Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to energy harvesting arrangements. In particular, an energy harvesting arrangement for an access member device, an access member device comprising an energy harvesting arrangement, and an access member system comprising an access member device and an access member, are provided.

Background

Various types of access member devices are known in the art. One example of an access member device is an electric lock device. Instead of utilizing a purely mechanical lock, electric lock devices may include an electric drive of an actuator to effect unlocking of a door, or other access member, to give physical access to an area behind the door.

In order to power an electric lock device, so called "self-powered" lock devices have been proposed, where electric energy is generated based on an actuating movement of an input member performed by the user (e.g. of a door handle, key insertion or door opening) and the generated electric energy is used to power the lock device. This concept is also known as energy harvesting.

Summary

Many energy harvesting access member devices can be damaged by mechanical overload. For example, if a lock device comprises a knob that is in an end position where a bolt fully engages a strike plate, the entire transmission between the knob and the bolt may be mechanically loaded by applying a torque to the knob. If this torque is too large, there is a risk that components of the transmission and/or a generator are damaged. Components of the transmission and/ or the generator may also be damaged if the user provides a fast and hard pull to the knob in a state where the knob is allowed to rotate. For example, if the lock device comprises a coupling device such that the knob can rotate freely in a disabled state of the lock device, the generator may be damaged by excessive rotation of the knob, such as by driving the knob with an electric screwdriver.

Furthermore, in many energy harvesting access member devices, it is desirable to have a relatively high transmission ratio between an input member and a rotor of the generator. For example, the input member may only be rotated over a relatively small angular distance while the rotor has to be rotated several turns to harvest electric energy. The high transmission ratio makes it possible to reduce a rating of the generator. However, such high transmission ratio also increases the inertia of the transmission. That is, the transmission cannot react immediately to jerky movements of the input member. In case the transmission is of a weak and cheap design, there is a risk that forceful movements of the input member damages the transmission and/ or the generator.

One object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved energy harvesting arrangement for an access member device.

A further object of the present disclosure is to provide an energy harvesting arrangement for an access member device, which energy harvesting arrangement can reliably prevent sabotage.

A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide an energy harvesting arrangement for an access member device, which energy harvesting arrangement has a cost-efficient design.

A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide an energy harvesting arrangement for an access member device, which energy harvesting arrangement has a compact design. A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide an energy harvesting arrangement for an access member device, which energy harvesting arrangement has a reliable operation.

A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide an energy harvesting arrangement for an access member device, which energy harvesting arrangement solves several or all of the foregoing objects in combination.

A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide an access member device solving one, several or all of the foregoing objects.

A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide an access member system solving one, several or all of the foregoing objects.

According to a first aspect, there is provided an energy harvesting arrangement for an access member device, the energy harvesting arrangement comprising a movable input member arranged to provide an input torque; an electromagnetic generator having a stator and a rotor rotatable relative to the stator to generate electric energy; a transmission configured to transmit a movement of the input member to a rotation of the rotor; and a torque limiter configured to limit the input torque.

By providing the torque limiter, the generator, and any other components downstream of the torque limiter along a load path, can be protected from large input torques provided by the input member. The energy harvesting arrangement thereby reliably prevents sabotage of the access member device by forceful manipulation of the input member. If the input member is prevented from moving, e.g. when a locking member of the access member device is in an end position, movement of the input member may cause the torque limiter to slip. Also any fast accelerations of the input member will cause the torque limiter to slip. In this way, damage of the energy harvesting arrangement is prevented. The generator may be protected by the torque limiter. When the generator is protected by the torque limiter, the rating of the energy harvesting arrangement can be made smaller and a high transmission ratio can be used for the transmission. For example, the generator and gearings of the transmission can be made with a relatively weak (and consequently costefficient) construction when these components are protected from large torques.

The input member may for example be a handle, a knob or a door leaf. The input member may thus be arranged to provide the input torque by manual actuation of the input member.

The transmission may be configured to transmit the input torque to the rotor. The transmission may comprise the torque limiter.

The transmission may comprise a gearbox. In this case, the gearbox maybe provided between the torque limiter and the generator. Alternatively, or in addition, the torque limiter may be provided between the input member and the gearbox. The gearbox may comprise a planetary gear.

The torque limiter may be configured to slip when the input torque is larger than a torque threshold. The torque limiter may thus be configured to transmit input torques below the torque threshold and to limit input torques above the torque threshold. The torque limiter may be an overload clutch. The input torque may or may not be the same torque as provided to the input member.

The energy harvesting arrangement may be configured such that the rotor always rotates by movement of the input member when the input torque is smaller than the torque threshold. The input member may therefore be said to be operably in contact with the generator as long as the input torque is smaller than the torque threshold. Such energy harvesting arrangement may be referred to as a direct drive energy harvesting arrangement. The energy harvesting arrangement may comprise a gear wheel. In this case, the torque limiter may be integrated in the gear wheel such that the torque limiter rotates in common with the gear wheel when transmitting input torques below the torque threshold.

The torque limiter may be configured to provide a feedback when the input member is moved and the input torque is limited. The feedback may be audible or tactile.

The energy harvesting arrangement may further comprise an electric control system arranged to be electrically powered by the generator. 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. The control system may be configured to control the energy harvesting by the generator. In case the access member device is a lock device, the control system may evaluate an access signal and issue an authorization signal to unlock the lock device upon granted authorization.

The transmission may be a speed increasing transmission. The input member may be rotatable, e.g. about an actuation axis. In this case, the transmission may be configured to transmit an input rotational speed of the input member to a rotor rotational speed of the rotor that is at least 100 times the input rotational speed. In some variants, a torque limiter axis of the torque limiter is concentric with the actuation axis.

The torque limiter may comprise a secondary element and a primary element movable relative to the secondary element when the input torque exceeds a torque threshold. In this case, the input torque may be provided at the primary element. The secondary element may be positioned downstream of the primary element along a load path from the input member. The torque limiter may be configured to slip such that the primary element moves relative to the secondary element when the input torque is larger than the torque threshold. The torque limiter may further be configured such that the primary element and the secondary element move in common when the input torque is equal to or smaller than the torque threshold.

The torque limiter may be a mechanical torque limiter. A mechanical torque limiter is particularly useful for providing protection against sudden impacts on the input member.

The torque limiter may be configured to transmit the input torque from the primary element to the secondary element by means of friction. Such torque limiter is one example of a mechanical torque limiter.

The torque limiter may comprise at least one spring.

According to one variant, one of the primary element and the secondary element comprises a rotatable D-shaped shaft, and the other of the primary element and the secondary element comprises a gear wheel and a leaf spring engaging the D-shaped shaft. When the input torque is equal to or less than the torque threshold, the D-shaped shaft rotates in common with the ring gear. When the input torque exceeds the torque threshold, the leaf spring deflects such that the D-shaped shaft slips relative to the gear wheel.

According to a further variant, the spring is a toothed ring between the primary element and the secondary element. The toothed ring may be compressed to frictionally engage an interior annular surface of the primary element. In this variant, the input member may constitute the primary element. The secondary element may be a gear wheel comprising teeth engaging the teeth of the toothed ring. When the input torque is equal to or less than the torque threshold, the input torque is transferred to the secondary element by friction between the primary element and the toothed ring. When the input torque exceeds the torque threshold, the primary element slips relative to the toothed ring. The toothed ring may be wave formed from a sheet material, for example steel. The thickness of the sheet material maybe less than i mm, such as less than 0.2 mm.

According to a further variant, the torque limiter comprises at least one set of a spring, an engaging member and an engageable structure. The spring may be arranged to force the engaging member into the engageable structure. The spring may be arranged in the primary element and the engageable structure may be arranged in the secondary element, or vice versa. Also in this variant, the input member may constitute the primary element. When the input torque is equal to or less than the torque threshold, the spring holds the engaging member in the engageable structure to transmit the input torque to the secondary element. When the input torque exceeds the torque threshold, the engaging member slips out from the engageable structure under deformation of the spring and the primary element moves relative to the secondary element. The engaging member and the engageable structure may for example be a ball and a seat, respectively.

According to a further variant, the torque limiter comprises a circular wave spring having a plurality circularly distributed peaks. The peaks may resiliently engage engageable structures in one of the primary element and the secondary element. The peaks may resiliently engage engageable structures in the other of the primary element and the secondary element. Alternatively, the wave spring may be fixed to the other of the primary element and the secondary element. Also in this variant, the input member may constitute the primary element. When the input torque exceeds the torque threshold, the wave spring is deformed such that the peaks are forced out from the engageable structures. The primary element thereby moves relative to the secondary element.

According to a further variant, the spring is a disc spring compressed between the primary element and the secondary element. Each of the primary element, the secondary element and the disc spring may be concentric with the torque limiter axis. In this case, the disc spring may be positioned axially between the primary element and the secondary element. The disc spring may be a wave spring. When the input torque is equal to or less than the torque threshold, the disc spring frictionally transmits the input torque from the primary element to the secondary element. When the input torque exceeds the torque threshold, the disc spring slips relative to one or both of the primary element and the secondary element.

The torque limiter may be configured to limit the input torque by deformation of the spring.

The secondary element may be rotatable relative to the primary element about the torque limiter axis. In this case, the spring may be concentric with the torque limiter axis.

The torque limiter may comprise at least one magnet. In this case, the torque limiter may be configured to transmit the input torque from the primary element to the secondary element by means of a magnetic force. The magnetic force may form, or form part of, a load path between the primary element and the secondary element. If the input torque is too large, the load path will be interrupted such that the primary element moves relative to the secondary element. Such torque limiter is a further example of a mechanical torque limiter. The magnetic force maybe an attracting magnetic force.

The at least one magnet may be arranged to magnetically force the primary element and the secondary element towards each other. In case the primary element is subjected to a jerk, the magnetic force will be overcome such that the primary element moves relative to the secondary element.

The energy harvesting arrangement may further comprise a spacer between the primary element and the secondary element. The spacer may be a spacer disc, such as a washer.

The at least one magnet may comprise one or more primary magnets fixed to the primary element and one or more secondary magnets fixed to the secondary element. The primary magnets and the secondary magnets may be sector-shaped. The primary magnets may be provided in a primary magnetic disc or a primary magnetic cylinder. The secondary magnets may be provided in a secondary magnetic disc or a secondary magnetic cylinder. The primary magnets maybe provided with alternating polarities in a circular direction of the primary magnetic disc or the primary magnetic cylinder. The secondary magnets may be provided with alternating polarities in a circular direction of the secondary magnetic disc or the secondary magnetic cylinder.

The primary magnetic disc and the secondary magnetic disc may be either axially offset with respect to the torque limiter axis. The primary magnetic cylinder and the secondary magnetic cylinder may be radially offset with respect to the torque limiter axis. In any case, a primary radius of the primary magnetic disc or the primary magnetic cylinder, and a secondary radius of the secondary magnetic disc or the secondary magnetic cylinder, may be less than 30 mm.

The spacer may be positioned between the one or more primary magnet and the one or more secondary magnet. By dimensioning the spacer, the magnetic force between the magnets can easily be adjusted for a particular implementation. By making the spacer thicker, the magnetic force is reduced and vice versa. Since primary and secondary magnets with the same rating can be used with different types of spacers to adjust the performance, the spacer enables a modular design of the energy harvesting arrangement.

The torque limiter may comprise an electric torque limiter. The electric torque limiter can provide protection against sudden impacts on the input member and/ or against long lasting loads on the input member.

The control system may be arranged to control a load of the generator to change to thereby limit the input torque. This is for example advantageous in case an input member in the form of a knob is driven by an electric screwdriver for a long period of time. The generator may be a step generator. In this way, the torque limiter is inherently provided in the generator.

According to a second aspect, there is provided an access member device comprising an energy harvesting arrangement according to the first aspect.

The access member device may be an electric lock device. In this case, the access member device may further comprise a transfer wheel, a locking member and a transfer device. The transmission may be configured to transmit a movement of the input member to a rotation of the transfer wheel. The transfer device maybe configured to adopt a disabled state where the locking member cannot be rotated by rotation of the transfer wheel, and an enabled state where rotation of the transfer wheel is transmitted to a rotation of the locking member. The transfer device may comprise an electromechanical actuator.

The transfer device may be a coupling device. In this case, the transfer wheel can rotate relative to the locking member in the disabled state. Alternatively, the transfer device may be a blocking device. In this case, the transfer wheel is blocked from rotating in the disabled state.

In the access member device of the second aspect, the torque limiter may be provided between the input member and the locking member along a load path from the input member and the locking member. Alternatively, a further torque limiter may be provided between the input member and the locking member along a load path from the input member and the locking member. The further torque limiter may be of any type according to the present disclosure.

According to a third aspect, there is provided an access member system comprising the access member device according to the second aspect and an access member. The access member system may be an electric lock device system. In this case, the access member device may be an electric lock device. Alternatively, the access member system may be a door operating system. In this case, the access member device may be a door operator. Alternatively, the access member system may be a door closer system. In this case, the access member device may be a door closer.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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

Fig. i: schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of an access member system comprising an access member device;

Fig. 2a: schematically represents one example of the access member device comprising one example of an energy harvesting arrangement;

Fig. 2b: schematically represents a perspective view of a torque limiter of the energy harvesting arrangement;

Fig. 2c: schematically represents a generator and a control system of the energy harvesting arrangement;

Fig. 3a: schematically represents a further example of an access member device comprising a further example of an energy harvesting arrangement;

Fig. 3b: schematically represents a perspective view of the energy harvesting arrangement in Fig. 3a;

Fig. 3c: schematically represents a side view of one example of a transfer device in a disabled state;

Fig. 3d: schematically represents a side view of the transfer device in Fig. 2d in an enabled state;

Fig. 3e: schematically represents a side view of the transfer device in Figs. 2d and 2e when a locking member is rotated by an input member;

Fig. 3f: schematically represents a side view of a further example of a transfer device in a disabled state;

Fig. 3g: schematically represents a side view of the transfer device in Fig. 2g in an enabled state;

Fig. 3h: schematically represents a side view of the transfer device in Figs.

2g and 2h when a locking member is rotated by an input member;

Fig. 4a: schematically represents a further example of an access member device comprising a further example of an energy harvesting arrangement;

Fig. 4b: schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of a torque limiter of the energy harvesting arrangement in Fig. 4a;

Fig. 4c: schematically represents a partial perspective side view of the torque limiter in Fig. 4b;

Fig. 4d: schematically represents a further partial perspective side view of the torque limiter in Figs. 4b and 4c;

Fig. 4e: schematically represents a front view of one example of a spring;

Fig. 4f: schematically represents a side view of a torque limiter comprising the spring in Fig. 4e;

Fig. 5a: schematically represents a further example of an access member device comprising a further example of an energy harvesting arrangement;

Fig. 5b: schematically represents a perspective cross-sectional side view of a torque limiter of the energy harvesting arrangement in Fig. 5a;

Fig. 5c: schematically represents an exploded perspective side view of the torque limiter in Fig. 5b;

Fig. 6a: schematically represents a perspective cross-sectional side view of a further example of a torque limiter for the energy harvesting arrangement in Fig. 5a;

Fig. 6b: schematically represents an exploded perspective side view of the torque limiter in Fig. 6a;

Fig. 7a: schematically represents a perspective cross-sectional side view of a further example of a torque limiter for the energy harvesting arrangement in Fig. 5a;

Fig. 7b: schematically represents an exploded perspective side view of the torque limiter in Fig. 7a;

Fig. 8a: schematically represents a partial perspective front view of a further example of an access member system comprising a further example of an access member device; and Fig. 8b: schematically represents a top view of the access member system in Fig. 8a.

Detailed Description

In the following, an energy harvesting arrangement for an access member device, an access member device comprising an energy harvesting arrangement, and an access member system comprising an access member device and an access member, will be described. The same or similar reference numerals will be used to denote the same or similar structural features.

Fig. i schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of an access member system 10a. The access member system 10a comprises an access member device 12a. The access member system 10a and the access member device 12a are here exemplified as an electric lock device system and an electric lock device, respectively.

The access member device 12a comprises an energy harvesting arrangement 14a. The energy harvesting arrangement 14a comprises an input member 16, here exemplified as a cylindrical knob. The input member 16 is rotatable about an actuation axis 18 with an input rotational speed 20a. A user may for example grab and rotate the input member 16. The energy harvesting arrangement 14a is configured to harvest electric energy by rotation of the input member 16.

In addition to the access member device 12a, the access member system 10a of this example further comprises a door leaf 22a and a lock case 24. The door leaf 22a is one example of an access device according to the present disclosure. The door leaf 22a is here rotatable relative to a frame (not shown).

The access member device 12a further comprises a locking member 26. The locking member 26 of this example is rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The access member device 12a of this example further comprises a lock cylinder 28. The locking member 26 here protrudes rearwardly from the lock cylinder 28. The access member device 12a of this example further comprises a rosette 30.

The lock case 24 of this example comprises a spindle 32, an arm 34, a dead bolt 36 and a latch bolt 38. The lock case 24 is provided inside the door leaf 22a. The rosette 30 mates with an outer surface of the door leaf 22a.

The locking member 26 provides an interface to the lock case 24. Rotation of the locking member 26 from the locked position to the unlocked position causes the spindle 32 to rotate and the dead bolt 36 to be retracted by means of the arm 34. In this way, the dead bolt 36 can be retracted from a strike plate (not shown) in the frame and the door leaf 22a can be opened.

Fig. 2a schematically represents the access member device 12a. In addition to the input member 16, the energy harvesting arrangement 14a comprises an electromagnetic generator 40a, a transmission 42a and a mechanical torque limiter 44a. In this example, the transmission 42a comprises the torque limiter 44a. The generator 40a comprises a rotor 46 rotatable relative to a stator (not shown) to harvest electric energy.

The input member 16 of this example comprises a ring gear 48. The ring gear 48 is here fixed to the input member 16.

The transmission 42a is configured to transmit a rotation of the input member 16 to a rotation of the rotor 46. The transmission 42a of this example comprises a first gear wheel 50. The first gear wheel 50 meshes with the ring gear 48.

The transmission 42a further comprises a primary element 52. The primary element 52 is here exemplified as a shaft fixed to the first gear wheel 50.

The transmission 42a further comprises a secondary element 54. The secondary element 54 is here exemplified as a second gear wheel in which the torque limiter 44a is integrated. The torque limiter 44a comprises the primary element 52 and the secondary element 54. In the torque limiter 44a, the primary element 52 and the secondary element 54 may however alternatively be constituted by different components of the access member device 12a than the shaft fixed to the first gear wheel 50 and the second gear wheel. The primary element 52 and the secondary element 54 are rotatable about a torque limiter axis 56. The torque limiter axis 56 is in this example parallel with, and offset from, the actuation axis 18.

The transmission 42a of this example further comprises a third gear wheel 58. The secondary element 54 and the third gear wheel 58 are here exemplified as meshing bevel gears.

The transmission 42a of this example further comprises a gearbox 60. The gearbox 60 is a speed increasing gearbox configured to transmit a rotation of the third gear wheel 58 to a rotation of the rotor 46. The gearbox 60 is thus positioned between the torque limiter 44a and the generator 40a, and the torque limiter 44a is positioned between the input member 16 and the gearbox 60. The gearbox 60 of this example comprises a planetary gear (not shown). Fig. 2a shows a rotor rotational speed 62 of the rotor 46. The transmission 42a is configured to provide a speed increase such that the rotor rotational speed 62 is at least 100 times the input rotational speed 20a, such as 300 times the input rotational speed 20a. The transmission 42a of this example is further configured to provide a speed increase such that the rotor rotational speed 62 is at least 50 times, such as 100 times, a rotational speed of the primary element 52 about the torque limiter axis 56.

The energy harvesting arrangement 14a further comprises an electric control system 64. The control system 64 is electrically powered by the generator 40a.

The access member device 12a of this example further comprises a transfer wheel 66. Also the transfer wheel 66 is here in meshing engagement with the ring gear 48. The transfer wheel 66 of this example comprises a transfer shaft 68. The access member device 12a may further comprise a support wheel such that the ring gear 48 is supported on three gear wheels.

The access member device 12a of this example further comprises a transfer device 70 comprising an electromechanical actuator 72. The transfer device 70 is configured to switch from a disabled state to an enabled state based on a credential input 74. In this specific example, the credential input 74 can be provided to a credential receiver 76 of the access member device 12a. The transfer device 70 is functionally and geometrically arranged between the transfer shaft 68 and the locking member 26. The transfer device 70 is here arranged inside the lock cylinder 28.

In response to the credential input 74, the credential receiver 76 sends an access signal 78 to the control system 64. The control system 64 evaluates the access signal 78. In case the access signal 78 represents an authorized credential, the control system 64 issues an authorization signal 80 to the actuator 72 such that the transfer device 70 switches from the disabled state to the enabled state. In the enabled state, the locking member 26 can be rotated from the locked position to the unlocked position by rotation of the input member 16.

Fig. 2b schematically represents a perspective view of the torque limiter 44a. The torque limiter 44a of this example comprises a leaf spring 82a. The leaf spring 82a is connected to the secondary element 54 and spans over an opening thereof. As shown, the primary element 52 is a shaft having a D- shaped profile. The leaf spring 82a contacts the flat part of the D-shaped profile. Fig. 2b further shows an input torque 84 provided at the primary element 52. The input torque 84 is here provided by manually rotating the input member 16. The transmission 42a transmits the input torque 84 to the rotor 46.

As long as the input torque 84 is below a torque threshold, the rotor 46 always rotates by rotation of the input member 16. The energy harvesting arrangement 14a of this example is thus of a direct drive type. When the input torque 84 exceeds the torque threshold, the leaf spring 82a is deformed to give way and the primary element 52 slips a full revolution. In this way, the torque limiter 44a limits the input torque 84 and thereby protects the gearbox 60 and the generator 40a from fast and strong movements of the input member 16. The energy harvesting arrangement 14a thereby provides an improved protection against sabotage with a compact and cost-efficient design.

When the leaf spring 82a is deformed to give way, the torque limiter 44a provides an audible and tactile feedback. A user turning the input member 16 can therefore become aware that the torque limiter 44a slips. The torque limiter 44a shown in Fig. 2b may also be provided on the transfer wheel 66.

Fig. 2c schematically represents the generator 40a and the control system 64. The generator 40a of this example is a DC (direct current) generator. In Fig. 2c, the stator 86 of the generator 40a can also be seen. The control system 64 of the specific example in Fig. 2c comprises power management electronics 88 and a microcontroller 90. The microcontroller 90 comprises a data processing device 92 and a memory 94. A computer program is stored in the memory 94. The computer program comprises program code which, when executed by the data processing device 92 causes the data processing device 92 to perform, or command performance of, various steps as described herein.

The power management electronics 88 in Fig. 2c comprises energy harvesting electronics including an electric energy storage, here exemplified as a capacitor 96, and four diodes 98 arranged in a diode bridge. The diodes 98 are arranged to rectify the voltage from the generator 40a.

The energy harvesting arrangement 14a further comprises a disconnection switch 100. The disconnection switch 100 is electrically powered by the generator 40a.

The disconnection switch 100 is controlled by the control system 64, more specifically by the microcontroller 90. Fig. 2c further shows a positive line 104 and a ground line 106. The positive line 104 and the ground line 106 are connected to respective terminals of the generator 40a. In this example, the disconnection switch 100 is provided on the positive line 104. The disconnection switch 100 maybe implemented using a transistor, such as a MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor).

The disconnection switch 100 is arranged to selectively disconnect the generator 40a. When the disconnection switch 100 is open, the electric resistance becomes high, and the rotor 46 rotates lightly, in comparison with when the rotor 46 is rotated to harvest electric energy.

By selectively controlling the disconnection switch 100, the control system 64 can selectively change a load of the generator 40a. The control system 64 is configured to open the disconnection switch 100 in case the generated power increases above a power threshold value. In this way, the mechanical resistance of the rotor 46 decreases abruptly and mechanical loads on the transmission 42a are greatly reduced. The generator 40a and the control system 64 thereby provides an example of an electric torque limiter 110a according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 3a schematically represents a further example of an access member device 12b. The access member device 12b comprises a further example of an energy harvesting arrangement 14b. The access member device 12b and the energy harvesting arrangement 14b may be used in the access member system 10a. Mainly differences with respect to Figs. 2a-2c will be described.

The energy harvesting arrangement 14b comprises a torque limiter 44b. In the specific example in Fig. 3a, the input member 16 constitutes the primary element 52 and the first gear wheel 50 constitutes the secondary element 54 of the torque limiter 44b. The torque limiter 44b may however be positioned elsewhere in the access member device 12b. The torque limiter 44b comprises a spring 82b. In the torque limiter 44b, the torque limiter axis 56 is concentric with the actuation axis 18. Moreover, the spring 82b is concentric with the torque limiter axis 56.

The energy harvesting arrangement 14b comprises a transmission 42b. In the transmission 42b, the secondary element 54 drives the gearbox 60 directly.

Furthermore, the energy harvesting arrangement 14b comprises an electromagnetic generator 40b. The generator 40b of this example is a step generator. In case a torque on the rotor 46 is too high, the generator 40b will be decoupled. The step generator 40b thereby provides a further example of a torque limiter nob according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 3b schematically represents a perspective view of the energy harvesting arrangement 14b. As shown, the spring 82b is a toothed ring between the primary element 52 and the secondary element 54 that provides the ring gear 48. The spring 82b of this example is formed into a waffle shape from sheet metal. The sheet metal may have a thickness of 0.1 mm.

In an undeformed state, the spring 82b has an outer diameter slightly larger than an inner diameter of the primary element 52. When mounted, the spring 82b is compressed to frictionally engage an inner annular surface of the primary element 52. The spring 82b functions as an internal gear as well as a friction coupling. When the input member 16 is rotated, frictional forces between the primary element 52 and the spring 82b transmit torque from the primary element 52 to the secondary element 54 such that the primary element 52 and the secondary element 54 rotate in common. The spring 82b slips when the input torque 84 becomes too high. As shown in Fig. 3b, the input torque 84 is here provided at the input member 16. The torque limiter 44b is very cost-efficient and compact. In Fig. 3b, the support wheel 112 meshing with the ring gear 48 can also be seen.

Fig. 3c schematically represents a side view of one example of a transfer device 70a. The transfer device 70a may be used as the transfer device 70 in Figs. 2a and 3a. The transfer device 70a of this example is a coupling device. The transfer device 70a comprises a clutch 114 controlled by the actuator 72. In Fig. 3c, the clutch 114 is controlled by the actuator 72 to be open. The transfer device 70a thereby adopts a disabled state 116. In the disabled state 116, the input member 16 can be rotated freely and rotation of the transfer shaft 68 is not transferred to a rotation of the locking member 26. The locking member 26 thereby remains in a locked position 118. When the transfer device 70a is in the disabled state 116 and the input member 16 is subjected to a rapid acceleration, the torque limiter 44b will limit the input torque 84 to protect the transmission 42b and the generator 40b.

Fig. 3d schematically represents a side view of the transfer device 70a. In Fig. 3d, the clutch 114 is controlled by the actuator 72 to be closed, e.g. in response to the authorization signal 80. The transfer device 70a thereby adopts an enabled state 120.

Fig. 3e schematically represents a side view of the transfer device 70a. As shown in Fig. 3e, the locking member 26 can be rotated from the locked position 118 to an unlocked position 122 by rotation of the transfer shaft 68 when the transfer device 70a adopts the enabled state 120. When transfer device 70a is in the enabled state 120 and the locking member 26 is rotated to an end position and stops, further forces on the input member 16 are transmitted through the access member device 12b to the locking member 26 along a load path. In case the input torque 84 on the input member 16 is too large, the torque limiter 44b will limit the input torque 84 to thereby protect the access member device 12b. In contrast to the torque limiter 44a, the torque limiter 44b protects both the generator 40b and the components downstream of the transfer wheel 66 along a load path.

Fig. 3f schematically represents a side view of a further example of a transfer device 70b. Mainly differences with respect to the transfer device 70a will be described. The transfer device 70b is a blocking device and may be used as the transfer device 70 in Figs. 2a and 3a. Moreover, the transfer shaft 68 is fixed to the locking member 26, here integrally formed with the locking member 26. The transfer device 70b comprises a blocking member 124 controlled by the actuator 72. In Fig. 3f, the blocking member 124 is controlled by the actuator 72 to engage in a recess in the transfer shaft 68. The blocking member 124 blocks rotation of the transfer shaft 68 and the locking member 26. The transfer device 70b thereby adopts the disabled state 116. The input member 16 cannot be rotated when the transfer device 70b adopts the disabled state 116. When transfer device 70b is in the disabled state 116, forces on the input member 16 are transmitted through the access member device 12b to the locking member 26 along a load path. In case the input torque 84 on the input member 16 is too large, the torque limiter 44b will limit the input torque 84 to thereby protect the access member device 12b.

Fig. 3g schematically represents a side view of the transfer device 70b. In Fig. 3g, the blocking member 124 is controlled by the actuator 72 to be retracted from the recess in the transfer shaft 68, e.g. in response to the authorization signal 80. The transfer device 70b thereby adopts the enabled state 120.

Fig. 3h schematically represents a side view of the transfer device 70b. As shown in Fig. 3I1, the locking member 26 can be rotated from the locked position 118 to the unlocked position 122 by rotation of the transfer shaft 68 when the transfer device 70b adopts the enabled state 120. When the transfer device 70b is in the enabled state 120 and the input member 16 is subjected to a rapid acceleration, the torque limiter 44b will limit the input torque 84 to protect the access member device 12b.

Fig. 4a schematically represents a further example of an access member device 12c. The access member device 12c comprises a further example of an energy harvesting arrangement 14c. The access member device 12c and the energy harvesting arrangement 14c maybe used in the access member system 10a. The energy harvesting arrangement 14c comprises a transmission 42c that is identic to the transmission 42b. Mainly differences with respect to Fig. 3a will now be described. The energy harvesting arrangement 14c comprises a torque limiter 44c. Also in the torque limiter 44c, the torque limiter axis 56 is concentric with the actuation axis 18. In the specific example in Fig. 4a, the input member 16 constitutes the primary element 52 and the ring gear 48 constitutes the secondary element 54. The torque limiter 44c may however be positioned elsewhere in the access member device 12c.

The torque limiter 44c comprises a plurality of sets comprising a spring 82c. In addition to the spring 82c, each set comprises a seat 126 in the secondary element 54, an opening 128 in the primary element 52 and a ball 130. The seats 126 and the balls 130 are examples of engaging members and engageable structures, respectively, according to the present disclosure. Each spring 82c is accommodated in a unique opening 128.

Fig. 4b schematically represents a cross-sectional side view of the torque limiter 44c, Fig. 4c schematically represents a partial perspective side view of the torque limiter 44c, and Fig. 4d schematically represents an enlarged partial perspective side view of the torque limiter 44c. With collective reference to Figs. 4a-4c, each spring 82c is configured to force the ball 130 into a unique seat 126. When the input torque 84 is equal to or less than a torque threshold, the springs 82c push the balls 130 into the seats 126 to thereby transmit the input torque 84 to the secondary element 54. In this case, the primary element 52 rotates in common with the secondary element 54. When the input torque 84 exceeds the torque threshold, the balls 130 slip out from the seats 126 and the springs 82c are compressed. In this case, the primary element 52 rotates relative to the secondary element 54. Audible and tactile feedback is provided when the balls 130 travel over the seats 126.

Fig. 4e schematically represents a front view of a further example of a spring 82d, and Fig. 4f schematically represents a side view of a further example of a torque limiter 44b comprising the spring 82b. The torque limiter 44b may for example be used instead of the torque limiter 44c in the access member device 12c. In this example of the torque limiter 44c!, the input member 16 constitutes the primary element 52 and the ring gear 48 constitutes the secondary element 54. The torque limiter 44b may however be positioned elsewhere in the access member device 12c. With collective reference to Figs. 4e and 4f, mainly differences with respect to Figs. 4a-4d will be described.

The spring 82d is a circular wave spring having a plurality of circularly distributed peaks 132. The spring 82d is here bent into a triangular wave shape from sheet metal. Some of the peaks 132 engage in seats 134 of the primary element 52 and some of the peaks 132 engage in seats 134 of the secondary element 54. When the input torque 84 is below the torque threshold, the primary element 52 rotates in common with the secondary element 54 to transmit the input torque 84. When the input torque 84 exceeds the torque threshold, the spring 82d is deformed such that the peaks 132 leave the seats 134. The input torque 84 is thereby no longer transmitted. Corresponding audible and tactile feedback is provided when the peaks 132 slip over the seats 134.

Fig. 5a schematically represents a further example of an access member device i2d. The access member device i2d comprises a further example of an energy harvesting arrangement 14b. The access member device 12b and the energy harvesting arrangement 14b may be used in the access member system 10a. The energy harvesting arrangement 14b comprises a transmission 42b that is identic to the transmissions 42b and 42c. Mainly differences with respect to Fig. 3a will now be described.

The energy harvesting arrangement 14b comprises a torque limiter 44c. In the specific example in Fig. 5a, the first gear wheel 50 comprises the torque limiter 44c. The torque limiter 44c may however be positioned elsewhere in the access member device 12b.

Fig. 5b schematically represents a perspective cross-sectional side view of the torque limiter 44c, and Fig. 5c schematically represents an exploded perspective side view of the torque limiter 44c. With collective reference to Figs. 5a and 5b, the primary element 52 of the torque limiter 440 comprises teeth in meshing engagement with the ring gear 48, and the secondary element 54 of the torque limiter 44c is fixed to an input of the gearbox 60.

The torque limiter 44c comprises a disc spring 82e, here exemplified as a wave spring. The torque limiter 44c further comprises an end plate 136. Each of the primary element 52, the secondary element 54, the disc spring 82e and the end plate 136 is concentric with the torque limiter axis 56. The end plate 136 is fixed to the secondary element 54. The disc spring 82e is compressed axially between the end plate 136 and the primary element 52.

When the input torque 84 is smaller than the torque threshold, the input torque 84 is transferred from the primary element 52 to the secondary element 54 by friction. When the input torque 84 is larger than the torque threshold, the friction force provided by the disc spring 82e is not sufficient to transfer the input torque 84. In this case, the primary element 52 slides relative to the secondary element 54. The torque limiter 44c has a costefficient and compact design.

Fig. 6a schematically represents a perspective cross-sectional side view of a further example of a torque limiter 44f for the energy harvesting arrangement 14b, and Fig. 6b schematically represents an exploded perspective side view of the torque limiter 44f. With collective reference to Figs. 6a and 6b, mainly differences of the torque limiter 44f with respect to the torque limiter 44c will be described. The torque limiter 44f may replace the torque limiter 44c in the access member device i2d.

The torque limiter 44f comprises a plurality of primary magnets 138a and a plurality of secondary magnets 140a. The primary magnets 138a are sectorshaped to form a primary magnetic disc 142. Also the secondary magnets 140a are sector-shaped to form a secondary magnetic disc 144. The primary magnetic disc 142 is fixed to the primary element 52 and the secondary magnetic disc 144 is fixed to the secondary element 54. The torque limiter 44f further comprises a spacer 146. The spacer 146 is here exemplified as a spacer disc axially between the primary magnetic disc 142 and the secondary magnetic disc 144. The spacer 146 is of a low-friction type and does not contribute to the limiting torque of the torque limiter 44f. Each of the primary element 52, the primary magnetic disc 142, the spacer 146, the end plate 136 the secondary element 54 and the secondary magnetic disc 144 is concentric with the torque limiter axis 56. The primary magnetic disc 142 is positioned axially between the end plate 136 and the spacer 146. The secondary magnetic disc 144 is positioned axially between the spacer 146 and the secondary element 54.

As shown in Fig. 6b, each primary magnet 138a and each secondary magnet 140a comprises a north pole (in black) and a south pole (in white). When the north poles of the primary magnets 138a are aligned with the south poles of the secondary magnets 140a and the south poles of the primary magnets 138a are aligned with the north poles of the secondary magnets 140a, the input torque 84 can be transmitted from the primary element 52 to the secondary element 54 via an attracting magnetic force. When the input torque 84 is larger than the torque threshold, the primary element 52 together with the primary magnetic disc 142 rotate relative to the secondary element 54. The user rotating the input member 16 will feel this slipping of the primary element 52 as a haptic feedback.

The holding torque between the primary magnetic disc 142 and the secondary magnetic disc 144 is defined by the magnetic strengths of the primary magnetic disc 142 and the secondary magnetic disc 144, and by the thickness of the spacer 146 along the torque limiter axis 56. Due to the use of the magnets 138a and 140a, the torque limiter 44f has a holding torque that is temperature independent (below the Curie temperature for the magnets 138a and 140a). One benefit of the torque limiter 44f operating based on magnetic force is that it is more resistant to wear.

Fig. 7a schematically represents a perspective cross-sectional side view of a further example of a torque limiter 44g for the energy harvesting arrangement i4d, and Fig. 7b schematically represents an exploded perspective side view of the torque limiter 44g. With collective reference to Figs. 7a and 7b, mainly differences with respect to the torque limiter 44f will be described. The torque limiter 44g may replace the torque limiter 44c in the access member device i2d.

The torque limiter 44g comprises a plurality of primary magnets 138b and a plurality of secondary magnets 140b. The primary magnets 138b are sectorshaped to form a primary magnetic cylinder 148. Also the secondary magnets 140b are sector-shaped to form a secondary magnetic cylinder 150. The primary magnetic cylinder 148 is fixed to the primary element 52 and the secondary magnetic cylinder 150 is fixed to the secondary element 54.

The torque limiter 44g of this example does not comprise the spacer 146. Each of the primary element 52, the primary magnetic cylinder 148, the end plate 136 and the secondary element 54 is concentric with the torque limiter axis 56. The secondary magnetic cylinder 150 is arranged radially inside the primary magnetic cylinder 148. The primary magnetic cylinder 148 is fixed to the primary element 52 and is positioned radially between the primary element 52 and the secondary magnetic cylinder 150. The secondary magnetic cylinder 150 is fixed to the secondary element 54 and is positioned radially between the primary magnetic cylinder 148 and the secondary element 54. Each of the primary magnetic cylinder 148 and the secondary magnetic cylinder 150 is positioned axially between the end plate 136 and the secondary element 54.

Similarly to the torque limiter 44b the torque limiter 44g transmits the input torque 84 by magnetic force. The holding torque between the primary magnetic cylinder 148 and the secondary magnetic cylinder 150 is defined by the magnetic strengths of the primary magnets 138b and the secondary magnets 140b and the radial distance between the primary magnetic cylinder 148 and the secondary magnetic cylinder 150. Fig. 8a schematically represents a partial perspective front view of a further example of an access member system lob comprising a further example of an access member device i2e, and Fig. 8b schematically represents a top view of the access member system lob. With collective reference to Figs. 8a and 8b, mainly differences with respect to the access member device i2e will be described. The access member system lob of this example is a door closer system and the access member device i2e of this example is a door closer.

The access member device i2e comprises a further example of an energy harvesting arrangement 14c. The access member system lob comprises a door leaf 22b rotatable relative to a frame 152 about a hinge 154. The door leaf 22b is a further example of both an input member and an access member according to the present disclosure. In Figs. 8a and 8b, the door leaf 22b is in an open position 156. The access member system 10b further comprises an opening spring 158 at the hinge 154 forcing the door leaf 22b in an opening direction.

The access member device i2e comprises a base section 160 fixed to the door leaf 22b and a transmission 42c. The transmission 42c comprises a wire 162 connected between a fixation part 164 in the frame 152 and the base section 160.

When the door leaf 22b is opened, the door leaf 22b rotates with an input rotational speed 20b about the hinge 154. As shown in Fig. 8b, the wire 162 is wound around a guide pulley 166, a winding pulley 168, a base pulley 170, a carrier pulley 172 and is fixed by a fixing member 174 to the base section 160. Movements of the door leaf 22b cause the winding pulley 168 to be rotated by the wire 162. The winding pulley 168 in turn drives the transmission 42c.

The access member device i2e further comprises a carrier 176 comprising the carrier pulley 172. The carrier 176 is movable relative to the base section 160 against the force of a closing spring 178.

The access member device i2e further comprises a magnet 180 fixed to the base section 160 and a magnetic target section 182 fixed to the carrier 176. The magnet 180 and the magnetic target section 182 provide an additional latching force on the door leaf 22b.

When the door leaf 22b is opened, the transmission 42c transmits the rotation of the door leaf 22b to a rotation of the rotor 46 of the generator 40a. The access member device i2e of this example comprises the torque limiter 110a described in Fig. 2c to limit the input torque 84. Alternatively, or in addition, the transmission 42c may comprise the generator 40b or any of the mechanical torque limiters 44a-44g.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to what has been described above. For example, it will be appreciated that the dimensions of the parts maybe varied as needed. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention may be limited only by the scope of the claims appended hereto.