Communication structure of passive lock and unlocking method thereof

Abstract

The present invention discloses a communication structure for a passive lock and an unlocking method thereof. The communication structure comprises a passive lock and an electronic key. The passive lock comprises a lock body, a lock housing, a lock cylinder, a conductive shaft, a first spring pin, and a circuit board. Both the lock housing and the lock cylinder are conductive. The lock housing is mounted on the lock body. The lock cylinder rotatably engages with the lock housing, and its end surface is provided with a plug slot. The plug slot is provided with a plug hole. The conductive shaft is disposed in the plug hole and is insulated from the lock cylinder. The first spring pin is disposed on the circumference of the lock housing and abuts the conductive shaft and is insulated from the lock housing. The circuit board is mounted in the lock body and is provided with a second spring pin abutting the first spring pin and a third spring pin abutting the lock housing. The electronic key comprises a metal plug matching the plug slot and an elastic contact disposed in the metal plug, the elastic contact being insulated from the metal plug. The metal plug is inserted into the plug slot so that the elastic contact abuts the conductive shaft. The present invention can achieve electrical and communication connections without the need for wires, and has good conductivity and stable communication.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of passive locks, and in particular to a communication structure of a passive lock and an unlocking method thereof. Background Art

[0002] With the development of society, locks have become more diversified. Mechanical locks pose security risks such as the easy loss and duplication of physical keys. Electronic locks, however, address these security risks by using electronic keys. However, if the key is leaked, the risk of theft still exists. Furthermore, electronic locks require batteries or electrical wiring for power. The former requires regular battery replacement and has numerous drawbacks, such as bulk, weight, and high cost. The latter becomes unusable if the power is lost, resulting in a poor user experience. Consequently, the industry has gradually developed passive locks.

[0003] A passive lock consists of a lock and a key. The lock itself does not have a power source. Instead, it is powered by an appropriate key inserted into the lock to drive the electromagnetic structure inside the lock to open and close the lock. Existing passive locks have complex electromagnetic structures and are large in size. The contacts of the electrical connection structure and the internal circuit board are usually connected by wires. Figure 1 What is shown is the "Matching Structure of a New Passive Lock Cylinder 3 and an Electronic Key" disclosed in the existing patent CN217205883U, which includes a passive lock cylinder 100 and a key head 200 that matches it: a polygonal cavity 101 with an open top is provided on the upper part of the lock shell 102 of the passive lock cylinder 100, and a conductive component is provided in the polygonal cavity 101. The conductive component includes multiple concentric conductive layers 104, and an insulating layer (not shown in the figure) is provided between two adjacent conductive layers, and each conductive layer 104 has at least one wiring point at the bottom, which is used to achieve electrical connection with the circuit board in the passive lock cylinder 100 through a wire; the shape of the key head 200 is a polygonal prism that matches the polygonal cavity 101, and an elastic contact 201 is provided on the mating surface of the key head 200 opposite to the conductive component, which is used to abut and connect with the conductive layer 104 of the conductive component.

[0004] Since the lock core in the lock often needs to drive the lock tongue to rotate by its own rotation to unlock the lock, long-term use may easily lead to poor contact of the wires. Secondly, in order to avoid breaking the connection point of the wires when the lock core rotates, sufficient length needs to be reserved for the wires, which requires sufficient space inside the lock to allow for stretching and bending deformation of the wires, thereby increasing the volume of the passive lock core 100. Furthermore, due to the needs of power supply and two-way communication, the conductive components of the passive lock core 100 require at least three conductive layers, the product has more accessories, and the assembly is more complicated. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a communication structure of a passive lock and an unlocking method thereof, which can achieve electrical connection and communication connection without wires, has good conductivity and stable communication, and can simplify the structure, reduce accessories, and compress the volume of the lock, thereby meeting customer needs for small-volume products.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, one of the solutions of the present invention is:

[0007] A communication structure of a passive lock, comprising a passive lock and an electronic key, wherein the passive lock comprises a lock body, a lock shell, a lock core, a conductive shaft, a first spring pin and a circuit board, wherein the lock shell and the lock core are both made of conductive material; the lock shell is mounted on the lock body; the lock core is rotatably fitted in the lock shell, and an inserting slot is provided on the end face of the lock core; an inserting hole is provided in the inserting slot; the conductive shaft is arranged in the lock core and coaxially with the inserting hole, and the conductive shaft and the lock core are insulated; the first spring pin is arranged on the periphery of the lock shell The first elastic pin abuts against the circumference of the conductive shaft, and the first elastic pin is insulated from the lock shell; the circuit board is installed in the lock body, and is provided with a second elastic pin abutting against the first elastic pin, and a third elastic pin abutting against the circumference of the lock shell; the electronic key has a metal plug matching the plug-in slot, and an elastic contact arranged in the metal plug, and the elastic contact is insulated from the metal plug; the metal plug is inserted into the plug-in slot so that the elastic contact abuts against the end face of the conductive shaft.

[0008] The passive lock also includes a movable pin, a return spring and an electromagnet; the lock core is passed through the lock body, and a rotation-stop groove is provided on its circumference; the movable pin is provided in the lock body, and its front end is passed through the lock shell under the action of the return spring to fit in the rotation-stop groove; the electromagnet is electrically connected to the circuit board and is provided in the lock body, and its iron core is provided relatively to the rear end of the movable pin to limit the movable pin.

[0009] Preferably, the lock core includes a first core body and a second core body; the first core body and the second core body are plugged into each other, and a cavity is left between the two for the first spring pin to pass through; the plug-in groove is arranged on the end face of the first core body facing away from the second core body, and the plug-in hole is connected to the cavity; the anti-rotation groove is arranged on the circumferential surface of the second core body; the front end of the conductive shaft is passed through the plug-in hole, and the rear end is located in the cavity.

[0010] Preferably, the passive lock further comprises an insulating sleeve and an insulating gasket; the insulating sleeve is arranged on the side wall of the plug hole; the insulating gasket is sleeved on the conductive shaft and fits against the inner wall of the lock core.

[0011] Preferably, the passive lock further includes an insulating guide sleeve; the insulating guide sleeve is arranged through the circumferential surface of the lock shell and is arranged opposite to the circumferential surface of the conductive shaft; the first spring pin is installed in the insulating guide sleeve to achieve insulation between the lock shell; and a first mounting hole for installing the insulating guide sleeve is provided on the circumferential surface of the lock shell.

[0012] Preferably, the lock body is provided with a mounting groove for installing the lock shell, and a first chamber and a second chamber for installing the circuit board and the electromagnet respectively; a through hole is provided between the first chamber and the mounting groove, and a movable channel is provided between the second chamber and the mounting groove, and a first flange is provided in the movable channel; the second elastic pin is passed through the through hole to abut the first elastic pin, and the third elastic pin is passed through the through hole to abut the lock shell; the movable pin is provided in the movable channel; the return spring is sleeved on the movable pin and abuts against the side of the first flange facing the mounting groove.

[0013] Preferably, the movable pin and the iron core of the electromagnet are both arranged on a radial plane of the lock core, and the movable pin is perpendicular to the iron core of the electromagnet.

[0014] Preferably, the passive lock also includes a steel ball arranged on the lock core; the circumferential surface of the lock core is provided with a movable hole for the movable cooperation of the steel ball, and the inner cavity of the lock shell is provided with a clearance groove arranged at the same height as the movable hole in the locked and unlocked positions; the electronic key is provided with a groove corresponding to the clearance groove.

[0015] The second solution of the present invention is:

[0016] A method for unlocking a passive lock employs the communication structure of the passive lock, wherein the electronic key serves as an unlocking end and the passive lock serves as a lock end. The unlocking method comprises the electronic key, a spring contact, a conductive shaft, a first spring pin, a second spring pin, a circuit board, a third spring pin, a lock housing, a lock core, a metal plug, and the electronic key forming a power supply circuit and a communication circuit.

[0017] The unlocking method of the passive lock comprises the following steps:

[0018] Step 1: The unlocking end and the lock end are plugged in, and both parties perform pairing verification to verify whether they are matching unlocking end and lock end; if the verification is successful, proceed to step 2, otherwise the unlocking end enters the standby state;

[0019] Step 2: The unlocking end sends an unlocking signal to the lock end and waits for the lock end's response;

[0020] Step 3: After receiving the response from the lock, the unlocking end opens the power supply line to supply power to the circuit board and the electromagnet. The electromagnet absorbs the iron core and the user turns the unlocking end to unlock the lock.

[0021] Step 4: Disconnect the power supply line at the unlocking end and enter the standby state.

[0022] Preferably, in step one, the user's identity is authenticated by means of a password, biometrics, RFID or NFC to determine whether the user has the right to unlock the door, and then the unlocking end and the lock end are paired and verified.

[0023] Preferably, the unlocking end periodically detects whether an interruption signal is generated in the communication line during operation to determine whether the unlocking end is inserted into the lock end. If there is no interruption signal, the unlocking end enters a standby state.

[0024] Preferably, in step three, the circuit board generates and saves an unlocking record after the electromagnet is started.

[0025] After adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following technical effects:

[0026] ① The lock housing and lock cylinder are made of conductive materials, and a conductive shaft is arranged in the plug hole of the lock cylinder. The conductive shaft is electrically connected to the circuit board through the first and second spring pins, and the lock cylinder is electrically connected to the circuit board through the lock housing and the third spring pin. The conductive shaft and the lock cylinder are electrically insulated. Therefore, after the electronic key is inserted into the plug slot of the lock cylinder, the power supply circuit can be connected;

[0027] ② When in use, the conductive shaft rotates as the lock cylinder opens and closes, while the circuit board is abutted against the circumference of the conductive shaft through the second elastic pin and the first elastic pin. It is not affected by the rotation of the conductive shaft and can maintain the stability of the power supply circuit. In other words, the positive and negative poles of the circuit board are elastically connected to achieve conductivity, and the conductivity is good;

[0028] ③ The present invention does not require wires, the internal structure of the lock is simplified, and each spring pin can achieve short-range, stable electrical connection, so that the volume of the lock can be further compressed, meeting the user demand for small-volume products;

[0029] ④ The power supply line of the present invention can also be used as a communication line, the communication is equally stable, and there are fewer electrical connection accessories, which makes assembly easier and the cost lower. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of patent CN217205883U;

[0031] Figure 2 A perspective view of a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 An exploded view of a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 It is a front view of a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 A top view of a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 6 A side view of a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a specific embodiment of the present invention ( Figure 4 Section view in the middle AA direction);

[0037] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the locked state of a specific embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 ( Figure 5 Section view in the middle BB direction);

[0038] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the locked state of a specific embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 ( Figure 6 Cross-section in the CC direction);

[0039] Figure 10 The unlocking state of the specific embodiment of the present invention is shown as follows Figure 1 ( Figure 5 Section view in the middle BB direction);

[0040] Figure 11 The unlocking state of the specific embodiment of the present invention is shown as follows Figure 2 ( Figure 6 Cross-section in the CC direction);

[0041] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the use of a silicone plug according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of an installation of a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the connection between a specific embodiment of the present invention and an electronic key;

[0044] Figure 15 This is a functional diagram of a steel ball according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Description of Figure Numbers:

[0046] 1--Lock body; 11--Lock body; 111--Mounting slot;

[0047] 112--First chamber; 113--Second chamber; 114--Perforation;

[0048] 115--movable channel; 116--first flange; 12---cover plate;

[0049] 121--through hole; 2----lock housing; 21---first mounting hole;

[0050] 22---Second flange; 23---Third flange; 24---Give way;

[0051] 3----Lock core; 31---First core; 311--Connection slot;

[0052] 312--plug hole; 313--connection hole; 314--step portion;

[0053] 315--movable hole; 32---second core; 321--stop groove;

[0054] 322--Connecting column; 33---Cavity; 4----Conductive shaft;

[0055] 5----first spring needle; 6----circuit board; 61---second spring needle;

[0056] 62---the third spring pin; 7----movable pin; 8----reset spring;

[0057] 9---electromagnet; 91---iron core; 10---lock tongue;

[0058] 20---Insulating sleeve; 30---Insulating gasket; 40---Insulating guide sleeve;

[0059] 50---Door panel; 60---Fixed seat; 601--Second mounting hole;

[0060] 70---First screw; 80---Second screw; 90---Silicone plug;

[0061] 100--sealing ring; 200--steel ball; 300--electronic key;

[0062] 3001-groove; 3002-metal plug; 3003-elastic contact. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] In order to further explain the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention is described in detail below through specific embodiments.

[0064] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Generally, the components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the drawings herein can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0065] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to be protected, but merely represents selected embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort shall fall within the scope of the present invention to be protected.

[0066] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined or explained in subsequent drawings.

[0067] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that the indicated orientations or positional relationships are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or are the orientations or positional relationships in which the inventive product is conventionally placed when in use, or are the orientations or positional relationships conventionally understood by those skilled in the art. These are merely simplified descriptions for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be understood as limitations on the present invention.

[0068] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the described features. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0069] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "disposed," "installed," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections, electrical connections, or mutual communication; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; they can refer to internal communication between two elements or the interaction between two elements. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0070] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0071] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of the present invention. To simplify the disclosure of the present invention, the components and configurations of specific examples are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the present invention may repeat reference numbers and / or reference letters in different examples. Such repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or configurations discussed.

[0072] Furthermore, the present invention provides examples of various specific processes and materials, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0073] refer to Figures 1 to 15 As shown, the present invention discloses a passive lock structure, including a lock body 1, a lock shell 2, a lock core 3, a conductive shaft 4, a first spring pin 5, a circuit board 6, a movable pin 7, a return spring 8 and an electromagnet 9, wherein the lock shell 2 and the lock core 3 are both made of conductive materials;

[0074] The lock housing 2 is mounted on the lock body 1;

[0075] The lock core 3 is rotatably fitted in the lock housing 2 and is inserted into the lock body 1. The end surface of the lock core 3 is provided with a plug-in slot 311 for the electronic key to engage with, and the peripheral surface is provided with a rotation-stopping slot 321. The plug-in slot 311 is provided with a plug-in hole 312.

[0076] The conductive shaft 4 is disposed in the lock core 3 and is coaxial with the insertion hole 312 , and the conductive shaft 4 and the lock core 3 are insulated;

[0077] The first spring pin 5 is arranged on the circumference of the lock housing 2 and abuts against the circumference of the conductive shaft 4, and the first spring pin 5 is insulated from the lock housing 2;

[0078] The circuit board 6 is installed in the lock body 1 and is provided with a second spring pin 61 abutting against the first spring pin 5 and a third spring pin 62 abutting against the peripheral surface of the lock housing 2;

[0079] The movable pin 7 is provided in the lock body 1, and its front end is penetrated into the lock housing 2 under the action of the return spring 8 to fit in the anti-rotation groove 321;

[0080] The electromagnet 9 is electrically connected to the circuit board 6 and is arranged in the lock body 1. Its iron core 91 is relatively arranged at the rear end of the movable pin 7: when the iron core 91 is extended, the movable pin 7 is limited to achieve locking of the lock cylinder 3; when the iron core 91 is retracted, it makes room for the movable pin 7 to move to release the lock cylinder 3.

[0081] A specific embodiment of the passive lock is shown below.

[0082] The lock core 3 comprises a first core 31 and a second core 32. The first core 31 and the second core 32 are pluggably mated to achieve coaxial rotation, leaving a cavity 33 between them for the first spring pin 5 to pass through. The aforementioned insertion slot 311 is provided on the end face of the first core 31 facing away from the second core 32 (i.e., the outer end face), and the insertion hole 312 communicates with the cavity 33. The aforementioned rotation-stopping groove 321 is provided on the circumference of the second core 32. The front end of the conductive shaft 4 passes through the insertion hole 312, and the rear end is located within the cavity 33. Designing the lock core 3 as a separate body, the first core 31 and the second core 32, facilitates the assembly of accessories such as the conductive shaft 4 and the first spring pin 5, reducing assembly difficulty and improving efficiency.

[0083] Furthermore, the rear end of the second core 32 is passed through the lock body 1 so as to install the lock tongue 10 . The lock tongue 10 can be screwed onto the second core 32 .

[0084] The opposing surfaces of the first and second cores 31, 32 are provided with pairs of mating connection holes 313 and connecting posts 322, enabling coaxial rotation of the two. When a key is inserted into the insertion slot 311 of the first core 31 and rotated, it drives the second core 32 to rotate synchronously, thereby rotating the locking tongue 10 on the second core 32.

[0085] The lock core 3 is provided with a rotation-stop groove 321 at both the locking and unlocking positions to improve the feel of opening and closing the lock.

[0086] The present invention also includes an insulating sleeve 20 and an insulating gasket 30; the insulating sleeve 20 is positioned on the side wall of the insertion hole 312; the insulating gasket 30 is placed over the conductive shaft 4 and adheres to the inner wall of the lock cylinder 3 (which can be the upper and lower walls of the cavity 33). The insulating sleeve 20 prevents the conductive shaft 4 from contacting the inner wall of the insertion hole 312; the insulating gasket 30 prevents the conductive shaft 4 from contacting the inner wall of the iron core 91 and clears the space for the first spring pin 5 to mate with the conductive shaft 4. As the conductive shaft 4 rotates with the lock cylinder 3, it does not interfere with the contact between the first spring pin 5 and the conductive shaft 4, ensuring a stable electrical connection.

[0087] The present invention also includes an insulating guide sleeve 40; the insulating guide sleeve 40 is arranged on the circumferential surface of the lock housing 2 and is arranged opposite to the circumferential surface of the conductive shaft 4; the first spring pin 5 is installed in the insulating guide sleeve 40 to achieve insulation between the lock housing 2; a first mounting hole 21 for mounting the insulating guide sleeve 40 is provided on the circumferential surface of the lock housing 2.

[0088] The lock body 1 is provided with a mounting groove 111 for mounting the lock housing 2, and a first chamber 112 and a second chamber 113 for mounting the circuit board 6 and the electromagnet 9 respectively (the first chamber 112 and the second chamber 113 can also be combined into a large mounting chamber); a through hole 114 is provided between the first chamber 112 and the mounting groove 111, and a movable channel 115 is provided between the second chamber 113 and the mounting groove 111, and a first flange 116 is provided in the movable channel 115; the second elastic pin 61 is provided in the through hole 114 to abut against the first elastic pin 5, and the third elastic pin 62 is provided in the through hole 114 to abut against the lock housing 2; the movable pin 7 is provided in the movable channel 115; the return spring 8 is sleeved on the movable pin 7 and abuts against the side of the first flange 116 facing the mounting groove 111, so that the front end of the movable pin 7 can be pushed toward the mounting groove 111 under the elastic force of the return spring 8.

[0089] Furthermore, the lock body 1 comprises a lock body 11 and a cover plate 12 that overlap each other. A mounting slot 111 is provided on the lock body 11, and the lock body 11 and the cover plate 12 define the aforementioned first chamber 112 and second chamber 113. The split design of the lock body 11 and the cover plate 12 facilitates the installation of components such as the circuit board 6 and the electromagnet 9, reducing assembly complexity and improving efficiency. In this embodiment, the lock body 11 and the cover plate 12 are secured together by screws.

[0090] The front end of the lock housing 2 is provided with a second flange 22. The installation method can refer to Figure 13 As shown, during installation, the second flange 22 cooperates with the lock body 1 to clamp the door panel 50 (or other installation locations) to complete the installation of the lock on the door panel 50. That is, when shipped from the factory, the lock housing 2 and its lock cylinder 3, conductive shaft 4, and first spring pin 5 may be an integral structure, while the lock body 1 and its circuit board 6, movable pin 7, return spring 8, and electromagnet 9 may be another integral structure. The entire lock is divided into front and rear end installations, making operation simpler and more convenient, and providing a good user-installation experience.

[0091] Furthermore, the present invention also includes a fixing seat 60, a first screw 70 and a second screw 80; the front end of the inner cavity of the lock shell 2 is provided with a third flange 23, and the front end of the lock core 3 (which can be the above-mentioned first core body 31) is provided with a step portion 314 matching the third flange 23; the first screw 70 is penetrated by the lock body 1 and locked to the circumferential surface of the fixing seat 60, so that the fixing seat 60 cooperates with the third flange 23 to realize the axial movement of the limited lock core 3; the fixing seat 60 is provided with a second mounting hole 601 for the rear end of the lock core 3 (which can be the above-mentioned second core body 32) to penetrate, so that the lock core 3 can be assembled with the lock tongue 10 after passing through; the second screw 80 is penetrated by the lock body 1 (which can be the above-mentioned cover plate 12) and locked to the end face of the fixing seat 60, thereby finally assembling the two integral structures formed by the lock shell 2 and the lock body 1 together to complete the fixed connection.

[0092] Secondly, the lock body 1 (which may be the cover 12) is provided with a through hole 121 which is arranged opposite to the matching position of the iron core 91 of the electromagnet 9 and the movable pin 7. Figure 12 As shown, a silicone plug 90 can be embedded in the through hole 121 during product assembly to keep the movable pin 7 in a retracted state to avoid interfering with the installation of the lock shell 2 in the lock body 1. After the installation is completed, the silicone plug 90 is pulled out, and the movable pin 7 automatically extends under the action of the reset spring 8 to complete the axial limitation of the lock shell 2, and the lock shell 2 will not fall out of the lock body 1.

[0093] A sealing ring 100 is provided between the circumferential surface of the above-mentioned lock core 3 (which can be the above-mentioned first core body 31) and the inner cavity of the lock shell 2 to improve the waterproof performance of the front side of the lock (the side where the plug-in slot 311 is visible), to prevent water from flowing into the lock shell 2 and the lock body 1 and causing circuit failure, thereby ensuring the safety performance of the lock when in use.

[0094] The circuit board 6 is divided into two or more parallel and electrically connected pieces to reduce the area of ​​the circuit board 6. Since the second and third spring pins 61, 62 are designed directly on the circuit board 6, the circuit board 6 needs to be arranged parallel to the side of the lock housing 2. An excessively large circuit board 6 area would increase the thickness of the entire lock body 1. By designing the circuit board 6 as multiple electrically connected pieces, the thickness of the lock product can be reduced.

[0095] The above-mentioned movable pin 7 and the iron core 91 of the electromagnet 9 are both arranged on the radial plane of the lock core 3, and the movable pin 7 is perpendicular to the iron core 91 of the electromagnet 9, that is, the iron core 91 of the electromagnet 9 is parallel to the installation surface of the lock body 1, which can effectively prevent the lock from being unlocked by magnetic attraction from the outside.

[0096] The present invention also includes a steel ball 200 disposed on the lock core 3; a movable hole 315 for the steel ball 200 to mate with is provided on the circumference of the lock core 3; and a clearance groove 24 is provided in the inner cavity of the lock housing 2 at the same height as the movable hole 315 in both the locked and unlocked positions. Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, a groove 3001 corresponding to the movable hole 315 can be provided on the electronic key 300 to prevent the electronic key 300 from being pulled out during use, thereby effectively preventing the electronic key 300 from being pulled out during the rotation of the electronic key 300 and causing the problem of abnormal lock opening and closing caused by poor contact with the lock: since the lock shell 2 is provided with a clearance groove 24 in the locking and unlocking positions, the electronic key 300 is provided with a corresponding groove 3001. When the lock cylinder 3 is in the locked or unlocked state, the action of inserting and removing the electronic key 300 will squeeze the steel ball 200 into the clearance groove 24; when the lock cylinder 3 is in the state between locking and unlocking, the side wall of the lock shell 2 will squeeze the steel ball 200 into the groove 3001 of the electronic key 300. At this time, the electronic key 300 cannot be pulled out. The electronic key 300 can only be pulled out by rotating the electronic key 300 to rotate the lock cylinder 3 to the locked or unlocked position.

[0097] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the locked state of the present invention is:

[0098] The iron core 91 of the electromagnet 9 is pushed out by the spring of the electromagnet 9. At this time, the front end of the movable pin 7 is in the anti-rotation groove 321 of the second core body 32. When the key is turned to drive the first core body 31 and the second core body 32 to rotate synchronously, the rear end of the movable pin 7 is blocked by the iron core 91 and cannot be squeezed back by the second core body 32, thereby limiting the lock cylinder 3 and making it impossible to unlock.

[0099] refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the unlocking state of the present invention is:

[0100] Insert the key and send an unlock command to the circuit board 6. The circuit board 6 controls the electromagnet 9 to work. The electromagnet 9 is energized to suck the iron core 91 back so that it no longer blocks the rear end of the movable pin 7. At this time, turn the key, and the second core 32 pushes the movable pin 7 back into the movable channel 115 to achieve retraction, thereby successfully unlocking the door.

[0101] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 14 As shown, the power-on state of the present invention is:

[0102] a. One electrical connection circuit is as follows: an insulating sleeve 20 around the outer periphery of the conductive shaft 4 isolates it from the lock cylinder 3; a first spring pin 5 is fixed to the lock housing 2 via an insulating guide sleeve 40 and elastically connected to the conductive shaft 4 (the conductive shaft 4 rotates with the opening and closing of the lock cylinder 3); a second spring pin 61 is elastically connected to the first spring pin 5 and then transmits electrical power to the circuit board 6. Thus, a circuit is formed between the conductive shaft 4, the first spring pin 5, the second spring pin 61, and the circuit board 6.

[0103] b. Another electrical connection circuit: the front end of the lock cylinder 3 contacts the lock housing 2, the peripheral surface of the lock housing 2 is elastically connected to the third elastic pin 62, the lock cylinder 3 is transmitted to the circuit board 6 through the lock housing 2 and the third elastic pin 62, that is, the lock cylinder 3, the lock housing 2, the third elastic pin 62 and the circuit board 6 form another circuit;

[0104] c. Of the above two circuits a and b, one can be selected as the positive line and the other as the negative line. At the same time, circuits a and b can be used as communication lines.

[0105] From the above passive lock structure, it can be concluded that the present invention also discloses a communication structure of a passive lock, including the above passive lock structure and an electronic key 300;

[0106] The electronic key 300 has a metal plug 3002 that matches the insertion slot 311, and a spring contact 3003 disposed within the metal plug 3002, with the spring contact 3003 and the metal plug 3002 being insulated from each other. The metal plug 3002 is inserted into the insertion slot 311 so that the spring contact 3003 abuts the end face of the conductive shaft 4. The metal plug 3002 and the spring contact 3003 are respectively electrically connected to two electrodes of the built-in battery of the electronic key 300, and the maximum voltage of the built-in battery does not exceed 3.6V.

[0107] The above communication structure of the passive lock can be used to implement the following unlocking method of the passive lock.

[0108] The unlocking terminal is the electronic key 300, which integrates power supply and data communication two-in-one functions. Its detailed features are as follows: The lock is a passive lock structure that integrates power supply and data communication two-in-one functions. The detailed features are as follows: To realize the function of the unlocking terminal, the unlocking terminal is set to the following 7 states (each duration is only an example and can be adjusted according to actual needs):

[0109]

[0110]

[0111] Therefore, the above unlocking method uses the electronic key 300, elastic contact 3003, conductive shaft 4, first elastic pin 5, second elastic pin 61, circuit board 6, third elastic pin 62, lock shell 2, lock core 3, metal plug 3002, and electronic key 300 to form a power supply circuit and a communication circuit.

[0112] The above unlocking method comprises the following steps:

[0113] Step 1: The unlocking end and the lock end are plugged in, and both parties perform pairing verification to verify whether they are matching unlocking end and lock end; if the verification is successful, proceed to step 2, otherwise the unlocking end enters the standby state;

[0114] Step 2: The unlocking end sends an unlocking signal to the lock end and waits for the lock end's response;

[0115] Step 3: After receiving the response from the lock, the unlocking end opens the power supply line to supply power to the circuit board and the electromagnet. The electromagnet absorbs the iron core and the user turns the unlocking end to unlock the lock.

[0116] Step 4: Disconnect the power supply line at the unlocking end and enter the standby state.

[0117] Furthermore, in the above step 1, the user's identity is authenticated by means of a password, biometrics, RFID or NFC to determine whether the user has the right to unlock the door, and then the unlocking end and the lock end are paired and verified.

[0118] Secondly, the unlocking terminal periodically detects whether there is an interruption signal in the communication line during operation to determine whether the unlocking terminal is inserted into the lock terminal. If there is no interruption signal, the unlocking terminal enters the standby state.

[0119] Furthermore, in the above step 3, the circuit board generates and saves the unlocking record after the electromagnet is started.

[0120] Through the above scheme, the present invention uses conductive materials to make the lock shell 2 and the lock cylinder 3, and sets a conductive shaft 4 in the plug hole 312 of the lock cylinder 3. The conductive shaft 4 is electrically connected to the circuit board 6 through the first elastic pin 5 and the second elastic pin 61. The lock cylinder 3 is electrically connected to the circuit board 6 through the lock shell 2 and the third elastic pin 62. The conductive shaft 4 and the lock cylinder 3 are electrically insulated. Therefore, after the electronic key 300 is inserted into the plug slot 311 of the lock cylinder 3, the power supply circuit can be connected. When in use, the conductive shaft 4 rotates with the opening and closing action of the lock cylinder 3, and the circuit board 6 is electrically connected through the second elastic pin 61 and the first elastic pin 62. The spring pin 5 is in contact with the circumference of the conductive shaft 4 and is not affected by the rotation of the conductive shaft 4, so the stability of the power supply circuit can be maintained. That is, the positive and negative poles of the circuit board 6 are elastically connected to achieve conductivity, and the conductivity is good. The present invention no longer requires wires, and the internal structure of the lock is simplified. Each spring pin can achieve short-range, stable electrical connection, so that the volume of the lock can be further compressed to meet the user needs of small-volume products. The power supply circuit of the present invention can also be used as a communication line, and the communication is also stable. In addition, there are fewer accessories for electrical connection, and assembly is easier and the cost is lower.

[0121] The above embodiments and drawings do not limit the product form and style of the present invention. Any appropriate changes or modifications made by ordinary technicians in the relevant technical field should be deemed to be within the patent scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A communication structure for a passive lock, comprising a passive lock and an electronic key, characterized in that: The passive lock comprises a lock body, a lock shell, a lock core, a conductive shaft, a first spring pin and a circuit board, wherein the lock shell and the lock core are both made of conductive materials; The lock housing is mounted on the lock body; The lock core is rotatably fitted in the lock housing, and an inserting groove is provided on its end surface; an inserting hole is provided in the inserting groove; The conductive shaft is arranged in the lock core and coaxially with the plug hole, and the conductive shaft and the lock core are insulated; The first spring pin is arranged on the circumference of the lock housing and abuts against the circumference of the conductive shaft, and the first spring pin is insulated from the lock housing; The circuit board is installed in the lock body and is provided with a second spring pin abutting against the first spring pin, and a third spring pin abutting against the peripheral surface of the lock housing; The electronic key has a metal plug that matches the insertion slot and an elastic contact arranged in the metal plug, and the elastic contact is insulated from the metal plug; the metal plug is inserted into the insertion slot so that the elastic contact abuts against the end surface of the conductive shaft.

2. The communication structure of the passive lock according to claim 1, characterized in that: The passive lock also includes a movable pin, a return spring and an electromagnet; the lock core is passed through the lock body, and a rotation-stop groove is provided on its circumference; the movable pin is provided in the lock body, and its front end is passed through the lock shell under the action of the return spring to fit in the rotation-stop groove; the electromagnet is electrically connected to the circuit board and is provided in the lock body, and its iron core is provided relatively to the rear end of the movable pin to limit the movable pin.

3. The communication structure of the passive lock according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lock core includes a first core body and a second core body; the first core body and the second core body are plugged into each other, and a cavity is left between the two for the first spring pin to pass through; the plug-in groove is arranged on the end face of the first core body facing away from the second core body, and the plug-in hole is connected to the cavity; the anti-rotation groove is arranged on the circumferential surface of the second core body; the front end of the conductive shaft is passed through the plug-in hole, and the rear end is located in the cavity.

4. The communication structure of the passive lock according to claim 2, characterized in that: The passive lock also includes an insulating sleeve, an insulating gasket and an insulating guide sleeve; the insulating sleeve is arranged on the side wall of the plug hole; the insulating gasket is sleeved on the conductive shaft and fits the inner wall of the lock core; the insulating guide sleeve is arranged on the circumference of the lock shell and is arranged opposite to the circumference of the conductive shaft; the first spring pin is installed in the insulating guide sleeve to achieve insulation between the lock shell and the lock shell; a first mounting hole for installing the insulating guide sleeve is provided on the circumference of the lock shell.

5. The communication structure of the passive lock according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lock body is provided with a mounting groove for installing the lock shell, and a first chamber and a second chamber for installing the circuit board and the electromagnet respectively; a through hole is provided between the first chamber and the mounting groove, and a movable channel is provided between the second chamber and the mounting groove, and a first flange is provided in the movable channel; the second elastic pin is passed through the through hole to abut against the first elastic pin, and the third elastic pin is passed through the through hole to abut against the lock shell; the movable pin is provided in the movable channel; the return spring is sleeved on the movable pin and abuts against the side of the first flange facing the mounting groove.

6. The communication structure of the passive lock according to claim 2, characterized in that: The movable pin and the iron core of the electromagnet are both arranged on the radial plane of the lock core, and the movable pin is perpendicular to the iron core of the electromagnet.

7. A method for unlocking a passive lock, using the communication structure of the passive lock according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The electronic key serves as the unlocking end, the passive lock serves as the lock end, and the unlocking method comprises the electronic key, elastic contact, conductive shaft, first spring pin, second spring pin, circuit board, third spring pin, lock shell, lock core, metal plug, and electronic key to form a power supply circuit and a communication circuit.

8. The unlocking method of a passive lock according to claim 7, characterized in that The following steps are involved: Step 1: The unlocking end and the lock end are plugged in, and both parties perform pairing verification to verify whether they are matching unlocking end and lock end; if the verification is successful, proceed to step 2, otherwise the unlocking end enters the standby state; Step 2: The unlocking end sends an unlocking signal to the lock end and waits for the lock end's response; Step 3: After receiving the response from the lock, the unlocking end opens the power supply line to supply power to the circuit board and the electromagnet. The electromagnet absorbs the iron core and the user turns the unlocking end to unlock the lock. Step 4: Disconnect the power supply line at the unlocking end and enter the standby state.

9. The unlocking method of a passive lock according to claim 8, characterized in that The following steps are involved: In step 1, the user is authenticated by a password, biometrics, RFID or NFC to determine whether the user has the right to unlock the lock, and then the unlocking end and the lock end are paired and verified.

10. The unlocking method of a passive lock according to claim 8, characterized in that The following steps are involved: The unlocking end periodically detects whether an interruption signal is generated in the communication line during operation to determine whether the unlocking end is inserted into the lock end. If there is no interruption signal, the unlocking end enters a standby state.

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