DE102023126050A1 - ACTUATOR WITH SECURED CAP - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuating device (100, 200) with a housing (110, 210) and with an actuating element (114, 214) arranged at least partially in the housing (110, 210), wherein the housing (110, 210) has an access (122, 222) to the actuating element (114, 214) on a front side (118, 218) and wherein a cap (116, 216) is provided which, in a blocking position, blocks the access (122, 222) to the actuating element (114, 214), wherein a locking mechanism (140, 240) is provided for securing the cap (116, 216) against unauthorized adjustment or removal of the cap (116, 216) from the blocking position, wherein the locking mechanism (140, 240) at least one locking element (142, 242) which is adjustable between a locking position for positively blocking the adjustment or removal of the cap (116, 216) from the blocking position and an unlocking position for enabling the adjustment or removal of the cap (116, 216) from the blocking position, and wherein the locking element (142, 242) comprises at least one locking magnet (148, 248) for adjusting the locking element (142, 242) from the locking position to the unlocking position by the magnetic interaction between the locking magnet (148, 248) and at least one unlocking magnet (160, 260) of a corresponding key unit (102, 202).

Description

The present invention relates to an actuating device comprising a housing and an actuating element arranged at least partially within the housing. The housing has access to the actuating element on a front side and a cap is provided which, in a blocking position, blocks access to the actuating element. The actuating device can, in particular, be a closure, such as a twist lock. The present invention further relates to a system comprising such an actuating device.

Twist locks are known from the prior art which have a locking core rotatably mounted in a lock housing, onto which a key can be attached from the front of the lock in order to actuate the locking core.

Cover caps for such twist locks are also known from the state of the art in order to protect the locks from dust and moisture.

The keys for twist locks often have a fairly simple key contour and therefore do not offer sufficient protection against unauthorized operation. The use of complex and delicate key contours, which offer greater protection, is disadvantageous when the key must transmit high torques. In addition, depending on the application, increased demands are placed on vandalism protection.

Against this background, the object of the present invention is to provide an actuating device with improved protection against unauthorized actuation and/or improved protection against vandalism.

The above-mentioned object is achieved according to the invention by an actuating device with a housing, with an actuating element arranged at least partially in the housing, wherein the housing has an access to the actuating element on a front side, wherein a cap is provided which blocks access to the actuating element in a blocking position, wherein a locking mechanism is provided for securing the cap against unauthorized adjustment or removal of the cap from the blocking position, wherein the locking mechanism comprises at least one locking element which is adjustable between a locking position for positively blocking the adjustment or removal of the cap from the blocking position and an unlocking position for enabling the adjustment or removal of the cap from the blocking position, and wherein the locking element comprises at least one locking magnet for adjusting the locking element from the locking position to the unlocking position by the magnetic interaction between the locking magnet and at least one unlocking magnet of a corresponding key unit.

By providing a locking mechanism to secure the cap, unauthorized actuation of the actuating element is prevented by blocking access to the actuating element. This allows for better actuation protection regardless of the design of the actuating element or a key provided for it.

The use of a locking mechanism that can be unlocked through the interaction between locking magnets of one or more locking elements and respective unlocking magnets of a corresponding key unit also has the advantage of allowing for needs-based access security by adapting the number of locking elements and locking magnets, and thus the number of possible combinations, to the required level of security. Furthermore, this design enables a construction with smooth outer surfaces, particularly on the cap, thereby reducing potential points of attack for vandalism.

The actuating element is preferably a mechanical actuating element, such as a locking core. However, it can also be an electromechanical actuating element, such as a switch or push-button. It is also conceivable that the actuating element is an electronic actuating element, such as a proximity sensor.

The actuating device may be a closure, in particular a rotary closure, such as a cam lock. Accordingly, the housing may be a closure housing, and the actuating element arranged at least partially in the housing may be a locking core.

The actuating element, in particular the locking core, can have or drive a locking element, for example a locking tongue, at its end facing away from the front of the housing.

The actuating element can, in particular, be rotatably mounted in the housing. The actuating element can then be actuated, in particular, by rotating the actuating element. Preferably, the actuating element has an actuating contour for the torque-transmitting insertion of a key.

The actuating element is at least partially arranged in the housing. The actuating element can, in particular, be partially or completely arranged in the housing. The actuating element is preferably protected by the housing.

The housing has access to the actuating element on a front side. For this purpose, the housing can, in particular, have an opening on the front side through which access to the actuating element inside the housing is possible or through which the actuating element extends out of the housing, thus allowing access to the actuating element outside the housing.

Access to the actuating element is, in particular, access that enables actuation of the actuating element. If the actuating element has an actuating side for its actuation, the access is, in particular, access to the actuating side of the actuating element. If, for example, the actuating element has an actuating contour for inserting a corresponding key, the access, in particular, enables insertion of the corresponding key.

The actuating device further comprises a cap which, in a blocking position, blocks access to the actuating element. In particular, the access is blocked in such a way that actuation of the actuating element is prevented. For this purpose, the cap in the blocking position can, for example, completely or partially cover the part of the actuating device accessible via the access, in particular at least to the extent that actuation of the actuating element, for example, by a key, is blocked.

The cap can be designed, in particular, to be placed on the housing, in particular on the front of the housing. For this purpose, the cap can, in particular, have a receptacle for partially receiving the housing, in particular for receiving a collar of the housing arranged around the access to the actuating element.

The actuating device comprises a locking mechanism for securing the cap against unauthorized adjustment or removal of the cap from the blocking position.

The locking mechanism comprises one or more locking elements, each of which is adjustable between a locking position for positively blocking the adjustment or removal of the cap from the locked position and an unlocking position for enabling the adjustment or removal of the cap from the locked position. In the unlocking position of the locking element, the cap can be removed or adjusted accordingly so that the cap no longer blocks access to the actuating element. After the cap has been removed or adjusted, the actuating element can be actuated again.

The one or more locking elements can be arranged in the cap, for example, in the region of a cap receptacle for partially receiving the housing when the cap is placed on the housing. In particular, several locking elements can be provided on the cap, arranged circumferentially around the cap receptacle.

In the locking position, the one or more locking elements preferably engage behind a blocking position undercut of the housing and thus prevent the cap from being adjusted or removed from the blocking position.

The one or more locking elements each have at least one locking magnet for moving the locking element from the locking position to the unlocking position through the magnetic interaction between the respective locking magnet and at least one unlocking magnet of a corresponding key unit. The number of possible codings for the key unit can be adjusted by selecting the number of locking elements or locking magnets. N locking elements, each with one locking magnet, enable, for example, up to ^2N different codings for the key unit, with optional alignment of the magnetic north or south pole of the locking magnets in the direction of the unlocking magnets and corresponding alignment of the unlocking magnets.

The above-mentioned object is further achieved according to the invention by a system comprising the previously described actuating device or an embodiment thereof and further comprising a corresponding key unit, wherein the key unit has unlocking magnets corresponding to the locking magnets.

The corresponding unlocking magnets are in particular arranged and aligned in such a way that, given a predetermined arrangement of the key unit relative to the actuating device, the unlocking magnets interact with the corresponding locking magnets in such a way that the one or more locking elements move into the unlocking position.

The key unit can in particular be designed to rest against, preferably to be placed on, the cap. Accordingly, the key unit can preferably be placed on the cap. This enables simple positioning of the key unit relative to the cap in order to arrange the one or more decoupling magnets of the key unit relative to the one or more locking magnets in such a way that the one or more locking elements are moved into the unlocked position. The key unit and the cap preferably have contours that correspond to one another and are preferably designed asymmetrically in such a way that the key unit can only be placed on the cap in a predetermined orientation. This facilitates the correct positioning of the key unit on the cap.

Various embodiments of the actuating device and the system are described below. Each of the individual embodiments applies independently to the actuating device and the system. Furthermore, the individual embodiments can be combined with one another as desired.

In one embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a plurality of locking elements, each of which is adjustable between a locking position for positively blocking the adjustment or removal of the cap from the blocking position and an unlocking position for enabling the adjustment or removal of the cap from the blocking position. The plurality of locking elements each comprise at least one locking magnet for adjusting the respective locking element from the locking position to the unlocking position through the magnetic interaction between the locking magnet and at least one unlocking magnet of a corresponding key unit. The plurality of locking elements allows the cap to be better held in the blocking position. Furthermore, the plurality of locking elements enable more combinations for coding the key unit.

In one embodiment, the locking element comprises a pivot arm pivotably mounted about a locking element axis, which pivot arm can be pivoted from the locking position to the unlocking position. The locking magnet is preferably arranged on the pivot arm at a distance from the locking element axis.

By providing a pivoting arm which is pivotable about a locking element axis and which can be pivoted from the locking position to the unlocking position, a locking element is provided which is reliably guided between the locking position and the unlocking position, so that tilting of the locking element can be reliably prevented, even in the event of adverse environmental influences or the use of force due to vandalism.

The locking magnet is preferably arranged on the pivot arm at a distance from the locking element axis. In particular, the center of the locking magnet, or the central axis of the locking magnet running through the north and south poles of the locking magnet, is preferably arranged at a distance from the locking element axis.

The locking magnet, which is arranged at a distance from the locking element axis on the swivel arm, can create a lever effect on the swivel arm through magnetic interaction with the locking magnet in order to pivot it specifically between the locking position and the unlocking position.

The locking magnet is preferably arranged at a distance from the locking element axis such that the locking magnet is positioned completely outside the locking element axis. This results in a longer lever arm. However, it is also conceivable for the locking element axis to extend through a lateral region of the locking magnet, as long as the center point or central axis of the locking magnet is spaced from the locking element axis.

The pivot arm is preferably made of a non-ferromagnetic material, in particular aluminum or plastic, in order to weaken the magnetic interaction of the locking magnet with an unlocking magnet of a corresponding key unit as little as possible or not at all.

In one embodiment, the cap is removable from the housing in the unlocked position of the at least one locking element or is adjustable into a release position in which the cap is removable or in which the cap provides access to the actuating element. With multiple locking elements, the cap is preferably removable from the housing or is adjustable into a release position in which the cap is removable or in which the cap provides access to the actuating element when the multiple locking elements are in their respective unlocked positions.

If the cap is removable, the cap can be removed manually, in particular from the housing, thus providing access to the actuating element. After removing the cap, the user can then actuate the actuating element, for example using a suitable key. The cap can be immediately removable when one or more locking elements are in the unlocked position. Alternatively, the cap can be held on the housing, for example in a form-fitting manner, for example in a pre-release position, and can be adjustable, for example by turning the cap, into a release position in which the cap can then be lifted off.

The ability to remove the cap in the unlocking position of one or more locking elements or in the release position of the cap enables a simple and space-saving design of the actuating device.

The cap can also be adjustable into a release position in which the cap allows access to the actuating element. For example, it is conceivable that the cap is pivoted such that it no longer blocks access to the actuating element. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the cap is aligned, for example by rotating the cap, such that it allows access to the actuating element. In this way, the cap can allow access to the actuating element without having to be removed from the actuating device. This prevents the cap from becoming lost.

In one embodiment, the cap, in the unlocked position of the at least one locking element, can be adjusted into a pre-release position, from which the cap can be adjusted into the release position. This enables controlled manual adjustment into the release position. With a cap that can be removed in the release position, this configuration can also prevent the cap from being accidentally lost, since the cap must first be adjusted from the pre-release position to the release position before it can be removed. The cap can, for example, be rotatable from the pre-release position to the release position.

In one embodiment, a spring element is provided which moves the cap into the pre-release position and/or the release position in the unlocked position of the at least one locking element. As a result, the cap is spring-loaded by the spring element and moved into the pre-release position or release position when the one or more locking elements move into the unlocked position. This facilitates operation of the actuating device. In addition, the user receives visual and/or haptic feedback of the unlocking of the locking elements. Furthermore, this can prevent the one or more locking elements from inadvertently falling back into the locked position.

The spring element can be a spring, for example a spiral spring, or an elastic element which expands in the unlocking position of the at least one locking element and moves the cap from the release position and/or into the release position.

The one or more locking elements can block removal of the cap in the pre-release position and/or in the release position. In particular, the one or more locking elements can engage behind a securing undercut in the pre-release position and/or in the release position. In this way, loss of the cap in the pre-release position and/or in the release position can be prevented.

In one embodiment, the cap has a recess with a recess contour for inserting a key corresponding to an actuating contour of the actuating element. In the blocking position of the cap, the recess contour is aligned with the actuating contour of the actuating element in such a way that insertion of a key onto the actuating contour is blocked. Furthermore, in the unlocking position of the at least one locking element, the recess contour is aligned or alignable with the actuating contour in such a way that the key can be inserted through the recess onto the actuating contour. In this way, the cap can provide access to the actuating element without having to be removed from the access area. This enables a particularly compact and robust design of the actuating device.

The recess contour can, for example, correspond to the circumferential contour of the actuating contour, for example, to the circumferential contour of a key to be used to actuate the actuating contour, such as a socket wrench. In the release position, the cap is particularly oriented such that a key can be inserted through the recess onto the actuating contour.

In one embodiment, the cap and the housing have corresponding form-locking elements that, in the cap's blocking position, prevent the recess contour from being aligned with the actuating contour, for example, preventing the cap from rotating. For example, the cap and the housing can have corresponding pins and receptacles as corresponding form-locking elements, the engagement of which in the blocking position prevents the recess contour from being aligned with the actuating contour. In this way, access to the actuating element is reliably blocked in the blocking position.

In one embodiment, the key unit and the cap are adapted to one another such that, in the unlocked position of the at least one locking element, the cap can be removed by actuating the key unit or adjusted into the release position or pre-release position. In particular, the key unit and the cap can have corresponding form-fitting elements such that, when they engage with one another, the cap can be removed by actuating the key unit or adjusted into the release position or pre-release position. In this way, the cap can be removed or adjusted with the key unit attached, which facilitates operation of the actuating device.

Additionally or alternatively, locking magnets and/or unlocking magnets can also be used which, when the key unit is placed on the cap, create a sufficient magnetic attraction force between the key unit and the cap to enable the cap to be removed or adjusted by operating the key unit.

In one embodiment, the key unit has a recess for inserting a key. This allows a key to be placed on the actuating element to actuate the actuating element without having to remove the key unit. If the cap has a recess, the recess in the key unit is preferably arranged such that, with the key unit placed on the cap, the key can be placed on the actuating element through the recess in the key unit and the recess in the cap.

In one embodiment, the system further comprises a key corresponding to the actuating element, for example, a plug-in key. The key can be configured as a separate unit from the key unit. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the key and key unit to be formed as one piece or connected to one another. In this way, the key unit and the key are captive to one another.

Further features and advantages of the actuating device and the system will become apparent from the following description of embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

• 1a-d ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel der Betätigungsvorrichtung und des Systems mit den Verriegelungselementen in Blockierstellung,
• 2a-b das Ausführungsbeispiel aus 1a-c mit den Verriegelungselementen in Entriegelungsstellung.
• 3a-b das Ausführungsbeispiel aus 1a-c mit abgenommener Kappe.
• 4a-c ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel der Betätigungsvorrichtung und des Systems mit den Verriegelungselementen in Blockierstellung,
• 5a-c das Ausführungsbeispiel aus 4a-c mit den Verriegelungselementen in Entriegelungsstellung und der Kappe in einer Vor-Freigabestellung,
• 6a-c das Ausführungsbeispiel aus 4a-c mit den Verriegelungselementen in Entriegelungsstellung und der Kappe in der Freigabestellung und
• 7 das Ausführungsbeispiel aus 4a-c mit den Verriegelungselementen in Entriegelungsstellung, der Kappe in der Freigabestellung und aufgestecktem Schlüssel.

In the drawing show

• 1a -d a first embodiment of the actuating device and the system with the locking elements in the blocking position,
• 2a -b the embodiment from 1a -c with the locking elements in the unlocked position.
• 3a -b the embodiment from 1a -c with cap removed.
• 4a -c a second embodiment of the actuating device and the system with the locking elements in the blocking position,
• 5a -c the example from 4a -c with the locking elements in the unlocking position and the cap in a pre-release position,
• 6a -c the example from 4a -c with the locking elements in the unlocking position and the cap in the release position and
• 7 the embodiment from 4a -c with the locking elements in the unlocking position, the cap in the release position and the key inserted.

The 1a -d show a first embodiment of the actuating device and the system. 1a shows a perspective view of the actuating device 100 and a corresponding key unit 102, which together form the system 104. 1b shows a sectional view of the actuating device 100 and the key unit 102 from the side corresponding to the 1c cutting plane designated “Ib”. 1c shows a sectional view from below according to the 1b cutting plane designated “Ic”. 1c shows a sectional view of the key unit 102 from below according to the 1b cutting plane labelled “Id”.

The actuating device 100 is designed as a closure, namely as a rotary closure, and comprises a housing 110 in the form of a closure housing, an actuating element 114 in the form of a locking core arranged in a cylindrical bore 112 in the housing 110, and a cap 116 placed on the housing 110.

The housing 110 has an opening 120 on a front side 118 of the housing 110, which forms an access 122 to the actuating element 114. On the actuating side 124 of the actuating element 114, arranged in the region of the access 122, the actuating element has an actuating contour 126, for example a polygonal contour, for attaching a key, for example a socket wrench. The actuating device 100 can, for example, be designed as shown in 1a -b shown as a cam lock. For this purpose, a locking tongue 130 is connected to the actuating element 114 at the end 128 facing away from the actuating side 124 in a rotationally fixed manner, for example as shown in 1b shown screwed. However, other designs of the closure 100 are also conceivable.

The cap 116 is placed in a blocking position on the housing 110 and, in this blocking position, blocks the access 122 to the actuating element. In the present exemplary embodiment, this is achieved by the cap 116 covering the opening 120 of the housing. For this purpose, the cap 116 has an inner contour 132 adapted to the outer contour of the housing 110, which forms a receptacle 134 for the front side 118 of the housing 110, in particular for a collar 111 of the housing 110 surrounding the access 122.

To prevent unauthorized removal of the cap 116 from the 1b In order to prevent the locking position shown, the actuating device 100 further comprises a locking mechanism 140. The locking mechanism 140 comprises a plurality of locking elements 142, twelve in the present exemplary embodiment, arranged circumferentially in the cap 116. The locking elements 142 each have a pivot arm 146 pivotably mounted about a respective locking element axis 144, on which a respective locking magnet 148 is arranged, spaced from the locking element axis 144.

The pivot arms 146 and thus the locking elements 142 are each movable between a locking position (see 1b -c) and an unlocking position (see 2a -b) pivotable.

In the locked position, the pivot arms 146 engage inwardly into the receptacle 134 and behind a blocking position undercut 150 provided on the housing 110, thereby positively blocking removal of the cap 116 from the blocking position. The pivot arms 146 are held in the locked position by the magnetic interaction of the locking magnets 148 with the housing 110, which in this case is made of steel. Alternatively, a ferromagnetic element, such as a steel ring, can be provided on the housing 110 opposite the pivot arms 146, the magnetic interaction of which with the locking magnets 148 holds the pivot arms in the locked position. In this case, the housing 110 can be made of a non-ferromagnetic material, such as plastic.

In the present embodiment, the key unit 102 is designed in the form of an overcap that can be placed on the cap 116 and for this purpose has an inner contour 154 corresponding to the outer contour 152 of the cap 116, which forms a receptacle 156 for the cap 116.

The cap 116 and the key unit 102 have mutually corresponding form-locking elements 158, 159 in the form of a protruding web 158 of the cap 116 and a corresponding recess 159 of the key unit 102, so that the key unit 102 can only be placed on the cap 116 in a predetermined orientation.

The key unit 102 further comprises a number of unlocking magnets 160 corresponding to the number of locking magnets 148, which are arranged and aligned such that, when the key unit 102 is placed on the cap 116, they magnetically interact with the locking magnets 148 such that the pivot arms 146 and thus the locking elements 142 are moved into the unlocking position.

The 2a -b show the system 104 with the actuating device 100 and the key unit 102 from 1a -c, where 2a one to 1b corresponding sectional view and 2b one to 1c shows corresponding sectional view.

In 2a -b, the key unit 102 is placed on the cap 116. The locking elements 142 are in 2a -b, respectively, in the unlocked position. Only when the unlocking magnets 160 correspond to the locking magnets 148, in particular, are correctly arranged and aligned with respect to their magnetic north pole-south pole, are all locking elements 142 moved into the unlocked position, allowing the cap 116 to be removed. In this way, the cap 116 with the locking magnets 148 and the key unit 102 can be coded to each other. The multitude of possible configurations of the locking and unlocking magnets thus achieves a high degree of security.

In the unlocked position, the locking elements 142 no longer engage behind the blocking position undercut 150, so that the cap 116 is no longer secured in the blocking position by the locking elements 142 and the cap 116 can be removed from the blocking position. 3a shows one of the 2a corresponding sectional view with cap removed 116. 3b shows one of the 3a Sectional view through cap 116 and key unit 102 corresponding to the section plane designated “IIIb”.

By removing the cap 116, the access 122 to the actuating element 114 is released so that the user can place a key, for example a socket wrench such as a polygonal wrench, onto the actuating element 114 to actuate it.

The 4a -c show a second embodiment of the actuating device and the system. 4a shows a perspective view of the actuating device 200 and a corresponding key unit 202, which together form the system 204. Furthermore, the system 204 comprises a key 206, in particular a plug-in key (see 7 ). 4b shows a sectional view of the actuating device 200 and the key unit 202 from the side corresponding to the 4c section plane designated “IVb”. 4c shows a sectional view from below according to the 4b section plane labelled “IVc”.

The actuating device 200 is also designed as a closure, namely as a rotary closure, and comprises a housing 210 in the form of a closure housing, an actuating element 214 in the form of a locking core arranged in a cylindrical bore 212 in the housing 210, and a cap 216 placed on the housing 210.

The housing 210 has an opening 220 on a front side 218 of the housing 210, which forms an access 222 to the actuating element 214. On the actuating side 224 of the actuating element 214, arranged in the region of the access 222, the actuating element has an actuating contour 226, for example a bit or double-bit contour, for attaching the key 206. The actuating device 200 can, for example, be designed as in 4a -b shown as a cam lock. For this purpose, a locking tongue 230 is connected to the actuating element 214 at the end 228 facing away from the actuating side 224 in a rotationally fixed manner, for example as shown in 4b shown. However, other designs of the closure 200 are also conceivable.

The cap 216 has a recess 270 with a recess contour 272 which is adapted to the outer geometry of the actuating contour 226 or the key 206, so that the key 206 with its key contour 208 adapted to the actuating contour 226 can be inserted through the recess 270.

The cap 216 is in 4a -c is placed in a blocking position on the housing 210. For this purpose, the cap 216 has an inner contour 232 adapted to the outer contour of the housing 210, which forms a receptacle 234 for the front side 218 of the housing 210, in particular for a collar 211 of the housing 210 surrounding the access 222.

In the blocking position, the cap 216 blocks access 222 to the actuating element. In the present embodiment, this is achieved by rotating the recess 270 of the cap 216 relative to the actuating contour 226 in such a way that the key 206 cannot be placed through the recess 270 onto the actuating contour 226.

To prevent unauthorized adjustment of the cap 216 from the 4a -c, the actuating device 200 further comprises a locking mechanism 240. The locking mechanism 240 comprises a plurality of locking elements 242, twelve in the present exemplary embodiment, arranged circumferentially in the cap 216. The locking elements 242 each have a pivot arm 246 pivotably mounted about a respective locking element axis 244, on which a respective locking magnet 248 is arranged, spaced from the locking element axis 244.

The pivot arms 246 and thus the locking elements 242 are each movable between a locking position (see 4b -c) and an unlocking position (see 5a -b) pivotable. The pivot arms 246 are held in the locked position by the magnetic interaction of the locking magnets 248 with the housing 210, which in this case is made of steel. Alternatively, a ferromagnetic element, such as a steel ring, can be provided on the housing 210 opposite the pivot arms 246, the magnetic interaction of which with the locking magnets 248 holds the pivot arms in the locked position. In this case, the housing 210 can be made of a non-ferromagnetic material, for example, plastic.

Furthermore, the locking mechanism 240 comprises mutually corresponding form-locking elements 274, 276 on the cap 216 and the housing 210, which in the present embodiment are designed in the form of pins 274 on the cap 216 and corresponding receptacles 276 on the housing 210. The form-locking elements 274, 276 engage one another in a form-locking manner in the blocking position and prevent the cap 216 from rotating relative to the housing 210.

In the locked position, the pivot arms 246 engage inwardly into the receptacle 234 and behind a blocking position undercut 250 provided on the housing 210, thereby positively blocking any movement of the cap 216 from the blocking position. In particular, the pivot arms 246 engaging behind the blocking position undercut 250 prevent the cap 216 from being lifted off the housing 210 and thus prevent the positive-locking elements 274, 276 from disengaging.

The key unit 202 in the present embodiment is - similar to the cap 116 from 1a -c - designed in the form of an overcap that can be placed over the cap 216 and, for this purpose, has an inner contour 254 corresponding to the outer contour 252 of the cap 216, which forms a receptacle 256 for the cap 216. The outer contour 252 of the cap 252 has a bulge 253, and the inner contour 254 of the key unit 202 has a corresponding bulge receptacle 255. The bulge 253 and the corresponding bulge receptacle 255 determine the correct alignment of the key unit 202 to the cap 216.

Furthermore, the cap 216 has a recess 278 for inserting the key 206.

The key unit 202 has a number of unlocking magnets 260 corresponding to the number of locking magnets 248, which are arranged and aligned such that, when the key unit 202 is placed on the cap 216 in a predetermined orientation, they magnetically interact with the locking magnets 248 such that the pivot arms 246 and thus the locking elements 242 are moved into the unlocking position.

The 5a -c show the system 204 with the actuating device 200 and the key unit 202 from 4a -c, where 5a one to 4b corresponding sectional view, 5b one to 4c corresponding sectional view and 5c a top view with partially hidden contours (dashed). The section plane of the 5a is in 5b and 5c each labelled “Va” and the cutting plane of the 5b is in 5a designated “Vb”.

In 5a -c, the key unit 202 is placed on the cap 216. The locking elements 242 are in 5a -c, respectively, in the unlocked position. Only when the unlocking magnets 260 correspond to the locking magnets 248, in particular, are correctly arranged and aligned with respect to their magnetic north pole-south pole, are all locking elements 242 moved into the unlocked position, and the cap 216 can be moved out of the blocking position. In this way, the cap 216 with the locking magnets 248 and the key unit 202 can be coded to each other. The multitude of possible configurations of the locking and unlocking magnets thus achieves a high degree of security.

In the unlocked position, the locking elements 242 no longer engage behind the blocking position undercut 250, so that the cap 216 is no longer secured in the blocking position by the locking elements 242. By means of a spring element 280 arranged between the housing 210 and the cap 216, which in the present embodiment is designed as a spiral spring, the cap 216 is moved out of the blocking position ( 4b) into a pre-release position ( 5a) adjusted in which the form-locking elements 274, 276 are disengaged, so that the cap 216 can be rotated relative to the housing 210.

By means of spacers 243 provided in the cap 216, which serve as a stop for the locking elements 242 in the unlocking position, the locking elements 242 also engage in the unlocking position far enough inwards into the receptacle 234 of the cap 216 such that the locking elements 242 engage behind a securing undercut 251 on the housing in the pre-release position, so that the cap 216 continues to be held on the housing and cannot be lost. As shown in 5c As shown, the recess 270 with the recess contour 272 in the pre-release position is still rotated relative to the actuating contour 226, so that the access 222 to the actuating element 214 for the key 206 is still blocked.

However, in the pre-release position, the cap 216 can be adjusted into a release position by turning it. In particular, the cap 216 can be adjusted into the release position in the pre-release position by actuating the key unit 202. The force transmission between the key unit 202 and the cap 216 required for rotation takes place in particular via the positive engagement formed by the bulge 253 of the cap 216 and the bulge receptacle 255 of the key unit 202. The bulge 253 and the bulge receptacle 255 therefore represent mutually corresponding positive engagement elements, so that the cap 216 can be rotated by actuating the key unit 202. When using sufficiently strong locking magnets 248 and unlocking magnets 260, the magnetic attraction force between these magnets can also be sufficient to transmit rotation from the key unit 202 to the cap 216. In this case, form-locking elements can also be dispensed with.

The 6a -b show the 5a -b corresponding sectional views of the system 200 with the cap 216 in the release position. 6c also shows one of the 5c corresponding top view of the system 200 with the cap 216 in the release position. In 6c Some hidden contours are also shown (dashed). The cutting plane of the 6a is in 6b and 6c labeled “VIa” and the section plane of the 6b is in 6a designated “VIb”.

In the release position, the recess 270 with the recess contour 272 is aligned with the actuating contour 226 (see 6c ) that the access 222 is released for the key 206 and a key 206 with a key contour 208 can be plugged through the recess 278 of the key unit 202 and the recess 270 of the cap 216 onto the actuating contour 226 for actuation thereof. 7 shows the key 206 with the key contour 208 attached to the actuating contour 226 in one of the 6a corresponding sectional view.

List of reference symbols:

100, 200

Actuating device

102, 202

Key unit

104, 204

system

110, 210

Housing

111, 211

Collar of the housing

112, 212

drilling

114, 214

Actuating element

116, 216

cap

118, 218

Front of the case

120, 220

opening

122, 222

Access

124, 224

Actuating side

126, 226

Actuating contour

128, 228

end facing away from the actuating side

130, 230

locking tongue

132, 232

Inner contour of the cap

134, 234

Cap holder

140, 240

Locking mechanism

142, 242

Locking elements

144, 244

Locking element axis

146, 246

swivel arm

148, 248

Locking magnet

150, 250

Blocking undercut

152, 252

Outer contour of the cap

154, 254

Inner contour of the key unit

156, 256

Recording the key unit

158, 159

Form-locking elements

160, 260

Release magnets

206

Key

208

Key contour

243

spacers

251

Safety undercut

253

bulge of the cap

255

Bulge holder of the key unit

270

Recess of the cap

272

Recess contour

274, 276

Form-locking elements

278

Recess of the key unit

280

spring element

Claims (15)

Actuating device (100, 200), - with a housing (110, 210) and - with an actuating element (114, 214) arranged at least partially in the housing (110, 210), - wherein the housing (110, 210) has an access (122, 222) to the actuating element (114, 214) on a front side (118, 218), and - wherein a cap (116, 216) is provided which, in a blocking position, blocks the access (122, 222) to the actuating element (114, 214), characterized in that - a locking mechanism (140, 240) is provided for securing the cap (116, 216) against unauthorized adjustment or removal of the cap (116, 216) from the blocking position, - that the locking mechanism (140, 240) comprises at least one locking element (142, 242) which is adjustable between a locking position for positively blocking the adjustment or removal of the cap (116, 216) from the blocking position and an unlocking position for enabling the adjustment or removal of the cap (116, 216) from the blocking position, and - that the locking element (142, 242) comprises at least one locking magnet (148, 248) for adjusting the locking element (142, 242) from the locking position to the unlocking position by the magnetic interaction between the locking magnet (148, 248) and at least one unlocking magnet (160, 260) of a corresponding key unit (102, 202). Actuating device according to Claim 1 , characterized in that - the locking mechanism comprises a plurality of locking elements (142, 242), each of which is adjustable between a locking position for positively blocking the adjustment or removal of the cap (116, 216) from the blocking position and an unlocking position for enabling the adjustment or removal of the cap (116, 216) from the blocking position, and - wherein the plurality of locking elements (142, 242) each comprise at least one locking magnet (148, 248) for adjusting the respective locking element from the locking position to the unlocking position by the magnetic interaction between the locking magnet (148, 248) and at least one unlocking magnet (160, 260) of a corresponding key unit (102, 202). Actuating device according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that - the locking element (142, 242) comprises a pivot arm (146, 246) which is pivotally mounted about a locking element axis (144, 244) and which can be pivoted from the locking position into the unlocking position, and - that the locking magnet (148, 248) is arranged on the pivot arm (146, 246) at a distance from the locking element axis (144, 244). Actuating device according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the cap (116, 216) is removable from the housing (110, 210) in the unlocking position of the at least one locking element (142, 242) or is adjustable into a release position in which the cap (116, 216) is removable or in which the cap (116, 216) releases the access (122, 222) to the actuating element (114, 214). Actuating device according to one of the Claims 1 until 4 , characterized in that the cap (116, 216) is adjustable in the unlocking position of the at least one locking element (142, 242) into a pre-release position, from which the cap (116, 216) is adjustable into the release position. Actuating device according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that a spring element (280) is provided which moves the cap (116, 216) into the pre-release position and/or into the release position in the unlocking position of the at least one locking element (142, 242). Actuating device according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that - the cap (116, 216) has a recess (270) with a recess contour (272) for inserting a key (206) corresponding to an actuating contour (126, 226) of the actuating element (114, 214), - that the recess contour (272) in the blocking position of the cap (116, 216) is aligned with the actuating contour (126, 226) of the actuating element (114, 214) in such a way that the insertion of a key (206) onto the actuating contour (126, 226) is blocked, and - that the recess contour (272) in the unlocking position of the at least one locking element (142, 242) is aligned with the actuating contour (126, 226) is aligned or alignable such that the key (206) can be plugged onto the actuating contour (126, 226) through the recess (270). Actuating device according to one of the Claims 1 until 7 , characterized in that that the cap (116, 216) and the housing (110, 210) have corresponding form-locking elements (274, 276) which, in the blocking position of the cap (116, 216), block an alignment of the recess contour (272) with the actuating contour (126, 226). Actuating device according to one of the Claims 1 until 8 , characterized in that the actuating device (100, 200) is a closure, in particular a rotary closure. Actuating device according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 , characterized in that the actuating element (114, 214) is rotatably mounted in the housing (110, 210) and preferably has an actuating contour (126, 226) for the torque-transmitting attachment of a key (206). System (104, 204), - with an actuating device (100, 200) according to one of the Claims 1 until 10 and - with a corresponding key unit (102, 202), - wherein the key unit (102, 202) has unlocking magnets (160, 260) corresponding to the locking magnets (148, 248). System according to Claim 11 , characterized in that the key unit (102, 202) can be placed on the cap (116, 216). System according to Claim 11 or 12 , characterized in that the key unit (102, 202) and the cap (116, 216) are adapted to one another, in particular have mutually corresponding form-fitting elements (253, 255), such that the cap (116, 216) can be removed in the unlocking position of the at least one locking element (124, 242) by actuating the key unit or can be adjusted into the release position or pre-release position. System according to one of the Claims 11 until 13 , characterized in that the key unit (102, 202) has a recess (278) for inserting a key (206). System according to one of the Claims 1 until 14 , - further comprising a key (206) corresponding to the actuating element (114, 214).

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