Access control equipment, mounting mechanism thereof and method for assembling and disassembling access control equipment

Abstract

One example embodiment is an access control device including an improved mounting mechanism including at least a bolt assembly and a geared motor assembly having an eccentric shaft. A geared motor assembly including an eccentric shaft is configured to operably rotate eccentrically to actuate vertical displacement of the tongue assembly. When the spring bolt assembly is biased at the extending position, the first buckling position is buckled with the spring bolt assembly to form a locked state, and when the spring bolt head part is biased at the retracting position, the first buckling position is released from the spring bolt assembly to form an unlocked state, so that the equipment can be assembled and disassembled. Other example embodiments are described herein. In some embodiments, the present invention provides an improved access control solution that is safer and easier to install.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of locking devices. In particular, this application relates to access control devices, their installation mechanisms, and methods for assembling and disassembling access control devices. Background Art

[0002] Currently, for existing access control devices, their installation methods mostly adopt methods such as setting fastening screws on the front or installation screws at the bottom for installation. This installation structure has many defects. For example, it destroys the overall appearance integrity and affects the aesthetics. In addition, thieves can easily disassemble and damage the existing devices using common tools such as screwdrivers, reducing their safety and practical performance. Therefore, there is an urgent need for improved access control devices that are easy to operate, have a delicate structure, and a high safety factor. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the foregoing background, in some embodiments, an improved installation mechanism, a new access control device having such an improved installation mechanism, and a method for installing an access control device are provided.

[0004] Correspondingly, on the one hand, an access control device is provided, including: a front panel, the front panel including a locking tongue assembly and a reduction motor assembly; wherein the locking tongue assembly includes a locking tongue body and a locking tongue spring; wherein the locking tongue body includes a locking tongue head and a locking tongue groove; and a rear panel, the rear panel including a first fastening position; wherein the size and shape of the first fastening position are set to engage with the locking tongue head, and wherein the reduction motor assembly includes an eccentric shaft, the reduction motor assembly being configured to operably rotate eccentrically such that the eccentric shaft can switch between an upper shaft position and a lower shaft position; and wherein the locking tongue assembly and the reduction motor assembly are constructed and arranged such that the eccentric shaft abuts against the locking tongue groove, such that: when the eccentric shaft is in the upper shaft position, the locking tongue head is biased in the extended position, the first fastening position can engage with the locking tongue head to form a locked state; and when the eccentric shaft is in the lower shaft position, the locking tongue head is biased in the retracted position, and the first fastening position is released from the locking tongue head to form an unlocked state, thereby enabling the front panel to be assembled to and disassembled from the rear panel.

[0005] On the other hand, there is provided an installation mechanism for assembling and disassembling an access control device, the access control device including a front panel and a rear panel, the installation mechanism including: a latch assembly and a reduction motor assembly, the latch assembly and the reduction motor assembly being provided on the front panel assembly; wherein the latch assembly includes a latch body and a latch spring; wherein the latch body includes a latch head and a latch groove; and a first latch position provided on the rear panel, wherein the size and shape of the first latch position are configured to engage with the latch head, wherein the reduction motor assembly includes an eccentric shaft, the reduction motor being configured to rotate eccentrically such that the eccentric shaft can switch between an upper shaft position and a lower shaft position, and wherein the latch assembly and the reduction motor assembly are constructed and arranged such that the eccentric shaft abuts against the latch groove, such that: when the eccentric shaft is in the upper shaft position, the latch head is biased to an extended position, the first latch position can engage with the latch head to form a locked state; and when the eccentric shaft is in the lower shaft position, the latch head is biased to a retracted position, the first latch position is released from the latch head to form an unlocked state, thereby enabling the front panel to be assembled to and disassembled from the rear panel. Other exemplary embodiments will be described below.

[0006] This disclosure has many advantages. In certain embodiments, the provided access control device and installation mechanism enable easy assembly and disassembly without the need for additional tools, such as screws or installation tools, thus simplifying the installation process and saving time. In certain embodiments, the access control device has enhanced visual appeal, contributing to an overall aesthetic and integrated appearance. In certain embodiments, the provided access control device and installation mechanism are more resistant to tampering or unauthorized access, thereby providing a higher level of security compared to existing access control devices on the market. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is an exploded view of the components of an exemplary access control device including an exemplary installation mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 is a partial rear view of a front panel of an exemplary access control device including a middle frame, an antenna cover, a back cover, and a latch assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. Figures 3A to 3C is different views of a latch assembly of an exemplary access control device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3A is a perspective view of the latch assembly, showing the latch body, the latch groove, and the latch spring. Figure 3B is a top view of the latch assembly, showing the latch head. Figure 3C is according to Figure 3B a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the latch assembly, showing the guiding inclined surface of the latch body and the accommodation cavity for receiving a part of the latch spring. Figures 4A to 4Care different views of a speed reduction motor assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4A Illustrated is a relative perspective view of a speed reduction motor assembly including an eccentric shaft according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4B Is a front view of the speed reduction motor assembly. Figure 4C Illustrates the rotational movement of the eccentric shaft from an on-axis position to an off-axis position according to an exemplary embodiment. Figures 5A to 5B Are a perspective view of the bottom of a front panel of an exemplary mounting mechanism in an exemplary access control device and an enlarged view thereof, respectively, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figures 6A to 6B and Figures 7A to 7B Are a cross-sectional view of an exemplary access control device including an exemplary mounting mechanism and an enlarged view thereof, illustrating the assembly process from the front panel to the rear panel, wherein the snap groove of the front panel is inserted into the second snap of the rear panel ( Figures 6A to 6B ), and when the top of the front panel is pressed and snapped into the rear panel, the first snap presses against the guiding slope of the tongue head, causing the tongue spring and thus the tongue assembly to retract, and the first snap passes over the tongue head, and the tongue head extends from the retracted position and the first snap closes with the tongue head ( Figures 7A to 7B ). Figures 8A to 8B 、 Figures 9A to 9B and Figures 10A to 10B Are a cross-sectional view of an exemplary access control device including an exemplary mounting mechanism and an enlarged view thereof, according to an exemplary embodiment, illustrating the disassembly process of the front panel from the rear panel, wherein the eccentric shaft is in the off-axis position, compressing the tongue spring to drive the tongue assembly to the retracted position ( Figures 8A to 8B ), such that the first snap can be separated from the tongue head, forming an unlocked state ( Figures 9A to 9B ), and subsequently the eccentric shaft rotates back to the on-axis position, causing the tongue assembly to return to the extended position ( Figures 10A to 10B ). Figure 11 Is a flowchart of an exemplary method for assembling and disassembling an access control device according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Define

[0007] As used herein and in the claims, the term "comprising" (or any related form such as "comprise" and "comprises"), "including" (or any related form such as "include" or "includes"), "containing" (or any related form such as "contain" or "contains") means including the following elements but not excluding other elements. It should be understood that for each embodiment using the terms "comprising" (or any related form such as "comprise" and "comprises"), "including" (or any related form such as "include" or "includes"), or "containing" (or any related form such as "contain" or "contains"), this disclosure / application also includes alternative embodiments, in which the terms "comprising", "including" or "containing" are replaced by "consisting essentially of" or "consisting of". These alternative embodiments using "consisting of" or "consisting essentially of" are understood to be embodiments of a narrower scope of the "comprising", "including" or "containing" embodiments.

[0008] For clarity, "comprising", "including", "containing" and "having" and any related forms are open-ended terms that allow additional elements or features in addition to the specified essential elements, while "consisting of" is a closed-ended term that is limited to the elements recited in the claim and does not include any elements, steps or components not specified in the claim.

[0009] As used herein, the singular forms "a / an" and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. When a range is recited in the specification, the range is understood to include every discrete point within the recited range. For example, 1 to 7 means 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.

[0010] As used herein, the term "about" is understood to be within the normal tolerances of the art and not exceeding ±10% of the specified value. By way of example only, about 50 means from 45 to 55, including all values in between. As used herein, the phrase "about" a particular value also includes the particular value, e.g., about 50 includes 50.

[0011] As used herein and in the claims, the terms "substantially" or "substantively" or "essentially" or "basically" mean that the recited characteristics, aspects, shapes, states, structures, or values need not be achieved exactly, but deviations or variations, including, for example, tolerances, measurement errors, measurement precision limitations, and other factors known to those skilled in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effects expected from the recited characteristics. For example, an object having a "substantially" cylindrical shape means that the object has an exact cylindrical shape or an almost exact cylindrical shape. In another example, an object that is "essentially" perpendicular to a surface means that the object is exactly perpendicular to the surface or almost exactly perpendicular to the surface, e.g., with a 5% deviation.

[0012] It should be understood that terms such as "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "back", "middle", "side", "length", "inner", "outer", "interior", "exterior", "outer side", "vertical", "horizontal", etc., as may be used herein, merely describe reference points and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc., merely identify one of the multiple parts, components, and / or reference points disclosed herein, and likewise do not limit the present invention to any particular configuration or orientation.

[0013] As used herein, the term "access control device" refers to a device or system designed to perform access control for a target area or region. In some embodiments, the access control device is or includes an electronic lock.

[0014] As used herein, the term "mounting mechanism" refers to a component of a device or apparatus that facilitates the disassembly of at least a part of the device or apparatus from a target substrate, such as a door or a wall, and the reassembly of the same to the target substrate.

[0015] As used herein, the term "bolt" refers to a mechanical component for fixing or releasing a locking mechanism within a device. For example, a bolt is a locking tongue that interacts with a catch position.

[0016] As used herein, the term "reduction motor" or "reduction motor assembly" refers to an electric motor designed to provide a rotational motion to drive other mechanical components (such as a bolt). In some embodiments, the rotational motion is an eccentric rotational motion back and forth within a certain predetermined range (such as about 180°).

[0017] As used herein, "eccentric" or "eccentrically" means deviating from the center or from the central axis or symmetry of a system or mechanism.

[0018] As used herein, "shaft" refers to a rod-shaped or elongated component operably connected to a reduction motor.

[0019] As used herein, the term "snapping" refers to a type of mechanical fastening that involves interlocking features or configurations on corresponding mating surfaces of components that form a connection when pressed or snapped together.

[0020] As used herein, the term "retraction" refers to the state in which a component moves from a protruding position to a compressed position or enters such a state.

[0021] As used herein, the term "protrusion" refers to the state in which a component moves from a compressed position to a protruding position or enters such a state.

[0022] As used herein, the term "front panel" refers to a component, part, element, or surface that is provided on the front side of a device and faces the user.

[0023] As used herein, the term "back cover" refers to a component, part, or element that is provided on the side facing away from the user and at least partially covers the rear side of the device or a part of the device.

[0024] As used herein, the term "assembly" refers to the process or action of combining or connecting individual components, parts, or elements to form a complete unit.

[0025] As used herein, the term "disassembly" refers to the process or action of taking apart the assembled components, parts, or elements of a device.

[0026] Although the description refers to specific embodiments, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0027] Numbered embodiments

[0028] Embodiment 1. An access control device, comprising: a front panel, the front panel including a latch assembly and a reduction motor assembly; wherein the latch assembly includes a latch body and a latch spring; wherein the latch body includes a latch head and a latch groove; and a rear panel, the rear panel including a first snap position; wherein the size and shape of the first snap position are configured to snap with the latch head, and wherein the reduction motor assembly includes an eccentric shaft, the reduction motor assembly being configured to operably rotate eccentrically such that the eccentric shaft can switch between an upper shaft position and a lower shaft position; and wherein the latch assembly and the reduction motor assembly are constructed and arranged such that the eccentric shaft abuts against the latch groove, such that: when the eccentric shaft is in the upper shaft position, the latch head is biased in the protruding position, the first snap position can snap with the latch head, forming a locked state; and when the eccentric shaft is in the lower shaft position, the latch head is biased in the retracted position, the first snap position is released from the latch head, forming an unlocked state, thereby enabling the front panel to be assembled to and disassembled from the rear panel.

[0029] Embodiment 2. The access control device as described in Embodiment 1, wherein the front panel further includes a front panel middle frame and a main control component, the main control component is operably connected to the reduction motor component and the lock tongue component, and the reduction motor component and the main control component are installed within the front panel middle frame.

[0030] Embodiment 3. The access control device as described in Embodiments 1 to 2, wherein the front panel middle frame is provided with a buckle slot, and the rear panel is provided with a second buckle, and the size and shape of the second buckle are set to match the buckle slot of the front panel middle frame.

[0031] Embodiment 4. The access control device as described in Embodiment 3, wherein the front panel assembly further includes a touch screen and a touch PCBA board, the touch PCBA board is operably connected to the touch screen and the main control component, such that in response to an input signal from the touch screen, the reduction motor component is controlled by the main control component, and the eccentric shaft can be switched between the upper position on the shaft and the lower position on the shaft, thereby biasing the lock tongue component between the extended position and the retracted position.

[0032] Embodiment 5. The access control device as described in Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the lock tongue body includes a receiving cavity for receiving at least a portion of the lock tongue spring, and the opposite portion of the lock tongue spring abuts against the inner wall of the front panel middle frame.

[0033] Embodiment 6. The access control device as described in Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the front panel further includes a front panel back cover, the front panel back cover includes a back cover front and a back cover rear, the size and shape of the back cover front are set to be fixedly connected to the front panel middle frame, and the size and shape of the back cover rear are set to match the rear panel.

[0034] Embodiment 7. The access control device as described in Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the top portion of the front panel further includes an antenna cover.

[0035] Embodiment 8. The access control device as described in Embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the rear panel includes a rear panel front and an opposite rear panel back, the rear panel back is configured to be fixed to a target substrate, and the rear panel front includes the first buckle.

[0036] Embodiment 9. The access control device as described in Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the lock tongue head further includes a guiding inclined surface.

[0037] Embodiment 10. An installation mechanism for assembling and disassembling an access control device, the access control device including a front panel and a rear panel, the installation mechanism including: a locking tongue assembly and a reduction motor assembly, the locking tongue assembly and the reduction motor assembly being disposed on the front panel assembly; wherein the locking tongue assembly includes a locking tongue body and a locking tongue spring; wherein the locking tongue body includes a locking tongue head and a locking tongue groove; and a first fastening position, the first fastening position being disposed on the rear panel, wherein the size and shape of the first fastening position are configured to engage with the locking tongue head, wherein the reduction motor assembly includes an eccentric shaft, the reduction motor being configured to rotate eccentrically such that the eccentric shaft can switch between an upper shaft position and a lower shaft position, and wherein the locking tongue assembly and the reduction motor assembly are constructed and arranged such that the eccentric shaft abuts against the locking tongue groove, such that: when the eccentric shaft is in the upper shaft position, the locking tongue head is biased in the extended position, the first fastening position can engage with the locking tongue head to form a locked state; and when the eccentric shaft is in the lower shaft position, the locking tongue head is biased in the retracted position, the first fastening position is released from the locking tongue head to form an unlocked state, so that the front panel can be assembled to and disassembled from the rear panel.

[0038] Embodiment 11. The mechanism according to Embodiment 10, wherein the front panel further includes a front panel middle frame and a main control component, the reduction motor assembly being operably connected to the main control component, wherein the locking tongue assembly, the reduction motor assembly, and the main control component are installed within the front panel middle frame.

[0039] Embodiment 12. The mechanism according to Embodiment 11, further including: a fastening position groove, the fastening position groove being disposed on the front panel middle frame; and a second fastening position, the second fastening position being disposed at a corresponding position at the bottom of the rear panel and the size and shape of the second fastening position being configured to match the fastening position groove.

[0040] Embodiment 13. The mechanism according to Embodiments 10 to 12, wherein the front panel assembly further includes a touch screen and a touch PCBA board, the touch PCBA board being operably connected to the touch screen and the main control component, such that in response to an input signal from the touch screen, the reduction motor assembly is controlled by the main control component, and the eccentric shaft can switch between the upper shaft position and the lower shaft position, so that the locking tongue assembly is biased between the extended position and the retracted position.

[0041] Embodiment 14. The mechanism according to Embodiments 10 to 13, wherein the locking tongue body includes a receiving cavity for receiving at least a portion of the locking tongue spring, and an opposite portion of the locking tongue spring abuts against the inner wall of the front panel middle frame.

[0042] Example 15. The mechanism as described in Examples 10 to 14, wherein the rear panel includes a front of the rear panel and an opposite rear of the rear panel, the rear of the rear panel is configured to be fixed to a target substrate, and the first latching position is provided on the front of the rear panel.

[0043] Example 16. The mechanism as described in Examples 10 to 15, wherein the tongue head further includes a guiding inclined surface.

[0044] Example 17. A method for assembling and disassembling an access control device, the method comprising the steps of: providing an access control device as described in any one of Examples 1 to 9, the access control device including a front panel assembly and a rear panel, the eccentric shaft being in the on-axis position; fixing the rear panel to a target substrate; wherein installing the front panel assembly includes the steps of: pressing and snapping the front panel assembly onto the rear panel such that the first latching position latches with the tongue head to form a locked state; and wherein disassembling the front panel assembly includes the steps of: operating the eccentric shaft of the reduction motor assembly to the off-axis position such that the tongue head is biased to the retracted position, the first latching position is released from the tongue head to form an unlocked state, whereby the front panel assembly is disassembled from the rear panel.

[0045] Example 18. The method as described in Example 17, wherein the front panel assembly further includes a touch screen and a touch PCBA board, the touch PCBA board is operably connected to the touch screen and the main control assembly, and wherein in response to an input signal from the touch screen, the reduction motor assembly is controlled by the main control assembly to operate the eccentric shaft of the reduction motor assembly, the eccentric shaft being capable of switching between the on-axis position and the off-axis position, thereby biasing the tongue assembly between the extended position and the retracted position.

[0046] Example 19. The method as described in Examples 17 to 18, further including the step of: inserting the latching position groove of the front panel assembly into the second latching position before pressing and snapping the front panel assembly onto the rear panel, the second latching position being provided at a corresponding position at the bottom of the rear panel and the size and shape of the second latching position being set to match the latching position groove.

[0047] Example 20. The method as described in Examples 17 to 19, further including the step of: rotating the reduction motor for a preset time period after disassembling the front panel assembly to switch the eccentric shaft back to the on-axis position such that the tongue head is biased to the extended position, and the first latching position can latch with the tongue head when installing the front panel, thereby returning to the initial locked state. Example

[0048] Examples are provided herein that describe certain embodiments of the present disclosure in greater detail. The examples provided herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention in any way. All references given below and elsewhere in this application are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Example 1: Example installation mechanism and example access control device

[0049] Now referring to Figures 1 to 6B , an example access control device 1000 with an example mounting mechanism is shown. Figure 1 is an exploded view of the components of the example access control device 1000. The access control device 1000 generally includes a front panel assembly 1100 and a rear cover 1200. The front panel assembly 1100 includes, from the front side to the rear side, a touch screen 1110, a middle frame 1120, a touch printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) board 1130, a main control PCBA board 1140, a latch assembly 1150, a reduction motor assembly 1160, an antenna cover 1170, and a front panel back cover 1180. The latch assembly 1150 and the reduction motor assembly 1160 provided at the upper part of the front panel assembly 1100 together with the first buckle positions at the corresponding positions of the rear panel generally form a mounting mechanism. In this example, the mounting mechanism further includes a buckle slot of the middle frame and a second buckle position located at the bottom of the rear panel (Figure 6). Front panel

[0050] Now referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2The front panel of the access control device 1100 is provided with a touch screen 1110. The size and shape of the touch screen are set to match the front side of the middle frame 1120, and the touch screen is attached to the front side of the middle frame 1120 for inputting signals such as passwords. For example, the touch screen 1110 is or includes a touch screen keypad panel 1111 that allows users to input numeric passwords. The touch PCBA board 1130 is operably connected between the touch screen 1100 and the main control PCBA board 1140 and is assembled together into the front side of the front panel middle frame 1120. The main control PCBA board 1140 is located inside the front panel middle frame 1120 behind the touch PCBA board 1130 and is operably connected to the touch PCBA board 1130. When the user inputs an input signal (such as a password) via the touch screen 1110, the main PCBA board 1140 receives the input signal through the touch PCBA board 1130. The main PCBA motherboard 1140 includes a control system that can determine whether the input signal matches a predetermined password and send a locking signal or an unlocking signal to the deceleration motor assembly 1160. The antenna cover 1170 is located above the top, back side, touch PCBA board 1130 and main PCBA board 1140 of the middle frame 1120 to protect the antenna. A locking tongue assembly 1150 and a deceleration motor assembly 1160 are also installed on the front panel middle frame 1120. The locking tongue assembly and the deceleration motor assembly are both provided at the upper part of the front panel middle frame 1120 and are operably connected to the main control PCBA board 1140. The front panel back cover 1180 is fastened to the rear side of the front panel middle frame 1120 via screws to form a part of the front panel 1100. Locking tongue assembly

[0051] Now refer to Figure 2 and Figures 3A to 3C . Figure 3A is a perspective view of the locking tongue assembly 1150, Figure 3B is a front view of the locking tongue assembly. Figure 3C is Figure 3B The sectional view of the A-A section in. The locking tongue assembly 1150 includes a locking tongue body 1151 and a locking tongue spring 1152, and the locking tongue body 1151 includes a locking tongue head 1154 and a locking tongue groove 1153. The locking tongue head has a guiding inclined surface 1155. The bottom end of the locking tongue assembly 1150 is provided with a receiving cavity 1156 configured to receive a part of the locking tongue spring 1152. The remaining part of the locking tongue spring 1152 extends beyond the receiving cavity 1156 and abuts against the inner wall of the front panel middle frame 1120 ( Figure 2 ). The middle part of the locking tongue body 1151 includes a locking tongue rectangular groove 1153 with a rounded corner, and the locking tongue rectangular groove is configured to receive the eccentric shaft 1161 of the deceleration motor 1160 and interact with the eccentric shaft ( Figure 3A ). Deceleration motor assembly

[0052] Now refer to Figures 4A to 4B . Figures 4A to 4B FIG. shows a perspective view and a front view of a speed reduction motor assembly operably connected to an eccentric shaft 1161, Figure 4C showing the upper position 1162a and the lower position 1162b (shown in dashed lines) of the eccentric shaft 1161 and the rotational movement of the speed reduction motor assembly (also shown in dashed lines). The speed reduction motor assembly 1160 is a cylindrical motor that includes an eccentric shaft 1161 located on one side of the motor 1160( Figure 4A ). The eccentric shaft 1161 contacts the latch body 1151 by being biased in the latch slot 1153 when in the extended position and the retracted position. When the speed reduction motor assembly 1160 rotates in response to receiving an unlocking signal from the main PCBA board 1140 upon input of a correct password from the touch screen 1110, as Figure 4C shown, the speed reduction motor assembly 1160 eccentrically rotates approximately 180 degrees from the upper shaft position 1162a (near the top of the motor) to the lower shaft position 1162b (near the bottom of the motor), thereby actuating the vertical displacement of the latch assembly. Latching mechanism

[0053] Now refer to Figures 5A to 5B and Figures 6A to 6B . Figure 5A is a perspective view of the rear side of the front panel 1100, Figure 5B and is its enlarged view. A latching groove 1121 is provided at the bottom of the middle frame 1120 of the front panel 1100 for snap-fitting and mounting the front panel to the rear panel 1200.

[0054] Now refer to Figures 6A to 6B . Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of the access control device. A first latching position 1201 is provided at the top of the rear panel, and the size and shape of the first latching position are set to latch with the latch head 1154 through the guiding inclined surface 1155 of the latch head. In this example, a second latching position 1202 is further provided at the bottom of the rear panel 1200, and the shape and size of the second latching position are set to latch with the latching groove 1121 in the bottom of the middle frame 1120 of the front panel( Figure 6B ). In this way, the front panel 1100 can be assembled and disassembled through two latching mechanisms. Example 2: Example method for assembling and disassembling an example access control device

[0055] Now, by referring to FIGS. 6 to Figure 11 , turn to an example assembly and disassembly process of any access control device described herein (such as the example access control device described in Example 1).

[0056] Now refer to Figure 11 , which shows an example method of assembling and disassembling an access control device, the method including the following steps: (a) Step 3001: Provide an access control device, the access control device including a front panel assembly and a rear panel, with the eccentric shaft in the on-axis position; (b) Step 3002: Fix the rear panel to the target substrate; (c) Installing the front panel assembly includes Step 3003: Press and snap the front panel assembly onto the rear panel so that the first latching position latches with the tongue head to form a locked state; and (d) Removing the front panel assembly includes Step 3004: Operate the eccentric shaft of the reduction motor assembly to the off-axis position so that the tongue head is biased to the retracted position, and the first latching position is released from the tongue head to form an unlocked state.

[0057] Now refer to Figures 6A to 6B and Figures 7A to 7B (Refer to Figures 3A to 4C ), which shows an exemplary embodiment of the process of installing / assembling the front panel 1100 to the rear panel 1200 fixed to the door 2000. To install the front panel 1100 to the rear panel 1200, first obliquely insert the latching position groove 1121 at the bottom of the rear side of the middle frame 1120 into the second latching position 1202 of the rear panel 1200. After this process, press and snap the front panel 1100 onto the rear panel 1200 ( Figure 6A and 6B ). The first latching position 1201 of the rear panel 1200 presses down on the guiding bevel 1155 of the tongue body 1151 of the tongue assembly 1150. The tongue body 1151 compresses the tongue spring 1152 and retracts, and the first latching position 1201 passes over the tongue body 1151 and latches with the tongue head 1154 to form a locked state ( Figure 7A and Figure 7B ). The assembly is completed.

[0058] Now refer to Figures 8A to 8B , Figures 9A to 9B and Figures 10A to 10B (Refer to Figure 1 , Figures 3A to 4C ), which shows an exemplary embodiment of the process of removing the front panel 1100 from the rear panel 1200 fixed to the door 2000. To remove the front panel 1100 from the rear panel 1200, the user inputs a key code (password) verified by the main control PCBA board 1140. Once the verification is passed, the main control PCBA board 1140 issues an unlocking signal to cause the eccentric rotation of the reduction motor assembly 1160, so that the eccentric shaft 1161 of the reduction motor assembly 1160 operates from the on-axis position 1162a to the off-axis position 1162b ( Figure 8A and Figure 8B)。Since the eccentric shaft 1161 abuts against the locking tongue groove 1153, such rotation actuates the vertical displacement of the locking tongue body 1151 of the locking tongue assembly 1150 through the locking tongue spring 1152, causing the locking tongue body 1151 including the locking tongue head 1154 to displace downward from the extended position to the retracted position. In other words, the locking tongue head is biased in the retracted position. The first latching position 1201 is released from the locking tongue head 1154, forming an unlocked state( Figures 8A to 8B and Figures 9A to 9B ). Then, the latching groove 1121 of the front panel middle frame 1120 can be removed from the second latching position 1202 of the rear panel 1200, completing the disassembly.

[0059] Optionally, automatically or upon a user instruction, the reduction motor assembly 1160 rotates back from the under-axis position 1162b to the on-axis position 1162a under the control of the main control PCBA board 1140, and the locking tongue spring 1152 pushes the locking tongue body 1151 upward to a reset state. The locking tongue head 1154 returns to the extended position, forming a locked state( Figure 10A and 10B ). In one embodiment, the reduction motor assembly 1160 rotates automatically at a predetermined time interval, such as about 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 10 seconds, 1 minute or longer. In another embodiment, the reduction motor assembly 1160 rotates automatically within 10 seconds. In yet another embodiment, in response to a user input password (such as via the touch screen keypad 1111) or a manual operation instruction (such as via an application operably connected to the main control PCBA board 1140), the reduction motor assembly 1160 rotates back from the under-axis position 1162b to the on-axis position 1162a.

[0060] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention have thus been fully described. Although the description refers to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented with variations of these specific details. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0061] Data values of specific numerical values (such as specific quantities, numbers, categories, etc.) or other specific information should be construed as illustrative for discussing example embodiments. Such specific information is not provided to limit the example embodiments.

[0062] For example, in some embodiments, the middle frame is provided to accommodate the respective components including the locking tongue assembly and the reduction motor, and the middle frame is assembled with the touch screen and the front panel back cover to form the front panel. However, in other examples, a front panel with other structural arrangements (such as a single piece), including other numbers of components (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more), different sizes (such as oversized) and shapes (such as oval or square) at different positions can be used.

[0063] For example, in some embodiments, the front panel includes a locking tongue and an optional snap groove, and correspondingly the rear cover includes matching first and second snap positions, but other suitable forms, other positions, numbers (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more), dimensions and shapes at different positions of the locking mechanism can be used. For example, in some embodiments, the upper and lower positions of the shaft are controlled by the eccentric rotation of the shaft, but in other examples, other mechanisms that can achieve two positions and can switch between the two positions can be used instead.

Claims

1. An access control device, comprising: A front panel, the front panel including a latch assembly and a reduction motor assembly; Wherein the latch assembly includes a latch body and a latch spring; Wherein the latch body includes a latch head and a latch groove; and A rear panel, the rear panel including a first fastening position; Wherein the size and shape of the first fastening position are configured to engage with the latch head, and Wherein the reduction motor assembly includes an eccentric shaft, and the reduction motor assembly is configured to operably rotate eccentrically such that the eccentric shaft can switch between an upper shaft position and a lower shaft position; And Wherein the latch assembly and the reduction motor assembly are constructed and arranged such that the eccentric shaft abuts against the latch groove, such that: When the eccentric shaft is in the upper shaft position, the latch head is biased in the extended position, and the first fastening position can engage with the latch head to form a locked state; And When the eccentric shaft is in the lower shaft position, the latch head is biased in the retracted position, and the first fastening position is released from the latch head to form an unlocked state, Thereby enabling the front panel to be assembled to and disassembled from the rear panel.

2. The access control device according to claim 1, wherein the front panel further includes a front panel middle frame and a main control component, the main control component is operably connected to the reduction motor assembly and the latch assembly, and the reduction motor assembly and the main control component are installed within the front panel middle frame.

3. The access control device according to claim 2, wherein the front panel middle frame is provided with a fastening position groove, and the rear panel is provided with a second fastening position, the size and shape of the second fastening position being configured to match the fastening position groove of the front panel middle frame.

4. The access control device according to claim 3, wherein the front panel assembly further includes a touch screen and a touch PCBA board, the touch PCBA board is operably connected to the touch screen and the main control component, such that in response to an input signal from the touch screen, the reduction motor assembly is controlled by the main control component, and the eccentric shaft can switch between the upper shaft position and the lower shaft position, thereby biasing the latch assembly between the extended position and the retracted position.

5. The access control device according to claim 1, wherein the latch body includes a receiving cavity for receiving at least a portion of the latch spring, and an opposite portion of the latch spring abuts against the inner wall of the front panel middle frame.

6. The access control device according to claim 1, wherein the front panel further includes a front panel back cover, the front panel back cover including a back cover front and a back cover rear, the size and shape of the back cover front being configured to be fixedly connected to the front panel middle frame, and the size and shape of the back cover rear being configured to match the rear panel.

7. The access control device according to claim 1, wherein the top portion of the front panel further includes an antenna cover.

8. The access control device according to claim 1, wherein the rear panel includes a front side of the rear panel and an opposite rear side of the rear panel, the rear side of the rear panel being configured to be fixed to a target substrate, and the front side of the rear panel includes the first latching position.

9. The access control device according to claim 1, wherein the locking tongue head further includes a guiding inclined surface.

10. An installation mechanism for assembling and disassembling an access control device, the access control device including a front panel and a rear panel, the installation mechanism including: a locking tongue assembly and a reduction motor assembly, the locking tongue assembly and the reduction motor assembly being provided on the front panel assembly; wherein the locking tongue assembly includes a locking tongue body and a locking tongue spring; wherein the locking tongue body includes a locking tongue head and a locking tongue groove; and a first latching position, the first latching position being provided on the rear panel, wherein the size and shape of the first latching position are set to engage with the locking tongue head, wherein the reduction motor assembly includes an eccentric shaft, the reduction motor being configured to rotate eccentrically such that the eccentric shaft can switch between an upper shaft position and a lower shaft position, and wherein the locking tongue assembly and the reduction motor assembly are constructed and arranged such that the eccentric shaft abuts against the locking tongue groove, such that: when the eccentric shaft is in the upper shaft position, the locking tongue head is biased in the extended position, and the first latching position can engage with the locking tongue head to form a locked state; and when the eccentric shaft is in the lower shaft position, the locking tongue head is biased in the retracted position, and the first latching position is released from the locking tongue head to form an unlocked state, so that the front panel can be assembled to and disassembled from the rear panel.

11. The mechanism according to claim 10, wherein the front panel further includes a front panel middle frame and a main control component, the reduction motor assembly is operably connected to the main control component, and the locking tongue assembly, the reduction motor assembly and the main control component are installed within the front panel middle frame.

12. The mechanism according to claim 11, further comprising: a latching position groove, the latching position groove being provided on the front panel middle frame; and a second latching position, the second latching position being provided at a corresponding position at the bottom of the rear panel and the size and shape of the second latching position being set to match the latching position groove.

13. The mechanism according to claim 10, wherein the front panel assembly further includes a touch screen and a touch PCBA board, the touch PCBA board is operably connected to the touch screen and the main control component, such that in response to an input signal from the touch screen, the reduction motor assembly is controlled by the main control component, and the eccentric shaft can switch between the upper shaft position and the lower shaft position, so that the locking tongue assembly is biased between the extended position and the retracted position.

14. The mechanism according to claim 10, wherein the locking tongue body includes a receiving cavity for receiving at least a part of the locking tongue spring, and an opposite part of the locking tongue spring abuts against the inner wall of the front panel middle frame.

15. The mechanism according to claim 10, wherein the rear panel includes a front surface of the rear panel and an opposite rear surface of the rear panel, the rear surface of the rear panel being configured to be fixed to a target substrate, and the first latching position is provided on the front surface of the rear panel.

16. The mechanism according to claim 10, wherein the tongue head further includes a guiding inclined surface.

17. A method for assembling and disassembling an access control device, the method comprising the following steps: Providing an access control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the access control device including a front panel assembly and a rear panel, the eccentric shaft being in the on-axis position; Fixing the rear panel to a target substrate; Wherein installing the front panel assembly includes the following steps: Pressing and snapping the front panel assembly onto the rear panel such that the first latching position latches with the tongue head to form a locked state; and Wherein disassembling the front panel assembly includes the following steps: Operating the eccentric shaft of the reduction motor assembly to the off-axis position such that the tongue head is biased in the retracted position, the first latching position is released from the tongue head, forming an unlocked state, whereby the front panel assembly is disassembled from the rear panel.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the front panel assembly further includes a touch screen and a touch PCBA board, the touch PCBA board being operably connected to the touch screen and the main control assembly, Wherein in response to an input signal from the touch screen, the reduction motor assembly is controlled by the main control assembly to operate the eccentric shaft of the reduction motor assembly, the eccentric shaft being capable of switching between the on-axis position and the off-axis position, thereby biasing the tongue assembly between the extended position and the retracted position.

19. The method according to claim 17, further comprising the following steps before pressing and snapping the front panel assembly onto the rear panel: Inserting the latching slot of the front panel assembly into the second latching position, the second latching position being provided at a corresponding position at the bottom of the rear panel and the size and shape of the second latching position being set to match the latching slot.

20. The method according to claim 17, further comprising the following steps after disassembling the front panel assembly: Rotating the reduction motor to switch the eccentric shaft back to the on-axis position such that the tongue head is biased in the extended position, thereby returning to the initial locked state.

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