A dial lock and its dial return mechanism

Abstract

This invention discloses a digit lock and its digit wheel zeroing optimization mechanism, which can maintain the zeroing state between the lock's switching to the locked state, ensuring that all digit wheels are in the zeroing position. The digit wheel zeroing optimization mechanism includes a fixed base and an operating component mounted side-by-side within the digit lock's housing; the operating component is provided with a movable part, which acts on a functional component within the lock, the functional component having the function of changing the lock's state; the movable part is used to limit the functional component during the locking process to prolong or maintain the zeroing state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of digit wheel lock technology, and specifically refers to a digit wheel lock and its digit wheel zeroing optimization mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] When there are more functional requirements for digit lock products in some applications, such as digit locks used in public lockers, the passwords set by users are for one-time use. Therefore, manufacturers want the locks to be able to automatically "reset the password" after unlocking. That is, without the user having to perform a specific reset operation, the locks can automatically change the password to the preset password during or after unlocking to achieve initialization. Early digit locks could not achieve this function.

[0003] To this end, the applicant previously developed a "Temporary Mode Password Reset Mechanism for a Dial Lock" and obtained an invention patent authorization (publication number CN223387108U). In this patent, a first stop and a first spring are set between the operating component of the dial lock and its reset lever. The limiting protrusion of the reset lever and the limiting stop of the first stop mutually limit each other. Especially in the unlocked state, when the reset protrusion pushes the reset lever to move axially and releases the limiting protrusion from limiting the limiting stop, the limiting stop can spring up under the action of the first spring, so that the limiting stop blocks the limiting protrusion, thereby limiting the limiting protrusion and preventing the reset lever from resetting. At this time, the dial lock remains in the reset state. At the same time, through the cooperation of the retainer and the code-changing groove of the operating component, and the fact that the two ends of the reset protrusion are located on the inner sides of the two ends of the code-changing groove, the dial lock first enters the code-changing state and then enters the reset state, which can realize the reset of the dial lock's password to the initial password after unlocking.

[0004] However, due to factors such as component assembly tolerances and varying magnetic force, the axial movement of components such as the zeroing lever, retainer, and lock shaft, as well as the free rotation of the dial, may not be executed exactly according to the preset schedule. This results in a shorter time for the lock to perform the "zeroing" function and insufficient zeroing time for the dial. After the lock is locked, the dial may not be completely zeroed to the initial password position, which in turn affects the user's convenience and security in subsequent use. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide a digit lock and its digit wheel zeroing optimization mechanism, which solves the problems existing in the prior art and can maintain the zeroing state between the lock switching to the locked state, ensuring that all digit wheels are zeroed in place.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, one solution of the present invention is: A digit wheel zeroing optimization mechanism includes a fixed base and an operating component installed side-by-side inside the housing of a digit wheel lock; the operating component is provided with a movable part, which acts on a functional component inside the lock, the functional component having the function of changing the state of the lock; the movable part is used to limit the functional component during the locking process to prolong or maintain the zeroing state.

[0007] A zeroing lever for switching the zeroing state of the digit lock is movably installed within the fixed base; the functional component includes a first stop and a first spring disposed between the operating component and the zeroing lever, the first stop slidingly engaged within the fixed base and acting on the zeroing lever, mutually limiting each other with the zeroing lever; the first spring is used to reset the first stop; the movable component includes a first movable component disposed within the circumferential surface of the operating component and elastically reset, and a second movable component disposed within the fixed base and acting on the first movable component; the second movable component acts on the first movable component during locking, and the first movable component acts on the first stop to delay the reset of the zeroing lever.

[0008] Preferably, the peripheral surface of the operating component is provided with a guide groove for sliding engagement of the first movable member; a first elastic member acting on the first movable member is provided in the guide groove, and a second elastic member acting on the second movable member is provided in the fixed seat; a linkage boss is provided on the surface of the first movable member, the linkage boss is disposed opposite to the first stop, and when the linkage boss abuts against the first stop, it drives the first stop to compress the first spring.

[0009] Preferably, the two sides of the linkage boss are respectively provided with a first side slope and a first lower slope; the first side slope contacts the second movable member during the unlocking process and pushes the second movable member to compress the second elastic member; the first lower slope contacts the first stop block and pushes the first stop block to compress the first spring during the locking critical state; the second movable member contacts the opposite side of the first lower slope and pushes the first movable member to compress the first elastic member during the locking process.

[0010] Preferably, the circumferential surface of the lock cylinder tail is provided with a boss. In the locked state, the second movable member engages with the boss to continuously compress the second elastic member until the second movable member moves away from the boss as the operating component rotates.

[0011] Preferably, a third elastic element is provided in the guide rail groove; one end of the third elastic element is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the guide rail groove, and the other end of the third elastic element movably abuts against the surface of the first movable element to provide resistance against the first elastic element.

[0012] Alternatively, the functional component includes a retainer, a second stop, and a second spring; the peripheral surface of the operating component is provided with a changing groove for the end of the retainer to move and engage; the second stop is disposed in the changing groove to block the movement of the end of the retainer, and the second spring is located between the second stop and the side wall of the changing groove; the movable component includes a third movable component that slides within the fixed base, the third movable component pushing against the second stop during unlocking to allow the end of the retainer to enter the changing groove, and the second stop pushing against the third movable component during locking to cause the end of the retainer to abut against the surface of the second stop.

[0013] Preferably, the fixed base is provided with a third elastic member that acts on the third movable member, pushing the third movable member out and fitting it on the circumferential surface of the operating component.

[0014] Preferably, the second stop is provided with a movable groove for the end of the third movable member to be inserted, the movable groove is provided with a second pressure-bearing inclined surface, and one side of the second stop is provided with a second side inclined surface; the end of the third movable member is provided with a second lower inclined surface; during the unlocking process, the second lower inclined surface contacts the second pressure-bearing inclined surface and pushes against the second stop to compress the second spring; during the locking process, the second side inclined surface contacts the third movable member and pushes against the third movable member to compress the third elastic member, and the end of the retainer fits on the surface of the second stop without entering the movable groove.

[0015] The functional component includes a zeroing lever, and the movable component includes a fourth movable component disposed on the periphery of the operating component, a fifth movable component slidably fitted on the periphery of the operating component, and a fourth elastic component; the fourth movable component is provided with a third side inclined surface, which pushes against the end of the zeroing lever after the lock is locked and continues to rotate, causing it to switch to the zeroing state; the fifth movable component and the fourth movable component are located on the end side of the zeroing lever, and the fourth elastic component acts on the fifth movable component to push the operating component to achieve reset.

[0016] The digit wheel zeroing optimization mechanism further includes a toggle switch, a movable rod, and a spring; the toggle switch is movably mounted on the lock housing; the movable rod and spring are mounted together in the fixed base; the toggle switch has a spiral groove with different depths at both ends; as the toggle switch is turned, the movable rod moves up and down and remains in a designated position to restrict or unlock the digit wheel lock's retainer.

[0017] The second solution of the present invention is: A character wheel lock, including the aforementioned character wheel zeroing optimization mechanism.

[0018] After adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following technical effects: This invention incorporates a movable component on the operating assembly. This component yields during unlocking, preventing interference with the lock's normal unlocking action. During locking, the movable component, driven by the operating assembly, changes position and orientation, no longer yielding. Instead, it contacts the functional component, applying a force that restricts its reset or creating a mechanical limit. This prevents the zeroing lever from immediately resetting, allowing the dials to continue rotating under magnetic force, providing more time to complete the zeroing action and ensuring all dials accurately rotate to the preset initial password position. This design effectively extends the effective zeroing time of the dials, ensuring all dials are zeroed, thus improving the convenience and security of the lock. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the wheel lock of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is the front view of the character wheel lock of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a top view of the wheel lock of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of the wheel lock of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the wheel lock of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the initial state (locked state) of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the unlocking process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0027] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the unlocking process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0028] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the unlocking state according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the locking process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0030] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the locking process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0031] Figure 13 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the initial state (locked state) of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the unlocking process according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the unlocking state according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 17 This is a partial structural diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0036] Figure 18 This is a partial structural diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0037] Figure 19 This is a partial structural cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the cage state according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the zeroing function in the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 23 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the reset function according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram of a temporary mode according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram of the fixed mode according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Explanation of icon numbers: 1-Code component; 11-Retainer; 12-Lock shaft; 13-Bushing; 14-Count wheel; 141-Anti-rotation groove; 15-Retainer spring; 16-Lock shaft spring; 2-Fixed base; 3-Knob; 4-Panel; 41-Moving hole; 5-Anti-rotation spring; 6-Anti-rotation slide bar; 61-Anti-rotation latch; 7-Zeroing lever; 8-Lock cylinder tail; 8a, 8b-Disassembly parts; 81-Zeroing boss; 82-Guide rail groove; 83-Boss; 84-Code changing groove; 9-First stop block; 91-First pressure-bearing slope; 10-First spring; 20-First moving part; 201-Linkage boss; 202-First side slope; 20 3-First lower inclined surface; 204-Stop point; 30-Second moving part; 301-Rounded corner; 40-First elastic part; 50-Second elastic part; 60-Third elastic part; 70-Button; 80-Second stop block; 801-Moving groove; 802-Second pressure inclined surface; 803-Second side inclined surface; 90-Second spring; 100-Third moving part; 101-Second lower inclined surface; 200-Third elastic part; 300-Cover plate; 400-Fourth moving part; 401-Third side inclined surface; 500-Fourth elastic part; 600-Fifth moving part; 700-Toggle button; 701-Spiral groove; 800-Moving rod. Detailed Implementation

[0047] To further explain the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be described in detail below through specific embodiments.

[0048] First, to make it easier to understand the technical solution of this invention, some contents already disclosed in the prior art will be described, as follows: (1) Basic structure See Figures 1 to 5The housing of a digit lock typically includes a mounting base 2 for securing the combination component 1. The combination component 1 consists of a retainer 11 slidably fitted onto the mounting base 2, a lock shaft 12 passing through the retainer 11, several bushings 13 sleeved on the lock shaft 12, and digit wheels 14 sleeved on each bushing 13. The retainer 11 restricts the digit wheel 14's axial position on the lock shaft 12, ensuring that the digit wheel 14 rotates synchronously with its corresponding bushing 13 during both the lock opening and closing states. However, during the combination changing state (in the industry, this mainly refers to the state where the lock can change the combination), the digit wheel 14 disengages from the bushing 13. The movement of the retainer 11 allows the digit wheel 14 to rotate relative to the bushing 13, thus enabling the change of the combination. Therefore, the movement of the retainer 11 determines whether the lock switches to the combination-changing state, and at least whether the digit wheel 14 disengages from the bushing 13. When the locking protrusion on the lock shaft 12 aligns with the clearance groove in the bushing 13 (i.e., the user has entered the correct combination / the lock panel 4 displays the numbers corresponding to the correct combination), the locking protrusion can engage with the clearance groove to allow the lock shaft 12 to move axially within the fixed base 2. At this time, the user will not be interfered with when rotating the lock's knob 3 or handle, and can unlock normally. Furthermore, the retainer 11 and lock shaft 12 are reset via the retainer spring 15 and lock shaft spring 16, respectively.

[0049] (2) How to reset to zero Generally, magnets are installed inside the lock shaft 12 and the dial 14. When the dial 14 is not subjected to force from other parts, it rotates by magnetic force without the user having to manually rotate it. The dial 14 stops rotating when the magnetic force reaches equilibrium. In typical lock designs, when the magnetic force reaches equilibrium, the numbers displayed on the outside of the panel 4 for all dials 14 are "0" (0 is the industry standard setting). Therefore, this function is commonly referred to as "diagram zeroing".

[0050] (3) Stopping the rotation of the type wheel An anti-rotation slide rod 6 driven by an anti-rotation spring 5 is provided inside the fixed base 2; the anti-rotation slide rod 6 is provided with anti-rotation latches 61 corresponding to the number of character wheels 14. Under normal conditions, the elastic force of the anti-rotation spring 5 causes the anti-rotation slide rod 6 to move towards the character wheels 14, so that the anti-rotation latches 61 are embedded in the anti-rotation grooves 141 on the circumference of the character wheels 14 (see Figure 21 This design allows the dial 14 to remain stationary when no external force is applied after the user moves it, preventing it from rotating due to magnetic force. It's understood that the force applied by the user to the dial 14 is greater than the spring force of the anti-rotation latch 61, while the magnetic force is less than the spring force of the anti-rotation latch 61. Simultaneously, when the anti-rotation slide rod 6 shifts and causes the anti-rotation latch 61 to disengage from the anti-rotation groove 141, the dial 14 may then rotate freely due to magnetic force (see...). Figure 22 ).

[0051] (4) How to switch to zero state First, the zero-state is defined as the state where the lock's dial automatically resets to a preset set of numbers (such as 0000) when not moved by the user. See also Figure 5 , 21 22. A zeroing lever 7 is provided in the fixed base 2, which is opposite to the anti-rotation slide bar 6. The anti-rotation slide bar 6 and the zeroing lever 7 are engaged by a bevel. At the same time, the zeroing lever 7 abuts against the circumferential surface of the lock's operating component (the component that rotates synchronously with the knob 3 or handle) (generally the circumferential surface of the lock cylinder tail 8). A zeroing boss 81 is provided on this circumferential surface. When the correct password is entered and the operating component is rotated to unlock, the zeroing boss 81 contacts the zeroing lever 7 and pushes the zeroing lever 7 to move. The zeroing lever 7, through the bevel linkage with the anti-rotation slide bar 6, causes its anti-rotation latch 61 to disengage from the anti-rotation groove 141 of the dial wheel 14. At this time, the dial wheel 14 automatically returns to zero under the action of magnetic force. When the operating component is rotated so that the zeroing boss 81 disengages from the zeroing lever 7, the anti-rotation slide bar 6 is reset under the action of the anti-rotation spring 5 and resets through the bevel linkage with the zeroing lever 7. After the anti-rotation slide bar 6 is reset, the dial wheel 14 no longer automatically returns to zero. In other words, by rotating the operating component to a certain angle, the lock can be switched to the zero state.

[0052] (5) A first stop 9 and a first spring 10 are provided between the operating component and the zeroing lever 7. The first spring 10 is used to drive the first stop 9 to reset. The zeroing lever 7 and the first stop 9 limit each other: When locked, the zeroing lever 7 limits the first stop 9 so that the first stop 9 keeps the first spring 10 compressed. That is, the first stop 9 releases the limit on the zeroing lever 7, and the zeroing lever 7 can reset and make the digit lock exit the zeroing state. When unlocked, the first stop 9 limits the zeroing lever 7 to prevent the zeroing lever 7 from resetting. At this time, the digit lock can remain in the zeroing state, so that the digit wheel 14 of the digit lock has enough time to perform the "digit wheel zeroing" function, ensuring that each digit wheel 14 of the digit lock can be zeroed, eliminating the hidden danger of password leakage.

[0053] The above are all technical means that have been disclosed in the prior art and are not the focus of the improvement of this invention. The main improvement of this invention lies in the operation components of the digit lock and its related structure. Therefore, the specific structure of the password component is not limited. In practical applications, this invention can also be applied to digit locks that realize the digit zeroing function in a non-magnetic way.

[0054] Based on the publicly available information above, and referring to... Figures 1 to 27 As shown, this invention actually discloses a digit wheel lock and its digit wheel zeroing optimization mechanism. The first, second, and third embodiments disclose the digit wheel zeroing optimization mechanism, while the fourth embodiment is used to switch between the fixed mode and the temporary mode of the digit wheel lock.

[0055] The aforementioned zeroing optimization mechanism for the digit wheel includes a fixed base 2 and an operating component installed side-by-side inside the digit wheel lock housing. The operating component is provided with a movable part, which acts on a functional component inside the lock. The functional component has the function of changing the state of the lock. The movable part is used to limit the functional component during the locking process to prolong or maintain the zeroing state, ensuring that all digit wheels are zeroed in place when fully switched to the locked state.

[0056] Through the above-described scheme, this invention incorporates a movable component on the operating assembly. This movable component can yield during the unlocking process, avoiding interference with the normal unlocking action of the lock. During the locking process, the movable component, driven by the operating assembly, changes its position and posture, no longer yielding. Instead, the movable component contacts the functional component and applies a force that restricts its reset or forms a mechanical limit, preventing the zeroing lever 7 from immediately resetting. This allows the number wheels 14 to continue rotating under magnetic force, providing more time to complete the zeroing action and ensuring that all number wheels 14 accurately rotate to the preset initial password position (e.g., "0000"). When the operating assembly rotates to its position, the lock shaft 12 and other components are fully reset, and all mechanisms of the lock have returned to their stable state when locked. At this point, the movable component releases its lock on the functional component, allowing the zeroing lever 7 and the anti-rotation slide 6 to reset. The anti-rotation latch 61 re-engages into the anti-rotation groove 141 of the number wheel 14, locking the number wheel 14 and ending the zeroing process. This design effectively extends the time for the digit wheels to return to zero, ensuring that all digit wheels are returned to zero, thus improving the convenience and security of the lock.

[0057] The specific implementation methods of the aforementioned movable parts and functional components, as well as the design of their related interaction relationships, are described below through the first, second, and third embodiments: refer to Figures 6 to 13 The image shown is a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] A zeroing lever 7 for switching the zeroing state of the digit lock is movably installed within the aforementioned fixed base 2. Specifically, when the zeroing lever 7 moves axially relative to the fixed base 2, the digit lock enters the zeroing state. After the zeroing lever 7 resets, the digit lock exits the zeroing state, and the digit wheel 14 of the digit lock rotates to reset in the zeroing state. The aforementioned functional components include a first stop 9 and a first spring 10 disposed between the operating component and the zeroing lever 7. The first stop 9 is slidably engaged within the fixed base 2 and acts on the zeroing lever 7, mutually limiting its movement. The first spring 10 is used to reset the first stop 9. The aforementioned movable components include a first movable component 20 disposed within the circumference of the operating component and elastically reset, and a second movable component 30 disposed within the fixed base 2 and acting on the first movable component 20. The second movable component 30 acts on the first movable component 20 during locking, and the first movable component 20 acts on the first stop 9 to delay the reset of the zeroing lever 7. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the fixed linkage boss that was originally set on the periphery of the operating component and cooperated with the first stop block is improved to a movable first movable member 20, and the second movable member 30 locks and unlocks within a specific stroke range. This can effectively delay the time of unlocking the first stop block 9 during the locking process, so that the zeroing lever 7 resets slightly later, thereby extending the time that can be provided for the number wheel to be zeroed during the locking process, and ensuring that all number wheels can be zeroed in place.

[0059] In the first embodiment, the above-mentioned operating component is the lock cylinder tail 8 of the digit lock. The lock cylinder tail 8 is linked with the knob 3 of the digit lock to achieve synchronous rotation. The lock cylinder tail 8 can be disassembled into two parts, 8a and 8b, so that a guide rail groove 82 for sliding engagement of the first movable member 20 can be provided in the lock cylinder tail 8. A first elastic member 40 acting on the first movable member 20 is provided in the guide rail groove 82, and a second elastic member 50 acting on the second movable member 30 is provided in the fixed base 2. A linkage boss 201 is provided on the surface of the first movable member 20. The linkage boss 201 is disposed opposite to the first stop block 9. When the linkage boss 201 abuts against the first stop block 9, it drives the first stop block 9 to compress the first spring 10.

[0060] Furthermore, the aforementioned linkage boss 201 is provided with a first side slope 202 and a first lower slope 203 on both sides, respectively; see [link / reference] Figures 8 to 10 During the unlocking process, the first side slope 202 contacts and pushes against the second movable member 30, compressing the second elastic member 50, so that the first movable member 20 can pass over the second movable member 30 without being blocked by it; the first lower slope 203 contacts and pushes against the first stop block 9 in the locking critical state, compressing the first spring 10 to prolong the zeroing reset time; see also Figure 11 , Figure 12During the locking process, the second movable member 30 contacts the opposite side of the first lower slope 203 (the slope is greater than that of the first side slope 202, so the second movable member 30 cannot climb the slope) and pushes the first movable member 20 to compress the first elastic member 40. The first stop block 9 is provided with a first pressure-bearing slope 91 opposite to the first lower slope 203.

[0061] Secondly, the circumferential surface of the aforementioned lock cylinder tail 8 is provided with a boss 83. In the locked state, the second movable member 30 engages with the boss 83 to continuously compress the second elastic member 50 until the second movable member 30 moves away from the boss 83 as the operating component rotates. The boss 83 is located at the position of the first movable member 20 when the first elastic member 40 is compressed to its limit, and it protrudes further from the first movable member 20 in the radial direction of the operating component. This allows the second movable member 30 to release the restriction on the first movable member 20 when it moves onto the boss 83, and the first movable member 20 is pushed out and reset by the first elastic member 40.

[0062] Furthermore, a third elastic element 60 is provided within the aforementioned guide rail groove 82. One end of the third elastic element 60 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the guide rail groove 82 by means of riveting, screw fastening, etc., while its other end movably abuts against the surface of the first movable element 20 to provide resistance against the first elastic element 40 and delay the reset time of the first movable element 20. The surface of the aforementioned first movable element 20 is provided with a stop point 204 for the end of the third elastic element 60 to elastically engage.

[0063] In the first embodiment, both ends of the second movable member 30 are provided with rounded corners 301 to achieve a smooth fit between the components.

[0064] In the first embodiment, a zeroing boss 81 is provided on the peripheral surface of the above-mentioned operating component. The zeroing boss 81 is disposed opposite to the end of the zeroing lever 7. When the zeroing boss 81 abuts against the zeroing lever 7, it drives the zeroing lever 7 to move axially so that the digit lock enters the zeroing state. The end side of the zeroing lever 7 is provided with a limiting protrusion, and the first stop 9 is provided with a limiting stop opposite to the limiting protrusion. The limiting protrusion and the limiting stop mutually limit each other: in the locked state, the limiting protrusion limits the limiting stop so that the first stop 9 remains in the state of compressing the first spring 10; in the unlocked state, the limiting stop limits the limiting protrusion to prevent the zeroing lever 7 from resetting, and the digit lock remains in the zeroing state.

[0065] In the first embodiment, a panel 4 is fitted over the upper surface of the aforementioned fixed base 2, and a movable hole 41 is provided on the panel 4. A button 70 is movably fitted inside the movable hole 41. The button 70 is positioned opposite to the first stop block 9, and the button 70 and the first spring 10 are located on the upper and lower sides of the first stop block 9, used to drive the first stop block 9 to compress the first spring 10. When the user actively presses the button 70, the first stop block 9 can be actively released from its position limiting the zeroing lever 7, thereby allowing the digit lock to quickly exit the zeroing state. The button 70 can be hooked onto the inner edge of the movable hole 41 by several hooks to prevent the button 70 from detaching from the panel 4.

[0066] In the above, the first elastic element 40 and the second elastic element 50 can both be springs, and the third elastic element 60 can be a sheet-like element.

[0067] In summary, the working principle of the first embodiment is as follows: (1) When in the locked position, the second movable part 30 stops on the boss 83 of the lock cylinder tail 8. At this time, the second movable part 30 and the first movable part 20 are designed with a gap (different radial protrusions), so that the first movable part 20 pops out under the action of the first elastic part 40, thereby opening the first stop 9. (2) During the unlocking process, the second movable part 30 leaves the boss 83 of the lock cylinder tail 8 and pops out; as the unlocking continues, the second movable part 30 is pushed open by the first side slope 202 of the first movable part 20 and moves to the other side of the first movable part 20. (3) During the locking process, the second movable part 30 abuts against the first movable part 20. Through the design of the angle and the spring force, the second movable part 30 does not climb uphill, but pushes the first movable part 20 back until the first movable part 20 is pushed to the bottom and the first elastic part 40 is compressed to the limit. At this time, the second movable part 30 abuts against the boss 83 of the lock cylinder tail 8 and begins to climb uphill. When it climbs to the top of the boss 83, the first movable part 20 is released and popped out by the elastic force of the first elastic part 40. (4) A third elastic element 60 is riveted in the guide groove 82 of the lock cylinder tail 8. The third elastic element 60 has an arched design. Correspondingly, there is a stop point 204 on the first movable part 20. The arched part and the stop point 204 are designed to intersect. When locking is finished, when the first movable part 20 pops out, the stop point 204 and the third elastic element 60 interfere to play a damping role, delay the pop-out time of the first movable part 20, and prolong the time for the first movable part 20 to push open the first stop block 9, so that the effect of the number wheel returning to zero after locking is more ideal.

[0068] refer to Figures 14 to 20 The image shows a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] When the digit lock has or needs to have a temporary mode function, the above-mentioned functional components include a retainer 11, a second stop 80, and a second spring 90; the peripheral surface of the operating component is provided with a digit changing groove 84 for the end of the retainer 11 to move and engage; the second stop 80 is disposed in the digit changing groove 84 to block the movement of the end of the retainer 11, and the second spring 90 is located between the second stop 80 and the side wall of the digit changing groove 84; the above-mentioned movable component includes a third movable component 100 that slides and engages in the fixed base 2. During the unlocking process, the third movable component 100 pushes against the second stop 80 so that the end of the retainer 11 can enter the digit changing groove 84. During the locking process, the second stop 80 pushes against the third movable component 100 and causes the end of the retainer 11 to abut against the surface of the second stop 80. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the surface of the retainer 11 and the second stop 80 can remain tangent during the locking process, and the retainer 11 cannot move axially (it is not ejected by the spring), thereby ensuring that the gap between the lock shaft 12 and the bushing 13 remains unchanged, reducing the friction generated when the number wheel 14 returns to zero due to magnetic attraction during the locking process, and making it more conducive to a fast and smooth return to zero during the locking process.

[0070] In the second embodiment, the aforementioned fixed base 2 is provided with a third elastic member 200 that acts on the third movable member 100. This third elastic member 200 can be a spring, which pushes the third movable member 100 out and engages with the circumferential surface of the operating component. See also... Figure 19 The aforementioned fixed base 2 is provided with a cover plate 300 to limit the third movable part 100 so that it will not fall out.

[0071] In the second embodiment, see Figure 17 The second stop 80 is provided with a movable groove 801 for the end of the third movable member 100 to be inserted. A second pressure-bearing inclined surface 802 is provided in the movable groove 801, and a second side inclined surface 803 is provided on one side of the second stop 80. The end of the third movable member 100 is provided with a second lower inclined surface 101. During the unlocking process, the second lower inclined surface 101 contacts the second pressure-bearing inclined surface 802 and pushes against the second stop 80 to compress the second spring 90, so that the second stop 80 no longer prevents the end of the retainer 11 from entering the code-changing groove 84. During the locking process, the second side inclined surface 803 contacts the third movable member 100 and pushes against the third movable member 100 to compress the third elastic member. The end of the retainer 11 is engaged with the surface of the second stop 80 and does not enter the movable groove 801.

[0072] Furthermore, the end dimension of the aforementioned retainer 11 is designed to be larger than the movable slot 801, preventing it from ever entering the movable slot 801. See [reference needed]. Figure 20 Specifically, the width of the movable slot 801 can be smaller than the end width of the retainer 11.

[0073] In summary, the working principle of the second embodiment is as follows; (1) The second stop 80, in conjunction with the second spring 90, can move up and down within the changing groove 84 of the lock cylinder tail 8; the second stop 80 has a movable groove 801, the width of which is less than the end width of the retainer 11, so that the retainer 11 will not fall into it when it is tangent to it; the third movable member 100, in conjunction with the third elastic member 200, falls into the movable groove 801 in the initial state; the side of the groove of the second stop 80 towards the unlocking direction is designed as a slope, and the second stop is also designed as a slope on this side, while the other side is rounded. (2) During the unlocking process, the third movable part 100 causes the second stop 80 to retract through the inclined surface. After the second stop retracts to the bottom, the third movable part 100 has not yet disengaged, so the second stop 80 remains in the retracted state for a short period of time. (3) Continue unlocking, the third moving part 100 disengages from the second stop 80, and at this time the retainer 11 is above the second stop 80 so that the second stop 80 is still in the retracted state; (4) When fully rotated to the unlocked position, the retainer 11 moves aside and the second stop 80 is fully ejected; (5) When the lock returns, the second stop 80 remains stationary, and the third movable part 100 is pressed back into the fixed seat 2 until the lock is closed. Then the third movable part 100 pops out and returns to the initial state. (6) During the locking return process, the retainer 11 always remains tangent to the second stop 80 and will not be ejected by the spring, making the zeroing more stable.

[0074] It is understood that the first embodiment and the second embodiment have different functional components, and the two implementation methods can be used in combination to achieve an optimized zero-reset effect.

[0075] refer to Figures 21 to 24 As shown, a third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0076] The aforementioned functional components include a zeroing lever 7 and a fourth movable component 400 disposed on the periphery of the operating assembly. The fourth movable component 400 is provided with a third inclined surface 401. After the lock is locked and continues to rotate, the third inclined surface 401 pushes against the end of the zeroing lever 7, switching it to the zeroing state. Thus, after locking, the user can manually zero the lock by continuing to rotate the knob 3 at a certain angle.

[0077] Furthermore, the aforementioned operating component includes a fourth elastic element 500 and a fifth movable element 600. The fifth movable element 600 is slidably fitted on the circumferential surface of the operating component and is located on the end side of the zeroing lever 7, along with the fourth movable element 400. The fourth elastic element 500 acts on the fifth movable element 600 to achieve reset, thereby driving the operating component to reset. The fourth movable element 400 and the fifth movable element 600 can be located at different heights on the same side of the end of the zeroing lever 7. Therefore, when the user stops operating, the fifth movable element 600 still abuts against the end of the locking shaft 12 under the action of the fourth elastic element 500. Since the locking shaft 12 is fixed in the zeroing state, the fourth elastic element 500, compressed by the rotation of the operating component, will push the operating component to reset.

[0078] See Figures 25 to 27 As shown, a fourth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0079] The fourth embodiment also includes a toggle switch 700, a movable lever 800, and a spring; the toggle switch 700 is movably mounted on the lock housing for easy operation by the user; the stroke of the toggle switch 700 is set to 90°, and the movable lever 800 and the spring are mounted together in the fixed base 2; a spiral groove 701 is provided inside the toggle switch 700, and the two ends of the spiral groove 701 have different depths (reflected in...). Figure 27 The movable lever 800, when engaged with different positions on the spiral groove 701, generates a height difference H. The top of the movable lever 800 has a mating ball head feature. As the dial 700 is moved, the movable lever 800 can move up and down and can be held in a designated position to lock or unlock the tumbler lock's retainer. Furthermore, the bottom of the movable lever 800 has different shapes, such as a slope, a cylindrical surface, or other features. The fourth embodiment adds a switching component to the temporary mode, enabling switching between fixed and temporary modes. The mode switching principle is as follows: (1) When the lock is engaged, when the dial 700 is moved to the temporary mode position, the movable lever 800 is raised. There is no limit retainer 11 at the bottom of the movable lever 800. The retainer 11 moves normally. After the lock is engaged and disengaged, the password is automatically reset to the initial password, that is, it remains in the temporary mode. (2) When the dial 700 is moved to the fixed mode position, the movable rod 800 is pressed down and the bottom feature of the movable rod 800 abuts against the retainer 11. When the knob 3 is rotated to unlock, the retainer 11 cannot pop out, which causes the bushing 13 to also not pop out. The bushing 13 is not disengaged from the number wheel 14 and cannot enter the code changing state. The lock cannot automatically reset the password but does not affect the number wheel returning to zero. At this time, the product is in fixed mode.

[0080] (3) When the lock is in fixed mode, the steps to change the password are as follows: first, turn the dial 700 to the temporary mode to change the password, and after the password change is completed, turn the dial 700 back to the fixed mode to fix the new password.

[0081] The above embodiments and figures are not intended to limit the product form and style of the present invention. Any appropriate changes or modifications made by those skilled in the art should be considered as not departing from the patent scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A character wheel zeroing optimization mechanism, characterized in that: The lock includes a fixed base and an operating assembly mounted side-by-side inside the housing of the spool lock; the operating assembly is provided with a movable part, which acts on a functional component inside the lock, and the functional component has the function of changing the state of the lock; the movable part is used to limit the functional component during the locking process to prolong or maintain the zero state.

2. The character wheel zeroing optimization mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A zeroing lever for switching the zeroing state of the digit lock is movably installed within the fixed base; the functional component includes a first stop and a first spring disposed between the operating component and the zeroing lever, the first stop slidingly engaged within the fixed base and acting on the zeroing lever, mutually limiting each other with the zeroing lever; the first spring is used to reset the first stop; the movable component includes a first movable component disposed within the circumferential surface of the operating component and elastically reset, and a second movable component disposed within the fixed base and acting on the first movable component; the second movable component acts on the first movable component during locking, and the first movable component acts on the first stop to delay the reset of the zeroing lever.

3. The character wheel zeroing optimization mechanism as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The peripheral surface of the operating component is provided with a guide rail groove for the first movable component to slide and engage; a first elastic element acting on the first movable component is provided in the guide rail groove, and a second elastic element acting on the second movable component is provided in the fixed base; a linkage boss is provided on the surface of the first movable component, the linkage boss is disposed opposite to the first stop block, and when the linkage boss abuts against the first stop block, it drives the first stop block to compress the first spring.

4. The character wheel zeroing optimization mechanism as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The linkage boss has a first side slope and a first lower slope on each side. During the unlocking process, the first side slope contacts the second movable member and pushes against the second movable member to compress the second elastic member. During the locking critical state, the first lower slope contacts the first stop block and pushes against the first stop block to compress the first spring. During the locking process, the second movable member contacts the opposite side of the first lower slope and pushes the first movable member to compress the first elastic member. The circumferential surface of the lock cylinder tail is provided with a boss. In the locked state, the second movable member cooperates with the boss to continuously compress the second elastic member until the second movable member leaves the boss as the operating component rotates.

5. The character wheel zeroing optimization mechanism as described in claim 4, characterized in that: A third elastic element is provided inside the guide rail groove; one end of the third elastic element is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the guide rail groove, and the other end movably abuts against the surface of the first movable element to provide resistance against the first elastic element.

6. The character wheel zeroing optimization mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The functional components include a retainer, a second stop, and a second spring; the peripheral surface of the operating component is provided with a changing groove for the end of the retainer to move and engage; the second stop is disposed in the changing groove to block the movement of the end of the retainer, and the second spring is located between the second stop and the side wall of the changing groove; the movable component includes a third movable component that slides and engages in the fixed base, the third movable component pushes against the second stop during unlocking so that the end of the retainer can enter the changing groove, and the second stop pushes against the third movable component during locking so that the end of the retainer abuts against the surface of the second stop.

7. The character wheel zeroing optimization mechanism as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The fixed base is provided with a third elastic element that acts on the third movable member, pushing the third movable member out and engaging with the circumferential surface of the operating component; the second stop is provided with a movable groove for the end of the third movable member to be inserted, the movable groove is provided with a second pressure inclined surface, and one side of the second stop is provided with a second side inclined surface; the end of the third movable member is provided with a second lower inclined surface; during the unlocking process, the second lower inclined surface contacts the second pressure inclined surface and pushes against the second stop to compress the second spring; during the locking process, the second side inclined surface contacts the third movable member and pushes against the third movable member to compress the third elastic element, and the end of the retainer engages with the surface of the second stop without entering the movable groove.

8. The character wheel zeroing optimization mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The functional component includes a zeroing lever, and the movable component includes a fourth movable component disposed on the periphery of the operating component, a fifth movable component slidably fitted on the periphery of the operating component, and a fourth elastic component; the fourth movable component is provided with a third side inclined surface, which pushes against the end of the zeroing lever after the lock is locked and continues to rotate, causing it to switch to the zeroing state; the fifth movable component and the fourth movable component are located on the end side of the zeroing lever, and the fourth elastic component acts on the fifth movable component to push the operating component to achieve reset.

9. The character wheel zeroing optimization mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a toggle switch, a movable lever, and a spring; the toggle switch is movably mounted on the outer shell of the lock; the movable lever and the spring are mounted together in the fixed base; the toggle switch has a spiral groove with different depths at both ends; as the toggle switch is turned, the movable lever moves up and down and remains in a designated position to limit or unlock the retainer of the tumbler lock.

10. A type of coin wheel lock, characterized in that, Includes the character wheel zeroing optimization mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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