Electromechanical lock

Abstract

The disclosure relates to an electromechanical lock (20) comprising a cavity (302). The cavity (302) extends in a longitudinal direction (A) perpendicular to a radial direction (R). The cavity (302) has a first longitudinal end (305a) and a second longitudinal end (305b). The electromechanical lock (20) comprises a locking actuator (306a), a switch (306b) and a longitudinal locking arrangement biased by a longitudinal force towards the first longitudinal end (305a). The longitudinal locking arrangement is adapted to hinder movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement from a longitudinal locking position to a first longitudinal end position when the longitudinal locking arrangement is in a locked state. The longitudinal locking arrangement comprises: - an electromagnet; - a magnetizable longitudinal locking element (310). The actuator (306a) is adapted to control a state of the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) from the locked state to an unlocked state by being adapted to control radial movement of the longitudinal locking element (310) from the first radial position to the second radial position. The switch (306b) is adapted to control a state of the electromagnet between a deactivated state and an activated state, in which activated state the electromagnet is adapted to keep the longitudinal locking element (310) in the second radial position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electromechanical lock, in particular an electromechanical lock for a one-key lock system.BACKGROUND

[0002] Roof racks, such as bike racks, for cars and other car accessories such as roof boxes may require locks to avoid theft. To simplify life for an owner of multiple car accessories a one-key lock system may be used. A single key may be used for multiple locks. The locks may be identical. Figure 1a illustrates an example of a mechanical lock 10 arranged in a panel 12 of a product, such as a part of a roof rack system. In Figure 1a the mechanical lock 10 is in an unlocked state. Figure 1b provides a view from above of the mechanical lock 10 in the panel 12. At a rear side of the panel 12 the mechanical lock 10 comprises a locking member 14 for rotational locking of the mechanical lock 10 and also of the panel 12 in another mechanical structure such as another part of the product or another product. The mechanical lock 10 may be arranged in the panel 12. The mechanical lock 10 and the panel 12 may have respective mating mechanical structures such that the mechanical lock 10 may be fastened to the panel 12.

[0003] Electronic keys, such as smart cards, security tokens or means of authentication via mobile phones are attracting increasing attention, for example due to a possibility to provide flexibility, personalized access levels, safety audits, employee activity log management, and smart technologies and energy efficiency controls. With an app-based key in a mobile phone there is no need to keep track of hardware keys. Furthermore, new locks may be added to the one-key lock system and managed with the same app-based key in the mobile phone without any hardware change.

[0004] However, owners of existing products with existing locks, such as the purely mechanical lock in Figure 1 and Figure 2, usually don't wish to replace one or several costly products in order to change to a new lock system with electronic keys. Thus, it is important that new lock systems have backward compatibility with existing products and lock systems. It may be difficult to fit digital electronics, RF-circuits and power sources in a lock that is compatible with the existing product to be locked. Furthermore, the available electronics may not be able to actuate mechanical parts of the lock needed to be backward compatible.SUMMARY

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved electromechanical lock, which alleviates at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art, and / or to at least provide a suitable alternative.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the object is at least partly achieved by an electromechanical lock comprising a cavity, such as a bore, adapted to accommodate a reciprocally moveable longitudinal locking arrangement of the electromechanical lock, e.g., in the shape of a plunger or a piston. The locking arrangement is moveable in a longitudinal direction of the cavity between at least a first position and a second position. The first position defines an unlocked state of the electromechanical lock and the second position defines a locked state of the electromechanical lock. The electromagnetic energy state of the electromechanical lock controls whether movement of the locking arrangement from the second position to the first position is possible.

[0007] By the provision of an electromechanical lock as disclosed herein, an improved lock is achieved which is flexible and allows use of one key together with several locks while being backward compatible with existing products. In the below, advantageous embodiments and further advantages and technical effects related the electromechanical lock will be disclosed.

[0008] An "unlocked state of the electromechanical lock" as used herein means a state where it is possible to mechanically unfasten the electromechanical lock from a mechanical structure, such as a support structure or a second structure mating with the support structure. Thus, there may be several different unlocked states of the electromechanical lock as there may be several different structures which the electromechanical lock may be fastened to. For example, such a state may exist when a locking member of the electromechanical lock for rotational locking of the electromechanical lock in a mechanical structure is free to rotate. In another example a second unlocked state may exist when another locking member of the electromechanical lock allows separation of the electromechanical lock from a support structure, such as a panel of a product.

[0009] A "locked state of the electromechanical lock" as used herein means a state where it is not possible to mechanically unfasten the electromechanical lock from a mechanical structure, such as a support structure or a second structure mating with the support structure. Thus, there may be several different locked states of the electromechanical lock as there may be several different structures which the electromechanical lock may be fastened to. For example, such a state may be when the locking member of the electromechanical lock for rotational locking of the electromechanical lock in the mechanical structure is not free to rotate. In another example a second locked state may exist when another locking member of the electromechanical lock does not allow separation of the electromechanical lock from the support structure, such as the panel of the product.

[0010] Optionally, the electromechanical lock is adapted to be arranged in a first mechanical structure. Then the electromechanical lock may further comprise a locking member, such as a latch, for locking of the first mechanical structure to a second mechanical structure.

[0011] Optionally, the electromechanical lock further comprises a locking actuator. In the unlocked state the locking actuator is moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position. By the use of the locking actuator it is possible to control when to unlock the electromechanical lock by mechanical action.

[0012] Optionally, the locking actuator is adapted to control an orientation of the locking member. By controlling the orientation of the locking actuator it is possible to control orientation of the locking member and thus unfastening of the electromechanical lock from a mechanical structure, e.g., by mechanical action.

[0013] Optionally, the locking actuator is adapted to control the orientation of the locking member mechanically and the locking actuator is mechanically fixed to the locking member. The locking actuator may be fixed to the locking member with a fastener, such as a screw.

[0014] Optionally, the locking actuator is adapted to control the orientation of the locking member electronically.

[0015] Optionally, movement of the locking arrangement between the first position and the second position controls an orientation of the locking member.

[0016] Optionally, the electromechanical lock is not electrically energized when the electromechanical lock is in the locked state. When the electromechanical lock is not electrically energized when the electromechanical lock is in the locked state the power consumption of the electromechanical lock is low.

[0017] Optionally, the locking arrangement can be moved from the first position to the second position without the electromechanical lock being electrically energized. When the electromechanical lock is not electrically energized when the locking arrangement can be moved from the first position to the second position the power consumption of the electromechanical lock is low.

[0018] According to a second aspect, the object is at least partly achieved by an electromechanical lock comprising a cavity formed at least partly by a magnetizable inner housing, the cavity extending in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to a radial direction, the cavity being defined by an inner wall, a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end opposing each other, the electromechanical lock further comprising an actuator, a switch and a longitudinal locking arrangement biased by a longitudinal force along the longitudinal direction towards the first longitudinal end, wherein the longitudinal locking arrangement is adapted to hinder movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement from a longitudinal locking position to a first longitudinal end position when the longitudinal locking arrangement is in a locked state.

[0019] The longitudinal locking arrangement comprises: an electromagnet comprising a core; and a ferromagnetic longitudinal locking element movable in the radial direction between a first radial position for which the longitudinal locking arrangement is in the locked state and a second radial position for which the longitudinal locking arrangement is in an unlocked state in which it does not hinder longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement from the locking position to the first end position.

[0020] In the first radial position the longitudinal locking element extends further in the radial direction than in the second radial position. The locking actuator is adapted to control a state of the longitudinal locking arrangement from the locked state to the unlocked state by being adapted to control radial movement of the longitudinal locking element from the first radial position to the second radial position.

[0021] The switch is adapted to control a state of the electromagnet between a deactivated state and an activated state, in which activated state the electromagnet is adapted to keep the longitudinal locking element in the second radial position during longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement towards the first longitudinal end position.

[0022] By the provision of an electromechanical lock as disclosed herein by the second aspect, an improved lock is achieved which is flexible and allows use of one key together with several locks while being backward compatible with existing products. For example, it is possible to fit the electromechanical lock as disclosed herein by the second aspect in a housing with a size and form factor that matches purely mechanical locks.

[0023] In the below, advantageous embodiments and further advantages and technical effects related the electromechanical lock will be disclosed.

[0024] Since the electromagnet is adapted to keep the longitudinal locking element in the second radial position only during longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement towards the first longitudinal end position the amount of electrical power that is needed to unlock the electromechanical lock is very low. Furthermore, there is no need to power the electromechanical lock at all when the electromechanical lock is in its locked state. It is only the transition between the locked state and the unlocked state that needs power.

[0025] Optionally, when the electromagnet is in the deactivated state the longitudinal locking arrangement is longitudinally movable by the locking actuator along the longitudinal direction from the locking position to a second longitudinal end position and longitudinally movable by the longitudinal force along the longitudinal direction from the second longitudinal end position to the locking position, and wherein when the electromagnet is in the activated state the electromagnet is movable by the longitudinal force along the longitudinal direction from the second longitudinal end position to the locking position and further to the first longitudinal end position.

[0026] Optionally, in the locking position of the longitudinal locking arrangement and when the electromagnet is in the deactivated state the longitudinal locking element is influenced by a first radial force in a radially outward direction acting on the longitudinal locking element such that at least a part of the longitudinal locking element protrudes radially beyond a first radius of the inner wall defining the cavity into a recess of the cavity and prevents longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement from the locking position to the first end position by mechanical engagement with the recess, wherein in the second longitudinal end position the longitudinal locking element is arranged to be in contact with the core of the electromagnet and the inner wall of the inner housing creating a magnetic circuit through the longitudinal locking element, the core of the electromagnet and the inner wall of the inner housing, and wherein the switch is adapted to temporarily control the state of the electromagnet to the activated state when the longitudinal locking arrangement leaves the second longitudinal end position and wherein the longitudinal movement between the locking position and the first longitudinal end position is unlocked by a temporary radially inward magnetic force of the activated electromagnet acting on the longitudinal locking element.

[0027] Optionally, the first radial force is a magnetic force, e.g., produced by a permanent magnet arranged in the longitudinal locking element. Thus, no electrical power is needed to produce the first radial force.

[0028] Optionally, the temporary radially inward magnetic force keeps the longitudinal locking element in the second radial position when the longitudinal locking arrangement passes the locking position on its way from the second longitudinal end position to the first longitudinal end position.

[0029] Preferably, the temporary radially inward magnetic force keeps the longitudinal locking element in contact with the core of the electromagnet when the longitudinal locking arrangement passes the locking position on its way from the second longitudinal end position to the first longitudinal end position.

[0030] Optionally, the recess is a wedge-shaped recess. A wedge-shaped recess provides a good contact between the recess and the longitudinal locking element, more specifically between the recess and the permanent magnet arranged in the longitudinal locking element.

[0031] Optionally, the wedge-shaped recess is formed by an inclined first surface formed by an inner wall of the inner housing and a second surface being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and facing the second longitudinal end defining the cavity, the inclined first surface having a first end and a second end, the first end of the inclined first surface is arranged closer to the second longitudinal end defining the cavity than the second end of the inclined first surface, the inclined first surface being inclined away from the longitudinal direction from the first end of the inclined first surface to the second end of the inclined first surface.

[0032] When the longitudinal locking arrangement is in the locking position the longitudinal movement between the locking position and the first longitudinal end position is mechanically prevented by the second surface when the electromagnet isn't activated.

[0033] Optionally, the longitudinal locking element is a pivotable latch. The pivotable latch provides a simple assembly and operation of the longitudinal locking element and the longitudinal locking arrangement.

[0034] Optionally, when the longitudinal locking arrangement is in the locking position and the electromagnet isn't activated the locking element contacts the inclined first surface of the wedge-shaped recess.

[0035] Preferably, at least a portion of the inner wall of the cavity below the first end of the inclined first surface of the inner housing is formed by the inner wall of the inner housing. A length of the portion exceeds a longitudinal length of the locking element.

[0036] Optionally, the locking element is pivotable around an edge of the locking element formed by two meeting surfaces of the locking element.

[0037] Optionally, an angle of the edge is between 140 and 175 degrees.

[0038] Optionally, the locking element is adapted to pivot around the edge of the locking element from the first radial position to the second radial position due to a radially inward mechanical force from the inner wall of the cavity when the longitudinal locking arrangement is moved from the locking position to the second longitudinal end position.

[0039] Optionally, the core extends along an axis of the cavity in the longitudinal direction and is arranged concentrically with the axis. The locking element may be arranged between the core of the electromagnet and the inner wall of the cavity.

[0040] Optionally, the electromechanical lock further comprises a rotational lock for locking rotation of the inner housing, wherein the rotational lock is controlled by the longitudinal locking arrangement by mechanical engagement of the rotational lock with the longitudinal locking arrangement and wherein the rotational lock is locked when the longitudinal locking arrangement is positioned between the locking position and the second end position and wherein the rotational lock is unlocked when the longitudinal locking arrangement is in the first end position.

[0041] Optionally, the rotational lock is arranged at or towards the second longitudinal end defining the cavity.

[0042] Optionally, the core of the electromagnet is hollow and a rod is arranged in the hollow core for controlling the rotational lock.

[0043] Optionally, the electromechanical lock is adapted to be arranged in a first mechanical structure. Then the electromechanical lock may be adapted to control mechanical locking of the first mechanical structure to a second mechanical structure.

[0044] Optionally, the electromechanical lock further comprises an outer housing concentric with the inner housing and arranged radially outside of the inner housing, wherein the outer housing is adapted to be arranged in the first mechanical structure and wherein the rotational lock locks rotation of the inner housing with respect to the outer housing.

[0045] Optionally, the electromechanical lock further comprises a locking member for rotatably locking the first mechanical structure to the second mechanical structure, wherein the locking member is attached to a second longitudinal end of the inner housing.

[0046] Optionally, the switch is arranged in the locking actuator.

[0047] Optionally, the electromechanical lock further comprises an electronic authentication circuit.

[0048] Optionally, the electromechanical lock further comprises a power supplying unit for providing a current to the electromagnet in the activated state of the electromagnet.

[0049] Optionally, the longitudinal locking element is supported by a support structure in the longitudinal direction and in a second direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the radial direction. The support structure may be of an isolating material and may be concentrically arranged around the core.

[0050] Optionally, the electromechanical lock further comprises a turning knob for turning the inner housing with respect to the outer housing. The turning knob may be rigidly fastened to the inner housing.

[0051] Optionally, a portion of the inner housing is formed as a turning knob for turning the inner housing with respect to the outer housing.

[0052] Advantages and effects of the second aspect of the disclosure are analogous to advantages and effects of the first aspect of the disclosure, and vice versa. It shall also be noted that all embodiments of the second aspect of the disclosure are combinable with all embodiments of the other aspects of the disclosure, and vice versa.

[0053] According to a third aspect, the object is at least partly achieved by a device comprising a first mechanical structure, a second mechanical structure and the electromechanical lock according to any of the first or second aspects. The electromechanical lock is arranged in the first mechanical structure and is adapted to control mechanical locking of the first mechanical structure to the second mechanical structure.

[0054] According to a fourth aspect, the object is at least partly achieved by a method for controlling a locking mechanism of an electromechanical lock comprising a cavity adapted to accommodate a reciprocally moveable longitudinal locking arrangement of the electromechanical lock. The locking arrangement is moveable in a longitudinal direction of the cavity between at least a first position and a second position. The first position defines an unlocked state of the electromechanical lock and the second position defines a locked state of the electromechanical lock.

[0055] The method comprises controlling movement of the locking arrangement from the second position to the first position by controlling an electromagnetic energy state of the electromechanical lock.

[0056] According to a fifth aspect, the object is at least partly achieved by a method for controlling a locking mechanism of an electromechanical lock comprising a cavity adapted to accommodate a reciprocally moveable locking arrangement of the electromechanical lock. The locking arrangement is moveable in a longitudinal direction of the cavity between at least a first position and a second position, the first position defining an unlocked state of the electromechanical lock and the second position defining a locked state of the electromechanical lock. The method comprises controlling a state of a rotational lock of the electromechanical lock between a locked state and an unlocked state by controlling movement of the locking arrangement between the first position and the second position. For example, when the locking arrangement moves from the second position to the first position the state of the rotational lock may change from locked to unlocked.

[0057] Optionally, an electromagnetic energy state of the electromechanical lock controls whether movement of the locking arrangement from the second position to the first position is possible.

[0058] According to a sixth aspect, the object is at least partly achieved by a method for controlling a locking mechanism of an electromechanical lock comprising a cavity adapted to accommodate a reciprocally moveable locking arrangement of the electromechanical lock. The locking arrangement being moveable in a longitudinal direction of the cavity between at least a first position and a second position. The first position defining an unlocked state of the electromechanical lock and the second position defining a locked state of the electromechanical lock. The electromechanical lock further comprises an electromagnet. The method comprises providing a temporary current to the electromagnet and controlling the locking arrangement with a magnetic field produced by the electromagnet when provided with the temporary current.

[0059] By the provision of a method for controlling the locking mechanism of the electromechanical lock as disclosed herein by the fourth to sixths aspects, an improved method for controlling the locking mechanism is achieved which is flexible and allows use of one key together with several locks while being backward compatible with existing products. Furthermore, the electromagnetic power needed to perform the method is very low.

[0060] In the below, advantageous embodiments and further advantages and technical effects related to the method for controlling the locking mechanism will be disclosed.

[0061] Optionally, the method further comprises obtaining an amount of electromagnetic energy such that the electromechanical lock is energized from a first electromagnetic energy state to a second electromagnetic energy state. Providing the temporary current to the electromagnet may be based on the obtained amount of electromagnetic energy.

[0062] Optionally, the electromechanical lock further comprises an electronic authentication circuit and the method further comprises receiving an electronic authentication request from a wireless device and allowing control of the locking arrangement with the magnetic field based on the received electronic authentication request.

[0063] Optionally, the cavity is formed at least partly by a magnetizable inner housing, the cavity extending in the longitudinal direction which is perpendicular to a radial direction, the cavity being defined by an inner wall, a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end opposing each other. The electromechanical lock may further comprise an actuator, a switch and a longitudinal locking arrangement biased by a longitudinal force along the longitudinal direction towards the first longitudinal end. The longitudinal locking arrangement may be adapted to hinder movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement from a longitudinal locking position to a first longitudinal end position when the longitudinal locking arrangement is in a locked state. The longitudinal locking arrangement may comprise an electromagnet comprising a core extending along the longitudinal direction and a magnetizable longitudinal locking element movable in the radial direction between a first radial position for which the longitudinal locking arrangement is in the locked state and a second radial position for which the longitudinal locking arrangement is in an unlocked state in which it does not hinder longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement from the locking position to the first end position. In the first radial position the longitudinal locking element extends further in the radial direction than in the second radial position.

[0064] Controlling the locking arrangement with the magnetic field may comprise: controlling, by the locking actuator and with the magnetic field, a state of the longitudinal locking arrangement from the locked state to the unlocked state by controlling radial movement of the longitudinal locking element from the first radial position to the second radial position, and controlling, by the switch, a state of the electromagnet 308 between a deactivated state and an activated state, in which activated state the electromagnet 308 is adapted to keep the longitudinal locking element in the second radial position with the magnetic field during longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 towards the first longitudinal end position.

[0065] Optionally, the method further comprises controlling a transition of state of the longitudinal locking arrangement from the locked state to the unlocked state by controlling radial movement of the longitudinal locking element from the first radial position to the second radial position.

[0066] Optionally, controlling radial movement of the longitudinal locking element from the first radial position to the second radial position is performed by moving the longitudinal locking arrangement along the longitudinal direction from the locking position to the second longitudinal end position.

[0067] Optionally, the method further comprises locking rotation of the inner house by moving the locking arrangement from the first position to the second position without the electromechanical lock being electrically energized.

[0068] In the following, possible features and feature combinations of the first and second aspects of the disclosure are presented as a list of items and form part of the present disclosure: 1. An electromechanical lock (20) comprising a cavity (302), such as a bore, adapted to accommodate a reciprocally moveable locking arrangement (307) of the electromechanical lock (20), e.g., in the shape of a plunger or a piston, the locking arrangement (307) being moveable in a longitudinal direction of the cavity (302) between at least a first position and a second position, the first position defining an unlocked state of the electromechanical lock (20) and the second position defining a locked state of the electromechanical lock (20), wherein an electromagnetic energy state of the electromechanical lock (20) controls whether movement of the locking arrangement (307) from the second position to the first position is possible. 2. The electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 2, wherein the electromechanical lock (20) is adapted to be arranged in a first mechanical structure (22) and wherein the electromechanical lock (20) further comprises a locking member (24), such as a latch, for locking of the first mechanical structure (22) to a second mechanical structure (25). 3. The electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 1 or 2, further comprising a locking actuator (306a), wherein in the unlocked state the locking actuator (306a) is moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position. 4. The electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 3 dependent on clause 2, wherein the locking actuator (306a) is adapted to control an orientation of the locking member (24). 5. The electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 4, wherein the locking actuator (306a) is adapted to control the orientation of the locking member (24) mechanically and wherein the locking actuator (306a) is mechanically fixed to the locking member (24). 6. The electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 4, wherein the locking actuator (306a) is adapted to control the orientation of the locking member (24) electronically. 7. The electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 2, wherein movement of the locking arrangement (307) between the first position and the second position controls an orientation of the locking member (24). 8. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the electromechanical lock (20) is not electrically energized when the electromechanical lock (20) is in the locked state. 9. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the locking arrangement (307) can be moved from the first position to the second position without the electromechanical lock (20) being electrically energized. 10. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the cavity (302) is formed at least partly by a magnetizable inner housing (303), the cavity (302) extending in a longitudinal direction (A) perpendicular to a radial direction (R), the cavity (302) being defined by an inner wall (303), a first longitudinal end (304) and a second longitudinal end (305) opposing each other, the electromechanical lock (20) further comprising an actuator (306a), a switch (306b) and a longitudinal locking arrangement(307) biased by a longitudinal force along the longitudinal direction towards the first longitudinal end, wherein the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is adapted to hinder movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) from a longitudinal locking position to a first longitudinal end position when the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is in a locked state. The longitudinal locking arrangement (307) comprises: an electromagnet (308) comprising a core (309); and a magnetizable longitudinal locking element (310) movable in the radial direction between a first radial position for which the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is in the locked state and a second radial position for which the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is in an unlocked state in which it does not hinder longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) from the locking position to the first end position; wherein in the first radial position the longitudinal locking element (310) extends further in the radial direction than in the second radial position, wherein the actuator is adapted to control a state of the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) from the locked state to the unlocked state by being adapted to control radial movement of the longitudinal locking element (310) from the first radial position to the second radial position, and wherein the switch (306b) is adapted to control a state of the electromagnet between a deactivated state and an activated state, in which activated state the electromagnet is adapted to keep the longitudinal locking element (310) in the second radial position during longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) towards the first longitudinal end position. 11. The electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 10, wherein when the electromagnet (308) is in the deactivated state the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is longitudinally movable by the locking actuator (306a) along the longitudinal direction from the locking position to a second longitudinal end position and longitudinally movable by the longitudinal force along the longitudinal direction from the second longitudinal end position to the locking position, and wherein when the electromagnet (308) is in the activated state the electromagnet (308) is movable by the longitudinal force along the longitudinal direction from the second longitudinal end position to the locking position and further to the first longitudinal end position. 12. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 10-11, wherein in the locking position of the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) and when the electromagnet (308) is in the deactivated state the longitudinal locking element (310) is influenced by a first radial force in a radially outward direction acting on the longitudinal locking element (310) such that at least a part of the longitudinal locking element (310) protrudes radially beyond a first radius defining the inner wall of the cavity (302) into a recess (311) of the cavity (302) and prevents longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) from the locking position to the first end position by mechanical engagement with the recess (311), wherein in the second longitudinal end position the longitudinal locking element (310) is arranged to be in contact with the core (309) of the electromagnet (308) and the inner wall of the inner housing (303) creating a magnetic circuit through the longitudinal locking element (310), the core (309) of the electromagnet (308) and the inner wall of the inner housing (303), and wherein the switch (306b) is adapted to temporarily control the state of the electromagnet (308) to the activated state when the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) leaves the second longitudinal end position and wherein the longitudinal movement between the locking position and the first longitudinal end position is unlocked by a temporary radially inward magnetic force of the activated electromagnet (308) acting on the longitudinal locking element (310). 13. The electromechanical lock (20) according to clauses 12, wherein the first radial force is a magnetic force produced by a permanent magnet (312) arranged in the longitudinal locking element (310). 14. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 12-13, wherein the temporary radially inward magnetic force keeps the longitudinal locking element (310) in the second radial position when the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) passes the locking position on its way from the second longitudinal end position to the first longitudinal end position. 15. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 12-14, wherein the temporary radially inward magnetic force keeps the longitudinal locking element (310) in contact with the core (309) of the electromagnet when the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) passes the locking position on its way from the second longitudinal end position to the first longitudinal end position. 16. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 12-15, wherein the recess (311) is a wedge-shaped recess. 17. The electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 16, wherein the wedge-shaped recess (311) is formed by an inclined first surface (313) formed by an inner wall of the inner housing (303) and a second surface (314) being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and facing the second longitudinal end defining the cavity (302), the inclined first surface having a first end (315) and a second end (316), the first end (315) of the inclined first surface(313) is arranged closer to the second longitudinal end defining the cavity (302) than the second end (316) of the inclined first surface (313), the inclined first surface (313) being inclined away from the longitudinal direction from the first end (315) of the inclined first surface (313) to the second end (316) of the inclined first surface (313), and wherein when the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is in the locking position the longitudinal movement between the locking position and the first longitudinal end position is mechanically prevented by the second surface (314) when the electromagnet (308) isn't activated. 18. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 10-17, wherein the longitudinal locking element (310) is a pivotable latch. 19. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 10-18, wherein when the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is in the locking position and the electromagnet isn't activated the locking element contacts the inclined first surface (313) of the wedge-shaped recess (311). 20. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 10-19, wherein at least a portion of the inner wall (304) of the cavity (302) below the first end of the inclined first surface (313) of the inner housing (303) is formed by the inner wall of the inner housing (303), wherein a length of the portion exceeds a longitudinal length of the locking element (310). 21. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 10-20, wherein the locking element (310) is pivotable around an edge (318) of the locking element (310) formed by two meeting surfaces (319, 320) of the locking element (310). 22. The electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 21, wherein an angle of the edge (318) is between 140 and 175 degrees. 23. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 21-22, wherein the locking element (310) is adapted to pivot around the edge (318) of the locking element (310) from the first radial position to the second radial position due to a radially inward mechanical force from the inner wall (304) of the cavity (302) when the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is moved from the locking position to the second longitudinal end position. 24. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 10-23, wherein the core (309) extends along an axis (A) of the cavity (302) in the longitudinal direction and is arranged concentrically with the axis, wherein the locking element (310) is arranged between the core (309) of the electromagnet (308) and the inner wall (304) of the cavity (302). 25. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 10-24, wherein the electromechanical lock (20) further comprises a rotational lock (330) for locking rotation of the inner housing (303), wherein the rotational lock (330) is controlled by the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) by mechanical engagement of the rotational lock (330) with the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) and wherein the rotational lock (330) is locked when the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is positioned between the locking position and the second end position and wherein the rotational lock (330) is unlocked when the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is in the first end position. 26. The electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 25, wherein the rotational lock (330) is arranged at or towards the second longitudinal end defining the cavity (302). 27. The electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 25 or 26, wherein the core (309) of the electromagnet (308) is hollow and wherein a rod (309-1) is arranged in the hollow core (309) for controlling the rotational lock (330). 28. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 10-27, wherein the electromechanical lock (20) is adapted to be arranged in a first mechanical structure (22) and wherein the electromechanical lock (20) is adapted to control mechanical locking of the first mechanical structure (22) to a second mechanical structure (202). 29. The electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 28 when dependent on any of the clauses 10-27, further comprising an outer housing (301) concentric with the inner housing (303) and arranged radially outside of the inner housing (303), wherein the outer housing (301) is adapted to be arranged in the first mechanical structure (22) and wherein the rotational lock (330) locks rotation of the inner housing (303) with respect to the outer housing (301). 30. The electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 28 or 29, wherein the electromechanical lock (20) further comprises a locking member (24) for rotatably locking the first mechanical structure (22) to the second mechanical structure, wherein the locking member (24) is attached to a second longitudinal end (305b) of the inner housing (303). 31. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 10-30, wherein the switch (306b) is arranged in the actuator (306a). 32. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 10-31, further comprising an electronic authentication circuit (360). 33. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 10-32, further comprising a power supplying unit (370) for providing a current to the electromagnet (308) in the activated state of the electromagnet (308). 34. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 10-33, wherein the longitudinal locking element (310) is supported by a support structure (325) in the longitudinal direction and in a second direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the radial direction, wherein the support structure (325) is of an isolating material and is concentrically arranged around the core (309). 35. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 29-34, further comprising a turning knob for turning the inner housing (303) with respect to the outer housing (301), wherein the turning knob is rigidly fastened to the inner housing (303). 36. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 29-35, wherein a portion of the inner housing (303) is formed as a turning knob for turning the inner housing (303) with respect to the outer housing (301).

[0069] In the following, possible features and feature combinations of the fourth aspect are presented as a list of items and form part of the present disclosure: 1. A method for controlling a locking mechanism of an electromechanical lock (20) comprising a cavity (302) adapted to accommodate a reciprocally moveable longitudinal locking arrangement (307) of the electromechanical lock (20). The locking arrangement (307) is moveable in a longitudinal direction of the cavity (302) between at least a first position and a second position. The first position defines an unlocked state of the electromechanical lock (20) and the second position defines a locked state of the electromechanical lock (20). The method comprises controlling (601) movement of the locking arrangement (307) from the second position to the first position by controlling an electromagnetic energy state of the electromechanical lock (20). 2. The method for controlling the locking mechanism of the electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 1, further comprising: locking (602) rotation of the inner housing (303) by moving the locking arrangement (307) from the first position to the second position without the electromechanical lock (20) being electrically energized.

[0070] In the following, possible features and feature combinations of the fifth aspect are presented as a list of items and form part of the present disclosure: 1. A method for controlling a locking mechanism of an electromechanical lock (300) comprising a cavity (302) adapted to accommodate a reciprocally moveable locking arrangement (307) of the electromechanical lock (20), the locking arrangement (307) being moveable in a longitudinal direction (A) of the cavity (302) between at least a first position and a second position, the first position defining an unlocked state of the electromechanical lock (20) and the second position defining a locked state of the electromechanical lock (20), the method comprising: controlling (601) a state of a rotational lock (330) of the electromechanical lock (20) between a locked state and an unlocked state by controlling movement of the locking arrangement (307) between the first position and the second position. 2. The method for controlling the locking mechanism of the electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 1, wherein an electromagnetic energy state of the electromechanical lock (20) controls whether movement of the locking arrangement (307) from the second position to the first position is possible.

[0071] In the following, possible features and feature combinations of the sixth aspect are presented as a list of items and form part of the present disclosure: 1. A method for controlling a locking mechanism of an electromechanical lock (20) comprising a cavity (302) adapted to accommodate a reciprocally moveable locking arrangement (307) of the electromechanical lock (20), the locking arrangement (307) being moveable in a longitudinal direction (A) of the cavity (302) between at least a first position and a second position, the first position defining an unlocked state of the electromechanical lock (20) and the second position defining a locked state of the electromechanical lock (20), the electromechanical lock (20) further comprising an electromagnet (308), the method comprising: providing (501) a temporary current to the electromagnet (308); and controlling (502) the locking arrangement (307) with a magnetic field produced by the electromagnet (308) when provided with the temporary current. The method for controlling the locking mechanism of the electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 1, the method further comprising: obtaining (500) an amount of electromagnetic energy such that the electromechanical lock (20) is energized from a first electromagnetic energy state to a second electromagnetic energy state; and wherein providing (501) the temporary current to the electromagnet is based on the obtained amount of electromagnetic energy. 2. The method for controlling the locking mechanism of the electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 1, the electromechanical lock (20) further comprising an electronic authentication circuit (360), the method further comprising: receiving () an electronic authentication request from a wireless device (); and allowing () control of the locking arrangement (307) with the magnetic field based on the received electronic authentication request. 3. The method for controlling the locking mechanism of the electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 1-2, wherein the cavity (302) is formed at least partly by a magnetizable inner housing (303), the cavity (302) extending in the longitudinal direction (A) which is perpendicular to a radial direction (R), the cavity (302) being defined by an inner wall (303), a first longitudinal end (304) and a second longitudinal end (305) opposing each other, the electromechanical lock 20 further comprising an actuator (306a), a switch (306b) and a longitudinal locking arrangement (307) biased by a longitudinal force along the longitudinal direction towards the first longitudinal end, wherein the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is adapted to hinder movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) from a longitudinal locking position to a first longitudinal end position when the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is in a locked state, the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) comprising: an electromagnet (308) comprising a core (309) extending along the longitudinal direction; a magnetizable longitudinal locking element (310) movable in the radial direction between a first radial position for which the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is in the locked state and a second radial position for which the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is in an unlocked state in which it does not hinder longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) from the locking position to the first end position, wherein in the first radial position the longitudinal locking element (310) extends further in the radial direction than in the second radial position; wherein controlling (601) the locking arrangement (307) with the magnetic field comprises: controlling (), by the locking actuator (306a) and with the magnetic field, a state of the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) from the locked state to the unlocked state by controlling radial movement of the longitudinal locking element (310) from the first radial position to the second radial position, and controlling (), by the switch (306b), a state of the electromagnet 308 between a deactivated state and an activated state, in which activated state the electromagnet 308 is adapted to keep the longitudinal locking element (310) in the second radial position with the magnetic field during longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) towards the first longitudinal end position. 4. The method for controlling the locking mechanism of the electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 3, the method further comprising: controlling () a transition of state of the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) from the locked state to the unlocked state by controlling radial movement of the longitudinal locking element (310) from the first radial position to the second radial position. 5. The method for controlling the locking mechanism of the electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 3-4, wherein controlling radial movement of the longitudinal locking element (310) from the first radial position to the second radial position is performed by moving the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) along the longitudinal direction from the locking position to the second longitudinal end position. 6. The method for controlling the locking mechanism of the electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 1-5, further comprising: locking () rotation of the inner house by moving the locking arrangement (307) from the first position to the second position without the electromechanical lock being electrically energized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0072] With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure cited as examples.In the drawings:

[0073] Fig. 1a shows a perspective view of a mechanical lock in a panel according to prior art; Figs. 1b shows a top view of a mechanical lock in a panel according to prior art; Fig. 2a shows a perspective view of an electromechanical lock in a panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 2b shows a top view of an electromechanical lock in a panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figs. 2c shows a device comprising an assembly of mechanical structures according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figs. 3a-c show some example embodiments of the present disclosure from a side view, in cross-sectional view along section H-H of the side view and a detail M of the cross-sectional view; Fig. 3d shows some example embodiments of the present disclosure in a further cross-sectional view; Figs. 3e-f show some example embodiments of the interior of the electromechanical lock of the present disclosure; Figs. 3g-h' show some example embodiments of the present disclosure from a further side view, in cross-sectional view along section I-I of the further side view and an enlarged view of the cross-sectional view along section I-I; Figs. 3i-j show some example embodiments of the present disclosure from a further side view, in cross-sectional view along section D-D of the further side view; Fig. 4a shows an example embodiment, in perspective views, of elements of the electromechanical lock that are arranged within the outer or inner housing or both; Fig. 4b shows a scenario in which embodiments herein may be implemented; Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of a method according to some embodiments disclosed herein; Fig. 6 shows another flowchart of another method according to some further embodiments disclosed herein;

[0074] The drawings are schematic and not necessarily drawn to scale. It shall be understood that the embodiments shown and described are exemplifying and that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. It shall also be noted that some details in the drawings may be exaggerated in order to better describe and illustrate the disclosure. Like reference characters throughout the drawings refer to the same, or similar, type of element unless expressed otherwise.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] Fig. 2a depicts a perspective view of an electromechanical lock 20 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The electromechanical lock 20 may be arranged in a first mechanical structure 22, such as a panel of a product. Thus, the electromechanical lock 20 is adapted to be arranged in the first mechanical structure 22. The electromechanical lock 20 and the first mechanical structure 22 may have respective mating mechanical structures such that the electromechanical lock 20 may be fastened to the first mechanical structure 22. For example, the first mechanical structure 22 may be a part of a roof rack system for a car. In Fig. 2a the electromechanical lock 20 is in a locked state. Fig. 2b provides a view from above of the electromechanical lock 20 in the first mechanical structure 22. At a rear side of the first mechanical structure 22 the electromechanical lock 20 may comprise a locking member 24 for rotational locking of the electromechanical lock 20 and also of the first mechanical structure 22 in another mechanical structure (not shown), such as another part of the product or another product. In other words, the locking member 24 is for rotatably locking the first mechanical structure 22 to the second mechanical structure 25.

[0076] Fig. 2c depicts a device 200 comprising a first mechanical structure 22 and a second mechanical structure 25. The device 200 also comprises the electromechanical lock 20 which may be arranged in the first mechanical structure 22 and is adapted to control mechanical locking of the first mechanical structure 22 to the second mechanical structure 25. However, Fig. 2c illustrates the device 200 without the electromechanical lock 20. Instead, a space 26 in the first mechanical structure 22 for receiving the electromechanical lock 20 is illustrated.

[0077] As mentioned above, the electromechanical lock 20 may be arranged in the first mechanical structure 22 and is adapted to control mechanical locking of the first mechanical structure 22 to the second mechanical structure 25.

[0078] When the electromechanical lock 20 is in a locked state the locking member 24 is in a locked position. In the locked position the locking member 24 may be mechanically engaged with the other mechanical structure such that the other mechanical structure is fixed to the first mechanical structure 22 by means of the electromechanical lock 20. When the locking member 24 is in an unlocked position the other mechanical structure may be free to move with respect to the first mechanical structure 22. Thus, the electromechanical lock 20 is adapted to be arranged in the first mechanical structure 20 and the electromechanical lock 20 is further adapted to control mechanical locking of the first mechanical structure 22 to a second mechanical structure. Optionally, the electromechanical lock 20 further comprises the locking member 24 for rotatably locking the first mechanical structure 22 to the second mechanical structure.

[0079] Fig. 3a depicts a side view of an exterior of the electromechanical lock 20 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The electromechanical lock 20 may comprise an outer housing 301 shown in Fig. 3a. The outer housing 301 may be adapted to be arranged in the first mechanical structure 22. For example, the outer housing 301 may comprise a first attachment member 301a, such as a flange on an outer wall of the outer housing 301, for securing the outer housing 301 in the first mechanical structure 22. The first mechanical structure 22 may be adapted to receive the first attachment member 301a by having a corresponding or mating shape. Furthermore, the outer housing 301 may be of a metallic material. In some other embodiments the outer housing 301 is made of a plastic material. The outer housing 301 may be advantageous as it protects the inner parts of the electromechanical lock 20, e.g., from particles and humidity.

[0080] Fig. 3b shows a cross-section of the electromechanical lock 20 through section H-H. Fig. 3c shows a zoom-in of a detail in Fig. 3b.

[0081] The electromechanical lock 20 comprises a cavity 302 shown e.g., in Fig. 3c and in Fig. 3d. Fig. 3d shows a further cross-sectional view of the electromechanical lock 20. The cavity 302 is formed at least partly by an inner housing 303. The inner housing 303 is magnetizable, e.g. the inner housing 303 is of a ferromagnetic material or any other material that is a good conductor of magnetic current, i.e. has a high electromagnetic permeability. The inner housing 303 may be adapted to be arranged in the outer housing 301. In some other embodiments the inner housing 303 may be adapted to be arranged directly in the first mechanical structure 22. However, it has been found that it is especially suitable to arrange the disclosed inner housing 303 in the outer housing 301 due to required tolerances of arranging the inner housing 303 in a mechanical structure.

[0082] Optionally, the inner housing 303 comprises a first part 303a and a second part 303b. The first part 303a of the inner housing 303 may be arranged at the first longitudinal end 391 of the inner housing 303. The second part 303b of the inner housing 303 may abut the first part 303a towards the second longitudinal end 303c of the inner housing 303. Optionally, a first outer width in the radial direction of the first part 303a of the inner housing 303 is greater than a second outer width in the radial direction of the second part 303b of the inner housing 303. The larger width of the first part 303a of the inner housing 303 serves to screen out external magnetic fields which otherwise may disturb the operation of the electromechanical lock 20 as will be understood from the following disclosure. Optionally, the first part 303a of the inner housing 303 may be formed as a collar. The first part 303a of the inner housing 303 may comprise a first portion 303a' and a second portion 303a" illustrated in Fig. 3c. A first cavity formed by a first inner wall of the first portion 303a' of the first part 303a of the inner housing 303 may have a larger width in the radial direction than a second cavity formed by a second inner wall of the second portion 303a" of the first part 303a of the inner housing 303. For example, a first inner radius of the first portion 303a' of the first part 303a of the inner housing 303 may be larger than a second inner radius of the second portion 303a" of the first part 303a of the inner housing 303

[0083] The outer housing 301 may be concentric with the inner housing 303 and arranged radially outside of the inner housing 303.

[0084] Optionally, the locking member 24 is attached to a second longitudinal end 303c of the inner housing 303.

[0085] Figs. 3a-3b shows a turning knob 301'. Optionally, the further electromechanical lock 20 comprises the turning knob 301' for turning the inner housing 303 with respect to the outer housing 301. Thus, the turning knob may be rigidly fastened to the inner housing 303.

[0086] Optionally, a portion of the inner housing 303 is formed as the turning knob for turning the inner housing 303 with respect to the outer housing 301.

[0087] The cavity 302 extends in a longitudinal direction A perpendicular to a radial direction R. The cavity 302 may be a cylindrical cavity having an axis in the longitudinal direction A. In some embodiments the cavity 302 comprises multiple cavity portions, such as a first cavity portion 302a, a second cavity portion 302b and a third cavity portion 302c shown in Fig. 3b. Some of the cavity portions may be cylindrical, such as the first cavity portion 302a and the third cavity portion 302c. The second cavity portion 302b may have a truncated cone shape as shown in Figs. 3b-c.

[0088] The cavity 302 has an inner wall 304 which may comprise multiple inner wall portions, such as a first inner wall portion 304a, a second inner wall portion 304b and a third inner wall portion 304c. The cavity 302 further has a first longitudinal end 305a and a second longitudinal end 305b opposing each other. Besides being formed by the inner housing 303 the cavity 302 may be further formed by a second cavity forming member 303' arranged at the first longitudinal end 305a of the cavity 302. For example, the first cavity portion 302a may be formed by the second cavity forming member 303'. The second cavity portion 302b and the third cavity portion 302c may both be formed by the inner housing 303. The cavity 302 may be connected to a second cavity 302' which connects to the first cavity portion 302a as shown in Figs. 3b-3d. The second cavity 302' may be formed by a second outer housing 301'. The second outer housing 301' may be arranged on the inner housing 303. More specifically, the second outer housing 301' may be arranged on a first part 303a of the inner housing 303. Furthermore, the second outer housing 301' may also act as the turning knob.

[0089] The second cavity forming member 303' may be of a non-magnetic material such as an insulating material. The insulating material may be plastic. The second cavity forming member 303' may be cylindrical. The width of the cavity 302 defined by the second cavity forming member 303' may be a same width as defined by the inner housing 303. For example, a radius of the cavity defined by the second cavity forming member 303' may be a same width as defined by the inner housing 303.

[0090] The electromechanical lock 20 further comprises a longitudinal locking arrangement 307 shown in Fig. 3d with a hatched thick line. The longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is biased by a longitudinal force along the longitudinal direction towards the first longitudinal end 305a. A spring 340 may provide for the longitudinal force. The spring may be arranged between the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 and the second longitudinal end 305b of the cavity 303. The longitudinal locking arrangement 307 may be in a form of a plunger or a piston. The longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is longitudinally movable along the longitudinal direction of the cavity. For example, the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 may be longitudinally movable along the longitudinal direction between a first longitudinal end position and a second longitudinal end position. However, the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is adapted to hinder movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 from a longitudinal locking position to the first longitudinal end position when the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is in a locked state. The first longitudinal end position may be towards the first longitudinal end 305a of the cavity 302. The locking position is between the first longitudinal end 305a and the second longitudinal end 305b. Parts of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 may extend beyond the first longitudinal end of the cavity 302. first radial position.

[0091] Optionally, the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 may be arranged concentrically with the axis of the cavity 302.

[0092] Fig. 3e-3f show some interior parts of the electromechanical lock 20 as well as the locking member 24. For example, Fig. 3e-f show the longitudinal locking arrangement 307. The longitudinal locking arrangement 307 comprises an electromagnet 308 shown in Fig. 3f. The electromagnet 308 comprises a core 309 shown in Fig. 3e. The core is preferably of a material with a high electromagnetic permeability, such as a ferromagnetic material. The core 309 of the electromagnet 308 may be hollow. The core 309 may be in the shape of a plunger. The core 309 may comprise multiple portions, like a cylindrical first portion 309a and a disc-shaped second portion 309b shown in Figs. 3e-f. These are also shown in Fig. 3d. The second portion 309b may have substantially the same width as the cavity 302. For example, a radius of the second portion 309b may have substantially the same radius as the cavity 302. By minimizing a gap between the second portion 309b and the cavity 302 an increased magnetic flux between the second portion 309b and the inner housing 303 is possible which will be beneficial. The core 309 of the electromagnet 308 may have a cylinder shape with an axis along the longitudinal direction. The axis of the core 309 may be arranged concentrically with an axis of the cavity 302. Thus, the core 309 may extend along the axis A of the cavity 302 in the longitudinal direction and may be arranged concentrically with the axis.

[0093] The longitudinal locking arrangement 307 further comprises a longitudinal locking element 310 shown in Figs. 3d-f. The longitudinal locking element 310 is movable in the radial direction between a first radial position for which the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is in the locked state and a second radial position for which the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is in an unlocked state in which it does not hinder longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 from the locking position to the first end position.

[0094] The longitudinal locking element 310 is preferably of a material with a high electromagnetic permeability, such as a ferromagnetic material.

[0095] Optionally, the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 comprises multiple longitudinal locking elements 310. The multiple locking elements 310 may be arranged symmetrically in the cavity 302, e.g., symmetrically around the axis A. In one example there are two locking elements 310. An advantage of arranging fewer locking elements 310, such as one locking element 310, in the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is that it requires less electrical current to keep the fewer locking elements 310 in the second radial position. Also, for a fixed magnetic field of the electromagnet 308, a magnetic force produced by the magnetic field of the electromagnet 308 that acts on the locking elements 310 will be greater per locking element 310 for fewer locking elements 310.

[0096] Optionally, the locking element 310 is arranged between the core 309 of the electromagnet 308 and the inner wall 304 of the cavity 302. Preferably, surfaces of the locking element 310 that are to contact the core 309 of the electromagnet 308 are formed with a mating shape. For example, if the core 309 of the electromagnet 308 is formed as a cylinder then the surfaces of the locking element 310 that are to contact the core 309 may have a cylindrical shape as well.

[0097] Fig. 3e further depicts how the longitudinal locking element 310 may be supported by a support structure 325 in the longitudinal direction and in a second direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the radial direction. Optionally, the support structure 325 is of an isolating material and is concentrically arranged around the core 309. When the support structure 325 is of an isolating material it is not affected by the magnetic fields produced and electrical wires may be arranged directly in the support structure. Another advantage is a low weight.

[0098] Further, the locking element 310 may be formed to fit in the support structure 325. In some embodiments the locking element 310 is formed as an L with 8 surfaces. Sides of the locking element 310 that faces the support structure 325 may be divided into two or more surfaces such that there is some space between the surfaces of the locking element 310 and the surfaces of the support structure 325. In that way the locking element 310 moves more freely with respect to the support structure 325.

[0099] In the first radial position the longitudinal locking element 310 extends further in the radial direction than in the second radial position. The longitudinal locking element 310 may for example be a pivotable latch. Optionally, as shown in Fig. 3c, the locking element 310 is pivotable around an edge 318 of the locking element 310 formed by two meeting surfaces 319, 320 of the locking element 310. An angle of the edge 318 may be between 140 and 175 degrees, such as between 150 and 170 degrees.

[0100] When the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is in the locking position and the electromagnet isn't activated the locking element may contact the inclined first surface of the wedge-shaped recess 311.

[0101] In some embodiments disclosed herein a length of the second part 303b of the inner housing 303 in the longitudinal direction is at least twice as long as a longitudinal length of the locking element 310 when in the second radial position.

[0102] Optionally, the electromechanical lock 20 further comprises a locking actuator 306a shown in Fig. 3a-3b and Fig. 3d. The locking actuator 306a is adapted to control a state of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 from the locked state to the unlocked state by being adapted to control radial movement of the longitudinal locking element 310 from the first radial position to the second radial position. The locking actuator 306a may be formed as or comprise a push button'. The push button may be connected to the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 and may be adapted to push the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 from the locking position to the second end position. In Figs. 3a-3d the actuator is not activated and the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is in the locking position, i.e., in the locked state. In Figs. 3a-3d the push button is in a first position of the push button.

[0103] The push button may be arranged in the second cavity 302'. The second cavity 302' may have a complementary form of the push button. The push button may have a substantially cylindrical shape, or a piece-wise cylindrical shape. Correspondingly, the second cavity 302' may have a substantially cylindrical shape, or a piece-wise cylindrical shape.

[0104] In Fig. 3b-3d the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is in the locked state. That is, the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is in the locking position and the longitudinal locking element 310 is in the first radial position.

[0105] The electromechanical lock 20 further comprises a switch 306b. The switch 306b may be arranged in the locking actuator 306a. The switch 306b is adapted to control a state of the electromagnet 308 between a deactivated state and an activated state. In the activated state the electromagnet 308 is adapted to keep the longitudinal locking element 310 in the second radial position during longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 towards the first longitudinal end position. Optionally, the switch 306b may be arranged in the locking actuator 306a. The switch 306b may be an electromechanical switch. In some embodiments the switch 306b is activated by mechanical interaction with another part of the electromechanical lock 20, such as the second cavity forming member 303' or another part of the electromechanical lock 20 which is arranged in the second cavity forming member 303'. The switch 306b may be adapted to temporarily activate the electromagnet 308. In some embodiments the switch 306b may also be used to control the locking actuator 306a.

[0106] When the electromagnet 308 is in the deactivated state the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 may be longitudinally movable by the locking actuator 306a along the longitudinal direction from the locking position to the second longitudinal end position. In the deactivated state the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 may be further longitudinally movable by the longitudinal force along the longitudinal direction from the second longitudinal end position to the locking position.

[0107] As shown in Figs. 3b-3d, in the locking position of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 and when the electromagnet 308 is in the deactivated state the longitudinal locking element 310 may be influenced by a first radial force in a radially outward direction acting on the longitudinal locking element 310 such that at least a part of the longitudinal locking element 310 protrudes radially beyond a first radius of the inner wall 304 defining the cavity 302 into a recess 311 of the cavity 302 and prevents longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 from the locking position to the first end position by mechanical engagement with the recess 311. The recess 311 may be a wedge-shaped recess.

[0108] Fig. 3f further depicts a locking plate 350. The locking plate 350 may be slidable in the radial direction R. The locking plate 350 may be adapted to lock the electromechanical lock 20 to the first mechanical structure 22 when it is in a locked position such that the electromechanical lock 20 is not detachable from the first mechanical structure 22. Optionally, the locking plate 350 is movable in the radial direction when the inner housing 303 rotates between two rotational positions. For example, once the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is in its unlocked position, i.e., in the first end position the rotational lock 330 does not hinder rotation of the inner housing 303. Rotation of the electromechanical lock 20 by a certain amount, such as 90 degrees, may result in an unlocking of the electromechanical lock 20, and by that preferably also of the first mechanical structure 22, from the second mechanical structure 25 due to unfastening of the locking member 24. Further rotation of the electromechanical lock 20 by a certain amount, such as 90 further degrees, may result in unlocking of the electromechanical lock 20 from the first mechanical structure 22 by a sliding of the locking plate 350 in a radial plane such that a radially extending end of the locking plate 350 slides from a first radial position to a second radial position which is radially less extended than the first radial position.

[0109] Fig. 3g depicts another side view of the exterior of the electromechanical lock 20. In Fig. 3g the electromechanical lock 20 has been turned 90 degrees with respect to Fig. 3a.

[0110] Fig. 3h shows another cross-section of the electromechanical lock 20 through section I-I depicted in Fig. 3g. Fig. 3h shows the recess 311 without the longitudinal locking element 310 engaging with it. Fig. 3h further shows the push button in a second position when it has been pushed further into the electromechanical lock 20 in the longitudinal direction. Correspondingly, the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is in the second end position in Fig. 3h.

[0111] The locking element 310 may be adapted to pivot around the edge 318 of the locking element 310 from the first radial position to the second radial position due to a radially inward mechanical force from the inner wall 304 of the cavity 302 when the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is moved from the locking position to the second longitudinal end position. Thus, the pivotable locking element 310 may be pushed by axial movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 into the unlocked second radial position.

[0112] As shown in Fig. 3h, in the second longitudinal end position the longitudinal locking element 310 may be arranged to be in contact with the core of the electromagnet 308 and the inner wall of the inner housing 303 creating a magnetic circuit through the longitudinal locking element 310, the core of the electromagnet 308 and the inner wall of the inner housing 303.

[0113] Optionally, at least a portion of the inner wall 304 of the cavity 302 below the first end of the inclined first surface of the inner housing 303 is formed by the inner wall of the inner housing 303, wherein a length of the portion of the inner wall 304 of the cavity 302 exceeds a longitudinal length of the locking element 310. The length of the portion of the inner wall 304 of the cavity 302 may further exceed a length of a coil 308a of the electromagnet 308.

[0114] Fig. 3h'shows an enlarged view of the cross-section of the electromechanical lock 20 through section I-I. Optionally, the wedge-shaped recess 311 is formed by an inclined first surface 313 formed by an inner wall of the inner housing 303 and a second surface 314 being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and facing the second longitudinal end defining the cavity 302. The inclined first surface 313 has a first end 315 and a second end 316. The first end of the inclined first surface 313 is arranged closer to the second longitudinal end defining the cavity 302 than the second end of the inclined first surface 313. The inclined first surface 313 is inclined away from the longitudinal direction from the first end of the inclined first surface 313 to the second end of the inclined first surface 313. When the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is in the locking position the longitudinal movement between the locking position and the first longitudinal end position is mechanically prevented by the second surface 314 when the electromagnet isn't activated. The second surface 314 exercises a second axial force on the locking element 310 which balances the first longitudinal force. The longitudinal locking position may be defined as when the longitudinal locking element 310 contacts the upper surface 314 of the recess 311.

[0115] When the electromagnet 308 is in the activated state the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 may be movable by the longitudinal force along the longitudinal direction from the second longitudinal end position to the locking position and further to the first longitudinal end position. For example, the switch 306b may be adapted to temporarily control the state of the electromagnet 308 to the activated state, i.e., to temporarily activate the electromagnet 308, when the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 leaves the second longitudinal end position. Thereby, the longitudinal movement between the locking position and the first longitudinal end position may be unlocked by a temporary radially inward magnetic force of the activated electromagnet 308 acting on the longitudinal locking element 310. The temporary radially inward magnetic force keeps the longitudinal locking element 310 in the second radial position when the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 passes the locking position on its way from the second longitudinal end position to the first longitudinal end position. In some embodiments herein the temporary radially inward magnetic force keeps the longitudinal locking element 310 in contact with the core of the electromagnet when the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 passes the locking position on its way from the second longitudinal end position to the first longitudinal end position. Optionally, the temporary radially inward magnetic force keeps the longitudinal locking element 310 in contact with the inner wall of the inner housing 303 for at least a part of the distance travelled by the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 from the second end position such that the magnetic circuit isn't broken during that distance. In this way the longitudinal locking element 310 doesn't engage with the cavity 302 when the push button has been released and the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is pushed by the longitudinal force such that it leaves the second longitudinal end position. Instead, the longitudinal locking element 310 passes the recess and continues to be pushed towards the first longitudinal end 305a of the cavity 302.

[0116] Fig. 3i depicts the same side view of the exterior of the electromechanical lock 20 as depicted in Fig. 3g but the push button is now in a third position further from the cavity 302 in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal force, such as from the spring 340, has pushed the push button into the third position. The third position of the push button may be defined by the second cavity forming member 303'. For example, the second cavity forming member 303' may comprise two portions with two different inner widths, such as two inner radiuses. A first portion 303'a of the second cavity forming member 303' may define the first portion 302a of the cavity 302 while a second portion 303'b of the second cavity forming member 303' has a smaller inner width than the first portion 303'b of the second cavity forming member 303'. Instead, the inner width of the second portion 303'b of the second cavity forming member 303' matches a width of a first part 307a of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307. The first part 307a of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 may protrude through the second cavity forming member 303' into the second cavity 302'.

[0117] Fig. 3j shows a cross-section of the electromechanical lock 20 through section D-D depicted in Fig. 3i. Fig. 3j further shows the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 in the first end position. The first end position may be defined by the second cavity forming member 302' as it engages mechanically with a second part of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 which has a greater width than the opening in the first portion 303'a of the second cavity forming member 303'.

[0118] Optionally, the first radial force is a magnetic force produced by a permanent magnet 312 arranged in the longitudinal locking element 310. The permanent magnet 312 pulls the longitudinal locking element 310 towards the inner housing 303. Thus in the locking position the longitudinal locking element 310 engages with the recess 311 due to the magnetic force.

[0119] Optionally, the electromechanical lock further comprises a rotational lock 330, such as a ball lock, for locking rotation of the inner housing 303. By locking rotation of the inner housing 303 it is also possible to lock rotation of the locking member 24 which controls locking of the electromechanical lock 20 and also of the first mechanical structure 22 to another mechanical structure.

[0120] The rotational lock 330 may be controlled by the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 by mechanical engagement of the rotational lock 330 with the longitudinal locking arrangement 307. For example, a portion of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 may engage with the rotational lock 330. In some embodiments the rotational lock 330 is locked when the portion of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is arranged within the rotational lock 330 and the rotational lock 330 is unlocked when the portion of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is arranged outside the rotational lock 330.

[0121] Optionally, the rotational lock 330 may be controlled by a second locking member 309-1 arranged within the hollow core 309 of the electromagnet 308 for controlling the rotational lock 330. The second locking member 309-1 may for example be a rod arranged within the hollow core 309 of the electromagnet 308 for controlling the rotational lock 330. Specifically, a head 309-11 of the rod may engage with the rotational lock 330. The rod may be arranged within a socket 335 which in turn is arranged within the hollow core 309. The socket 335 may have a closed end 335a and an open end 335b. A spring may be arranged within the socket 335 between the closed end 335a and the rod.

[0122] The rotational lock 330 is locked when the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is positioned between the locking position and the second end position. The rotational lock 330 is unlocked when the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is in the first end position. That is, when the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is in the first end position it is possible to rotate the inner housing 303.

[0123] For example, the ball lock may comprise one or more balls 331, such as three balls, which each may engage with a respective recess 332 of a wall of the rotational lock 330 when being pushed in the radial direction by the second locking member 309-1 as the second locking member 309-1 is pushed towards the second longitudinal end 305b of the cavity 302. For example, the head 332 of the rod may push the balls into the respective recess 332 of the wall of the rotational lock 330. When the one or more balls 331 engage with the respective recess 332 of the wall of the rotational lock 330 then the inner housing 303 will engage with the outer housing 301 such that it is not possible to rotate the inner housing 303 with respect to the outer housing 301. When the longitudinal locking arrangement is in the unlocked state, i.e., in the first end position then the one or more balls 331 will not engage with the respective recess 332 of the wall of the rotational lock 330.

[0124] The spring arranged within the socket 335 allows the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 to be moved also when the rotational lock 330 is in a state in which the one or more balls 331 cannot be pushed into the respective recess. This may for example happen if the inner housing 303, and thus the locking member 24, has been rotated halfway between the locked state and the unlocked state.

[0125] Optionally, the rotational lock 330 is arranged at or towards the second longitudinal end 305b of the cavity 302.

[0126] Optionally, the rotational lock 330 locks rotation of the inner housing 303 with respect to the outer housing 301.

[0127] Optionally, the second locking member 309-1, such as the rod, may be spring-loaded. For example, a spring may be arranged between a first end of the rod and a casing comprising the rod.

[0128] Fig. 3d shows some further optional elements of the electromechanical lock 20. For example, the electromechanical lock 20 may further comprise an electronic authentication circuit 360 shown in Fig. 3d. For example, the electronic authentication circuit 360 may be an Near Field Communication (NFC) circuit or a Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) circuit. The authentication circuit 360 may receive encrypted data in a pre-defined way, for example with a pre-defined encryption key native to the NFC-protocol. For example, if a smart phone with a correct key tries to unlock the electromechanical lock 20 the authentication circuits 360 checks if the smartphone is allowed to connect to the electromechanical lock 20 and sends an unlock command to a processing unit of the electromechanical lock 20.

[0129] Optionally, the first mechanical structure 22 or the second mechanical structure 25 comprises one or more electronic authentication circuits which may replace the electronic authentication circuit 360 of the electromechanical lock 20. For example, the first mechanical structure 22 may comprise multiple electronic authentication circuits with their respective antennas for receiving wireless signals. Multiple antennas create a larger area where it is possible to transfer the wireless energy and thus it will be easier to align the wireless device 40 with the area in which it is possible to transfer energy.

[0130] Optionally, the electromechanical lock 20 further comprises a power supplying unit 370 for providing a current to the electromagnet 308 in the activated state of the electromagnet 308. The power supplying unit 370 may for example be any one or more of: a battery, a BLE circuit and a capacitor 380, an NFC circuit and the capacitor 380 or the NFC circuit. When NFC or BLE technology is used for powering of the electromechanical lock 20 the electromechanical lock 20 does not need to be powered by other power sources. NFC may involve an initiator, such as a mobile phone, and a target such as the electromechanical lock 20. The initiator actively generates an RF field that may power the passive target.

[0131] Optionally, the electronic authentication circuit 360 is a BLE circuit and the power supplying unit 370 is an NFC circuit with or without a capacitor for storing harvested NFC energy from another wireless device such as a mobile phone.

[0132] Fig. 4a shows an example embodiment, in perspective views, of elements of the electromechanical lock, such as the rotational lock 330 and the locking plate 350, that are arranged within the outer or inner housing or both.

[0133] Fig. 4b depicts a scenario in which embodiments disclosed herein may be used. A wireless device 40 may be used to control authentication and authorization of a user of the device 200 comprising the electromechanical lock 20. The wireless device 40 may comprise specific applications running on it for this purpose. The applications may be stored in a memory of the wireless device 40 and may be executed by a processor of the wireless device 40.

[0134] Fig. 5 depicts a flow chart disclosing a method for controlling a locking mechanism of the electromechanical lock 20 comprising the cavity 302 adapted to accommodate the reciprocally moveable locking arrangement 307 of the electromechanical lock 20. The electromechanical lock 20 may perform the method. As mentioned above, the locking arrangement 307 is moveable in the longitudinal direction A of the cavity 302 between at least a first position and a second position. The first position defines an unlocked state of the electromechanical lock 20 and the second position defines a locked state of the electromechanical lock 20. Thus, the first position corresponds to the first longitudinal end position above and the second position corresponds to the locking position above. The electromechanical lock 20 further comprises the electromagnet 308.

[0135] The method actions below are not necessarily performed in the disclosed order but may be performed in any suitable order.Action 490

[0136] Optionally, the electromechanical lock 20 further comprises an electronic authentication circuit 360. Then the method may further comprise receiving an electronic authentication request from the wireless device 40.Action 491

[0137] The method may further comprise allowing control of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 with the magnetic field based on the received electronic authentication request. For example, if an electronic ID sent with the electronic authentication request matches IDs stored in the electromechanical lock 20 then the electromechanical lock 20 may allow control of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 with the magnetic field. There may be a time limit for controlling the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 with the magnetic field.Action 500

[0138] In some embodiments herein the electromechanical lock 20 obtains an amount of electromagnetic energy such that the electromechanical lock 20 is energized from a first electromagnetic energy state to a second electromagnetic energy state. The amount of electromagnetic energy may be obtained from the wireless device 40. For example, the electromagnetic energy may be obtained from the wireless device 40 during the authentication process. The electromagnetic energy may be obtained from the wireless device 40 by NFC or BLE or any other wireless technique capable of transferring wireless energy. The electromagnetic energy may be stored in a capacitor.Action 501

[0139] The method comprises providing a temporary current to the electromagnet 308. Optionally, the temporary current is provided to the electromagnet 308 based on the obtained amount of electromagnetic energy, e.g., based on a voltage difference created by the amount of electromagnetic energy.Action 502

[0140] The method further comprises controlling the locking arrangement 307 with a magnetic field produced by the electromagnet 308 when provided with the temporary current. The locking arrangement 307 may be controlled by changing an energy state of the electromechanical lock 20, more specifically by controlling an energy state of the electromagnet 308. In an energized state it is possible to unlock the electromechanical lock 20. In a non-energized state it is not possible to unlock the electromechanical lock 20.

[0141] As mentioned above, the cavity 302 may be formed at least partly by an inner housing 303. Further, the cavity 302 may extend in the longitudinal direction A which is perpendicular to a radial direction R. The cavity 302 may have an inner wall 303, a first longitudinal end 304 and a second longitudinal end 305 opposing each other. The electromechanical lock 20 may further comprise the locking actuator 306a, the switch 306b and the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 biased by the longitudinal force along the longitudinal direction towards the first longitudinal end. The longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is adapted to hinder movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 from the longitudinal locking position to the first longitudinal end position when the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is in a locked state.

[0142] The longitudinal locking arrangement 307 may comprise the electromagnet 308 comprising the core 309 extending along the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal locking arrangement 307 may further comprise a longitudinal locking element 310 movable in the radial direction between a first radial position for which the longitudinal locking arrangement is in the locked state and a second radial position for which the longitudinal locking arrangement is in an unlocked state in which it does not hinder longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement from the locking position to the first end position. In the first radial position the longitudinal locking element 310 extends further in the radial direction than in the second radial position.

[0143] Optionally, controlling the locking arrangement 307 with the magnetic field comprises controlling, by the locking actuator 306a and with the magnetic field, a state of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 from the locked state to the unlocked state by controlling radial movement of the longitudinal locking element 310 from the first radial position to the second radial position, and controlling, by the switch 306b, a state of the electromagnet 308 between a deactivated state and an activated state. In the activated state the electromagnet 308 is adapted to keep the longitudinal locking element 310 in the second radial position with the magnetic field during longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement towards the first longitudinal end position. For example, the electromagnet 308 is adapted to keep the longitudinal locking element 310 in the second radial position with the magnetic field from the second axial end position until the axial locking arrangement has passed the locking position between the second axial end position and the first axial end position.

[0144] The method may further comprise controlling a transition of state of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 from the locked state to the unlocked state by controlling radial movement of the longitudinal locking element 310 from the first radial position to the second radial position.

[0145] Optionally, controlling radial movement of the longitudinal locking element 310 from the first radial position to the second radial position may be performed by moving the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 along the longitudinal direction from the locking position to the second longitudinal end position.

[0146] Fig. 6 depicts a flow chart disclosing an alternative method for controlling the locking mechanism of the electromechanical lock 20 comprising the cavity 302 adapted to accommodate the reciprocally moveable locking arrangement 307 of the electromechanical lock 20. The electromechanical lock 20 may perform the method. The locking arrangement 307 is moveable in a longitudinal direction A of the cavity 302 between at least the first position and the second position. The first position defines an unlocked state of the electromechanical lock 20 and the second position defines a locked state of the electromechanical lock 20.

[0147] The method actions below are not necessarily performed in the disclosed order but may be performed in any suitable order.Action 601

[0148] The method comprises controlling a state of a rotational lock 330 of the electromechanical lock 20 between a locked state and an unlocked state by controlling movement of the locking arrangement 307 between the first position and the second position.Action 602

[0149] The method may further comprise locking rotation of the inner housing 303 by moving the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 from the first position to the second position without the electromechanical lock 20 being electrically energized.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0075]Fig. 2a depicts a perspective view of an electromechanical lock 20 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The electromechanical lock 20 may be arranged in a first mechanical structure 22, such as a panel of a product. Thus, the electromechanical lock 20 is adapted to be arranged in the first mechanical structure 22. The electromechanical lock 20 and the first mechanical structure 22 may have respective mating mechanical structures such that the electromechanical lock 20 may be fastened to the first mechanical structure 22. For example, the first mechanical structure 22 may be a part of a roof rack system for a car. In Fig. 2a the electromechanical lock 20 is in a locked state. Fig. 2b provides a view from above of the electromechanical lock 20 in the first mechanical structure 22. At a rear side of the first mechanical structure 22 the electromechanical lock 20 may comprise a locking member 24 for rotational locking of the electromechanical lock 20 and als...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electromechanical lock, in particular an electromechanical lock for a one-key lock system.BACKGROUND

[0002] Roof racks, such as bike racks, for cars and other car accessories such as roof boxes may require locks to avoid theft. To simplify life for an owner of multiple car accessories a one-key lock system may be used. A single key may be used for multiple locks. The locks may be identical. Figure 1a illustrates an example of a mechanical lock 10 arranged in a panel 12 of a product, such as a part of a roof rack system. In Figure 1a the mechanical lock 10 is in an unlocked state. Figure 1b provides a view from above of the mechanical lock 10 in the panel 12. At a rear side of the panel 12 the mechanical lock 10 comprises a locking member 14 for rotational locking of the mechanical lock 10 and also of the panel 12 in another mechanical structure such as another part of the product or another product. The mechanical lock 10 may be arranged in the panel 12. The mechanical lock 10 and the panel 12 may have respective mating mechanical structures such that the mechanical lock 10 may be fastened to the panel 12.

[0003] Electronic keys, such as smart cards, security tokens or means of authentication via mobile phones are attracting increasing attention, for example due to a possibility to provide flexibility, personalized access levels, safety audits, employee activity log management, and smart technologies and energy efficiency controls. With an app-based key in a mobile phone there is no need to keep track of hardware keys. Furthermore, new locks may be added to the one-key lock system and managed with the same app-based key in the mobile phone without any hardware change.

[0004] However, owners of existing products with existing locks, such as the purely mechanical lock in Figure 1 and Figure 2, usually don't wish to replace one or several costly products in order to change to a new lock system with electronic keys. Thus, it is important that new lock systems have backward compatibility with existing products and lock systems. It may be difficult to fit digital electronics, RF-circuits and power sources in a lock that is compatible with the existing product to be locked. Furthermore, the available electronics may not be able to actuate mechanical parts of the lock needed to be backward compatible.SUMMARY

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved electromechanical lock, which alleviates at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art, and / or to at least provide a suitable alternative.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the object is at least partly achieved by an electromechanical lock comprising a cavity, such as a bore, adapted to accommodate a reciprocally moveable longitudinal locking arrangement of the electromechanical lock, e.g., in the shape of a plunger or a piston. The locking arrangement is moveable in a longitudinal direction of the cavity between at least a first position and a second position. The first position defines an unlocked state of the electromechanical lock and the second position defines a locked state of the electromechanical lock. The electromagnetic energy state of the electromechanical lock controls whether movement of the locking arrangement from the second position to the first position is possible.

[0007] By the provision of an electromechanical lock as disclosed herein, an improved lock is achieved which is flexible and allows use of one key together with several locks while being backward compatible with existing products. In the below, advantageous embodiments and further advantages and technical effects related the electromechanical lock will be disclosed.

[0008] An "unlocked state of the electromechanical lock" as used herein means a state where it is possible to mechanically unfasten the electromechanical lock from a mechanical structure, such as a support structure or a second structure mating with the support structure. Thus, there may be several different unlocked states of the electromechanical lock as there may be several different structures which the electromechanical lock may be fastened to. For example, such a state may exist when a locking member of the electromechanical lock for rotational locking of the electromechanical lock in a mechanical structure is free to rotate. In another example a second unlocked state may exist when another locking member of the electromechanical lock allows separation of the electromechanical lock from a support structure, such as a panel of a product.

[0009] A "locked state of the electromechanical lock" as used herein means a state where it is not possible to mechanically unfasten the electromechanical lock from a mechanical structure, such as a support structure or a second structure mating with the support structure. Thus, there may be several different locked states of the electromechanical lock as there may be several different structures which the electromechanical lock may be fastened to. For example, such a state may be when the locking member of the electromechanical lock for rotational locking of the electromechanical lock in the mechanical structure is not free to rotate. In another example a second locked state may exist when another locking member of the electromechanical lock does not allow separation of the electromechanical lock from the support structure, such as the panel of the product.

[0010] Optionally, the electromechanical lock is adapted to be arranged in a first mechanical structure. Then the electromechanical lock may further comprise a locking member, such as a latch, for locking of the first mechanical structure to a second mechanical structure.

[0011] Optionally, the electromechanical lock further comprises a locking actuator. In the unlocked state the locking actuator is moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position. By the use of the locking actuator it is possible to control when to unlock the electromechanical lock by mechanical action.

[0012] Optionally, the locking actuator is adapted to control an orientation of the locking member. By controlling the orientation of the locking actuator it is possible to control orientation of the locking member and thus unfastening of the electromechanical lock from a mechanical structure, e.g., by mechanical action.

[0013] Optionally, the locking actuator is adapted to control the orientation of the locking member mechanically and the locking actuator is mechanically fixed to the locking member. The locking actuator may be fixed to the locking member with a fastener, such as a screw.

[0014] Optionally, the locking actuator is adapted to control the orientation of the locking member electronically.

[0015] Optionally, movement of the locking arrangement between the first position and the second position controls an orientation of the locking member.

[0016] Optionally, the electromechanical lock is not electrically energized when the electromechanical lock is in the locked state. When the electromechanical lock is not electrically energized when the electromechanical lock is in the locked state the power consumption of the electromechanical lock is low.

[0017] Optionally, the locking arrangement can be moved from the first position to the second position without the electromechanical lock being electrically energized. When the electromechanical lock is not electrically energized when the locking arrangement can be moved from the first position to the second position the power consumption of the electromechanical lock is low.

[0018] According to a second aspect, the object is at least partly achieved by an electromechanical lock comprising a cavity formed at least partly by a magnetizable inner housing, the cavity extending in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to a radial direction, the cavity being defined by an inner wall, a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end opposing each other, the electromechanical lock further comprising an actuator, a switch and a longitudinal locking arrangement biased by a longitudinal force along the longitudinal direction towards the first longitudinal end, wherein the longitudinal locking arrangement is adapted to hinder movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement from a longitudinal locking position to a first longitudinal end position when the longitudinal locking arrangement is in a locked state.

[0019] The longitudinal locking arrangement comprises: an electromagnet comprising a core; and a ferromagnetic longitudinal locking element movable in the radial direction between a first radial position for which the longitudinal locking arrangement is in the locked state and a second radial position for which the longitudinal locking arrangement is in an unlocked state in which it does not hinder longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement from the locking position to the first end position.

[0020] In the first radial position the longitudinal locking element extends further in the radial direction than in the second radial position. The locking actuator is adapted to control a state of the longitudinal locking arrangement from the locked state to the unlocked state by being adapted to control radial movement of the longitudinal locking element from the first radial position to the second radial position.

[0021] The switch is adapted to control a state of the electromagnet between a deactivated state and an activated state, in which activated state the electromagnet is adapted to keep the longitudinal locking element in the second radial position during longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement towards the first longitudinal end position.

[0022] By the provision of an electromechanical lock as disclosed herein by the second aspect, an improved lock is achieved which is flexible and allows use of one key together with several locks while being backward compatible with existing products. For example, it is possible to fit the electromechanical lock as disclosed herein by the second aspect in a housing with a size and form factor that matches purely mechanical locks.

[0023] In the below, advantageous embodiments and further advantages and technical effects related the electromechanical lock will be disclosed.

[0024] Since the electromagnet is adapted to keep the longitudinal locking element in the second radial position only during longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement towards the first longitudinal end position the amount of electrical power that is needed to unlock the electromechanical lock is very low. Furthermore, there is no need to power the electromechanical lock at all when the electromechanical lock is in its locked state. It is only the transition between the locked state and the unlocked state that needs power.

[0025] Optionally, when the electromagnet is in the deactivated state the longitudinal locking arrangement is longitudinally movable by the locking actuator along the longitudinal direction from the locking position to a second longitudinal end position and longitudinally movable by the longitudinal force along the longitudinal direction from the second longitudinal end position to the locking position, and wherein when the electromagnet is in the activated state the electromagnet is movable by the longitudinal force along the longitudinal direction from the second longitudinal end position to the locking position and further to the first longitudinal end position.

[0026] Optionally, in the locking position of the longitudinal locking arrangement and when the electromagnet is in the deactivated state the longitudinal locking element is influenced by a first radial force in a radially outward direction acting on the longitudinal locking element such that at least a part of the longitudinal locking element protrudes radially beyond a first radius of the inner wall defining the cavity into a recess of the cavity and prevents longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement from the locking position to the first end position by mechanical engagement with the recess, wherein in the second longitudinal end position the longitudinal locking element is arranged to be in contact with the core of the electromagnet and the inner wall of the inner housing creating a magnetic circuit through the longitudinal locking element, the core of the electromagnet and the inner wall of the inner housing, and wherein the switch is adapted to temporarily control the state of the electromagnet to the activated state when the longitudinal locking arrangement leaves the second longitudinal end position and wherein the longitudinal movement between the locking position and the first longitudinal end position is unlocked by a temporary radially inward magnetic force of the activated electromagnet acting on the longitudinal locking element.

[0027] Optionally, the first radial force is a magnetic force, e.g., produced by a permanent magnet arranged in the longitudinal locking element. Thus, no electrical power is needed to produce the first radial force.

[0028] Optionally, the temporary radially inward magnetic force keeps the longitudinal locking element in the second radial position when the longitudinal locking arrangement passes the locking position on its way from the second longitudinal end position to the first longitudinal end position.

[0029] Preferably, the temporary radially inward magnetic force keeps the longitudinal locking element in contact with the core of the electromagnet when the longitudinal locking arrangement passes the locking position on its way from the second longitudinal end position to the first longitudinal end position.

[0030] Optionally, the recess is a wedge-shaped recess. A wedge-shaped recess provides a good contact between the recess and the longitudinal locking element, more specifically between the recess and the permanent magnet arranged in the longitudinal locking element.

[0031] Optionally, the wedge-shaped recess is formed by an inclined first surface formed by an inner wall of the inner housing and a second surface being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and facing the second longitudinal end defining the cavity, the inclined first surface having a first end and a second end, the first end of the inclined first surface is arranged closer to the second longitudinal end defining the cavity than the second end of the inclined first surface, the inclined first surface being inclined away from the longitudinal direction from the first end of the inclined first surface to the second end of the inclined first surface.

[0032] When the longitudinal locking arrangement is in the locking position the longitudinal movement between the locking position and the first longitudinal end position is mechanically prevented by the second surface when the electromagnet isn't activated.

[0033] Optionally, the longitudinal locking element is a pivotable latch. The pivotable latch provides a simple assembly and operation of the longitudinal locking element and the longitudinal locking arrangement.

[0034] Optionally, when the longitudinal locking arrangement is in the locking position and the electromagnet isn't activated the locking element contacts the inclined first surface of the wedge-shaped recess.

[0035] Preferably, at least a portion of the inner wall of the cavity below the first end of the inclined first surface of the inner housing is formed by the inner wall of the inner housing. A length of the portion exceeds a longitudinal length of the locking element.

[0036] Optionally, the locking element is pivotable around an edge of the locking element formed by two meeting surfaces of the locking element.

[0037] Optionally, an angle of the edge is between 140 and 175 degrees.

[0038] Optionally, the locking element is adapted to pivot around the edge of the locking element from the first radial position to the second radial position due to a radially inward mechanical force from the inner wall of the cavity when the longitudinal locking arrangement is moved from the locking position to the second longitudinal end position.

[0039] Optionally, the core extends along an axis of the cavity in the longitudinal direction and is arranged concentrically with the axis. The locking element may be arranged between the core of the electromagnet and the inner wall of the cavity.

[0040] Optionally, the electromechanical lock further comprises a rotational lock for locking rotation of the inner housing, wherein the rotational lock is controlled by the longitudinal locking arrangement by mechanical engagement of the rotational lock with the longitudinal locking arrangement and wherein the rotational lock is locked when the longitudinal locking arrangement is positioned between the locking position and the second end position and wherein the rotational lock is unlocked when the longitudinal locking arrangement is in the first end position.

[0041] Optionally, the rotational lock is arranged at or towards the second longitudinal end defining the cavity.

[0042] Optionally, the core of the electromagnet is hollow and a rod is arranged in the hollow core for controlling the rotational lock.

[0043] Optionally, the electromechanical lock is adapted to be arranged in a first mechanical structure. Then the electromechanical lock may be adapted to control mechanical locking of the first mechanical structure to a second mechanical structure.

[0044] Optionally, the electromechanical lock further comprises an outer housing concentric with the inner housing and arranged radially outside of the inner housing, wherein the outer housing is adapted to be arranged in the first mechanical structure and wherein the rotational lock locks rotation of the inner housing with respect to the outer housing.

[0045] Optionally, the electromechanical lock further comprises a locking member for rotatably locking the first mechanical structure to the second mechanical structure, wherein the locking member is attached to a second longitudinal end of the inner housing.

[0046] Optionally, the switch is arranged in the locking actuator.

[0047] Optionally, the electromechanical lock further comprises an electronic authentication circuit.

[0048] Optionally, the electromechanical lock further comprises a power supplying unit for providing a current to the electromagnet in the activated state of the electromagnet.

[0049] Optionally, the longitudinal locking element is supported by a support structure in the longitudinal direction and in a second direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the radial direction. The support structure may be of an isolating material and may be concentrically arranged around the core.

[0050] Optionally, the electromechanical lock further comprises a turning knob for turning the inner housing with respect to the outer housing. The turning knob may be rigidly fastened to the inner housing.

[0051] Optionally, a portion of the inner housing is formed as a turning knob for turning the inner housing with respect to the outer housing.

[0052] Advantages and effects of the second aspect of the disclosure are analogous to advantages and effects of the first aspect of the disclosure, and vice versa. It shall also be noted that all embodiments of the second aspect of the disclosure are combinable with all embodiments of the other aspects of the disclosure, and vice versa.

[0053] According to a third aspect, the object is at least partly achieved by a device comprising a first mechanical structure, a second mechanical structure and the electromechanical lock according to any of the first or second aspects. The electromechanical lock is arranged in the first mechanical structure and is adapted to control mechanical locking of the first mechanical structure to the second mechanical structure.

[0054] According to a fourth aspect, the object is at least partly achieved by a method for controlling a locking mechanism of an electromechanical lock comprising a cavity adapted to accommodate a reciprocally moveable longitudinal locking arrangement of the electromechanical lock. The locking arrangement is moveable in a longitudinal direction of the cavity between at least a first position and a second position. The first position defines an unlocked state of the electromechanical lock and the second position defines a locked state of the electromechanical lock.

[0055] The method comprises controlling movement of the locking arrangement from the second position to the first position by controlling an electromagnetic energy state of the electromechanical lock.

[0056] According to a fifth aspect, the object is at least partly achieved by a method for controlling a locking mechanism of an electromechanical lock comprising a cavity adapted to accommodate a reciprocally moveable locking arrangement of the electromechanical lock. The locking arrangement is moveable in a longitudinal direction of the cavity between at least a first position and a second position, the first position defining an unlocked state of the electromechanical lock and the second position defining a locked state of the electromechanical lock. The method comprises controlling a state of a rotational lock of the electromechanical lock between a locked state and an unlocked state by controlling movement of the locking arrangement between the first position and the second position. For example, when the locking arrangement moves from the second position to the first position the state of the rotational lock may change from locked to unlocked.

[0057] Optionally, an electromagnetic energy state of the electromechanical lock controls whether movement of the locking arrangement from the second position to the first position is possible.

[0058] According to a sixth aspect, the object is at least partly achieved by a method for controlling a locking mechanism of an electromechanical lock comprising a cavity adapted to accommodate a reciprocally moveable locking arrangement of the electromechanical lock. The locking arrangement being moveable in a longitudinal direction of the cavity between at least a first position and a second position. The first position defining an unlocked state of the electromechanical lock and the second position defining a locked state of the electromechanical lock. The electromechanical lock further comprises an electromagnet. The method comprises providing a temporary current to the electromagnet and controlling the locking arrangement with a magnetic field produced by the electromagnet when provided with the temporary current.

[0059] By the provision of a method for controlling the locking mechanism of the electromechanical lock as disclosed herein by the fourth to sixths aspects, an improved method for controlling the locking mechanism is achieved which is flexible and allows use of one key together with several locks while being backward compatible with existing products. Furthermore, the electromagnetic power needed to perform the method is very low.

[0060] In the below, advantageous embodiments and further advantages and technical effects related to the method for controlling the locking mechanism will be disclosed.

[0061] Optionally, the method further comprises obtaining an amount of electromagnetic energy such that the electromechanical lock is energized from a first electromagnetic energy state to a second electromagnetic energy state. Providing the temporary current to the electromagnet may be based on the obtained amount of electromagnetic energy.

[0062] Optionally, the electromechanical lock further comprises an electronic authentication circuit and the method further comprises receiving an electronic authentication request from a wireless device and allowing control of the locking arrangement with the magnetic field based on the received electronic authentication request.

[0063] Optionally, the cavity is formed at least partly by a magnetizable inner housing, the cavity extending in the longitudinal direction which is perpendicular to a radial direction, the cavity being defined by an inner wall, a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end opposing each other. The electromechanical lock may further comprise an actuator, a switch and a longitudinal locking arrangement biased by a longitudinal force along the longitudinal direction towards the first longitudinal end. The longitudinal locking arrangement may be adapted to hinder movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement from a longitudinal locking position to a first longitudinal end position when the longitudinal locking arrangement is in a locked state. The longitudinal locking arrangement may comprise an electromagnet comprising a core extending along the longitudinal direction and a magnetizable longitudinal locking element movable in the radial direction between a first radial position for which the longitudinal locking arrangement is in the locked state and a second radial position for which the longitudinal locking arrangement is in an unlocked state in which it does not hinder longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement from the locking position to the first end position. In the first radial position the longitudinal locking element extends further in the radial direction than in the second radial position.

[0064] Controlling the locking arrangement with the magnetic field may comprise: controlling, by the locking actuator and with the magnetic field, a state of the longitudinal locking arrangement from the locked state to the unlocked state by controlling radial movement of the longitudinal locking element from the first radial position to the second radial position, and controlling, by the switch, a state of the electromagnet 308 between a deactivated state and an activated state, in which activated state the electromagnet 308 is adapted to keep the longitudinal locking element in the second radial position with the magnetic field during longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 towards the first longitudinal end position.

[0065] Optionally, the method further comprises controlling a transition of state of the longitudinal locking arrangement from the locked state to the unlocked state by controlling radial movement of the longitudinal locking element from the first radial position to the second radial position.

[0066] Optionally, controlling radial movement of the longitudinal locking element from the first radial position to the second radial position is performed by moving the longitudinal locking arrangement along the longitudinal direction from the locking position to the second longitudinal end position.

[0067] Optionally, the method further comprises locking rotation of the inner house by moving the locking arrangement from the first position to the second position without the electromechanical lock being electrically energized.

[0068] In the following, possible features and feature combinations of the first and second aspects of the disclosure are presented as a list of items and form part of the present disclosure: 1. An electromechanical lock (20) comprising a cavity (302), such as a bore, adapted to accommodate a reciprocally moveable locking arrangement (307) of the electromechanical lock (20), e.g., in the shape of a plunger or a piston, the locking arrangement (307) being moveable in a longitudinal direction of the cavity (302) between at least a first position and a second position, the first position defining an unlocked state of the electromechanical lock (20) and the second position defining a locked state of the electromechanical lock (20), wherein an electromagnetic energy state of the electromechanical lock (20) controls whether movement of the locking arrangement (307) from the second position to the first position is possible. 2. The electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 2, wherein the electromechanical lock (20) is adapted to be arranged in a first mechanical structure (22) and wherein the electromechanical lock (20) further comprises a locking member (24), such as a latch, for locking of the first mechanical structure (22) to a second mechanical structure (25). 3. The electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 1 or 2, further comprising a locking actuator (306a), wherein in the unlocked state the locking actuator (306a) is moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position. 4. The electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 3 dependent on clause 2, wherein the locking actuator (306a) is adapted to control an orientation of the locking member (24). 5. The electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 4, wherein the locking actuator (306a) is adapted to control the orientation of the locking member (24) mechanically and wherein the locking actuator (306a) is mechanically fixed to the locking member (24). 6. The electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 4, wherein the locking actuator (306a) is adapted to control the orientation of the locking member (24) electronically. 7. The electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 2, wherein movement of the locking arrangement (307) between the first position and the second position controls an orientation of the locking member (24). 8. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the electromechanical lock (20) is not electrically energized when the electromechanical lock (20) is in the locked state. 9. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the locking arrangement (307) can be moved from the first position to the second position without the electromechanical lock (20) being electrically energized. 10. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the cavity (302) is formed at least partly by a magnetizable inner housing (303), the cavity (302) extending in a longitudinal direction (A) perpendicular to a radial direction (R), the cavity (302) being defined by an inner wall (303), a first longitudinal end (304) and a second longitudinal end (305) opposing each other, the electromechanical lock (20) further comprising an actuator (306a), a switch (306b) and a longitudinal locking arrangement(307) biased by a longitudinal force along the longitudinal direction towards the first longitudinal end, wherein the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is adapted to hinder movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) from a longitudinal locking position to a first longitudinal end position when the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is in a locked state. The longitudinal locking arrangement (307) comprises: an electromagnet (308) comprising a core (309); and a magnetizable longitudinal locking element (310) movable in the radial direction between a first radial position for which the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is in the locked state and a second radial position for which the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is in an unlocked state in which it does not hinder longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) from the locking position to the first end position; wherein in the first radial position the longitudinal locking element (310) extends further in the radial direction than in the second radial position, wherein the actuator is adapted to control a state of the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) from the locked state to the unlocked state by being adapted to control radial movement of the longitudinal locking element (310) from the first radial position to the second radial position, and wherein the switch (306b) is adapted to control a state of the electromagnet between a deactivated state and an activated state, in which activated state the electromagnet is adapted to keep the longitudinal locking element (310) in the second radial position during longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) towards the first longitudinal end position. 11. The electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 10, wherein when the electromagnet (308) is in the deactivated state the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is longitudinally movable by the locking actuator (306a) along the longitudinal direction from the locking position to a second longitudinal end position and longitudinally movable by the longitudinal force along the longitudinal direction from the second longitudinal end position to the locking position, and wherein when the electromagnet (308) is in the activated state the electromagnet (308) is movable by the longitudinal force along the longitudinal direction from the second longitudinal end position to the locking position and further to the first longitudinal end position. 12. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 10-11, wherein in the locking position of the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) and when the electromagnet (308) is in the deactivated state the longitudinal locking element (310) is influenced by a first radial force in a radially outward direction acting on the longitudinal locking element (310) such that at least a part of the longitudinal locking element (310) protrudes radially beyond a first radius defining the inner wall of the cavity (302) into a recess (311) of the cavity (302) and prevents longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) from the locking position to the first end position by mechanical engagement with the recess (311), wherein in the second longitudinal end position the longitudinal locking element (310) is arranged to be in contact with the core (309) of the electromagnet (308) and the inner wall of the inner housing (303) creating a magnetic circuit through the longitudinal locking element (310), the core (309) of the electromagnet (308) and the inner wall of the inner housing (303), and wherein the switch (306b) is adapted to temporarily control the state of the electromagnet (308) to the activated state when the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) leaves the second longitudinal end position and wherein the longitudinal movement between the locking position and the first longitudinal end position is unlocked by a temporary radially inward magnetic force of the activated electromagnet (308) acting on the longitudinal locking element (310). 13. The electromechanical lock (20) according to clauses 12, wherein the first radial force is a magnetic force produced by a permanent magnet (312) arranged in the longitudinal locking element (310). 14. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 12-13, wherein the temporary radially inward magnetic force keeps the longitudinal locking element (310) in the second radial position when the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) passes the locking position on its way from the second longitudinal end position to the first longitudinal end position. 15. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 12-14, wherein the temporary radially inward magnetic force keeps the longitudinal locking element (310) in contact with the core (309) of the electromagnet when the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) passes the locking position on its way from the second longitudinal end position to the first longitudinal end position. 16. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 12-15, wherein the recess (311) is a wedge-shaped recess. 17. The electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 16, wherein the wedge-shaped recess (311) is formed by an inclined first surface (313) formed by an inner wall of the inner housing (303) and a second surface (314) being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and facing the second longitudinal end defining the cavity (302), the inclined first surface having a first end (315) and a second end (316), the first end (315) of the inclined first surface(313) is arranged closer to the second longitudinal end defining the cavity (302) than the second end (316) of the inclined first surface (313), the inclined first surface (313) being inclined away from the longitudinal direction from the first end (315) of the inclined first surface (313) to the second end (316) of the inclined first surface (313), and wherein when the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is in the locking position the longitudinal movement between the locking position and the first longitudinal end position is mechanically prevented by the second surface (314) when the electromagnet (308) isn't activated. 18. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 10-17, wherein the longitudinal locking element (310) is a pivotable latch. 19. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 10-18, wherein when the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is in the locking position and the electromagnet isn't activated the locking element contacts the inclined first surface (313) of the wedge-shaped recess (311). 20. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 10-19, wherein at least a portion of the inner wall (304) of the cavity (302) below the first end of the inclined first surface (313) of the inner housing (303) is formed by the inner wall of the inner housing (303), wherein a length of the portion exceeds a longitudinal length of the locking element (310). 21. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 10-20, wherein the locking element (310) is pivotable around an edge (318) of the locking element (310) formed by two meeting surfaces (319, 320) of the locking element (310). 22. The electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 21, wherein an angle of the edge (318) is between 140 and 175 degrees. 23. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 21-22, wherein the locking element (310) is adapted to pivot around the edge (318) of the locking element (310) from the first radial position to the second radial position due to a radially inward mechanical force from the inner wall (304) of the cavity (302) when the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is moved from the locking position to the second longitudinal end position. 24. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 10-23, wherein the core (309) extends along an axis (A) of the cavity (302) in the longitudinal direction and is arranged concentrically with the axis, wherein the locking element (310) is arranged between the core (309) of the electromagnet (308) and the inner wall (304) of the cavity (302). 25. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 10-24, wherein the electromechanical lock (20) further comprises a rotational lock (330) for locking rotation of the inner housing (303), wherein the rotational lock (330) is controlled by the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) by mechanical engagement of the rotational lock (330) with the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) and wherein the rotational lock (330) is locked when the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is positioned between the locking position and the second end position and wherein the rotational lock (330) is unlocked when the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is in the first end position. 26. The electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 25, wherein the rotational lock (330) is arranged at or towards the second longitudinal end defining the cavity (302). 27. The electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 25 or 26, wherein the core (309) of the electromagnet (308) is hollow and wherein a rod (309-1) is arranged in the hollow core (309) for controlling the rotational lock (330). 28. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 10-27, wherein the electromechanical lock (20) is adapted to be arranged in a first mechanical structure (22) and wherein the electromechanical lock (20) is adapted to control mechanical locking of the first mechanical structure (22) to a second mechanical structure (202). 29. The electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 28 when dependent on any of the clauses 10-27, further comprising an outer housing (301) concentric with the inner housing (303) and arranged radially outside of the inner housing (303), wherein the outer housing (301) is adapted to be arranged in the first mechanical structure (22) and wherein the rotational lock (330) locks rotation of the inner housing (303) with respect to the outer housing (301). 30. The electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 28 or 29, wherein the electromechanical lock (20) further comprises a locking member (24) for rotatably locking the first mechanical structure (22) to the second mechanical structure, wherein the locking member (24) is attached to a second longitudinal end (305b) of the inner housing (303). 31. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 10-30, wherein the switch (306b) is arranged in the actuator (306a). 32. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 10-31, further comprising an electronic authentication circuit (360). 33. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 10-32, further comprising a power supplying unit (370) for providing a current to the electromagnet (308) in the activated state of the electromagnet (308). 34. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 10-33, wherein the longitudinal locking element (310) is supported by a support structure (325) in the longitudinal direction and in a second direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the radial direction, wherein the support structure (325) is of an isolating material and is concentrically arranged around the core (309). 35. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 29-34, further comprising a turning knob for turning the inner housing (303) with respect to the outer housing (301), wherein the turning knob is rigidly fastened to the inner housing (303). 36. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 29-35, wherein a portion of the inner housing (303) is formed as a turning knob for turning the inner housing (303) with respect to the outer housing (301).

[0069] In the following, possible features and feature combinations of the fourth aspect are presented as a list of items and form part of the present disclosure: 1. A method for controlling a locking mechanism of an electromechanical lock (20) comprising a cavity (302) adapted to accommodate a reciprocally moveable longitudinal locking arrangement (307) of the electromechanical lock (20). The locking arrangement (307) is moveable in a longitudinal direction of the cavity (302) between at least a first position and a second position. The first position defines an unlocked state of the electromechanical lock (20) and the second position defines a locked state of the electromechanical lock (20). The method comprises controlling (601) movement of the locking arrangement (307) from the second position to the first position by controlling an electromagnetic energy state of the electromechanical lock (20). 2. The method for controlling the locking mechanism of the electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 1, further comprising: locking (602) rotation of the inner housing (303) by moving the locking arrangement (307) from the first position to the second position without the electromechanical lock (20) being electrically energized.

[0070] In the following, possible features and feature combinations of the fifth aspect are presented as a list of items and form part of the present disclosure: 1. A method for controlling a locking mechanism of an electromechanical lock (300) comprising a cavity (302) adapted to accommodate a reciprocally moveable locking arrangement (307) of the electromechanical lock (20), the locking arrangement (307) being moveable in a longitudinal direction (A) of the cavity (302) between at least a first position and a second position, the first position defining an unlocked state of the electromechanical lock (20) and the second position defining a locked state of the electromechanical lock (20), the method comprising: controlling (601) a state of a rotational lock (330) of the electromechanical lock (20) between a locked state and an unlocked state by controlling movement of the locking arrangement (307) between the first position and the second position. 2. The method for controlling the locking mechanism of the electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 1, wherein an electromagnetic energy state of the electromechanical lock (20) controls whether movement of the locking arrangement (307) from the second position to the first position is possible.

[0071] In the following, possible features and feature combinations of the sixth aspect are presented as a list of items and form part of the present disclosure: 1. A method for controlling a locking mechanism of an electromechanical lock (20) comprising a cavity (302) adapted to accommodate a reciprocally moveable locking arrangement (307) of the electromechanical lock (20), the locking arrangement (307) being moveable in a longitudinal direction (A) of the cavity (302) between at least a first position and a second position, the first position defining an unlocked state of the electromechanical lock (20) and the second position defining a locked state of the electromechanical lock (20), the electromechanical lock (20) further comprising an electromagnet (308), the method comprising: providing (501) a temporary current to the electromagnet (308); and controlling (502) the locking arrangement (307) with a magnetic field produced by the electromagnet (308) when provided with the temporary current. The method for controlling the locking mechanism of the electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 1, the method further comprising: obtaining (500) an amount of electromagnetic energy such that the electromechanical lock (20) is energized from a first electromagnetic energy state to a second electromagnetic energy state; and wherein providing (501) the temporary current to the electromagnet is based on the obtained amount of electromagnetic energy. 2. The method for controlling the locking mechanism of the electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 1, the electromechanical lock (20) further comprising an electronic authentication circuit (360), the method further comprising: receiving () an electronic authentication request from a wireless device (); and allowing () control of the locking arrangement (307) with the magnetic field based on the received electronic authentication request. 3. The method for controlling the locking mechanism of the electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 1-2, wherein the cavity (302) is formed at least partly by a magnetizable inner housing (303), the cavity (302) extending in the longitudinal direction (A) which is perpendicular to a radial direction (R), the cavity (302) being defined by an inner wall (303), a first longitudinal end (304) and a second longitudinal end (305) opposing each other, the electromechanical lock 20 further comprising an actuator (306a), a switch (306b) and a longitudinal locking arrangement (307) biased by a longitudinal force along the longitudinal direction towards the first longitudinal end, wherein the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is adapted to hinder movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) from a longitudinal locking position to a first longitudinal end position when the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is in a locked state, the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) comprising: an electromagnet (308) comprising a core (309) extending along the longitudinal direction; a magnetizable longitudinal locking element (310) movable in the radial direction between a first radial position for which the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is in the locked state and a second radial position for which the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is in an unlocked state in which it does not hinder longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) from the locking position to the first end position, wherein in the first radial position the longitudinal locking element (310) extends further in the radial direction than in the second radial position; wherein controlling (601) the locking arrangement (307) with the magnetic field comprises: controlling (), by the locking actuator (306a) and with the magnetic field, a state of the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) from the locked state to the unlocked state by controlling radial movement of the longitudinal locking element (310) from the first radial position to the second radial position, and controlling (), by the switch (306b), a state of the electromagnet 308 between a deactivated state and an activated state, in which activated state the electromagnet 308 is adapted to keep the longitudinal locking element (310) in the second radial position with the magnetic field during longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) towards the first longitudinal end position. 4. The method for controlling the locking mechanism of the electromechanical lock (20) according to clause 3, the method further comprising: controlling () a transition of state of the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) from the locked state to the unlocked state by controlling radial movement of the longitudinal locking element (310) from the first radial position to the second radial position. 5. The method for controlling the locking mechanism of the electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 3-4, wherein controlling radial movement of the longitudinal locking element (310) from the first radial position to the second radial position is performed by moving the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) along the longitudinal direction from the locking position to the second longitudinal end position. 6. The method for controlling the locking mechanism of the electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the clauses 1-5, further comprising: locking () rotation of the inner house by moving the locking arrangement (307) from the first position to the second position without the electromechanical lock being electrically energized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0072] With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure cited as examples.In the drawings:

[0073] Fig. 1a shows a perspective view of a mechanical lock in a panel according to prior art; Figs. 1b shows a top view of a mechanical lock in a panel according to prior art; Fig. 2a shows a perspective view of an electromechanical lock in a panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 2b shows a top view of an electromechanical lock in a panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figs. 2c shows a device comprising an assembly of mechanical structures according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figs. 3a-c show some example embodiments of the present disclosure from a side view, in cross-sectional view along section H-H of the side view and a detail M of the cross-sectional view; Fig. 3d shows some example embodiments of the present disclosure in a further cross-sectional view; Figs. 3e-f show some example embodiments of the interior of the electromechanical lock of the present disclosure; Figs. 3g-h' show some example embodiments of the present disclosure from a further side view, in cross-sectional view along section I-I of the further side view and an enlarged view of the cross-sectional view along section I-I; Figs. 3i-j show some example embodiments of the present disclosure from a further side view, in cross-sectional view along section D-D of the further side view; Fig. 4a shows an example embodiment, in perspective views, of elements of the electromechanical lock that are arranged within the outer or inner housing or both; Fig. 4b shows a scenario in which embodiments herein may be implemented; Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of a method according to some embodiments disclosed herein; Fig. 6 shows another flowchart of another method according to some further embodiments disclosed herein;

[0074] The drawings are schematic and not necessarily drawn to scale. It shall be understood that the embodiments shown and described are exemplifying and that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. It shall also be noted that some details in the drawings may be exaggerated in order to better describe and illustrate the disclosure. Like reference characters throughout the drawings refer to the same, or similar, type of element unless expressed otherwise.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] Fig. 2a depicts a perspective view of an electromechanical lock 20 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The electromechanical lock 20 may be arranged in a first mechanical structure 22, such as a panel of a product. Thus, the electromechanical lock 20 is adapted to be arranged in the first mechanical structure 22. The electromechanical lock 20 and the first mechanical structure 22 may have respective mating mechanical structures such that the electromechanical lock 20 may be fastened to the first mechanical structure 22. For example, the first mechanical structure 22 may be a part of a roof rack system for a car. In Fig. 2a the electromechanical lock 20 is in a locked state. Fig. 2b provides a view from above of the electromechanical lock 20 in the first mechanical structure 22. At a rear side of the first mechanical structure 22 the electromechanical lock 20 may comprise a locking member 24 for rotational locking of the electromechanical lock 20 and also of the first mechanical structure 22 in another mechanical structure (not shown), such as another part of the product or another product. In other words, the locking member 24 is for rotatably locking the first mechanical structure 22 to the second mechanical structure 25.

[0076] Fig. 2c depicts a device 200 comprising a first mechanical structure 22 and a second mechanical structure 25. The device 200 also comprises the electromechanical lock 20 which may be arranged in the first mechanical structure 22 and is adapted to control mechanical locking of the first mechanical structure 22 to the second mechanical structure 25. However, Fig. 2c illustrates the device 200 without the electromechanical lock 20. Instead, a space 26 in the first mechanical structure 22 for receiving the electromechanical lock 20 is illustrated.

[0077] As mentioned above, the electromechanical lock 20 may be arranged in the first mechanical structure 22 and is adapted to control mechanical locking of the first mechanical structure 22 to the second mechanical structure 25.

[0078] When the electromechanical lock 20 is in a locked state the locking member 24 is in a locked position. In the locked position the locking member 24 may be mechanically engaged with the other mechanical structure such that the other mechanical structure is fixed to the first mechanical structure 22 by means of the electromechanical lock 20. When the locking member 24 is in an unlocked position the other mechanical structure may be free to move with respect to the first mechanical structure 22. Thus, the electromechanical lock 20 is adapted to be arranged in the first mechanical structure 20 and the electromechanical lock 20 is further adapted to control mechanical locking of the first mechanical structure 22 to a second mechanical structure. Optionally, the electromechanical lock 20 further comprises the locking member 24 for rotatably locking the first mechanical structure 22 to the second mechanical structure.

[0079] Fig. 3a depicts a side view of an exterior of the electromechanical lock 20 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The electromechanical lock 20 may comprise an outer housing 301 shown in Fig. 3a. The outer housing 301 may be adapted to be arranged in the first mechanical structure 22. For example, the outer housing 301 may comprise a first attachment member 301a, such as a flange on an outer wall of the outer housing 301, for securing the outer housing 301 in the first mechanical structure 22. The first mechanical structure 22 may be adapted to receive the first attachment member 301a by having a corresponding or mating shape. Furthermore, the outer housing 301 may be of a metallic material. In some other embodiments the outer housing 301 is made of a plastic material. The outer housing 301 may be advantageous as it protects the inner parts of the electromechanical lock 20, e.g., from particles and humidity.

[0080] Fig. 3b shows a cross-section of the electromechanical lock 20 through section H-H. Fig. 3c shows a zoom-in of a detail in Fig. 3b.

[0081] The electromechanical lock 20 comprises a cavity 302 shown e.g., in Fig. 3c and in Fig. 3d. Fig. 3d shows a further cross-sectional view of the electromechanical lock 20. The cavity 302 is formed at least partly by an inner housing 303. The inner housing 303 is magnetizable, e.g. the inner housing 303 is of a ferromagnetic material or any other material that is a good conductor of magnetic current, i.e. has a high electromagnetic permeability. The inner housing 303 may be adapted to be arranged in the outer housing 301. In some other embodiments the inner housing 303 may be adapted to be arranged directly in the first mechanical structure 22. However, it has been found that it is especially suitable to arrange the disclosed inner housing 303 in the outer housing 301 due to required tolerances of arranging the inner housing 303 in a mechanical structure.

[0082] Optionally, the inner housing 303 comprises a first part 303a and a second part 303b. The first part 303a of the inner housing 303 may be arranged at the first longitudinal end 391 of the inner housing 303. The second part 303b of the inner housing 303 may abut the first part 303a towards the second longitudinal end 303c of the inner housing 303. Optionally, a first outer width in the radial direction of the first part 303a of the inner housing 303 is greater than a second outer width in the radial direction of the second part 303b of the inner housing 303. The larger width of the first part 303a of the inner housing 303 serves to screen out external magnetic fields which otherwise may disturb the operation of the electromechanical lock 20 as will be understood from the following disclosure. Optionally, the first part 303a of the inner housing 303 may be formed as a collar. The first part 303a of the inner housing 303 may comprise a first portion 303a' and a second portion 303a" illustrated in Fig. 3c. A first cavity formed by a first inner wall of the first portion 303a' of the first part 303a of the inner housing 303 may have a larger width in the radial direction than a second cavity formed by a second inner wall of the second portion 303a" of the first part 303a of the inner housing 303. For example, a first inner radius of the first portion 303a' of the first part 303a of the inner housing 303 may be larger than a second inner radius of the second portion 303a" of the first part 303a of the inner housing 303

[0083] The outer housing 301 may be concentric with the inner housing 303 and arranged radially outside of the inner housing 303.

[0084] Optionally, the locking member 24 is attached to a second longitudinal end 303c of the inner housing 303.

[0085] Figs. 3a-3b shows a turning knob 301'. Optionally, the further electromechanical lock 20 comprises the turning knob 301' for turning the inner housing 303 with respect to the outer housing 301. Thus, the turning knob may be rigidly fastened to the inner housing 303.

[0086] Optionally, a portion of the inner housing 303 is formed as the turning knob for turning the inner housing 303 with respect to the outer housing 301.

[0087] The cavity 302 extends in a longitudinal direction A perpendicular to a radial direction R. The cavity 302 may be a cylindrical cavity having an axis in the longitudinal direction A. In some embodiments the cavity 302 comprises multiple cavity portions, such as a first cavity portion 302a, a second cavity portion 302b and a third cavity portion 302c shown in Fig. 3b. Some of the cavity portions may be cylindrical, such as the first cavity portion 302a and the third cavity portion 302c. The second cavity portion 302b may have a truncated cone shape as shown in Figs. 3b-c.

[0088] The cavity 302 has an inner wall 304 which may comprise multiple inner wall portions, such as a first inner wall portion 304a, a second inner wall portion 304b and a third inner wall portion 304c. The cavity 302 further has a first longitudinal end 305a and a second longitudinal end 305b opposing each other. Besides being formed by the inner housing 303 the cavity 302 may be further formed by a second cavity forming member 303' arranged at the first longitudinal end 305a of the cavity 302. For example, the first cavity portion 302a may be formed by the second cavity forming member 303'. The second cavity portion 302b and the third cavity portion 302c may both be formed by the inner housing 303. The cavity 302 may be connected to a second cavity 302' which connects to the first cavity portion 302a as shown in Figs. 3b-3d. The second cavity 302' may be formed by a second outer housing 301'. The second outer housing 301' may be arranged on the inner housing 303. More specifically, the second outer housing 301' may be arranged on a first part 303a of the inner housing 303. Furthermore, the second outer housing 301' may also act as the turning knob.

[0089] The second cavity forming member 303' may be of a non-magnetic material such as an insulating material. The insulating material may be plastic. The second cavity forming member 303' may be cylindrical. The width of the cavity 302 defined by the second cavity forming member 303' may be a same width as defined by the inner housing 303. For example, a radius of the cavity defined by the second cavity forming member 303' may be a same width as defined by the inner housing 303.

[0090] The electromechanical lock 20 further comprises a longitudinal locking arrangement 307 shown in Fig. 3d with a hatched thick line. The longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is biased by a longitudinal force along the longitudinal direction towards the first longitudinal end 305a. A spring 340 may provide for the longitudinal force. The spring may be arranged between the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 and the second longitudinal end 305b of the cavity 303. The longitudinal locking arrangement 307 may be in a form of a plunger or a piston. The longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is longitudinally movable along the longitudinal direction of the cavity. For example, the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 may be longitudinally movable along the longitudinal direction between a first longitudinal end position and a second longitudinal end position. However, the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is adapted to hinder movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 from a longitudinal locking position to the first longitudinal end position when the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is in a locked state. The first longitudinal end position may be towards the first longitudinal end 305a of the cavity 302. The locking position is between the first longitudinal end 305a and the second longitudinal end 305b. Parts of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 may extend beyond the first longitudinal end of the cavity 302. first radial position.

[0091] Optionally, the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 may be arranged concentrically with the axis of the cavity 302.

[0092] Fig. 3e-3f show some interior parts of the electromechanical lock 20 as well as the locking member 24. For example, Fig. 3e-f show the longitudinal locking arrangement 307. The longitudinal locking arrangement 307 comprises an electromagnet 308 shown in Fig. 3f. The electromagnet 308 comprises a core 309 shown in Fig. 3e. The core is preferably of a material with a high electromagnetic permeability, such as a ferromagnetic material. The core 309 of the electromagnet 308 may be hollow. The core 309 may be in the shape of a plunger. The core 309 may comprise multiple portions, like a cylindrical first portion 309a and a disc-shaped second portion 309b shown in Figs. 3e-f. These are also shown in Fig. 3d. The second portion 309b may have substantially the same width as the cavity 302. For example, a radius of the second portion 309b may have substantially the same radius as the cavity 302. By minimizing a gap between the second portion 309b and the cavity 302 an increased magnetic flux between the second portion 309b and the inner housing 303 is possible which will be beneficial. The core 309 of the electromagnet 308 may have a cylinder shape with an axis along the longitudinal direction. The axis of the core 309 may be arranged concentrically with an axis of the cavity 302. Thus, the core 309 may extend along the axis A of the cavity 302 in the longitudinal direction and may be arranged concentrically with the axis.

[0093] The longitudinal locking arrangement 307 further comprises a longitudinal locking element 310 shown in Figs. 3d-f. The longitudinal locking element 310 is movable in the radial direction between a first radial position for which the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is in the locked state and a second radial position for which the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is in an unlocked state in which it does not hinder longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 from the locking position to the first end position.

[0094] The longitudinal locking element 310 is preferably of a material with a high electromagnetic permeability, such as a ferromagnetic material.

[0095] Optionally, the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 comprises multiple longitudinal locking elements 310. The multiple locking elements 310 may be arranged symmetrically in the cavity 302, e.g., symmetrically around the axis A. In one example there are two locking elements 310. An advantage of arranging fewer locking elements 310, such as one locking element 310, in the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is that it requires less electrical current to keep the fewer locking elements 310 in the second radial position. Also, for a fixed magnetic field of the electromagnet 308, a magnetic force produced by the magnetic field of the electromagnet 308 that acts on the locking elements 310 will be greater per locking element 310 for fewer locking elements 310.

[0096] Optionally, the locking element 310 is arranged between the core 309 of the electromagnet 308 and the inner wall 304 of the cavity 302. Preferably, surfaces of the locking element 310 that are to contact the core 309 of the electromagnet 308 are formed with a mating shape. For example, if the core 309 of the electromagnet 308 is formed as a cylinder then the surfaces of the locking element 310 that are to contact the core 309 may have a cylindrical shape as well.

[0097] Fig. 3e further depicts how the longitudinal locking element 310 may be supported by a support structure 325 in the longitudinal direction and in a second direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the radial direction. Optionally, the support structure 325 is of an isolating material and is concentrically arranged around the core 309. When the support structure 325 is of an isolating material it is not affected by the magnetic fields produced and electrical wires may be arranged directly in the support structure. Another advantage is a low weight.

[0098] Further, the locking element 310 may be formed to fit in the support structure 325. In some embodiments the locking element 310 is formed as an L with 8 surfaces. Sides of the locking element 310 that faces the support structure 325 may be divided into two or more surfaces such that there is some space between the surfaces of the locking element 310 and the surfaces of the support structure 325. In that way the locking element 310 moves more freely with respect to the support structure 325.

[0099] In the first radial position the longitudinal locking element 310 extends further in the radial direction than in the second radial position. The longitudinal locking element 310 may for example be a pivotable latch. Optionally, as shown in Fig. 3c, the locking element 310 is pivotable around an edge 318 of the locking element 310 formed by two meeting surfaces 319, 320 of the locking element 310. An angle of the edge 318 may be between 140 and 175 degrees, such as between 150 and 170 degrees.

[0100] When the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is in the locking position and the electromagnet isn't activated the locking element may contact the inclined first surface of the wedge-shaped recess 311.

[0101] In some embodiments disclosed herein a length of the second part 303b of the inner housing 303 in the longitudinal direction is at least twice as long as a longitudinal length of the locking element 310 when in the second radial position.

[0102] Optionally, the electromechanical lock 20 further comprises a locking actuator 306a shown in Fig. 3a-3b and Fig. 3d. The locking actuator 306a is adapted to control a state of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 from the locked state to the unlocked state by being adapted to control radial movement of the longitudinal locking element 310 from the first radial position to the second radial position. The locking actuator 306a may be formed as or comprise a push button'. The push button may be connected to the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 and may be adapted to push the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 from the locking position to the second end position. In Figs. 3a-3d the actuator is not activated and the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is in the locking position, i.e., in the locked state. In Figs. 3a-3d the push button is in a first position of the push button.

[0103] The push button may be arranged in the second cavity 302'. The second cavity 302' may have a complementary form of the push button. The push button may have a substantially cylindrical shape, or a piece-wise cylindrical shape. Correspondingly, the second cavity 302' may have a substantially cylindrical shape, or a piece-wise cylindrical shape.

[0104] In Fig. 3b-3d the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is in the locked state. That is, the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is in the locking position and the longitudinal locking element 310 is in the first radial position.

[0105] The electromechanical lock 20 further comprises a switch 306b. The switch 306b may be arranged in the locking actuator 306a. The switch 306b is adapted to control a state of the electromagnet 308 between a deactivated state and an activated state. In the activated state the electromagnet 308 is adapted to keep the longitudinal locking element 310 in the second radial position during longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 towards the first longitudinal end position. Optionally, the switch 306b may be arranged in the locking actuator 306a. The switch 306b may be an electromechanical switch. In some embodiments the switch 306b is activated by mechanical interaction with another part of the electromechanical lock 20, such as the second cavity forming member 303' or another part of the electromechanical lock 20 which is arranged in the second cavity forming member 303'. The switch 306b may be adapted to temporarily activate the electromagnet 308. In some embodiments the switch 306b may also be used to control the locking actuator 306a.

[0106] When the electromagnet 308 is in the deactivated state the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 may be longitudinally movable by the locking actuator 306a along the longitudinal direction from the locking position to the second longitudinal end position. In the deactivated state the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 may be further longitudinally movable by the longitudinal force along the longitudinal direction from the second longitudinal end position to the locking position.

[0107] As shown in Figs. 3b-3d, in the locking position of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 and when the electromagnet 308 is in the deactivated state the longitudinal locking element 310 may be influenced by a first radial force in a radially outward direction acting on the longitudinal locking element 310 such that at least a part of the longitudinal locking element 310 protrudes radially beyond a first radius of the inner wall 304 defining the cavity 302 into a recess 311 of the cavity 302 and prevents longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 from the locking position to the first end position by mechanical engagement with the recess 311. The recess 311 may be a wedge-shaped recess.

[0108] Fig. 3f further depicts a locking plate 350. The locking plate 350 may be slidable in the radial direction R. The locking plate 350 may be adapted to lock the electromechanical lock 20 to the first mechanical structure 22 when it is in a locked position such that the electromechanical lock 20 is not detachable from the first mechanical structure 22. Optionally, the locking plate 350 is movable in the radial direction when the inner housing 303 rotates between two rotational positions. For example, once the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is in its unlocked position, i.e., in the first end position the rotational lock 330 does not hinder rotation of the inner housing 303. Rotation of the electromechanical lock 20 by a certain amount, such as 90 degrees, may result in an unlocking of the electromechanical lock 20, and by that preferably also of the first mechanical structure 22, from the second mechanical structure 25 due to unfastening of the locking member 24. Further rotation of the electromechanical lock 20 by a certain amount, such as 90 further degrees, may result in unlocking of the electromechanical lock 20 from the first mechanical structure 22 by a sliding of the locking plate 350 in a radial plane such that a radially extending end of the locking plate 350 slides from a first radial position to a second radial position which is radially less extended than the first radial position.

[0109] Fig. 3g depicts another side view of the exterior of the electromechanical lock 20. In Fig. 3g the electromechanical lock 20 has been turned 90 degrees with respect to Fig. 3a.

[0110] Fig. 3h shows another cross-section of the electromechanical lock 20 through section I-I depicted in Fig. 3g. Fig. 3h shows the recess 311 without the longitudinal locking element 310 engaging with it. Fig. 3h further shows the push button in a second position when it has been pushed further into the electromechanical lock 20 in the longitudinal direction. Correspondingly, the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is in the second end position in Fig. 3h.

[0111] The locking element 310 may be adapted to pivot around the edge 318 of the locking element 310 from the first radial position to the second radial position due to a radially inward mechanical force from the inner wall 304 of the cavity 302 when the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is moved from the locking position to the second longitudinal end position. Thus, the pivotable locking element 310 may be pushed by axial movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 into the unlocked second radial position.

[0112] As shown in Fig. 3h, in the second longitudinal end position the longitudinal locking element 310 may be arranged to be in contact with the core of the electromagnet 308 and the inner wall of the inner housing 303 creating a magnetic circuit through the longitudinal locking element 310, the core of the electromagnet 308 and the inner wall of the inner housing 303.

[0113] Optionally, at least a portion of the inner wall 304 of the cavity 302 below the first end of the inclined first surface of the inner housing 303 is formed by the inner wall of the inner housing 303, wherein a length of the portion of the inner wall 304 of the cavity 302 exceeds a longitudinal length of the locking element 310. The length of the portion of the inner wall 304 of the cavity 302 may further exceed a length of a coil 308a of the electromagnet 308.

[0114] Fig. 3h'shows an enlarged view of the cross-section of the electromechanical lock 20 through section I-I. Optionally, the wedge-shaped recess 311 is formed by an inclined first surface 313 formed by an inner wall of the inner housing 303 and a second surface 314 being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and facing the second longitudinal end defining the cavity 302. The inclined first surface 313 has a first end 315 and a second end 316. The first end of the inclined first surface 313 is arranged closer to the second longitudinal end defining the cavity 302 than the second end of the inclined first surface 313. The inclined first surface 313 is inclined away from the longitudinal direction from the first end of the inclined first surface 313 to the second end of the inclined first surface 313. When the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is in the locking position the longitudinal movement between the locking position and the first longitudinal end position is mechanically prevented by the second surface 314 when the electromagnet isn't activated. The second surface 314 exercises a second axial force on the locking element 310 which balances the first longitudinal force. The longitudinal locking position may be defined as when the longitudinal locking element 310 contacts the upper surface 314 of the recess 311.

[0115] When the electromagnet 308 is in the activated state the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 may be movable by the longitudinal force along the longitudinal direction from the second longitudinal end position to the locking position and further to the first longitudinal end position. For example, the switch 306b may be adapted to temporarily control the state of the electromagnet 308 to the activated state, i.e., to temporarily activate the electromagnet 308, when the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 leaves the second longitudinal end position. Thereby, the longitudinal movement between the locking position and the first longitudinal end position may be unlocked by a temporary radially inward magnetic force of the activated electromagnet 308 acting on the longitudinal locking element 310. The temporary radially inward magnetic force keeps the longitudinal locking element 310 in the second radial position when the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 passes the locking position on its way from the second longitudinal end position to the first longitudinal end position. In some embodiments herein the temporary radially inward magnetic force keeps the longitudinal locking element 310 in contact with the core of the electromagnet when the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 passes the locking position on its way from the second longitudinal end position to the first longitudinal end position. Optionally, the temporary radially inward magnetic force keeps the longitudinal locking element 310 in contact with the inner wall of the inner housing 303 for at least a part of the distance travelled by the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 from the second end position such that the magnetic circuit isn't broken during that distance. In this way the longitudinal locking element 310 doesn't engage with the cavity 302 when the push button has been released and the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is pushed by the longitudinal force such that it leaves the second longitudinal end position. Instead, the longitudinal locking element 310 passes the recess and continues to be pushed towards the first longitudinal end 305a of the cavity 302.

[0116] Fig. 3i depicts the same side view of the exterior of the electromechanical lock 20 as depicted in Fig. 3g but the push button is now in a third position further from the cavity 302 in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal force, such as from the spring 340, has pushed the push button into the third position. The third position of the push button may be defined by the second cavity forming member 303'. For example, the second cavity forming member 303' may comprise two portions with two different inner widths, such as two inner radiuses. A first portion 303'a of the second cavity forming member 303' may define the first portion 302a of the cavity 302 while a second portion 303'b of the second cavity forming member 303' has a smaller inner width than the first portion 303'b of the second cavity forming member 303'. Instead, the inner width of the second portion 303'b of the second cavity forming member 303' matches a width of a first part 307a of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307. The first part 307a of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 may protrude through the second cavity forming member 303' into the second cavity 302'.

[0117] Fig. 3j shows a cross-section of the electromechanical lock 20 through section D-D depicted in Fig. 3i. Fig. 3j further shows the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 in the first end position. The first end position may be defined by the second cavity forming member 302' as it engages mechanically with a second part of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 which has a greater width than the opening in the first portion 303'a of the second cavity forming member 303'.

[0118] Optionally, the first radial force is a magnetic force produced by a permanent magnet 312 arranged in the longitudinal locking element 310. The permanent magnet 312 pulls the longitudinal locking element 310 towards the inner housing 303. Thus in the locking position the longitudinal locking element 310 engages with the recess 311 due to the magnetic force.

[0119] Optionally, the electromechanical lock further comprises a rotational lock 330, such as a ball lock, for locking rotation of the inner housing 303. By locking rotation of the inner housing 303 it is also possible to lock rotation of the locking member 24 which controls locking of the electromechanical lock 20 and also of the first mechanical structure 22 to another mechanical structure.

[0120] The rotational lock 330 may be controlled by the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 by mechanical engagement of the rotational lock 330 with the longitudinal locking arrangement 307. For example, a portion of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 may engage with the rotational lock 330. In some embodiments the rotational lock 330 is locked when the portion of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is arranged within the rotational lock 330 and the rotational lock 330 is unlocked when the portion of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is arranged outside the rotational lock 330.

[0121] Optionally, the rotational lock 330 may be controlled by a second locking member 309-1 arranged within the hollow core 309 of the electromagnet 308 for controlling the rotational lock 330. The second locking member 309-1 may for example be a rod arranged within the hollow core 309 of the electromagnet 308 for controlling the rotational lock 330. Specifically, a head 309-11 of the rod may engage with the rotational lock 330. The rod may be arranged within a socket 335 which in turn is arranged within the hollow core 309. The socket 335 may have a closed end 335a and an open end 335b. A spring may be arranged within the socket 335 between the closed end 335a and the rod.

[0122] The rotational lock 330 is locked when the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is positioned between the locking position and the second end position. The rotational lock 330 is unlocked when the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is in the first end position. That is, when the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is in the first end position it is possible to rotate the inner housing 303.

[0123] For example, the ball lock may comprise one or more balls 331, such as three balls, which each may engage with a respective recess 332 of a wall of the rotational lock 330 when being pushed in the radial direction by the second locking member 309-1 as the second locking member 309-1 is pushed towards the second longitudinal end 305b of the cavity 302. For example, the head 332 of the rod may push the balls into the respective recess 332 of the wall of the rotational lock 330. When the one or more balls 331 engage with the respective recess 332 of the wall of the rotational lock 330 then the inner housing 303 will engage with the outer housing 301 such that it is not possible to rotate the inner housing 303 with respect to the outer housing 301. When the longitudinal locking arrangement is in the unlocked state, i.e., in the first end position then the one or more balls 331 will not engage with the respective recess 332 of the wall of the rotational lock 330.

[0124] The spring arranged within the socket 335 allows the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 to be moved also when the rotational lock 330 is in a state in which the one or more balls 331 cannot be pushed into the respective recess. This may for example happen if the inner housing 303, and thus the locking member 24, has been rotated halfway between the locked state and the unlocked state.

[0125] Optionally, the rotational lock 330 is arranged at or towards the second longitudinal end 305b of the cavity 302.

[0126] Optionally, the rotational lock 330 locks rotation of the inner housing 303 with respect to the outer housing 301.

[0127] Optionally, the second locking member 309-1, such as the rod, may be spring-loaded. For example, a spring may be arranged between a first end of the rod and a casing comprising the rod.

[0128] Fig. 3d shows some further optional elements of the electromechanical lock 20. For example, the electromechanical lock 20 may further comprise an electronic authentication circuit 360 shown in Fig. 3d. For example, the electronic authentication circuit 360 may be an Near Field Communication (NFC) circuit or a Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) circuit. The authentication circuit 360 may receive encrypted data in a pre-defined way, for example with a pre-defined encryption key native to the NFC-protocol. For example, if a smart phone with a correct key tries to unlock the electromechanical lock 20 the authentication circuits 360 checks if the smartphone is allowed to connect to the electromechanical lock 20 and sends an unlock command to a processing unit of the electromechanical lock 20.

[0129] Optionally, the first mechanical structure 22 or the second mechanical structure 25 comprises one or more electronic authentication circuits which may replace the electronic authentication circuit 360 of the electromechanical lock 20. For example, the first mechanical structure 22 may comprise multiple electronic authentication circuits with their respective antennas for receiving wireless signals. Multiple antennas create a larger area where it is possible to transfer the wireless energy and thus it will be easier to align the wireless device 40 with the area in which it is possible to transfer energy.

[0130] Optionally, the electromechanical lock 20 further comprises a power supplying unit 370 for providing a current to the electromagnet 308 in the activated state of the electromagnet 308. The power supplying unit 370 may for example be any one or more of: a battery, a BLE circuit and a capacitor 380, an NFC circuit and the capacitor 380 or the NFC circuit. When NFC or BLE technology is used for powering of the electromechanical lock 20 the electromechanical lock 20 does not need to be powered by other power sources. NFC may involve an initiator, such as a mobile phone, and a target such as the electromechanical lock 20. The initiator actively generates an RF field that may power the passive target.

[0131] Optionally, the electronic authentication circuit 360 is a BLE circuit and the power supplying unit 370 is an NFC circuit with or without a capacitor for storing harvested NFC energy from another wireless device such as a mobile phone.

[0132] Fig. 4a shows an example embodiment, in perspective views, of elements of the electromechanical lock, such as the rotational lock 330 and the locking plate 350, that are arranged within the outer or inner housing or both.

[0133] Fig. 4b depicts a scenario in which embodiments disclosed herein may be used. A wireless device 40 may be used to control authentication and authorization of a user of the device 200 comprising the electromechanical lock 20. The wireless device 40 may comprise specific applications running on it for this purpose. The applications may be stored in a memory of the wireless device 40 and may be executed by a processor of the wireless device 40.

[0134] Fig. 5 depicts a flow chart disclosing a method for controlling a locking mechanism of the electromechanical lock 20 comprising the cavity 302 adapted to accommodate the reciprocally moveable locking arrangement 307 of the electromechanical lock 20. The electromechanical lock 20 may perform the method. As mentioned above, the locking arrangement 307 is moveable in the longitudinal direction A of the cavity 302 between at least a first position and a second position. The first position defines an unlocked state of the electromechanical lock 20 and the second position defines a locked state of the electromechanical lock 20. Thus, the first position corresponds to the first longitudinal end position above and the second position corresponds to the locking position above. The electromechanical lock 20 further comprises the electromagnet 308.

[0135] The method actions below are not necessarily performed in the disclosed order but may be performed in any suitable order.Action 490

[0136] Optionally, the electromechanical lock 20 further comprises an electronic authentication circuit 360. Then the method may further comprise receiving an electronic authentication request from the wireless device 40.Action 491

[0137] The method may further comprise allowing control of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 with the magnetic field based on the received electronic authentication request. For example, if an electronic ID sent with the electronic authentication request matches IDs stored in the electromechanical lock 20 then the electromechanical lock 20 may allow control of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 with the magnetic field. There may be a time limit for controlling the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 with the magnetic field.Action 500

[0138] In some embodiments herein the electromechanical lock 20 obtains an amount of electromagnetic energy such that the electromechanical lock 20 is energized from a first electromagnetic energy state to a second electromagnetic energy state. The amount of electromagnetic energy may be obtained from the wireless device 40. For example, the electromagnetic energy may be obtained from the wireless device 40 during the authentication process. The electromagnetic energy may be obtained from the wireless device 40 by NFC or BLE or any other wireless technique capable of transferring wireless energy. The electromagnetic energy may be stored in a capacitor.Action 501

[0139] The method comprises providing a temporary current to the electromagnet 308. Optionally, the temporary current is provided to the electromagnet 308 based on the obtained amount of electromagnetic energy, e.g., based on a voltage difference created by the amount of electromagnetic energy.Action 502

[0140] The method further comprises controlling the locking arrangement 307 with a magnetic field produced by the electromagnet 308 when provided with the temporary current. The locking arrangement 307 may be controlled by changing an energy state of the electromechanical lock 20, more specifically by controlling an energy state of the electromagnet 308. In an energized state it is possible to unlock the electromechanical lock 20. In a non-energized state it is not possible to unlock the electromechanical lock 20.

[0141] As mentioned above, the cavity 302 may be formed at least partly by an inner housing 303. Further, the cavity 302 may extend in the longitudinal direction A which is perpendicular to a radial direction R. The cavity 302 may have an inner wall 303, a first longitudinal end 304 and a second longitudinal end 305 opposing each other. The electromechanical lock 20 may further comprise the locking actuator 306a, the switch 306b and the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 biased by the longitudinal force along the longitudinal direction towards the first longitudinal end. The longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is adapted to hinder movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 from the longitudinal locking position to the first longitudinal end position when the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 is in a locked state.

[0142] The longitudinal locking arrangement 307 may comprise the electromagnet 308 comprising the core 309 extending along the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal locking arrangement 307 may further comprise a longitudinal locking element 310 movable in the radial direction between a first radial position for which the longitudinal locking arrangement is in the locked state and a second radial position for which the longitudinal locking arrangement is in an unlocked state in which it does not hinder longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement from the locking position to the first end position. In the first radial position the longitudinal locking element 310 extends further in the radial direction than in the second radial position.

[0143] Optionally, controlling the locking arrangement 307 with the magnetic field comprises controlling, by the locking actuator 306a and with the magnetic field, a state of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 from the locked state to the unlocked state by controlling radial movement of the longitudinal locking element 310 from the first radial position to the second radial position, and controlling, by the switch 306b, a state of the electromagnet 308 between a deactivated state and an activated state. In the activated state the electromagnet 308 is adapted to keep the longitudinal locking element 310 in the second radial position with the magnetic field during longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement towards the first longitudinal end position. For example, the electromagnet 308 is adapted to keep the longitudinal locking element 310 in the second radial position with the magnetic field from the second axial end position until the axial locking arrangement has passed the locking position between the second axial end position and the first axial end position.

[0144] The method may further comprise controlling a transition of state of the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 from the locked state to the unlocked state by controlling radial movement of the longitudinal locking element 310 from the first radial position to the second radial position.

[0145] Optionally, controlling radial movement of the longitudinal locking element 310 from the first radial position to the second radial position may be performed by moving the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 along the longitudinal direction from the locking position to the second longitudinal end position.

[0146] Fig. 6 depicts a flow chart disclosing an alternative method for controlling the locking mechanism of the electromechanical lock 20 comprising the cavity 302 adapted to accommodate the reciprocally moveable locking arrangement 307 of the electromechanical lock 20. The electromechanical lock 20 may perform the method. The locking arrangement 307 is moveable in a longitudinal direction A of the cavity 302 between at least the first position and the second position. The first position defines an unlocked state of the electromechanical lock 20 and the second position defines a locked state of the electromechanical lock 20.

[0147] The method actions below are not necessarily performed in the disclosed order but may be performed in any suitable order.Action 601

[0148] The method comprises controlling a state of a rotational lock 330 of the electromechanical lock 20 between a locked state and an unlocked state by controlling movement of the locking arrangement 307 between the first position and the second position.Action 602

[0149] The method may further comprise locking rotation of the inner housing 303 by moving the longitudinal locking arrangement 307 from the first position to the second position without the electromechanical lock 20 being electrically energized.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0075]Fig. 2a depicts a perspective view of an electromechanical lock 20 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The electromechanical lock 20 may be arranged in a first mechanical structure 22, such as a panel of a product. Thus, the electromechanical lock 20 is adapted to be arranged in the first mechanical structure 22. The electromechanical lock 20 and the first mechanical structure 22 may have respective mating mechanical structures such that the electromechanical lock 20 may be fastened to the first mechanical structure 22. For example, the first mechanical structure 22 may be a part of a roof rack system for a car. In Fig. 2a the electromechanical lock 20 is in a locked state. Fig. 2b provides a view from above of the electromechanical lock 20 in the first mechanical structure 22. At a rear side of the first mechanical structure 22 the electromechanical lock 20 may comprise a locking member 24 for rotational locking of the electromechanical lock 20 and als...

Claims

1. An electromechanical lock (20) comprising a cavity (302) formed at least partly by a magnetizable inner housing (303), the cavity (302) extending in a longitudinal direction (A) perpendicular to a radial direction (R), the cavity (302) being defined by an inner wall (304), a first longitudinal end (305a) and a second longitudinal end (305b) opposing each other, the electromechanical lock further comprising a locking actuator (306a), a switch (306b) and a longitudinal locking arrangement (307) biased by a longitudinal force along the longitudinal direction towards the first longitudinal end, wherein the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is adapted to hinder movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) from a longitudinal locking position to a first longitudinal end position when the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is in a locked state, the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) comprising: - an electromagnet (308) comprising a core (309); - a magnetizable longitudinal locking element (310) movable in the radial direction between a first radial position for which the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is in the locked state and a second radial position for which the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is in an unlocked state in which it does not hinder longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) from the locking position to the first end position; wherein in the first radial position the longitudinal locking element (310) extends further in the radial direction than in the second radial position, wherein the locking actuator (306a) is adapted to control a state of the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) from the locked state to the unlocked state by being adapted to control radial movement of the longitudinal locking element (310) from the first radial position to the second radial position, and wherein the switch (306b) is adapted to control a state of the electromagnet (308) between a deactivated state and an activated state, in which activated state the electromagnet (308) is adapted to keep the longitudinal locking element (310) in the second radial position during longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) towards the first longitudinal end position.

2. The electromechanical lock (20) according to claim 1, wherein when the electromagnet (308) is in the deactivated state the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is longitudinally movable by the locking actuator (306a) along the longitudinal direction from the locking position to a second longitudinal end position and longitudinally movable by the longitudinal force along the longitudinal direction from the second longitudinal end position to the locking position, and wherein when the electromagnet (308) is in the activated state the electromagnet (308) is movable by the longitudinal force along the longitudinal direction from the second longitudinal end position to the locking position and further to the first longitudinal end position.

3. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the claims 1-2, wherein in the locking position of the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) and when the electromagnet (308) is in the deactivated state the longitudinal locking element (310) is influenced by a first radial force in a radially outward direction acting on the longitudinal locking element (310) such that at least a part of the longitudinal locking element (310) protrudes radially beyond a first radius of the inner wall defining the cavity (302) into a recess (311) of the cavity (302) and prevents longitudinal movement of the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) from the locking position to the first end position by mechanical engagement with the recess, wherein in the second longitudinal end position the longitudinal locking element (310) is arranged to be in contact with the core of the electromagnet (308) and the inner wall of the inner housing (303) creating a magnetic circuit through the longitudinal locking element (310), the core of the electromagnet (308) and the inner wall of the inner housing (303), and wherein the switch 306b is adapted to temporarily control the state of the electromagnet (308) to the activated state when the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) leaves the second longitudinal end position and wherein the longitudinal movement between the locking position and the first longitudinal end position is unlocked by a temporary radially inward magnetic force of the activated electromagnet (308) acting on the longitudinal locking element (310).

4. The electromechanical lock (20) according to claim 3, wherein the first radial force is a magnetic force produced by a permanent magnet (312) arranged in the longitudinal locking element (310).

5. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the claims 3-4, wherein the temporary radially inward magnetic force keeps the longitudinal locking element (310) in the second radial position when the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) passes the locking position on its way from the second longitudinal end position to the first longitudinal end position.

6. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the claims 3-5, wherein the temporary radially inward magnetic force keeps the longitudinal locking element (310) in contact with the core of the electromagnet (308) when the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) passes the locking position on its way from the second longitudinal end position to the first longitudinal end position.

7. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the claims 3-6, wherein the recess (311) is wedge-shaped.

8. The electromechanical lock (20) according to claim 7, wherein the wedge-shaped recess (311) is formed by an inclined first surface (313) formed by an inner wall () of the inner housing (303) and a second surface (314) being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and facing the second longitudinal end defining the cavity (302), the inclined first surface (313) having a first end (315) and a second end (316), the first end of the inclined first surface (313) is arranged closer to the second longitudinal end defining the cavity (302) than the second end of the inclined first surface (313), the inclined first surface (313) being inclined away from the longitudinal direction from the first end of the inclined first surface (313) to the second end of the inclined first surface (313), and wherein when the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is in the locking position the longitudinal movement between the locking position and the first longitudinal end position is mechanically prevented by the second surface (314) when the electromagnet (308) isn't activated.

9. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the claims 1-8, wherein the longitudinal locking element (310) is a pivotable latch.

10. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the claims 1-9, wherein the electromechanical lock further comprises a rotational lock (330) for locking rotation of the inner housing (303), wherein the rotational lock is controlled by the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) by mechanical engagement of the rotational lock with the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) and wherein the rotational lock is locked when the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is positioned between the locking position and the second end position and wherein the rotational lock is unlocked when the longitudinal locking arrangement (307) is in the first end position.

11. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the claims 1-10, wherein the electromechanical lock is adapted to be arranged in a first mechanical structure (22) and wherein the electromechanical lock is adapted to control mechanical locking of the first mechanical structure to a second mechanical structure (25).

12. The electromechanical lock (20) according to claim 11 when dependent on claim 10, further comprising an outer housing (301) concentric with the inner housing (303) and arranged radially outside of the inner housing (303), wherein the outer housing (301) is adapted to be arranged in the first mechanical structure and wherein the rotational lock locks rotation of the inner housing (303) with respect to the outer housing (301).

13. The electromechanical lock (20) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the electromechanical lock further comprises a locking member (24) for rotatably locking the first mechanical structure (22) to the second mechanical structure (25), wherein the locking member (24) is attached to a second longitudinal end (303c) of the inner housing (303).

14. The electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the claims 1-13, wherein the inner housing (303) comprises a first part (303a) and a second part (303b), the first part (303a) of the inner housing (303) being arranged at the first longitudinal end (391) of the inner housing (303) and wherein the second part (303b) of the inner housing (303) abuts the first part (303a) towards the second longitudinal end (303c) of the inner housing (303), wherein a first outer width in the radial direction of the first part (303a) of the inner housing (303) is greater than a second outer width in the radial direction of the second part (303b) of the inner housing (303).

15. The electromechanical lock (20) according to claim 14, wherein a length of the second part (303b) of the inner housing (303) in the longitudinal direction is at least twice as long as a longitudinal length of the locking element (310) when in the second radial position.

16. A device (200) comprising a first mechanical structure, a second mechanical structure and the electromechanical lock (20) according to any of the claims 1-15, wherein the electromechanical lock is arranged in the first mechanical structure and is adapted to control mechanical locking of the first mechanical structure to the second mechanical structure.

17. A method for controlling a locking mechanism of an electromechanical lock (20) comprising a cavity (302) adapted to accommodate a reciprocally moveable locking arrangement (307) of the electromechanical lock (20), the locking arrangement (307) being moveable in a longitudinal direction (A) of the cavity (302) between at least a first position and a second position, the first position defining an unlocked state of the electromechanical lock (20) and the second position defining a locked state of the electromechanical lock (20), the method comprising: controlling (601) a state of a rotational lock (330) of the electromechanical lock (20) between a locked state and an unlocked state by controlling movement of the locking arrangement (307) between the first position and the second position.

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