Mobile electronic lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a mobile electronic lock comprising a lock body and a fixed part movable relative to the lock body between a closed position and an open position, the lock body comprising an electromechanical locking device comprising a motor with a rotor, a latch coupled to the rotor and a control circuit. The latch can be power driven by the electric motor from a locked position, in which the fixed part in the closed position is locked to the lock body, to an unlocked position, in which the fixed part is released to move to the open position. The latch can be mechanically driven by moving the fixed part from the open position to the closed position, wherein the latch is drivingly coupled to the rotor of the electric motor such that the mechanical driving of the latch brings about a forced rotational movement of the rotor. The control circuit is designed to detect the forced rotational movement of the rotor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a mobile electronic lock, comprising a lock body and a fixed member movable relative to the lock body between a closed position and an open position. The lock body has an electromechanical locking device, which includes an electric motor having a rotor, a latch connected to the rotor, and control circuitry. The latch can be electrically driven from a locked position to an unlocked position by the electric motor. In the locked position, the fixed member, located in the closed position, is locked to the lock body. In the unlocked position, the fixed member is released to move to the open position. Background Technology

[0002] This type of mobile electronic lock is known from DE102019113184A1. According to DE4323693C2, a padlock with a purely mechanical locking mechanism and a rotary latch is known.

[0003] Control of such mobile electronic locks can be achieved, for example, by using an electronic key, by entering a password at a digital input device on the lock body, by biometric authentication (e.g., using a fingerprint sensor), or by remote control using a mobile terminal device (e.g., a smartphone), particularly by unlocking fixed components based on unlocking commands transmitted to the control circuitry.

[0004] In some applications, it is desirable to be able to monitor the position of fixed components, for example, to prevent malfunctions when closing and locking fixed components, and / or to be able to display information about the status of the portable lock or to transmit said information to a relevant central unit or remote control unit. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One object of the present invention is to enable the detection of the position of a fixed component and / or the output of corresponding signals (e.g., status information or commands) in a mobile electronic lock of the type described herein in a simple and space-constrained manner.

[0006] This objective is achieved by a movable electronic lock having the features of claim 1, and in particular, the mechanical drive of the latch can be achieved by moving a fixed component from an open position to a closed position. The latch drive is effectively coupled to the rotor of an electric motor, such that the mechanical drive of the latch achieves a forced rotational motion of the rotor. The electric motor is configured to generate voltage based on the forced rotational motion of the rotor.

[0007] In the mobile electronic lock according to the invention, the user moves the fixing member from the open position to the closed position (e.g., by inserting the fixing member into the lock body), thereby directly or indirectly achieving the mechanical actuation of the latch. This can be done, for example, by directly displacing the latch or by triggering a preloaded return spring, as will be described below.

[0008] Because the latch is effectively driven to the rotor of the electric motor, the movement of the latch, achieved by mechanical drive, is at least partially transmitted to the rotor of the electric motor. Specifically, this can be movement of the latch in the locking direction and / or movement of the latch in the unlocking direction. For this purpose, the latch can be permanently coupled to the rotor of the electric motor, particularly. However, the effective drive coupling does not preclude the existence of a certain gap between the latch and the rotor. In some embodiments, this (minor) gap may even be advantageous, particularly for releasing the rotor when the latch is preloaded by a spring. The latch can be moved to the locked position by mechanical drive or by further control of the electric motor to secure the fixing component to the lock body.

[0009] The user achieves forced rotation of the rotor via a mechanical drive of the latch, which induces a voltage in, for example, an electric motor (particularly, in motor windings). The voltage generated by the latch-based mechanical drive can be utilized, particularly by detecting and / or harvesting electrical energy. In some embodiments, the generated voltage can be detected specifically by control circuitry, thereby indirectly detecting the closed position of the fixed component. The detection of the closed position of the fixed component can then be used as the basis for controlling the lock or status monitoring. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the generated voltage can be at least partially stored as electrical energy (so-called "energy harvesting"). In particular, this generated energy can be used only for temporary buffering, thereby enabling, for example, the subsequent output of an electrically generated signal. These possible applications will be described in more detail below.

[0010] One advantage of this invention is that, in any case, current electric motors are used to detect the closed position of the fixed component and / or to acquire electrical energy, thereby enabling, for example, the output of a closed position determination signal. Since no separate sensor is required to detect the closed position, cost and installation space are saved, and the susceptibility of operating modes to malfunctions (e.g., due to contamination of individual sensors) is reduced or completely eliminated. The electronic lock can output a signal without additional energy if the generated electrical energy is sufficient to temporarily activate the output device (e.g., a radio transmitter or optical indicator), or it can perform the signal output when the (main) power is depleted or removed.

[0011] Further embodiments of the present invention will be described below and in the appended claims.

[0012] In some embodiments, the latch may be connected to a return spring configured to mechanically drive the latch from an unlocked position to a locked position. As a mechanical energy storage device, the return spring can therefore be used to drive the rotor to perform a forced rotational motion. This forced rotational motion of the rotor can thus generate a predetermined and sufficiently high voltage that can be reliably detected, and / or sufficient to temporarily feed electrical energy to the lock's output device to transmit command or status information (e.g., a radio unit or optical indicator).

[0013] In this implementation, the return spring is tensioned by electrically actuating the latch to the unlocked position. The relaxation of the return spring is then triggered by moving the retaining member from the open to the closed position. This relaxation mechanically drives the latch to the locked position, thereby achieving the desired or detectable forced rotational movement of the electric motor rotor.

[0014] In particular, the electromechanical locking device can be configured to mechanically block the latch when electrically driven to the unlocked position, and release the latch for mechanical actuation only when the fixed member moves from the open position to the closed position. For this purpose, the fixed member can directly or indirectly trigger the mechanical blocking. In some embodiments, the control circuit can be configured to control the electric motor to slightly rotate the rotor in the locking direction after electrically driving the latch to the unlocked position and mechanically blocking the latch in the unlocked position, thereby releasing the rotor. The rotor of the electric motor is thus released from the spring force of the preloaded spring. In particular, depending on the gap in the relative movement between the rotor and the latch, it may rotate slightly back. However, the rotor essentially remains in the position corresponding to the latch unlocked position. For example, in one embodiment, the latch can be configured as a rotary latch and can be blocked by the fixed member in the open position, resisting the return movement caused by the force of the return spring, as can be seen from the previously mentioned DE4323693C2.

[0015] In other embodiments of the return spring, the return spring can be tensioned by electrically driving the latch to the unlocked position, wherein the control circuit is configured to control the electric motor to return the latch to the locked position after the latch has been electrically driven to the unlocked position, particularly after a predetermined time, thereby relaxing the return spring. In some embodiments, the mechanical energy of this relaxed return spring can be converted into electrical energy by the electric motor in generator operating mode and can be stored in a rechargeable energy storage device. Since the fixed part subsequently moves from the open position to the closed position, the latch can be mechanically driven to the unlocked position first, so that the return spring connected to the latch can thus be tensioned again. Subsequently, when the fixed part finally reaches the closed position, the latch can be mechanically driven again from the unlocked position to the locked position by the relaxation of the spring, thereby achieving the desired forced rotational movement of the rotor of the electric motor. The voltage generated in the electric motor can thus be reused, particularly for detection and / or for conversion into electrical energy.

[0016] For example, when moved to the closed position, the retaining component can temporarily return the preloaded latch via a cooperative guide ramp, particularly when the latch is linearly movable. After the retaining component finally reaches the closed position, the latch can enter the locked position due to the force of the return spring. Since the latch is effectively coupled to the rotor of the electric motor, the rotor moves accordingly, and at least one mechanically induced latch movement (i.e., from the locked position to the unlocked position and / or from the unlocked position to the locked position) can be detected by control circuitry. Such a linearly movable preloaded latch is known, for example, from DE19639235A1. The latch can be coupled to the rotor of the electric motor, for example, via a gear rack, pinion meshing therebetween, and possibly a reduction gear unit (e.g., known from CN210598521U), to drive the rotor by the mechanical force of the latch.

[0017] In some embodiments, particularly in the absence of a return spring, the control circuit can be configured to control the electric motor to return the latch to the locked position after the latch has been electrically driven to the unlocked position. Specifically, this can occur after a predetermined time, allowing the user an opportunity to move the retaining component from the closed position to the open position. Since the retaining component subsequently moves from the open position to the closed position, the latch can be mechanically driven to the unlocked position, thereby achieving forced rotational movement of the electric motor's rotor. The voltage generated in the electric motor can thus be utilized, particularly for detection and / or for conversion into electrical energy. In this embodiment, the control circuit can be configured to again control the electric motor to electrically drive the latch from the unlocked position to the locked position after detecting forced rotational movement of the rotor.

[0018] As the retaining component moves from the open position to the closed position, it can mechanically drive the latches (e.g., via cooperative guide ramps) against the resistance of the motor's rotor to enter the unlocked position, whereby the rotor, forced to rotate, is detected by the control circuit. The control circuit can then use this situation to move the latches from the unlocked position to the locked position via the motor. For example, one or two latches can be connected to the motor's rotor via corresponding racks, gear meshing therebetween, and possibly a reduction gear unit, to drive the rotor by the mechanical force of the latches. This arrangement is known from the previously mentioned CN210598521U, in which cooperative guide ramps must be provided at the ends of the two hoops and at the two latches. An advantage of this embodiment is that it eliminates the need for return springs.

[0019] In some embodiments, the latch can be configured as a rotary latch. Such rotary latches are known, for example, from the previously mentioned DE102019113184A1 and DE4323693A1. The rotary latch can be driven by an electric motor to perform rotary motion. In some embodiments, the rotary latch can be rotatable about a rotation axis that extends coaxially, parallel to, or at an angle to the rotation axis of the electric motor's rotor. In some embodiments, in the locked position, the rotary latch can engage one or more blocking elements radially outward with the fixed member, wherein in the unlocked position, one or more blocking elements can return radially inward through the fixed member. For this purpose, the rotary latch can have radially recessed and raised portions along its outer periphery. For example, the blocking elements can be spherical or cylindrical. Two such blocking elements can be arranged radially opposite to each other to achieve locking on both sides of the clamp, for example, in the case where the fixed member is configured as a U-shaped clamp. However, locking can also be achieved on only one side. In this embodiment with a rotary latch, the return spring can be specifically configured as a torsion spring.

[0020] In some implementations, the latch may be linearly movable. For example, the latch may be connected to the rotor of an electric motor via a rack and pinion and gears therebetween, as can be seen from the previously mentioned CN210598521U.

[0021] In some implementations, the control circuitry can be configured to drive an electric motor during an unlocking operation to electrically move the latch from the locked position to the unlocked position. Specifically, this can be executed based on an unlocking command transmitted to the control circuitry via an electronic key, by entering a password through a digital input device on the lock body, by biometric authentication, or by using a mobile terminal device via radio.

[0022] In some embodiments, the control circuitry can be configured to detect or store the voltage generated by the electric motor as electrical energy during a detection operation following an unlocking operation. Hereinafter, the term "detection operation" means utilizing voltage generated by forced rotational motion of the rotor. Specifically, the control circuitry can monitor the electric motor to determine whether forced rotational motion of the rotor occurs, which can be achieved by a user mechanically actuating the latch. Alternatively or additionally, the electric motor can be incorporated into a generator configuration for the detection operation, where, for example, external drive of the rotor in the generator configuration induces a voltage that can be stored in an energy storage device. For this purpose, in particular, the electrical connections of the motor windings (e.g., the coils of the electric motor stator) can be adjusted or switched, and / or the moving electronic lock can have a rectifier, as is known to those skilled in the art for generator operation of electric motors.

[0023] Mobile electronic locks may have their own electrical power source, such as a battery or accumulator, and / or electrical contacts for connecting to an external electrical power source. In some embodiments, the control circuitry can connect an electric motor to the electrical power source during the unlocking operation. For detection purposes, the control circuitry can disconnect the electric motor from the electrical power source.

[0024] In some implementations, the detection operation can be performed directly in conjunction with the unlocking operation. However, in some implementations, as described above, a locking operation can be specified to be performed first after the unlocking operation (particularly after a predetermined time has elapsed, allowing the fixed component to move from the closed position to the open position), wherein the control circuit drives an electric motor to electrically move the latch from the unlocked position to the locked position, and the detection operation is performed only thereafter.

[0025] In some embodiments, the control circuit may be configured to detect the voltage generated by the electric motor due to the forced rotational motion of the rotor. Specifically, the control circuit may be configured to evaluate the value of the generated voltage (e.g., relative to amplitude, frequency, and / or polarity). In some embodiments, the control circuit may compare the voltage induced by the forced rotational motion of the rotor with a threshold value. For example, the electric motor may be configured as a DC motor, wherein the control circuit is configured to compare the value of the voltage signal generated by the forced rotational motion of the rotor with a threshold value. In some embodiments, the electric motor may be configured as an AC motor, wherein the control circuit is configured to compare the amplitude of the AC voltage signal generated by the forced rotational motion of the rotor with a threshold value.

[0026] In particular, successfully detecting the generated voltage can lead to the conclusion that the locking mechanism has entered the closed position. For example, this detection result can be used as a basis for controlling an electric motor, or it can be displayed as information about the lock's status, or it can be output to an associated (external) central unit or remote control unit.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, for this detection of the generated voltage, the mobile electronic lock may have a rechargeable energy storage device, such as a battery or capacitor. The control circuitry may be configured to store at least a portion of the voltage generated by the forced rotational motion of the rotor as electrical energy in the rechargeable energy storage device. In some embodiments, only a temporary buffering of the generated energy may be provided, for example, by outputting an associated signal (in particular, status information or associated command) after the generated voltage is detected. This output may be particularly wireless or optical, for example, via a radio unit described below or via an optical indicator of the lock described below.

[0028] In some implementations, the control circuitry may be connected to a radio unit. The control circuitry may be configured to receive control commands (e.g., unlocking commands or interrogation commands for electromechanical locking devices) via the radio unit and to control the electric motor in response to the received control commands. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuitry may be configured to transmit status information or control commands indicating the position (closed or open) of a fixed component as radio signals via the radio unit to, for example, a related central unit or remote control unit (in particular, a user's mobile terminal device).

[0029] In some implementations, the mobile electronic lock may have an optical indicator connected to control circuitry. The control circuitry may be configured to output a visually perceptible signal from the optical indicator indicating the position (closed or open) of the fixed component. For example, the optical indicator may include a light-emitting diode (LED).

[0030] In some implementations, the rotor of the electric motor can be coupled to the latch via a non-self-locking reduction gear unit. The fact that the reduction gear unit is not self-locking means that it can transmit rotational motion from the output side to the input side (at least when sufficiently high torque is applied), where acceleration occurs in this direction. Therefore, a compact, high-speed rotating electric motor can be used, and the mechanical drive of the latch can still be converted into rotational motion of the rotor. The reduction gear unit can be, for example, a single-stage or multi-stage spur gear or epicyclic gear.

[0031] In some embodiments, the rotor of the electric motor can be coupled to the latch with a gap between them. This allows tolerances to be compensated and the force path to be interrupted as described. However, the gap between the rotor of the electric motor and the latch is significantly smaller than the rotor's movement path between the locked and unlocked positions, thus converting the mechanical drive of the latch into rotational motion of the rotor.

[0032] In some embodiments, the fixing component can be configured as a rigid hoop, particularly a U-shaped hoop with two arms of the same length or two arms of different lengths. Such a hoop can have two ends, wherein both ends of the hoop can be introduced into a lock body, and one end can be locked to the lock body or both ends can be locked to the lock body.

[0033] In some embodiments, the fixing member may have at least one bolt that can be inserted into and locked to the lock body. In particular, the fixing member may have a wire rope or chain, wherein the bolt for locking to the lock body may be attached to one end of the wire rope or chain, while another bolt or eyelet may be attached to the other end.

[0034] In some embodiments, the retaining member can be permanently retained on the lock body, i.e., particularly in the open position. In other embodiments, the retaining member can also be released from the lock body.

[0035] The lock body may have at least one access opening into which one end of the fixing member can be inserted in the closed position. Attached Figure Description

[0036] In the following description, the present invention will be illustrated with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the padlocks described below, but can also be used with padlocks of other locking types.

[0037] Figure 1 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the padlock in the closed position of the clamp is shown.

[0038] Figure 2 A plan view of the rotating latch in the locked position is shown, which includes a blocking element.

[0039] Figure 3 A side view of the padlock component is shown in the closed position of the clamp.

[0040] Figure 4 Showing the corresponding Figure 2 Rotate the plan view of the latch in the unlocked position, which contains a blocking element.

[0041] Figure 5 Showing the corresponding Figure 3 Side view of the padlock component in the open position of the clamp.

[0042] Figure 6 The circuit used to detect the forced rotational motion of the rotor is shown.

[0043] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a fixed component with a guide ramp is shown, wherein the guide ramp has a latch that can move linearly. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Figure 1 A portable electronic lock in the form of a padlock 10 is shown. The padlock 10 includes a lock body 14 having a housing 30 and a fixing component configured as a clamp 12. Here, the clamp 12 is designed in a U-shape and includes a short first clamp arm 16 and a long second clamp arm 18. A first inlet opening 20 and a second inlet opening 22 of the two clamp arms 16, 18 are formed on the upper side of the lock body 14 and lead to corresponding receiving channels 24, 26. The clamp 12 can move relative to the lock body 14 between a closed position and an open position along the longitudinal axis of the clamp arms 16, 18. In this respect, the second clamp arm 18 is permanently held in the lock body 14, wherein the second clamp arm 18 is inserted into the lock body 14 through the inlet opening 22 and guided in the second receiving channel 26. In the open position of the clamp 12, the first, shorter clamp arm 16 is located outside the lock body 14. In the closed position of the clamp 12, the first clamp arm 16 is inserted into the first receiving channel 24 through the inlet opening 20.

[0045] To lock the clamp 12 in the closed position, the padlock 10 includes an electromechanical locking device 34. The electromechanical locking device 34 includes a latch, configured in the illustrated embodiment as a rotary latch 36 that actuates two blocking elements 38, 40. The rotary latch 36 and the blocking elements 38, 40 are received in a transverse aperture 32 extending between a first receiving channel 24 and a second receiving channel 26 in the upper region of the housing 30. The electromechanical locking device 34 also includes an electric motor 46 having a stator, rotor, and reduction gear unit (not shown separately) for actuating the rotary latch 36 and the control circuitry 102 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 6 In this respect, the electric motor 46 is attached to the cutout of the housing 30 such that the rotation axis A of the rotor of the electric motor 46 coincides with the rotation axis A of the rotary latch 36, and the output-side entrainer 48 of the electric motor 46 is connected to the rotary latch 36 in a form-fit manner. In addition to this coaxial configuration, the rotation axis of the rotor of the electric motor 46 can also be at an angle (e.g., 90 degrees) to the rotation axis A of the rotary latch 36, especially in the case of helical gears.

[0046] A rotary latch 36 is connected to the rotor of the electric motor 46 via the reduction gear unit, which slows down the rotational motion of the rotor. The reduction gear unit is not self-locking, thus transmitting rotational motion in both directions. The reduction gear unit can be, for example, a single-stage or multi-stage spur gear (especially having coaxial input and output) or an epicyclic gear (e.g., a planetary gear set). The electric motor 46 is powered by a battery 66 located in a battery compartment 68 within a cutout at the lower end of the housing 30. Alternatively, power can be supplied externally, for example, via two electrical contacts (not shown).

[0047] The padlock 10 shown not only allows the locking clamp 12 to be unlocked electromechanically, as will be explained below, but also allows the mechanical actuation of the rotary latch 36 by moving the locking clamp 12 from the open position to the closed position (due to the corresponding actuation by the user). The rotary latch 36, in turn, actuates the rotor of the electric motor 46, which is effectively coupled to the motor, thus enabling the motor to be detectably driven as well, as will also be explained below. In some embodiments, the electric motor 46 operates in generator mode and can therefore obtain electrical energy.

[0048] To lock the padlock 10, two blocking elements 38 and 40 are located in the transverse holes 32 between the clamp arms 16 and 18 and the rotary latch 36. As an example, the blocking elements 38 and 40 are spherical. In the closed position of the electronic lock 10, to lock the clamp 12, one blocking element 38 enters the first engagement recess 42 of the first clamp arm 16 from the outer periphery of the rotary latch 36, and the other blocking element 40 enters the second engagement recess 44 of the second clamp arm 18 from the outer periphery of the rotary latch 36. For automatic purely mechanical locking of the clamp 12, a return spring 50 is provided, which acts between the housing 30 and the rotary latch 36, and is configured as a torsion spring. The return spring 50 is configured to mechanically drive the rotary latch 36 from the unlocked position to the locked position. This can be triggered by the clamp 12 moving from the open position to the closed position, wherein the clamp arm 18 blocks the rotary latch 36 by the corresponding locking element 40 in the unlocked position. In the closed position of the locking clamp 12, the second engagement recess 44 of the clamp arm 18 releases the corresponding blocking element 40 to move radially outward, thus the rotary latch 36 is released to rotate due to the spring force of the tensioned return spring 50. This mode of operation is generally known from the previously mentioned DE4323693C2.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the unlocking of the locking clamp 12 is performed electromechanically, wherein an electric motor 46 rotates the rotary latch 36 to the unlocked position, with a return spring 50 tensioned. In the unlocked position of the rotary latch 36, the blocking elements 38, 40 can move radially inward relative to the rotation axis A from the engaging recesses 42, 44 of the locking clamp 12. The locking clamp 12 is thus released to move from the closed position to the open position, wherein a pop-out mechanism is provided so that the locking clamp 12 automatically springs up towards the open position due to unlocking. As described above, the rotary latch 36 is thus blocked in the unlocked position by the long second clamp arm 18 and the associated blocking element 40. At least during this unlocking process, the electric motor 46 must be powered by the battery 66 or by an externally connected energy source.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the ejection mechanism for the locking clamp 12 is configured such that a blind hole 54 exists at the lower end of the second clamp arm 18. The blind hole 54 is divided into two regions 56 and 58, wherein the diameter of the lower region 58 is larger than the diameter of the upper region 56. A correspondingly shaped pin 76 is introduced into the blind hole 54. The pin 76 consists of three parts: in the upper region 56, the pin 76 has the same diameter as the blind hole 54 in the upper region 56; in the lower region 58 of the blind hole 54, the diameter of the pin 76 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the blind hole 54 in the lower region 58, wherein an ejection spring 62 is introduced between the pin 76 and the blind hole 54 in the lower region 58; and at the lower end of the pin 76, a plate head 64 is located at the end of the pin 76. The pop-out spring 62 is supported at the plate head 64 of the pin 76 and pushes the second hoop arm 18 upward when the lock 10 is unlocked, thereby pushing the lock hoop 12 upward and causing the first hoop arm 16 to leave the first inlet opening 20.

[0051] The engagement between the rotary latch 36 and the blocking elements 38 and 40 is as follows: Figures 2 to 5 As shown in the figures, the corresponding positions of the rotary latch 36 and the locking clamp 12 can be seen from these figures. Figure 2 A plan view of the rotary latch 36 in the locked position is shown, with the locking clamp 12 in the closed position. Figure 3 A corresponding side view of the padlock 10 is shown. In the locked position of the rotary latch 36, the blocking elements 38, 40 are pushed radially outward from the outer surface of the rotary latch 36 and engage in the first engagement recess 42 of the first clamp arm 16 or in the second engagement recess 44 of the second clamp arm 18. The clamp 12 is thus locked in the lock body 14.

[0052] From this state, the rotary latch 36 is unlocked by moving the rotor of the electric motor 46 in the rotation direction 74. Rotation continues until the first blocking element 38 is released and moves back into the first recess 70, and the second blocking element 40 is released and moves back into the second recess 72 of the rotary latch 36. Figure 4The rotary latch 36 is shown in the unlocked position. The preloaded pop-out spring 62, in the closed position of the clamp 12, pushes the clamp 12 toward the open position until the second blocking element 40 engages with another recess 60 in the shape of an annular groove formed at the lower end of the second clamp arm 18. The clamp 12 is thus secured to the lock body 14 and can rotate about its vertical axis. Figure 5 A side view of the padlock 10 in the open position is shown.

[0053] Figure 6 A block diagram 100 showing the main electrical and electronic components of the padlock 10 is provided. According to the above description, during the unlocking operation, the control circuit 102 can control the electric motor 46 to drive the rotary latch 36. The rotor of the electric motor 46 rotates in the direction 74 (see [reference]). Figure 2 and Figure 4 The rotary movement moves the rotary latch 36 from the locked position. Figure 2 Rotate to the unlock position. Figure 4 For this purpose, the electric motor 46 is powered by the battery 66. The control circuit 102 may include, for example, a microprocessor and additional switches (e.g., transistors).

[0054] In padlock 10, the rotary latch 36 is driven to the rotor of electric motor 46, thereby (in the opposite direction) via drive member 48 ( Figure 1 The forced rotational movement 106 of the rotor of the electric motor 46 is achieved by mechanically driving the rotary latch 36. The control circuit 102 is configured to detect and evaluate the voltage induced in the motor windings by the forced rotational movement 106 of the rotor during a detection operation. In particular, this detection operation can follow an unlocking operation. To detect the induced voltage, the control circuit 102 is connected to a voltage measuring device 108 (e.g., a voltmeter) and a switch 110. The switch 110 allows the electric motor 46 to be disconnected from the battery 66 during a detection operation (particularly in the unlocked position of the rotary latch 36). In this state, the control circuit 102 is configured to detect and evaluate the voltage signal in the motor windings generated by the forced rotational movement 106 of the rotor via the voltage measuring device 108. Specifically, the control circuit 102 can compare the voltage signal to a threshold, wherein if the threshold is reached or exceeded, the control circuit 102 determines that the rotary latch 36 has been mechanically driven (i.e., not driven by the electric motor 36) to perform the rotational movement.

[0055] Alternatively or additionally, for this (only) detection of the drive of the rotary latch 36 achieved externally (via the locking clamp 12), in the generator configuration of the electric motor 46, the electric motor 46 may be directly or indirectly connected to an energy storage device (not shown) during the detection operation, such that the mechanical energy released from the lock due to the relaxation of the return spring 50 is at least partially converted into electrical energy as a buffer.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanical actuation of the rotary latch 36, detected by the control circuit 102, can be caused by the rotational movement of the rotary latch 36, particularly due to the force of the return spring 50. As described above, the return spring 50 can mechanically drive the rotary latch 36 from the unlocked position to the locked position, which can be triggered by the user by moving the locking clamp 12 from the open position to the closed position.

[0057] A particular advantage of the described padlock 10 is that it does not require additional sensors, and therefore no additional mounting space is needed for sensors to detect the rotational movement 106 of the externally implemented rotary latch 36. Therefore, retrofitting existing locks using this indirect sensing system can be relatively easy, wherein the rotary latch 36 or another latch is effectively coupled to the rotor of the electric motor 46. In the case of generator operation as interpreted by the electric motor 46, electrical energy can be harvested and stored during the locking of the padlock 10.

[0058] from Figure 6 As can be seen, the control circuit 102 can also be connected to the radio unit 104, wherein the control circuit 102 can be configured to receive control commands (e.g., unlocking commands or status query commands for the electromechanical locking device 34) via the radio unit 104, and, for example, control the electric motor 46 in response to the received control commands. Furthermore, the control circuit 102 can be configured to transmit requested status information as a radio signal via the radio unit 104, the status information indicating, for example, the position of the locking clamp 12 (specifically, the detected closed position).

[0059] Another advantage of the padlock 10 is that, due to the use of the radio unit 104, not only can the padlock 10 be unlocked via remote transmission, such as through a smartphone or other mobile terminal device, but information about detected state changes (in particular, detected changes from the open position to the closed position of the locking clamp 12) can also be transmitted wirelessly to, for example, a mobile terminal device.

[0060] In the case of generator operation as explained by the electric motor 46, the acquired electrical energy can be used to output a signal indicating information about the successful transition of the locking clamp 12 to the closed position. Therefore, the battery 66 is not necessarily required for the output of such a signal (and therefore, in particular, the battery 66 is not necessarily required for the entire locking process, including the signal output to the outside), that is, the battery 66 can also be unloaded or removed at this time.

[0061] As described above, in the illustrated embodiment, the electromechanical locking device 34 can mechanically prevent the electrically driven rotary latch 36 from entering the unlocked position, wherein the rotary latch 36 is released (automatically) only when the clamp 12 moves from the open position to the closed position. Therefore, the mechanical drive of the rotary latch 36 generated by the return spring 50 achieves a defined rotational movement of the rotor of the electric motor 46, which generates a predetermined voltage with high reproducibility and reliability.

[0062] and Figures 1 to 5 Other embodiments different from the described implementation are also possible, wherein the mechanical drive of the latch is achieved by moving a fixed component (e.g., clamp 12) from an open position to a closed position, and such drive of the latch (due to its effective connection with the drive of the rotor of the electric motor) can be detected by a control circuit.

[0063] For example, according to an alternative implementation, the control circuit 102 may be configured to, upon setting the latch (corresponding to according to...) Figures 1 to 5 After the rotary latch 36 is electrically driven to the unlocked position, especially after a predetermined time, the electric motor 46 is controlled to return the latch to the locked position, thereby relaxing the return spring 50. Due to the fixed component (corresponding to...) Figures 1 to 5 The subsequent movement of the latch 12) from the open position to the closed position (due to the corresponding action of the user) can temporarily mechanically drive the latch to the unlocked position (e.g., the latch is pushed back by the retaining member), wherein the return spring 50 connected to the latch is thus tensioned again. When the retaining member (corresponding to the one according to the lock 12) moves from the open position to the closed position (due to the corresponding action of the user), the latch can be temporarily mechanically driven to the unlocked position (e.g., the latch is pushed back by the retaining member), wherein the return spring 50 connected to the latch is thus tensioned again. Figures 1 to 5 When the locking clamp 12) finally reaches the closed position, the latch is pushed back from the unlocked position to the locked position by the relaxation return spring 50. Thus, the mechanical actuation of the latch, which automatically locks the fixing component to the lock body, drives the rotor of the electric motor 46 to perform a corresponding rotational movement by actuating the active coupling. The control circuit 102 can be reconfigured for, for example, detecting and evaluating this rotational movement of the rotor.

[0064] In particular, this alternative implementation can be achieved using a linearly movable latch (instead of according to...) Figures 1 to 5 The rotary latch 36) is well implemented. Figure 7A schematic diagram of a fixing component in the form of a bolt 202 according to this embodiment of an electronic lock is shown. In this respect, the latch 236 is linearly movable and preloaded in the locking direction by a return spring 250. During the movement of the bolt 202 to the closed position, the latch 236 is temporarily pushed back by a first guide ramp 204 attached to the front end of the bolt 202 and a second guide ramp 206 formed at the latch 236. After the bolt 202 finally reaches the closed position, the latch 236 can be locked into the locked position by the force of the return spring 250. Since the latch 236 drives the rotor effectively coupled to the electric motor 46, the rotor moves accordingly and at least one mechanically induced latch movement (i.e., from the locked position to the unlocked position and / or from the unlocked position to the locked position) can be detected by the control circuit 102 (corresponding to...). Figure 6 Such a linearly movable preloaded latch 236 can be known, for example, from DE19639235A1. The latch 236 can be connected to the rotor of the electric motor 46, for example, via a gear rack, pinion meshing therebetween, and possibly a reduction gear unit, so as to drive the rotor by the mechanical drive of the latch 236, as can be known, for example, from CN210598521U.

[0065] According to another alternative implementation, a return spring is not absolutely necessary. In this implementation, after the latch is electrically driven to the unlocked position (in particular, due to the corresponding unlock command), the control circuit 102 can control the electric motor to electromechanically return the latch to the locked position. Due to the fixing component (corresponding to according to...) Figures 1 to 5 The locking hoop 12 or corresponding to the lock according to Figure 7 Bolt 202) then moves from the open position to the closed position, and the latch (corresponding to according to Figures 1 to 5 The rotating latch 36 or corresponding to the one according to Figure 7 The latch 236 can be moved to the unlocked position and thus can be mechanically driven, thereby achieving a forced rotational movement of the rotor of the electric motor 46. For this purpose, a suitable and effective drive connection can be provided between the latch and the rotor. The control circuit 102 can be reconfigured to detect and evaluate this rotational movement of the rotor.

[0066] List of reference numerals

[0067] 10: Mobile electronic lock

[0068] 12: Fixed components

[0069] 14: Lock body

[0070] 16: First hoop arm

[0071] 18: Second hoop arm

[0072] 20: First introduction opening

[0073] 22: Second introduction opening

[0074] 24: First receiving channel

[0075] 26: Second receiving channel

[0076] 28: Lock body cover

[0077] 30: Shell

[0078] 32: Horizontal hole

[0079] 34: Locking device

[0080] 36: Rotary latch

[0081] 38: First blocking element

[0082] 40: Second blocking element

[0083] 42: First engagement recess

[0084] 44: Second engagement recess

[0085] 46: Electric motor

[0086] 48: Drive components

[0087] 50: Return spring

[0088] 52: Flat parts

[0089] 54: Blind hole

[0090] 56: Upper area

[0091] 58: Lower area

[0092] 60: Concave

[0093] 62: Pop-out spring

[0094] 64: Board Head

[0095] 66: Battery

[0096] 68: Battery Box

[0097] 70: First recess

[0098] 72: Second recess

[0099] 74: Direction of rotation

[0100] 100: Block Diagram

[0101] 102: Control Circuit

[0102] 104: Radio Unit

[0103] 106: Rotational motion

[0104] 108: Voltage measuring device

[0105] 110: Switch

[0106] 200: Schematic diagram of a fixing component with a guide ramp

[0107] 202: Bolt

[0108] 204: First guiding slope

[0109] 206: Second guiding slope

[0110] 236: Latch

[0111] 250: Return spring

[0112] A: Axis of rotation

Claims

1. A mobile electronic lock (10) comprising a lock body (14) and a fixed component (12) movable relative to the lock body (14) between a closed position and an open position, wherein, The lock body (14) includes an electromechanical locking device (34), which includes an electric motor (46) having a rotor, latches (36, 236) connected to the rotor, and a control circuit (102). The latches (36, 236) are electrically driven from the locked position to the unlocked position by the electric motor (46). In the locked position, the fixing member (12) located in the closed position is locked to the lock body (14). In the unlocked position, the fixing member (12) is released to move to the open position. The mechanical drive of the latches (36, 236) is achieved by moving the fixing member (12) from the open position to the closed position. The latches (36, 236) are effectively driven to the rotor of the electric motor (46), thereby the mechanical drive of the latches (36, 236) achieves a forced rotational movement (106) of the rotor. The electric motor (46) is configured to generate voltage based on the forced rotational movement (106) of the rotor.

2. The mobile electronic lock (10) as described in claim 1, in, The latches (36, 236) are connected to return springs (50, 250) configured to mechanically drive the latches (36, 236) from the unlocked position to the locked position.

3. The mobile electronic lock (10) as described in claim 2, in, The return springs (50, 250) can be tensioned by electrically driving the latches (36, 236) to the unlocked position, wherein the return springs (50, 250) can be relaxed by moving the fixing member (12) from the open position to the closed position, wherein the latches (36, 236) can be mechanically driven to perform a movement into the locked position by the relaxation of the return springs (50, 250).

4. The mobile electronic lock (10) as described in claim 3, in, The electromechanical locking device (34) is configured to mechanically block the latch (36, 236) when electrically driven to the unlocked position, and to release the latch (36, 236) only when the fixing member (12) moves from the open position to the closed position to allow the mechanical drive.

5. The mobile electronic lock (10) as described in claim 4, in, The control circuit (102) is configured to, after electrically driving the latches (36, 236) to the unlock position and mechanically blocking the latches (36, 236) in the unlock position, control the electric motor (46) to rotate the rotor slightly backward in the locking direction to release the rotor.

6. The mobile electronic lock (10) as described in claim 2, in, The return springs (50, 250) can be tensioned by electrically driving the latches (36, 236) to the unlocked position, wherein the control circuit (102) is configured to control the electric motor (46) to return the latches (36, 236) to the locked position after electrically driving the latches (36, 236) to the unlocked position, and thereby relax the return springs (50, 250), wherein the latches (36, 236) can be mechanically driven to the unlocked position first since the fixing member (12) subsequently moves from the open position to the closed position, and the return springs (50, 250) connected to the latches (36, 236) can thus be tensioned again, and wherein when the fixing member (12) finally reaches the closed position, the latches (36, 236) can be mechanically driven from the unlocked position to the locked position by the relaxation of the springs (50, 250).

7. The mobile electronic lock (10) as described in claim 1, in, The control circuit (102) is configured to control the electric motor (46) to return the latches (36, 236) to the locked position after the latches (36, 236) are electrically driven to the unlocked position, wherein the latches (36, 236) can be mechanically driven to the unlocked position since the fixing member (12) subsequently moves from the open position to the closed position, thereby realizing the forced rotational movement (106) of the rotor, and wherein the control circuit (102) is configured to control the electric motor (46) to electrically drive the latches (36, 236) from the unlocked position to the locked position after detecting the forced rotational movement (106) of the rotor.

8. The mobile electronic lock (10) as described in claim 1, in, The latch (36) is configured as a rotary latch (36); or The latch (236) is capable of linear movement.

9. The mobile electronic lock (10) as described in claim 1, in, The electric motor (46) is configured to generate voltage through induction based on the forced rotational motion (106) of the rotor.

10. The mobile electronic lock (10) as described in claim 1, in, The control circuit (102) is configured to detect the voltage generated by the electric motor (46).

11. The mobile electronic lock (10) as described in claim 10, in, The control circuit (102) is configured to evaluate the value of the generated voltage by comparing it with a threshold.

12. The mobile electronic lock (10) as described in claim 1, It includes a rechargeable energy storage device configured to store at least a portion of the generated voltage as electrical energy.

13. The mobile electronic lock (10) as described in claim 12, in, The control circuit (102) is configured to use the electrical energy stored based on the generated voltage to output a signal.

14. The mobile electronic lock (10) as described in claim 1, in, The control circuit (102) is configured to drive the electric motor (46) during an unlocking operation to electrically drive the latch (36, 236) from the locked position to the unlocked position, wherein the control circuit (102) is further configured to detect the voltage generated by the electric motor (46) or store the voltage as electrical energy during a detection operation after the unlocking operation.

15. The mobile electronic lock (10) as described in claim 1, in, The mobile electronic lock (10) includes a radio unit (104); The control circuit (102) is connected to the radio unit (104); The control circuit (102) is configured to receive control commands from the electromechanical locking device (34) via the radio unit (104) and control the electric motor (46) in response to the received control commands.

16. The mobile electronic lock (10) as described in claim 1, in, The mobile electronic lock (10) includes a radio unit (104); The control circuit (102) is connected to the radio unit (104); The control circuit (102) is configured to transmit status information or control commands indicating the position of the fixed component (12) as radio signals via the radio unit (104).

17. The mobile electronic lock (10) as described in claim 1, in, The mobile electronic lock (10) includes an optical indicator; The control circuit (102) is connected to the optical indicator. The control circuit (102) is configured to output state information indicating the position of the fixed component (12) as a visually perceptible signal via the optical indicator.

18. The mobile electronic lock (10) as described in claim 1, in, The rotor of the electric motor (46) is connected to the latch (36, 236) via a non-self-locking reduction gear unit.

19. The mobile electronic lock (10) as described in claim 1, in, The rotor of the electric motor (46) is connected to the latches (36, 236) with a gap between them.

20. The mobile electronic lock (10) as described in claim 1, in, The fixing component (12) is a clamp (12) and has two ends, wherein the two ends of the clamp (12) can be inserted into the lock body (14) and can lock one end to the lock body (14) or lock both ends to the lock body (14); or The fixing component (12) has at least one bolt (202) that can be inserted into the lock body (14) and locked to the lock body (14).

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