A locking mechanism for a lock and a lock comprising the locking mechanism

Abstract

A locking mechanism (1) for a lock (5). The locking mechanism (1) comprises a moveable obstruction receipt member (10) and an obstruction member (20) displaceable between an active position and a passive position on the obstruction 5 receipt member. The locking mechanism comprises a control mechanism (30) comprising a movable obstruction control member (40), a motor control wheel (42) and drive unit (44) configured to rotate the motor control wheel. The obstruction control member is configured to interact with the motor control wheel such that a space is formed in dependency of the orientation of the motor control wheel. The 0 space is configured to accommodate the obstruction member to be moved from the active position to the passive position.

Description

[0001] TITLE: A locking mechanism for a lock and a lock comprising the locking mechanism

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a locking mechanism for a lock that comprises a locked state and an unlocked state. The lock mechanism comprises a moveable obstruction receipt member and an obstruction member. The obstruction member is displaceable between an active position and a passive position. In the active position the obstruction member acts on the obstruction receipt member. Thereby, the movement of the obstruction receipt member is obstructed by the obstruction member. The active position of the obstruction receipt member relates to the locked state of the lock. In the passive position, the obstruction member is without or without significant interaction with the obstruction receipt member. Thereby, the obstruction receipt member is allowed to be moved. The free movement of the obstruction receipt member relates to the unlocked state of the lock.

[0004] The present invention further relates to a lock comprising such locking mechanism.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006] Smart locks for locking or unlocking doors, post boxes, cabinets, etc. when receiving signals / instructions from key tags, keypads, mobile phone, etc. for opening the locks exists. However, such locks require power connections in order to be able to operate the locks. Typically, the power is received from batteries, chargeable or replaceable, integrated in the locks, or directly connected to the power grid. There is a potential risk of failure in the power supply, where the batteries are empty and the power grid experience failure or is having planned downtime.

[0007] Near field communication (NFC) enables communication and / or energy supply to unpowered and passive electronic devices, for instance between a bank card and a bank terminal being a contactless-enabled card reader, where the bank card is tapped on the card reader. The bank card being a passive unit has no battery, but the reader being an active unit provides energy to the bank card via NFC. Mobile phones may comprise similar features. A problem with power supply from an NFC application is that only limited power can be harvest from the transmission. In the first generation of NFC it was possible to harvest 5-10 % of the field, in newer generations it is possible to harvest 20 % and possibly up to 30 % of the field. While the harvest power being improved, existing locks cannot be opened with today’s NFC technology alone as the locks requires more energy than NFC is able to provide. There are prior art locking systems utilizing NFC, so called smart locks. The main function of the NFC in such locks is to provide security to the lock, whereas power from a battery is used for operating the locking mechanism.

[0008] US20120108168A1 describes a system comprising a lock utilizing NFC communication with a portable telephone in order to unlock the lock. In view of information from the NFC communication, the system controls a motor powered by an integrated battery for unlocking the lock.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved locking mechanism that solves the problem of prior art locking mechanisms. In particular, an object of the invention is to provide a locking mechanism that, at least in part in its use, is operative with low energy usage compared to prior art locking mechanisms. A further object of the invention is to provide such a locking mechanism that at least partly is operative by means of energy sufficient to be harvested from a Near Field Communication (NFC) transmission.

[0011] These objects are achieved by means of a locking mechanism for a lock comprising a locked state and an unlocked state. The locking mechanism comprises

[0012] - a moveable obstruction receipt member, and

[0013] - an obstruction member displaceable between an active position and a passive position, wherein in the active position the obstruction member acts on the obstruction receipt member, thereby obstructing the movement of the obstruction receipt member corresponding to the locked state, and wherein in the passive position the obstruction member is without interaction or essentially without interaction with the obstruction receipt member, thereby allowing the obstruction receipt member to be moved corresponding to the unlocked state.

[0014] The locking mechanism further comprising: - a control mechanism comprising a movable obstruction control member, a motor control wheel and drive unit configured to rotate the motor control wheel between different orientations, wherein the obstruction control member is configured to interact with the motor control wheel such that a space is formed in dependency of the orientation of the motor control wheel, which space is configured to accommodate the obstruction member to be moved from the active position to the passive position.

[0015] The locking mechanism further comprising:

[0016] - a resetting mechanism comprising a pivotable resetting arm, wherein the resetting arm is configured to interact with the obstruction receipt member and the motor control wheel such that the motor control wheel is rotated from the second orientation to the first orientation in dependency of the movement of the obstruction receipt member, while the obstruction member is displaced from the passive position to the active position.

[0017] The control mechanism has the function of controllably enabling / disabling the obstruction member to be shifted between the active position and the passive position. This is achieved by means of the interaction between the movable obstruction control member, the motor control wheel and the drive unit.

[0018] The function of the movable obstruction control member is to control the obstruction member. The obstruction control member is configured to interact with the motor control wheel such that the obstruction control member is moved in dependency of the orientation of the motor control wheel.

[0019] In a first orientation of the motor control wheel, the obstruction control member is positioned such that it blocks the obstruction member to a position in which the obstruction member interacts with the obstruction receipt member such that the obstruction receipt member is prevented from being moved. Accordingly, the obstruction control member assures that the obstruction member is maintained in the active position. Thereby, assuring that the obstruction receipt member is maintained immobilized. The active position of the obstruction member corresponds to the locked state of the lock.

[0020] In a second orientation of the of the motor control wheel, the obstruction control member interacts with the motor control wheel such that the obstruction control member is moved from its position when the motor control wheel is in the first orientation. The movement of the obstruction control member when the motor control wheel is rotated from the first orientation to the second orientation is such that the space is formed.

[0021] The space has the function of allowing the obstruction member to be accommodated. The obstruction member is configured to be moved from interacting with the obstruction receipt member to the spacing, thereby shifting the obstruction member from the active position to the passive position. In the passive position of the obstruction member, the obstruction receipt member is enabled to be moved. The passive position of the obstruction member corresponds to the unlocked state of the lock.

[0022] The drive unit is configured to rotate the motor control wheel between different orientations, in particular the first and the second orientation. Thereby, the control mechanism is controllably forming the space that is configured to accommodate the obstruction member.

[0023] The control mechanism provides the low energy usage by enabling / disabling the obstruction member to be shifted between the active position and the passive position by means of merely a rotation of the motor control wheel. The energy usage of such rotation is small in that there is essentially no interaction between the obstruction control member and the motor control wheel during the rotation of the motor control wheel from the first orientation to the second orientation. Thereby, the necessary energy for powering the drive unit to rotate the motor control wheel from the first orientation to the second orientation is sufficient to be harvested from a Near Field Communication (NFC) transmission. Accordingly, the control mechanism is configured to enable / disable the obstruction member to be shifted between the active position and the passive position by means of for example a cell phone configured with the NFC feature.

[0024] By means of the resetting mechanism comprising the pivotable resetting arm, the locking mechanism is configured to be reset such that the motor control wheel is reinstated from the second orientation to the first orientation, and such that the obstruction member is displaced from the space to the acting with the obstruction receipt member. In the process of resetting the locking mechanism, the space formed by the obstruction control member is closed. Accordingly, the resetting arm is displacing the obstruction member from the passive position to the active position.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the invention, the motor control wheel comprises a protruding portion configured to interact with the resetting arm. The protruding portion enables interaction between resetting arm such that the motor control wheel is configured to be rotated from the second orientation to the first orientation. The protruding portion is for example a notch protruding from the motor control wheel such that interaction between the resetting arm and the motor control wheel is enabled.

[0026] It shall be understood that the act of moving the obstruction member from the active to the passive position may involve a manual action from a user or by other means. The act of moving the obstruction member from the active to the passive state will be discussed in connection to preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0027] It shall further be understood that the control mechanism is arranged such that possible interaction between the obstruction control member and the motor control wheel, such as friction during the rotation of the motor control wheel from the first orientation to the second orientation, is small. It shall further be understood that the obstruction control member and the motor control wheel are configured with interacting portions of materials that provide minimal friction during the rotation of the motor control wheel. It shall also be understood that a motor control wheel with small weight is to be used for the purpose of providing a low energy rotation between the first and the second orientation.

[0028] It shall further be understood that the control mechanism is characterized by a drive unit having high efficiency and small or negligible internal friction. Accordingly, the energy required relates to the energy involving rotating the weight of the motor control wheel between the first orientation and the second orientation and possible small friction between the obstruction control member and the motor control wheel.

[0029] According to a preferable embodiment of the invention, angular rotation of the motor control wheel between the first orientation and the second orientation is small in order to minimize the required energy usage. According to an embodiment of the invention, an end portion of the resetting arm is configured to act on the protruding portion such that the motor control wheel is rotated in dependency of the rotation of the obstruction receipt member from the second orientation to the first orientation of the motor control wheel.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the invention, in the act of rotating the motor control wheel from the second orientation to the first orientation by means of the resetting mechanism, the obstruction receipt member is configured to be set into movement by a user of the locking mechanism. By the movement of the obstruction receipt member induced by the user, the resetting arm is configured to act on the protruding portion such that the motor control wheel is rotated from the second orientation to the first orientation.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the invention, the motor control wheel comprises an indentation configured to receive a portion of the obstruction control member, thereby forming the space and defining the second orientation of the motor control wheel. By means of the formation of the space, the obstruction member is enabled to be accommodated in the space. Moreover, the indentation enables the second orientation to be defined by the interaction of between the indentation and the portion of the obstruction control member. Thereby, the design is simplified and there is not need for calibration, as would be the case in case of using a stepping motor for setting the motor control wheel to the second orientation.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the invention, the portion is configured as a first tooth shaped element having a form that corresponds to the form of the indentation. By means of the corresponding form of the indentation and the first tooth shaped element, the first tooth shaped element is configured to be received by indentation. Hence, when the motor control wheel is in the second orientation, the first tooth shaped element is configured to fall into the indentation, thereby forming the space that is configured to accommodate the obstruction member.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the invention, the obstruction control member is biased to an interaction with the motor control wheel relating to the formation of the space.

[0034] The obstruction control member is biased in the meaning that the obstruction control member has a tendency to interact with the motor control wheel in the second orientation such that the space is formed. This has the advantage of biasing the formation of the space by the rotation of the motor control wheel from the first orientation to the second orientation. Thereby, the formation of the space may be achieved with small energy, which thereafter enables the obstruction member to be moved from the active position to the passive position, and the lock may be opened.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the invention, the obstruction receipt member comprises a groove, wherein the obstruction member is configured to be located in the groove in the active position and outside the groove in the passive position.

[0036] The obstruction member is configured to act on the obstruction receipt member in the active position by means of that the obstruction member being located in the groove. Thereby, the obstruction member is in the active position and the obstruction receipt member is obstructed from being moved corresponding to the locked state of the lock. Similarly, the obstruction member is configured to be free from interaction or essentially free from interaction with the obstruction receipt member by means of the obstruction member being located outside the groove. Thereby, the obstruction member is in the passive position corresponding to the unlocked state of the lock.

[0037] The movement of the obstruction member from within the groove to outside the groove is enabled / disabled by the obstruction control member and its interaction with the motor control wheel. The displacement of the obstruction member from within the groove is enabled in dependency of the orientation of the motor control wheel, where in the second orientation of the motor control wheel, the spacing is formed that enables the obstruction member to be displaced in the formed space outside the groove.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the invention, the movement of the obstruction member from the formed space to the within the groove of the obstruction receipt member is controlled by the obstruction control member and its interaction with the motor control wheel. The displacement of the obstruction member from the space to within the groove is controlled in dependency of the orientation of the motor control wheel, where the spacing is closed such that the obstruction member is pushed into the groove by the obstruction control member. Alternatively, the obstruction member may be displaced from the space to the grooved in a first step followed by the closure of the space by means of the obstruction control member. According to an embodiment of the invention, the groove has a form that corresponds to an outer circumference of the obstruction member.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the invention, groove has a form that corresponds to the curvature of the cylinder such that a portion of cylinder can be received by the groove. According to an embodiment, less than half the of the cylinder and more than one third of the cylinder is configured to be received by the groove. Thereby, the cylinder is configured to be push out of the groove to the space by means of a movement of the obstruction receipt member. Preferably, the obstruction member is a cylinder with a cylindrical cross section.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the invention, the obstruction receipt member is comprised by a rotatable latch control wheel comprising the groove.

[0041] The function of the latch control wheel is by rotation to engage or disengage a latch of the lock, such as a cam member for a lock of a door or a box. The latch control wheel comprises a circular or wheel-shaped element comprising the groove. By rotating the latch control wheel, the user can engage or disengage the latch. Thereby the box or door can be opened or maintained closed. The latch control wheel may be connected to a knob or handle for enabling a user to rotate the wheel.

[0042] When the obstruction member is within the groove, the obstruction member is in the active state and the latch control wheel is prevented from being rotated. This corresponds to the locked state of the lock. Accordingly, the box or door cannot be opened. In contrast, when the obstruction member is outside the groove and in the space formed by the obstruction control member, the obstruction member is in the passive state. This corresponds to the unlocked state of the lock, and the latch control wheel can be rotated such that the box or door can be opened.

[0043] The function of the locking mechanism is to enable / disable the movement of the obstruction member from the groove to the space formed by the obstruction control member and its interaction with the motor control wheel. When the obstruction control member has formed the space, the obstruction member is configured to be displaced from within the groove to the space, and the latch control wheel can be rotated. However, when the obstruction control member has closed the space, the obstruction member is maintained with the groove and the obstruction member is preventing the latch control wheel from rotation. According to an embodiment of the invention, the groove is formed such that the obstruction member is configured to be moved from within the groove to outside the groove by means of the rotation of the latch control wheel.

[0044] The groove has preferably a form that is configured to push the obstruction member from the groove to the space when the latch control wheel is rotated. Accordingly, when the space has been formed, the rotation of the latch control wheel induces the displacement of the obstruction member from the groove to the space. As the obstruction member has been displaced to the space, the obstruction member is in the inactive state and the latch control wheel can be rotated further. The displacement of the obstruction member is for example performed by a user rotating the latch control wheel using a knob or a handle connected to the latch control wheel.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the invention, the obstruction receipt member is comprised by an axial displaceable shackle comprising the groove.

[0046] When the obstruction control member has formed the space, the obstruction member is configured to be displaced from within the groove to the space, and the shackle can be axially displaced. However, when the obstruction control member has closed the space, the obstruction member is maintained within the groove and the obstruction member is in the active position corresponding to the locked state of the lock. Thereby, the obstruction member is preventing the shackle from being axially displaced.

[0047] The function of the axial displaceable shackle is by axial displacement to engage or disengage a latch of the lock, such as an end portion of the shackle, with an opening in a housing of the lock, for example the housing of a pad lock type lock. The shackle comprises a base portion comprising the groove. By axial displacing the shackle, the user can engage or disengage the latch. Thereby, lock can be opened or maintained closed.

[0048] When the obstruction member is within the groove, the shackle is prevented from being axial displaced. Accordingly, the lock cannot be opened. Correspondingly, when the obstruction member is outside the groove and in the space formed by the obstruction control member, the obstruction member is in the inactive position corresponding to the unlocked state of the lock. Thereby, the shackle can be axial displaced such that the lock can be opened, and the end portion of the shackle can be removed from the opening in the housing.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the invention, the groove is formed such that the obstruction member is configured to be moved from within the groove to outside the groove by means of the axial displacement of the shackle.

[0050] When the space has been formed, the axial displacement of the shackle induces the displacement of the obstruction member from the groove to the space. As the obstruction member has been displaced to the space, the shackle can be displaced further. The displacement of the obstruction member is for example performed by a user axially displacing the shackle.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the invention, the motor control wheel comprises an indentation configured to receive a portion of the obstruction control member, thereby forming the space.

[0052] The indentation has a form that enables a portion of the obstruction control member to enter the indentation. The portion of the obstruction control member is configured to fall into the indentation when the motor control wheel is in the second orientation, thereby forming the space. Correspondingly, when the motor control wheel is in the first orientation, the portion of the obstruction control member cannot fall into the indentation and the space is maintained closed, thereby holding the obstruction member located within the groove. Accordingly, by means of the indentation, the obstruction control member is biased to an interaction with the motor control wheel relating to the formation of the space.

[0053] According to an embodiment of the invention, the obstruction control member is a pivotable control arm configured to interact with the motor control wheel, the obstruction member and the latch control wheel. By means of using an arm for controlling obstruction member, interaction by rotation of both the motor control wheel and the latch control wheel is facilitated.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the invention, the obstruction control member is a spring-mounted block configured to interact with the motor control wheel, the obstruction member and the displaceable shackle. By means of using a spring- mounted block for controlling the obstruction member, interaction with rotation of the motor control wheel and the axial displaceable shackle is facilitated.

[0055] According to an embodiment of the invention, the spring-mounted block comprises a further groove configured to hold a portion of the obstruction member when the obstruction member is in the groove of the shackle.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism further comprises:

[0057] - a resetting mechanism comprising the motor control wheel and a pivotable resetting arm, wherein the resetting arm is configured to interact with the obstruction receipt member and the motor control wheel such that the motor control wheel is rotated in dependency of the movement of the obstruction receipt member while the obstruction member is displaced from the passive position to the active position.

[0058] The above object of the invention is further achieved by means of a lock comprising the locking mechanism according to any of the above embodiments.

[0059] The lock comprises a engagement member connected to the obstruction receipt member, wherein the engagement member is configured to be displaced by a user between an engaged setting in which the engagement member is engaging with a stop, and a disengaged setting in which the engagement member is disengaged from the stop, wherein the lock comprises the locked state in which the engagement member is prevented from being displaced from the engaged setting, and the unlocked state in which the engagement member is permitted to be displaced between the engaged setting and the disengaged setting.

[0060] The function of the engagement member is to controllably interact with the stop such that the lock is shifted between an open state or closed state. The engagement member is connected to the obstruction receipt member that it is configured to control the engagement member when the obstruction member is in the passive position, that is when the obstruction member has been displaced to the space formed by the obstruction control member. On the other hand, when the obstruction member is in the active position, the obstruction receipt member is prevented from being moved and accordingly the engagement member is prevented from being shifted between the engaged and disengaged setting. According to an embodiment of the invention, the engagement member comprises a cam member and the obstruction receipt member comprises a rotatable latch control wheel, wherein the lock further comprises a control knob connected to the latch control wheel, wherein the cam member is configured to be rotated by the user by means of the control knob between the engaged setting in which the cam member is engaging with the stop, and the disengaged setting in which the cam member is disengaged from the stop, wherein in the locked state the cam member is prevented from rotation from the engaged setting, and wherein in the unlocked state the cam member is permitted to be rotate between the engaged setting and the disengaged setting.

[0061] The embodiment relates typically to a lock for door or a box with a door. The engagement member comprises the cam member that is controlled by the rotation of the latch control wheel. A knob is connected to the latch control wheel and a user is configured to control the rotation of the latch control wheel by means of the knob, thereby shifting the cam member between the engaged and disengaged setting.

[0062] The stop may be at the door frame or the door dependent on the location of the lock. The cam member is configured to engage with the door frame / door in the engaged setting, thereby, preventing the door from being opened. The cam member is configured to be disengaged from the door frame / door in the disengaged setting, thereby allowing the door to be opened. The stop may comprise a designated stop plate to assure the engagement between the cam member and the stop when the cam member is in the engaged setting.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the invention, the engagement member comprises an end portion of the shackle and the obstruction receipt member comprises a base portion of the shackle comprising the groove, wherein the lock comprises a housing holding the locking mechanism and wherein the housing comprises an opening configured to receive said end portion of the shackle, wherein the shackle is configured to be axially displaced by the user between the engaged setting in which the end portion of the shackle is coupled to the opening in the housing, and the disengaged setting in which the end portion of the shackle is decoupled from the opening in the housing, wherein in the locked state the shackle is prevented from being axially displaced from the engaged setting, and wherein in the unlocked state the shackle is permitted to be axially displaced between the engaged setting and the disengaged setting. The embodiment relates typically to a padlock type lock. The engagement member comprises the end portion of the shackle that is configured to engage with the opening in the housing. The obstruction receipt member is located on the base portion of the shackle that comprises the groove. Thus, the engagement member and the obstruction receipt member are located on different portions of the same shackle.

[0064] The obstruction control member is preferably a spring-mounted block that controllably forms the space in dependency of the orientation of the motor control wheel. The base portion of the shackle may be axially displaced by a user when the space has been formed by the obstruction control member. Alternatively, a spring may induce the axial displacement of the base portion of the shackle.

[0065] Description of the figures

[0066] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures, wherein:

[0067] Figure 1 discloses a lock with a locking mechanism according to a first embodiment of the invention,

[0068] Figure 2a, 2b are disclosing an enlargement of the locking mechanism in fig. 1 , where an obstruction member is in an active position,

[0069] Figure 2c, 2d are disclosing an enlargement of the locking mechanism in fig. 1, where the obstruction member is in a passive position,

[0070] Figure 3a-g disclosing operational stages relating to unlocking the lock comprising the locking mechanism in fig. 1 ,

[0071] Figure 4a-d disclosing operational stages relating to locking the lock comprising the locking mechanism in fig. 1 ,

[0072] Figure 5a, 5b discloses a lock with a locking mechanism according to a second embodiment of the invention,

[0073] Figure 6a discloses a detailed view of the locking mechanism in fig. 5a, where an obstruction member is in an active position,

[0074] Figure 6b discloses a detailed view of the locking mechanism in fig. 5b, where the obstruction member is in a passive position,

[0075] Figure 7a-d disclosing operational stages relating to unlocking the lock comprising the locking mechanism in fig. 5a, 5b, Figure 8a-d disclosing operational stages relating to locking the lock comprising the locking mechanism in 5a, 5b.

[0076] Description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0077] In fig. 1 is a lock 5 comprising a locking mechanism 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention disclosed. The lock 5 in fig. 1 typically relates to a lock for a door or a box with a door, such as a secure delivery box.

[0078] The locking mechanism 1 comprises a moveable obstruction receipt member 10 and an obstruction member 20. In the embodiment in fig. 1 , the obstruction receipt member 10 is a pivotable latch control wheel 10a and the obstruction member 20 is a displaceable cylinder.

[0079] The obstruction member 20 is displaceable between an active position and a passive position. In the active position, the obstruction member 20 acts on the obstruction receipt member 10. Thereby, the obstruction member 20 is obstructing the movement of the obstruction receipt member 10. The active position of the obstruction member 10 corresponds to a locked state of the lock 5.

[0080] In the passive position, the obstruction member 20 is without interaction or essentially without interaction with the obstruction receipt member 10. Thereby, the obstruction member 20 is allowing the obstruction receipt member 10 to be moved. The passive position of the obstruction member 10 corresponds to an unlocked state of the lock 5. In the disclosed embodiment, the latch control wheel 10a is configured to be rotated when the obstruction member 20 is in the passive position.

[0081] The lock 5 further comprises an engagement member 60 and a stop. The engagement member 60 is connected to the obstruction receipt member 10. The engagement member 60 is configured to engage with the stop as will be discussed further in the following. The stop is not disclosed in fig. 1 .

[0082] The engagement member 60 is configured to be displaced between an engaged setting and a disengaged setting. In the engaged setting, the engagement member 60 is engaging with the stop. In the disengaged setting the engagement member 60 is disengaged from the stop. The engagement member 60 is configured to be displaced between the engaged setting and the disengaged setting by moving the obstruction receipt member 10.

[0083] In the discloses embodiment, the engagement member 60 comprises cam member 60a. The lock 5 is for example arranged at a door and the stop is arranged at a door frame of the box or door arrangement. Vice versa, the lock 5 may for example be arranged at the door frame and the stop is arranged on the door of the box or door arrangement. In the engaged setting the cam member 60a is configured to act on the stop, thereby holding the door of the box or door arrangement closed. In the disengaged setting the cam member 60a is without interaction or essentially without interaction with the stop, thereby allowing the door of the box or door arrangement to be opened.

[0084] The locking mechanism 1 further comprises a control mechanism 30 comprising a movable obstruction control member 40, a motor control wheel 42 and a drive unit 44. The drive unit 44 is configured to rotate the motor control wheel 42 between different orientations, in particular from a first orientation to a second orientation. The drive unit 44 is not disclosed in fig. 1 but is seen in a second embodiment of the invention relating to fig. 5a, 5b.

[0085] The obstruction control member 40 has the function of controlling the obstruction member 20. The obstruction control member 40 is configured to interact with the motor control wheel 42.

[0086] In a first orientation of the motor control wheel 42, the obstruction control member 40 is configured to hold the obstruction member 20 in a position in which the obstruction member 20 is acting on the obstruction receipt member 10. Thereby, the obstruction member 20 obstructs the obstruction receipt member 10 from being moved. Accordingly, the engagement member 60 is prevented from being moved. The first orientation of the motor control wheel 42 corresponds to the active position of the obstruction member 20 and the locked state of the lock 5.

[0087] In a second orientation of the of the motor control wheel 42, the obstruction control member 40 is configured to form a space allowing the obstruction member 20 to be accommodated. The drive unit 44 is configured to move the motor control wheel 42 from the first orientation to the second orientation, thereby forming the space. After the obstruction member 20 has been moved into the space, the obstruction receipt member 10 is free to be moved. Accordingly, the engagement member 60 is allowed to be moved between the engaged and the disengaged setting. The second orientation of the motor control wheel 42 corresponds to the passive position of the obstruction member 20 and the unlocked state of the lock 5.

[0088] In the disclosed embodiment, the obstruction receipt member 10 is in the form of the latch control wheel 10a comprises a groove 12. In fig. 1 the obstruction member is located in the groove 12. In the disclosed embodiment, the obstruction member 20 is in the form of a cylinder with a form corresponding to the groove 12. The groove 12 is configured to receive the obstruction member 20, thereby interacting with the latch control wheel 10a such that the latch control wheel 10a is prevented from being rotated.

[0089] In a preferable embodiment of the invention. The groove 12 is formed such that the obstruction member 20 is configured to be moved / pushed from within the groove 12 to outside the groove 12 by means of the rotation of the latch control wheel 10a when the space formed by the obstruction control member 40 is available. The further rotation of the latch control wheel 10a is enabled after the obstruction member 20 has been accommodated in the space. Accordingly, the displacement of the obstruction member 20 from the groove 12 to the space is induced by a first rotation of the latch control wheel 10a, that after displacing the obstruction member 20 to the spacing is allowed to be rotated further in a second rotation of the latch control wheel 10a. The second rotation of the latch control wheel 10a has the function of disengaging or engaging the engagement member 60 in the form of the cam member 60a from the stop.

[0090] In the disclosed embodiment, the obstruction member 20 is in the form of a cylinder provided with a cylindrical cross section. The groove 12 has a form that corresponds to the curvature of the cylinder such that only a portion of cylinder can be received by the groove. Preferably, less than half the of the cylinder is configured to be received by the groove 12. Preferably, more than one third of the cylinder is configured to be received by the groove 12. Thereby, as the space is available, the cylinder is configured to be push out of the groove 12 to the space by means of a movement of the obstruction receipt member 10. In the disclosed embodiment, the obstruction receipt member 10 is the latch control wheel 10a and the cylinder is configured to be pushed from the groove 12 to the space by means of a rotation of the latch control wheel 10a. With reference to fig. 2a-2d, enlargements of the motor control wheel 42 and the control arm 40a are shown. The motor control wheel 42 comprises an indentation 45 configured to receive a portion 47 of the obstruction control member 40. The portion 47 of the obstruction control member 40 is configured to fall into the indentation 45 when the motor control wheel 42 has been rotated from the first orientation to the second orientation. Accordingly, the obstruction control member 40 is biased to an interaction with the motor control wheel 42 relating to the formation of the space.

[0091] When the portion 47 of the obstruction control member 40 has entered into the indentation 45, the space is formed that enables the obstruction member 20 to be accommodated. After the obstruction member 20 has been displaced to the space, rotation of the latch control wheel 10a is enabled.

[0092] In the embodiment in fig. 1 , the obstruction control member 40 is in the form of a pivotable control arm 40a configured to interact with the motor control wheel 42, the obstruction member 20 and the latch control wheel 10a.

[0093] The control arm 40a is configured to interact with the motor control wheel 42 by means of that the portion 47 of the control arm 40a is configured to enter the indentation 45 of motor control wheel 42. In the disclosed embodiment, the portion 47 of the control arm 40a is configured as a first tooth shaped element having a form that corresponds to the form of the indentation 45.

[0094] With reference to fig. 2a, 2b, the motor control wheel 42 is oriented in the first orientation and the first tooth shaped member is outside the indentation 45 of the motor control wheel 42. Thereby, the space is closed, and the obstruction member 20 is maintained in the groove 12 at the obstruction receipt member 10. The obstruction member 20 is accordingly in the active position and the lock 5 is in the locked state.

[0095] In fig. 2c, 2d, the motor control wheel 42 is oriented in the second orientation and the first tooth shaped member has entered the indentation 45 at the motor control wheel 42. Thereby, the space has been formed that has enabled the obstruction member 20 to be displaced from the groove 12 at the obstruction receipt member 10 to the space. The obstruction member 20 is accordingly in the passive position and the lock 5 is in the unlocked state. The control arm 40a is configured to interact with the obstruction member 20 by means that the control arm 40a comprises an abutment portion 48 that holds the obstruction member 20 to the groove 12 when the motor control wheel 42 is in the first orientation, see fig. 1. In the disclosed embodiment, the abutment portion 48 comprises an elongated portion of the control arm 40a that is configured to hold the obstruction member 20 to the groove 12.

[0096] The control arm 40a is configured to form the space by being pivoted away from the position in which it holds the obstruction member 20 to the groove 12. The control arm 40a is pivoted when the motor control wheel 42 is oriented to the second orientation, that is, when the first tooth shaped member of the control arm 40a enters the indentation 45 of the motor control wheel 42.

[0097] The control arm 40a is configured to interact with the latch control wheel 10a by means of that the control arm 40a comprises a further portion 49. In the disclosed embodiment, the further portion 49 of the control arm 40a comprises further tooth shaped member configured to interact with a flange member at the latch control wheel 10a. The flange member is not visible in fig. 1.

[0098] The locking mechanism 1 further comprises a resetting mechanism 50 comprising the motor control wheel 42 and a pivotable resetting arm 52. The resetting arm 52 is configured to interact with the obstruction receipt member 10 and the motor control wheel 42 such that the motor control wheel 42 is rotated in dependency of the movement of the obstruction receipt member 10. The function of the resetting mechanism 50 is to displace the motor control wheel 42 from the second orientation to the first orientation, while the obstruction member 20 is moved from the space into the groove 12 of the obstruction receipt member 10.

[0099] In the embodiment in fig. 1, the resetting arm 52 is pivotable connected to the obstruction receipt member 10 and the motor control wheel 42 comprises a protruding portion 43, such as a notch. An end portion of the resetting arm 52 is configured to act on the protruding portion 43 such that the motor control wheel 42 is rotated in dependency of the rotation of the obstruction receipt member 10 from the second orientation to the first orientation of the motor control wheel 42. In the process of resetting the locking mechanism 1 , the obstruction member 20 is displaced from the space to the interaction with the obstruction receipt member 10 by means of the obstruction control member 40.

[0100] Figure 3a-e disclosing operational stages of the locking mechanism 1 in fig. 1 , wherein fig. 3a-g disclosing the process of changing the locking mechanism 1 such that the lock 5 is changed from a locked state to an unlocked state.

[0101] With reference to fig. 3a, the lock 5 is in the locked state, wherein the motor control wheel 42 is in the first orientation and the obstruction member 20 is in the active position. Thereby, the portion 47 of the obstruction control member 40 is outside the indentation 45 of the motor control wheel 42 and the obstruction member 20 is maintained in the groove 12 of the obstruction receipt member 10. The space is closed and the obstruction member 20 is prevented from being moved. Accordingly, the obstruction receipt member 10 is prevented from being moved and correspondingly the engagement member 60 is prevented from being moved.

[0102] With reference to fig. 3b, the drive unit 44 has rotated the motor control wheel 42 in the clockwise direction. Thereby, the motor control wheel 42 has been oriented away from the first direction and being close to the second orientation. However, the motor control wheel 42 is not yet in an orientation in which the portion 47 of the obstruction control member 40 is configured to enter the indentation 45 of the motor control wheel 42. Accordingly, the obstruction member 20 is still in the active position and the lock 5 is in the locked state.

[0103] With reference to fig. 3c and 3d, the motor control wheel 42 has been oriented to the second orientation. In fig. 3c and 3d, stages in which the portion 47 of the obstruction control member 40 enters the indentation 45 of the motor control wheel 42 is seen. In fig. 3c, the portion 47 of the obstruction control member 40 is about to enter the indentation 45. In fig. 3d, the portion 47 of the obstruction control member 40 has enter the indentation 45. It can further be seen that the obstruction receipt member 10 in form of the latch control wheel 10a has started to be rotated in a clockwise direction. Thereby, the obstruction member 20 is displaced from the groove 12 to the space formed by the obstruction control member 40. In fig. 4d, the obstruction receipt member 10 is free to be rotated. Accordingly, in fig. 4d the obstruction member 20 is in the passive position and the lock 5 is in the unlocked state. With reference to fig. 3e-3g, the obstruction receipt member 10 is rotated further in the clockwise direction. Thereby, allowing the engagement member 60 to be moved away from engaging with the stop in the engaged setting to a position free from engagement with the stop in the disengaged setting. In fig. 3g, the engagement member 60 has been rotated to its full extent. When the lock 5 is applied to a box or a door arrangement, the door is accordingly allowed to be opened.

[0104] Figure 4a-d disclosing operational stages of the locking mechanism 1 in fig. 1 , wherein fig. 4a-d g discloses an operation of changing the locking mechanism 1 such that the lock 5 is changed from an unlocked state to the locked state.

[0105] With reference to fig. 4a, the obstruction receipt member 10 has been rotated to its full extent where the engagement member 60 is disengaged from the stop. The motor control wheel 42 is in the second orientation. In fig. 4a, the lock 5 is thus in the same state as in fig. 3g. In particular, the obstruction receipt member 10 is in an orientation where the resetting arm 52 is free from interaction with the motor control wheel 42.

[0106] With reference to fig. 4b, the obstruction receipt member 10 has been rotated in a counter-clockwise orientation from the orientation in fig. 4a. to an orientation in which the resetting arm 52 is abutting the protruding portion 43 on the motor control wheel 42. The motor control wheel 42 is still in the second orientation and the portion 47 of the obstruction control member 40 is in the indentation 45 of the motor control wheel 42. The space is available, and the obstruction member 20 is accommodated in the space.

[0107] With reference to fig. 4c, the obstruction receipt member 10 has been rotated further in a counter-clockwise orientation from the orientation in fig. 4b. Thereby, the resetting arm 52 has been acting on the protruding portion 43, such that the motor control wheel 42 has been rotated in the clockwise orientation. Thereby, the portion 47 of the obstruction control member 40 has been displaced out of the indentation 45 of the motor control wheel 42. Thereby, the space has been closed and the abutment portion 48 of the obstruction control member 40 has at least partly pushed the obstruction member 20 into the groove 12 of the obstruction receipt member 10.

[0108] With reference to fig. 4d, the obstruction receipt member 10 has been rotated further in a counter-clockwise orientation from the orientation in fig. 4c. Thereby, the resetting arm 52 has been acting further on the protruding portion 43 such that the motor control wheel 42 has been rotated further in the clockwise orientation to the first orientation. The portion 47 of the obstruction control member 40 has been displaced such that it is securely separated from the indentation 45 of the motor control wheel 42. Accordingly, it is assured that the portion 47 of the obstruction control member 40 is at a secure distance from the indentation 45 of the motor control wheel 42. The obstruction member 20 is acting on the obstruction receipt member 10. Accordingly, the lock 5 has been reset such that the lock 5 is in the lock state. In fig. 4d, the lock 5 is in the same state as in fig. 3a.

[0109] As discussed previously, in fig. 3a-g and 4a-d for purpose of illustration, the obstruction receipt member 10 is in the form of a latch control wheel 10a that that attaches the engagement member 60 in the form of a cam member 60a.

[0110] Furthermore, for purpose of illustration, the obstruction receipt member 10 is in the form of a pivotable control arm 40a.

[0111] With reference to fig. 5a and 5b, a lock 5 with a locking mechanism 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention is disclosed. The lock 5 in fig. 5a, 5b typically relates to a padlock type lock. In fig. 5a, the lock 5 is in a locked state and in fig. 5b, the lock 5 is in an unlocked state.

[0112] The lock 5 in fig. 5a, 5b differs from the lock 5 in fig 1 in that the engagement member 60 is comprised by an end portion 60b of a shackle 10b. The lock 5 comprises a housing 62 holding the locking mechanism 1. The stop is comprised by an opening in the housing 62 configured to receive the end portion 60b of the shackle 10b.

[0113] The shackle 10b is configured to be displaced by the user between the engaged setting and the disengaged setting correspondingly to the embodiment in fig. 1. In the engaged setting, the end portion 60b of the shackle 10b is coupled to the opening in the housing 62, thereby preventing the end portion 60b of the shackle 10b to be moved from the opening. In the disengaged setting, the end portion 60b of the shackle 10b is outside the opening in the housing 62, thereby allowing the end portion 60b of the shackle 10b to be moved. The lock 5 in fig. 2 comprises the locking mechanism 1 correspondingly to the lock 5 in fig. 1. The locking mechanism 1 comprising a control mechanism 30 comprising a movable obstruction control member 40, a motor control wheel 42 and drive unit 44.

[0114] The locking mechanism 1 in fig. 5a, 5b differs from the locking mechanism 1 in fig. 1 in that the obstruction receipt member 10 is comprised by a base portion 10c of a shackle 10b. The base portion 10c is comprising the groove 12 correspondingly to the embodiment in fig. 1.

[0115] Correspondingly to the embodiment in fig. 1 , the obstruction control member 40 in the embodiment in fig. 5a, 5b has the function of controlling the obstruction member 20. The obstruction control member 40 is configured to interact with the motor control wheel 42.

[0116] The locking mechanism 1 further differs in that the obstruction control member 40 is a spring-mounted block 40b configured to interact with the motor control wheel 42, the obstruction member 20 and the displaceable shackle 10b.

[0117] In the disclosed embodiment, the motor control wheel 42 comprises an indentation 45 configured to receive a portion 47 of the obstruction control member 40, thereby forming the space. In the disclosed embodiment, the portion 47 of the obstruction control member 40 is a tooth shaped element protruding from the spring-mounted block 40b. The tooth shaped element has a form that corresponds to the form of the indentation 45.

[0118] In a first orientation of the motor control wheel 42, the spring-mounted block 40b is configured to hold the obstruction member 20 in a position in which the obstruction member 20 is in the groove 12 at the base portion 10c of the shackle 10b. Thereby, the obstruction member 20 obstructs the shackle 10b from being axially moved. Accordingly, the engagement member 60 in the form of the end portion 60b of the shackle 10b is prevented from being moved from the opening in the housing 62. The first orientation of the motor control wheel 42 provides the active position of the obstruction member 20, corresponding to the locked state of the lock 5. See fig. 6a.

[0119] In a second orientation of the of the motor control wheel 42, the spring-mounted block 40b is configured to form a space allowing the obstruction member 20 to be accommodated. The drive unit 44 is configured to move the motor control wheel 42 from the first orientation to the second orientation, thereby forming the space. The space is formed by means of that the portion 47 of the spring-mounted block 40b is falling into the indentation 45 of the motor control wheel 42. In the present embodiment, the portion 47 of the spring-mounted block 40b is a tooth shaped element. Accordingly, the spring-mounted block 40b is biased to an interaction with the motor control wheel 42 relating to the formation of the space.

[0120] After the obstruction member 20 has been moved into the space, the shackle 10b is free to be axially moved. Accordingly, the end portion 60b of the shackle 10b is allowed to be moved from the opening in the housing 62. The second orientation of the motor control wheel 42 corresponds to the passive position of the obstruction member 20, corresponding to the unlocked state of the lock 5. See fig. 6b.

[0121] In a preferable embodiment of the invention, the groove 12 at the base portion 10c of the shackle 10b is formed such that the obstruction member 20 is configured to be moved from within the groove 12 to outside the groove 12 by means of the axial displacement of the shackle 10b. Accordingly, the displacement of the obstruction member 20 from the groove 12 to the space is done in a first axial movement of the shackle 10b. The shackle 10b is thereafter free to be moved in a second axial movement.

[0122] Figure 7a-d disclosing operational stages of the locking mechanism 1 in fig. 5a, 5b seen in a side view from a first side. Fig. 7a-d disclosing the process of changing the locking mechanism 1 such that the lock 5 is changed from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0123] With reference to 7a, the lock 5 is in the locked state, wherein the motor control wheel 42 is in the first orientation. Thereby, the portion 47 of the obstruction control member 40 is outside the indentation 45 of the motor control wheel 42. The obstruction member 20 is maintained in the groove 12 of the obstruction receipt member 10. Thereby, the obstruction member 20 is prevented from being moved. The obstruction member 20 is in the active position relating to the locked state of the lock 5. Accordingly, the engagement member 60 is prevented from being moved. See also fig. 5a and 6a.

[0124] In the disclosed embodiment, the obstruction receipt member 10 is in the form of the base portion 10c of the shackle 10b. Furthermore, the engagement member 60 is in the form of the end portion 60b of the shackle 10b. In the locked state, the base portion 10c of the shackle 10b is prevented from being axially displaced. Correspondingly, the end portion 60b of the shackle 10b is prevented from being removed from the opening in the housing 62 of the lock 5.

[0125] With reference to fig. 7b and 7c, the drive unit 44 has rotated the motor control wheel 42 such that the portion 47 of the obstruction control member 40 has entered the indentation 45 of the motor control wheel 42. Thereby, the space has been formed. In fig. 7b and 7c various degree of axial displacement of the base portion 10c of the shackle 10b is seen. Correspondingly, the obstruction member 20 has to various degree been accommodated in the space.

[0126] With reference to fig. 7d, the space has fully been formed and the obstruction member 20 has been accommodated by the space. The base portion 10c of the shackle 10b has been displaced further axially. The obstruction member 20 is in the passive state and the lock 5 is correspondingly in the unlocked state. See also fig. 5b and 6b.

[0127] Figure 8a-d disclosing operational stages of the locking mechanism 1 in fig. 5a, 5b seen in a side view from a second side opposite to the first side. Fig. 8a-d disclosing passage of changing the locking mechanism 1 such that the lock 5 is changed from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0128] With reference to fig. 8a, the obstruction receipt member 10 has been displaced to its full extent where the engagement member 60 is disengaged from the stop. The motor control wheel 42 is in the second orientation. In fig. 8a, the lock 5 is thus in the same state as in fig. 7d.

[0129] Corresponding to the discussion in fig. 7a-d, in the disclosed embodiment, the obstruction receipt member 10 is in the form of the base portion 10c of the shackle 10b. The engagement member 60 is in the form of the end portion 60b of the shackle 10b.

[0130] In the unlocked state, the base portion 10c of the shackle 10b is allowed to be moved axially. Correspondingly, the end portion 60b of the shackle 10b is allowed to be displace free from the opening in the housing 62 of the lock 5. With reference to fig. 8b and 8c, the base portion 10c of the shackle 10b has been axially displace such that the resetting arm 52 is abutting the protruding portion 43 on the motor control wheel 42. The space is closed to various degree and the obstruction member 20 enters the groove 12 to various degrees. The motor control wheel 42 is gradually oriented from the second orientation to the first orientation.

[0131] With reference to fig. 7d, the base portion 10c of the shackle 10b has been axially displace such that the space is fully closed, and the obstruction member 20 has entered the groove 12. The motor control wheel 42 has been oriented in the first orientation. The obstruction member 20 is in the active state and correspondingly the lock 5 is in the locked state. See also fig. 5a and 6a.

[0132] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0133] For example, it shall be understood that the lock 5 may comprise means for handling NFC communication, such means for harvesting energy from the NFC communication and a control unit that controls the drive unit 44 for rotating the motor control wheel 42 from the first orientation to the second orientation in view of an authorization, such as based on the NFC communication. It shall further be understood that such harvest energy may be used for the operation of rotating the motor control wheel 42 from the first orientation to the second orientation, thereby enabling the lock 5 to be shifted from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0134] The objects of the present invention are also achieved by means of a locking mechanism for a lock comprising a locked state and an unlocked state. The locking mechanism is defined by the embodiments below and may be combined with embodiments in the above description.

[0135] The locking mechanism comprises:

[0136] - a moveable obstruction receipt member, and

[0137] - an obstruction member displaceable between an active position and a passive position, wherein in the active position the obstruction member acts on the obstruction receipt member, thereby obstructing the movement of the obstruction receipt member corresponding to the locked state, and wherein in the passive position the obstruction member is without interaction with the obstruction receipt member, thereby allowing the obstruction receipt member to be moved corresponding to the unlocked state, wherein the locking mechanism comprises:

[0138] - a control mechanism comprising a movable obstruction control member, a motor control wheel and drive unit configured to rotate the motor control wheel between a first and a second orientation, wherein the obstruction control member is configured to interact with the motor control wheel such that a space is formed in dependency of the orientation of the motor control wheel, which space is configured to accommodate the obstruction member to be moved from the active position to the passive position, wherein the control mechanism is configured to rotate the motor control wheel from the first orientation to the second orientation with only interaction involved between the motor control wheel and the obstruction control member.

[0139] The control mechanism has the function of controllably enabling / disabling the obstruction member to be shifted between the active position and the passive position. This is achieved by means of the interaction between the movable obstruction control member, the motor control wheel and the drive unit.

[0140] The function of the movable obstruction control member is to control the obstruction member. The obstruction control member is configured to interact with the motor control wheel such that the obstruction control member is moved in dependency of the orientation of the motor control wheel.

[0141] In a first orientation of the motor control wheel, the obstruction control member is positioned such that it blocks the obstruction member to a position in which the obstruction member interacts with the obstruction receipt member such that the obstruction receipt member is prevented from being moved. Accordingly, the obstruction control member assures that the obstruction member is maintained in the active position. Thereby, assuring that the obstruction receipt member is maintained immobilized. The active position of the obstruction member corresponds to the locked state of the lock.

[0142] In a second orientation of the of the motor control wheel, the obstruction control member interacts with the motor control wheel such that the obstruction control member is moved from its position when the motor control wheel is in the first orientation. The movement of the obstruction control member when the motor control wheel is rotated from the first orientation to the second orientation is such that the space is formed.

[0143] The space has the function of allowing the obstruction member to be accommodated. The obstruction member is configured to be moved from interacting with the obstruction receipt member to the spacing, thereby shifting the obstruction member from the active position to the passive position. In the passive position of the obstruction member, the obstruction receipt member is enabled to be moved. The passive position of the obstruction member corresponds to the unlocked state of the lock.

[0144] The drive unit is configured to rotate the motor control wheel between different orientations, in particular the first and the second orientation. Thereby, the control mechanism is controllably forming the space that is configured to accommodate the obstruction member.

[0145] The control mechanism provides the low energy usage by enabling / disabling the obstruction member to be shifted between the active position and the passive position by means of merely a rotation of the motor control wheel. The energy usage of such rotation is small in that there is essentially no interaction between the obstruction control member and the motor control wheel during the rotation of the motor control wheel from the first orientation to the second orientation. Thereby, the necessary energy for powering the drive unit to rotate the motor control wheel from the first orientation to the second orientation is sufficient to be harvested from a Near Field Communication (NFC) transmission. Accordingly, the control mechanism is configured to enable / disable the obstruction member to be shifted between the active position and the passive position by means of for example a cell phone configured with the NFC feature.

[0146] It shall be understood that the act of moving the obstruction member from the active to the passive position may involve a manual action from a user or by other means. The act of moving the obstruction member from the active to the passive state will be discussed in connection to preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0147] It shall further be understood that the control mechanism is arranged such that possible interaction between the obstruction control member and the motor control wheel, such as friction during the rotation of the motor control wheel from the first orientation to the second orientation, is small. It shall further be understood that the obstruction control member and the motor control wheel are configured with interacting portions of materials that provide minimal friction during the rotation of the motor control wheel. It shall also be understood that a motor control wheel with small weight is to be used for the purpose of providing a low energy rotation between the first and the second orientation. It shall further be understood that the control mechanism is characterized by a drive unit having high efficiency and small or negligible internal friction. Accordingly, the energy required relates to the energy involving rotating the weight of the motor control wheel between the first orientation and the second orientation and possible small friction between the obstruction control member and the motor control wheel.

[0148] Regarding the feature of rotating the motor control wheel from the first orientation to the second with only interaction between the motor control wheel and the obstruction control member, the term ‘with only interaction’ should be understood to mean that the rotation of the motor control wheel is performed without acting on other elements, such as an elastic element, for example, a spring, to accumulate tensional energy.

[0149] According to a preferable embodiment of the invention, angular rotation of the motor control wheel between the first orientation and the second orientation is small in order to minimize the required energy usage.

[0150] According to an embodiment of the invention, the obstruction control member is biased to an interaction with the motor control wheel relating to the formation of the space.

[0151] According to an embodiment of the invention, the obstruction receipt member comprises a groove, wherein the obstruction member is configured to be located in the groove in the active position and outside the groove in the passive position.

[0152] According to an embodiment of the invention, the movement of the obstruction member from the formed space to the within the groove of the obstruction receipt member is controlled by the obstruction control member and its interaction with the motor control wheel.

[0153] According to an embodiment of the invention, the groove has a form that corresponds to an outer circumference of the obstruction member. According to an embodiment of the invention, groove has a form that corresponds to the curvature of the cylinder such that a portion of cylinder can be received by the groove. According to an embodiment, less than half the of the cylinder and more than one third of the cylinder is configured to be received by the groove.

[0154] According to an embodiment of the invention, the obstruction receipt member is comprised by a rotatable latch control wheel comprising the groove.

[0155] According to an embodiment of the invention, the groove is formed such that the obstruction member is configured to be moved from within the groove to outside the groove by means of the rotation of the latch control wheel.

[0156] According to an embodiment of the invention, the obstruction receipt member is comprised by an axial displaceable shackle comprising the groove.

[0157] According to an embodiment of the invention, the groove is formed such that the obstruction member is configured to be moved from within the groove to outside the groove by means of the axial displacement of the shackle.

[0158] According to an embodiment of the invention, the motor control wheel comprises an indentation configured to receive a portion of the obstruction control member, thereby forming the space.

[0159] According to an embodiment of the invention, the obstruction control member is a pivotable control arm configured to interact with the motor control wheel, the obstruction member and the latch control wheel.

[0160] According to an embodiment of the invention, the obstruction control member is a spring-mounted block configured to interact with the motor control wheel, the obstruction member and the displaceable shackle.

[0161] According to an embodiment of the invention, the spring-mounted block comprises a further groove configured to hold a portion of the obstruction member when the obstruction member is in the groove of the shackle. According to an embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism further comprises:

[0162] - a resetting mechanism comprising the motor control wheel and a pivotable resetting arm, wherein the resetting arm is configured to interact with the obstruction receipt member and the motor control wheel such that the motor control wheel is rotated in dependency of the movement of the obstruction receipt member while the obstruction member is displaced from the passive position to the active position.

[0163] According to an embodiment of the invention, the motor control wheel comprises a protruding portion configured to interact with the resetting arm.

[0164] The above object of the invention is further achieved by means of a lock comprising the locking mechanism according to any of the above embodiments.

[0165] The lock comprises a engagement member connected to the obstruction receipt member, wherein the engagement member is configured to be displaced by a user between an engaged setting in which the engagement member is engaging with a stop, and a disengaged setting in which the engagement member is disengaged from the stop, wherein the lock comprises the locked state in which the engagement member is prevented from being displaced from the engaged setting, and the unlocked state in which the engagement member is permitted to be displaced between the engaged setting and the disengaged setting.

[0166] According to an embodiment of the invention, the engagement member comprises a cam member and the obstruction receipt member comprises a rotatable latch control wheel, wherein the lock further comprises a control knob connected to the latch control wheel, wherein the cam member is configured to be rotated by the user by means of the control knob between the engaged setting in which the cam member is engaging with the stop, and the disengaged setting in which the cam member is disengaged from the stop, wherein in the locked state the cam member is prevented from rotation from the engaged setting, and wherein in the unlocked state the cam member is permitted to be rotate between the engaged setting and the disengaged setting.

[0167] According to an embodiment of the invention, the engagement member comprises an end portion of the shackle and the obstruction receipt member comprises a base portion of the shackle comprising the groove, wherein the lock comprises a housing holding the locking mechanism and wherein the housing comprises an opening configured to receive said end portion of the shackle, wherein the shackle is configured to be axially displaced by the user between the engaged setting in which the end portion of the shackle is coupled to the opening in the housing, and the disengaged setting in which the end portion of the shackle is decoupled from the opening in the housing, wherein in the locked state the shackle is prevented from being axially displaced from the engaged setting, and wherein in the unlocked state the shackle is permitted to be axially displaced between the engaged setting and the disengaged setting.

Claims

Claims1 . A locking mechanism (1) for a lock (5) comprising a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein the locking mechanism (1) comprises:- a moveable obstruction receipt member (10),- an obstruction member (20) displaceable between an active position and a passive position, wherein in the active position the obstruction member (20) acts on the obstruction receipt member (10), thereby obstructing the movement of the obstruction receipt member (10) corresponding to the locked state, and wherein in the passive position the obstruction member (20) is without interaction with the obstruction receipt member, thereby allowing the obstruction receipt member (10) to be moved corresponding to the unlocked state, and- a control mechanism (30) comprising a movable obstruction control member (40), a motor control wheel (42) configured to act on the obstruction control member (40), and drive unit (44) configured to rotate the motor control wheel (42) from a first orientation to a second orientation, while the obstruction member (20) is displaced from the active position to the passive position, characterized in that the locking mechanism (1) further comprises:- a resetting mechanism (50) comprising a pivotable resetting arm (52), wherein the resetting arm (52) is configured to interact with the obstruction receipt member (10) and the motor control wheel (42) such that the motor control wheel (42) is rotated from the second orientation to the first orientation in dependency of the movement of the obstruction receipt member (10), while the obstruction member (20) is displaced from the passive position to the active position.

2. The locking mechanism (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the motor control wheel (42) comprises a protruding portion (43) configured to interact with the resetting arm (52).

3. The locking mechanism (1) according to claim 2, wherein an end portion of the resetting arm (52) is configured to act on the protruding portion (43) such that the motor control wheel (42) is rotated in dependency of the rotation of the obstruction receipt member (10) from the second orientation to the first orientation of the motor control wheel (42).

4. The locking mechanism (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein in the act of rotating the motor control wheel (42) from the second orientation to the first orientation by means of the resetting mechanism (50), the obstruction receipt member (10) is configured to be set into movement by a user of the locking mechanism (1).

5. The locking mechanism (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the obstruction control member (40) is configured to interact with the motor control wheel (42) such that a space is formed in dependency of the orientation of the motor control wheel (42), which space is configured to accommodate the obstruction member (20) to be moved from the active position to the passive position.

6. The locking mechanism (1) according to claim 4, wherein the obstruction control member (40) is biased to an interaction with the motor control wheel (42) relating to the formation of the space.

7. The locking mechanism (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the motor control wheel (42) comprises an indentation (45) configured to receive a portion (47) of the obstruction control member (40), thereby forming said space and defining the second orientation of the motor control wheel (42).

8. The locking mechanism (1) according to claim 7, the portion (47) is configured as a first tooth shaped element having a form that corresponds to the form of the indentation (45).

9. The locking mechanism (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the obstruction receipt member (10) comprises a groove (12), wherein the obstruction member (20) is configured to be located in the groove (12) in the active position and outside the groove (12) in the passive position.

10. The locking mechanism (1) according to claim 9, wherein the obstruction receipt member (10) is comprised by a rotatable latch control wheel (10a) comprising the groove (12), wherein the groove (12) is formed such that the obstruction member (20) is configured to be moved from within thegroove (12) to outside the groove (12) by means of the rotation of the latch control wheel (10a).11.The locking mechanism (1) according to claim 9, wherein the obstruction receipt member (10) is comprised by an axial displaceable shackle (10b) comprising the groove, wherein the groove (12) is formed such that the obstruction member (20) is configured to be moved from within the groove (12) to outside the groove (12) by means of the axial displacement of the shackle (10b).

12. The locking mechanism (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the obstruction control member (40) is a pivotable control arm (40a) configured to interact with the motor control wheel (42), the obstruction member (20) and the latch control wheel (10a).

13. The locking mechanism (1) according to any of claim 1-11 , wherein the obstruction control member (40) is a spring-mounted block (40b) configured to interact with the motor control wheel (42), the obstruction member (20) and the displaceable shackle (10b).

14. A lock (5) comprising the locking mechanism (1) according any of claim 1-13, wherein the lock (5) comprises a engagement member (60) connected to the obstruction receipt member (10), wherein the engagement member (60) is configured to be displaced by a user between an engaged setting in which the engagement member (60) is engaging with a stop, and a disengaged setting in which the engagement member (60) is disengaged from the stop, wherein the lock (5) comprises the locked state in which the engagement member (60) is prevented from being displaced from the engaged setting, and the unlocked state in which the engagement member (60) is permitted to be displaced between the engaged setting and the disengaged setting.

15. The lock (5) according to claim 14, wherein the engagement member (60) comprises a cam member (60a) and the obstruction receipt member (10) comprises a rotatable latch control wheel (10a), wherein the lock (5) further comprises a control knob connected to the latch control wheel (10a), wherein the cam member (60a) is configured to be rotated by theuser by means of the control knob between the engaged setting in which the cam member (60a) is engaging with the stop, and the disengaged setting in which the cam member is disengaged from the stop, wherein in the locked state the cam member (60a) is prevented from rotation from the engaged setting, and wherein in the unlocked state the cam member (60a) is permitted to be rotate between the engaged setting and the disengaged setting.

16. The lock (5) according to claim 14, wherein the engagement member (60) comprises an end portion (60b) of a shackle (10b) and the obstruction receipt member (10) comprises a base portion (10c) of the shackle (10b) comprising the groove (12), wherein the lock (5) comprises a housing (62) holding the locking mechanism (1) and wherein the housing (62) comprises an opening configured to receive said end portion (60b) of the shackle (10b), wherein the shackle (10b) is configured to be displaced by the user between the engaged setting in which the end portion (60b) of the shackle (10b) is coupled to the opening in the housing (62), and the disengaged setting in which the end portion (60b) of the shackle (10b) is decoupled from the opening in the housing (62), wherein in the locked state the shackle (10b) is prevented from being axially displaced from the engaged setting, and wherein in the unlocked state the shackle (10b) is permitted to be axially displaced between the engaged setting and the disengaged setting.

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