Portable electronic lock

Abstract

A portable electronic lock having a lock body and a closing ring, the lock body having a locking device, the closing ring being movable relative to the lock body between a closed position and an open position, wherein the closing ring can be locked to the lock body in the closed position by means of the locking device. The lock has at least an electric unit, an electric energy source, a signal generator and a control unit. The control unit is configured to monitor the charge level of the electric energy source and to control the signal generator to output a charge level warning signal sequence in the form of the letter sequence "S-O-S" according to Morse code if the charge level of the electric energy source drops below a predetermined limit value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a portable electronic lock having a lock body and a closing ring, wherein the lock body has a locking device and the closing ring is movable relative to the lock body between a closed position and an open position, wherein the closing ring can be locked to the lock body in the closed position by means of the locking device. Background Art

[0002] In mobile applications, such locks can be used to secure an object (e.g., a two-wheeled vehicle) to a stationary object or to immobilize an object. Such locks can also be used to selectively attach to a stationary object's fixing device (e.g., a hasp attached to a building door) for safe access.

[0003] This lock can also have an electric unit, an electric energy source, a signal generator and a control unit. The control unit can be connected to the electric unit, the electric energy source and the signal generator, in particular to control the electric unit and the signal generator, and to be provided with energy by the electric energy source. The electric unit can be part of the locking device of the lock or can be independent of the locking device of the lock. By integrating the electric unit into the lock, in particular into the lock body, it is possible to make the extended functional range of the lock possible, for example, in the case of an electromechanical locking device, by local authentication (for example, by means of a biometric recognition sensor, or by means of a radio frequency identification (RFID) transmitting / receiving unit, or by entering a code directly at the lock or via a mobile terminal device) to electronically control the locking device. The extended functional range of the lock can also include an alarm function, a remote status query or a remote control alternatively or additionally. In a mobile lock, a separate electric energy source, in particular a battery, such as an electrical storage battery, is required for this purpose. The control unit can be configured to monitor the charging level of the electric energy source.

[0004] For example, a U-shaped ring lock with an electromechanical locking device and an alarm device is known from DE 10 2018 111 302 A1. A portable folding lock for a two-wheeled vehicle with an alarm device is known from DE 10 2017 105 031 A1.

[0005] During operation of the lock, a confirmation signal or a warning signal can be output to the user, in particular as an acoustically or optically perceptible signal. For this purpose, the lock can in particular have an acoustic signal generator (e.g. a piezoelectric signal generator) or an optical signal generator (e.g. a light-emitting diode). The acoustic or optical signal generator can be easily accommodated in the portable lock and is robust, which is particularly advantageous if the portable lock is also to be used outdoors. For example, provision can be made that a confirmation signal is output to the user for the states "received / executed unlocking command", "received / executed locking command", "command for activating a received / executed alarm device" and / or "command for deactivating a received / executed alarm device". However, the number of confirmation signals or warning signals that can be distinguished by the user is limited.

[0006] If the energy content stored in the electrical energy source gradually becomes insufficient during operation of the portable lock (which is a relatively rare occurrence compared to the locking and unlocking process), and if this would be indicated to the user by another (e.g. acoustic or optical) signal, the warning signal may not be recognized or misinterpreted by the user. In contrast, in portable locks, display devices (displays) capable of displaying corresponding textual warning messages are usually too complex, too large, too sensitive to weather conditions, and have too high energy consumption. Summary of the invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a portable lock of the stated type which provides the user with a better perceptible warning in the event of an insufficient charge level of the electrical energy source.

[0008] The object is achieved by a portable electronic lock comprising a lock body and a closing loop, the lock body having a locking device, and the closing loop being movable relative to the lock body between a closed position and an open position. The locking device is configured to lock the closing loop at the lock body in the closed position. The portable electronic lock has at least an electric unit, an electric energy source, a signal generator and a control unit. The control unit is configured to monitor the charge level of the electric energy source and, if the charge level of the electric energy source drops below a predetermined limit value, control the signal generator to output a charge level warning signal sequence in the form of a letter sequence "SOS" according to Morse code.

[0009] In such a lock, the control unit may monitor whether the remaining capacity of the electrical energy source falls below a predetermined limit value. This may be done, for example, by monitoring a voltage threshold or by monitoring the electrical energy consumption. For example, the control unit may perform a balancing of the amount of energy taken from the electrical energy source relative to the amount of energy supplied to or initially present in the electrical energy source. The predetermined limit value may in particular correspond to a value in the range of 5% to 20% of the nominal capacity of the electrical energy source, for example a value of 10% or 15% or 20%.

[0010] If monitoring shows that the charge level of the electrical energy source (i.e. the charge state) drops below a predetermined limit value, the control unit may (directly or as a result of another trigger, as described below) control the signal generator of the lock to output a charge level warning signal sequence. The charge level warning signal sequence corresponds to the letter sequence "SOS" according to Morse code.

[0011] The letter sequence "SOS" (as an abbreviation for "Save Our Souls") is familiar to many people, is easily recognizable as a sound or light signal and can easily be associated with a critical state for most users. In connection with a portable lock, the transmission of an "SOS" signal is unusual and the user can easily associate it with an "emergency call" of the lock itself. Therefore, the use of the letter sequence "SOS" for the relatively rare event of insufficient energy supply of the power source is particularly memorable and easily recognizable for the user. As a result, misunderstandings and the absence of timely replacement or recharging of the electrical energy source can be better avoided. In this way, inappropriate malfunctions of the electrical unit of the lock due to unexpected energy supply consumption are reliably prevented without the need for expensive and / or space-consuming signaling devices (such as displays for text messages) in order to warn the user in a timely and easily recognizable manner.

[0012] In particular, the charge level warning signal sequence can be output with a volume or intensity corresponding to a perception range (e.g., an auditory range or a visual range) of several meters, for example, a maximum of 20 meters, or a maximum of 10 meters, or a maximum of 3 meters, or a maximum of 2 meters under typical environmental conditions. Thus, the charge level warning signal sequence is prevented from notifying or unnecessarily alerting other persons other than the user who is in the vicinity of the lock. In the case of an acoustic signal generator, the volume of the output charge level warning signal sequence can in particular be lower than the volume of the alarm signal of the alarm device of the output lock.

[0013] The charge level warning signal sequence may in particular comprise a sequence of three short signals, three long signals and three short signals, in particular a sequence of three short tones, three long tones and three short tones (at the same pitch or at different pitches).

[0014] Other embodiments of the present invention will be explained below.

[0015] In some embodiments, the signal generator may be configured as an acoustic signal generator for outputting signal tones, such as a piezoelectric signal generator.The charge level warning signal sequence may then be formed by the charge level warning tone sequence.

[0016] As an alternative or in addition to an acoustic signal generator, the lock can also have an optical signal generator, for example one or more light emitting diodes.

[0017] In a compact, rugged, and inexpensive embodiment, the portable electronic lock has no display configured to display a text warning message.

[0018] In some embodiments, the electrical unit of the lock may include at least one of the following devices:

[0019] - an electric drive device configured to drive a latch of the locking device;

[0020] - an electronic warning device configured to detect a manipulation attempt and to output an acoustic warning signal via a signal generator; and / or

[0021] - Radio communication equipment.

[0022] The electromechanical locking device can be realized by providing an electric drive device. The latch of the locking device can lock the closed loop of the lock directly (for example, by engaging in the closed loop) or indirectly (for example, via driving a blocking element or by engaging behind a blocking element associated with the closed loop). The latch can lock at least one end of the closed loop to the lock body in a locked position and can release the corresponding end of the closed loop to be released from the lock body in a released position. The electric drive device can, for example, have an electric motor, in particular a gear motor, or an electromagnet.

[0023] When using the electric drive device, the control unit can be configured such that if the charge level of the electrical energy source drops below a threshold value, the control unit does not control the electric drive device to drive the latch into the locked position. The threshold value can correspond to the predetermined limit value or another limit value. The lock can thus be prevented from being locked even though there will presumably not be enough energy available to subsequently open the lock again. The further limit value can in particular correspond to a charge level that is lower than the predetermined limit value for the output of the charge level warning signal sequence.

[0024] As an alternative to an electromechanical locking device, the locking device can be configured as a purely mechanical locking device, in particular as a locking device comprising a key-operated cylinder or comprising a rotatable encoding ring.

[0025] The alarm device may have an acceleration sensor. Such an acceleration sensor may in particular be configured as a vibration sensor, by means of which vibrations which the portable electronic lock typically experiences during a disconnection attempt may be detected. This makes it possible to recognize a disconnection attempt and thereby trigger an alarm signal, in particular an acoustically perceptible alarm signal, or output an alarm signal via a signal generator. The control device of the lock may be configured to control the alarm device. The control device may in particular be configured to activate or deactivate the alarm device, in order, for example, to prevent the triggering of an undesired alarm signal.

[0026] The radio communication device may have a radio transmitter and / or a radio receiver, for example to receive control commands and / or authentication signals of an authorized user and / or to send status information or confirmation signals. The radio communication device may in particular communicate with a radio remote control or with a mobile terminal device (e.g., a smart phone) of a user.

[0027] In some embodiments, the control unit may be configured to control the signal generator to output the charge level warning signal sequence only when an actuation of the lock is determined by means of the control unit. Thus, the charge level warning signal sequence does not have to be output immediately when the predetermined limit value is reached or determined, but only when the actuation triggering the output of the charge level warning signal sequence occurs at the portable lock, in particular by an authorized user. It is thus achieved that the charge level warning signal sequence is only output when a user, in particular an authorized user, is in the vicinity of the portable lock.

[0028] Monitoring of the charge level of the electrical energy source by means of the control unit may take place regularly or likewise only when the control unit determines an actuation of the lock, in particular by an authorized user, which triggers a check of the charge level.

[0029] In conjunction with the present invention, an authorized user can be a user who has a password for the lock (an electronic password, for example as a numeric code or as a transponder, or a mechanical password, for example as a mechanical key) and / or whose biometric data is stored in the lock so that authentication can be performed (for example, a fingerprint).

[0030] The actuation of the lock which may be determined by the control unit and trigger the output of a charge level warning signal sequence and / or a check of the charge level of the electrical energy source may for example comprise:

[0031] - actuation of a biometric sensor of the lock, for example a fingerprint sensor, wherein, in some embodiments, “activation of the lock” exists in particular only if the actuation of the biometric sensor results in a successful authentication of the user;

[0032] - receiving a radio signal (e.g. mobile radio, Bluetooth, WLAN, RFID) indicating an unlock command or a lock command and / or having an authorized user; and / or

[0033] - actuation of the lock switch;

[0034] - Actuation of the lock cylinder of the locking device by means of an associated key.

[0035] The closed loop of the portable lock may, for example, be single-ended or have two ends.

[0036] In some embodiments, the closing loop of the portable lock may comprise a rigid loop (eg, a U-shaped hook in a padlock) or a flexible loop, in particular a connecting rod loop (eg, in a folding lock), a wire or a chain.

[0037] In some embodiments, the closed loop of the portable lock may have at least one free end that can be locked to the lock body to form a closed loop. In some embodiments, the closed loop may have another end that is permanently connected to the lock body.

[0038] In some embodiments, in particular in portable locks configured as padlocks, a U-shaped closed loop with two arms of different lengths may be provided, wherein the long arm is permanently fixed to the lock body and only the short arm is released from the lock body in the open position. This enables the U-shaped loop to pivot about the axis of the long arm so that the U-shaped loop can be guided through an object starting from the short arm without the closed loop having to be completely released from the lock body.

[0039] In some embodiments, the closing ring of the portable lock can include a latch (e.g., a pin-shaped latch) that is released from the lock body in the open position and inserted into the lock body in the closed position. For example, such a lock can be configured as a brake disc lock for a motorcycle.

[0040] As mentioned above, if the charge level of the electrical energy source drops below a threshold value, the control unit may be configured not to drive the latch into the locked position. This omission of locking the lock when the charge level of the electrical energy source is too low forms an independent aspect of the invention and is also advantageous when the control unit does not control the signal generator of the lock to output the "SOS" charge level warning signal sequence explained above. In this respect, the invention also generally relates to a portable electronic lock having a lock body, the lock body having a locking device and a closed loop movable relative to the lock body between a closed position and an open position, wherein the closed loop can be locked to the lock in the closed position by means of the locking device, wherein the locking device has at least one latch for locking the closed loop in the closed position and an electric drive device (e.g. a motor or an electromagnet) for driving the latch, wherein the lock has an electrical energy source and a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to monitor the charge level of the electrical energy source, and wherein the control unit is configured not to control the electric drive device to lock the closed loop (in particular to drive the latch to the locked position) if the charge level of the electrical energy source drops below a predetermined threshold value. As mentioned above, the lock can thereby be prevented from being locked even if it is expected that insufficient energy will be available to subsequently unlock the lock or close the loop again.

[0041] The predetermined threshold value may correspond to a value ranging from 5% to 20% of the nominal capacity of the electrical energy source, for example to a value of 15% or 10% or 5%.

[0042] Such a lock or the omission of locking of the closed loop can in particular be provided even upon receipt of a locking command, for example based on a signal of a sensor representing the insertion of the closed loop into the lock body.

[0043] In another aspect, other embodiments of such a lock may be provided, as explained for a lock having an output of an "SOS" charge level warning signal sequence. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0045] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a portable electronic lock configured as a padlock is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Figure 1 A portable or mobile lock is shown with a lock body 11 and a U-shaped closing ring 13. An electromechanical locking device 15 is arranged in the lock body 11. The locking device 15 comprises an electric motor 17, a rotary latch 19 in the form of a cam driven by the electric motor 17, and two blocking elements 21. In the locked position of the rotary latch 19, the blocking elements 21 are pushed radially outwards into the engagement grooves 23 of the closing ring 13. The closing ring 13 is thus locked in place. Figure 1 , and forms a closed ring. In the released position of the rotary latch 19, the blocking element 21 is released to move back radially inwards, so that the closed ring 13 can be moved from the closed position shown to the open position. Starting from the open position, the closed ring 13 can be moved manually to the closed position and can then be locked again electromechanically.

[0047] An electrical energy source in the form of an acceleration sensor 25, an acoustic signal generator 27, a fingerprint sensor 29, a radio communication device 31 and a battery 33 is also arranged in the lock body 11. The battery 33 provides electrical energy to the motor 17, the acceleration sensor 25, the signal generator 27, the fingerprint sensor 29 and the radio communication device 31. In addition, an electronic control unit 35 is provided, which controls the motor 17 in response to the signal of the fingerprint sensor 29 and in response to the command signal received via the radio communication device 31 to unlock the closed loop 13. The control unit 35 is also configured to evaluate the signal of the acceleration sensor 25 relative to vibrations in an alarm mode so as to control the signal generator 27 to output an alarm signal tone when vibrations are detected. Therefore, the control unit 35 is thereby configured as an alarm device that can be selectively activated or deactivated.

[0048] The control unit 35 is further configured to control the signal generator 27 to output acoustic confirmation signals to the user, that is, for the states “unlock command received”, “lock command received”, “alarm mode activated” and “alarm mode deactivated”.

[0049] The control unit 35 is also configured to monitor and evaluate the charge level of the battery 33, wherein if the detected (e.g., determined or calculated) charge level of the battery 33 drops below a predetermined limit value (e.g., 20% of the nominal capacity), the control unit 35 controls the signal generator 27 to output a charge level warning signal sequence in the form of a charge level warning tone sequence. The charge level warning signal sequence has the form of a letter sequence "SOS" according to Morse code, i.e., a sequence of three short tones, three long tones, and three short tones. Even if it is rarely output, the user can easily recognize the letter sequence, and the letter sequence is associated with an expected event of the energy supply arrangement, so that the user can take necessary countermeasures (replace or recharge the battery 33) in a timely manner.

[0050] However, when receiving a signal from the fingerprint sensor 29 or the radio communication device 31, the control unit 35 only controls the signal generator 27 to output the charge level warning signal sequence, and thus it can be assumed that the authorized user is near the lock and also perceives the charge level warning signal sequence.

[0051] According to an independent advantageous aspect, even when a locking command is received (e.g. via the fingerprint sensor 29, the radio communication device 31, or another sensor which can in particular indicate the insertion of the closed loop 13 into the lock body 11), the control unit 35 is further configured to not control the motor 17 to lock the closed loop 13 if the detected charge level of the battery 33 drops below a predetermined threshold. It is thus possible to prevent the closed loop 13 from being locked even if temporarily insufficient energy is available to subsequently unlock the closed loop 13 again.

[0052] Although the invention has been explained above with reference to a lock in which the closing ring 13 is moved manually from the open position to the closed position, it is also possible within the framework of the invention to drive not only the rotary latch 19 but also the closing ring 13 (to carry out the movement from the open position to the closed position and / or from the closed position to the open position) by means of the electric motor 17.

[0053] Description of Reference Numerals

[0054] 11 Lock body

[0055] 13 Closed loop

[0056] 15. Lock your device

[0057] 17 Electric Motor

[0058] 19 Rotary latch

[0059] 21 Blocking element

[0060] 23 Engagement groove

[0061] 25 Acceleration sensor

[0062] 27 Signal Generator

[0063] 29 Fingerprint sensor

[0064] 31 Radio communication equipment

[0065] 33 Batteries

[0066] 35 Control Unit

Claims

1. A portable electronic lock comprising a lock body (11) and a closed ring (13), wherein the lock body (11) has a locking device (15), and the closed ring (13) is movable relative to the lock body (11) between a closed position and an open position, wherein: The locking device (15) is configured to lock the closing ring (13) at the lock body (11) in the closed position, The portable electronic lock comprises at least an electric unit, an electric energy source (33), a signal generator (27) and a control unit (35). The signal generator (27) is configured as an acoustic signal generator, which outputs an acoustically perceptible signal. wherein the control unit (35) is configured to monitor the charge level of the electrical energy source (33), wherein the control unit (35) is configured to control the signal generator (27) to output a charge level warning signal sequence in the form of a letter sequence "SOS" according to Morse code if the charge level of the electrical energy source (33) drops below a predetermined limit value, Wherein, the control unit (35) is configured to control the signal generator (27) to output the charge level warning signal sequence only when it is determined that the portable electronic lock is actuated by an authorized user.

2. The portable electronic lock according to claim 1, wherein: The charge level warning signal sequence includes a sequence of three short signals, three long signals and three short signals.

3. The portable electronic lock according to claim 1, wherein: The portable electronic lock does not have a display capable of displaying a text warning message.

4. The portable electronic lock according to claim 1, wherein: The electric unit has an electric drive device which is configured to drive a latch (19) of the locking device (15).

5. The portable electronic lock according to claim 4, wherein: The electric drive device has an electric motor (17) or an electromagnet.

6. The portable electronic lock according to claim 4, wherein: The control unit (35) is configured not to control the electric drive device to lock the closed loop (13) if the charge level of the electrical energy source (33) drops below a threshold value.

7. The portable electronic lock according to claim 6, wherein: The threshold value corresponds to a charge level lower than the predetermined limit value.

8. The portable electronic lock according to claim 1, wherein: The electrical unit has an electronic warning device which is configured to detect a manipulation attempt and to output an acoustic warning signal via the signal generator (27).

9. The portable electronic lock according to claim 8, wherein: The electronic alarm device has an acceleration sensor (25).

10. The portable electronic lock according to claim 1, wherein: The electrical unit has a radio communication device (31) which includes at least one of a radio transmitter and a radio receiver.

11. The portable electronic lock according to claim 1, wherein: The closed ring (13) comprises a rigid ring or a flexible ring.

12. The portable electronic lock according to claim 1, wherein: The closed loop (13) has at least one free end, and the free end can be locked to the lock body (11) to form a closed loop.

13. The portable electronic lock according to claim 1, wherein: The closing ring has a latch which is released from the lock body (11) in the open position and which is inserted into the lock body (11) in the closed position.

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