Clutch mechanism and electronic lock

Abstract

This invention provides a clutch mechanism, comprising a clutch element, at least one clutch portion, an elastic element, and at least one linkage portion. The at least one clutch portion is disposed on the clutch element. The elastic element includes two spring arms at an angle, and the two spring arms actuate under force, providing a restoring force to the at least one clutch portion. The at least one linkage portion corresponds to the at least one clutch portion. This simplifies the structure.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a clutch mechanism and an electronic lock, and more particularly to a clutch mechanism and electronic lock that can be used in a motor-driven system. [Previous Technology]

[0002] Doors are usually equipped with locks. Conventional mechanical locks include a keyhole and a bolt. The lock can be opened by inserting a key into the keyhole and turning the bolt. With the advancement of technology, electronic locks that use electricity have been developed. Through fingerprint, card sensing, facial recognition or password input, the motor in the electronic lock can drive the drive shaft to open the electronic lock by actuating the bolt.

[0003] This type of electronic lock is generally equipped with a clutch mechanism to disengage the motor from the drive shaft when the latch reaches the positioning position. A typical clutch mechanism includes two elastic structures connecting two clutch blocks to achieve uniform deformation and force distribution. However, this increases the cost of the required parts and the assembly steps. In addition, it also has disadvantages such as poor operating efficiency and susceptibility to external environmental influences, and there are still areas for improvement. [Summary of the Invention]

[0004] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a clutch mechanism and an electronic lock, which can simplify the structure through structural configuration.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a clutch mechanism is provided, comprising a clutch member, at least one clutch portion, an elastic member, and at least one linkage portion. The aforementioned at least one clutch portion is disposed on the clutch member. The elastic member includes two spring arms, and the two spring arms are at an angle. The two spring arms are actuated by force and provide a restoring force to the aforementioned at least one clutch portion. The aforementioned at least one linkage portion corresponds to the aforementioned at least one clutch portion.

[0006] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a clutch mechanism is provided, comprising at least one linkage part, at least one clutch part, and an elastic member. The aforementioned at least one clutch part corresponds to the aforementioned at least one linkage part. The elastic member is coupled to the aforementioned at least one clutch part and includes two spring arms with an angle between the two spring arms. Wherein, when one side of the aforementioned at least one clutch part and the aforementioned at least one linkage part are in contact with each other, the aforementioned at least one linkage part and the aforementioned at least one clutch part are allowed to rotate in conjunction; when the aforementioned at least one linkage part pushes against the aforementioned at least one clutch part and moves radially to change the angle of the two spring arms, the two spring arms provide a restoring force to the aforementioned at least one clutch part, causing the aforementioned at least one clutch part to reset and move to the other side of the aforementioned at least one linkage part.

[0007] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an electronic lock is provided, comprising a motor, a clutch mechanism, a drive shaft, and a latch. The clutch mechanism is coupled to the motor and includes at least one linkage, at least one clutch, and an elastic element. The at least one linkage is driven by the motor. The at least one clutch corresponds to the at least one linkage. The elastic element is coupled to the at least one clutch and includes two spring arms with an angle between them. The drive shaft is linked to the at least one clutch. The latch is connected to the drive shaft. The at least one clutch and one side of the at least one linkage are in contact with each other. When the motor drives the at least one linkage to rotate in a first rotation direction, the at least one clutch moves the latch in a first movement direction. When the at least one linkage pushes the at least one clutch to move radially, changing the angle of the two spring arms, the two spring arms provide a restoring force to the at least one clutch, causing the at least one clutch to reset and move to the other side of the at least one linkage.

[0008] In this way, by including a two-arm linkage clutch in the elastic element, the structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

Implementation Method

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. For clarity, many practical details will be set forth in the following description. However, the reader should understand that these practical details are not intended to limit the invention. That is, in some embodiments of the invention, these practical details are not essential. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, some conventional structures and elements will be depicted in a simple schematic manner in the drawings; and repeated elements may be represented by the same or similar designations.

[0011] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" used in this document are merely used to describe different components or parts, and do not impose any restrictions on the components / parts themselves. Therefore, the first component / part can also be referred to as the second component / part. Moreover, the combinations of components / parts / mechanisms / modules in this document are not combinations that are generally known, conventional, or familiar in this field. Whether the components / parts / mechanisms / modules themselves are familiar cannot be used to determine whether their combination relationship is easily completed by someone with ordinary knowledge in the technical field.

[0012] Please refer to Figures 1, 2, and 3, wherein Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a clutch mechanism 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the clutch mechanism 100 of the embodiment in Figure 1, and Figure 3 shows a front view of the clutch mechanism 100 of the embodiment in Figure 1 with a setting plate 150 removed. The clutch mechanism 100 includes at least one linkage 112, at least one clutch 140, and an elastic member 120. The aforementioned at least one clutch 140 corresponds to the aforementioned at least one linkage 112. The elastic member 120 is coupled to the aforementioned at least one clutch 140 and includes two spring arms 121, which have an angle θ between them. The two spring arms 121 can be actuated by force and provide a restoring force to the aforementioned at least one clutch 140.

[0013] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3, the number of clutches 140 and linkages 112 is two, but not limited thereto. When one side of each clutch 140 and each linkage 112 is in contact with each other, each linkage 112 and each clutch 140 are allowed to rotate together; when each linkage 112 pushes against each clutch 140 and moves radially to change the angle θ of the two spring arms 121, the two spring arms 121 provide a restoring force to each clutch 140, so that each clutch 140 is reset and moves to the other side of each linkage 112.

[0014] Thus, by including the two elastic arms 121 and the linkage clutch 140 in the elastic element 120, the structure can be simplified and the cost reduced.

[0015] The clutch mechanism 100 may further include a gear 110, the gear 110 including an inner ring surface 111 surrounding a receiving space, and two connecting parts 112 may be radially protruding from the inner ring surface 111. In a preferred configuration, the connecting parts 112 may be symmetrical to each other, but are not limited thereto. Further, the connecting parts 112 are arc-shaped and have a radial length, the length of which may be between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, but can be adjusted according to actual needs. The gear 110 may further include a plurality of side teeth 114 and a central hole 113, the side teeth 114 being located on the outer ring surface of the gear 110. In other embodiments, the connecting parts may not be provided on the gear, but on the mechanism connected to the gear, and are not limited thereto.

[0016] The clutch mechanism 100 may further include a clutch element 130 and a setting disk 150. Two clutch portions 140 may be disposed on the clutch element 130, and the clutch element 130 may be disposed on the setting disk 150 and sandwiched between the setting disk 150 and the gear 110. Specifically, the setting disk 150 is disc-shaped and includes a pivot 151, a shaft hole 152, and a limiting post 153. The setting disk 150 may be assembled on the gear 110 to enclose the receiving space. The pivot 151 and the limiting post 153 may protrude from the setting disk 150 toward a disk surface of the gear 110 into the receiving space, and the pivot 151 and the limiting post 153 are respectively located on two sides of the shaft hole 152. The elastic element 120 may include a winding portion 122, and two elastic arms 121 extend from the winding portion 122 in different directions, and can clamp an angle θ. When the elastic member 120 is placed in the accommodating space, the winding portion 122 can be sleeved on the pivot 151, and the clutch member 130 can be connected to the elastic member 120 and limited by the elastic member 120.

[0017] The clutch 130 may include two plates 131, with their inner ends pivotally connected to each other, and their outer ends limited by spring arms 121. Each plate 131 is arc-shaped, narrower at the outer end and wider at the inner end, and when the two plates 131 are assembled, they can generally form a semi-circular arc. Each clutch portion 140 may be integrally protruding from the outer end of each plate 131, so that they are symmetrical to each other, and the line connecting the two clutch portions 140 passes through the center of the mounting plate 150 to correspond to each linkage portion 112, thereby increasing the stability of the structure. In other embodiments, the clutch may also be a one-piece structure and include a mounting portion, and the clutch portion may be, for example, a top ball assembled in the mounting portion, without limitation. In addition, in some embodiments, the position of the linkage portion may be asymmetrical, so the position of each clutch portion on each clutch may be different to match different configurations of linkage portions.

[0018] Each plate 131 may include a step portion 1311, a pin 1312 and a pin groove 1313. Each step portion 1311 is located at the inner end of each plate 131. An inner surface 1311a of the two step portions 1311 is opposite to each other. Each pin groove 1313 is opened in each step portion 1311. Each pin 1312 protrudes from each inner surface 1311a and into each pin groove 1313. When the two step portions 1311 rotate, each pin 1312 moves in each pin groove 1313.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the thickness of plate 131 along the axis of gear 110 is thinner at its inner end, forming a step portion 1311. Therefore, when the two plates 131 are assembled, by stacking the thinner step portions 1311, the overall thickness of the clutch 130 can be avoided, making the clutch mechanism 100 lighter and thinner, but this is not a limitation. Plate 131 may further include a through hole 1314 penetrating the step portion 1311, and the through hole 1314 of the two plates 131 is fitted onto the limiting post 153 for positioning. Pin 1312 and pin groove 1313 are located on opposite sides of the through hole 1314. By having the pin 1312 of one plate 131 protrude into the pin groove 1313 of the other plate 131, the two plates 131 can be limited and the two plates 131 can be allowed to rotate relative to each other. By configuring the pins 1312 and pin slots 1313 on the plate 131, movement in other directions can be avoided when the plate 131 deforms, thereby increasing the stability of the structure.

[0020] Please refer to Figure 4, and also to Figures 2 and 3, wherein Figure 4 shows another front view of the clutch mechanism 100 removing the setting plate 150 of the embodiment in Figure 1. The clutch member 130 may further include two guide grooves 132, each guide groove 132 being located at the outer end of each plate 131, and each spring arm 121 being confined within each guide groove 132. When each linkage 112 pushes each clutch part 140 to move radially, each spring arm 121 moves along an arc L1, and each guide groove 132 at least partially overlaps with the arc L1. Herein, the arc L1 refers to a partial line segment of a circle drawn with the bending point between the spring arm 121 and the winding part 122 as the center and the length between the spring arm 121 and the bending point as the radius.

[0021] In this embodiment, each guide groove 132 penetrates each plate 131 and is adjacent to each clutch portion 140. Each spring arm 121 may include a hook portion that engages with each guide groove 132. However, in other embodiments, the guide groove may not penetrate each plate, and this is not a limitation. As shown in Figure 3, each linkage portion 112 contacts each clutch portion 140 at this time. Therefore, when the gear 110 is driven to rotate in the first rotation direction R1 by a motor (such as motor 210 shown in Figure 5), it can push the clutch portion 140, causing the elastic element 120 to rotate in conjunction with the setting disk 150. In this way, a target object connected to the setting disk 150 can be rotated, for example, driving the drive shaft (such as drive shaft 230 shown in Figure 5) and the latch (such as latch 240 shown in Figure 5). When the target object reaches a target position, it can no longer be driven, but the gear 110 continues to rotate. At this time, because the setting disk 150 is fixed due to the influence of the target object, the clutch part 140 will be pushed by the linkage part 112 and generate radial displacement. Since the clutch part 140 is connected to the clutch member 130, and the clutch member 130 is limited to the two spring arms 121, when the clutch part 140 moves in conjunction with the spring arms 121, the spring arms 121 will move along the arc L1. Therefore, when a part of the guide groove 132 overlaps with the arc L1, the movement will be smoother, and the clutch part 140 can only move on the plane.

[0022] As shown in Figure 4, the clutch 140 is pushed by the linkage 112 and generates radial displacement, at which time the angle θ will decrease. Afterwards, the gear 110 continues to rotate, and the restoring force of the elastic element 120 can restore the clutch 140 by restoring the angle θ (returning to the original angle θ). In this way, the clutch 140 can be moved from one side of the linkage 112 to the other side. In addition to avoiding damage to the motor, the gear 110 can also drive the setting plate 150 to reset the target object in the second rotation direction R2.

[0023] It should be specifically noted that when setting the dimensions of the elastic element of the present invention, the elastic coefficient of the elastic element can be calculated through the dimensions, and the force applied to the elastic element can be calculated by using the calculated elastic coefficient and the interference of the structure. Then, the applied force and the length and angle of the spring arm set according to the design are substituted into the torque balance equation to obtain the elastic coefficient of the elastic element. Finally, the dimensions of the elastic element can be adjusted by using the Young's coefficient of the material of the elastic element itself and the elastic coefficient, but this is not a limitation. That is to say, the force can be calculated first, and the material to be selected can be determined to determine the Young's coefficient. Then, the outer diameter and the number of turns can be determined. After that, the length of the actuating spring arm and the wire diameter are set, and then the dimensions are fine-tuned. The adjustment formula can be (E×d 4) / (3667×D×N+289×(a1+a2)), where E is the Young's coefficient, d is the wire diameter, D is the diameter of the winding part, N is the number of turns of the winding part, and a1 and a2 are the actuating arms of the spring arm.

[0024] Please refer to Figure 5, which illustrates a perspective view of an electronic lock 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The electronic lock 200 includes a motor 210, a clutch mechanism 220, a drive shaft 230, and a latch 240. The clutch mechanism 220 is coupled to the motor 210 and includes at least one linkage (not shown in the embodiment of Figure 5), at least one clutch (not shown in the embodiment of Figure 5), and an elastic member (not shown in the embodiment of Figure 5). The aforementioned at least one linkage is driven by the motor 210.

[0025] The aforementioned at least one clutch portion and one side of the aforementioned at least one linkage portion are in contact with each other. An elastic element (not shown in the embodiment of Figure 5) is coupled to the aforementioned at least one clutch portion and includes two spring arms (not shown in the embodiment of Figure 5), with an angle between the two spring arms (not shown in the embodiment of Figure 5). When the motor 210 drives the aforementioned at least one linkage portion to rotate in a first rotation direction R1, the aforementioned at least one clutch portion linkage latch 240 moves in a first movement direction; when the aforementioned at least one linkage portion pushes the aforementioned at least one clutch portion to move radially and change the angle of the two spring arms, the two spring arms provide a restoring force to the aforementioned at least one clutch portion, causing the aforementioned at least one clutch portion to reset and move to the other side of the aforementioned at least one linkage portion.

[0026] The structure of the clutch mechanism 220 is similar to that of the clutch mechanism 100 in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 4, and the details will not be repeated. The shaft hole of the mounting plate (not shown in the embodiment of Figure 5) in the clutch mechanism 220 allows the drive shaft 230 to pass through it, and the shape of the shaft hole matches the engaging portion of the drive shaft 230, allowing it to be limited in rotation with the drive shaft 230. Furthermore, the center hole of the gear (not shown in the embodiment of Figure 5) in the clutch mechanism 220 can be a circular hole and does not match the engaging portion, so when the gear rotates freely relative to the mounting plate, it will not affect the drive shaft 230.

[0027] The electronic lock 200 may further include a first transmission gear 250 and a second transmission gear 260. The first transmission gear 250 meshes with the drive shaft of the motor 210, and the second transmission gear 260 meshes with the first transmission gear 250 and drives the gear in the clutch mechanism 220. In this way, the effect of driving the gear to rotate can be achieved.

[0028] When the clutch part has moved to the other side of the linkage part, the user can manually drive the knob 270 to rotate in the second rotation direction R2. At this time, since the linkage part has moved to the other side, it will not affect the knob 270 from driving the transmission shaft 230 and the setting plate to rotate in the second rotation direction R2, and the latch 240 can be moved and retracted in a second movement direction.

[0029] As can be seen from the above embodiments, the present invention has the following advantages: 1. By configuring a single elastic element, the number of parts is reduced, and lower-cost materials can be used, thus effectively reducing manufacturing costs. 2. Compared with the conventional two elastic elements, a single elastic element saves space, making the design more compact and suitable for applications with limited space. 3. A single elastic element has a simpler structure, reducing the number of components and assembly steps, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency. 4. The elastic element can be made of materials with good elasticity and a low coefficient of friction, thereby reducing frictional resistance and making the door lock opening and closing smoother, reducing the failure rate. 5. Compared with the conventional dual elastic elements, the configuration of a single elastic element reduces the possibility of component failure, that is, the chance of failure is relatively low, thus improving product reliability. 6. Compared with the conventional structure, the configuration of a single elastic element is easier to repair and replace, which not only simplifies the repair procedure but also reduces the required repair time and cost. 7. The structure of the single elastic element is more compact, making the overall door lock smaller, meeting the needs of modern homes for streamlined design. 8. The elastic elements of traditional electronic locks are easily affected by the external environment, such as temperature changes and humidity, which can lead to inflexible opening and closing or malfunctions. The elastic elements in this case use more robust materials and structures, which can better cope with various environmental conditions and improve the reliability and durability of the product.

[0030] Furthermore, the clutch mechanism of the present invention can be used not only in door lock systems such as electronic locks, but also in the automotive industry, home appliances, and industrial machinery. In the automotive industry, applications include opening and closing systems for car door locks, engine compartments, and trunk lids, as well as seat adjustment systems. In home appliances, applications include controlling the opening and closing of refrigerator doors, microwave oven doors, etc. In industrial machinery, applications include opening and closing systems for valves, door locks, robotic arms, etc., and other mechanical components requiring torsional movement, thus enabling a wider range of applications.

[0031] Although the present invention has been disclosed above by way of embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make various modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0009] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a clutch mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the clutch mechanism of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a front view of the clutch mechanism of the embodiment of Figure 1 with a setting plate removed; Figure 4 shows another front view of the clutch mechanism of the embodiment of Figure 1 with the setting plate removed; and Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an electronic lock according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. A clutch mechanism, comprising: at least one linkage; at least one clutch corresponding to the at least one linkage; and an elastic member coupled to the at least one clutch and comprising two spring arms, the two spring arms having an angle between them; wherein, When the at least one clutch part and one side of the at least one linkage part come into contact with each other, the at least one linkage part and the at least one clutch part are allowed to rotate together; when the at least one linkage part pushes against the at least one clutch part and moves radially to change the angle of the two spring arms, the two spring arms provide a restoring force to the at least one clutch part, so that the at least one clutch part is reset and moves to the other side of the at least one linkage part.

2. The clutch mechanism as described in claim 1 further includes a gear having an inner annular surface, and the at least one linkage portion radially protruding from the inner annular surface.

3. The clutch mechanism as described in claim 2 further includes a clutch element, wherein the at least one clutch portion is disposed on the clutch element.

4. The clutch mechanism as described in claim 3, wherein, The clutch comprises two plates, the inner ends of which are pivotally connected to each other, and the outer ends of each plate are limited by the respective spring arms.

5. The clutch mechanism as described in claim 4, wherein, The clutch further includes two guide grooves, each guide groove being located at the outer end of each plate, and each spring arm being limited to each guide groove.

6. The clutch mechanism as described in claim 5, wherein, Each plate includes a step, a pin and a pin groove. Each step is located at the inner end of each plate. The inner surfaces of the two steps are opposite to each other. Each pin groove is opened in each step. Each pin protrudes from the inner surface and into the pin groove. When the two steps are rotated, each pin moves in the pin groove.

7. The clutch mechanism as described in claim 3, wherein, It further includes a setting plate, and the clutch is disposed on the setting plate and clamped between the setting plate and the gear.

8. The clutch mechanism as described in claim 4, wherein, The number of at least one clutch portion is two, and each clutch portion is integrally protruding from the outer end of each plate.

9. An electronic lock, comprising: a motor; a clutch mechanism coupled to the motor and comprising: at least one linkage driven by the motor; at least one clutch corresponding to the at least one linkage; and an elastic member coupled to the at least one clutch and comprising two spring arms having an angle between the two spring arms; a drive shaft coupled to the at least one clutch; and a latch connected to the drive shaft; wherein, The at least one clutch part and one side of the at least one linkage part are in contact with each other. When the motor drives the at least one linkage part to rotate in a first rotation direction, the at least one clutch part is linked to the latch to move in a first movement direction. When the at least one linkage part pushes the at least one clutch part to move radially and change the angle of the two spring arms, the two spring arms provide a reset force to the at least one clutch part, so that the at least one clutch part is reset and moves to the other side of the at least one linkage part.

10. The electronic lock as described in claim 9, wherein, The clutch mechanism further includes a gear with an inner ring surface, and the at least one linkage portion is radially protruding from the inner ring surface.

11. The electronic lock as described in claim 10, wherein, The clutch mechanism further includes a clutch element, and the at least one clutch portion is disposed on the clutch element.

12. The electronic lock as described in claim 11, wherein, The clutch comprises two plates, the inner ends of which are pivotally connected to each other, and the outer ends of each plate are limited by the respective spring arms.

13. The electronic lock as described in claim 12, wherein, The clutch further includes two guide grooves, each guide groove being located at the outer end of each plate, and each spring arm being limited to each guide groove.

14. The electronic lock as described in claim 13, wherein, The number of at least one clutch portion is two, and each clutch portion is integrally protruding from the outer end of each plate.

15. The electronic lock as described in claim 13, wherein, When the at least one linkage pushes the at least one clutch to move radially, each of the spring arms moves along an arc, and each of the guide grooves at least partially overlaps with the arc.

16. The electronic lock as described in claim 13, wherein, Each plate includes a step, a pin and a pin groove. Each step is located at the inner end of each plate. The inner surfaces of the two steps are opposite to each other. Each pin groove is opened in each step. Each pin protrudes from the inner surface and into the pin groove. When the two steps are rotated, each pin moves in the pin groove.

17. The electronic lock as described in claim 14, wherein, The clutch mechanism further includes a mounting plate, the clutch element is disposed on the mounting plate and sandwiched between the mounting plate and the gear, and the mounting plate includes a shaft hole for the drive shaft to pass through.

18. The electronic lock as claimed in claim 17, wherein the connection between the two clutches passes through the center of the setting disc.

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