Intelligent padlock and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides an intelligent padlock and a control method thereof. The intelligent padlock comprises a shell, a lock hook, a driving assembly, a locking assembly, a torsional spring and a board card. The driving assembly, the locking assembly and the board card are all installed on the shell. The torsional spring is connected with the driving assembly and the locking assembly, and the locking assembly is provided with a locking position matched with the lock hook and an unlocking position separated from the lock hook. The padlock has a self-locking mode and an instruction locking mode which are controlled by the board card. In the self-locking mode, when the board card receives an unlocking instruction, the driving assembly rotates forwards to drive the locking assembly to move from the locking position to the unlocking position, then the driving assembly rotates backwards, and the torsional spring accumulates force. In the instruction locking mode, when the board card receives an unlocking instruction, the driving assembly rotates forwards to drive the locking assembly to move from the locking position to the unlocking position; when a locking instruction is received, the driving assembly rotates reversely, and the torsional spring accumulates force. The applicability and practicability of the intelligent padlock can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of padlock technology, and more specifically, to an intelligent padlock and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Padlocks, as a common traditional lock, are widely used in daily life and industrial applications. Smart padlocks, in particular, are favored by more people because they are convenient to use and do not require carrying extra keys.

[0003] Some padlocks have a self-locking function, meaning that after unlocking, no locking command is needed; to lock, simply press the hook back to its original position, engaging the locking pin. Other padlocks have a manual locking function; after unlocking, a locking command is sent, and pressing the hook back to its original position engages the locking pin, locking the padlock. The self-locking and manual locking functions of padlocks are used in different scenarios.

[0004] Therefore, how to enable padlocks to have both self-locking and command-locking modes is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides an intelligent padlock and its control method, which controls the padlock to switch between self-locking mode and command-locking mode through a board, enriching the application modes of intelligent padlocks, making them more adaptable to more usage scenarios, and improving the applicability and practicality of intelligent padlocks.

[0006] This application is achieved through the following technical solution: Firstly, this application provides a smart padlock, comprising a housing, a hook, a drive assembly, a locking assembly, a torsion spring, and a circuit board. The drive assembly, locking assembly, and circuit board are all mounted on the housing. The torsion spring connects the drive assembly and the locking assembly. The locking assembly has a locked position that engages with the hook and an unlocked position that is separated from the hook. The padlock has a self-locking mode and a command-locking mode controlled by the circuit board. In the self-locking mode, when the circuit board receives an unlocking command, the drive assembly rotates forward, driving the locking assembly from the locked position to the unlocked position; then the drive assembly reverses, and the torsion spring stores force. In the command-locking mode, when the circuit board receives an unlocking command, the drive assembly rotates forward, driving the locking assembly from the locked position to the unlocked position; upon receiving a locking command, the drive assembly reverses, and the torsion spring stores force.

[0007] The technical solution of this application embodiment controls the padlock to switch between self-locking mode and command-locking mode via a board, enriching the application modes of smart padlocks, making them more adaptable to more usage scenarios, and improving the applicability and practicality of smart padlocks.

[0008] In some embodiments, the smart padlock further includes a micro switch electrically connected to the board. The micro switch is used to detect the position of the drive component. In self-locking mode, upon receiving an unlock command, the drive component rotates forward. When the micro switch detects that the drive component has rotated to its correct position, the board drives the drive component to rotate in reverse. In command-locking mode, upon receiving an unlock command, the drive component rotates forward. When the micro switch detects that the drive component has rotated to its correct position, the board drives the drive component to stop rotating.

[0009] The technical solution of this application embodiment detects the position of the drive component by setting a micro switch and feeding the detection information back to the board, thereby causing the board to drive the drive component to reverse or stop rotating, which helps to improve the accuracy of the board controlling the drive component.

[0010] In some embodiments, the smart padlock further includes a wake-up reed switch electrically connected to a circuit board. The wake-up reed switch is used to detect the position of the lock hook. In self-locking mode, if the wake-up reed switch does not detect the lock hook within a first predetermined time after the locking component moves to the unlocked position, the smart padlock goes into sleep mode. In command-locking mode, if the wake-up reed switch does not detect the lock hook within a second predetermined time after receiving a locking command, the lock goes into sleep mode, and the circuit board drives the drive component to rotate forward. After a third predetermined time of pressing down the lock hook, the wake-up reed switch detects the lock hook and wakes up the smart padlock.

[0011] The technical solution of this application embodiment, by setting a wake-up reed switch, enables the wake-up reed switch to control the wake-up and sleep modes of the board by detecting the position of the lock hook. During sleep mode, power consumption can be reduced, the battery life of the smart padlock can be improved, and energy can be saved.

[0012] In some embodiments, the smart padlock further includes a first detection element and a second detection element, which are electrically connected to a circuit board. The first detection element is used to detect the position of the locking assembly. The second detection element is used to detect the position of the locking hook.

[0013] The technical solution of this application embodiment detects the position of the locking component by setting a first detection element and the position of the lock hook by setting a second detection element. The state of the smart padlock is detected by the first and second detection elements together, which helps to improve the accuracy of detecting the state of the smart padlock.

[0014] In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a motor, an adapter wheel, and a self-resetting wheel. The motor is electrically connected to the board, the adapter wheel connects the motor and the self-resetting wheel, the self-resetting wheel is connected to the locking assembly, and a torsion spring connects the self-resetting wheel and the locking assembly. The self-resetting wheel has a first position where it rotates forward and to the correct position, and a microswitch is used to detect the position of the self-resetting wheel. In self-locking mode, when the microswitch detects that the self-resetting wheel has rotated forward to the first position, the board drives the self-resetting wheel to rotate backward to the second position. In command-locking mode, when the microswitch detects that the drive assembly has rotated forward to the first position, the board drives the self-resetting wheel to stop rotating.

[0015] The technical solution of this application embodiment realizes the movement of the locking component by setting a motor, a transfer wheel and a self-resetting wheel, which helps to improve the convenience of unlocking and locking the smart padlock.

[0016] In some embodiments, the locking assembly includes a drive shaft and a locking pin, the drive shaft connecting the self-resetting wheel and the locking pin, a torsion spring connecting the self-resetting wheel and the drive shaft, and the locking pin being used to engage with a lock hook groove.

[0017] The technical solution of this application embodiment, by setting a drive shaft and a locking pin, achieves connection with the self-resetting wheel, which helps to improve the convenience of unlocking and locking the smart padlock.

[0018] In some embodiments, the smart padlock further includes an emergency unlocking shaft that passes through the self-resetting wheel and is connected to the locking assembly.

[0019] The technical solution of this application embodiment enables emergency unlocking of the smart padlock by setting an emergency unlocking axis, which helps to improve the reliability of the smart padlock.

[0020] Secondly, this application also provides a smart padlock control method, applied to smart padlocks as described in any of the above embodiments. The smart padlock control method includes entering a command-locked mode or a self-locking mode. In command-locked mode, an unlock command is received, and the drive component is controlled to rotate forward to move the locking component to the unlocked position. Upon receiving a locking command, the drive component is controlled to rotate in reverse. In self-locking mode, an unlock command is received, and the drive component is controlled to rotate forward to move the locking component to the unlocked position. After the drive component has rotated to the correct position, the drive component is controlled to rotate in reverse.

[0021] The technical solution of this application embodiment allows for locking by pressing the lock hook in self-locking mode. In command-locking mode, locking is achieved by pressing the lock hook upon receiving a locking command. Switching between self-locking and command-locking modes enriches the application modes of the smart padlock, making it more adaptable to various usage scenarios and improving its applicability and practicality.

[0022] In some embodiments, the smart padlock further includes a first detection element and a second detection element, which are electrically connected to a circuit board. After receiving a locking command and controlling the drive component to reverse, the smart padlock control method further includes controlling the first detection element to detect the position of the locking component and controlling the second detection element to detect the position of the lock hook. Based on the detection information from the first and second detection elements, the lock / unlock status of the smart padlock is determined.

[0023] The technical solution of this application embodiment detects the position of the locking component by setting a first detection element and the position of the lock hook by setting a second detection element. The state of the smart padlock is detected by the first and second detection elements together, which helps to improve the accuracy of detecting the state of the smart padlock.

[0024] In some embodiments, after receiving a locking command and controlling the drive component to reverse, the control method of the smart padlock further includes entering a sleep state when the lock hook is not pressed within a second set time.

[0025] The technical solution of this application embodiment enables the smart padlock to enter a sleep state, which reduces power consumption, improves the battery life of the smart padlock, and saves energy.

[0026] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a smart padlock provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating the locked state of a smart padlock provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the unlocked state of a smart padlock provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 4 This is a partial exploded view of the drive component and locking component provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between the driver components and the board provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a board provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 7 This application provides a smart padlock control method in some embodiments; Figure 8 Smart padlock control methods provided in other embodiments of this application; Figure 9 This application provides a smart padlock control method in some embodiments.

[0029] Icons: 1-Padlock; 10-Outer shell; 20-Hook; 21-Hook groove; 22-Hook spring; 30-Drive assembly; 31-Motor; 32-Adapter wheel; 33-Self-resetting wheel; 40-Locking assembly; 41-Drive shaft; 42-Locking pin; 43-Locking pin spring; 50-Torsion spring; 60-Board; 61-Micro switch; 62-Wake-up reed switch; 63-First detection element; 64-Second detection element; 70-Emergency unlocking shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the description of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the description, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the description, claims, or accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy.

[0032] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiment. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application can be combined with other embodiments.

[0033] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "attachment" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] In this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0035] In this application, "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), similarly, "multiple sets" refers to two or more (including two sets), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two pieces).

[0036] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5 , Figure 1 The above are schematic diagrams of smart padlocks provided in some embodiments of this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the locked state of a smart padlock provided in some embodiments of this application. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the unlocked state of a smart padlock provided in some embodiments of this application. Figure 4 This is a partial exploded view of the driving component and locking component provided in some embodiments of this application. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between the drive components and the circuit board provided in some embodiments of this application. Embodiments of this application provide a smart padlock 1, which includes a housing 10, a hook 20, a drive component 30, a locking component 40, a torsion spring 50, and a circuit board 60. The drive component 30, the locking component 40, and the circuit board 60 are all mounted on the housing 10. The torsion spring 50 connects the drive component 30 and the locking component 40. The locking component 40 has a locked position that engages with the hook 20 and an unlocked position that is separated from the hook 20. The padlock 1 has a self-locking mode and a command-locking mode controlled by the circuit board 60. In the self-locking mode, when the circuit board 60 receives an unlocking command, the drive component 30 rotates forward, driving the locking component 40 to move from the locked position to the unlocked position. Then, the drive component 30 rotates in reverse, and the torsion spring 50 stores power. In command-locked mode, when board 60 receives an unlock command, drive component 30 rotates forward and drive locking component 40 to move from the locked position to the unlocked position; when a locking command is received, drive component 30 rotates in reverse and torsion spring 50 stores power.

[0037] In some embodiments, the outer casing 10 may be made of metal, plastic, or the like.

[0038] In some embodiments, the locking hook 20 may be made of metal.

[0039] In some embodiments, the hook 20 is provided with a hook groove 21. The smart padlock 1 also includes a hook spring 22, which connects the hook 20 and the housing 10. When the smart padlock 1 is in the locked state, the hook 20 extends into the housing 10, the locking assembly 40 is in the locked position, the locking assembly 40 engages with the hook groove 21 of the hook 20, and the hook spring 22 is compressed. When the smart padlock 1 is in the unlocked state, the hook spring 22 returns to its original position, the locking assembly 40 is in the unlocked position, and the hook groove 21 of the hook 20 is separated from the locking assembly 40.

[0040] In some embodiments, the board 60 has the function of receiving signals. For example, a user can connect to the board 60 via a mobile phone, tablet, computer, etc., and issue commands to the board 60. Alternatively, the smart padlock 1 can have operation buttons to operate the board 60. The board 60 can switch the padlock 1 between self-locking mode and command-locking mode.

[0041] In some embodiments, the board 60 is signal-connected to the drive component 30 and is used to control the rotation of the drive component 30.

[0042] The padlock 1 is set to self-locking mode via board 60. Upon receiving the unlock command, board 60 drives component 30 to rotate forward, moving locking component 40 from the locked position to the unlocked position. Lock hook spring 22 resets, and locking hook 20 pops out, unlocking the padlock. After unlocking, drive component 30 rotates in reverse. Since locking hook 20 is in the popped-out state, it abuts against locking component 40, causing locking component 40 to tend to move from the unlocked position to the locked position. At this time, torsion spring 50 is charged. To lock, locking hook 20 is pressed down, aligning locking hook groove 21 with locking component 40. Lock hook 20 no longer abuts against locking component 40, torsion spring 50 resets, and locking component 40 moves from the unlocked position to the locked position. Locking component 40 engages with locking hook groove 21, locking the padlock. Lock hook spring 22 is charged.

[0043] The padlock 1 is set to the command locking mode via the board 60. When unlocking, after receiving the unlock command, the board 60 drive component 30 rotates forward, moving the locking component 40 from the locked position to the unlocked position. The hook spring 22 resets, and the hook 20 pops out, unlocking the padlock. When locking, after receiving the unlock command, the board 60 drive component 30 rotates in reverse. Since the hook 20 is in the popped-out state, it abuts against the locking component 40, causing the locking component 40 to tend to move from the unlocked position to the locked position. At this time, the torsion spring 50 stores force. Pressing the hook 20 causes the hook groove 21 to align with the locking component 40, and the hook 20 no longer abuts against the locking component 40. The torsion spring 50 resets, driving the locking component 40 from the unlocked position to the locked position. The locking component 40 engages with the hook groove 21, locking the padlock.

[0044] The technical solution of this application embodiment controls the padlock 1 to switch between self-locking mode and command-locking mode through the board 60, which enriches the application mode of the smart padlock 1, makes it easier to adapt to more usage scenarios, and improves the applicability and practicality of the smart padlock 1.

[0045] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5 and refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a circuit board provided in some embodiments of this application. In some embodiments, the smart padlock 1 further includes a micro switch 61, which is electrically connected to the circuit board 60. The micro switch 61 is used to detect the position of the drive component 30. In self-locking mode, upon receiving an unlocking command, the drive component 30 rotates forward. When the micro switch 61 detects that the drive component 30 has rotated to its forward position, the circuit board 60 drives the drive component 30 to rotate in reverse. In command-locking mode, upon receiving an unlocking command, the drive component 30 rotates forward. When the micro switch 61 detects that the drive component 30 has rotated to its forward position, the circuit board 60 drives the drive component 30 to stop rotating.

[0046] In some embodiments, a micro switch 61 is disposed on and electrically connected to a board 60. The micro switch 61 can detect whether the drive component 30 has rotated to the correct position and transmit the information of the drive component 30 rotating to the correct position to the board 60, thereby controlling the drive component 30 through the board 60.

[0047] In some embodiments, when the drive component 30 rotates to the forward position, the drive component 30 can contact the micro switch 61, thereby triggering the micro switch 61.

[0048] In the self-locking mode, after the drive component 30 rotates to the forward position, the micro switch 61 detects that the drive component 30 has rotated to the forward position and transmits the information of the drive component 30 rotating to the forward position to the board 60, which then controls the drive component 30 to rotate in reverse.

[0049] In the command lockout mode, after the drive component 30 rotates to the forward position, the micro switch 61 detects that the drive component 30 has rotated to the forward position and transmits the information of the drive component 30 rotating to the board 60, which then controls the drive component 30 to stop rotating.

[0050] The technical solution of this application embodiment detects the position of the drive component 30 by setting a micro switch 61 and feeding the detection information back to the board 60, thereby causing the board 60 to drive the drive component 30 to reverse or stop rotating, which helps to improve the accuracy of the board 60 in controlling the drive component 30.

[0051] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6 In some embodiments, the smart padlock 1 further includes a wake-up reed switch 62, which is electrically connected to the board 60 and is used to detect the position of the lock hook 20. In self-locking mode, if the wake-up reed switch 62 does not detect the lock hook 20 within a first set time after the locking component 40 moves to the unlocking position, the smart padlock 1 goes into sleep mode. In command-locking mode, if the wake-up reed switch 62 does not detect the lock hook 20 within a second set time after receiving a locking command, the lock goes into sleep mode, and the board 60 drives the drive component 30 to rotate forward. After a third set time of pressing down the lock hook 20, the wake-up reed switch 62 detects the lock hook 20 and wakes up the smart padlock 1.

[0052] In some embodiments, the reed switch 62 may be equipped with a detection element inside, and the hook 20 may be equipped with a magnet. The detection element detects the magnet to detect the position of the hook 20.

[0053] In some embodiments, after the hook 20 is pressed into place, the wake-up reed switch 62 detects the position of the hook 20 and wakes up the circuit board 60, thereby waking up the padlock 1. When the hook 20 is not pressed, the wake-up reed switch 62 does not detect the hook 20, which puts the circuit board 60 into sleep mode, thus putting the padlock 1 into sleep mode. In sleep mode, the lock is inactive, which reduces power consumption.

[0054] In some embodiments, the first set time can be 3 seconds.

[0055] In some embodiments, the second set time can be 10 seconds.

[0056] In some embodiments, the third set time can be 1 second.

[0057] In self-locking mode, when the locking component 40 moves to the unlocked position, the drive component 30 reverses, causing the locking component 40 to tend to move from the unlocked position to the locked position. At this time, the torsion spring 50 is charged. If the locking hook 20 is not pressed within a first set time, the wake-up reed switch 62 does not detect the locking hook 20. The wake-up reed switch 62 transmits the information that the locking hook 20 is not detected to the board 60, and the board 60 controls the padlock 1 to go into sleep mode.

[0058] In command-based locking mode, after receiving a locking command, board 60 controls drive component 30 to reverse. Since the locking hook 20 is in the pop-out state, it abuts against locking component 40, causing locking component 40 to tend to move from the unlocked position to the locked position. At this time, torsion spring 50 is charged. If the locking hook 20 is not pressed within a second set time, wake-up reed switch 62 does not detect the locking hook 20 and transmits this information to board 60, which then controls padlock 1 to go into sleep mode. Board 60 drives drive component 30 to rotate forward, releasing the torsion spring 50 and preventing locking component 40 from moving from the unlocked position to the locked position. When locking is required, a new locking command needs to be issued.

[0059] When the lock is in a dormant state, pressing down the lock hook 20 for a third set time will wake up the reed switch 62, which will detect the position of the lock hook 20 and wake up the board 60, thereby waking up the padlock 1.

[0060] The technical solution of this application embodiment, by setting a wake-up reed switch 62, enables the wake-up reed switch 62 to control the wake-up and sleep modes of the board 60 by detecting the position of the lock hook 20. When in sleep mode, power consumption can be reduced, the battery life of the smart padlock 1 can be improved, and energy can be saved.

[0061] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6 In some embodiments, the smart padlock 1 further includes a first detection element 63 and a second detection element 64, which are electrically connected to the board 60. The first detection element 63 is used to detect the position of the locking assembly 40. The second detection element 64 is used to detect the position of the lock hook 20.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first detection element 63 may be a Hall sensor, and the locking assembly 40 may be provided with a magnet, thereby enabling the first detection element 63 to detect the position of the locking assembly 40.

[0063] In some embodiments, the second detection element 64 may be a Hall sensor, and the locking hook 20 may be provided with a magnet, thereby enabling the second detection element 64 to detect the position of the locking hook 20.

[0064] In some embodiments, when the locking component 40 is in the locked position, the first detection element 63 detects the position of the locking component 40 and transmits the information that the locking component 40 is in the locked position to the board 60.

[0065] In some embodiments, when the locking hook 20 is pressed into place, the second detection element 64 detects the position of the locking hook 20 and transmits the information that the locking hook 20 is pressed into place to the board 60.

[0066] When board 60 receives information that the locking assembly 40 is in the locked position and that the lock hook 20 is pressed into place, board 60 determines that the padlock 1 is in the locked state and transmits this information to the user's receiving end. Otherwise, board 60 determines that the padlock 1 is in the unlocked state.

[0067] It should be noted that when the padlock 1 is in a dormant state, neither the first detection element 63 nor the second detection element 64 will work, in order to save energy.

[0068] In self-locking mode, the lock enters a dormant state. In the dormant state, pressing down the lock hook 20 can lock the lock, but the actual status of the locking component 40 cannot be uploaded after the lock enters the dormant state. In self-locking mode, the padlock 1 is convenient to use and saves power, making it suitable for scenarios where the real-time status requirements of the lock are low, thus improving the ease of use and battery life of the padlock 1.

[0069] In the command-locked mode, the lock enters a dormant state. The board 60 drives the drive assembly 30 to rotate forward, causing the torsion spring 50 to release its stored force, thus preventing the locking assembly 40 from moving from the unlocked position to the locked position. At this time, pressing down the lock hook 20 keeps the locking assembly 40 in the unlocked position. Even if the first and second detection elements 63 and 64 are active, the board 60 receives information that the locking assembly 40 is in the unlocked position and the lock hook 20 is pressed down, thus determining that the padlock 1 is in the unlocked state and reducing the risk of sending incorrect information to the user. When relocking is required, the lock hook 20 needs to be pressed down to reawaken the lock, issue a locking command, and then press down the lock hook 20 to lock. The first and second detection elements 63 and 64 are active, allowing the board 60 to receive information that the locking assembly 40 is in the locked position and the lock hook 20 is pressed down. The board 60 determines that the padlock 1 is in the locked state and transmits this information to the user's receiving end.

[0070] The command locking mode can upload the actual status of padlock 1 to the user in real time, allowing the user to detect whether the lock has been successfully locked in a timely and accurate manner. It is suitable for situations with strict control and can effectively prevent the lock from falsely locking.

[0071] The technical solution of this application embodiment detects the position of the locking component 40 by setting a first detection element 63 and the position of the lock hook 20 by setting a second detection element 64. The first detection element 63 and the second detection element 64 jointly detect the state of the smart padlock 1, which helps to improve the accuracy of detecting the state of the smart padlock 1.

[0072] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6 In some embodiments, the drive assembly 30 includes a motor 31, an adapter wheel 32, and a self-resetting wheel 33. The motor 31 is electrically connected to the board 60. The adapter wheel 32 connects the motor 31 and the self-resetting wheel 33. The self-resetting wheel 33 is connected to the locking assembly 40. A torsion spring 50 connects the self-resetting wheel 33 and the locking assembly 40. The self-resetting wheel 33 has a first position (forward rotation) and a second position (reverse rotation). A microswitch 61 is used to detect the position of the self-resetting wheel 33. In self-locking mode, when the microswitch 61 detects that the self-resetting wheel 33 has rotated to the first position, the board 60 drives the self-resetting wheel 33 to rotate to the second position. In command-locking mode, when the microswitch 61 detects that the drive assembly 30 has rotated to the first position, the board 60 drives the self-resetting wheel 33 to stop rotating.

[0073] In some embodiments, the output shaft of the motor 31 can be engaged with the adapter wheel 32, and the motor 31 rotates, thereby driving the adapter wheel 32 to rotate through the output shaft.

[0074] In some embodiments, there may be two adapter wheels 32. The first adapter wheel 32 is meshed with the output shaft of the motor 31, and the second adapter wheel 32 connects the first adapter wheel 32 and the self-resetting wheel 33. It should be noted that the second adapter wheel 32 may have two coaxial rows of gears, with the outer diameter of the first row of gears being larger than the outer diameter of the second row of gears. The first row of gears meshes with the first adapter wheel 32, and the second row of gears meshes with the self-resetting wheel 33.

[0075] In some embodiments, the self-resetting wheel 33 may have a protrusion. In the self-locking mode, when unlocking, the motor 31 rotates forward, driving the self-resetting wheel 33 to rotate via the adapter wheel 32. When the self-resetting wheel 33 rotates from the second position to the first position, the protrusion contacts the micro switch 61, causing the micro switch 61 to detect that the self-resetting wheel 33 has rotated forward to the first position. The board 60 then drives the motor 31 to rotate in reverse, driving the self-resetting wheel 33 to rotate in reverse to the second position via the adapter wheel 32. In the command-locking mode, when unlocking, the motor 31 rotates forward, driving the self-resetting wheel 33 to rotate via the adapter wheel 32. When the self-resetting wheel 33 rotates from the second position to the first position, the protrusion contacts the micro switch 61, causing the micro switch 61 to detect that the self-resetting wheel 33 has rotated forward to the first position. The board 60 then drives the self-resetting wheel 33 to stop rotating. When locking, the board 60 drives the motor 31 to rotate in reverse, driving the self-resetting wheel 33 to rotate in reverse to the second position via the adapter wheel 32.

[0076] The technical solution of this application embodiment realizes the movement of the locking component 40 by setting a motor 31, a transfer wheel 32 and a self-resetting wheel 33, which helps to improve the convenience of unlocking and locking the smart padlock 1.

[0077] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6 In some embodiments, the locking assembly 40 includes a drive shaft 41 and a locking pin 42. The drive shaft 41 connects the self-resetting wheel 33 and the locking pin 42. The torsion spring 50 connects the self-resetting wheel 33 and the drive shaft 41. The locking pin 42 is used to engage with the lock hook groove 21.

[0078] In some embodiments, in the locked position, the locking pin 42 engages with the hook groove 21 of the hook 20. In the unlocked position, the locking pin 42 disengages from the hook groove 21 of the hook 20.

[0079] In some embodiments, the drive shaft 41 may be provided with a magnet, and the first detection element 63 detects the position of the drive shaft 41, thereby detecting the position of the locking pin 42.

[0080] In some embodiments, the locking assembly 40 further includes a locking pin spring 43. During unlocking, the board 60 drives the motor 31 to rotate forward. The motor 31 drives the drive shaft 41 to rotate via the adapter wheel 32 and the self-resetting wheel 33. The drive shaft 41 moves the locking pin 42 from the locked position to the unlocked position, and the locking pin spring 43 stores force. When the board 60 drives the motor 31 to rotate in reverse, the motor 31 drives the drive shaft 41 to rotate via the adapter wheel 32 and the self-resetting wheel 33, and the torsion spring 50 stores force. At this time, when the locking hook 20 is pressed down, the torsion spring 50 and the locking pin spring 43 together drive the locking pin 42 from the unlocked position to the locked position, thus achieving locking.

[0081] The technical solution of this application embodiment, by setting a drive shaft 41 and a locking pin 42, achieves connection with the self-resetting wheel 33, which helps to improve the convenience of unlocking and locking the smart padlock 1.

[0082] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the smart padlock 1 further includes an emergency unlocking shaft 70, which passes through the self-resetting wheel 33 and is connected to the locking assembly 40.

[0083] In some embodiments, the self-resetting wheel 33 may be provided with a through hole, and the emergency unlocking shaft 70 passes through the through hole and is connected to the drive shaft 41.

[0084] In some embodiments, the emergency unlocking shaft 70 can be connected to the lock cylinder. When the motor 31 malfunctions, a mechanical key is inserted into the lock cylinder and turned. The mechanical key rotates the lock cylinder, causing the emergency unlocking shaft 70 to rotate, which in turn rotates the drive shaft 41. This causes the locking pin 42 to move from the locked position to the unlocked position, thus unlocking the lock.

[0085] The technical solution of this application embodiment enables the emergency unlocking of the smart padlock 1 by setting an emergency unlocking axis 70, which helps to improve the reliability of the smart padlock 1.

[0086] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6 and refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 This application provides a smart padlock control method for some embodiments. This application also provides a smart padlock 1 control method, applied to a smart padlock 1 as described in any of the above embodiments. The smart padlock 1 control method includes: S200: Enter command-locked mode or self-locked mode.

[0087] S210: Enter command locking mode, receive unlock command, control drive component 30 to rotate forward, so as to drive locking component 40 to move to the unlock position.

[0088] S212: Receives a lockout command and controls the drive component 30 to reverse.

[0089] S220: Enter self-locking mode, receive unlocking command, control drive component 30 to rotate forward, so as to drive locking component 40 to move to the unlock position.

[0090] S221: After the drive component 30 rotates to the forward position, control the drive component 30 to rotate in reverse.

[0091] In some embodiments, the user can send commands to the board 60 through an operating terminal (such as a mobile phone, tablet, power supply, etc.). After receiving the command, the board 60 enters the command lockout mode or the self-lockout mode.

[0092] In some embodiments, the user sends a command to the board 60 to enter the command locking mode. Upon receiving the command, the board 60 enters the command locking mode. To unlock, the user sends an unlock command to the board 60. Upon receiving the command, the board 60 controls the drive component 30 to rotate forward, causing the locking component 40 to move from the locked position to the unlocked position. To lock, the user sends a lock command to the board 60. Upon receiving the command, the board 60 controls the drive component 30 to rotate in reverse. At this time, the torsion spring 50 is charged, and the locking component 40 tends to move from the unlocked position to the locked position. When the user presses the lock hook 20, the torsion spring 50 causes the locking component 40 to move from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0093] In some embodiments, the user sends a command to the board 60 to enter the self-locking mode. Upon receiving the command, the board 60 enters the self-locking mode. For unlocking, the user sends an unlock command to the board 60. Upon receiving the command, the board 60 controls the drive component 30 to rotate forward, causing the locking component 40 to move from the locked position to the unlocked position. Once the drive component 30 has rotated to its correct position, the board 60 controls it to rotate in reverse. At this time, the torsion spring 50 is engaged, and the locking component 40 tends to move from the unlocked position to the locked position. When the user presses the lock hook 20, the torsion spring 50 moves the locking component 40 from the unlocked position to the locked position, thus locking the device.

[0094] In S210: After entering the command locking mode, receiving the unlocking command, and controlling the drive component 30 to rotate forward to drive the locking component 40 to move to the unlocked position, the control method of the smart padlock 1 also includes: S211: Control drive component 30 to stop rotating.

[0095] In some embodiments, after the drive component 30 rotates to the forward position, the micro switch 61 detects that the drive component 30 has rotated to the forward position and transmits the detection information to the board 60, and the board 60 controls the drive component 30 to stop rotating.

[0096] In some embodiments, in the self-locking mode, when the drive component 30 rotates forward to the correct position, the micro switch 61 detects that the drive component 30 has rotated forward to the correct position, and the micro switch 61 transmits the detection information to the board 60, and the board 60 controls the drive component 30 to rotate in reverse.

[0097] The technical solution of this application embodiment allows for locking by pressing the lock hook 20 in self-locking mode. In command-locking mode, locking is achieved by pressing the lock hook 20 upon receiving a locking command. Switching between self-locking and command-locking modes enriches the application modes of the smart padlock 1, making it more adaptable to various usage scenarios and improving its applicability and practicality.

[0098] Please refer to Figures 1 to 7 and refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 This application provides a smart padlock control method in some other embodiments. In some embodiments, the smart padlock 1 further includes a first detection element 63 and a second detection element 64, which are electrically connected to the board 60, respectively. S212: After receiving the locking command and controlling the drive component 30 to reverse, the control method for the smart padlock 1 also includes: S213: Control the first detection element 63 to detect the position of the locking assembly 40; S214: Control the second detection element 64 to detect the position of the locking hook 20; S215: Based on the detection information of the first detection element 63 and the detection information of the second detection element 64, determine the unlocking / locking status of the smart padlock 1.

[0099] After the drive component 30 reverses, the locking component 40 tends to move towards the locked position. After pressing the lock hook 20, the torsion spring 50 drives the locking component 40 to move to the locked position. The first detection element 63 and the second detection element 64 work, so that the board 60 receives information that the locking component 40 is in the locked position and information that the lock hook 20 is pressed in place. The board 60 determines that the padlock 1 is in the locked state and transmits the information that the padlock 1 is in the locked state to the user's receiving end.

[0100] The technical solution of this application embodiment detects the position of the locking component 40 by setting a first detection element 63 and the position of the lock hook 20 by setting a second detection element 64. The first detection element 63 and the second detection element 64 jointly detect the state of the smart padlock 1, which helps to improve the accuracy of detecting the state of the smart padlock 1.

[0101] Please refer to Figures 1 to 8 and refer to Figure 9 , Figure 9 This application provides a smart padlock control method in some embodiments. In some embodiments, after receiving a locking command and reversing the control drive component 30, the control method for the smart padlock 1 further includes: S216: If the locking hook 20 is not pressed within the second set time, it enters the sleep state.

[0102] After the control drive component 30 is reversed by the board 60, the locking hook 20 is in the popped-out state and abuts against the locking component 40, causing the locking component 40 to tend to move from the unlocked position to the locked position. At this time, the torsion spring 50 is charged. If the locking hook 20 is not pressed within the second set time, the wake-up reed switch 62 does not detect the locking hook 20 and transmits the information that the locking hook 20 is not detected to the board 60, and the board 60 controls the padlock 1 to go into sleep mode.

[0103] In S216: After the smart padlock 1 enters a sleep state when the lock hook 20 is not pressed within the second set time, the control method also includes: S217: Controls the drive component to rotate forward 30 degrees.

[0104] The control drive component 30 rotates forward, causing the torsion spring 50 to release its stored force, thus preventing the locking component 40 from moving from the unlocked position to the locked position. When locking is required, a new locking command needs to be issued.

[0105] Before entering the command-locking mode or the self-locking mode in S200, the control method of the smart padlock 1 also includes: S100: Control padlock 1 to enter the wake-up state.

[0106] When the lock is in a dormant state, pressing down the lock hook 20 for a third set time will wake up the reed switch 62, which will detect the position of the lock hook 20 and wake up the board 60, thereby waking up the padlock 1.

[0107] The technical solution of this application embodiment enables the smart padlock 1 to enter a sleep state, which reduces power consumption, improves the battery life of the smart padlock 1, and saves energy.

[0108] Although this application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made thereto and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of this application. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner, provided there is no structural conflict. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A smart padlock, characterized in that, Includes housing, locking hook, drive assembly, locking assembly, torsion spring, and circuit board; The drive assembly, the locking assembly, and the board are all mounted on the housing; The torsion spring connects the drive assembly and the locking assembly, and the locking assembly has a locked position that engages with the lock hook and an unlocked position that is separated from the lock hook; The padlock has a self-locking mode and a command-locking mode controlled by the board. In the self-locking mode, when the board receives an unlocking command, the drive component rotates forward, driving the locking component to move from the locked position to the unlocked position. Then, the drive component rotates in reverse, and the torsion spring stores force. In the command-locked mode, when the board receives an unlock command, the drive component rotates forward, driving the locking component to move from the locked position to the unlocked position; Upon receiving a locking command, the drive component reverses, and the torsion spring stores energy.

2. The smart padlock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The smart padlock also includes a micro switch, which is electrically connected to the board and is used to detect the position of the drive component; In the self-locking mode, upon receiving an unlocking command, the drive component rotates forward. When the micro switch detects that the drive component has rotated to the correct position, the board drives the drive component to rotate in reverse. In the command-locked mode, upon receiving an unlock command, the drive component rotates forward. When the micro switch detects that the drive component has rotated to the correct position, the board drives the drive component to stop rotating.

3. The smart padlock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The smart padlock also includes a wake-up reed switch, which is electrically connected to the board and is used to detect the position of the lock hook. In the self-locking mode, if the wake-up reed switch does not detect the lock hook within a first set time after the locking component moves to the unlocking position, the smart padlock goes into sleep mode. In the command-locked mode, if the wake-up reed switch does not detect the lock hook within a second set time after receiving the lock command, the lock will go into sleep mode, and the board will drive the drive assembly to rotate forward. After pressing down the lock hook for a third set time, the wake-up reed switch detects the lock hook and wakes up the smart padlock.

4. The smart padlock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The smart padlock also includes a first detection element and a second detection element, which are electrically connected to the board respectively; The first detection element is used to detect the position of the locking assembly; The second detection element is used to detect the position of the locking hook.

5. The smart padlock according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a motor, an adapter wheel, and a self-resetting wheel; The motor is electrically connected to the board, the adapter wheel connects the motor and the self-resetting wheel, the self-resetting wheel is connected to the locking assembly, and the torsion spring connects the self-resetting wheel and the locking assembly; The self-resetting wheel has a first position where it rotates forward and to the correct position, and the micro switch is used to detect the position of the self-resetting wheel. In the self-locking mode, when the micro switch detects that the self-reset wheel has rotated to the first position, the board drives the self-reset wheel to rotate to the second position. In the command-locked mode, when the micro switch detects that the drive component has rotated to the first position, the board drives the self-reset wheel to stop rotating.

6. The smart padlock according to claim 5, characterized in that, The locking assembly includes a drive shaft and a locking pin. The drive shaft connects the self-resetting wheel and the locking pin. The torsion spring connects the self-resetting wheel and the drive shaft. The locking pin is used to cooperate with the lock hook.

7. The smart padlock according to claim 5, characterized in that, The smart padlock also includes an emergency unlocking shaft, which passes through the self-resetting wheel and is connected to the locking assembly.

8. A smart padlock control method, applied to a smart padlock as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The intelligent padlock control method includes: Enter command-based interlocking mode or self-interlocking mode; Enter command locking mode, receive unlock command, control the drive component to rotate forward, so as to drive the locking component to move to the unlock position; Receive a lockout command and control the drive component to reverse; Entering the self-locking mode, receiving the unlocking command, and controlling the drive component to rotate forward, thereby driving the locking component to move to the unlocking position; After the drive component rotates to the forward position, it is controlled to rotate in reverse.

9. The intelligent padlock control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The smart padlock also includes a first detection element and a second detection element, which are electrically connected to the board respectively; After receiving the locking command and controlling the drive component to reverse, the smart padlock control method further includes: The first detection element is controlled to detect the position of the locking assembly; The second detection element is controlled to detect the position of the locking hook; Based on the detection information from the first detection device and the detection information from the second detection device, the unlocking / locking status of the smart padlock is determined.

10. The intelligent padlock control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, After receiving the locking command and controlling the drive component to reverse, the control method of the smart padlock further includes: If the locking hook is not pressed within a second set time, the device enters a sleep state.

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