Double-lock combination padlock with decoding function

Abstract

A padlock includes a lock body, a combination mechanism for controlling the vertical movement of a camshaft, a key mechanism for controlling the rotational movement of the camshaft, and more than one clutch mounted in the camshaft to control the vertical movement of the camshaft, wherein the camshaft is used to control locking and unlocking of the combination mechanism, wherein more than one dial is mounted on the lock body, and the padlock also has a locking bolt for contacting a shackle, the shackle having a long leg and a short leg, the long leg and the short leg having bolt receiving cutouts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a padlock with a dual locking mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] The combination padlock developed by Mr. Eric Lai, in US Patent No. US711769B, is a highly secure padlock structure and is one of the most secure combination padlocks in the medium-sized range. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention includes a dual locking control device, one controlled by a key mechanism and the other by a combination mechanism. Furthermore, the padlock has a decoding function, wherein when the lock is unlocked by the key, the user can retrieve a lost password (a lost combination password).

[0004] Parts list ( Figures 1A to 19C )

[0005] 10 padlocks

[0006] 20 protective covers

[0007] 30 Protective Cover (Other Half)

[0008] 40 Lock body front; 41 Short leg shackle hole; 42 Long leg shackle hole

[0009] 43 Bolt slot; 44 Shaft hole; 45 Lock core hole; 46 Long leg protrusion slot

[0010] 47 Decoding slot; 48 Reset fin slot; 49 Torque spring slot; 50 Lock body back.

[0011] 51 Short leg shackle hole; 52 Long leg shackle hole; 53 Bolt slot; 54 Shaft hole

[0012] 55 Lock cylinder hole; 56 Long leg protrusion groove; 57 Decoding groove

[0013] 58 Decoding rod channel; 59 Rotating vertical channel; 50A Reset fin slot

[0014] 50B Torque Spring Groove 60 Shackle 61 Short Leg Shackle 62 Long Leg

[0015] 63 Bolt accommodates the cut; 64 Long leg protrusion; 70 Bolt; 80 Camshaft

[0016] 81 Shaft protrusion; 82 Bolt slot; 83 Directional fin; 84 Shaft tail.

[0017] 90 Clutch; 91 Short fin; 92 Long fin; 93 Decoding fin; 94 Opening gap

[0018] 95 Fault gate, 100 dial, 101 teeth, 110 transmission cam, 111 shaft tail groove

[0019] 112 Lock cylinder tail, 113 Torque spring groove, 120 Lock cylinder, 121 Lock cylinder tail groove

[0020] 130 Decoder board; 131 Slope; 132 Decoder finger; 140 Decoder rod; 141 Pin.

[0021] 142 spring receiver rod, 150 torque spring, 160 shaft spring

[0022] 170 Decoder Spring, 180 Shackle Spring, 190 Key, 200 Cable End, 201 Bolt Cutout Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1A It is along Figure 1B The cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention is taken by line AA.

[0024] Figure 1B It is along Figure 1A The image above is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention, taken by line BB.

[0025] Figure 1C It is along Figure 1A The cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention is taken by line CC.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the protective cover 20 of the padlock assembly.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the protective cover 30 of the padlock assembly.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a front perspective view of the lock body of the padlock assembly.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the back of the padlock assembly's lock body.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the shackle of the padlock assembly.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the bolts of the padlock assembly.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the camshaft of the padlock assembly.

[0033] Figure 9A and Figure 9B This is a perspective view of the clutch in the padlock assembly.

[0034] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the dial of the padlock assembly.

[0035] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the transmission cam of the padlock assembly.

[0036] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the padlock combination lock cylinder.

[0037] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the decoder panel of the padlock assembly.

[0038] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the decoding lever of the padlock assembly.

[0039] Figure 15A It is along Figure 15B A cross-sectional view of a combination padlock taken from line AA.

[0040] Figure 15B It is along Figure 15A A cross-sectional view of a combination padlock taken from line BB.

[0041] Figure 15C It is along Figure 15A A cross-sectional view of a combination padlock taken from line CC.

[0042] Figure 16A It is along Figure 16B A cross-sectional view of the combination padlock taken by line AA.

[0043] Figure 16B It is along Figure 16A A cross-sectional view of a combination padlock taken from line BB.

[0044] Figure 16C It is along Figure 16A A cross-sectional view of a combination padlock taken from line CC.

[0045] Figure 17A It is along Figure 17B A cross-sectional view of the combination padlock taken by line AA.

[0046] Figure 17B It is along Figure 17A A cross-sectional view of a combination padlock taken from line BB.

[0047] Figure 17C It is along Figure 17A A cross-sectional view of a combination padlock taken from line CC.

[0048] Figure 18A It is along Figure 18B A cross-sectional view of the combination padlock taken by line AA.

[0049] Figure 18B It is along Figure 18A A cross-sectional view of a combination padlock taken from line BB.

[0050] Figure 18C It is along Figure 18AA cross-sectional view of a combination padlock taken from line CC.

[0051] Figure 19A In the second embodiment, along Figure 19B A cross-sectional view of the combination padlock taken by line AA.

[0052] Figure 19B It is along Figure 19A A cross-sectional view of a combination padlock taken from line BB.

[0053] Figure 19C It is along Figure 19A A cross-sectional view of a combination padlock taken from line CC. Detailed Implementation

[0054] This invention relates to a padlock 10 having a severe weather protection cover 20 / 30 to protect the lock body 40 / 50, and the padlock 10 has the following features:

[0055] Decoding (Lost Password Required) Function

[0056] The lock body 40 / 50 includes a novel decoding slot 47 / 57 associated with the decoding finger 132 of the decoding disc 130. Further, the decoding disc 130 includes a ramp 131 connected to a pin 141 of the decoding lever 140. The decoding lever 140 includes a spring-receiving rod 142 to ensure that the decoding spring 170 always pushes the decoding lever 140 upwards, which in turn pushes the decoding disc 130 to the left. If the lock is opened by a key mechanism (described below), the user can push the decoding lever 140 downwards, causing the pin 141 to drag the ramp 131 of the decoding disc 130 to the right. As the decoding disc 130 moves to the right, the decoding finger 132 moves to the right toward the center of the decoding slot 47 / 57. As the decoding finger 132 of the decoding disc 130 moves to the right toward the center of the padlock, the decoding finger 132 can engage the decoding fin 93 of the clutch 90 while the dial 100 rotates to turn the clutch 90. The dial 100 has teeth 101 that engage with the short fin 91 and long fin 92 of the clutch 90. As the dial 100 rotates, the clutch 90 rotates in the same manner. As the user pushes the dial downwards, the decoding lever 140 and decoding finger 132 push to the right towards the center. When the clutch 90 rotates clockwise, the decoding finger 132 eventually engages the decoding fins on the clutch 90. This stops the clutch from rotating, and the user knows the dial has stopped at the correct password, thus providing the user with the lost password.

[0057] A dual locking function is achieved through a combined mechanism.

[0058] The present invention includes a camshaft 80 controlled by a combination mechanism and a key locking mechanism. Both mechanisms can control the camshaft 80 and switch the camshaft 80 from a locked mode to an unlocked mode.

[0059] The camshaft 80 includes a shaft protrusion 81 that aligns with the opening clearance 94 of the clutch 90, causing the camshaft 80 to push downwards. This aligns the bolt slot 82 with the bolt 70, causing the bolt 70 to move inwards and disengage the bolt receiving cutout 63 from the bolt 70. The shackle spring 180 then pushes the shackle upwards to unlock the lock using the combination key. To relock, the user pushes the shackle downwards, and the shaft spring 160 pushes the camshaft 80 upwards, disengaging the bolt slot 82 from the bolt. The bolt 70 then engages with the bolt receiving cutout 63 of the shackle 60. The padlock is now back in the locked position.

[0060] Achieving dual locking function through a key mechanism.

[0061] Camshaft 80 includes a tail 84 that connects to a tail groove 111 of the transfer cam 110. Lock cylinder tail groove 121 of lock cylinder 120 connects to a lock cylinder tail 112 of the transfer cam 110. When the correct key 190 is inserted into lock cylinder 120, lock cylinder rotates, and then camshaft 80 rotates in the same manner. Camshaft 80 has a directional fin 83 that is positioned in a rotational vertical channel 59 of lock body 50 and restricts rotation of camshaft 80 to a certain extent to rotate camshaft 80 from a locked mode to an unlocked mode. As camshaft 80 rotates, bolt slot 82 aligns with the bolt. When bolt slot 82 aligns with the bolt, bolt 70 moves toward bolt slot 82, and bolt receiving notch 63 of shackle 60 is removed. Shackle spring 180 then pushes the shackle upward to unlock the lock. When locking is required, the key-locking user can push the shackle down to the locked position, causing the torque spring 150 to engage with the torque spring slot 113 of the transfer cam 110 and the torque spring slots 49 / 50B of the body 40 / 50. The torque spring 150 automatically rotates the camshaft 80 back to the locked position, thereby disengaging the bolt slot 82 from the bolt 70. The bolt 70 will then reconnect to the bolt receiving cutout 63 of the shackle 60. Thus, the padlock is now back in the locked position.

[0062] Locked mode ( Figures 1A to 14 )

[0063] Bolt 70 is placed in bolt slots 43 / 53 of lock body 40 / 50. Bolt 70 engages in bolt receiving notch 63 of shackle 60, so that bolt 70 contacts camshaft 80. Since camshaft 80 has neither rotational nor vertical movement, bolt 70 is not connected to any bolt slot 82—which holds bolt 70 in the locked position. Therefore, the lock is in the locked position.

[0064] A clutch 90 is assembled within the dial 100. The clutch 90 includes a short fin 91 and a long fin 92, which engage with the teeth 101 of the dial 100. The clutch also includes a decoding fin 93; in the locked mode, the decoding plate 130 is not activated, preventing the decoding finger 132 from being positioned in the decoding strip channel 58 of the lock body 50. In this state, the rotational movement of the dial 100 allows the clutch 90 to rotate freely in the same manner without any intervention.

[0065] The clutch includes an opening gap 94. In the locked mode, at least one of the opening gaps 94 of the clutch 90 is not aligned with the shaft protrusion 81 of the camshaft 80. In this case, the camshaft 80 cannot be pushed down from the top to align the bolt 70 with the bolt slot 82. In this case, the bolt 70 remains engaged with the bolt receiving cutout 63 of the shackle 60. The clutch is locked in the locked position.

[0066] The clutch 90 includes a set of fail-safe gates 95 on both sides of the clutch. In this configuration, any prying is prevented, such that pushing the camshaft 80 downwards from the top engages the shaft protrusion 81 with the fail-safe gates 95—which prevent the clutch 90 and dial 100 from rotating. Furthermore, any intruder could push the lock cylinder 120 inwards in an attempt to pry the lock, but the fail-safe gates 95 would also prevent the clutch 90 and dial 100 from rotating.

[0067] The camshaft 80 is always pushed upward by the shaft spring 160, which is located between the camshaft 80 and the first top clutch 90.

[0068] The camshaft 80 is located inside the clutch 90. The alignment of the clutch 90's opening clearance 94 and the camshaft 80's shaft protrusion 81 controls vertical movement. The top of the camshaft 80 is located in the shaft bore 44 / 54 of the lock body. The camshaft 80 includes a shaft tail 84, which is located in the shaft tail groove of the transfer cam 110. The transfer cam also includes a lock cylinder tail 112, which contacts the lock cylinder groove 121 of the lock cylinder 120. The transfer cam 110 is located below the last clutch 90. The shape of the shaft tail groove 111 of the transfer cam 110 ensures that the camshaft protrusion 81 of the camshaft 80 can only have rotational movement controlled by the movement of the lock cylinder 120, and cannot rotate freely.

[0069] The lock cylinder 120 is placed in the lock cylinder hole 45 / 55 of the lock body 40 / 50. When the key 190 has an incorrect key opening, the lock cylinder 120 remains locked. In this case, the lock cylinder 120, which holds the lock in the locked position, will not rotate.

[0070] Unlock by combining passwords ( Figures 15A to 15C )

[0071] The dial 100 includes teeth 101 that mesh with the short fin 91 and long fin 92 of the clutch 90. Rotation of the dial is the same as rotation of the clutch. The clutch 90 internally includes a camshaft 80, where vertical movement is controlled by the shaft protrusion 81 of the camshaft 80 and the opening clearance 94 of the clutch 90. If unlocking is required by combination, the user can rotate the dial 100 so that all the opening clearances 94 of the clutch 90 align with the shaft protrusion 81 of the camshaft 80. In this position, the user can push the camshaft 80 downwards so that the bolt slot 82 aligns with the bolt 70. In this case, the bolt 70 will move inwards toward the bolt slot 82 of the camshaft 80. Thus, nothing can obstruct the bolt receiving cutout 63 of the shackle 60. The shackle spring 180 then pushes the shackle 60 upwards, causing the short-leg shackle 61 to exit from the short-leg shackle hole 41 / 51 of the lock body 40 / 50. In all open modes, the long leg 62 of the shackle 60 remains at the long leg shackle hole 42 / 52.

[0072] It should be noted that the camshaft 80 has a directional fin 83, which moves downward along the vertical rotation channel 59 of the lock body 50 in the combined lock opening mode. Then, when the camshaft 80 moves downward, the directional fin 83 does not rotate.

[0073] In combination unlocking, camshaft 80 will not rotate at all because lock cylinder 120 does not rotate in this mode. Camshaft 80 only moves vertically.

[0074] To close the padlock, the shackle of the bolt receiving notch 63 of the shackle 60 must be pushed back to the locked position. Then, the shaft spring 160 will push the camshaft 80 upwards, forcing the bolt 70 back into engagement with the bolt receiving notch 63. The bolt 70 will no longer contact the bolt slot 82 of the camshaft 80. In this state, the lock returns to the locked position by turning the dial, thereby causing the clutch 90's disengagement clearance 94 to rotate away from the shaft protrusion 81 of the camshaft 80.

[0075] Unlocked by key user ( Figures 16A to 16C )

[0076] The lock cylinder 120 is placed in the lock cylinder hole 45 / 55 of the lock cylinder 40 / 50. When the correct key 190 is inserted into the lock cylinder 120, the lock cylinder can rotate. The camshaft 80 has a tail 84, and the shape of the camshaft 80 allows the tail 84 to be placed inside the tail groove 111 of the transfer cam 110. The transfer cam 110 also includes a lock cylinder tail 112, which is located in the lock cylinder tail groove 121 of the lock cylinder 120. In this position, the rotational movement of the camshaft 80 can only be controlled by the lock cylinder 120. Furthermore, the camshaft does not have vertical movement because the opening clearance 94 of the clutch 90 is not aligned with the shaft protrusion 81; therefore, in this key unlocking mode, the camshaft 80 cannot move vertically.

[0077] When a key 190 with the correct opening is inserted into the lock cylinder 120, the lock cylinder 120 rotates, and the camshaft 80 rotates in the same manner. As the camshaft 80 rotates, the bolt slot 82 aligns with the bolt 70. The pull spring 180 pushes the bolt 70 into the bolt slot 82 of the camshaft 80, and the bolt no longer engages with the bolt receiving cutout 63 of the pull 60. In this situation, the pull spring 180 continues to push the pull upward, causing the short leg 61 of the pull 60 to disengage from the short leg pull hole 41 / 51 of the lock body 40 / 50. In this state, the lock can be unlocked with the key.

[0078] When the directional fin 83 of the camshaft 80 contacts the end of the rotational vertical channel 59 of the lock body 50, the lock cylinder 120 stops rotating.

[0079] When relocking is required, the user needs to align the short leg 61 of the shackle 60 with the short leg shackle hole 41 / 51 of the lock body 40 / 50 to push the shackle back to the locked position. Then, push the shackle downwards so that the bolt receiving notch 63 of the shackle 60 aligns with the bolt 70. The torque spring 150 is located between the torque spring groove 49 / 50B of the lock body 40 / 50 and the torque spring groove 113 of the transfer cam 110. The torque spring 150 automatically rotates the transfer cam 110 to the locked position. In this position, the bolt 70 will fall back and engage with the bolt receiving notch 63 of the shackle 60. Due to the interlocking position of the camshaft 80, the transfer cam 110, and the lock cylinder 120, the bolt slot 82 of the camshaft 80 will rotate, causing the bolt 70 to move away from the bolt slot 82 and permanently engage with the bolt receiving notch 63 of the shackle. The user can then remove the key 190 from the lock cylinder 120.

[0080] Reset combination password ( Figures 17A to 17C )

[0081] When all dials 100 are aligned with the combination unlock code, the combination code reset must be completed so that the opening gap 94 of clutch 90 aligns with the shaft protrusion 81 of camshaft 80. The user can then push the lock cylinder 120 inward to push the transmission cam 110 upward, which in turn pushes the clutch 90 upward. When the clutch 90 is pushed upward, the opening gap 94 engages with the shaft protrusion 81 of camshaft 80. The long fin 92 of clutch 90 also engages with the reset fin groove 48 / 58 of lock body 40 / 50. In this case, any rotational movement of clutch 90 is restricted. When the clutch is pushed upward, the short fin 91 and long fin 92 of clutch 90 disengage from the teeth 101 of dial 100.

[0082] As the user repeatedly presses the lock cylinder, the user can rotate the dial to set a new password.

[0083] After setting the new combination, the user can release the lock cylinder so that the shaft spring 160 pushes the clutch 90 downwards. When the clutch 90 is pushed downwards, the short fin 91 and the long fin 92 will engage back onto the teeth 101 of the dial 100. Additionally, the long fin 92 will disengage from the reset fin groove 48 / 58 of the lock body 40 / 50. The lock is now set with the new combination and can be used to unlock it.

[0084] Decoding function ( Figures 18A to 18C )

[0085] Lock bodies 40 / 50 include new decoding slots 47 / 57 for housing decoding fingers 132 of the decoding plate 130. The decoding plate 130 also includes a ramp 131 connected to a pin 141 of the decoding bar 140. The decoding bar 140 includes a spring-receiving rod 142 that causes the decoding spring 170 to always push the decoding bar 140 upwards, which in turn pushes the decoding plate 130 to the left.

[0086] When the user unlocks the lock using the key mechanism, the decoding function can be activated. After the lock is unlocked using the key mode as described above, the short-leg shackle 61 of the shackle 60 will move away from the short-leg shackle hole 41 / 51 of the lock body 40 / 50. The user can then use a sharp and narrow object (e.g., a screwdriver) to push the decoding bar 140 downwards.

[0087] When the lock is opened via the key mechanism, the user can push the decoding lever 140 downwards, causing the pin 141 to drag the ramp 131 of the decoding plate 130 to the right. Subsequently, as the decoding plate 130 moves to the right, the decoding finger 132 moves to the right towards the center of the decoding slots 47 / 57. As the decoding finger 132 of the decoding plate 130 moves to the right towards the center of the padlock, it can engage the decoding fin 93 of the clutch 90 when the dial 100 rotates to turn the clutch 90. The dial 100 has teeth 101 that connect to the short fin 91 and long fin 92 of the clutch 90. The clutch 90 rotates in the same manner as the dial 100 rotates. As the user continues to push the decoding lever 140 downwards, the decoding finger 132 is pushed to the right towards the center. When the clutch 90 rotates clockwise, the decoding finger 132 will eventually engage the decoding fin 93 on the clutch 90. This will stop the clutch from rotating, and the user will know that the dial has stopped at the correct password, thus providing the user with the lost password.

[0088] By turning the dial each time, the user can confirm all lost passwords. The user can release the decoding lever 130, causing the decoding spring 170 to be placed in the spring receiving lever 142, so that the decoding lever 140 can be pushed upward. When the decoding lever 140 is pushed upward, the pin 141 of the decoding lever 140 will drag the inclined surface 131 of the decoding plate 130 to the left. In this case, the decoding finger 142 will move to the left, away from the decoding slot 47 / 57 of the lock body 40 / 50. In this case, when the decoding finger 132 of the decoding plate 130 is removed from the decoding slot 47 / 57 of the lock body 40 / 50, the rotational movement of the decoding fin 93 of the clutch 90 will not contact anything.

[0089] The camshaft 80 includes at least two sets of bolt slots 82. One set of bolt slots is controlled by a combination mechanism, and the other set of bolt slots is controlled by a key mechanism. In this embodiment of the invention, the combination control bolt slot is located below the bolt slot 82 controlled by the key mechanism, and the combination bolt slot is located below and perpendicular to the bolt slot controlled by the key.

[0090] The second embodiment with cable function ( Figures 19A to 19C )

[0091] The shackle 60 can be replaced with a cable having cable end 200. The cable end 200 may also include a bolt cutout 201 to engage the bolt 70 in a locked mode, similar to the function of the bolt receiving cutout 63 of the shackle 60.

Claims

1. A padlock comprising: a lock body; a shackle; a pair of locking bolts configured to engage with the shackle, wherein the shackle has a long leg for engaging with one of the pair of locking bolts and a short leg for engaging with the other of the pair of locking bolts; a combination mechanism to control vertical movement of a camshaft; and a key mechanism to control rotational movement of the camshaft; wherein the combination mechanism includes more than one clutch mounted in the camshaft, the clutch controls vertical movement of the camshaft; wherein the camshaft is used to control locking and unlocking of the combination mechanism; wherein the combination mechanism includes more than one dial mounted to the lock body; wherein the camshaft has at least two sets of bolt slots, each set of bolt slots includes two bolt slots, one set of bolt slots is controlled by the combination mechanism and the other set of bolt slots is controlled by the key mechanism; wherein one of the set of bolt slots controlled by the combination mechanism is configured to engage with one of the pair of locking bolts and the other of the set of bolt slots controlled by the combination mechanism is configured to engage with the other of the pair of locking bolts; and wherein the centerlines of the two bolt slots for the combination mechanism are positioned on the camshaft substantially perpendicular to the centerlines of the two bolt slots for the key mechanism.

2. The padlock of claim 1, wherein, The camshaft is divided into two parts.

3. The padlock of claim 1, wherein, The bolt slots for the combination mechanism are different from the bolt slots for the key mechanism.

4. The padlock of claim 1, wherein, The camshaft has a shaft protrusion for each of the more than one clutch, each shaft protrusion is aligned with an open gap of a respective clutch of the more than one clutch to open the padlock.

5. The padlock of claim 1, wherein, The camshaft has a directional fin fitted in a rotational vertical channel of the lock body and controls the amount of rotation and vertical movement of the key mechanism by the combination mechanism.

6. The padlock of claim 5, wherein, The camshaft includes a shaft tail connected to a transfer cam, which is then connected to a lock cylinder for the key mechanism.

7. The padlock of claim 1, wherein, The padlock further includes a decoding mechanism.

8. The padlock of claim 7, wherein, The decoding mechanism is activatable when the padlock is in an open mode.

9. The padlock of claim 8, wherein, The decoding mechanism has a decoding lever and a decoding plate, wherein the decoding lever includes a pin that is able to drive a bevel of the decoding plate to the right to push a decoding finger of the decoding lever towards a decoding slot of the lock body, wherein when the decoding lever is pushed, rotation of the clutch in a particular rotation causes a decoding fin to contact the decoding finger to determine a lost code.

10. The padlock of claim 1, wherein, A transfer cam is connected between a lock cylinder and the camshaft to control rotational movement of the camshaft to control an open position and a closed position of the padlock.

Images