, or part of the knob of the lock, and at least one electrode is arranged in a locking cylinder of the lock, designed as the locking cylinder of the lock, or part of the locking cylinder of the lock.