MOBILE ELECTRONIC LOCK

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a mobile electronic lock, comprising a lock body and a locking element which is movable relative to the lock body between a closed position and an open position, wherein the lock body comprises an electromechanical locking device to lock the locking element, which is in the closed position, to the lock body.

[0002] In mobile applications, such a lock can be used to secure an object – for example, a bicycle – to a stationary object, or to immobilize the object. Such a lock can also be optionally attached to a stationary object – for example, a building door or a door hasp – to secure access.

[0003] A mobile electronic lock can be controlled, for example, by biometric authentication (e.g., using a fingerprint sensor), by transmitting an electronic code wirelessly from a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone), or by entering a code on a numeric keypad on the lock body. This is particularly useful for simultaneously transmitting an unlocking command and authentication information to the lock when the locking mechanism is to be unlocked. In some applications, it is advantageous if no mechanical key is required to unlock the locking mechanism. For example, in some applications, it may be desirable to grant a user unlocking authorization only temporarily and / or remotely.Furthermore, wireless authentication can simplify the management of unlocking permissions for a large number of locks belonging to a user or user group.

[0004] A mobile electronic lock with a locking element in the form of an essentially L-shaped shackle is known, for example, from DE 10 2018 111 305 A1. A mobile electronic lock with a locking element in the form of an essentially U-shaped shackle is known, for example, from DE 10 2019 113 184 A1 and DE 20 2008 009 993 U1. A lock according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from CN 112 832 599 A.

[0005] A problem with mobile electronic locks that use an electromechanical locking mechanism is that they are often used outdoors and are therefore exposed to high mechanical stress as well as moisture and dirt. This can damage the sensors inside the lock. With some electronic locks, user error can also be a problem, as the lock may not be properly engaged without the user noticing. In some applications, maintaining a reliable power supply for mobile electronic locks can also be challenging, potentially compromising the lock's security function.

[0006] One objective of the invention is to provide an electronic lock that has a robust design suitable for mobile applications, a simple control system, and that can still perform a security function even when the power supply is exhausted.

[0007] This problem is solved by a mobile electronic lock having the features of claim 1.

[0008] The lock comprises a lock body and a locking element (e.g., a shackle or a bolt; rigid, flexible, or hinged). The locking element can be moved relative to the lock body between a closed and an open position. In the open position, the locking element can be partially detached from the lock body, in particular such that the locking element and the lock body form an open loop, while the locking element remains attached to the lock body. This allows the locking element to be hooked onto or wrapped around an object, for example. In the closed position of the locking element, the locking element and the lock body can form a closed loop, and the lock can be used, for example, to secure an object to a stationary object.The lock body includes an electromechanical locking device to selectively lock the security element, which is in the closed position, to the lock body. The electromechanical locking device comprises an electric motor, a driver, a rotary bolt, a return spring, a locking mechanism, and a control circuit for controlling the electric motor.

[0009] The driver can be driven by the electric motor to perform a rotary movement between a starting position and a release position. For this purpose, the driver can be coupled to a rotor of the electric motor, for example, directly or via a reduction gear. In order for the electric motor to drive the rotary latch via the driver, the rotary latch is effectively coupled to the driver, but via a backlash that corresponds at least to the angle of rotation of the driver during movement between the starting position and the release position. The driver can therefore also move between the starting position and the release position without driving the rotary latch, namely when the driver, starting from a position against the rotary latch, utilizes the backlash. The rotary latch is held in place by the return spring (e.g.,torsion spring) is pre-tensioned in the direction of a locking position in which the rotary bolt locks the locking part located in the closed position to the lock body (directly or indirectly, for example via an intermediate blocking element).

[0010] Starting from the locked position of the rotary bolt and the initial position of the actuator, the rotary bolt can be electrically driven by the actuator against the force of the return spring into an unlocked position, thereby tensioning the return spring. In this unlocked position, the locking element is released from movement into the open position. The locking element can be moved manually into the open position or be pre-tensioned towards the open position by a release spring and thus automatically spring into the open position as a result of unlocking. As long as the locking element is in the open position, the locking mechanism initially prevents the rotary bolt from returning to its original position according to its pre-tension.

[0011] Such unlocking is initiated by the control circuit in response to an unlock command, whereby the control circuit rotates the actuator from its initial position to the release position by appropriately controlling the electric motor. The unlock command can be transmitted to the control circuit together with authentication information, or as an integral part of authentication information, for example in the form of a radio signal, which can be transmitted from a user's mobile device (e.g., smartphone) according to a common protocol (e.g., Bluetooth, NFC) (preferably as an encrypted signal).

[0012] The control circuit can, for example, comprise an integrated circuit (IC), a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), particularly with integrated non-volatile memory. The control circuit can also include the necessary driver electronics for the electric motor and the authentication sensors mentioned below.

[0013] The control circuit is designed to return the driver to its initial position after the rotary bolt has been electrically driven into the unlocked position, by appropriately controlling the electric motor and utilizing the rotational play. During this time, the rotary bolt remains locked in the unlocked position by the locking mechanism. Subsequently—and particularly independently of the control circuit—the locking mechanism can be released by the user moving the locking element from the open to the closed position (for example, by inserting it into the lock body). Releasing the locking mechanism triggers the unlocking of the rotary bolt and thus the release of the return spring, mechanically driving the rotary bolt back into the locked position.

[0014] Thus, the electromechanical locking device is designed to unlock the locking element by electrically actuating the rotary bolt in response to a received electronic unlocking command. In contrast, the subsequent locking of the locking element to the lock body is purely mechanical and is triggered by the user manually moving the locking element.

[0015] This design of the mobile electronic lock enables a control sequence that requires no or only simple position sensors for the moving elements of the electromechanical locking device. The rotary bolt is driven by the electric motor and the actuator according to a predetermined time sequence as soon as an unlocking command is received. A position sensor for the actuator can be provided, for example, to prevent the electric motor from having to travel to mechanical end stops (undesirable wear). However, a position sensor for the locking element is not required, particularly to detect whether the locking element has been moved into the closed position. This is because the locking of the locking element can be triggered and executed purely mechanically, without the need for monitoring by the control circuit.The lock is therefore particularly robust against malfunctions of position sensors that have to be installed in exposed positions (e.g. in an insertion channel of the lock body for the security part, into which moisture or dirt from the environment can easily enter).

[0016] Due to the mechanical triggering and execution of the locking mechanism, the user receives immediate haptic feedback confirming that the locking mechanism has engaged when moving the safety element from the open to the closed position. This prevents operating errors and, in particular, avoids overlooking a locking mechanism that has not engaged or has not engaged completely.

[0017] Furthermore, even if no electrical energy is available for the electric motor, the lock can still fulfill its securing function by moving the locking element from the open position to the closed position, where it is then automatically locked by a mechanical drive. This is because the return spring, i.e., a mechanical energy storage device, drives the rotary bolt towards the locked position. Therefore, the lock can be stored for extended periods, for example in a stationary warehouse or transport vehicle, and still be immediately available for securing an object (by locking), even if the lock's electrical energy storage device is depleted (e.g., discharged).

[0018] Further embodiments are explained below.

[0019] In some embodiments, a mechanical end stop can be provided for the rotational mobility of the driver in at least one direction of rotation (e.g., on a section of the lock body housing), wherein the control circuit can be configured to drive the driver via the electric motor to rotate up to the respective end stop. The driver can come to a stop at the respective end stop to limit the rotational movement. In some embodiments, the control circuit can be configured to monitor the motor current of the electric motor, with the drive being terminated as soon as an increase in the motor current is detected (indicating that the driver has reached the respective end stop).

[0020] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the lock may have a position sensor designed to detect at least one rotational position of the driver. Such a position sensor may interact directly with the rotatable driver or be effective at another location (for example, on the rotor inside the electric motor or on a motor shaft outside the electric motor). In both cases, the position sensor may be located within the lock body, and in particular within a housing of the lock body, and thus be well protected against moisture and dirt. Such a position sensor does not necessarily have to output a position value (e.g., angle of rotation); it is generally sufficient if at least the attainment of a target position is detected.

[0021] Provided that at least one position sensor is available for both directions of rotation of the drive element and / or a position signal is generated, the control circuit can be configured to rotate the drive element towards the release position in response to the unlock command until the position sensor signals that the release position has been reached. The control circuit can optionally be configured to then wait for a predetermined interval. The control circuit can then be configured to rotate the drive element back towards the initial position until the position sensor signals that the initial position has been reached. This allows a predetermined control sequence to be followed, thus avoiding the need for the electric motor to always be driven into its locked position.

[0022] In some designs, the position sensor can be configured as a switch. This allows the position sensor to have a particularly simple and robust design.

[0023] In the lock according to the invention, the drive pin of the electric motor is non-rotatably connected to at least one cam. The cam(s) can project, for example, in a radial direction or in an axial direction (relative to the axis of rotation of the drive pin). The cam(s) can, for example, be formed on a rotary disk non-rotatably connected to the drive pin. The electromechanical locking device has at least one switch (in particular the switch already mentioned) that can be actuated by the cam(s), wherein the control circuit is configured to control the electric motor depending on a detected actuation of the switch(es). One or more cams can be formed on the rotatable drive pin with minimal effort and space requirements, thereby enabling simple and reliable actuation of a respective switch depending on the rotational position of the drive pin.

[0024] In some embodiments, the follower can be non-rotatably connected to two cams that are spaced apart from each other in the direction of rotation, with the lock having a single switch that is actuated by one of the two cams in the follower's initial position and by the other cam in the follower's release position. Thus, only a single switch is required to signal to the control circuit when the follower has reached both its initial and release positions.

[0025] In some embodiments, the switch(es) can be configured to detect and distinguish between actuation resulting from movement of the at least one cam in a first direction of rotation and actuation resulting from movement of the at least one cam in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first. By making the switch(es) direction-sensitive, the control circuit can determine the current rotational position of the driver in the event of a restart (e.g., due to a malfunction caused by a mechanical blockage or a power supply failure) without having to approach mechanical end stops.

[0026] In the lock according to the invention, the switch has a rocker arm which, depending on the direction of rotation of the at least one cam (i.e., depending on the direction in which the switch is traversed), can be actuated either in a first direction or in a second direction opposite to it. The resulting lever positions of the rocker arm can be distinguished from one another by means of signaling.

[0027] According to the invention, the rocker arm is pre-tensioned to a central position, so that the cam can pass over the rocker arm without interference from both directions of rotation.

[0028] In some embodiments, the center position of the rocker arm can be aligned parallel to a rotational axis of the cam(s). This allows for a compact lock design, as only a small amount of space is required radially outside the path of movement of the cam(s) for the switch with rocker arm.

[0029] In some embodiments, the switch can be designed to distinguish the rocker arm's center position from any actuation resulting from movement of the cam(s) in the first or second direction of rotation. Thus, a total of three rocker arm positions can be differentiated by signaling, with an intermediate position of the actuator (between the initial position and the release position) being immediately detectable. This can simplify a restart (if required, for example, due to a malfunction or power supply failure).

[0030] In some embodiments, the aforementioned switch is the only position sensor included in the lock for detecting the rotational position of the electric motor's drive pin, the rotational position of the rotary bolt, and the position of the locking element. As explained, due to the special design of the electromechanical locking device, no further position sensors are required, which would entail additional structural complexity and could be associated with greater susceptibility to malfunctions (especially with regard to the ingress of moisture or contamination).

[0031] Regarding the locking mechanism for the rotary bolt in the unlocked position, the locking mechanism may include a locking section of the locking element which, in the unlocked position of the rotary bolt and in the open position of the locking element, engages with a locking section of the rotary bolt to lock the rotary bolt in the unlocked position. The locking element may also include an unlocking section which, when the locking element is moved from the open position to the closed position, comes into contact with the rotary bolt in place of the locking section of the locking element and unlocks the rotary bolt for the return movement towards the locked position.Thus, the locking mechanism can be easily released, and the locking part can be locked to the lock body, by the user moving the locking part into the closed position, thereby bringing the unlocking part of the locking part to the level of the rotary bolt instead of the locking section.

[0032] In some embodiments, the electric motor's drive element can be coupled to the rotor of the electric motor via a reduction gear, as already mentioned. This allows a sufficiently high torque to be generated to drive the rotary latch into the unlocked position and simultaneously tension the return spring.

[0033] In some embodiments, the lock may have authentication sensors for detecting authentication information, wherein the control circuit is configured to execute the unlocking command only if the detected authentication information corresponds to an unlocking authorization, wherein the authentication sensors comprise at least one of the following sensors: a biometric sensor; a radio communication device for receiving a radio signal; or a code entry device.

[0034] The lock can therefore generally receive authentication information in different ways, which legitimizes the user to unlock it.

[0035] The unlock command can be transmitted to the control circuit, in particular together with the authentication information, or as an integral part of the authentication information. The control circuit can have a memory or be connected to a memory in which unlock authorization information is stored. The control circuit can be configured to evaluate the received authentication information and, in particular, to compare the received authentication information with the stored unlock authorization information and execute the unlock command only if there is a match. Instead of being read from local memory, the unlock authorization information can also be read wirelessly from remote memory (e.g., cloud storage).

[0036] The biometric sensor can, for example, include a fingerprint sensor.

[0037] The radio communication device can be configured to receive the radio signal according to a common protocol (e.g., Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), Long Term Evolution (LTE), or further developments thereof). In particular, the radio communication device can be configured to receive the radio signal containing authentication information from a user's mobile device (e.g., a smartphone). The radio signal is preferably encrypted, and the control circuit can be configured to decrypt the radio signal and thus extract the authentication information. The radio communication device can include a radio receiver. In some embodiments, the radio communication device can additionally include a radio transmitter to enable bidirectional communication and, for example, to also transmit status information or confirmation signals.

[0038] The code input device may, in particular, include a numeric input device for entering a string of characters (e.g., a keypad or touchscreen with virtual keys).

[0039] In some embodiments, the lock may have an electrical energy source to supply power to the electric motor and the control circuit, for example a battery or accumulator.

[0040] Alternatively or additionally to such an internal electrical power source, in some embodiments the lock may have at least one electrical connection for receiving electrical energy to power the electric motor and the control circuit. This electrical connection may be designed to be optionally connected to an external electrical power source from outside the lock body. Thus, the electromechanical locking device can be supplied with electrical energy externally as needed, particularly to unlock the locking mechanism.

[0041] In an embodiment with an electrical connection for an external electrical power source, it is preferred that the electrical connection is configured to receive only electrical energy for the electric motor and the control circuit, but not signals containing authentication information. Instead, the authentication information required, for example, for an unlocking command, is preferably transmitted to the control circuit via an interface of the lock separate from the electrical connection. This allows for a relatively simple and inexpensive external electrical power source, and the user can also keep several units on hand as a precaution to ensure that at least one sufficiently charged power source is always available.This can be important in mobile applications, for example, when the user uses multiple locks of the same type and needs to access and unlock them all in a single trip. The required authentication, however, can always be performed with the same device, especially the user's smartphone, which is typically always available.

[0042] In some designs, the locking element can be biased towards the open position, as already mentioned. For this purpose, a release spring can be provided, for example, which is supported on the lock body on one side and on the locking element on the other.

[0043] In some embodiments, the driver may have a drive section that abuts or comes to rest against a drive section of the rotary latch when the driver is rotated from its initial position toward the release position while the rotary latch is in the locked position. Thus, the driver can be effectively coupled to the rotary latch via its drive section (e.g., end face, step, edge, projection, or the like) and the drive section of the rotary latch (e.g., complementary geometry) to drive the rotary latch and simultaneously tension the return spring. When the driver is rotated back from the release position to its initial position while the rotary latch is locked by the locking mechanism and remains in the unlocked position, the drive section of the driver can disengage from the drive section of the rotary latch.

[0044] In some embodiments, the electromechanical locking device may have at least one blocking element via which the rotary bolt interacts with the locking element to lock the locking element to the lock body when the locking element is in the closed position and the rotary bolt is in the locked position. The respective blocking element may, for example, have the form of a ball, a cylinder, an ellipsoid, a pin, a plate, or a slide, particularly with rounded ends. The respective blocking element may be movably mounted in the lock body, particularly in the radial direction (relative to the axis of rotation of the rotary bolt). The respective blocking element may interact with drive surfaces of the rotary bolt, particularly on a circumferential surface of the rotary bolt.

[0045] In some embodiments, the lock can be designed as a padlock, with the locking element being a substantially U-shaped shackle. The U-shaped shackle can have two legs, which can be aligned parallel to each other. The two legs can be of equal or different lengths. Preferably, the electromechanical locking device is designed to lock the two legs of the U-shaped shackle in the closed position. For this purpose, the rotary bolt can be designed to engage, in the locked position, either directly or via a respective blocking element of the type mentioned above, in a recess of the respective shackle leg. This allows the locking element or the U-shaped shackle to be locked to the lock body in a particularly stable and reliable manner.

[0046] The invention is explained below only by way of example with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a mobile electronic lock. Fig. 2 shows a follower. Figs. 3A and 3B show a rotary latch in a locked and an unlocked position, respectively. Fig. 4 shows a switch.

[0047] The in Fig. 1 The mobile electronic lock shown comprises a lock body 11 and a locking element in the form of a U-shaped shackle 21. The shackle 21 has two legs 23 of different lengths. A locking recess 25 is formed on each of the two legs 23. The shackle 21 can be moved relative to the lock body 11 between a closed position (as shown in the diagram) and a locked position (as shown in the diagram). Fig. 1 (shown) and an open position. In the open position, the free end of the shorter leg 23 is outside the lock body 11, so that the shackle 21 can be placed around an object to be secured, while the free end of the longer leg 23 remains fixed inside the lock body 11. The shackle 11 is biased towards the open position by an ejector spring 27.

[0048] The lock body 11 comprises an electromechanical locking device 31, which includes an electric motor 33, a reduction gear 35 coupled to the electric motor 33, an output shaft 37, and a driver 41 rotatable about a pivot axis A. The driver 41 is non-rotatably connected to the output shaft 37 of the reduction gear 35 and can thus be electrically driven by the electric motor 33 to a rotary movement between a starting position and a release position. The driver 41 has the form of a rotary disk, on which an axially upwardly projecting drive section 43 and two radially outwardly projecting cams 45 are formed, which are spaced apart from each other in the direction of rotation with respect to the pivot axis A of the driver 41, as shown in the top view according to the figure. Fig. 2 as is evident.

[0049] The electromechanical locking device 31 further comprises a rotary bolt 51, which is also rotatable about the axis of rotation A. The rotary bolt 51 has a substantially cylindrical shape, with two diametrically opposed locking sections 53 and two diametrically opposed unlocking sections 55 formed on a lateral surface of the rotary bolt 51, wherein the unlocking sections 55 are radially concave inwards with respect to the locking sections 53 (see the top view according to the figure). Fig. 3A und 3B ). Furthermore, an axially downwardly projecting drive section 57 is formed on the rotary latch 51, which interacts with the drive section 43 of the driver 41, as will be explained below.

[0050] The electromechanical locking device 31 further comprises a return spring 61, which biases the rotary bolt 51 towards a locking position, and two blocking elements 63. The return spring 61 is designed as a torsion spring, which is spirally shaped in a top view. One end of the return spring 61 is fixed to the lock body 11, and another end of the return spring 61 is connected to the rotary bolt 51. The blocking elements 63 are elongated with rounded ends. In the locking position of the rotary bolt 51, which is in Fig. 1 and 3A As shown, the blocking elements 63 are pushed radially outwards by the locking sections 53 of the rotary bolt 51 and engage in the locking recesses 25 of the shackle 21 to lock the shackle 21 to the lock body 11 in the closed position. In an unlocked position of the rotary bolt 51, however, which is shown in Fig. 3B As shown, the locking elements 63 can retract radially inwards into the concave release sections 55 of the rotary latch 51 to unlock the lever 21 and thus release it for movement into the open position (in Fig. 1 (This is an upward movement). As from Fig. 3A und 3B As can be seen, the unlocking section 55 associated with the right locking element 63 has a shallower depth than the unlocking section 55 associated with the left locking element 63. The locking position and the unlocking position of the rotary latch 51 can differ, for example, by an angle that lies in a range between 30° and 60°.

[0051] The rotary bolt 51 is coupled to the driver 41 via the respective drive sections 43 and 57, with some torsional play existing between the rotary bolt 51 and the driver 41. Therefore, there is no rotationally fixed coupling. While the driver 41 can drive the rotary bolt 51 from the locked position to the unlocked position starting from its initial position, the driver 41 can, due to this torsional play, disengage from the rotary bolt 51 after it has rotated it into the unlocked position and rotate back to its initial position. For this to occur, the torsional play corresponds at least to the angle of rotation of the driver during a movement between the initial position and the release position.

[0052] The electromechanical locking device 31 further comprises a locking mechanism 71, which includes a locking section 73 of the shackle 21, a locking section 75 of the rotary bolt 51, and an unlocking section 77 of the shackle 21. The locking section 73 of the shackle 21 is formed by a flattened portion extending downwards along the inside of the right shackle leg 23 from the locking recess 25. The locking section 75 of the rotary bolt 51 is formed by the right unlocking section 55 of the rotary bolt 51. The unlocking section 77 of the shackle 21 is formed by the locking recess 25 of the right shackle leg 23.

[0053] When the rotary latch 51 is in the unlocked position according to Fig. 3B When the right locking element 63 is in this position, it can retract sufficiently radially inwards, despite the shallower depth of the recess or the right release section 55 of the rotary latch 51, so that the bracket 21 can move upwards into the open position. This is because the flattened section or locking section 73 of the right bracket leg 23 is correspondingly radially outwards (i.e., inwards). Fig. 1 to the right). In the open position of the lever 21, the locking section 73 of the lever 21 is positioned at the level of the rotary latch 51. Even in the open position of the lever 21, the right-hand blocking element 63 remains trapped between the associated unlocking section 55, or the locking section 75 of the rotary latch 51 formed by it, on the one hand, and the locking section 73 of the lever 21 on the other. The rotary latch 51 is thus in its unlocked position according to Fig. 3B mechanically locked, in particular against a return movement by the tensioned return spring 61. However, if the lever 21 moves from the open position to the closed position according to Fig. 1 When the right-hand locking element 63 is brought into position, it can retract radially outwards into the associated locking recess 25 of the shackle 21, which forms the unlocking section 77 of the shackle 21. The rotary latch 51 is thus unlocked for a rotational movement into the locking position, i.e., the locking mechanism 71 is released.

[0054] The electromechanical locking device 31 further comprises a control circuit 81 for controlling the electric motor 33, a position sensor in the form of a switch 83 which has a rocker arm 85, an authentication sensor which has a radio communication device 87, and an electronic memory 89. The electromechanical locking device 31 may further comprise either an internal electrical power source 91, or electrical connections 93 for an external electrical power source 95, or both. The lock may also be associated with a mobile device 97 of the user (e.g., a smartphone with its own radio communication device and a corresponding software application or app). The control circuit 81 is connected to the switch 83, the radio communication device 87, the memory 89, the internal electrical power source 91 (if present), and the electrical connections 93 (if present).

[0055] The control circuit 81 is designed to control the lock from a locked state as follows: An authorized user (e.g., via their mobile device 97) can transmit an encrypted radio signal (e.g., a Bluetooth or NFC signal) to the lock via the radio communication device 87. The radio signal contains an unlock command and authentication information. The control circuit 81 compares the received authentication information with unlock authorization information stored in the memory 89.

[0056] If a match is found, the unlock command is executed.

[0057] To execute the unlocking command, the control circuit 81 activates the electric motor 33 to rotate the driver 41 from its initial position to the release position. The driver 41 thereby drives the rotary latch 51 via the drive sections 43 and 57, causing it to rotate from the locked position to the unlocked position, simultaneously tensioning the return spring 61. Upon reaching the unlocked position of the rotary latch 51, the shackle 21 is released and can be moved from the closed position to the open position by the ejector spring 27. The locking mechanism 71 locks the pre-tensioned rotary latch 51 in the unlocked position as described above.

[0058] The control circuit 81 allows only a short waiting interval to elapse (e.g. with a duration in the range of 0.2 seconds to 2 seconds) and then controls the electric motor 33 to rotate the driver 41 back to its starting position by utilizing the described twisting play (relative to the rotary latch 51).

[0059] Only when the user moves the shackle 21 from the open position back towards the lock body 11 into the closed position is the locking mechanism 71 released as described, thus unlocking the rotary bolt 51. This triggers the release of the return spring 61, so that the rotary bolt 51 is now mechanically driven back into the locked position by the return spring 61. The drive section 57 of the rotary bolt 51 comes into contact with the drive section 43 of the follower 41 or is stopped just before this contact by a stop (not shown). By turning the rotary bolt 51 back into the locked position, the blocking elements 63 are forced radially outwards, and the shackle 21 is again locked to the lock body 11.This mechanical locking can take place immediately after unlocking (after the driver 41 has been turned back to its starting position), or at any later time, regardless of whether the electric motor 33 and the control circuit 81 are supplied with electrical energy.

[0060] To move the driver 41 with precise positioning and control the electric motor 33 accordingly, the control circuit 81 receives corresponding position signals from the switch 83, which represent the driver 41 reaching its release position or its initial position. The control circuit 81 can thus rotate the driver 41 towards the release position until the switch 83 signals that the release position has been reached; then wait for the predetermined waiting interval; and then rotate the driver 41 back towards the initial position until the switch 83 signals that the initial position has been reached.

[0061] For this purpose, the switch 83 detects whether the rocker arm 85 is moved by one or the other of the two cams 45 of the driver 41 (see figure). Fig. 2 ) is run over and thus flipped in the respective direction. Fig. 4 Figure 83 shows the switch 83, with the rocker arm 85 depicted in a center position by solid lines. The rocker arm 85 is biased into this center position. The respective positions of the rocker arm 85 when it is flipped in one direction or the other are shown by dashed lines. These two positions can be distinguished from each other by signaling, so that the switch 83 provides a direction-sensitive signal with respect to the rotational movement of the driver 41.

[0062] Regarding the described authentication sensor technology, the lock can, for example, have a biometric sensor (e.g. fingerprint sensor) or a code entry device instead of the radio communication device 87.

[0063] As explained, the lock can have an internal electrical energy source 91 to supply the electric motor 33 and the control circuit 81 with electrical energy.

[0064] In some applications, however, it can be advantageous for the lock to be equipped with externally accessible electrical connections 93, allowing the connection of an external electrical power source 95 (e.g., a battery or accumulator). This allows for power supply on demand, and it is generally sufficient for the user to carry a relatively simple external electrical power source 95. This can be manufactured inexpensively, enabling the user to keep several such external power sources 95 to ensure that a charged external power source 95 is always available. Such an external power source 95 also ensures that the energy required for the described tensioning of the return spring 61 is always available.However, as explained, the user can authenticate to unlock the lock via a separate channel. The interface required for this (radio signals or electrical signals) is typically significantly more complex than a simple power supply. In an embodiment with electrical connections 93 for an external electrical power source 95, an internal electrical power source 91 can be completely omitted, or an internal electrical power source 91 can be provided additionally (e.g., as a buffer).

[0065] One advantage of the in the Fig. 1 bis 4 The mobile electronic lock shown here features a stable control sequence that requires only simple position sensors for the moving elements of the electromechanical locking device 31. The rotary bolt 51 is actuated by the electric motor 33 and the driver 41 according to a predetermined control sequence as soon as an unlocking command is received. The switch 83 can be well protected from moisture and dirt inside the lock body 11. Since the locking of the shackle 21 is triggered and executed purely mechanically, no additional sensor is required to monitor the position of the shackle 21. Due to the mechanical triggering and execution of the locking action, the user receives immediate haptic feedback when moving the locking element from the open to the closed position, thus easily preventing operating errors.Furthermore, even if no electrical energy is available for the electric motor, the lock can still be locked to fulfill the desired safety function, namely by moving the locking part from the open position to the closed position and then automatically locking it by mechanical drive. Bezugszeichenliste

[0066] 11 Lock body 21 Safety element, shackle 23 Leg 25 Locking recess 27 Ejection spring 31 Electromechanical locking device 33 Electric motor 35 Reduction gear 37 Output shaft 41 Driver 43 Drive section of driver 45 Cam 51 Rotary bolt 53 Locking section of rotary bolt 55 Unlocking section of rotary bolt 57 Drive section of rotary bolt 61 Return spring 63 Blocking element 71 Locking mechanism 73 Locking section of safety element 75 Locking section of rotary bolt 77 Unlocking section of safety element 81 Control circuit 83 Position sensor, switch 85 Toggle lever 87 Authentication sensor, radio communication device 89 Memory 91 Electrical power source 93 Electrical connection for power supply 95 External electrical power source 97 Mobile device A-axis of rotation of the driver and the rotary latch

Claims

1. A portable electronic lock, comprising a lock body (11) and a securing part (21) which is movable relative to the lock body (11) between a closed position and an open position, wherein the lock body (11) comprises an electromechanical locking device (31) which has an electric motor (33), an entrainer (41), a rotating latch (51), a return spring (61), a blocking mechanism (71), and a control circuit (81) for controlling the electric motor (33), wherein the entrainer (41) can be driven by the electric motor (33) to make a rotational movement between a starting position and a release position, wherein the rotating latch (51) is coupled to the entrainer (41) with a rotational clearance which at least corresponds to the angle of rotation of the entrainer (41) during a movement between the starting position and the release position, wherein the rotating latch (51) is preloaded by the return spring (61) in the direction of a locking position in which the securing part (21) located in the closed position is locked to the lock body (11), wherein the rotating latch (51), starting from its locking position and starting from the starting position of the entrainer (41), can be driven by the entrainer (41) against the force of the return spring (61) into an unlocking position in which the securing part (21) is unlocked for a movement into the open position, wherein the blocking mechanism (71) is configured to mechanically block the rotating latch (51) in the unlocking position against a return movement by the return spring (61) as long as the securing part (21) is in the open position, wherein the control circuit (81) is configured, in response to an unlocking command, to rotate the entrainer (41) from the starting position into the release position in order to electrically drive the rotating latch (51) into the unlocking position and to tension the return spring (61), and to then rotate the entrainer (41) back into its starting position utilizing the rotational clearance while the rotating latch (51) is blocked in the unlocking position by the blocking mechanism (71), wherein, by moving the securing part (21) from the open position into the closed position, the blocking mechanism (71) can be released to trigger an unblocking of the rotating latch (51) and thus a relaxing of the return spring (61) so that the rotating latch (51) can be mechanically driven by the return spring (61) to make a return movement into the locking position, wherein the entrainer (41) of the electric motor (33) is rotationally fixedly connected to at least one cam (45) and the lock has at least one switch (83) which can be actuated by the at least one cam (45), wherein the control circuit (81) is configured to control the electric motor (33) in dependence on an actuation of the switch (83), characterized in that the switch (83) has a rocker lever (85) which, in dependence on the direction of rotation of the at least one cam (45), can be actuated either in a first direction or in a second direction opposite thereto, and in that the rocker lever (85) is preloaded into a center position.

2. A portable electronic lock in accordance with claim 1, wherein the lock has a position sensor which is configured to detect at least one rotational position of the entrainer (41).

3. A portable electronic lock in accordance with claim 2, wherein the control circuit (81) is configured, in response to the unlocking command, to rotate the entrainer (41) in the direction of the release position until the position sensor signals the reaching of the release position; to then wait for a predetermined waiting interval; and to thereafter rotate the entrainer (41) back in the direction of the starting position until the position sensor signals the reaching of the starting position.

4. A portable electronic lock in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the entrainer (41) is rotationally fixedly connected to two cams (45) which are spaced apart from one another in the direction of rotation, wherein the lock has a single switch (83) which is actuated by one of the two cams (45) in the starting position of the entrainer (41) and which is actuated by the other of the two cams (45) in the release position of the entrainer (41).

5. A portable electronic lock in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the switch (83) is configured to detect an actuation due to a movement of the at least one cam (45) from a first direction of rotation and an actuation due to a movement of the at least one cam (45) from a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation and to distinguish said actuations from one another.

6. A portable electronic lock in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the center position of the rocker lever (85) is aligned in parallel with an axis of rotation of the cam (45).

7. A portable electronic lock in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the switch (83) is configured to also detect the center position of the rocker lever (85) and to distinguish said center position from a respective actuation of the rocker lever (85) due to a movement of the at least one cam (45) in the first or second direction of rotation.

8. A portable electronic lock in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein said switch (83) is the only position sensor which the lock comprises for detecting the rotational position of the entrainer (41) of the electric motor (33), the rotational position of the rotating latch (51) and the position of the securing part (21).

9. A portable electronic lock in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blocking mechanism (71) has a blocking section (73) of the securing part (21) that is in engagement with a blocking section (75) of the rotating latch (51) in the unlocking position of the rotating latch (51) and in the open position of the securing part (21) in order to block the rotating latch (51) in the unlocking position, wherein the securing part (21) has an unblocking section (77) that, when moving the securing part (21) from the open position into the closed position, comes to lie at the rotating latch (51) instead of the blocking section (73) of the securing part (21) and unblocks the rotating latch (51) for the return movement.

10. A portable electronic lock in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock has an authentication sensor system for acquiring authentication information, wherein the control circuit (81) is configured to only execute the unlocking command when the acquired authentication information corresponds to an unlocking authorization, wherein the authentication sensor system comprises at least one of the following sensor systems: - a biometric sensor; - a radio communication device (87) for receiving a radio signal; and / or - a code input device.

11. A portable electronic lock in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the securing part (21) is preloaded in the direction of the open position; and / or wherein the lock has an electrical energy source (91) for an energy supply of the electric motor (33) and the control circuit (81).

12. A portable electronic lock in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock has at least one electrical terminal (93) for receiving electrical energy for an energy supply of the electric motor (33) and the control circuit (81), wherein the electrical terminal (93) is configured to be selectively coupled to an electrical energy source (65) from outside the lock body (11); wherein the electrical terminal (93) is preferably configured to only receive electrical energy for an energy supply of the electric motor (33) and the control circuit (81), wherein the lock has an interface for receiving authentication information, said interface being separate from the electrical terminal (93).