Electric lock and keypad module thereof

Abstract

The electronic lock includes a housing, a lock assembly, and a keypad module. The lock assembly is mounted on the housing and has a keyhole. The keypad module includes a mounting bracket, a flat keypad panel, and a circuit board. The mounting bracket is fixed to the front side of the housing. The flat keypad panel is fixed to the mounting bracket and covers the front side of the mounting bracket. The flat keypad panel has an opening corresponding to the keyhole of the lock assembly. The flat keypad panel has a key area marked with a plurality of key characters, and a surrounding area extending from the key area and surrounding the opening. The circuit board is mounted on the mounting bracket. The circuit board has a plurality of touch-sensing electrodes corresponding to the plurality of key characters, for sensing a user's touch input on the flat keypad panel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electronic lock, and more particularly to an electronic lock with an improved keypad structure. Prior 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 keypad. Touch-sensitive keypads receive touch input, while button keypads receive pressure input. Touch-sensitive keypads usually have a flat, clean appearance. To address the issue of electronic locks failing to open when there is no power, a locking mechanism is included to allow users to unlock the door with a key. However, the locking mechanism can affect the overall design of the electronic lock, especially potentially disrupting the clean appearance of the touch-sensitive keypad. 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 bracket, a flat keypad panel, and a circuit board. The mounting bracket is fixed to the front side of the housing. The flat keypad panel is fixed to the mounting bracket and covers the front side of the mounting bracket. The flat keypad panel has an opening corresponding to the keyhole of the lock assembly. The flat keypad panel has a key area marked with a plurality of key characters, and a surrounding area extending from the key area and surrounding the opening. The circuit board is disposed on the mounting bracket. The circuit board has a plurality of touch sensing electrodes corresponding to the plurality of key characters, for sensing touch input by a user on the flat keypad panel.

[0004] The keyboard module of the electronic lock of the present invention includes a mounting bracket, a flat keypad, and a circuit board. The mounting bracket is used to fix the keypad to the front side of a housing of the electronic lock. The flat keypad is fixed to the mounting bracket and covers the front side of the mounting bracket. The flat keypad has an opening corresponding to a keyhole of a lock assembly of the electronic lock. The flat keypad has a key area marked with a plurality of key characters, and a surrounding area extending from the key area and surrounding the opening. The circuit board is disposed on the mounting bracket. The circuit board has a plurality of touch-sensing electrodes corresponding to the plurality of key characters, used to sense touch input from a user on the flat keypad.

[0005] Compared to previous technologies, the keypad module cover of the electronic lock of this invention can be flush with the flat keypad panel, so the front appearance of the electronic lock of this invention is more concise and integrated, which helps to enhance the perceived value of the product. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0006] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the electronic lock of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the electronic lock of the present invention. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the lock cover of the electronic lock of the present invention being installed on the light diffusion plate. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the flat button panel of the electronic lock of the present invention fixed and covered by the light diffusion plate. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the electronic lock of the present invention from another perspective. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the electronic lock of the present invention installed on a door panel. Implementation

[0007] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2 simultaneously. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the electronic lock 10 of the present invention, and Figure 2 is an exploded view of the electronic lock 10 of the present invention. As shown in the figures, the electronic lock 10 of the present invention includes a housing 100, a lock assembly 200, and a keyboard module 300. The lock assembly 200 is disposed on the housing 100. In this embodiment, the lock assembly 200 is mounted to the mounting hole 112 on the housing 100. The lock assembly 200 may include a lock core forming a keyhole 202. The keyboard module 300 is disposed on the housing 100, for example, fixed to the front side of the housing 100. The keyboard module 300 includes a fixing plate 310, a light diffusion plate 320, a flat key panel 330, a lock cover 340, and a circuit board 350. The fixing plate 310 and the light diffusion plate 320 form a mounting bracket for mounting the flat key panel 330, the lock cover 340, and the circuit board 350. The fixing plate 310 is fixed to the front side of the housing 100. The light diffusion plate 320 is fixed to the front side of the fixing plate 310. The flat button panel 330 is fixed to the light diffusion plate 320 and covers the front side of the light diffusion plate 320. The flat button panel 330 has an opening 336 corresponding to the keyhole 202 of the lock assembly 200. The flat button panel 330 has a button area 332 and a surrounding area 334. The button area 332 is marked with a plurality of button characters, which may be printed Arabic numerals and graphic symbols, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The surrounding area 334 extends from the button area 332 and surrounds the opening 336. The lock cover 340 is rotatably disposed on the light diffusion plate 320. When the lock cover 340 is closed, it covers the keyhole 202 of the lock assembly 200; when the lock cover 340 is open, the keyhole 202 of the lock assembly 200 is exposed in the opening 336 of the flat button panel 330, allowing the user to insert a key into the keyhole 202 of the lock core.

[0008] The circuit board 350 is disposed and fixed between the fixing plate 310 and the light diffusion plate 320. The circuit board 350 has a plurality of touch-sensing electrodes 352, each corresponding to a plurality of key characters on the flat keypad 330. The touch-sensing electrodes 352 of the circuit board 350 are used to sense touch input from a user on the flat keypad 330. For example, the touch-sensing electrodes 352 of the circuit board 350 can be capacitive touch-sensing electrodes, used to generate a key signal based on the change in capacitance value when the user touches the flat keypad 330, but this invention is not limited thereto. The touch-sensing electrodes 352 of the circuit board 350 can also be other types of touch-sensing electrodes. On the other hand, the circuit board 350 is provided with a plurality of light-emitting units 354, each corresponding to a plurality of key characters on the flat keypad 330. The light-emitting units 354 are used to provide light to the key area 332 of the flat keypad 330, so that the key characters on the key area 332 are illuminated. The light diffuser plate 320 has a plurality of through holes 322 corresponding to a plurality of light-emitting units 354. The walls of the through holes 322 surround the corresponding light-emitting units 354. The light diffuser plate 320 can also be made of different materials or colors to reflect the light emitted by the light-emitting units 354, so as to make the brightness of the key characters higher and more uniform.

[0009] Please refer to Figures 3 and 4 simultaneously, and also to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the front cover 340 of the electronic lock 10 of the present invention being mounted on the light diffusion plate 320 before the flat button panel 330 is fixed. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the flat button panel 330 of the electronic lock 10 of the present invention being fixed and covering the light diffusion plate 320. As shown in the figures, the cover 340 has a pivot 342. To install the cover 340, the pivot 342 of the cover 340 can be first placed in the groove 324 of the light diffusion plate 320, and then the flat button panel 330 is fixed on the light diffusion plate 320 so that the surrounding area 334 of the flat button panel 330 covers the pivot 342 of the cover 340. In this way, the cover 340 can rotate relative to the flat button panel 330 without falling off. In addition, when the cover 340 is closed, the front surface of the cover 340 and the surrounding area 334 of the flat button panel 330 are flush and located on the same plane.

[0010] Based on the above configuration, the front of the flat keypad 330 of the present invention extends from the key area 332 to the surrounding area 334, and the surrounding area 334 is flush with the front surface of the lock cover 340. Therefore, the front appearance of the electronic lock 10 of the present invention is more concise and integrated, which helps to enhance the perceived value of the product. Preferably, the front surface of the lock cover 340 and the surrounding area 334 of the flat keypad 330 have the same or similar color to make the appearance of the keyboard module 300 more consistent. On the other hand, a narrow slit is formed between the edge of the lock cover 340 and the surrounding area 334 of the flat keypad 330 to allow the user to insert a flat object such as a fingernail or a key to easily open the lock cover 340 (by prying the lock cover 340 outward and downward relative to the flat keypad 330). In the embodiment of the present invention, a narrow slit is formed between the upper edge of the lock cover 340 and the surrounding area 334 of the flat keypad 330, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The locking cover 340 is made of a flexible material, and there are two protrusions 344 on the left and right sides of the locking cover 340 (only one protrusion 344 is shown in Figure 2 due to the viewing angle) that can engage with the rear side of the light diffusion plate 320, so that the locking cover 340 is locked and fixed to the light diffusion plate 320. When the user pulls the locking cover 340 outward and downward relative to the flat button panel 330, the protrusions 344 on the left and right sides of the locking cover 340 will temporarily deform and detach from the light diffusion plate 320.

[0011] Please refer to Figure 6, and also to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the electronic lock of the present invention installed on a door panel. The electronic lock 10 of the present invention may further include a latch assembly 600. The latch assembly 600 has a latch 602. Furthermore, the electronic lock 10 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 300. For example, the control module may include a motor and a drive mechanism. When the key signals generated by the keyboard module 300 correspond to or match the authentication data pre-stored in the control module, the control module can perform an unlocking operation (e.g., start the motor to drive the drive mechanism to close the latch 602 of the latch assembly 600 of the electronic lock 10 relative to the door panel to perform the unlocking operation). On the other hand, when the key signal generated by the keyboard module 300 corresponds to or matches a locking command, the control module can perform a locking operation (e.g., start the motor to drive the drive mechanism to extend the latch 602 of the latch assembly 600 of the electronic lock 10 relative to the door panel to perform the locking operation). Furthermore, the user can also insert a key into the keyhole 202 of the lock body and turn the lock body of the lock assembly 200 to move the latch 602 of the latch assembly 600. Thus, the user can manually perform unlocking or locking operations using the key when the electronic lock 10 cannot operate normally (e.g., due to insufficient power or malfunction). In other embodiments of the present invention, the control module may include a motor and a clutch mechanism, used to drive the clutch mechanism through the motor to disengage or engage the outer handle with the latch assembly according to the key signal generated by the keyboard module 300, thereby achieving the purpose of unlocking or locking.

[0012] Please refer to Figures 5 and 6 simultaneously, and also to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the electronic lock 10 of the present invention from another perspective. As shown, the electronic lock 10 of the present invention further includes a waterproof gasket 400 and a protective frame 500. The waterproof gasket 400 is disposed and covers the rear side of the housing 100 to prevent water from entering the rear side of the electronic lock 10. The protective frame 500 is disposed on the rear side of the housing 100, and the protective frame 500 has an extension wall 502 extending rearward relative to the housing 100. When the electronic lock 10 of the present invention is installed on a door panel 20, the protective frame 500 extends into the mounting hole 22 of the door panel 20, allowing the electronic lock 10 to be temporarily positioned through the mounting hole 22 to facilitate further engagement with the inner lock (not shown), and the extension wall 502 of the protective frame 500 surrounds the latch assembly 600 to protect the latch assembly 600. For example, when the housing 100 of the electronic lock 10 is pried open and damaged, the extension wall 502 of the protective frame 500 can still protect the latch assembly 600 from being easily pried open by foreign objects.

[0013] Furthermore, the assembly method of the keyboard module 300 of the electronic lock 10 of the present invention is simple. For example, the assembly sequence of the keyboard module 300 of the electronic lock 10 of the present invention is as follows: first, the pivot 342 of the lock cover 340 is housed in the groove 324 of the light diffusion plate 320; then, the flat key panel 330 is fixed on the light diffusion plate 320 to sandwich the lock cover 340 between the light diffusion plate 320 and the flat key panel 330; then, the circuit board 350 is placed between the light diffusion plate 320 and the fixing plate 310, and the light diffusion plate 320 and the fixing plate 310 are fixed to the front side of the housing with screws to sandwich the circuit board 350 between the light diffusion plate 320 and the fixing plate 310. In this way, the assembly of the keyboard module 300 of the electronic lock 10 of the present invention can be completed.

[0014] Compared to prior art, the keypad module 300 of the electronic lock 10 of this invention has a lock cover 340 that is flush with the flat keypad panel 330. Therefore, the front appearance of the electronic lock 10 is more concise and integrated, which helps to enhance the perceived value of the product. Furthermore, the electronic lock 10 of this invention has a protective frame 500 that extends into the mounting holes 22 of the door panel 20 to protect the latch assembly 600. Therefore, the electronic lock 10 of this invention has a high level of security.

[0015] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. All equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the claims of the present invention shall be covered by the present invention.

[0016] 10: Electronic lock 20: Door panel 22: Mounting holes 100: Casing 112: Mounting hole 200: Locking group 202: Keyhole 300: Keyboard Module 310: Fixing plate 320: Light Diffuser Plate 322: Through hole 324: Groove 330: Flat button panel 332: Keypad area 334: Surrounding Area 336: Opening 340: Locking cover 342: Shaft 344: Protrusion 350: Circuit board 352: Touch sensing electrode 354: Light-emitting unit 400: Waterproof gasket 500: Protective frame 502: Extension Wall 600: Latch assembly 602: Latch

Claims

1. An electronic lock, comprising: a housing; a lock assembly disposed on the housing, wherein the lock assembly forms a keyhole; and a keypad module, comprising: a mounting bracket fixed to the front side of the housing; a flat keypad panel fixed to the mounting bracket and used to cover the front side of the mounting bracket, wherein the flat keypad panel forms an opening corresponding to the keyhole of the lock assembly, the flat keypad panel having a key area marked with a plurality of key characters, and a surrounding area extending from the key area and surrounding the opening; and a circuit board disposed on the mounting bracket, wherein the circuit board has a plurality of touch sensing electrodes respectively corresponding to the plurality of key characters, used to sense touch input by a user on the flat keypad panel; wherein the circuit board has a plurality of light-emitting units respectively corresponding to the plurality of key characters, and the mounting bracket includes: A fixing plate is fixed to the front side of the housing; and a light diffusion plate is fixed to the front side of the fixing plate, wherein the light diffusion plate has a plurality of through holes corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting units respectively, and the hole walls of the through holes are used to reflect the light emitted by the light-emitting units; wherein the circuit board is disposed between the fixing plate and the light diffusion plate, and the flat button panel is used to cover the front side of the light diffusion plate.

2. The electronic lock as described in claim 1, wherein the flat button panel is integrally formed.

3. The electronic lock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the keypad module further includes a lock cover rotatably disposed on the light diffuser plate; wherein when the lock cover is closed, the lock cover covers the keyhole of the lock assembly; wherein when the lock cover is open, the keyhole of the lock assembly is exposed through the opening of the flat keypad panel.

4. The electronic lock as claimed in claim 3, wherein the lock cover has a pivot accommodating a groove in the light diffuser plate, and the surrounding area of ​​the planar keypad panel covers the pivot.

5. The electronic lock as claimed in claim 3, wherein when the lock cover is closed, the front surface of the lock cover and the surrounding area are in the same plane.

6. The electronic lock as claimed in claim 3, wherein a slit is formed between the edge of the lock cover and the surrounding area of ​​the flat button panel.

7. The electronic lock as claimed in claim 3, wherein the lock cover is made of a flexible material and has at least one protrusion for engaging with the rear side of the light diffuser plate.

8. The electronic lock as described in claim 1 further includes a waterproof gasket disposed on the rear side of the housing.

9. The electronic lock as claimed in claim 1 further includes a protective frame disposed on the rear side of the housing, the protective frame having an extension wall extending rearward relative to the housing.

10. A keyboard module for an electronic lock, comprising: a mounting bracket for fixing to the front side of a housing of the electronic lock; a flat key panel fixed to the mounting bracket and covering the front side of the mounting bracket, wherein the flat key panel forms an opening corresponding to a keyhole of a lock assembly of the electronic lock, the flat key panel having a key area marked with a plurality of key characters, and a surrounding area extending from the key area and surrounding the opening; and a circuit board disposed on the mounting bracket, wherein the circuit board has a plurality of touch sensing electrodes respectively corresponding to the plurality of key characters, for sensing touch input by a user on the flat key panel; wherein the circuit board is provided with a plurality of light-emitting units respectively corresponding to the plurality of key characters, the mounting bracket comprising: a fixing plate for fixing to the front side of the housing of the electronic lock; and a light diffusion plate fixed to the front side of the fixing plate, wherein the light diffusion plate forms a plurality of through holes respectively corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting units, the hole walls of the through holes being used to reflect light emitted by the light-emitting units; The circuit board is located between the fixing plate and the light diffusion plate, and the flat button panel is used to cover the front side of the light diffusion plate.

11. The keyboard module as described in claim 10, wherein the flat key panel is integrally formed.

12. The keyboard module as described in claim 10, further comprising a lock cover rotatably disposed on the light diffuser plate; wherein when the lock cover is closed, the lock cover covers the keyhole of the lock assembly; wherein when the lock cover is open, the keyhole of the lock assembly is exposed in the opening of the flat key panel.

13. The keyboard module as claimed in claim 12, wherein the lock cover has a pivot accommodating a recess in the light diffuser plate, and the surrounding area of ​​the planar keypad covers the pivot.

14. The keyboard module as described in claim 12, wherein when the lock cover is closed, the front surface of the lock cover and the surrounding area are in the same plane.

15. The keyboard module as claimed in claim 12, wherein a slit is formed between the edge of the lock cover and the surrounding area of ​​the flat key panel.

16. The keyboard module as claimed in claim 12, wherein the lock cover is made of a flexible material and has at least one protrusion for engaging with the rear side of the light diffuser plate.

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