Electronic padlock

Abstract

An electronic padlock comprises a shell unit, a lock hook unit and a clutch unit, wherein the shell unit is provided with two spaced insertion holes. The lock hook unit comprises two insertion rods which can be movably arranged in the insertion holes in a penetrating mode respectively. Each insertion rod is provided with a clamping and abutting part. The clutch unit comprises two sliding blocks capable of moving in the left-right direction and a blocking piece capable of moving in the top-bottom direction. The blocking piece can move between a locking position and an unlocking position relative to the sliding block. When the blocking piece is located at the locking position, the blocking piece is blocked between the sliding blocks in the top-bottom direction, the sliding blocks abut against the clamping and abutting portion of the inserting rod in a clamped mode, and the sliding blocks are blocked by the inserting rod and the blocking piece and cannot move. Therefore, the situation that the electronic padlock is accidentally cracked due to the fact that the sliding blocks get close to each other when the sliding blocks are located at the lock catch position can be prevented, and the electronic padlock is good in safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a padlock, and particularly to an electronic padlock. Background Art

[0002] Referring to Figure 1 , a conventional padlock 1 disclosed in Chinese Patent Application No. CN114320037A mainly includes a lock case 11, a U-shaped lock hook 12 movably inserted through the lock case 11, two elastic arms 13 spaced left and right with hemispherical ends, and a push rod 14 abutted against opposite sides of the elastic arms 13 respectively. The lock hook 12 has a long hook section 121 and a short hook section 122. The lock hook 12 can be switched between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the lock case 11. In the locked position, opposite sides of the push rod 14 abut against the elastic arms 13 respectively, so that the elastic arms 13 are respectively clamped against the long hook section 121 and the short hook section 122. In the unlocked position, the push rod 14 moves downward and does not abut against the elastic arms 13, so that the elastic arms 13 are respectively separated from the long hook section 121 and the short hook section 122. In this way, when the lock hook 12 moves upward, the unlocking function can be achieved.

[0003] Referring to Figure 2 , however, an illegal user can insert a thin aluminum sheet 10 into the lock case 11 along the gap between the short hook section 122 and the lock case 11 to separate the left elastic arm 13 from the short hook section 122. At this time, the illegal user only needs to clamp and twist the thin aluminum sheet 10 and the short hook section 122 with a pair of pliers (not shown in the figure), so that the left elastic arm 13 moves to the right and disengages from the short hook section 122 due to the extrusion and friction of the thin aluminum sheet 10. The push rod 14 will also move downward because it is pushed by the left elastic arm 13, achieving the effect of cracking the padlock 1. Therefore, there are doubts about the security of the padlock 1. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an electronic padlock that can prevent being cracked and improve security.

[0005] The electronic padlock of the present invention includes a housing unit, a lock hook unit, and a clutch unit.

[0006] The housing unit has two spaced-apart insertion holes extending from one end face along the top-bottom direction to the other end face.

[0007] The lock hook unit includes two insertion rods movably inserted through the insertion holes along the top-bottom direction respectively. Each insertion rod has a clamping portion.

[0008] The clutch unit is installed in the housing unit and includes two sliders that can move in the left-right direction and a stopper that can move in the top-bottom direction. Each of the sliders has an acting portion facing the corresponding engaging portion. The stopper can move relative to the slider in the top-bottom direction between a locking position and an unlocking position. In the locking position, the stopper blocks between the sliders in the top-bottom direction, the acting portion of the slider can engage with the engaging portion of the plug rod, and the slider is blocked by the plug rod and the stopper and cannot move. In the unlocking position, the stopper moves away from the slider, and the slider can move in the left-right direction until the acting portion disengages from the engaging portion of the plug rod.

[0009] The electronic padlock of the present invention further includes a control unit. The control unit is disposed in the housing unit and includes an operable motor. The motor has a valve rod that can extend and retract in the top-bottom direction and is used to drive the stopper.

[0010] In the electronic padlock of the present invention, the control unit further includes a control module that is signal-connected to the motor, and a power supply module that is electrically connected to the control module and is used to provide power.

[0011] In the electronic padlock of the present invention, the control unit further includes a fingerprint module that is signal-connected to the control module. The fingerprint module has a touch surface that is exposed and suitable for sensing fingerprints. The fingerprint module can generate an opening signal according to the fingerprint. The control module is further used to receive the opening signal and control the valve rod of the motor to drive the stopper to move from the locking position to the unlocking position according to the opening signal.

[0012] In the electronic padlock of the present invention, the housing unit includes a housing that defines an accommodation space, and a cover that is opposed to the housing and is used to close the accommodation space. The jack is formed in the housing and is spatially communicated with the accommodation space.

[0013] The electronic padlock of the present invention, the housing has a base wall, a cover plate detachably mounted on the base wall, and a rotating group provided on the base wall. The cover plate has a fixing groove. The rotating group has a linkage member located in the accommodating space and capable of swinging, and a knob that can be operated and rotated. One end of the knob is connected to the linkage member, and the other end is located on the side of the base wall opposite to the cover body. The linkage member has a limiting surface facing one of the insertion rods, and a hook portion capable of engaging with the fixing groove of the cover plate. When the stopper is in the locking position and the acting portion of the slider abuts against the abutting portion of the insertion rod, the bottom end of one of the insertion rods abuts against the limiting surface of the linkage member, and the hook portion engages with the fixing groove of the cover plate. When the stopper is in the unlocking position and one of the insertion rods disengages from the linkage member, the linkage member can be driven by the knob to disengage the hook portion from the fixing groove of the cover plate.

[0014] The electronic padlock of the present invention, the housing unit includes a housing. The housing has a base wall, and a surrounding wall extending forward in the front-rear direction from the base wall. The insertion hole is formed on the top side of the surrounding wall. The base wall has two sliding grooves spaced apart in the top-bottom direction and extending in the left-right direction. Each slider also has a convex column capable of engaging with the corresponding sliding groove. When the stopper is in the locking position, the convex columns are away from each other. When the stopper is in the unlocking position, the convex columns are close to each other.

[0015] The electronic padlock of the present invention, the clutch unit further includes an elastic member. The elastic member is disposed between the sliders and is spaced apart from the stopper in the top-bottom direction. The elastic member always generates an elastic force that makes the sliders move away from each other.

[0016] The elastic member of the electronic padlock of the present invention is a compression spring.

[0017] The electronic padlock of the present invention, each slider further has a body portion opposite to the acting portion and extending in the left-right direction. Each acting portion has a first contact surface. Each body portion has a second contact surface. The body portions are displaced from each other in the top-bottom direction. When the stopper is in the locking position, the first contact surface of one of the sliders and the second contact surface of the other slider face the stopper, and the first contact surface and the second contact surface are separated by the largest distance. When the stopper is in the unlocking position, the sliders are aligned in the left-right direction, and the first contact surface and the second contact surface are separated by the smallest distance.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: When in the lock position, the blocking member can block between the sliders in the top-bottom direction, and the sliders are blocked by the insertion rod and the blocking member and cannot move. Thereby, it can prevent the sliders from approaching each other when in the lock position, resulting in accidental cracking of the electronic padlock. Therefore, the present invention has good security. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Other features and effects of the present invention will be clearly presented in the embodiments with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an existing padlock disclosed in Chinese Patent Application No. CN114320037A;

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the cracking of the existing padlock;

[0022] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the electronic padlock of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment;

[0024] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view viewed from another angle;

[0025] Figure 6 is a side view of the embodiment;

[0026] Figure 7 is a front view of the housing in the embodiment;

[0027] Figure 8 is along Figure 6 the cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in

[0028] Figure 9 is along Figure 6 the cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in

[0029] Figure 10 is along Figure 9 the cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in

[0030] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the control unit of the embodiment;

[0031] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the insertion rod of the embodiment in the unlocked position;

[0032] Figure 13 is a continuationFigure 12 A cross-sectional view showing the plug rod of the embodiment in the unlocking position;

[0033] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the plug rod of the embodiment in the unlocking position and the linkage member disengaged from the cover plate. Detailed implementation manners

[0034] Refer to Figures 3 to 5 , an embodiment of the electronic padlock of the present invention includes a housing unit 2, a lock hook unit 3, a clutch unit 4, a control unit 5, a waterproof unit 6, and a playback unit 7.

[0035] The housing unit 2 includes a housing 21 defining an accommodation space 20, a cover 22 for closing the accommodation space 20, and a base 23 installed between the housing 21 and the cover 22 and located within the accommodation space 20.

[0036] Refer to Figures 4 to 6 , the housing 21 has a base wall 24, a surrounding wall 25 extending forward in the front-rear direction Y from the outer peripheral edge of the base wall 24, a cover plate 26 detachably installed on the rear side of the base wall 24, and a rotating group 27 provided on the base wall 24.

[0037] Refer to Figure 5 and Figure 7 , the base wall 24 has two chutes 241 spaced apart in the top-bottom direction Z and extending in the left-right direction X, a stop block 242 extending inward from the surrounding wall 25 and spaced apart from the chutes 241 in the top-bottom direction Z, a limiting block 243 opposite to the stop block 242 in the left-right direction X, a rib 244 adjacent to the limiting block 243 and extending forward in the front-rear direction Y from the inner surface, a slot 245 communicating the accommodation space 20 with the outside, and a generally U-shaped anti-slip strip 246 located at the rear side.

[0038] Refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the surrounding wall 25 has two spaced-apart insertion holes 251 extending from one end face in the top-bottom direction Z to the other end face. The insertion holes 251 are circular holes and are formed on the top side of the surrounding wall 25 and are spatially communicated with the accommodation space 20.

[0039] Refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 8, the cover plate 26 has a plate member 261 detachably disposed at the rear side of the base wall, and a fixing portion 262 extending from one end of the plate member 261 toward the accommodating space 20. The fixing portion 262 has a fixing groove 263 with an opening facing left.

[0040] The rotating group 27 has a linkage member 271 that is located in the accommodating space 20 and can swing, and a knob 272 that can be operated and rotated. The linkage member 271 has a limiting surface 273 facing the limiting block 243, and a hook portion 274 that can be engaged with the fixing groove 263 of the cover plate 26. The front end of the knob 272 is connected to the linkage member 271, and the rear end is located on the side of the base wall 24 opposite to the cover body 22.

[0041] Refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 , the cover body 22 is aligned with the housing 21 in a front-rear direction Y and has an opening 221 that is generally square.

[0042] The base 23 has a through hole 231 formed on the top side and generally circular, and a battery slot 232 formed on the rear side and facing the cover plate 26.

[0043] Refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 9 , the locking hook unit 3 includes two insertion rods 31, 31' that can be respectively inserted through the insertion holes 251 and move along the top-bottom direction Z. Each of the insertion rods 31, 31' has a clamping portion 311 recessed inward. Among them, the length of the left insertion rod 31 extending along the top-bottom direction Z is greater than the length of the right insertion rod 31' extending along the top-bottom direction Z. And the insertion rod 31 also has a groove 312 recessed on the outer surface and extending along the top-bottom direction Z, and an annular groove 313 formed at the bottom end and circumferentially surrounding.

[0044] The clutch unit 4 is installed in the housing unit 2 and includes two sliders 41 that can move along the left-right direction X, a stopper 42 that can move along the top-bottom direction Z and is inserted through the through hole 231, and an elastic member 43 disposed between the sliders 41 and spaced apart from the stopper 42 along the top-bottom direction Z. In this embodiment, the elastic member 43 is a compression spring and always generates an elastic force that makes the sliders 41 move away from each other.

[0045] Refer to Figure 5 , Figure 9 and Figure 10, each of the sliders 41 has an acting portion 411 facing the corresponding engaging portion 311, a body portion 412 opposite to the acting portion 411 and extending along the left - right direction X, and a convex column 413 that can be engaged with the corresponding chute 241 and is generally rectangular in shape.

[0046] Each of the acting portions 411 has a first contact surface 414. The body portions 412 are offset from each other along the top - bottom direction Z, and each of the body portions 412 has a second contact surface 415.

[0047] Refer to Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 11 , the control unit 5 is disposed in the housing unit 2 and includes an operable motor 51, a control module 52 signal - connected to the motor 51, a power - supply module 53 electrically connected to the control module 52, and a fingerprint module 54 signal - connected to the control module 52.

[0048] The motor 51 has a valve stem 511 that can expand and contract along the top - bottom direction Z and is used to drive the stopper 42.

[0049] The control module 52 is, for example, a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) and has a receiver 521 for receiving an unlocking signal S1. The receiver 521 is, for example, a Bluetooth receiver. In other variations, the user can wirelessly connect to the receiver 521 through a portable mobile device (not shown in the figure) and output the unlocking signal S1 through the portable mobile device. The control module 52 can receive the unlocking signal S1 and control the valve stem 511 of the motor 51 to drive the stopper 42 to move, achieving the effect of unlocking.

[0050] The power - supply module 53 can enter the battery slot 232 from the slot 245 and is used to provide power. In this embodiment, the power - supply module 53 is a battery.

[0051] The fingerprint module 54 has a touch surface 541 that is exposed and suitable for sensing a fingerprint (not shown in the figure). The touch surface 541 faces the opening 221 of the cover 22. Among them, the fingerprint module 54 can generate an opening signal S2 according to the fingerprint that meets the preset conditions. The control module 52 is also used to receive the opening signal S2 and control the valve stem 511 of the motor 51 to drive the stopper 42 to move, achieving the effect of unlocking.

[0052] The waterproof unit 6 includes a waterproof gasket 61 disposed between the fingerprint module 54 and the control module 52, and a waterproof plate 62 disposed between the power supply module 53 and the cover plate 26 and closing the battery slot 232. The waterproof gasket 61 can prevent moisture from flowing into the control module 52 through the fingerprint module 54, thereby affecting the performance of the control module 52. The waterproof plate 62 can prevent moisture from flowing into the battery slot 232 through the cover plate 26, thereby affecting the service life and performance of the power supply module 53.

[0053] The playback unit 7 is signal-connected to the control module 52 and is used to emit sound or vibration. In this embodiment, the playback unit 7 is a buzzer. When the power supply module 53 is short of power, the playback unit 7 can remind the user to charge or replace the power supply module 53 by emitting sound or vibration.

[0054] Refer to Figure 9 、 Figure 12 and Figure 13 The stopper 42 can be driven by the valve stem 511 to move relative to the slider 41 along the top-bottom direction Z between a locking position ( Figure 9 ) and an unlocking position ( Figure 12 and Figure 13 ).

[0055] Refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the locking position, the stopper 42 blocks between the sliders 41 along the top-bottom direction Z. The acting portion 411 of the slider 41 abuts against the abutting portion 311 of the inserting rods 31, 31'. The bottom end of the right inserting rod 31' abuts against the stop block 242. The rib 244 abuts against the top end of the groove 312 of the left inserting rod 31. The slider 41 is blocked by the inserting rods 31, 31' and the stopper 42 and cannot move. At this time, the convex columns 413 move away from each other. The first contact surface 414 of one slider 41 and the second contact surface 415 of the other slider 41 face the stopper 42, and the first contact surface 414 and the second contact surface 415 are separated by a maximum distance.

[0056] Refer to Figure 5 、 Figure 12 and Figure 13, when the stopper 42 moves from the locking position towards the unlocking position, the stopper 42 moves downward away from the slider 41. In the unlocking position, the slider 41 can be aligned in the left-right direction X and move until the acting portion 411 thereof disengages from the engaging portion 311 of the insertion rods 31, 31'. At this time, the protruding posts 413 approach each other, and when the left insertion rod 31 moves upward until the annular groove 313 abuts against the protruding strip 244, the engaging portion 311 is exposed, and the first contact surface 414 and the second contact surface 415 are separated by a minimum distance.

[0057] It is worth mentioning that the limiting surface 273 of the linkage member 271 faces the bottom end of the left insertion rod 31. Therefore, when the stopper 42 is in the locking position (see Figure 9 ) and the acting portion 411 of the slider 41 abuts against the engaging portion 311 of the insertion rods 31, 31', the bottom end of the left insertion rod 31 abuts against the limiting surface 273 of the linkage member 271, and the hook portion 274 engages with the fixing portion 262 of the cover plate 26. At this time, the insertion rod 31 and the limiting surface 273 of the linkage member 271 limit each other, resulting in the cover plate 26 being unable to be opened. When the stopper 42 is in the unlocking position and the left insertion rod 31 disengages from the limiting surface 273 of the linkage member 271, as Figure 14 shown, the linkage member 271 can be driven by the rotary knob 272 until the hook portion 274 disengages from the fixing portion 262 of the cover plate 26, achieving the function of opening the battery compartment 232 and replacing the power supply module 53.

[0058] Therefore, in this embodiment, only when the fingerprint module 54 senses the fingerprint that meets the preset conditions and the stopper 42 is in the unlocking position can the user open the cover plate 26 and replace the power supply module 53 (i.e., the battery), thereby preventing other people except the user from opening the cover plate 26 and replacing the power supply module 53 when this embodiment is in the locking position, so this embodiment has the additional function of anti-theft.

[0059] Refer to Figure 3 、 Figure 11 and Figure 13 , in actual use, the user first presses the fingertip on the touch surface 541 of the fingerprint module 54, so that the fingerprint module 54 generates the opening signal S2 according to the fingerprint that meets the preset conditions. At this time, the control module 52 receives the opening signal S2 and controls the valve rod 511 to drive the stopper 42 to move from the locking position to the unlocking position according to the opening signal S2, achieving the function of unlocking.

[0060] It should be noted that in other embodiments, the playback unit 7 can also serve as a prompt sound for unlocking, opening the lock, or when the fingerprints do not match. The present invention is not limited thereto.

[0061] Through the above description, the advantages of the foregoing embodiments can be summarized as follows:

[0062] 1. When the stopper 42 is in the locking position, it can block between the sliders 41 along the top-bottom direction Z. Thus, the sliders 41 cannot move because they are blocked by the insertion rods 31, 31' and the stopper 42. Therefore, the present invention can prevent the sliders 41 from approaching each other when in the locking position, resulting in accidental cracking of the electronic padlock, and has good security.

[0063] 2. When in the locking position of this embodiment, the limiting surface 273 of the linkage member 271 cannot rotate because it abuts against the bottom end of the insertion rod 31. In this embodiment, only when in the unlocking position and the insertion rod 31 disengages from the linkage member 271 can the linkage member 271 be rotated. Thereby, it can prevent the cover plate 26 of this embodiment from being opened when in the locking position, so this embodiment has the additional effect of preventing theft.

[0064] 3. The waterproof gasket 61 can prevent moisture from flowing into the control module 52 through the fingerprint module 54, and can avoid the control module 52 from being affected by moisture and affecting its use performance.

[0065] 4. When the power supply module 53 of this embodiment has insufficient power, the playback unit 7 can remind the user to charge or replace the power supply module 53 by emitting sound or vibration, which is highly convenient.

[0066] The above are only the embodiments of the present invention, and the scope of implementation of the present invention cannot be limited thereby. That is, all simple equivalent changes and modifications made according to the claims and the content of the specification of the present invention still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electronic padlock, characterized in that: it includes: a housing unit having two spaced-apart jacks extending from one end face in the top-bottom direction towards the other end face; a locking hook unit including two insertion rods movably inserted through the jacks respectively along the top-bottom direction, each of the insertion rods having a clamping portion; and a clutch unit installed in the housing unit and including two sliders movable along the left-right direction and a stopper movable along the top-bottom direction, each of the sliders having an acting portion facing the corresponding clamping portion, the stopper being movable relative to the slider between a locking position and an unlocking position along the top-bottom direction. In the locking position, the stopper blocks between the sliders along the top-bottom direction, the acting portion of the slider can clamp the clamping portion of the insertion rod, and the slider is blocked by the insertion rod and the stopper and cannot move. In the unlocking position, the stopper is away from the slider, and the slider can move along the left-right direction until the acting portion disengages from the clamping portion of the insertion rod.

2. The electronic padlock according to claim 1, characterized in that: it further includes a control unit disposed in the housing unit and including an operable motor having a valve stem that can extend and retract along the top-bottom direction and is used to drive the stopper.

3. The electronic padlock according to claim 2, characterized in that: the control unit further includes a control module signal-connected to the motor, and a power supply module electrically connected to the control module and used to supply power.

4. The electronic padlock according to claim 3, characterized in that: the control unit further includes a fingerprint module signal-connected to the control module, the fingerprint module having a touch surface exposed outside and adapted to sense fingerprints, the fingerprint module being capable of generating an opening signal according to the fingerprint, the control module being further used to receive the opening signal and control the valve stem of the motor to drive the stopper to move from the locking position to the unlocking position according to the opening signal.

5. The electronic padlock according to claim 1, characterized in that: the housing unit includes a housing defining an accommodation space and a cover body mating with the housing and used to close the accommodation space, the jacks are formed in the housing and are spatially communicated with the accommodation space.

6. The electronic padlock according to claim 5, characterized in that: The housing has a base wall, a cover plate detachably mounted on the base wall, and a rotating assembly provided on the base wall. The cover plate has a fixing groove. The rotating assembly has a linkage member located in the accommodating space and capable of swinging, and a knob that can be operated and rotated. One end of the knob is connected to the linkage member, and the other end is located on the side of the base wall opposite to the cover body. The linkage member has a limiting surface facing one of the inserting rods, and a hook portion capable of engaging with the fixing groove of the cover plate. When the stopper is in the locking position and the acting portion of the slider abuts against the abutting portion of the inserting rod, the bottom end of one of the inserting rods abuts against the limiting surface of the linkage member, and the hook portion engages with the fixing groove of the cover plate. When the stopper is in the unlocking position and one of the inserting rods disengages from the linkage member, the linkage member can be driven by the knob to disengage the hook portion from the fixing groove of the cover plate.

7. The electronic padlock according to claim 1, wherein: The housing unit includes a housing having a base wall and a surrounding wall extending forward in the front-rear direction from the base wall. The insertion hole is formed on the top side of the surrounding wall. The base wall has two chutes spaced apart in the top-bottom direction and extending in the left-right direction. Each slider further has a convex post capable of engaging with a corresponding chute. When the stopper is in the locking position, the convex posts move away from each other. When the stopper is in the unlocking position, the convex posts move closer to each other.

8. The electronic padlock according to claim 1, wherein: The clutch unit further includes an elastic member disposed between the sliders and spaced apart from the stopper in the top-bottom direction. The elastic member constantly generates an elastic force that causes the sliders to move away from each other.

9. The electronic padlock according to claim 8, wherein: The elastic member is a compression spring.

10. The electronic padlock according to claim 1, wherein: Each slider further has a body portion opposite to the acting portion and extending in the left-right direction. Each acting portion has a first contact surface, and each body portion has a second contact surface. The body portions are offset from each other in the top-bottom direction. When the stopper is in the locking position, the first contact surface of one of the sliders and the second contact surface of the other slider face the stopper, and the first contact surface and the second contact surface are separated by the maximum distance. When the stopper is in the unlocking position, the sliders are aligned in the left-right direction, and the first contact surface and the second contact surface are separated by the minimum distance.

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