Wireless Locking System

Abstract

This application relates to a wireless lock system, including a wireless lock, a communication module, a relay module, and a control module. The communication module is communicatively connected to the wireless lock and the relay module. The relay module receives commands from the control module and transmits them to the wireless lock via the communication module. The control module is communicatively connected to the relay module and outputs control commands, including unlocking and closing the wireless lock. This system can efficiently manage multiple wireless locks, achieving remote control, status monitoring, and orderly communication under low power consumption conditions, significantly improving the reliability and applicability of the wireless lock system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, and in particular to wireless lock systems. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of IoT technology, wireless communication has been widely applied in the field of smart locks. Wireless electronic locks, as intelligent management devices relying on wireless communication technology, enable convenient installation, remote operation, and real-time monitoring, thus finding widespread use in various application scenarios such as homes, offices, and warehouses. Through wireless communication technology, the lock's status can be managed anytime, anywhere, enabling dynamic adjustments to access control permissions and immediate feedback on abnormal situations, thereby significantly improving both convenience and security.

[0003] To meet the needs of different scenarios, smart locks using traditional wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth or WiFi are gradually becoming mainstream. Bluetooth wireless technology, due to its relatively low power consumption and mature communication protocol, has been widely used in wireless electronic locks, typically achieving data exchange and synchronization through timed wake-ups or maintaining long-term connections. However, in multi-device environments, Bluetooth communication is often susceptible to signal congestion, leading to prolonged response times, especially in emergency scenarios requiring rapid response. Secondly, Bluetooth technology has weak anti-interference capabilities; when strong electromagnetic interference or co-channel signals are present in the external environment, communication instability or signal loss can easily occur. Although Bluetooth technology has the advantage of low power consumption, in practical applications, due to design limitations on the battery size within the lock body, the power consumption of Bluetooth devices in standby mode remains relatively high, resulting in a short standby time for the lock. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a wireless lock system to address the problems of short standby time and unstable communication performance of wireless locks.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a wireless lock system, comprising:

[0006] Wireless lock;

[0007] The communication module communicates with the wireless lock and the relay module.

[0008] The relay module is used to receive commands from the control module and transmit them to the wireless lock via the communication module;

[0009] The control module communicates with the relay module and is used to output control commands, including opening and closing the wireless lock.

[0010] In one embodiment, the relay module includes:

[0011] The time management module is connected to the communication module and is used to allocate independent communication time periods to multiple wireless locks, so that the communication of multiple wireless locks can proceed in an orderly manner.

[0012] In one embodiment, the wireless lock further includes:

[0013] The first clock module wakes up the wireless lock according to a preset time interval and transmits the wireless lock status to the relay module through the communication module; the wireless lock status includes the battery status and the lock status.

[0014] In one embodiment, the time management module further includes:

[0015] The second clock module synchronizes the communication time allocated by the relay module to the first clock module, enabling the first clock module to wake up the wireless lock and transmit the wireless lock status during the communication time.

[0016] In one embodiment, the relay module further includes:

[0017] The channel allocation module, which communicates with the communication module, is used to allocate channels for communication with the wireless lock.

[0018] In one embodiment, the communication module includes three channels, and the communication module sends control commands to the wireless lock sequentially through the three channels according to the allocation of the channel allocation module.

[0019] In one embodiment, the wireless lock includes three communication channels that correspond to the three channels of the communication module, and the three communication channels of the wireless lock sequentially receive control commands sent by the communication channels.

[0020] In one embodiment, the relay module transmits data with the control module via a TCP network and / or a 4G network, and relays the communication data of the wireless lock.

[0021] In one embodiment, the wireless lock includes:

[0022] The power module adjusts its power status according to the wireless lock status; when the wireless lock is off, the power module is in sleep mode.

[0023] In one embodiment, the wireless lock further includes a mechanical lock assembly for controlling the lock state of the wireless lock according to control commands.

[0024] The aforementioned wireless lock system features a well-designed communication architecture where the wireless locks enter a low-power sleep mode during non-communication periods, significantly reducing energy consumption and extending standby time. The communication module, a key component for data transmission, connects with both the wireless locks and the relay module, employing multi-channel technology to effectively improve anti-interference capabilities and communication stability. The relay module allocates communication time to ensure multiple wireless locks report data in a pre-defined order, avoiding signal conflicts between devices. Simultaneously, it transmits control commands from the control module to the wireless locks, enabling unlocking and locking operations. This system efficiently manages multiple wireless locks, allowing for remote control, status monitoring, and orderly communication under low-power conditions, significantly enhancing the system's reliability and applicability. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the conventional technology, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the conventional technology will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a wireless lock system in some embodiments of this application.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a wireless lock system in another embodiment of this application.

[0028] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0029] 20. Wireless lock; 202. First clock module; 204. Power supply module; 206. Mechanical lock assembly; 30. Communication module; 40. Relay module; 402. Time management module; 404. Channel allocation module; 50. Control module. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0031] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0032] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0033] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. 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, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0035] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0036] The applicant noted that short standby time is a major bottleneck in existing wireless electronic lock technology. Traditional Bluetooth locks, even in standby mode, still require periodic wake-ups to maintain communication with the management platform, leading to rapid battery depletion. Since locks typically require high concealment, their internal battery capacity is limited, making it difficult to compensate for power consumption by increasing battery size. This not only increases the frequency of battery replacement, leading to higher maintenance costs for users, but also may cause lock failure due to depleted battery, posing a security risk. The short standby time issue is particularly prominent in scenarios requiring long-term unattended operation, such as warehousing and logistics, hindering the widespread application of wireless locks. With the rapid development of technologies such as the Internet of Things, cloud computing, and big data, the adoption of automated and intelligent inventory management systems can significantly reduce management costs, standardize processes, and establish a comprehensive traceability system. In some locations where direct power supply is unavailable for various reasons, wireless electronic locks with long standby times are necessary.

[0037] To address the issues of short standby time and unstable communication in related technologies, referring to... Figure 1 One embodiment of this application provides a wireless lock system, which includes a wireless lock 20, a communication module 30, a relay module 40, and a control module 50. The communication module 30 is communicatively connected to the wireless lock 20 and the relay module 40. The relay module 40 is used to receive instructions from the control module 50 and transmit them to the wireless lock 20 through the communication module 30. The control module 50 is communicatively connected to the relay module 40 and is used to output control instructions, including opening and closing the wireless lock 20.

[0038] The wireless lock 20 is a smart lock device based on wireless communication technology. It can open and close the lock via remote commands and periodically report its own status information, such as smart door locks, warehouse management locks, and shared bicycle locks. The communication module 30 is used to transmit data between the wireless lock 20, the relay module 40, and the control module 50. It supports multi-channel communication to enhance anti-interference capabilities, such as the NRF24L01 module, SX1276 wireless module, and CC2530 module. The relay module 40 includes embedded relay devices, industrial-grade repeaters, and home smart gateways. The control module 50 includes a mobile application, a cloud management platform, and a PC-based control system.

[0039] For example, taking an unattended warehouse as an example, multiple wireless locks 20 are installed on multiple warehouse doors, meaning the wireless lock system includes multiple wireless locks 20. Each wireless lock 20 has a battery capacity of 2000mAh. The wireless lock 20 is woken up every 10 minutes via a first clock module 202 and reports its current lock status and battery status to a relay module 40 via a communication module 30. The lock status includes locked and unlocked states, and the battery status includes output and sleep states. The control module 50 sends control commands to the wireless locks 20 via the relay module 40. The wireless locks 20 receive the control commands and send a response signal back to the relay module 40 via the communication module 30. The wireless locks 20 execute the control commands to perform unlocking or locking operations, and simultaneously update their own status to the control module 50. Multiple wireless locks 20 are woken up at intervals according to the wake-up time set by the relay module 40 and send their current lock status and battery status to the relay module 40 via the communication module 30, which uses 2.4GHz frequency band wireless communication technology.

[0040] In this embodiment, the wireless lock 20, through a reasonable communication design, enters a low-power sleep mode during non-communication periods, thereby significantly reducing energy consumption and extending standby time. The communication module 30, as a key component for data transmission, communicates with both the wireless lock 20 and the relay module 40. Employing multi-channel technology, it effectively improves anti-interference capabilities and communication stability. The relay module 40, by allocating communication time, ensures that multiple wireless locks 20 report data in a set order, avoiding signal conflicts between multiple devices. Simultaneously, it transmits control commands sent by the control module 50 to the wireless lock 20, enabling unlocking and locking operations. This allows for efficient management of multiple wireless locks 20, enabling remote control, status monitoring, and orderly communication under low-power conditions, significantly improving the system's reliability and applicability.

[0041] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the relay module 40 includes a time management module 402, which is connected to the communication module 30 and is used to allocate independent communication time periods for multiple wireless locks 20 to ensure that the communication of multiple wireless locks 20 proceeds in an orderly manner.

[0042] The time management module 402, connected to the communication module 30, allocates independent communication time slots to multiple wireless locks 20, thereby ensuring orderly communication between them. The time management module 402 can dynamically allocate time slots based on the number of wireless locks 20, communication frequency, and operation priority. After receiving instructions from the control module 50, the relay module 40 synchronizes the preset communication time slots to the wireless locks 20, ensuring that each wireless lock 20 completes data transmission and reception operations within its allocated time slot, thus avoiding signal interference and conflicts that may occur during multi-device communication.

[0043] For example, in an unattended warehouse application scenario, multiple warehouse doors are equipped with wireless locks 20. Assuming there are 10 wireless locks 20 in the system, the time management module 402 divides the 10-minute communication cycle into 10 independent time periods, allocating 1 minute of communication time to each wireless lock 20. During its allocated time period, the wireless lock 20 wakes up and reports its lock status and battery status to the relay module 40 via the communication module 30. Simultaneously, it receives control commands transmitted by the relay module 40 and executes corresponding unlocking or locking operations. The time management module 402 can also dynamically adjust the allocation strategy; for example, when some wireless locks 20 require higher frequency communication, shorter time intervals can be allocated to them, while for low-priority devices, the wake-up cycle can be extended.

[0044] In this embodiment, through the reasonable allocation of the time management module 402, the system can effectively avoid communication conflicts in multi-device scenarios, improve the communication efficiency and stability of the system, and extend the standby time of the wireless lock 20, making it suitable for complex multi-device management environments.

[0045] In some embodiments, the wireless lock 20 further includes a first clock module 202, which wakes up the wireless lock 20 according to a preset time interval and transmits the status of the wireless lock 20 to the relay module 40 through the communication module 30; the status of the wireless lock 20 includes battery status and lock status.

[0046] The wireless lock 20 also includes a power module 204, which adjusts the power state according to the state of the wireless lock 20; when the wireless lock 20 is in a closed state, the power module 204 is in a sleep state.

[0047] Specifically, the wireless lock 20 in the wireless lock system includes a built-in first clock module 202, used to wake up the wireless lock 20 at preset time intervals. Each time it is woken up, the wireless lock 20 reports its current status to the relay module 40 via the communication module 30. The wireless lock 20 status includes battery status and lock status. The battery status may include the current battery level and operating state (e.g., powered or in sleep mode), and the lock status may include unlocked or locked states.

[0048] For example, in a smart warehouse management scenario, the first clock module 202 built into each wireless lock 20 is set to wake up every 10 minutes. After waking up, the wireless lock 20 transmits its current lock status information to the relay module 40 via the communication module 30, such as reporting that the lock is in a locked state and the battery level is 80%. Simultaneously, the wireless lock 20 receives control commands transmitted by the relay module 40, such as unlocking or locking instructions. After completing data reporting and command reception, the wireless lock 20 enters sleep mode to reduce power consumption.

[0049] In this embodiment, the wireless lock 20 is ensured to maintain stable operation in a low-power state, while periodically reporting status information to achieve remote management and real-time monitoring. The timed wake-up mechanism also avoids communication interruptions caused by battery depletion, providing technical assurance for the long-term standby of the wireless lock 20, which is especially suitable for device scenarios with limited battery power.

[0050] In some embodiments, the time management module 402 further includes a second clock module, which synchronizes the communication time allocated by the relay module 40 to the first clock module 202, so that the first clock module 202 wakes up the wireless lock 20 and transmits the status of the wireless lock 20 during the communication time.

[0051] For example, the relay module 40 allocates an independent communication time slot to each wireless lock 20 based on the number of locks 20 and their communication requirements. After allocation, the relay module 40 transmits the allocated communication time to the clock module of the wireless lock 20 via the second clock module. Taking a warehouse scenario as an example, the communication time of wireless lock 20A is at the 10th minute of each hour, and the communication time of wireless lock 20B is at the 20th minute of each hour. After receiving the synchronization information from the second clock module, the first clock module 202 of the wireless lock 20 will wake up during its corresponding time slot and transmit current status information, such as lock status (unlocked or locked) and battery status (battery percentage), to the relay module 40 via the communication module 30.

[0052] In this embodiment, by introducing a second clock module, the time management module 402 can effectively coordinate the communication time of multiple wireless locks 20, avoiding signal conflicts or delays caused by simultaneous communication of multiple devices. Furthermore, the precise time synchronization mechanism ensures that each wireless lock 20 completes its communication task within a predetermined time period, while remaining in a sleep state during non-communication periods, thereby further optimizing system power consumption and improving the standby time and communication efficiency of the wireless locks 20.

[0053] Please continue reading. Figure 2 In some embodiments, the relay module 40 further includes a channel allocation module 404, which is communicatively connected to the communication module 30 and is used to allocate channels for communication with the wireless lock 20. The communication module 30 includes three channels, and according to the allocation by the channel allocation module 404, the communication module 30 sequentially sends control commands to the wireless lock 20 at intervals through the three channels. The wireless lock 20 includes three communication channels that correspond to the three channels of the communication module 30, and the three communication channels of the wireless lock 20 sequentially receive control commands sent by the communication channels.

[0054] The relay module 40 is a wireless RTU (Remote Terminal Unit). The wireless RTU can interact with the control center or other devices through wireless communication methods (such as 2.4GHz, GPRS, 4G, LoRa, etc.) to realize remote monitoring and management of distributed devices or systems. The relay module 40 transmits data with the control module 50 through TCP network and / or 4G network, and relays the communication data of the wireless lock 20.

[0055] Specifically, during the normal idle state of the wireless lock 20, every 10 minutes, the communication module 30 uploads the battery status and lock status information of the wireless lock 20 to the control module 50 via the wireless RTU. Upon receiving the lock status data, the wireless RTU immediately responds with the current communication time point (ms data) and allocates a time point (ms time) for the wireless lock 20 to communicate next. After receiving the response, the wireless lock 20 configures the time for its next wake-up and data reception according to the allocated time point, and then enters a sleep state to conserve battery power.

[0056] When the control module 50 sends commands via the wireless RTU, the wireless RTU, based on the lock's communication time point, sequentially sends command data through three allocated channels at 2ms intervals within an agreed communication time period. Within each communication millisecond time period, the wireless lock 20 wakes up and starts receiving mode at 1-second intervals, receiving 6ms data packets on each of the three channels. If the wireless lock 20 successfully receives the correct command data, it will immediately respond and execute the corresponding operation (such as unlocking or locking); if no data is received or the data is incorrect, the lock will return to sleep mode, waiting for the next communication period.

[0057] When the wireless lock 20 experiences a status change (such as being opened, damaged, or malfunctioning), it will directly transmit status change data on the three agreed-upon channels. Upon receiving this data, the wireless RTU will immediately acknowledge the current communication time point and reallocate the next communication time point; after receiving the acknowledgement, the wireless lock 20 will configure the next wake-up time point and enter sleep mode.

[0058] In this embodiment, the relay module 40 allocates independent communication time slots to multiple wireless locks 20 through the time management module 402, ensuring orderly communication among multiple devices. The channel allocation module 404 allocates multiple communication channels, avoiding signal conflicts and interference caused by simultaneous communication from multiple devices, thus significantly improving the system's communication stability. When idle, the wireless locks 20 report status information every 10 minutes. The relay module 40 efficiently allocates the time slot for the next communication, and within a preset time slot, it briefly wakes up to complete data transmission and reception before quickly entering sleep mode, greatly reducing standby power consumption. In abnormal situations (such as when a lock is opened, damaged, or malfunctions), alarm information is proactively sent through multiple channels, ensuring timely transmission of information to the control module 50, improving security and response speed, extending the standby time of the wireless locks 20, and enhancing communication efficiency and stability.

[0059] In some embodiments, the wireless lock 20 further includes a mechanical lock assembly 206, which is used to control the lock state of the wireless lock 20 according to control commands.

[0060] Specifically, the mechanical lock assembly 206 can employ a motor-driven or electromagnetic control structure. When the wireless lock 20 receives a control command from the control module 50, the mechanical lock assembly 206 will execute unlocking or locking operations according to the command. When the user sends an unlocking command through the control module 50, the wireless lock 20 receives the command and triggers the drive mechanism in the mechanical lock assembly 206 through the internal communication module 30. The drive mechanism rotates or moves the lock cylinder to complete the unlocking action. When a locking command is received, the mechanical lock assembly 206 will restore the lock cylinder to the locked position, ensuring that the lock state switches from locked to secure. By efficiently executing control commands, the wireless lock 20 achieves intelligent operation, improving both convenience and security.

[0061] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative descriptions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments or examples.

[0062] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0063] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wireless lock system, characterized in that, The system includes: Multiple wireless locks; The communication module is connected to the wireless lock and the relay module. The relay module is used to receive commands from the control module and transmit them to the wireless lock via the communication module; The control module is communicatively connected to the relay module and is used to output control commands, including wireless lock opening and wireless lock closing. The relay module includes: A time management module is connected to the communication module. The time management module is used to allocate independent communication time periods to multiple wireless locks so that the communication of multiple wireless locks can proceed in an orderly manner. A channel allocation module is connected to the communication module, and the channel allocation module is used to allocate channels for communication with the wireless lock; The communication module includes three channels. According to the allocation of the channel allocation module, control commands are sent to the wireless lock sequentially through the three channels at intervals. The wireless lock includes three communication channels, which correspond to the three channels of the communication module respectively. The three communication channels of the wireless lock sequentially receive the control commands sent by the communication module.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The time management module is used to dynamically allocate the communication time period of each wireless lock based on the number of wireless locks, communication frequency, and operation priority.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The wireless lock also includes: The first clock module wakes up the wireless lock according to a preset time interval and transmits the wireless lock status to the relay module through the communication module; the wireless lock status includes battery status and lock status.

4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The time management module also includes: The second clock module synchronizes the communication time allocated by the relay module to the first clock module, so that the first clock module wakes up the wireless lock and transmits the wireless lock status during the communication time.

5. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The relay module is a wireless remote terminal unit, which interacts with the control center via wireless communication.

6. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The relay module transmits data with the control module via a TCP network and / or a 4G network, and relays the communication data of the wireless lock.

7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the wireless lock undergoes a state change, the wireless lock transmits state change data in three channels of the communication module.

8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The relay module transmits data with the control module via a TCP network and / or a 4G network, and relays the communication data of the wireless lock.

9. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The wireless lock includes: The power module adjusts its power state according to the wireless lock state; when the wireless lock is in a dormant state, the power module is in a sleep state.

10. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The wireless lock also includes a mechanical lock assembly, which is used to control the lock state of the wireless lock according to the control command.

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