Electronic lock and keyboard module thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses an electronic lock and a keyboard module thereof. The electronic lock comprises a shell, a lock group and the keyboard module, the keyboard module comprises a mounting plate, a plane key panel and a circuit board. The mounting plate is fixed on the shell and is provided with an opening; the plane key panel is used for covering the front side of the mounting plate. The plane key panel is provided with a key area marked with a plurality of key characters and a surrounding area surrounding a key hole of the lock set, and the key area corresponds to the opening. The circuit board comprises a circuit substrate and a plurality of metal elastic sheets, wherein the circuit substrate is arranged on the shell and corresponds to the opening. The circuit substrate is provided with a plurality of key electrodes respectively corresponding to the plurality of key characters. Each key electrode is used for generating a key signal when being in contact with a corresponding metal elastic sheet; and the plane key panel is integrally formed by a soft material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electronic lock, and more particularly to an electronic lock with an improved keypad structure. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic locks typically have a keypad for receiving user input to unlock or lock. Generally, the keypad can be either a touch-sensitive keypad or a button-type keypad. Touch-sensitive keypads receive touch input, while button-type keypads receive pressure input. Compared to the flat appearance of touch-sensitive keypads, button-type keypads usually have multiple raised buttons for users to press. In current technology, button-type keypads, due to structural limitations, cannot achieve the flat appearance of touch-sensitive keypads, thus limiting the design of electronic locks. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The electronic lock of the present invention includes a housing, a lock assembly, and a keypad module. The lock assembly is disposed on the housing and has a keyhole. The keypad module includes a mounting plate, a flat keypad panel, and a circuit board. The mounting plate is fixed to the front side of the housing and has a first opening. The flat keypad panel is fixed to the mounting plate and covers the front side of the mounting plate. The flat keypad panel has a key area marked with a plurality of key characters, and a surrounding area extending from the key area to surround the keyhole of the lock assembly. The key area corresponds to the first opening. The circuit board includes a circuit board and a plurality of metal springs. The circuit board is disposed on the housing and corresponds to the first opening. The circuit board has a plurality of key electrodes corresponding to the plurality of key characters. The plurality of metal springs are disposed on the circuit board. Each key electrode generates a key signal when in contact with a corresponding metal spring. The flat keypad panel is integrally formed from a flexible material.

[0004] The keyboard module of the electronic lock of the present invention includes a mounting plate, a flat keypad panel, and a circuit board. The mounting plate is fixed to a housing of the electronic lock and has a first opening. The flat keypad panel is fixed to the mounting plate and covers the front side of the mounting plate. The flat keypad panel has a key area marked with multiple key characters and a surrounding area extending from the key area to surround a keyhole of a lock assembly of the electronic lock. The key area corresponds to the first opening. The circuit board includes a circuit board and multiple metal contacts. The circuit board corresponds to the first opening and has multiple key electrodes corresponding to the multiple key characters. The multiple metal contacts are disposed on the circuit board. Each key electrode generates a key signal when in contact with a corresponding metal contact. The flat keypad panel is integrally formed from a flexible material.

[0005] Compared to existing technologies, the keyboard module of the electronic lock of this invention can have a flat appearance like a touch keyboard, and users can have a softer touch and a clear pressing feel when pressing the keyboard module. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the electronic lock of the present invention.

[0007] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the first embodiment of the electronic lock of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the inner side of the planar button panel of the first embodiment of the electronic lock of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the electronic lock of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 5 This is another partial cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the electronic lock of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the second embodiment of the electronic lock of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the electronic lock of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the electronic lock of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the third embodiment of the electronic lock of the present invention.

[0015] Among them, the attached figures are labeled

[0016] 100, 100', 100” electronic locks

[0017] 110, 110” shell

[0018] 112 mounting holes

[0019] 114 Depression

[0020] 116” Inclined Structure

[0021] 120", 120', 120" keyboard modules

[0022] 121 Press the gasket

[0023] 122, 122” mounting plate

[0024] 122a” Upper part

[0025] 122b” Main Body

[0026] 123 Transparent cover

[0027] 123a” First transparent cover

[0028] 123b” Second transparent cover

[0029] 124", 124', 124" flat keypad

[0030] 124a Planar Body

[0031] 124b Extension

[0032] 124c Cover Section

[0033] 124d Lid

[0034] 125a Keypad Area

[0035] 125b Surrounding Area

[0036] 125c Opening

[0037] 125c” First opening

[0038] 125d” tilt zone

[0039] 125f” Second opening

[0040] 126 circuit board

[0041] 127 Circuit Board

[0042] 128 metal shrapnel

[0043] 129 film

[0044] 130 lock group

[0045] 132 keyhole

[0046] 140 Waterproof Gasket

[0047] 150, 150” Biometric identification module

[0048] 152” lens module

[0049] 154” Time-of-Flight Ranging Sensor Module

[0050] 160” Waterproof Washer

[0051] 162” bend

[0052] A1 First opening

[0053] A2 Second Opening

[0054] E Key Electrode

[0055] F1 double-sided adhesive film

[0056] F2 Adhesive Layer

[0057] F1” double-sided adhesive film

[0058] F2” double-sided adhesive film Detailed Implementation

[0059] Please also refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 . Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the electronic lock of the present invention. Figure 2This is an exploded view of a first embodiment of the electronic lock of the present invention. According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the electronic lock 100 includes a housing 110, a keyboard module 120, and a lock assembly 130. The keyboard module 120 is disposed on the housing 110, for example, fixed to the front side of the housing 110. The keyboard module 120 includes a mounting plate 122, a flat keypad 124, and a circuit board 126. The mounting plate 122 is fixed to the front side of the housing 110. The mounting plate 122 forms a first opening A1 and a second opening A2, and the first opening A1 communicates with the second opening A2. The flat keypad 124 is fixed to the mounting plate 122 and covers the front side of the mounting plate 122. The flat keypad 124 has a key area 125a marked with a plurality of key characters. The plurality of key characters can be printed Arabic numerals and graphic symbols, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The key area 125a of the flat keypad 124 corresponds to the first opening A1 of the mounting plate 122. The flat keypad 124 is integrally molded from a flexible material. For example, the flat keypad 124 is integrally molded from silicone, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The circuit board 126 includes a circuit board 127 and a plurality of metal springs 128. The circuit board 127 is disposed on the housing 110 and corresponds to the first opening A1 of the mounting plate 122. The circuit board 127 has a plurality of key electrodes E corresponding to a plurality of key characters on the flat keypad 124. The metal springs 128 are disposed on the circuit board 127. Each key electrode E is used to generate a key signal when it contacts a corresponding metal spring 128. The circuit board 126 further includes an adhesive film 129 for attaching and fixing the metal springs 128 to the circuit board 127. The lock assembly 130 is disposed on the housing 110. In this embodiment, the lock assembly 130 is mounted to the mounting hole 112 on the housing 110. The lock assembly 130 may include a lock core forming a keyhole 132. The locking cylinder of the locking assembly 130 is actuated by a key to move a latch (not shown). The locking assembly 130 corresponds to the second opening A2 of the mounting plate 122. Additionally, the flat button panel 124 has a surrounding area 125b extending from the button area 125a. The surrounding area 125b surrounds the keyhole 132 of the locking assembly 130.

[0060] On the other hand, the electronic lock 100 of the present invention may further include a control module (not shown) for performing unlocking or locking operations based on key signals generated by the keyboard module 120. For example, the control module may include a motor and a drive mechanism. When the key signal generated by the keyboard module 120 corresponds to or matches the authentication data pre-stored in the control module, the control module can perform an unlocking operation (e.g., starting the motor to drive the drive mechanism to unlock the latch assembly of the electronic lock 100). On the other hand, when the key signal generated by the keyboard module 120 corresponds to or matches a locking command, the control module can perform a locking operation (e.g., starting the motor to drive the drive mechanism to lock the latch assembly of the electronic lock 100). In other embodiments of the present invention, the control module may include a motor and a clutch mechanism for disengaging or engaging the outer handle with the latch assembly based on the key signals generated by the keyboard module 120, thereby achieving the purpose of unlocking or locking.

[0061] Please also refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 And also refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 . Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the inner side of the planar button panel of the first embodiment of the electronic lock of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the electronic lock of the present invention. As shown, the keyboard module 120 further includes a plurality of pressing pads 121 disposed on the inner side of the flat keypad panel 124. The plurality of pressing pads 121 correspond to a plurality of key characters on the flat keypad panel 124. The material of the pressing pads 121 is harder than the material of the flat keypad panel 124. For example, the pressing pads 121 may be made of hard plastic by injection molding, but the present invention is not limited thereto. When a key character on the flat keypad panel 124 is pressed, the flat keypad panel 124 presses a corresponding metal spring 128 by means of the pressing pads 121, so that the corresponding metal spring 128 is deformed (e.g., concave), thereby allowing the deformed metal spring 128 to contact the corresponding key electrode E to generate a key signal.

[0062] Based on the above configuration, although the keyboard module 120 of the electronic lock 100 of the present invention is a push-button keyboard, the outer side of the keyboard module 120 can be a flat surface. In other words, the keyboard module 120 of the electronic lock 100 of the present invention can have the flat appearance of a touch keyboard (without raised keys). Furthermore, the flat key panel 124 is integrally molded from a soft material (e.g., silicone), while the pressing pad 121 is made of a harder material. Therefore, when the user presses the keyboard module 120, the flat key panel 124 can provide a softer tactile feel, and the pressing pad 121 can provide a more distinct pressing feel.

[0063] Please also refer to Figure 3and Figure 5 and refer to them together. Figure 1 and Figure 2 . Figure 5 This is another partial cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the electronic lock of the present invention. As shown, the planar button panel 124 includes a planar body 124a, an extension 124b, a cover 124c, and a flip-top 124d. The planar body 124a covers the front side of the mounting plate 122. The extension 124b extends from the planar body 124a toward the mounting plate 122. The cover 124c connects to the extension 124b and covers the rear edge of the mounting plate 122 to fix the planar button panel 124 to the mounting plate 122. In this embodiment, the cover 124c surrounds and covers all edges of the rear side of the mounting plate 122. Alternatively, the mounting plate 122 can be screwed to the front side of the housing 110 to fix the cover 124c between the mounting plate 122 and the housing 110. The flip-top 124d extends from the surrounding area 125b of the planar body 124a to cover the keyhole 132 of the lock assembly 130. The flip cover 124d is provided with a protrusion 124e (as shown in Figure 3) to support the flip cover 124d. For example, the housing 110 has a recess 114 (as shown in Figure 2), and the protrusion 124e extends into and abuts against the recess 114 to further fix and support the flip cover 124d, preventing the flip cover 124d from protruding or recessing relative to the surrounding area 125b. In this way, the flip cover 124d and the flat button panel 124 can remain flush. In addition, a narrow slit is formed around the flip cover 125b to allow the user to open the flip cover 124d relative to the surrounding area 125b and insert a key into the keyhole 132 for unlocking or locking operations. In this embodiment, the flip cover 124d is square, and a narrow slit partially surrounds the flip cover 124d, keeping the flip cover 124d and the surrounding area 125b of the flat keypad 124 in a state where they can be partially separated but not completely separated. Furthermore, the thickness of the flip cover 124d is less than the thickness of the surrounding area 125b of the flat keypad 124, making it easier to bend the flip cover 124d at the connection point when it is opened. Moreover, due to the properties of the silicone material of the flat keypad 124, the connection between the flip cover 124d and the surrounding area 125b of the flat keypad 124 is less prone to breakage, thus improving the product's durability.

[0064] Based on the above configuration, the keyboard module 120 of the electronic lock 100 of the present invention can not only have a flat appearance, but the flat key panel 124 of the keyboard module 120 can also provide a waterproof effect to prevent water from entering the front of the electronic lock 100. Furthermore, the front of the flat key panel 124 extends from the key area 125a and the surrounding area 125b to the flip cover 124d, making the front appearance of the electronic lock 100 of the present invention more concise and integrated, which helps to enhance the perceived value of the product. In addition, the outer edge of the flat key panel 124 can be further extended to the two sides, top surface, and bottom surface of the electronic lock.

[0065] Additionally, the electronic lock 100 of the present invention may further include a waterproof gasket 140 and a biometric identification module 150. The waterproof gasket 140 is disposed on the rear side of the housing 110 to prevent water from entering the rear side of the electronic lock 100. The biometric identification module 150 is disposed on the housing 110. The flat keypad panel 124 has an opening 125c corresponding to the biometric identification module 150. In this embodiment of the invention, the biometric identification module 150 is a face recognition module, but the invention is not limited thereto. The biometric identification module 150 may also be a fingerprint recognition module or other types of recognition modules. The keyboard module 120 may further include a transparent cover 123 fixed to the mounting plate 122 via a double-sided adhesive film F1. The transparent cover 123 and the flat keypad panel 124 form a generally flat surface on the front side of the electronic lock 100.

[0066] Please also refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 and refer to them together. Figure 1 . Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the second embodiment of the electronic lock of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the electronic lock of the present invention. The appearance of the second embodiment 100' of the electronic lock of the present invention is the same as that of the first embodiment 100 of the electronic lock of the present invention. Unlike the first embodiment 100 of the electronic lock of the present invention, the flat button panel 124' of the second embodiment 100' of the electronic lock of the present invention does not have an extension or a covering portion. The electronic lock 100' further includes an adhesive layer F2 disposed between the flat button panel 124' and the mounting plate 122 for attaching and fixing the flat button panel 124' to the front side of the mounting plate 122. The adhesive layer F2 may be a silicone adhesive. Other components of the second embodiment 100' of the electronic lock of the present invention are the same as those of the first embodiment 100 of the electronic lock of the present invention.

[0067] The keyboard module 120' of the electronic lock 100' of the present invention can also have the flat appearance of a touch keyboard (without raised keys). Furthermore, the flat key panel 124' is made of a soft material (such as silicone) in one piece, while the pressing pad 121 is made of a harder material, so the user can also have a softer touch and a clear pressing feel when pressing the keyboard module 120'.

[0068] Please also refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 . Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the electronic lock of the present invention. Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the third embodiment of the electronic lock of the present invention. According to the third embodiment of the present invention, the main difference between the electronic lock 100” of the third embodiment and the electronic lock 100' of the second embodiment is that the upper part 122a” of the mounting plate 122” of the electronic lock 100” is tilted at a predetermined angle (e.g., 16 degrees, but not limited thereto) relative to the body part 122b” of the mounting plate 122”. The upper part 122a” of the mounting plate 122” is used to mount and fix a lens module 152” of a biometric identification module 150” (e.g., a face recognition module, but not limited thereto). The lens module 152” is used to capture the user's facial image. In addition, the flat button panel 124” of the electronic lock 100” has an inclined area 125d” tilted at the predetermined angle relative to the button area 125a to correspond to the upper part 122a” of the mounting plate 122”. The inclined area 125d” forms a first opening 125c” corresponding to the lens module 152” of the biometric identification module 150”. Correspondingly, the housing 110” has an inclined structure 116” corresponding to the upper part 122a” of the mounting plate 122”, so that the mounting plate 122” can be mounted and fixed to the housing 110”. The flat keypad 124” can be fixed to the mounting plate 122” via a double-sided adhesive film (not shown). Furthermore, the keyboard module 120” may also include a first transparent cover 123a” fixed to the upper part 122a” of the mounting plate 122” via a double-sided adhesive film F1”. The first transparent cover 123a” corresponds to the lens module 152.

[0069] On the other hand, the biometric identification module 150” further includes a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor module 154” for scanning the user's three-dimensional facial contours, and the key area 125a of the flat keypad panel 124” forms a second opening 125f” corresponding to the TOF sensor module 154. Furthermore, the keyboard module 120” may also include a second transparent cover 123b” fixed to the body 122b of the mounting plate 122” via a double-sided adhesive film F2”. The second transparent cover 123b” corresponds to the TOF sensor module 154. The TOF sensor module 154” works in conjunction with the lens module 152” to perform facial recognition operations on the electronic lock 100”.

[0070] Based on the above configuration, the lens module 152” of the biometric identification module 150” is tilted slightly upwards, so that the user of the electronic lock 100” can perform face recognition operation without lowering the height of their head.

[0071] On the other hand, the electronic lock 100” also includes a waterproof gasket 160” disposed between the mounting plate 122” and the housing 110”. The waterproof gasket 160” has a bend 162” corresponding to the upper part 122a” of the mounting plate 122” to enhance the waterproof effect of the keyboard module 120”.

[0072] Compared to existing technologies, the keyboard modules 120, 120', and 120" of the electronic locks 100, 100', and 100" of this invention can have a flat appearance similar to a touch keyboard. Furthermore, when the user presses the keyboard modules 120, 120', and 120" the flat button panels 124 and 124" provide a softer tactile feel, and the pressing pads 121 provide a more distinct pressing sensation. Moreover, the flat button panel 124 of the electronic lock 100 of this invention has a covering portion 124c to completely cover the rear edge of the mounting plate 122, thereby improving the waterproof performance of the electronic lock 100.

[0073] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. All equivalent changes and modifications made within the scope of the claims of the present invention should be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electronic lock, characterized in that, Include: A shell; A lock assembly is disposed on the housing, wherein the lock assembly forms a keyhole; and A keyboard module, comprising: A mounting plate is fixed to the front side of the housing, wherein the mounting plate forms a first opening; A flat button panel, fixed to the mounting plate and used to cover the front side of the mounting plate, wherein the flat button panel has a button area marked with a plurality of button characters, and a surrounding area extending from the button area to surround the keyhole of the lock assembly, wherein the button area corresponds to the first opening; and A circuit board comprising: A circuit board is disposed on the housing and corresponds to the first opening, wherein the circuit board has a plurality of key electrodes respectively corresponding to the plurality of key characters; and Multiple metal springs are disposed on the circuit board, wherein each button electrode is used to generate a button signal when it contacts a corresponding metal spring. The flat button panel is made of a single piece of flexible material.

2. The electronic lock as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The flat button panel is made of silicone material in one piece.

3. The electronic lock as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The flat button panel includes: A planar body for covering the front side of the mounting plate, wherein the planar body has the button area and the surrounding area; An extension extends from the planar body toward the mounting plate; and A cover is provided to cover the rear edge of the mounting plate to secure the flat button panel to the mounting plate.

4. The electronic lock as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The cover is fixed between the mounting plate and the housing.

5. The electronic lock as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The flat button panel also includes a flip cover extending from the surrounding area to cover the lock assembly, and the flip cover is provided with a protrusion to abut against the housing.

6. The electronic lock as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting plate has a second opening, and the locking assembly corresponds to this second opening.

7. The electronic lock as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an adhesive layer disposed between the flat button panel and the mounting plate to fix the flat button panel to the front side of the mounting plate.

8. The electronic lock as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The keyboard module also includes multiple pressing pads disposed on the inner side of the flat key panel and corresponding to the multiple key characters respectively, wherein the material of the pressing pads is harder than the material of the flat key panel.

9. The electronic lock as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a waterproof gasket located on the rear side of the housing.

10. The electronic lock as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing also includes a biometric identification module, wherein the flat button panel has an opening corresponding to the biometric identification module.

11. The electronic lock as described in claim 10, characterized in that, This biometric identification module is a face recognition module.

12. A keypad module for an electronic lock, characterized in that, Include: A mounting plate for fixing to a housing of the electronic lock, wherein the mounting plate forms a first opening; A flat button panel, fixed to the mounting plate and used to cover the front side of the mounting plate, wherein the flat button panel has a button area marked with a plurality of button characters, and a surrounding area extending from the button area to surround a keyhole of a lock assembly of the electronic lock, wherein the button area corresponds to the first opening; and A circuit board comprising: A circuit board corresponds to the first opening, wherein the circuit board has a plurality of key electrodes respectively corresponding to the plurality of key characters; and Multiple metal springs are disposed on the circuit board, wherein each button electrode is used to generate a button signal when it contacts a corresponding metal spring. The flat button panel is made of a single piece of flexible material.

13. The keyboard module of the electronic lock as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The flat button panel is made of silicone material in one piece.

14. The keyboard module of the electronic lock as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The flat button panel includes: A planar body for covering the front side of the mounting plate, wherein the planar body has the button area and the surrounding area; An extension extends from the planar body toward the mounting plate; and A cover is provided to cover the rear edge of the mounting plate to secure the flat button panel to the mounting plate.

15. The keyboard module of the electronic lock as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The flat button panel also includes a flip cover extending from the surrounding area to cover the keyhole of the lock assembly, and the flip cover is provided with a protrusion to abut against the housing.

16. The keyboard module of the electronic lock as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The flat button panel also includes a flip cover extending from the surrounding area to cover the keyhole of the lock assembly, the thickness of the flip cover being less than the thickness of the surrounding area.

17. The electronic lock as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The mounting plate has a second opening, and the locking assembly corresponds to this second opening.

18. The keyboard module of the electronic lock as described in claim 12, characterized in that, It also includes an adhesive layer disposed between the flat button panel and the mounting plate to fix the flat button panel to the front side of the mounting plate.

19. The keyboard module of the electronic lock as described in claim 12, characterized in that, It also includes multiple pressing pads disposed on the inner side of the flat key panel and corresponding to the multiple key characters respectively, wherein the material of the pressing pads is harder than the material of the flat key panel.

20. The keyboard module of the electronic lock as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The mounting plate has an upper part and a body part. The upper part is tilted at a predetermined angle relative to the body part. The upper part is suitable for mounting and fixing a biometric identification module. The flat button panel also has a tilted area that is tilted at the predetermined angle relative to the button area to correspond to the upper part of the mounting plate.

Images