Electromechanical lock arrangement

Abstract

An electromechanical lock arrangement (10) comprising a core body (30), and a core (50) arranged to interact with the core body (30). The core (50) is movable at least between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2) in relation with the core body (30). A position indicating element (70) is arranged to indicate the position of the core (50) in relation with the core body (30). The position indicating element (70) in the first position (P1) of the core (50) is at a first state and in the second position (P2) of the core (50) in a second state. Change of the state of the position indicating element (70) triggers an indication signal for indicating the position of the core (50).

Description

Field

[0001] The invention relates to a field of electromechanical lock arrangements.Background

[0002] There is a plurality of different electromechanical lock arrangements available in the market. Electromechanical locks have been utilized successfully for locking different types of premises, storages, houses and other valuables. It may be particularly important to know and ensure afterwards, preferably remotely, that electromechanical locks are in their locked states. However, the known electromechanical lock arrangements may have challenges in providing accurate and reliable information on the status of the electromechanical lock.

[0003] Hence, there is a need for a more sophisticated solution to alleviate the issues of the known solution.Brief description

[0004] The present invention is defined by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0005] Embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0006] The embodiments and features, if any, described in this specification that do not fall under the scope of the independent claim are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the invention.List of drawings

[0007] Example embodiments of the present invention are described below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figures 1 - 14 illustrate electromechanical lock arrangements comprising rotatably moving core according to embodiments of the invention; and Figure 15 - 20 illustrate electromechanical lock arrangements comprising linearly movable core according to embodiments of the invention. Description of embodiments

[0008] The following embodiments are only examples. Although the specification may refer to "an" embodiment in several locations, this does not necessarily mean that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments. Furthermore, words "comprising" and "including" should be understood as not limiting the described embodiments to consist of only those features that have been mentioned and such embodiments may contain also features / structures that have not been specifically mentioned. All combinations of the embodiments are considered possible if their combination does not lead to structural or logical contradiction.

[0009] Reference numbers, both in the description of the embodiments and in the claims, serve to illustrate the embodiments with reference to the drawings, without limiting it to these examples only.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an electromechanical lock arrangement comprising: a core body, and a core arranged to interact with the core body. The core is movable at least between a first position and a second position in relation with the core body. A position indicating element is arranged to indicate the position of the core in relation with the core body. The position indicating element in the first position of the core is at a first state and in the second position of the core in a second state. Change of the state of the position indicating element triggers an indication signal for indicating the position of the core.

[0011] Figures 1-14 illustrate electromechanical lock arrangements of the type of padlocks comprising rotatably movable core of according to embodiments of the invention. The core may be rotationally movable in response of the core body in the embodiment of Figure 1. Figures 15 - 20 illustrate electromechanical lock arrangements of the type of padlocks comprising linearly movable core according to embodiments of the invention. The core may be linearly movable in response of the core body in the embodiment of Figures 16 and 19.

[0012] Advantageously, the electromechanical lock arrangement may be any type of a lock such as a padlock, smart door lock, cam lock or key tube lock to name a few without limiting to these. In other words, nevertheless the padlock is used as an example in this application, the invention may be applied in other types of locks as well.

[0013] Referring to Figure 1 that illustrates a partially exploded view of the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The electromechanical lock arrangement 10 comprises the core body 30 and the core 50 arranged to interact with the core body 30. The core 50 is movable at least between the first position P1 (illustrated, for example, in Figures 3, 5 and 6) and the second position P2 (illustrated, for example, in Figures 4, 7 and 8) in relation with the core body 30. The position indicating element 70 is arranged to indicate the position of the core 50 in relation with the core body 30. The position indicating element 70 in the first position P1 of the core 50 is at a first state and in the second position P2 of the core 50 in a second state. Change of the state of the position indicating element 70 triggers the indication signal for indicating the position of the core 50.

[0014] By this way, it is possible to identify the position of the core, preferably remotely. Advantageously, it renders possible to detect the position of the core 50 from the triggered indication signal, so that a user may be able to deduce whether the electromechanical lock arrangement is locked or unlocked. State of the position indicating element may be obtained by a desirable reading sequence and / or substantially simultaneously when the electromechanical lock arrangement is locked or unlocked. Specifically, it may be of particular interest to know and / or monitor whether the electromechanical lock arrangement is at its locked state.

[0015] The core may also be called as a plug or a barrel, for example. The core body may form at least partly a housing for the core in some of the embodiments. In addition, a frame 12 may cover the core 50 and the core body 30 as illustrated in Figures. In other words, the frame 12 may enclose the core 50 and the core body 30.

[0016] The core and the core body are arranged with interaction with each other. As illustrated in Figures 1-14, the core may transfer movement in a lock cylinder. The movement may be provided by a user, for example, by a key or a knob. The movement provided by the user may be rotational or linear.

[0017] In Figure 1, a rotatable knob is illustrated with a reference number 80. In other words, when the knob 80 rotates, its rotational movement is transferred to the core 50. In other words, the knob 80 and the core 50 may be fixed together so that rotational movement transfers from the knob to the core. The core body may remain stationary while the core rotates / moves. The core body 30 may be affixed with the frame 12. The knob 80 may comprise means to detect and / or read authentication. The authentication may be performed wirelessly by applying, for example, the NFC -technology. If person is authorized to open the lock, the core may be moved to open position to enable the lock to open. The knob 80 may be rotated which then rotates the core. It should be noted, however, that functional principles and basic components of lock cylinders are widely known and are not repeated herein in detail. In traditional locks which utilizes a key, the core may be understood as a part which is configured to receive the key.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the invention, the core body 30 and core 50 form a part of a lock cylinder.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the position indicating element comprises one or more detectors. The detector may comprise sensors which may react into light, magnetic fields, mechanical positions, capacitance or inductive changes. The sensor may comprise piezo-electric sensors.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the position indicating element comprises a mechanical sensor. The mechanical sensor may be at an activated and / or deactivated state in response of the position of the core in response to the core body. The mechanical sensor may be a mechanical switch.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the first state of the position indicating element 70 is a deactivated state. According to an embodiment, the second state of the position indicating element 70 is an activated state. Alternatively, the first state of the position indicating element may be an activated state and the second state of the position indicating element may be a deactivated state.

[0022] Referring to Figure 2 which illustrates more detailed view about the core 50. In an embodiment wherein the position indicating element 70 comprises an elastic member 72. The elastic member 72 may be made of electrically conducting material, such as, metal. The metal may be, for example, copper. The elastic member may made of elastic material. Elastic material refers to material that tries to return its original shape after stressing, for example.

[0023] According to an embodiment the position indicating element 70 may be arranged at least partially within the core 50, as illustrated in Figure 2.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the position indicating element 70 comprises an elastic member 72 wherein in the first state the elastic member 72 is uncompressed, and in the second state the elastic member 72 is compressed (cf. Figures 5-8). In other words, in the first position P1 of the core, the elastic member 72 may be uncompressed to form the first state, and in the second position P2 of the core 50 the elastic member 72 may be compressed to form the second state. At least part of the position indicating element 70 may protrude (for example, out of the core through a curved surface of cylindrical core) from the core 50 when the core 50 is at the first position P1. The indication element 70 may move substantially in a radial direction of the core 50. At least part of the position indicating element 70 may be arranged in mechanical connection with the core body 30, when the core 50 is at its second position P2. In other words, when the core 50 is at its second position P2, the elastic member 72 is compressed by taking connection with the core body 30 to form the second state.

[0025] In an embodiment, the position indicating element 70 changes its state in a response of movement of the core 50 between the first and second positions (cf. Figures 5-8). The state may be an activated position or deactivated position. The state may be an "on" state or "off" state. The state may refer to a setting. In other words, the position indicating element 70 changes its setting in a response of movement of the core 50 between the first and second positions.

[0026] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate an embodiment wherein the core 50 is connected with and at least partially enclosed by the core body 30. Figure 3 illustrates that the core 50 is at its first position P1. End portions of the core 50 may protrude, at least partly, out of the core body 50. In the first position P1 of the core 50, the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 may be at the locked state. Figure 4 illustrates that the core is at its second position P2. In the second position P2 of the core 50, the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 may be at the unlocked state. For example, in the field of the electromechanical padlocks, it is very essential to know is the core in the locked position. Often state of a shackle may be monitored but may not provide reliable data on the state of the lock. In some cases, the shackle may be put back to the padlock improperly such that lock is still in open state but sensor may detect the shackle and provide information that lock is in the locked state, but it may still be open.

[0027] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a central axis CA of the core and the core body. The central axis CA substantially extends along a longitudinal direction of the electromechanical lock arrangement 10. Or, in other words, the longitudinal direction of the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 may be substantially parallel with the central axis CA, at least when the electromechanical lock arrangement is in its locked state (i.e. the shackle is within the frame 12 as will be discussed more in detail below). In other words, the core and the core body share a same central axis CA. In still another words, the central axis may be substantially same as the longitudinal axis of the core 50. So, the central axis CA substantially extends along a longitudinal direction of the core 50. The longitudinal axis of the core 50 and the central axis CA may be parallel, or they may be the same axis.

[0028] Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment in which the core 30 is arranged into the first position P1 in which the electromechanical lock 10 may be at its locked state. In the first position P1 of the core, the position indicating element 70 is at its first state. Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment in which the core is arranged into the second position P2. In the second position P2 of the core 50, the position indicating element 70 is at its second state. When the core 50 is rotated from the first position P1 in a direction RD1 (shown in Figure 3), the core 50 rotates into the second position P2 (into position shown in Figure 4). Similarly, the position indicating element 70 switches from the first state to the second state for triggering the position of the core. When the core 50 is rotated from the second position P2 in a direction RD2 (shown in Figure 4), the core 50 rotates into the first position P1 (into position shown in Figure 3). Similarly, the position indicating element 70 switches from the second state to the first state for triggering the position of the core. The functioning of the position indicating element 70 will be discussed more in detail below in connection with the Figures 5-8.

[0029] Examine now more in detail Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view A-A of the embodiment shown in Figure 3. Figure 6 illustrates a more detailed view B of the embodiment shown in Figure 5. According to an embodiment, Figures 2, 5, 6, 9, 11 13 and 14 refer to an embodiment when the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 is in a locked state. This means that the core 50 may be arranged to be in the first position P1. In other words, Figures 2, 5, 6, 9, 11 13 and 14 illustrate the first position P1 of the core 50 according to an embodiment. Examine now more in detail Figures 7 and 8, for instance. Figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view C-C of the embodiment shown in Figure 4. Figure 8 illustrates a more detailed view D of the embodiment shown in Figure 7. According to an embodiment, Figures 3, 7,8, 10, and 12 refer to an embodiment when the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 is in an unlocked state. This means that the core 50 may be arranged to be in the second position P2. In other words, Figures 3, 7, 8, 10 and 12 illustrate the second position P2 of the core 50 according to an embodiment.

[0030] So, when the core 50 is rotated from the first position P1 in a direction RD1 (shown in Figure 5), the core 50 rotates into the second position P2 (into position shown in Figure 7). Rotation angle of the core 50 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 may be within a range of 70° - 270°. Similarly, the position indicating element 70 switches from the first state to the second state for triggering the position of the core. When the core 50 is rotated from the second position P2 in a direction RD2 (shown in Figure 7), the core 50 rotates into the first position P1 (into position shown in Figure 5). Similarly, the position indicating element 70 switches from the second state to the first state for triggering the position of the core. The rotation direction RD1 may be called as a first rotation direction. The rotation direction RD2 may be called as a second rotation direction. The second rotation direction RD2 is opposite the first rotation direction RD1. The first rotation direction RD1 may be a counterclockwise direction, and the second rotation direction RD2 may be a clockwise direction. The core 50 may have the central axis CA as the rotation axis.

[0031] As can be seen in Figures 5-8, the core 50 is able to rotate between the first position P1 and the second position P2 in response of the core body 30. In other words, the core body 30 may remain stationary while the core 50 rotates. In other words, the core may rotate (or may be rotated) around (not necessarily a full round) the central axis CA.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the invention, the position indicating element 70 comprises an elastic member 72. In the first position P1 of the core 50, the elastic member 72 is uncompressed to form the first state. In the second position P2 of the core 50, the elastic member 72 is compressed to form the second state. In other words, the elastic member 72 of the position indicating element 70 may protrude from the core 50, when the core is at its first position P1. Due to the elastic member 72, the position indicating element 70 may be returned to an original position (e.g. from compressed position to expanded position, in case the expanded position is considered as an original position).

[0033] When the core 50 is rotated from the first position P1 towards the second position P2, the elastic member 72 may be compressed gradually until it is in final compressed form in which the core 50 is in its second position P2. In other words, the final compressed form (i.e., second state) of the position indicating element 70 is formed when the core is at its second position P2, for example, when the electromechanical lock arrangement is at its locked state. This means that when the change of the state of the position indicating element 70 happens fully, it may then trigger the indication signal for indicating the position of the core 50. It may, however, be possible that the position indicating element 70 may give the second state during a certain transition. Correspondingly, when the core 50 is rotated from the second position P2 towards the first position P1, the elastic member 72 may be expanded gradually until its final expanded form in which the core 50 is in its first position P1. In other words, the final expanded form (i.e., first state) of the position indicating element 70 is formed when the core is at its first position P1, for example, when the electromechanical lock arrangement is at its unlocked state. In other words, the position indicating element 70 may not give erroneous signal between the first and the second state. It may be possible that the position indicating element 70 may be sensitive to give the second state signal (in other words, the second state may be given with a small rotation of the core) so as to prevent erroneous locked state signal to be given.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the elastic member 72 of the position indicating element 70 comprises a spring. The spring 72 is configured to move in relation with the movement of the core 50 (in other words, it moves with the core). At least one end of the spring 72 may be attached to the core 50 with a mechanical connection. In case the spring is attached to the core 50, it moves together with the core 50. The spring may be of conventional type, such as, coil spring. The spring may be formed of metal. The metal may be, for example, copper. However, as shown in Figures 2, 5-14, the spring may be formed of wire which has a plurality of bendings. The wire may form a substantially looped structure. Preferably, one end of the spring 72 is fixed (stationary). So, the one end of the spring 72 may be affixed within the core 50. Another end of the spring may be free (movable) (not fixed) and may move in relation with the end that is fixed (non-movable / stationary). The free end may enable the spring to move and / or compress or expand. In embodiments of Figures 5-10, one end of the spring 50 is fixed to the core 50 and another end of the spring 50 is free. At least a portion of the spring may take contact with the wall of the core body 50 when the core is at its second position P2.

[0035] Referring to Figures 5 and 7, in embodiment, the core 50 comprises a substantially cylindrical portion and the core body 30 comprises a substantially cylindrical inner space configured to receive the substantially cylindrical portion of the core 50 (cf. also to Figures 1-4). In other words, the cylindrical inner space may form an empty space (e.g., like a hollow cylinder) for receiving the substantially cylindrical portion of the core 50. The core 50 is rotatably movable at least between the first P1 and second position P2 within the core body 30. The rotational movement of the core 50 from the second position P2 to the first position P1 forces the position indicating element 70 to change the state from the second state to the first state to trigger the indication signal for indicating the position of the core 50.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the invention, the position indicating element 70 is arranged within the core 50 and wherein the core body 30 comprises, at the cylindrical inner space 32 a shape 34 configured to be aligned with at least a portion of the position indicating element 70 at the first state in the first position P1 of the core 50. So, the position indicating element 70 may be aligned with the shape 34. In other words, the elastic member 72 of the position indicating element 70 may protrude from the core 50 toward the shape 34, when the core is at its first position P1. The shape 34 may be designed so that it may accommodate at least partially at least part of the position indicating element 70, or in other terms elastic member 72 of the position indicating element 70. In other words, the shape 34 may be a hollow cavity or indentation within the interior side 32 of the core body 30.

[0037] According to an embodiment, shown in Figures 5-8, the shape comprises a recess 34 configured to receive at least a portion of the position indicating element 70 at the first state in the first position P1 of the core 50 and wherein the rotational movement of the core 50 from the first P1 to the second position P2 forces the position indicating element 70 to move in relation to the recess 34 that (rotational movement) moves it (the position indicating element) to the second state. The recess 34 of the core body 30 and shape of the internal wall of the core body 30 may be formed so that it will guide the position indicating element 70 to move radially at least partially inside of the core 50 when the core 50 rotates from the first position P1 to the second position P2. The recess 34 (as illustrated in Figures 5-10) may be formed such that when the core 50 with the position indicating element 70 is moving from the first position P1 towards the second position P2, the position indicating element having the elastic member 72 may gradually be compressed until it is set to its final compressed form in which the core 50 is in its second position P2. In other words, the final compressed form (i.e., second state) of the position indicating element 70 is formed when the core is at its second position P2, for example, when the electromechanical lock arrangement is at its locked state. It may, however, be possible that the position indicating element 70 may give the second state during a certain transition (i.e., after the position indicating element 70 has come off from the recess 34). Correspondingly, when the core 50 with the position indicating element 70 is moving from the second position P2 towards the first position P1, the position indicating element 70 having the elastic member 72 may gradually be expanded until it is set to its final expanded form in which the core 50 is in its first position P1. In other words, the final expanded form (i.e., first state) of the position indicating element 70 is formed when the core is at its first position P1, for example, when the electromechanical lock arrangement is at its unlocked state.

[0038] The position indicating element 70 may move partially out of the core 50, and when the position indicating element 70 makes connection with the core body 30, the core body may force the position indicating element 70 to move, at least partly, inside the core (or towards the core). In other words, the position indicating element 70 may protrude at least partially from the core 50 and / or intrude at least partially to the core 50. In case the position indicating element 70 is at its first position P1 in which the elastic member 72 is expanded and the position indicating element extends over the core. For example, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, at least one bending of the position indicating element 70 may be outside of the core 50. In case the core is cylindrically shape, the at least one bending of the position indicating element 70 may at least partially be outside of the cylinder of the core 50 when the core 50 is at its first position P1. The position indicating element 70 may protrude at least partially within the recess 34 (i.e., the core 50 is at its first position P1). When the core 50 moves from the first position P1 towards the second position P2, specifically, the position indicating element 70 may move towards the central axis CA. The position indicating element 70 may move in a radial direction of the core (towards inside of the core). In the second state of the position indicating element 70, the position indicating element 70 may be at least partially inside the core 50. Similarly, the recess 34 of the core body 30 and shape of the internal wall of the core body 30 will guide the position indicating element 70 to move radially at least partially outside of the core 50 (the position indicating element protrudes partially) when the core 50 rotates from the second position P2 to the first position P1 (i.e. when the position indicating element 70 moves back to the recess) the position indicating element - moves, at least partly, in a direction that is away from the core. In other words, the position indicating element 70 forms a protrusion from the core 50, when the core 50 is at its first position P1, as illustrated in Figure 6, for instance. The recess 34 may have a curved shape, while the shape of the internal wall (outside of the recess) of the core body 30 may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The curved shape of the recess 34 may be substantially concave shaped (curved inwards or grooved-like). Thus (due to the curved shape of the recess 34), the position indicating element 70 may be compressed / expanded gradually as the position indicating element 70 may gradually move in response of the (rotation) movement of the core 50.

[0039] As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the recess 34 may have a central axis RC1. The central axis RC1 of the recess 34 travels via the central axis CA (of the core 50). The central axis RC1 of the recess may substantially be perpendicular with the central axis CA (of the core 50). The central axis RC1 of the recess 34 is located in the middle of the recess 34. The depth of the recess 34 may be at its maximum at the central axis RC1 of the recess 34. This on the other hand means that the distance between an outer surface of the core 50 and a bottom of the recess 34 of the core body 30 is the greatest. So, when the core 50 is at its first position P1, the position indicating element 70 may have the greatest room to expand to the recess 34. A portion of the position indicating element 70 that extrudes into the recess may be substantially at the vicinity of the central axis RC1 of the recess 34. In other words, the portion of the position indicating element 70 that extrudes into the recess 34 may be substantially aligned with the central axis RC1 of the recess 34. Thus, the shape of the recess may be curved which affects the position indicating element 70 to compress / expand substantially gradually and radially (towards / away from the central axis CA of the core 50) when the core 50 is moving (rotating).

[0040] As can be seen in Figures 5 - 10, the recess 34 may form about 15 % to about 40 % of the circumference of the core body 30. There may be a certain clearance within the recess 34 between the core body 30 and the position indicating element 70 when the core is at its first position P1. It may be possible that the core 50 may rotate from about 2° to about 30° before the position indicating element 70 will take contact to the inner wall surface of the core body 30. Thus, when rotating the core 50, for example, from the first position P1 towards the second position P2, the core 50 may rotate a couple of degrees or few degrees (e.g., 2° - 7°) before the position indicating element 70 will take contact to the inner wall surface of the core body 30. The curved shape of the recess 34 may also be formed so that after a couple of or few degrees (from the central axis RC1), curvature radius is smaller than in the vicinity of the central axis RC1. It may be possible that the position indicating element 70 takes the contact within the recess 34, for example, at the end portion of the recess 34. In practical circumstances, generally, the curvature shape of the recess 34 aims to provide a smooth operation with the position indicating element 70 (so that the position indicating element may substantially gradually be activated and / or deactivated). In other words, curvature shape of the recess 34 may also provide a user-friendly experience of the functioning (and giving a certain response) of the electromechanical lock arrangement.

[0041] Generally speaking, the position indicating element 70 may be arranged within the core 50 and a counter element 36 interacting with the position indicating element 70 may be arranged within the core body 30. Specifically, the counter element 36 refers, in an embodiment, to the shape of the internal wall (outside of the recess) of the core body 30. So, the counter element 36 may be a portion of an internal wall of the core body 30. Alternatively, the position indicating element 70 may be arranged within the core body 30 and the counter element interacting with the indicating element 70 may be arranged within the core 50. The counter element interacting with the position indicating element 70 may be a certain shaped wall portion of the core body 30 or the core 50 so that change of the state of the position indicating element 70. When there is an interaction between the position indicating element 70 and the counter element, the indication signal may be triggered for indicating the state of the indication element that indicates the position of the core 50. There may be one or more counter elements within the core and / or core body, depending on which the position indicating element 70 is arranged to take interaction with the counter element. Alternatively, or in addition, to the counter element, the electromechanical lock arrangement may be provided with a contact interface 74 for the position indicating element, as will be discussed later in this description.

[0042] Referring now to Figures 7-8, in an embodiment, the position indicating element 70 is in a mechanical connection with the core body, when the core is at its second position P2. In other words, it may be possible that in the second position P2 of the core 50, the position indicating element takes a mechanical connection with the counter element of the core body 30. So, the core body 30 may be provided with the counter element that takes contact with the position indicating element 70 when the core 50 is at its second position P2.

[0043] The core body 30 may interact with the position indicating element 70 to be at its activated state and / or deactivated state. For example, the position indicating element 70 may take a mechanical connection with the core body 30 so as to activate the position indicating element 70. The mechanical connection with the position indicating element 70 and the core body may occur when the core 50 is at its second position. There may be also a non-mechanical connection between the position indicating element 70 and the core body 30 which may deactivate the position indicating element 70. Change of the state of the position indicating element 70 triggers the indication signal of the position of the core 50. In other words, by the state of the position indicating element 70, the position of the core 50 may be obtained.

[0044] According to an embodiment, the position indicating element 70 is configured to switch between a mechanical connection with the core body 30 and a non-mechanical connection with the core body 30 in response of the first state and the second state.

[0045] The term "mechanical connection" refers to a connection in which the position indicating element takes physical contact. Preferably, in the mechanical connection, the position indicating element 70 takes contact with the core body 30 and the core 50. The term "non-mechanical connection" refers to a connection in which the position indicating element is off from the physical contact (physical contact does not exist). In the "non-mechanical connection", however, the position indicating element 70 may be in contact either with the core body 30 or core 50.

[0046] Yet in another embodiment, there may be mechanical connection all the time but the second state may trigger the signal. For example, mechanical contact may exist in both states but when moving from the first to second state, the indication element is pressed more that triggers the signal.

[0047] Referring to figure 5-8, according to an embodiment, the core 50 comprises a contact interface 74 into which the position indicating element 70 is configured to be contacted at the second state. When the position indicating element 70 has reached its second state, and the electromechanical lock arrangement is open (or opened), the position indicating element 70 may trigger an indication signal referring that the core 50 is at its second position P2. The contact interface 74 may be arranged within the core 50.

[0048] According to an embodiment, shown in Figures 5-8, the elastic member 72 is configured to be pressed against the contact interface 74 at the second state. In other words, at the second state of the position indicating element 70, the elastic member 72 presses against the contact interface 74. In other words, at least a portion of the position indicating element 70 is within the core 50 and makes a contact with the contact interface 74, when the core 50 is at its second position. It may be possible, at the second state, that a portion of the position indicating element 70 makes a contact with the cylindrical inner space 32 of the core body 30. In other words, the position indicating element 70 may comprise a looped structure that may have at least one bending. Thus, at the second state of the position indicating element, both ends of the position indicating element 70 may be substantially inside the core 50 while a portion of the position indicating element 70 may be outside and taking a contact with the cylindrical inner space 32 (cf. Figures 7 and 8). In addition, at the second state, one end of the position indicating element 70 is in contact with the contact interface 74. Referring to Figures 5 and 6, at the first state of the position indicating element, both ends of the position indicating element 70 may be substantially inside the core 50 while a portion of the position indicating element 70 may be outside and taking a contact with the cylindrical inner space 32. At the first state, the one end of the position indicating element 70 is not in contact with the contact interface 74. When rotating the core 50 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the movement (and the cylindrical inner space of the core body) will force the position indicating element 70 to make the contact with the contact interface 74. In other words, the looped structure (or specifically the end of the looped structure) will take contact with the contact interface 74 within the core 50.

[0049] The position indicating element 70 may comprise the contact interface 74 for the elastic member 72 to be pressed against at the second state. The contact interface 74 may be made of electrically conducting material. This means that when the elastic member 72 made of electrically conducting material touches the contact interface 74 made of electrically conducting material, when the core 50 is at its second position P2, an electrical connection may be formed between the position indicating element 70 and with the core 50.

[0050] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, for instance, a free end of the elastic member 72 of the position indicating element 70 may take contact with the contact interface 74. In other words, in the second position P2 of the core 50, the electrical connection may be formed between the elastic member 72 and the contact interface 74, when the core 50 is at its second position. So, the position indicating element 70 may act like a mechanical and / or digital switch. The position indicating element 70 may be configured to trigger 0 signal when the core 30 is at its first position P1 and 1 signal when the core 50 is at its second position P2. In other words, the 0 signal may refer to non-contacting state (no current flow) while the 1 signal may refer to conducting state (current flow). The conducting state may be also referred as short circuit state. As illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the elastic member 72 is compressed to form the second state. The elastic member 72 is fixed within the core 50 and it takes a contact with the interior side (wall) of the core body 30. The free end (or a part) of the elastic member 72 may take contact with the contact interface 74. In other words, both ends (free and fixed end) of the position indicating element 70 may be substantially inside the core 50 while a portion of the position indicating element 70 may be outside and taking a contact with the cylindrical inner space 32. At the first state, the free end of the position indicating element 70 is not in contact with the contact interface 74. When rotating the core 50 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the movement (and the cylindrical inner space of the core body) will force the position indicating element 70 to make the contact with the contact interface 74. The free end of the position indicating element 70 is in contact with the contact interface 74. In other words, the looped structure (or specifically the free end of the looped structure) will take contact with the contact interface 74 within the core 50.

[0051] Referring to Figures 5-8, in an embodiment, the position indicating element 70 is configured to switch between a mechanical connection with contact interface 74 and a non-mechanical connection with the contact interface 74 in response of the first state and the second state. In other words, in mechanical connection, the position indicating element 70 may be in contact with the contact interface 74 and the and in non-mechanical connection, the position indicating element is not in contact with the contact interface 74.

[0052] Still referring to Figures 5-8, in an embodiment, the position indicating element 70 is configured to switch between a mechanical connection with contact interface 74 and the core body 30 and a non-mechanical connection with the contact interface 74 and the core body 30 in response of the first state and the second state. In other words, in mechanical connection, the position indicating element 70 may be in contact with the counter element 36 and the contact interface 74 and the and in non-mechanical connection, the position indicating element is not in contact with the counter element 36 and the contact interface 74. So, in other words, for the second state, it may be required that mechanical connections exist with the contact interface 74 and with the counter element 36. Correspondingly, for the first state, it may be required that non-mechanical connections exist, i.e., no connection with the contact interface 74 and no connection with the counter element 36 (for example, when the position indicating element aligned with the recess 34). The mechanical connection may trigger the indication signal, and in the non-mechanical connection the signal may not be triggered, for example.

[0053] Since Figures 5 and 6, refer to the first state of the position indicating element 70, in which the position indicating element 70 is not taking a direct connection with the contact interface 74, this first state may be called as an uncoupled state. So, according to an embodiment, in the first position of the core 50, the position indicating element 70 may be at its uncoupled state. There may be an air gap between the position indicating element 70 and the contact interface 74 as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, for instance.

[0054] Similarly, since Figures 7 and 8, refer to the second state of the position indicating element 70, in which the position indicating element 70 takes a direct connection with the contact interface 74, this second state may be called as a coupled state. So, according to an embodiment, in the second position of the core 50, the position indicating element 70 may be at its coupled state. The free end of the spring 72 or at least a portion of the free end of the spring 72 may take contact with the contact interface 74 when the core 50 is at its second position P2, as in Figures 7 and 8.

[0055] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate yet another embodiments of the invention. Figure 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view A-A of the embodiment shown in Figure 3. Figure 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view C-C of the embodiment shown in Figure 4. The detailed structure (zoomed in figure) is shown on the right-hand side in the Figures 9 and 10. Referring to Figure 9, when the core 50 is at its first position P1, the position indicating element 70 is connected to the contact interface 74. In other words, the position indicating element 70 comprises a contact interface 74 for the elastic member 72 to be pressed against at the first position of the core 50 according to an embodiment of the invention. In such a case there is an electrical connection with the position indicating element 70 and the contact interface 74. Referring to Figure 10, when the core 50 is at its second position P2, the position indicating element 70 is misaligned with the contact interface 74, in other words, not making connection via the contact interface 74. In Figure 10, the position indicating element 70 is off from the contact interface 74. This means that there may be an air gap between the position indicating element 70 and the contact interface 74, as illustrated in Figure 10.

[0056] Since Figure 9, refers to the first state of the position indicating element 70, in which the position indicating element 70 is taking a direct connection with the contact interface 74, this first state may be called as a coupled state. So, according to an embodiment, in the first position of the core 50, the position indicating element 70 may be at its coupled state. The free end of the spring 72 or at least a portion of the free end of the spring 72 may take contact with the contact interface 74 when the core 50 is at its first position P1, as in Figure 10.

[0057] Similarly, since Figure 10, refers to the second state of the position indicating element 70, in which the position indicating element 70 is not taking a direct connection with the contact interface 74, this second state may be called as an uncoupled state. So, according to an embodiment, in the second position of the core 50, the position indicating element 70 may be at its uncoupled state.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the invention, the spring 72 is compressed, when the core 50 is at its second position. According to an embodiment of the invention, the spring 72 is expanded, when the core 50 is at its first position. The expanded term may be understood, in practical circumstances, as uncompressed.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the invention, the spring 72 is at its original position, when the core 50 is at its first position. This means that there may not be external forces (e.g. by the wall of the core body 30), such as compression or stress, acting on the spring.

[0060] Referring now to Figures 11-12. Figure 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view A-A of the embodiment shown in Figure 3. Figure 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view C-C of the embodiment shown in Figure 4. According to an embodiment, the position indicating element 70 is arranged within the core body 30, and wherein the core 50 comprises at an outer curved surface 52 a recess 54 configured to receive a portion of the position indicating element 70 at the first state in the first position P1 of the core 50. In other words, when the core 50 is at its first position P1, the recess 54 of the core 50 and the position indicating element 70 arranged in the core body 30 are at an aligned position. According to an embodiment, in the first state a portion of the position indicating element 70 is within the recess 54 and in the second state the position indicating element 70 is misaligned with the recess 54. The movement of the position indicating element 70 may be substantially in a radial direction of the core 50 and / or core body 30, in Figures 11-12. The recess 54 of the core 50 may be formed so that it will guide the position indicating element 70 to some extent to give way (moves radially at least partially inside of the core body 50) for the core 50 to rotate. So, the indication element may be arranged within the core and the recess within the core body, or the other way around as described above.

[0061] As illustrated in Figure 11, in an embodiment, in the first state, a portion of the position indicating element 70 is within the recess 54. As can be seen, the position indicating element 70 is not taking a contact with the contact interface 74.

[0062] As illustrated in Figure 12, in an embodiment, in the second state the position indicating element 70 is misaligned with the recess 54. As can be seen, the position indicating element 70 is taking a contact with the contact interface 74.

[0063] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate also that the recess 54 of the core 50 may have a central axis RC2. The central axis R2 of the recess 54 travels via the central axis CA (of the core 50). The central axis RC2 of the recess may substantially be perpendicular with the central axis CA (of the core 50). The shape of the recess 54 may be curved, for example, having a substantially constant curvature radius (as illustrated in Figures 11 and 12) or the curvature radius may vary (cf. Figures 5-8). The depth of the recess 54 of the core 50 may be at its maximum at the central axis RC2 of the recess 54. This on the other hand means that the distance between the cylindrical inner space 32 of the core body 30 and a bottom of the recess 54 of the core 50 is the greatest. So, when the core 50 is at its first position P1, the position indicating element 70 may have the greatest room to expand to the recess 54. A portion of the position indicating element 70 that extrudes into the recess 54 may be substantially at the vicinity of the central axis RC2 of the recess 54. In other words, the portion of the position indicating element 70 that extrudes into the recess 54 may be substantially aligned with the central axis RC2 of the recess 34. Thus, the shape of the recess may be curved which affects the position indicating element 70 to compress / expand substantially gradually and radially (towards / away from the central axis CA of the core 50) when the core 50 is moving (rotating). The recess 54 may form about 15 % to about 40 % of the circumference of the core 50. There may be a certain clearance within the recess 54 between the core 50 and the position indicating element 70 when the core is at its first position P1. It may be possible that the core 50 may rotate from about 2° to about 30° before the position indicating element 70 will take contact to the inner wall surface of the core body 30. Thus, when rotating the core 50, for example, from the first position P1 towards the second position P2, the core 50 may rotate a couple of degrees or few degrees (e.g., 2° - 7°) before the position indicating element 70 will take contact to the surface of the core 50. The curved shape of the recess 54 may also be formed so that after a couple of or few degrees (from the central axis RC2), curvature radius is smaller than in the vicinity of the central axis RC2. In practical circumstances, generally, the curvature shape of the recess 54 aims to provide a smooth operation with the position indicating element 70 (so that the position indicating element may substantially gradually be activated and / or deactivated). In other words, curvature shape of the recess 54 may also provide a user-friendly experience of the functioning (and giving a certain response) of the electromechanical lock arrangement.

[0064] As illustrated in Figures 11-12, the contact interface 74, 74' may be arranged within the core body 30 and / or within the core 50. In case the contact interface 74' is arranged within the core 50, it may be possible that outer surface 52 of the core 50 is partly formed with the conductive material as the contact interface 74'. In other words, the contact interface 74' within the core 50 may be of conductive material. It may also be possible that there is an indentation in the core 50 in which the contact interface 74' is located so that it can take a contact with the position indicating element 70. The contact interfaces 74 and 74' may be considered as alternative embodiments. In other words, either there may be the contact interface 74 within the core body 30 or there may be the contact interface 74' within the core 50. Thus, the other contact interface 74' is illustrated with dashed line in Figures 11 and 12. It may, however, be possible that both contact interfaces 74 and 74' exist in the same embodiment. It should be noted that for the sake of simplicity not all of the components, such as components of the core 50, are not illustrated in Figures 11-12. It is also possible that the contact interface 74 is arranged similarly as in the Figures 9-10 meaning that in the first position P1 of the core 50, the position indicating element 70 takes connection with the contact interface 74. Similarly, in the second position P2 of the core 50, the position indicating element 70 is not taking connection with the contact interface 74.

[0065] Referring to Figures 13 and 14 which illustrate an embodiment in which the core 50 comprises a grooved portion 55. Figure 13 illustrates a longitudinal view of the portion of the core 50 and the core body 30. Figure 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view A'-A' of the embodiment shown in Figure 13. The core 50, in Figure 13 and 14, is at its first position P1. The grooved portion 55 of the core 50 comprises the position indicating element 70.

[0066] As illustrated in Figure 14, the core body 50 comprises an inner space having a first space 34' and a second space 34". The second space 34" may comprise two sections, and the first space 34' may be between the section as illustrated in Figure 13. The first space 34' may be arranged at a location of the grooved portion of the core 50. In other words, the first space 34' is configured to receive at least a portion of the grooved portion of the core 50. So, the first space 34', in this embodiment, substantially refers to the space into which the position indicating element 70 may at least partially protrude. In terminology-wise, the space 34' may be defined in response to the counter element 36 in this embodiment. In other words, the counter element 36 forms at least a portion of the wall for the first space 34'. As illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, the core body 30 may comprise different inner radii. The first space 34' may have a smaller area (and / or radius and / or volume) than the second space 34'. In other words, opposite the grooved portion of the core 50, the inner radius of the core body 30 is smaller than a radius off the grooved portion of the core 50, when the core 50 is assembled within the core body 30.

[0067] The wall of the first space 34', in Figures 13 and 14, may form about 60 % to about 90 % of the circumference of the inner wall of the core body 30. Similarly, as described in earlier embodiments, the core body 30 comprises the counter element 36 that may be arranged to interact with the position indicating element 70. In other words, the counter element 36 may take contact with the position indicating element 70 when the core 50 is at its second position P2 (not illustrated for this embodiment in Figures, but cf., for example, Figures 7 and / or 8). The counter element 36 may be considered as inwards protrusion of the core 30. The counter element 36 extends towards the central axis of the core 30. When the core 50 is rotated from the first position P1 in a direction RD1 (shown in Figure 14), the core 50 rotates into the second position P2 (not shown in Figures) in which position the position indicating element 70 may take contact with the counter element 36. As illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, the core body 30 may have varying inner radii (distance from the inner wall to the center of the core body 30). In other words, a distance from an inner wall of the second space 34' to the center of the core 30 is greater than a distance from the counter element 36 (inwards protrusion) of the core body 30 to the center of the core body 30. In the embodiment of Figures 13 and 14, a space for the position indicating element 70 to extend is formed substantially from the grooved portion of the core body 50 and the inner wall of the core 30 excluding the counter element 36.

[0068] In further other terms, one may consider that in the embodiment of Figures 13 and 14, the position indicating element 70 is arranged within the recess 54 of the core 50. In this embodiment, the recess 54 of the core 50 may be considered as a synonym for the grooved portion 55 of the core 50. In other words, also the core may comprise different outer radii. The grooved portion 55 of the core 50 comprises a smaller radius than a radius located off the grooved portion 55 of the core 50. The inner space of the core 30 has the space (recess 34') to accommodate the position indicating element 70 when the core 50 is at its first position P1. When the core is rotated from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the position indicating element 70 may take contact with the counter element 36 (inwards protrusion) of the core body 36.

[0069] Examine now Figures 15-20 more in detail. Figures 15-17 illustrate an embodiment in which the core 50 is at its first position P1. Figures 18-20 illustrate an embodiment in which the core 50 is at its second position P1. According to an embodiment of the invention, the core 50 is linearly movable at least between the first P1 and second P2 positions in relation with the core body 30, wherein a linear movement of the core 50 from the second position P2 to the first position P1 forces the indication element 70 to change the state from the second state to the first state to trigger the indication signal for indicating the position of the core 50. When the lock is open, the user may pull from the shackle 16 so as to take at least one of the legs of the shackle out from the frame. In order to lock the electromechanical lock arrangement 10, the user may push the at least one leg of the shackle 16 into the frame.

[0070] Figure 15 illustrates the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 from a first end side and Figure 16 illustrates the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 from a second end side which is opposite the first end side. Cross-sectional view of E-E of Figure 15 is shown in Figure 17. The dashed line with E-E arrows, in Figure 15, depicts a longitudinal axis of the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 according to an embodiment. Figure 18 illustrates the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 from the first end side and Figure 19 illustrates the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 from the second end side which is opposite the first end side. Cross-sectional view of F-F of Figure 18 is shown in Figure 20. The dashed line with F-F arrows, in Figure 18, depicts the longitudinal axis of the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 according to an embodiment. The longitudinal direction may also be called as a length direction. In other words, the longitudinal axis is the central axis CA as illustrated in Figure 15 and 18. The longitudinal direction may be the longitudinal direction of the padlock.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the core 50 comprises a feature 56 arranged to be in contact with and, for example, to press the position indicating element 70 in the first position P1 of the core 50. The feature may be a bevel or facet. The feature may be configured to guide the elastic member 72. When feature 56 of the core 50 touches the elastic member 72 of the position indicating element 70, the elastic member 72 will move in response of the force provided by the core. The core 50 may interact with the position indicating element 70 by pressing with the feature 56 the position indicating element 70 in the first position P1 of the core 50. The position indicating element 70 may be a mechanical switch which comprises the elastic member 72. Under load, the position indicating element 70 may be turned on and when the load is released, the position indicating element 70 may be returned to its original position (off). Under load, the elastic member 72 of the position indicating element 70 may be compressed and when the load is released the elastic member 72 of the position indicating element 70 may be expanded. Specifically, under load, the switch may be turned on and when the load is released, the switch may be returned to its original position which is off. It is also possible that the switch is operated other way around, i.e., under load, the switch may be turned off and when the load is released, the switch may be returned to its original position which is on. The position indicating element 70 may be a rocker switch that comprises the elastic member 72.

[0072] Referring to, for instance Figure 15, in an embodiment, the position indicating element 70 comprises a switch 78, wherein the linear movement of the core 50 from the second to first position activates the switch 78, and from the first to second position deactivates the switch.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the position indicating element 70 comprises a switch 78. The linear movement of the core 50 results in the switch 78, in the first position P1 of the core 50, to be pressed at the first state and in the second position P2 of the core 50 released to the second state. Linear movement of the core 50 herein refers to the direction of the longitudinal axis (cf. the dashed line in Figures 15 and 18). The linear movement is also illustrated in Figures 16 and 19 with a double arrow 19. Also shackle 16 may be moved in this direction when taking out from the frame 12 or put back into the frame 12.

[0074] In an embodiment, the core 50 moves only linearly. In other words, it does not rotate when used.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 further comprises a frame 12 of an electromechanical lock 100 comprising a sealing interface 14, and wherein the core body 30, the core 50 and the position indicating element 70 are arranged within the sealing interface 14 of the frame 12 of the electromechanical lock 100 such that the core body 30, the core 50 and the position indicating element 70 are sealed within the frame 12 in the first position P1 and the second position P2 of the core 30. Since, the core body 30, the core 50 and the position indicating element 70 are sealed within the frame 12 in the first position P1 and the second position P2 of the core 30, itmeans that the components are safe from environmental conditions (rain, snow, sand, etc.) as well as manipulation of components from outside by outsider despite the position of the core (whether it is in the first position P1 or in the second position P2). This improves the overall safety and durability of the electromechanical lock arrangement 10. So, in case the electromechanical lock arrangement is a padlock, even when, one end of the shackle is taken out from the frame (i.e., the lock arrangement is open), one cannot manipulate the core and / or the position indicating element so that a faulty signal (stating that the lock is at its locked state) would be generated and / or triggered concerning the position of the core. The sealing interface may comprise a seal made of rubber, for example. The rubber seal may be used to seal the interface between interior and exterior space. sensitive component may be arranged within the sealed interior space.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the frame 12 is a cover of the electromechanical lock arrangement 10. In other words, the cover may also be called as housing. The frame 12 may enclose the core 50 and the core body 30.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the core 50 is movable at least between a first position P1 and a second position P2 in relation with the frame 12. In other words, the movement of the core 50 may be defined in relation to the core body 30 and / or the frame 12.

[0078] According to an embodiment of the invention, the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 is a padlock, and wherein the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 comprises a processing circuitry 90 configured to detect a state of position indicating element 70 and to provide the indication signal for indicating the position of the core 50 to a user interface 200.

[0079] According to an embodiment of the invention, the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 is a padlock, and wherein the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 comprises a processing circuitry 90 configured to detect a position of the core and to provide the indication signal for indicating the position of the core 50 at the first state of the core 50 to a user interface 200.

[0080] According to an embodiment of the invention, the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 is a padlock, and wherein the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 comprises a processing circuitry 90, in connection with the indication element 70, configured to detect change of the state of the indication element and to provide the indication signal for indicating the position of the core 50 to a user interface 200. By this way, it is possible to identify the position of the core without needing to know directly the position of the shackle. In other words, the position of the shackle may be deduced indirectly from the information of the position indicating element 70 which triggers indication signal for indicating the position of the core 50. Therefore, one may monitor the position of the core remotely.

[0081] The next example describes how the electromechanical lock arrangement may work when it is a padlock. The electromechanical lock arrangement may be a self-powered electromechanical lock arrangement. The user of the padlock brings for example a mobile phone nearby the padlock such that the padlock can communicate with the phone via NFC, for example. The padlock may harvest, at least partly, the electric energy need for operating the lock from the phone and further the access rights may be checked. Any other wireless technologies may be applied as well.

[0082] The processing circuitry may be further configured to check the access rights of the user. If the user has the access rightto open the electromechanical lock arrangement such as padlock, the processing circuitry provides the control signal to enable movement of the core to the second position P2 and lock to open state. If the user does not have access rights, the control signal is not provided. Hence, the processing circuitry may provide the control signal only when authorized to do so, in other words, only if the user has the access rights to open the padlock. As described above, the NFC may be applied to provide the authorization as well as power for the electronic padlock. So, if the user has the rights to open the lock, the processing circuitry provides the control signal to enable the user to open the lock in which the core is able to move in response of the core body to a position (second position P2) in which one of the legs 16A, 16B of the shackle 16 can be taken out of the lock by the user. Then the user can provide force by pushing a button or pulling the shackle to move so that the lock opens. Any other manual movement may also be applied (by a user) to get the shackle open when the lock is set to the openable state. As illustrated in Figures, the shackle may be substantially U-shaped.

[0083] The padlock may be also called as an electromechanical padlock. The electromechanical padlock may further comprise other components than described in this application. For example, some of these components may be visible in Figures. This application describes the components that are essential for the invention. It is also important to realize that many of the components are arranged inside the body of the padlock as can be seen in Figures. For example, the padlock may comprise a frame inside the body to which some of the presented components are assembled.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 further comprises a shackle 16 that is unremovable from the frame 12 in the first position P1 of the core 50 and removable in the second position P2 of the core 50. The electromechanical lock arrangement 10 further comprises holding means 18 configured to hold the core 50 in the second position P2 when the shackle 16 is removed, and to release the core 50 to move to the first position P1 when the shackle 16 is set into the frame 12 such that the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 is in the locked state. In such embodiments, it may be particularly of interest to monitor the position indicating element 70 which triggers indication signal for indicating the position of the core 50.

[0085] The shackle 16 may comprise two legs 16A, 16B having different length. The holding means 18 may be arranged between the legs 16A, 16B of the U-shaped shackle 16, for instance. In the locked state of the padlock (or shackle) both legs are inside the frame 12 and are locked such that the legs cannot be pulled out of the frame 12. In the open state of the shackle, a shorter leg 16B comes out of the frame 12 and a longer leg 16A stays inside the frame 12 such that the shackle 16 can be rotated around the longer leg 16A enabling to open the padlock, for example. In same case, both legs may come out and the shackle is totally removed from the frame.

[0086] Referring to Figures 1, 16 and 19. According to an embodiment, the holding means 18 comprises locking balls 20 arranged in interaction with the shackle 16. The holding means 18 is configured to hold the core 50 in the second position P2, when moved from the first position P1 to the second position P2, until the shackle 16 is set to the locked state. In other words, the holding means 18 may be arranged in interaction with the core 50 which core 50 comprises receiving grooves 22 for receiving the locking balls 20 when the core 50 is at its second position P2. So, in other words, the receiving grooves 22 receive the locking balls 20 when the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 is in its unlocked state. At least one locking ball 20 may be used to prevent returning of the core 50 back to the first position P1 before the shackle 16 is in the locked state. The locking ball 20 may enter the receiving groove 22 and the leg 16A, 16B of the shackle 16 may keep the locking ball 20 in the receiving groove 22 that keeps the core 50 in the second position P2. When the shackle 16 is pulled outwards, by the user, to open it, the longer leg 16A stays inside the frame 12, and in the open state of the shackle 16 the longer leg 16A may hold the locking ball 20 in the receiving groove 22. In addition, each leg 16A, 16B of the shackle 16 may comprise a groove 16.1, 16.2 configured to receive a locking ball 20. The longer leg of the shackle 16 is depicted with a reference 16A and the shorter leg with reference 16B. When the locking ball 20 is in the groove 16.1, 16.2 of the leg 16A, 16B, moving of the leg in a length direction (e.g. longitudinal direction of the padlock) is limited such that the shorter leg 16B cannot come out of the frame 12. The groove 16.1, 16.2 in the leg of the shackle 16 may comprise some clearance such that when the user of the padlock pulls the shackle 16 in the locked state, the shackle can slightly move outwards but does not open.

[0087] In Figure 19, the locking ball 20 is able to move into the receiving groove 22 of the core 50, but the shackle 16 is not pulled out and open, by the user. Anyway, when the shackle 16 moves outwards from the position illustrated in Figure 19, the surface of the leg can interact with the locking ball 20 and can prevent moving of the ball out of the receiving groove 22. This prevents the movement of the core 50 in the length direction of the padlock, in other words, the core 50 stays in the second position P2 and cannot return to another position before the shackle 16 is pressed again inside the body and set to the locked state. Then the longer leg may not restrict moving of the locking ball 20 out of the receiving groove 22 of the core 50, and the locking ball 20 can move out of the receiving groove 22. The receiving groove 22 of the core 50, the locking ball 20 and the leg 16A, 16B of the shackle 16 may form the holding means 18.

[0088] Referring to Figures 16, 17, 19 and 20, according to an embodiment, the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 further comprises a locking pin 60 having a locked state (Figure 15-17, the core 50 is in the first position P1) to disable moving of the core, and an open state (Figure 18-20 , the core 50 is in the second position P2) to enable moving of the core 50. The locking pin 60 may be configured to move perpendicularly in relation to the core 50 such that in the locked state one end of the pin extends into the core 50 preventing its movement. The core may comprise a hole for receiving the pin in its locked state. In the second state of the locking pin, the pin may move out of the hole releasing the core 50 to move to the second position and to open the shackle 16.

[0089] In case of linearly movable core 50, as illustrated, for example, in Figure 17, the core 50 may also be called as a blocker as it may prevent and / or allow movement of the locking balls 20 into the grooves 22.

[0090] As can be seen in Figures 17 and 20, the core 50 is able to move between the first position P1 and the second position P2 in response of the core body 30. In other words, the core body 30 may remain stationary while the core 50 moves between the first position P1 and the second position P2.

[0091] In an embodiment, the core 50 comprises a returning element 62 configured to return the core 50 from the second position P2 to the first position P1 when the shackle 16 is in the locked state. The returning element 62 is illustrated in Figures 15, 17 and 20, for example.

[0092] Referring to Figure 1, according to an embodiment, the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 further comprises a coupling member 24 arranged in interaction with the core 50. The coupling member 24 may comprise receiving grooves 22' configured to receive the locking balls 20. In other words, the receiving grooves 22' are arranged within the coupling member 24. The coupling member 24 is arranged in contact with the core 50, when in use. In case the grooves 22' are aligned with the locking balls 20, i.e. when the core 50 is at its first position P2, the locking balls 20 may roll into the grooves 22' and an end of the shackle 16 may be taken out from the frame 12 (so that the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 is open). When the shackle 16 is pressed back into the frame 12 and the core 50 is rotated to the first position P1, the locking balls 20 and the grooves 22' are misaligned, and the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 is locked (meaning that shackle 16 cannot be moved from the frame to open the electromechanical lock arrangement 10). In other words, the coupling member 24 may couple the core 50, shackle 16 and locking balls 20 in interaction with each other so that the electromechanical lock arrangement may be opened and / or closed, by the user. The coupling member 24, receiving groove 22', the locking ball 20 and the leg 16A, 16B of the shackle 16 may form the holding means 18. In case of rotational core 50, as illustrated, for example, in Figure 1, the coupling member 24 may also be called as a blocker as it may prevent and / or allow movement of the locking balls 20 into the grooves 20.

[0093] Still referring to the operation of the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 when it is a padlock as illustrated in Figures. The core 50 may only be able to move from the second position P2 (unlocked position) to the first position P1 (locked position) only when the locking balls 20 are pressed against the grooves 16.1 and 16.2 of the shackle 16. This ensures that core may be put into the locked state (to the first position P1) only in a correct locked position which makes it very difficult to manipulate the electromechanical lock arrangement 10. Therefore, it is of particular interest to monitor the state of the core 50 (via the position indicating element 70) and not the position of the shackle 16 itself. Advantageously, by the embodiments of the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 it is possible to get reliable information (by monitoring the position of the core 50) about whether the lock is in its locked state or not.

[0094] Furthermore, it is possible to utilize the data gained from monitoring the position of the core 50 (via the position indicating element 70) to notice a damaged electromechanical lock arrangement when the shackle 16 is put into the frame 12 but for some reason or another, the core is not returned from the second position P2 to the first position P1. It may be possible that from the outside it looks like that the shackle 16 is within the frame (and the lock looks like it is in a locked state) but components (such as the core 50) within the frame 12 are not in their correct places. Thus, it would render it possible that someone would just pull the shackle 16 of from the frame. Thus, it is advantageously possible to notice any faulty operation of the electromechanical lock arrangement 10. In addition, or alternatively, it is possible to gather statistical data about the operation and functioning of the core, for example, when making the decision on replacing the locks. The decision about replacing the lock (or components therein) may be results from noticing too many erroneous or faulty operations of the electromechanical lock arrangement within a certain period of time.

[0095] There may be other moving pins and / or magnets participating in controlling movement of the core which are not described herein more in detail. The reader is advised to consult the patent applications EP3825496A1 of the applicant wherein moving of the pins by the magnets in the electromechanical lock is described in detail.

[0096] Since, Figures 15-17, refer to the first state of the position indicating element 70, in which the position indicating element 70 is taking a direct connection with the contact interface 74, this first state may be called as a coupled state. The core 50, in Figures 15-17 is at its first position P1. So, according to an embodiment, in the first position of the core 50, the position indicating element 70 may be at its coupled state.

[0097] Similarly, since Figures 18-20, refer to the second state of the position indicating element 70, in which the position indicating element 70 is not taking a direct connection with the contact interface 74, this second state may be called as an uncoupled state. The core 50, in Figures 15-17 is at its second position P2. So, according to an embodiment, in the second position of the core 50, the position indicating element 70 may be at its uncoupled state.

[0098] In case the position indicating element 70 comprises a light source, instead of contact interface 74, there may be provided an interface which may contain a sensor to detect the light from the light source when they are aligned with each other. Thus, moving between alignment position and misalignment position of the source and the sensor, i.e., when the core moves in relation to the core body, may provide the change of the state for triggering the indication signal for indicating the position of the core. Similarly, in case the position indicating element comprises a sensor to detect light, the interface may comprise a light source. When the core moves in relation to the core body, moves the source and the sensor between alignment position and misalignment position, which may then provide the change of the state for triggering the indication signal for indicating the position of the core.

[0099] As used in this application, the term 'circuitry' refers to all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations, such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry, and (b) combinations of circuits and software (and / or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of processor(s) or (ii) portions of processor(s) / software including digital signal processor(s), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus to perform various functions, and (c) circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of 'circuitry' applies to all uses of this term in this application. As a further example, as used in this application, the term 'circuitry' would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The techniques described herein may be implemented by various means. For example, these techniques may be implemented in hardware (one or more devices), firmware (one or more devices), software (one or more modules), or combinations thereof. For a hardware implementation, the apparatus(es) of embodiments may be implemented within one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), graphics processing units (GPUs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a combination thereof. For firmware or software, the implementation can be carried out through modules of at least one chipset (e.g. procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the functions described herein. The software codes may be stored in a memory unit and executed by processors. The memory unit may be implemented within the processor or externally to the processor. In the latter case, it can be communicatively coupled to the processor via various means, as is known in the art. Additionally, the components of the systems described herein may be rearranged and / or complemented by additional components in order to facilitate the achievements of the various aspects, etc., described with regard thereto, and they are not limited to the precise configurations set forth in the given figures, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art.

[0100] It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, as technology advances, the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. The invention and its embodiments are not limited to the example embodiments described above but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0008]The following embodiments are only examples. Although the specification may refer to "an" embodiment in several locations, this does not necessarily mean that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments. Furthermore, words "comprising" and "including" should be understood as not limiting the described embodiments to consist of only those features that have been mentioned and such embodiments may contain also features / structures that have not been specifically mentioned. All combinations of the embodiments are considered possible if their combination does not lead to structural or logical contradiction.

[0009]Reference numbers, both in the description of the embodiments and in the claims, serve to illustrate the embodiments with reference to the drawings, without limiting it to these examples only.

[0010]According to an embodime...

Field

[0001] The invention relates to a field of electromechanical lock arrangements.Background

[0002] There is a plurality of different electromechanical lock arrangements available in the market. Electromechanical locks have been utilized successfully for locking different types of premises, storages, houses and other valuables. It may be particularly important to know and ensure afterwards, preferably remotely, that electromechanical locks are in their locked states. However, the known electromechanical lock arrangements may have challenges in providing accurate and reliable information on the status of the electromechanical lock.

[0003] Hence, there is a need for a more sophisticated solution to alleviate the issues of the known solution.Brief description

[0004] The present invention is defined by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0005] Embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0006] The embodiments and features, if any, described in this specification that do not fall under the scope of the independent claim are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the invention.List of drawings

[0007] Example embodiments of the present invention are described below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figures 1 - 14 illustrate electromechanical lock arrangements comprising rotatably moving core according to embodiments of the invention; and Figure 15 - 20 illustrate electromechanical lock arrangements comprising linearly movable core according to embodiments of the invention. Description of embodiments

[0008] The following embodiments are only examples. Although the specification may refer to "an" embodiment in several locations, this does not necessarily mean that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments. Furthermore, words "comprising" and "including" should be understood as not limiting the described embodiments to consist of only those features that have been mentioned and such embodiments may contain also features / structures that have not been specifically mentioned. All combinations of the embodiments are considered possible if their combination does not lead to structural or logical contradiction.

[0009] Reference numbers, both in the description of the embodiments and in the claims, serve to illustrate the embodiments with reference to the drawings, without limiting it to these examples only.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an electromechanical lock arrangement comprising: a core body, and a core arranged to interact with the core body. The core is movable at least between a first position and a second position in relation with the core body. A position indicating element is arranged to indicate the position of the core in relation with the core body. The position indicating element in the first position of the core is at a first state and in the second position of the core in a second state. Change of the state of the position indicating element triggers an indication signal for indicating the position of the core.

[0011] Figures 1-14 illustrate electromechanical lock arrangements of the type of padlocks comprising rotatably movable core of according to embodiments of the invention. The core may be rotationally movable in response of the core body in the embodiment of Figure 1. Figures 15 - 20 illustrate electromechanical lock arrangements of the type of padlocks comprising linearly movable core according to embodiments of the invention. The core may be linearly movable in response of the core body in the embodiment of Figures 16 and 19.

[0012] Advantageously, the electromechanical lock arrangement may be any type of a lock such as a padlock, smart door lock, cam lock or key tube lock to name a few without limiting to these. In other words, nevertheless the padlock is used as an example in this application, the invention may be applied in other types of locks as well.

[0013] Referring to Figure 1 that illustrates a partially exploded view of the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The electromechanical lock arrangement 10 comprises the core body 30 and the core 50 arranged to interact with the core body 30. The core 50 is movable at least between the first position P1 (illustrated, for example, in Figures 3, 5 and 6) and the second position P2 (illustrated, for example, in Figures 4, 7 and 8) in relation with the core body 30. The position indicating element 70 is arranged to indicate the position of the core 50 in relation with the core body 30. The position indicating element 70 in the first position P1 of the core 50 is at a first state and in the second position P2 of the core 50 in a second state. Change of the state of the position indicating element 70 triggers the indication signal for indicating the position of the core 50.

[0014] By this way, it is possible to identify the position of the core, preferably remotely. Advantageously, it renders possible to detect the position of the core 50 from the triggered indication signal, so that a user may be able to deduce whether the electromechanical lock arrangement is locked or unlocked. State of the position indicating element may be obtained by a desirable reading sequence and / or substantially simultaneously when the electromechanical lock arrangement is locked or unlocked. Specifically, it may be of particular interest to know and / or monitor whether the electromechanical lock arrangement is at its locked state.

[0015] The core may also be called as a plug or a barrel, for example. The core body may form at least partly a housing for the core in some of the embodiments. In addition, a frame 12 may cover the core 50 and the core body 30 as illustrated in Figures. In other words, the frame 12 may enclose the core 50 and the core body 30.

[0016] The core and the core body are arranged with interaction with each other. As illustrated in Figures 1-14, the core may transfer movement in a lock cylinder. The movement may be provided by a user, for example, by a key or a knob. The movement provided by the user may be rotational or linear.

[0017] In Figure 1, a rotatable knob is illustrated with a reference number 80. In other words, when the knob 80 rotates, its rotational movement is transferred to the core 50. In other words, the knob 80 and the core 50 may be fixed together so that rotational movement transfers from the knob to the core. The core body may remain stationary while the core rotates / moves. The core body 30 may be affixed with the frame 12. The knob 80 may comprise means to detect and / or read authentication. The authentication may be performed wirelessly by applying, for example, the NFC -technology. If person is authorized to open the lock, the core may be moved to open position to enable the lock to open. The knob 80 may be rotated which then rotates the core. It should be noted, however, that functional principles and basic components of lock cylinders are widely known and are not repeated herein in detail. In traditional locks which utilizes a key, the core may be understood as a part which is configured to receive the key.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the invention, the core body 30 and core 50 form a part of a lock cylinder.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the position indicating element comprises one or more detectors. The detector may comprise sensors which may react into light, magnetic fields, mechanical positions, capacitance or inductive changes. The sensor may comprise piezo-electric sensors.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the position indicating element comprises a mechanical sensor. The mechanical sensor may be at an activated and / or deactivated state in response of the position of the core in response to the core body. The mechanical sensor may be a mechanical switch.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the first state of the position indicating element 70 is a deactivated state. According to an embodiment, the second state of the position indicating element 70 is an activated state. Alternatively, the first state of the position indicating element may be an activated state and the second state of the position indicating element may be a deactivated state.

[0022] Referring to Figure 2 which illustrates more detailed view about the core 50. In an embodiment wherein the position indicating element 70 comprises an elastic member 72. The elastic member 72 may be made of electrically conducting material, such as, metal. The metal may be, for example, copper. The elastic member may made of elastic material. Elastic material refers to material that tries to return its original shape after stressing, for example.

[0023] According to an embodiment the position indicating element 70 may be arranged at least partially within the core 50, as illustrated in Figure 2.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the position indicating element 70 comprises an elastic member 72 wherein in the first state the elastic member 72 is uncompressed, and in the second state the elastic member 72 is compressed (cf. Figures 5-8). In other words, in the first position P1 of the core, the elastic member 72 may be uncompressed to form the first state, and in the second position P2 of the core 50 the elastic member 72 may be compressed to form the second state. At least part of the position indicating element 70 may protrude (for example, out of the core through a curved surface of cylindrical core) from the core 50 when the core 50 is at the first position P1. The indication element 70 may move substantially in a radial direction of the core 50. At least part of the position indicating element 70 may be arranged in mechanical connection with the core body 30, when the core 50 is at its second position P2. In other words, when the core 50 is at its second position P2, the elastic member 72 is compressed by taking connection with the core body 30 to form the second state.

[0025] In an embodiment, the position indicating element 70 changes its state in a response of movement of the core 50 between the first and second positions (cf. Figures 5-8). The state may be an activated position or deactivated position. The state may be an "on" state or "off" state. The state may refer to a setting. In other words, the position indicating element 70 changes its setting in a response of movement of the core 50 between the first and second positions.

[0026] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate an embodiment wherein the core 50 is connected with and at least partially enclosed by the core body 30. Figure 3 illustrates that the core 50 is at its first position P1. End portions of the core 50 may protrude, at least partly, out of the core body 50. In the first position P1 of the core 50, the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 may be at the locked state. Figure 4 illustrates that the core is at its second position P2. In the second position P2 of the core 50, the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 may be at the unlocked state. For example, in the field of the electromechanical padlocks, it is very essential to know is the core in the locked position. Often state of a shackle may be monitored but may not provide reliable data on the state of the lock. In some cases, the shackle may be put back to the padlock improperly such that lock is still in open state but sensor may detect the shackle and provide information that lock is in the locked state, but it may still be open.

[0027] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a central axis CA of the core and the core body. The central axis CA substantially extends along a longitudinal direction of the electromechanical lock arrangement 10. Or, in other words, the longitudinal direction of the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 may be substantially parallel with the central axis CA, at least when the electromechanical lock arrangement is in its locked state (i.e. the shackle is within the frame 12 as will be discussed more in detail below). In other words, the core and the core body share a same central axis CA. In still another words, the central axis may be substantially same as the longitudinal axis of the core 50. So, the central axis CA substantially extends along a longitudinal direction of the core 50. The longitudinal axis of the core 50 and the central axis CA may be parallel, or they may be the same axis.

[0028] Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment in which the core 30 is arranged into the first position P1 in which the electromechanical lock 10 may be at its locked state. In the first position P1 of the core, the position indicating element 70 is at its first state. Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment in which the core is arranged into the second position P2. In the second position P2 of the core 50, the position indicating element 70 is at its second state. When the core 50 is rotated from the first position P1 in a direction RD1 (shown in Figure 3), the core 50 rotates into the second position P2 (into position shown in Figure 4). Similarly, the position indicating element 70 switches from the first state to the second state for triggering the position of the core. When the core 50 is rotated from the second position P2 in a direction RD2 (shown in Figure 4), the core 50 rotates into the first position P1 (into position shown in Figure 3). Similarly, the position indicating element 70 switches from the second state to the first state for triggering the position of the core. The functioning of the position indicating element 70 will be discussed more in detail below in connection with the Figures 5-8.

[0029] Examine now more in detail Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view A-A of the embodiment shown in Figure 3. Figure 6 illustrates a more detailed view B of the embodiment shown in Figure 5. According to an embodiment, Figures 2, 5, 6, 9, 11 13 and 14 refer to an embodiment when the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 is in a locked state. This means that the core 50 may be arranged to be in the first position P1. In other words, Figures 2, 5, 6, 9, 11 13 and 14 illustrate the first position P1 of the core 50 according to an embodiment. Examine now more in detail Figures 7 and 8, for instance. Figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view C-C of the embodiment shown in Figure 4. Figure 8 illustrates a more detailed view D of the embodiment shown in Figure 7. According to an embodiment, Figures 3, 7,8, 10, and 12 refer to an embodiment when the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 is in an unlocked state. This means that the core 50 may be arranged to be in the second position P2. In other words, Figures 3, 7, 8, 10 and 12 illustrate the second position P2 of the core 50 according to an embodiment.

[0030] So, when the core 50 is rotated from the first position P1 in a direction RD1 (shown in Figure 5), the core 50 rotates into the second position P2 (into position shown in Figure 7). Rotation angle of the core 50 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 may be within a range of 70° - 270°. Similarly, the position indicating element 70 switches from the first state to the second state for triggering the position of the core. When the core 50 is rotated from the second position P2 in a direction RD2 (shown in Figure 7), the core 50 rotates into the first position P1 (into position shown in Figure 5). Similarly, the position indicating element 70 switches from the second state to the first state for triggering the position of the core. The rotation direction RD1 may be called as a first rotation direction. The rotation direction RD2 may be called as a second rotation direction. The second rotation direction RD2 is opposite the first rotation direction RD1. The first rotation direction RD1 may be a counterclockwise direction, and the second rotation direction RD2 may be a clockwise direction. The core 50 may have the central axis CA as the rotation axis.

[0031] As can be seen in Figures 5-8, the core 50 is able to rotate between the first position P1 and the second position P2 in response of the core body 30. In other words, the core body 30 may remain stationary while the core 50 rotates. In other words, the core may rotate (or may be rotated) around (not necessarily a full round) the central axis CA.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the invention, the position indicating element 70 comprises an elastic member 72. In the first position P1 of the core 50, the elastic member 72 is uncompressed to form the first state. In the second position P2 of the core 50, the elastic member 72 is compressed to form the second state. In other words, the elastic member 72 of the position indicating element 70 may protrude from the core 50, when the core is at its first position P1. Due to the elastic member 72, the position indicating element 70 may be returned to an original position (e.g. from compressed position to expanded position, in case the expanded position is considered as an original position).

[0033] When the core 50 is rotated from the first position P1 towards the second position P2, the elastic member 72 may be compressed gradually until it is in final compressed form in which the core 50 is in its second position P2. In other words, the final compressed form (i.e., second state) of the position indicating element 70 is formed when the core is at its second position P2, for example, when the electromechanical lock arrangement is at its locked state. This means that when the change of the state of the position indicating element 70 happens fully, it may then trigger the indication signal for indicating the position of the core 50. It may, however, be possible that the position indicating element 70 may give the second state during a certain transition. Correspondingly, when the core 50 is rotated from the second position P2 towards the first position P1, the elastic member 72 may be expanded gradually until its final expanded form in which the core 50 is in its first position P1. In other words, the final expanded form (i.e., first state) of the position indicating element 70 is formed when the core is at its first position P1, for example, when the electromechanical lock arrangement is at its unlocked state. In other words, the position indicating element 70 may not give erroneous signal between the first and the second state. It may be possible that the position indicating element 70 may be sensitive to give the second state signal (in other words, the second state may be given with a small rotation of the core) so as to prevent erroneous locked state signal to be given.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the elastic member 72 of the position indicating element 70 comprises a spring. The spring 72 is configured to move in relation with the movement of the core 50 (in other words, it moves with the core). At least one end of the spring 72 may be attached to the core 50 with a mechanical connection. In case the spring is attached to the core 50, it moves together with the core 50. The spring may be of conventional type, such as, coil spring. The spring may be formed of metal. The metal may be, for example, copper. However, as shown in Figures 2, 5-14, the spring may be formed of wire which has a plurality of bendings. The wire may form a substantially looped structure. Preferably, one end of the spring 72 is fixed (stationary). So, the one end of the spring 72 may be affixed within the core 50. Another end of the spring may be free (movable) (not fixed) and may move in relation with the end that is fixed (non-movable / stationary). The free end may enable the spring to move and / or compress or expand. In embodiments of Figures 5-10, one end of the spring 50 is fixed to the core 50 and another end of the spring 50 is free. At least a portion of the spring may take contact with the wall of the core body 50 when the core is at its second position P2.

[0035] Referring to Figures 5 and 7, in embodiment, the core 50 comprises a substantially cylindrical portion and the core body 30 comprises a substantially cylindrical inner space configured to receive the substantially cylindrical portion of the core 50 (cf. also to Figures 1-4). In other words, the cylindrical inner space may form an empty space (e.g., like a hollow cylinder) for receiving the substantially cylindrical portion of the core 50. The core 50 is rotatably movable at least between the first P1 and second position P2 within the core body 30. The rotational movement of the core 50 from the second position P2 to the first position P1 forces the position indicating element 70 to change the state from the second state to the first state to trigger the indication signal for indicating the position of the core 50.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the invention, the position indicating element 70 is arranged within the core 50 and wherein the core body 30 comprises, at the cylindrical inner space 32 a shape 34 configured to be aligned with at least a portion of the position indicating element 70 at the first state in the first position P1 of the core 50. So, the position indicating element 70 may be aligned with the shape 34. In other words, the elastic member 72 of the position indicating element 70 may protrude from the core 50 toward the shape 34, when the core is at its first position P1. The shape 34 may be designed so that it may accommodate at least partially at least part of the position indicating element 70, or in other terms elastic member 72 of the position indicating element 70. In other words, the shape 34 may be a hollow cavity or indentation within the interior side 32 of the core body 30.

[0037] According to an embodiment, shown in Figures 5-8, the shape comprises a recess 34 configured to receive at least a portion of the position indicating element 70 at the first state in the first position P1 of the core 50 and wherein the rotational movement of the core 50 from the first P1 to the second position P2 forces the position indicating element 70 to move in relation to the recess 34 that (rotational movement) moves it (the position indicating element) to the second state. The recess 34 of the core body 30 and shape of the internal wall of the core body 30 may be formed so that it will guide the position indicating element 70 to move radially at least partially inside of the core 50 when the core 50 rotates from the first position P1 to the second position P2. The recess 34 (as illustrated in Figures 5-10) may be formed such that when the core 50 with the position indicating element 70 is moving from the first position P1 towards the second position P2, the position indicating element having the elastic member 72 may gradually be compressed until it is set to its final compressed form in which the core 50 is in its second position P2. In other words, the final compressed form (i.e., second state) of the position indicating element 70 is formed when the core is at its second position P2, for example, when the electromechanical lock arrangement is at its locked state. It may, however, be possible that the position indicating element 70 may give the second state during a certain transition (i.e., after the position indicating element 70 has come off from the recess 34). Correspondingly, when the core 50 with the position indicating element 70 is moving from the second position P2 towards the first position P1, the position indicating element 70 having the elastic member 72 may gradually be expanded until it is set to its final expanded form in which the core 50 is in its first position P1. In other words, the final expanded form (i.e., first state) of the position indicating element 70 is formed when the core is at its first position P1, for example, when the electromechanical lock arrangement is at its unlocked state.

[0038] The position indicating element 70 may move partially out of the core 50, and when the position indicating element 70 makes connection with the core body 30, the core body may force the position indicating element 70 to move, at least partly, inside the core (or towards the core). In other words, the position indicating element 70 may protrude at least partially from the core 50 and / or intrude at least partially to the core 50. In case the position indicating element 70 is at its first position P1 in which the elastic member 72 is expanded and the position indicating element extends over the core. For example, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, at least one bending of the position indicating element 70 may be outside of the core 50. In case the core is cylindrically shape, the at least one bending of the position indicating element 70 may at least partially be outside of the cylinder of the core 50 when the core 50 is at its first position P1. The position indicating element 70 may protrude at least partially within the recess 34 (i.e., the core 50 is at its first position P1). When the core 50 moves from the first position P1 towards the second position P2, specifically, the position indicating element 70 may move towards the central axis CA. The position indicating element 70 may move in a radial direction of the core (towards inside of the core). In the second state of the position indicating element 70, the position indicating element 70 may be at least partially inside the core 50. Similarly, the recess 34 of the core body 30 and shape of the internal wall of the core body 30 will guide the position indicating element 70 to move radially at least partially outside of the core 50 (the position indicating element protrudes partially) when the core 50 rotates from the second position P2 to the first position P1 (i.e. when the position indicating element 70 moves back to the recess) the position indicating element - moves, at least partly, in a direction that is away from the core. In other words, the position indicating element 70 forms a protrusion from the core 50, when the core 50 is at its first position P1, as illustrated in Figure 6, for instance. The recess 34 may have a curved shape, while the shape of the internal wall (outside of the recess) of the core body 30 may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The curved shape of the recess 34 may be substantially concave shaped (curved inwards or grooved-like). Thus (due to the curved shape of the recess 34), the position indicating element 70 may be compressed / expanded gradually as the position indicating element 70 may gradually move in response of the (rotation) movement of the core 50.

[0039] As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the recess 34 may have a central axis RC1. The central axis RC1 of the recess 34 travels via the central axis CA (of the core 50). The central axis RC1 of the recess may substantially be perpendicular with the central axis CA (of the core 50). The central axis RC1 of the recess 34 is located in the middle of the recess 34. The depth of the recess 34 may be at its maximum at the central axis RC1 of the recess 34. This on the other hand means that the distance between an outer surface of the core 50 and a bottom of the recess 34 of the core body 30 is the greatest. So, when the core 50 is at its first position P1, the position indicating element 70 may have the greatest room to expand to the recess 34. A portion of the position indicating element 70 that extrudes into the recess may be substantially at the vicinity of the central axis RC1 of the recess 34. In other words, the portion of the position indicating element 70 that extrudes into the recess 34 may be substantially aligned with the central axis RC1 of the recess 34. Thus, the shape of the recess may be curved which affects the position indicating element 70 to compress / expand substantially gradually and radially (towards / away from the central axis CA of the core 50) when the core 50 is moving (rotating).

[0040] As can be seen in Figures 5 - 10, the recess 34 may form about 15 % to about 40 % of the circumference of the core body 30. There may be a certain clearance within the recess 34 between the core body 30 and the position indicating element 70 when the core is at its first position P1. It may be possible that the core 50 may rotate from about 2° to about 30° before the position indicating element 70 will take contact to the inner wall surface of the core body 30. Thus, when rotating the core 50, for example, from the first position P1 towards the second position P2, the core 50 may rotate a couple of degrees or few degrees (e.g., 2° - 7°) before the position indicating element 70 will take contact to the inner wall surface of the core body 30. The curved shape of the recess 34 may also be formed so that after a couple of or few degrees (from the central axis RC1), curvature radius is smaller than in the vicinity of the central axis RC1. It may be possible that the position indicating element 70 takes the contact within the recess 34, for example, at the end portion of the recess 34. In practical circumstances, generally, the curvature shape of the recess 34 aims to provide a smooth operation with the position indicating element 70 (so that the position indicating element may substantially gradually be activated and / or deactivated). In other words, curvature shape of the recess 34 may also provide a user-friendly experience of the functioning (and giving a certain response) of the electromechanical lock arrangement.

[0041] Generally speaking, the position indicating element 70 may be arranged within the core 50 and a counter element 36 interacting with the position indicating element 70 may be arranged within the core body 30. Specifically, the counter element 36 refers, in an embodiment, to the shape of the internal wall (outside of the recess) of the core body 30. So, the counter element 36 may be a portion of an internal wall of the core body 30. Alternatively, the position indicating element 70 may be arranged within the core body 30 and the counter element interacting with the indicating element 70 may be arranged within the core 50. The counter element interacting with the position indicating element 70 may be a certain shaped wall portion of the core body 30 or the core 50 so that change of the state of the position indicating element 70. When there is an interaction between the position indicating element 70 and the counter element, the indication signal may be triggered for indicating the state of the indication element that indicates the position of the core 50. There may be one or more counter elements within the core and / or core body, depending on which the position indicating element 70 is arranged to take interaction with the counter element. Alternatively, or in addition, to the counter element, the electromechanical lock arrangement may be provided with a contact interface 74 for the position indicating element, as will be discussed later in this description.

[0042] Referring now to Figures 7-8, in an embodiment, the position indicating element 70 is in a mechanical connection with the core body, when the core is at its second position P2. In other words, it may be possible that in the second position P2 of the core 50, the position indicating element takes a mechanical connection with the counter element of the core body 30. So, the core body 30 may be provided with the counter element that takes contact with the position indicating element 70 when the core 50 is at its second position P2.

[0043] The core body 30 may interact with the position indicating element 70 to be at its activated state and / or deactivated state. For example, the position indicating element 70 may take a mechanical connection with the core body 30 so as to activate the position indicating element 70. The mechanical connection with the position indicating element 70 and the core body may occur when the core 50 is at its second position. There may be also a non-mechanical connection between the position indicating element 70 and the core body 30 which may deactivate the position indicating element 70. Change of the state of the position indicating element 70 triggers the indication signal of the position of the core 50. In other words, by the state of the position indicating element 70, the position of the core 50 may be obtained.

[0044] According to an embodiment, the position indicating element 70 is configured to switch between a mechanical connection with the core body 30 and a non-mechanical connection with the core body 30 in response of the first state and the second state.

[0045] The term "mechanical connection" refers to a connection in which the position indicating element takes physical contact. Preferably, in the mechanical connection, the position indicating element 70 takes contact with the core body 30 and the core 50. The term "non-mechanical connection" refers to a connection in which the position indicating element is off from the physical contact (physical contact does not exist). In the "non-mechanical connection", however, the position indicating element 70 may be in contact either with the core body 30 or core 50.

[0046] Yet in another embodiment, there may be mechanical connection all the time but the second state may trigger the signal. For example, mechanical contact may exist in both states but when moving from the first to second state, the indication element is pressed more that triggers the signal.

[0047] Referring to figure 5-8, according to an embodiment, the core 50 comprises a contact interface 74 into which the position indicating element 70 is configured to be contacted at the second state. When the position indicating element 70 has reached its second state, and the electromechanical lock arrangement is open (or opened), the position indicating element 70 may trigger an indication signal referring that the core 50 is at its second position P2. The contact interface 74 may be arranged within the core 50.

[0048] According to an embodiment, shown in Figures 5-8, the elastic member 72 is configured to be pressed against the contact interface 74 at the second state. In other words, at the second state of the position indicating element 70, the elastic member 72 presses against the contact interface 74. In other words, at least a portion of the position indicating element 70 is within the core 50 and makes a contact with the contact interface 74, when the core 50 is at its second position. It may be possible, at the second state, that a portion of the position indicating element 70 makes a contact with the cylindrical inner space 32 of the core body 30. In other words, the position indicating element 70 may comprise a looped structure that may have at least one bending. Thus, at the second state of the position indicating element, both ends of the position indicating element 70 may be substantially inside the core 50 while a portion of the position indicating element 70 may be outside and taking a contact with the cylindrical inner space 32 (cf. Figures 7 and 8). In addition, at the second state, one end of the position indicating element 70 is in contact with the contact interface 74. Referring to Figures 5 and 6, at the first state of the position indicating element, both ends of the position indicating element 70 may be substantially inside the core 50 while a portion of the position indicating element 70 may be outside and taking a contact with the cylindrical inner space 32. At the first state, the one end of the position indicating element 70 is not in contact with the contact interface 74. When rotating the core 50 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the movement (and the cylindrical inner space of the core body) will force the position indicating element 70 to make the contact with the contact interface 74. In other words, the looped structure (or specifically the end of the looped structure) will take contact with the contact interface 74 within the core 50.

[0049] The position indicating element 70 may comprise the contact interface 74 for the elastic member 72 to be pressed against at the second state. The contact interface 74 may be made of electrically conducting material. This means that when the elastic member 72 made of electrically conducting material touches the contact interface 74 made of electrically conducting material, when the core 50 is at its second position P2, an electrical connection may be formed between the position indicating element 70 and with the core 50.

[0050] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, for instance, a free end of the elastic member 72 of the position indicating element 70 may take contact with the contact interface 74. In other words, in the second position P2 of the core 50, the electrical connection may be formed between the elastic member 72 and the contact interface 74, when the core 50 is at its second position. So, the position indicating element 70 may act like a mechanical and / or digital switch. The position indicating element 70 may be configured to trigger 0 signal when the core 30 is at its first position P1 and 1 signal when the core 50 is at its second position P2. In other words, the 0 signal may refer to non-contacting state (no current flow) while the 1 signal may refer to conducting state (current flow). The conducting state may be also referred as short circuit state. As illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the elastic member 72 is compressed to form the second state. The elastic member 72 is fixed within the core 50 and it takes a contact with the interior side (wall) of the core body 30. The free end (or a part) of the elastic member 72 may take contact with the contact interface 74. In other words, both ends (free and fixed end) of the position indicating element 70 may be substantially inside the core 50 while a portion of the position indicating element 70 may be outside and taking a contact with the cylindrical inner space 32. At the first state, the free end of the position indicating element 70 is not in contact with the contact interface 74. When rotating the core 50 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the movement (and the cylindrical inner space of the core body) will force the position indicating element 70 to make the contact with the contact interface 74. The free end of the position indicating element 70 is in contact with the contact interface 74. In other words, the looped structure (or specifically the free end of the looped structure) will take contact with the contact interface 74 within the core 50.

[0051] Referring to Figures 5-8, in an embodiment, the position indicating element 70 is configured to switch between a mechanical connection with contact interface 74 and a non-mechanical connection with the contact interface 74 in response of the first state and the second state. In other words, in mechanical connection, the position indicating element 70 may be in contact with the contact interface 74 and the and in non-mechanical connection, the position indicating element is not in contact with the contact interface 74.

[0052] Still referring to Figures 5-8, in an embodiment, the position indicating element 70 is configured to switch between a mechanical connection with contact interface 74 and the core body 30 and a non-mechanical connection with the contact interface 74 and the core body 30 in response of the first state and the second state. In other words, in mechanical connection, the position indicating element 70 may be in contact with the counter element 36 and the contact interface 74 and the and in non-mechanical connection, the position indicating element is not in contact with the counter element 36 and the contact interface 74. So, in other words, for the second state, it may be required that mechanical connections exist with the contact interface 74 and with the counter element 36. Correspondingly, for the first state, it may be required that non-mechanical connections exist, i.e., no connection with the contact interface 74 and no connection with the counter element 36 (for example, when the position indicating element aligned with the recess 34). The mechanical connection may trigger the indication signal, and in the non-mechanical connection the signal may not be triggered, for example.

[0053] Since Figures 5 and 6, refer to the first state of the position indicating element 70, in which the position indicating element 70 is not taking a direct connection with the contact interface 74, this first state may be called as an uncoupled state. So, according to an embodiment, in the first position of the core 50, the position indicating element 70 may be at its uncoupled state. There may be an air gap between the position indicating element 70 and the contact interface 74 as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, for instance.

[0054] Similarly, since Figures 7 and 8, refer to the second state of the position indicating element 70, in which the position indicating element 70 takes a direct connection with the contact interface 74, this second state may be called as a coupled state. So, according to an embodiment, in the second position of the core 50, the position indicating element 70 may be at its coupled state. The free end of the spring 72 or at least a portion of the free end of the spring 72 may take contact with the contact interface 74 when the core 50 is at its second position P2, as in Figures 7 and 8.

[0055] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate yet another embodiments of the invention. Figure 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view A-A of the embodiment shown in Figure 3. Figure 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view C-C of the embodiment shown in Figure 4. The detailed structure (zoomed in figure) is shown on the right-hand side in the Figures 9 and 10. Referring to Figure 9, when the core 50 is at its first position P1, the position indicating element 70 is connected to the contact interface 74. In other words, the position indicating element 70 comprises a contact interface 74 for the elastic member 72 to be pressed against at the first position of the core 50 according to an embodiment of the invention. In such a case there is an electrical connection with the position indicating element 70 and the contact interface 74. Referring to Figure 10, when the core 50 is at its second position P2, the position indicating element 70 is misaligned with the contact interface 74, in other words, not making connection via the contact interface 74. In Figure 10, the position indicating element 70 is off from the contact interface 74. This means that there may be an air gap between the position indicating element 70 and the contact interface 74, as illustrated in Figure 10.

[0056] Since Figure 9, refers to the first state of the position indicating element 70, in which the position indicating element 70 is taking a direct connection with the contact interface 74, this first state may be called as a coupled state. So, according to an embodiment, in the first position of the core 50, the position indicating element 70 may be at its coupled state. The free end of the spring 72 or at least a portion of the free end of the spring 72 may take contact with the contact interface 74 when the core 50 is at its first position P1, as in Figure 10.

[0057] Similarly, since Figure 10, refers to the second state of the position indicating element 70, in which the position indicating element 70 is not taking a direct connection with the contact interface 74, this second state may be called as an uncoupled state. So, according to an embodiment, in the second position of the core 50, the position indicating element 70 may be at its uncoupled state.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the invention, the spring 72 is compressed, when the core 50 is at its second position. According to an embodiment of the invention, the spring 72 is expanded, when the core 50 is at its first position. The expanded term may be understood, in practical circumstances, as uncompressed.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the invention, the spring 72 is at its original position, when the core 50 is at its first position. This means that there may not be external forces (e.g. by the wall of the core body 30), such as compression or stress, acting on the spring.

[0060] Referring now to Figures 11-12. Figure 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view A-A of the embodiment shown in Figure 3. Figure 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view C-C of the embodiment shown in Figure 4. According to an embodiment, the position indicating element 70 is arranged within the core body 30, and wherein the core 50 comprises at an outer curved surface 52 a recess 54 configured to receive a portion of the position indicating element 70 at the first state in the first position P1 of the core 50. In other words, when the core 50 is at its first position P1, the recess 54 of the core 50 and the position indicating element 70 arranged in the core body 30 are at an aligned position. According to an embodiment, in the first state a portion of the position indicating element 70 is within the recess 54 and in the second state the position indicating element 70 is misaligned with the recess 54. The movement of the position indicating element 70 may be substantially in a radial direction of the core 50 and / or core body 30, in Figures 11-12. The recess 54 of the core 50 may be formed so that it will guide the position indicating element 70 to some extent to give way (moves radially at least partially inside of the core body 50) for the core 50 to rotate. So, the indication element may be arranged within the core and the recess within the core body, or the other way around as described above.

[0061] As illustrated in Figure 11, in an embodiment, in the first state, a portion of the position indicating element 70 is within the recess 54. As can be seen, the position indicating element 70 is not taking a contact with the contact interface 74.

[0062] As illustrated in Figure 12, in an embodiment, in the second state the position indicating element 70 is misaligned with the recess 54. As can be seen, the position indicating element 70 is taking a contact with the contact interface 74.

[0063] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate also that the recess 54 of the core 50 may have a central axis RC2. The central axis R2 of the recess 54 travels via the central axis CA (of the core 50). The central axis RC2 of the recess may substantially be perpendicular with the central axis CA (of the core 50). The shape of the recess 54 may be curved, for example, having a substantially constant curvature radius (as illustrated in Figures 11 and 12) or the curvature radius may vary (cf. Figures 5-8). The depth of the recess 54 of the core 50 may be at its maximum at the central axis RC2 of the recess 54. This on the other hand means that the distance between the cylindrical inner space 32 of the core body 30 and a bottom of the recess 54 of the core 50 is the greatest. So, when the core 50 is at its first position P1, the position indicating element 70 may have the greatest room to expand to the recess 54. A portion of the position indicating element 70 that extrudes into the recess 54 may be substantially at the vicinity of the central axis RC2 of the recess 54. In other words, the portion of the position indicating element 70 that extrudes into the recess 54 may be substantially aligned with the central axis RC2 of the recess 34. Thus, the shape of the recess may be curved which affects the position indicating element 70 to compress / expand substantially gradually and radially (towards / away from the central axis CA of the core 50) when the core 50 is moving (rotating). The recess 54 may form about 15 % to about 40 % of the circumference of the core 50. There may be a certain clearance within the recess 54 between the core 50 and the position indicating element 70 when the core is at its first position P1. It may be possible that the core 50 may rotate from about 2° to about 30° before the position indicating element 70 will take contact to the inner wall surface of the core body 30. Thus, when rotating the core 50, for example, from the first position P1 towards the second position P2, the core 50 may rotate a couple of degrees or few degrees (e.g., 2° - 7°) before the position indicating element 70 will take contact to the surface of the core 50. The curved shape of the recess 54 may also be formed so that after a couple of or few degrees (from the central axis RC2), curvature radius is smaller than in the vicinity of the central axis RC2. In practical circumstances, generally, the curvature shape of the recess 54 aims to provide a smooth operation with the position indicating element 70 (so that the position indicating element may substantially gradually be activated and / or deactivated). In other words, curvature shape of the recess 54 may also provide a user-friendly experience of the functioning (and giving a certain response) of the electromechanical lock arrangement.

[0064] As illustrated in Figures 11-12, the contact interface 74, 74' may be arranged within the core body 30 and / or within the core 50. In case the contact interface 74' is arranged within the core 50, it may be possible that outer surface 52 of the core 50 is partly formed with the conductive material as the contact interface 74'. In other words, the contact interface 74' within the core 50 may be of conductive material. It may also be possible that there is an indentation in the core 50 in which the contact interface 74' is located so that it can take a contact with the position indicating element 70. The contact interfaces 74 and 74' may be considered as alternative embodiments. In other words, either there may be the contact interface 74 within the core body 30 or there may be the contact interface 74' within the core 50. Thus, the other contact interface 74' is illustrated with dashed line in Figures 11 and 12. It may, however, be possible that both contact interfaces 74 and 74' exist in the same embodiment. It should be noted that for the sake of simplicity not all of the components, such as components of the core 50, are not illustrated in Figures 11-12. It is also possible that the contact interface 74 is arranged similarly as in the Figures 9-10 meaning that in the first position P1 of the core 50, the position indicating element 70 takes connection with the contact interface 74. Similarly, in the second position P2 of the core 50, the position indicating element 70 is not taking connection with the contact interface 74.

[0065] Referring to Figures 13 and 14 which illustrate an embodiment in which the core 50 comprises a grooved portion 55. Figure 13 illustrates a longitudinal view of the portion of the core 50 and the core body 30. Figure 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view A'-A' of the embodiment shown in Figure 13. The core 50, in Figure 13 and 14, is at its first position P1. The grooved portion 55 of the core 50 comprises the position indicating element 70.

[0066] As illustrated in Figure 14, the core body 50 comprises an inner space having a first space 34' and a second space 34". The second space 34" may comprise two sections, and the first space 34' may be between the section as illustrated in Figure 13. The first space 34' may be arranged at a location of the grooved portion of the core 50. In other words, the first space 34' is configured to receive at least a portion of the grooved portion of the core 50. So, the first space 34', in this embodiment, substantially refers to the space into which the position indicating element 70 may at least partially protrude. In terminology-wise, the space 34' may be defined in response to the counter element 36 in this embodiment. In other words, the counter element 36 forms at least a portion of the wall for the first space 34'. As illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, the core body 30 may comprise different inner radii. The first space 34' may have a smaller area (and / or radius and / or volume) than the second space 34'. In other words, opposite the grooved portion of the core 50, the inner radius of the core body 30 is smaller than a radius off the grooved portion of the core 50, when the core 50 is assembled within the core body 30.

[0067] The wall of the first space 34', in Figures 13 and 14, may form about 60 % to about 90 % of the circumference of the inner wall of the core body 30. Similarly, as described in earlier embodiments, the core body 30 comprises the counter element 36 that may be arranged to interact with the position indicating element 70. In other words, the counter element 36 may take contact with the position indicating element 70 when the core 50 is at its second position P2 (not illustrated for this embodiment in Figures, but cf., for example, Figures 7 and / or 8). The counter element 36 may be considered as inwards protrusion of the core 30. The counter element 36 extends towards the central axis of the core 30. When the core 50 is rotated from the first position P1 in a direction RD1 (shown in Figure 14), the core 50 rotates into the second position P2 (not shown in Figures) in which position the position indicating element 70 may take contact with the counter element 36. As illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, the core body 30 may have varying inner radii (distance from the inner wall to the center of the core body 30). In other words, a distance from an inner wall of the second space 34' to the center of the core 30 is greater than a distance from the counter element 36 (inwards protrusion) of the core body 30 to the center of the core body 30. In the embodiment of Figures 13 and 14, a space for the position indicating element 70 to extend is formed substantially from the grooved portion of the core body 50 and the inner wall of the core 30 excluding the counter element 36.

[0068] In further other terms, one may consider that in the embodiment of Figures 13 and 14, the position indicating element 70 is arranged within the recess 54 of the core 50. In this embodiment, the recess 54 of the core 50 may be considered as a synonym for the grooved portion 55 of the core 50. In other words, also the core may comprise different outer radii. The grooved portion 55 of the core 50 comprises a smaller radius than a radius located off the grooved portion 55 of the core 50. The inner space of the core 30 has the space (recess 34') to accommodate the position indicating element 70 when the core 50 is at its first position P1. When the core is rotated from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the position indicating element 70 may take contact with the counter element 36 (inwards protrusion) of the core body 36.

[0069] Examine now Figures 15-20 more in detail. Figures 15-17 illustrate an embodiment in which the core 50 is at its first position P1. Figures 18-20 illustrate an embodiment in which the core 50 is at its second position P1. According to an embodiment of the invention, the core 50 is linearly movable at least between the first P1 and second P2 positions in relation with the core body 30, wherein a linear movement of the core 50 from the second position P2 to the first position P1 forces the indication element 70 to change the state from the second state to the first state to trigger the indication signal for indicating the position of the core 50. When the lock is open, the user may pull from the shackle 16 so as to take at least one of the legs of the shackle out from the frame. In order to lock the electromechanical lock arrangement 10, the user may push the at least one leg of the shackle 16 into the frame.

[0070] Figure 15 illustrates the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 from a first end side and Figure 16 illustrates the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 from a second end side which is opposite the first end side. Cross-sectional view of E-E of Figure 15 is shown in Figure 17. The dashed line with E-E arrows, in Figure 15, depicts a longitudinal axis of the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 according to an embodiment. Figure 18 illustrates the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 from the first end side and Figure 19 illustrates the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 from the second end side which is opposite the first end side. Cross-sectional view of F-F of Figure 18 is shown in Figure 20. The dashed line with F-F arrows, in Figure 18, depicts the longitudinal axis of the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 according to an embodiment. The longitudinal direction may also be called as a length direction. In other words, the longitudinal axis is the central axis CA as illustrated in Figure 15 and 18. The longitudinal direction may be the longitudinal direction of the padlock.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the core 50 comprises a feature 56 arranged to be in contact with and, for example, to press the position indicating element 70 in the first position P1 of the core 50. The feature may be a bevel or facet. The feature may be configured to guide the elastic member 72. When feature 56 of the core 50 touches the elastic member 72 of the position indicating element 70, the elastic member 72 will move in response of the force provided by the core. The core 50 may interact with the position indicating element 70 by pressing with the feature 56 the position indicating element 70 in the first position P1 of the core 50. The position indicating element 70 may be a mechanical switch which comprises the elastic member 72. Under load, the position indicating element 70 may be turned on and when the load is released, the position indicating element 70 may be returned to its original position (off). Under load, the elastic member 72 of the position indicating element 70 may be compressed and when the load is released the elastic member 72 of the position indicating element 70 may be expanded. Specifically, under load, the switch may be turned on and when the load is released, the switch may be returned to its original position which is off. It is also possible that the switch is operated other way around, i.e., under load, the switch may be turned off and when the load is released, the switch may be returned to its original position which is on. The position indicating element 70 may be a rocker switch that comprises the elastic member 72.

[0072] Referring to, for instance Figure 15, in an embodiment, the position indicating element 70 comprises a switch 78, wherein the linear movement of the core 50 from the second to first position activates the switch 78, and from the first to second position deactivates the switch.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the position indicating element 70 comprises a switch 78. The linear movement of the core 50 results in the switch 78, in the first position P1 of the core 50, to be pressed at the first state and in the second position P2 of the core 50 released to the second state. Linear movement of the core 50 herein refers to the direction of the longitudinal axis (cf. the dashed line in Figures 15 and 18). The linear movement is also illustrated in Figures 16 and 19 with a double arrow 19. Also shackle 16 may be moved in this direction when taking out from the frame 12 or put back into the frame 12.

[0074] In an embodiment, the core 50 moves only linearly. In other words, it does not rotate when used.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 further comprises a frame 12 of an electromechanical lock 100 comprising a sealing interface 14, and wherein the core body 30, the core 50 and the position indicating element 70 are arranged within the sealing interface 14 of the frame 12 of the electromechanical lock 100 such that the core body 30, the core 50 and the position indicating element 70 are sealed within the frame 12 in the first position P1 and the second position P2 of the core 30. Since, the core body 30, the core 50 and the position indicating element 70 are sealed within the frame 12 in the first position P1 and the second position P2 of the core 30, itmeans that the components are safe from environmental conditions (rain, snow, sand, etc.) as well as manipulation of components from outside by outsider despite the position of the core (whether it is in the first position P1 or in the second position P2). This improves the overall safety and durability of the electromechanical lock arrangement 10. So, in case the electromechanical lock arrangement is a padlock, even when, one end of the shackle is taken out from the frame (i.e., the lock arrangement is open), one cannot manipulate the core and / or the position indicating element so that a faulty signal (stating that the lock is at its locked state) would be generated and / or triggered concerning the position of the core. The sealing interface may comprise a seal made of rubber, for example. The rubber seal may be used to seal the interface between interior and exterior space. sensitive component may be arranged within the sealed interior space.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the frame 12 is a cover of the electromechanical lock arrangement 10. In other words, the cover may also be called as housing. The frame 12 may enclose the core 50 and the core body 30.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the core 50 is movable at least between a first position P1 and a second position P2 in relation with the frame 12. In other words, the movement of the core 50 may be defined in relation to the core body 30 and / or the frame 12.

[0078] According to an embodiment of the invention, the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 is a padlock, and wherein the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 comprises a processing circuitry 90 configured to detect a state of position indicating element 70 and to provide the indication signal for indicating the position of the core 50 to a user interface 200.

[0079] According to an embodiment of the invention, the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 is a padlock, and wherein the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 comprises a processing circuitry 90 configured to detect a position of the core and to provide the indication signal for indicating the position of the core 50 at the first state of the core 50 to a user interface 200.

[0080] According to an embodiment of the invention, the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 is a padlock, and wherein the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 comprises a processing circuitry 90, in connection with the indication element 70, configured to detect change of the state of the indication element and to provide the indication signal for indicating the position of the core 50 to a user interface 200. By this way, it is possible to identify the position of the core without needing to know directly the position of the shackle. In other words, the position of the shackle may be deduced indirectly from the information of the position indicating element 70 which triggers indication signal for indicating the position of the core 50. Therefore, one may monitor the position of the core remotely.

[0081] The next example describes how the electromechanical lock arrangement may work when it is a padlock. The electromechanical lock arrangement may be a self-powered electromechanical lock arrangement. The user of the padlock brings for example a mobile phone nearby the padlock such that the padlock can communicate with the phone via NFC, for example. The padlock may harvest, at least partly, the electric energy need for operating the lock from the phone and further the access rights may be checked. Any other wireless technologies may be applied as well.

[0082] The processing circuitry may be further configured to check the access rights of the user. If the user has the access rightto open the electromechanical lock arrangement such as padlock, the processing circuitry provides the control signal to enable movement of the core to the second position P2 and lock to open state. If the user does not have access rights, the control signal is not provided. Hence, the processing circuitry may provide the control signal only when authorized to do so, in other words, only if the user has the access rights to open the padlock. As described above, the NFC may be applied to provide the authorization as well as power for the electronic padlock. So, if the user has the rights to open the lock, the processing circuitry provides the control signal to enable the user to open the lock in which the core is able to move in response of the core body to a position (second position P2) in which one of the legs 16A, 16B of the shackle 16 can be taken out of the lock by the user. Then the user can provide force by pushing a button or pulling the shackle to move so that the lock opens. Any other manual movement may also be applied (by a user) to get the shackle open when the lock is set to the openable state. As illustrated in Figures, the shackle may be substantially U-shaped.

[0083] The padlock may be also called as an electromechanical padlock. The electromechanical padlock may further comprise other components than described in this application. For example, some of these components may be visible in Figures. This application describes the components that are essential for the invention. It is also important to realize that many of the components are arranged inside the body of the padlock as can be seen in Figures. For example, the padlock may comprise a frame inside the body to which some of the presented components are assembled.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 further comprises a shackle 16 that is unremovable from the frame 12 in the first position P1 of the core 50 and removable in the second position P2 of the core 50. The electromechanical lock arrangement 10 further comprises holding means 18 configured to hold the core 50 in the second position P2 when the shackle 16 is removed, and to release the core 50 to move to the first position P1 when the shackle 16 is set into the frame 12 such that the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 is in the locked state. In such embodiments, it may be particularly of interest to monitor the position indicating element 70 which triggers indication signal for indicating the position of the core 50.

[0085] The shackle 16 may comprise two legs 16A, 16B having different length. The holding means 18 may be arranged between the legs 16A, 16B of the U-shaped shackle 16, for instance. In the locked state of the padlock (or shackle) both legs are inside the frame 12 and are locked such that the legs cannot be pulled out of the frame 12. In the open state of the shackle, a shorter leg 16B comes out of the frame 12 and a longer leg 16A stays inside the frame 12 such that the shackle 16 can be rotated around the longer leg 16A enabling to open the padlock, for example. In same case, both legs may come out and the shackle is totally removed from the frame.

[0086] Referring to Figures 1, 16 and 19. According to an embodiment, the holding means 18 comprises locking balls 20 arranged in interaction with the shackle 16. The holding means 18 is configured to hold the core 50 in the second position P2, when moved from the first position P1 to the second position P2, until the shackle 16 is set to the locked state. In other words, the holding means 18 may be arranged in interaction with the core 50 which core 50 comprises receiving grooves 22 for receiving the locking balls 20 when the core 50 is at its second position P2. So, in other words, the receiving grooves 22 receive the locking balls 20 when the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 is in its unlocked state. At least one locking ball 20 may be used to prevent returning of the core 50 back to the first position P1 before the shackle 16 is in the locked state. The locking ball 20 may enter the receiving groove 22 and the leg 16A, 16B of the shackle 16 may keep the locking ball 20 in the receiving groove 22 that keeps the core 50 in the second position P2. When the shackle 16 is pulled outwards, by the user, to open it, the longer leg 16A stays inside the frame 12, and in the open state of the shackle 16 the longer leg 16A may hold the locking ball 20 in the receiving groove 22. In addition, each leg 16A, 16B of the shackle 16 may comprise a groove 16.1, 16.2 configured to receive a locking ball 20. The longer leg of the shackle 16 is depicted with a reference 16A and the shorter leg with reference 16B. When the locking ball 20 is in the groove 16.1, 16.2 of the leg 16A, 16B, moving of the leg in a length direction (e.g. longitudinal direction of the padlock) is limited such that the shorter leg 16B cannot come out of the frame 12. The groove 16.1, 16.2 in the leg of the shackle 16 may comprise some clearance such that when the user of the padlock pulls the shackle 16 in the locked state, the shackle can slightly move outwards but does not open.

[0087] In Figure 19, the locking ball 20 is able to move into the receiving groove 22 of the core 50, but the shackle 16 is not pulled out and open, by the user. Anyway, when the shackle 16 moves outwards from the position illustrated in Figure 19, the surface of the leg can interact with the locking ball 20 and can prevent moving of the ball out of the receiving groove 22. This prevents the movement of the core 50 in the length direction of the padlock, in other words, the core 50 stays in the second position P2 and cannot return to another position before the shackle 16 is pressed again inside the body and set to the locked state. Then the longer leg may not restrict moving of the locking ball 20 out of the receiving groove 22 of the core 50, and the locking ball 20 can move out of the receiving groove 22. The receiving groove 22 of the core 50, the locking ball 20 and the leg 16A, 16B of the shackle 16 may form the holding means 18.

[0088] Referring to Figures 16, 17, 19 and 20, according to an embodiment, the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 further comprises a locking pin 60 having a locked state (Figure 15-17, the core 50 is in the first position P1) to disable moving of the core, and an open state (Figure 18-20 , the core 50 is in the second position P2) to enable moving of the core 50. The locking pin 60 may be configured to move perpendicularly in relation to the core 50 such that in the locked state one end of the pin extends into the core 50 preventing its movement. The core may comprise a hole for receiving the pin in its locked state. In the second state of the locking pin, the pin may move out of the hole releasing the core 50 to move to the second position and to open the shackle 16.

[0089] In case of linearly movable core 50, as illustrated, for example, in Figure 17, the core 50 may also be called as a blocker as it may prevent and / or allow movement of the locking balls 20 into the grooves 22.

[0090] As can be seen in Figures 17 and 20, the core 50 is able to move between the first position P1 and the second position P2 in response of the core body 30. In other words, the core body 30 may remain stationary while the core 50 moves between the first position P1 and the second position P2.

[0091] In an embodiment, the core 50 comprises a returning element 62 configured to return the core 50 from the second position P2 to the first position P1 when the shackle 16 is in the locked state. The returning element 62 is illustrated in Figures 15, 17 and 20, for example.

[0092] Referring to Figure 1, according to an embodiment, the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 further comprises a coupling member 24 arranged in interaction with the core 50. The coupling member 24 may comprise receiving grooves 22' configured to receive the locking balls 20. In other words, the receiving grooves 22' are arranged within the coupling member 24. The coupling member 24 is arranged in contact with the core 50, when in use. In case the grooves 22' are aligned with the locking balls 20, i.e. when the core 50 is at its first position P2, the locking balls 20 may roll into the grooves 22' and an end of the shackle 16 may be taken out from the frame 12 (so that the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 is open). When the shackle 16 is pressed back into the frame 12 and the core 50 is rotated to the first position P1, the locking balls 20 and the grooves 22' are misaligned, and the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 is locked (meaning that shackle 16 cannot be moved from the frame to open the electromechanical lock arrangement 10). In other words, the coupling member 24 may couple the core 50, shackle 16 and locking balls 20 in interaction with each other so that the electromechanical lock arrangement may be opened and / or closed, by the user. The coupling member 24, receiving groove 22', the locking ball 20 and the leg 16A, 16B of the shackle 16 may form the holding means 18. In case of rotational core 50, as illustrated, for example, in Figure 1, the coupling member 24 may also be called as a blocker as it may prevent and / or allow movement of the locking balls 20 into the grooves 20.

[0093] Still referring to the operation of the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 when it is a padlock as illustrated in Figures. The core 50 may only be able to move from the second position P2 (unlocked position) to the first position P1 (locked position) only when the locking balls 20 are pressed against the grooves 16.1 and 16.2 of the shackle 16. This ensures that core may be put into the locked state (to the first position P1) only in a correct locked position which makes it very difficult to manipulate the electromechanical lock arrangement 10. Therefore, it is of particular interest to monitor the state of the core 50 (via the position indicating element 70) and not the position of the shackle 16 itself. Advantageously, by the embodiments of the electromechanical lock arrangement 10 it is possible to get reliable information (by monitoring the position of the core 50) about whether the lock is in its locked state or not.

[0094] Furthermore, it is possible to utilize the data gained from monitoring the position of the core 50 (via the position indicating element 70) to notice a damaged electromechanical lock arrangement when the shackle 16 is put into the frame 12 but for some reason or another, the core is not returned from the second position P2 to the first position P1. It may be possible that from the outside it looks like that the shackle 16 is within the frame (and the lock looks like it is in a locked state) but components (such as the core 50) within the frame 12 are not in their correct places. Thus, it would render it possible that someone would just pull the shackle 16 of from the frame. Thus, it is advantageously possible to notice any faulty operation of the electromechanical lock arrangement 10. In addition, or alternatively, it is possible to gather statistical data about the operation and functioning of the core, for example, when making the decision on replacing the locks. The decision about replacing the lock (or components therein) may be results from noticing too many erroneous or faulty operations of the electromechanical lock arrangement within a certain period of time.

[0095] There may be other moving pins and / or magnets participating in controlling movement of the core which are not described herein more in detail. The reader is advised to consult the patent applications EP3825496A1 of the applicant wherein moving of the pins by the magnets in the electromechanical lock is described in detail.

[0096] Since, Figures 15-17, refer to the first state of the position indicating element 70, in which the position indicating element 70 is taking a direct connection with the contact interface 74, this first state may be called as a coupled state. The core 50, in Figures 15-17 is at its first position P1. So, according to an embodiment, in the first position of the core 50, the position indicating element 70 may be at its coupled state.

[0097] Similarly, since Figures 18-20, refer to the second state of the position indicating element 70, in which the position indicating element 70 is not taking a direct connection with the contact interface 74, this second state may be called as an uncoupled state. The core 50, in Figures 15-17 is at its second position P2. So, according to an embodiment, in the second position of the core 50, the position indicating element 70 may be at its uncoupled state.

[0098] In case the position indicating element 70 comprises a light source, instead of contact interface 74, there may be provided an interface which may contain a sensor to detect the light from the light source when they are aligned with each other. Thus, moving between alignment position and misalignment position of the source and the sensor, i.e., when the core moves in relation to the core body, may provide the change of the state for triggering the indication signal for indicating the position of the core. Similarly, in case the position indicating element comprises a sensor to detect light, the interface may comprise a light source. When the core moves in relation to the core body, moves the source and the sensor between alignment position and misalignment position, which may then provide the change of the state for triggering the indication signal for indicating the position of the core.

[0099] As used in this application, the term 'circuitry' refers to all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations, such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry, and (b) combinations of circuits and software (and / or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of processor(s) or (ii) portions of processor(s) / software including digital signal processor(s), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus to perform various functions, and (c) circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of 'circuitry' applies to all uses of this term in this application. As a further example, as used in this application, the term 'circuitry' would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The techniques described herein may be implemented by various means. For example, these techniques may be implemented in hardware (one or more devices), firmware (one or more devices), software (one or more modules), or combinations thereof. For a hardware implementation, the apparatus(es) of embodiments may be implemented within one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), graphics processing units (GPUs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a combination thereof. For firmware or software, the implementation can be carried out through modules of at least one chipset (e.g. procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the functions described herein. The software codes may be stored in a memory unit and executed by processors. The memory unit may be implemented within the processor or externally to the processor. In the latter case, it can be communicatively coupled to the processor via various means, as is known in the art. Additionally, the components of the systems described herein may be rearranged and / or complemented by additional components in order to facilitate the achievements of the various aspects, etc., described with regard thereto, and they are not limited to the precise configurations set forth in the given figures, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art.

[0100] It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, as technology advances, the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. The invention and its embodiments are not limited to the example embodiments described above but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0008]The following embodiments are only examples. Although the specification may refer to "an" embodiment in several locations, this does not necessarily mean that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments. Furthermore, words "comprising" and "including" should be understood as not limiting the described embodiments to consist of only those features that have been mentioned and such embodiments may contain also features / structures that have not been specifically mentioned. All combinations of the embodiments are considered possible if their combination does not lead to structural or logical contradiction.

[0009]Reference numbers, both in the description of the embodiments and in the claims, serve to illustrate the embodiments with reference to the drawings, without limiting it to these examples only.

[0010]According to an embodime...

Claims

1. An electromechanical lock arrangement (10) comprising: a core body (30); a core (50) arranged to interact with the core body (30), wherein the core (50) is movable at least between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2) in relation with the core body (30); and a position indicating element (70) arranged to indicate the position of the core (50) in relation with the core body (30), wherein the position indicating element (70) in the first position (P1) of the core (50) is at a first state and in the second position (P2) of the core (50) in a second state, and wherein change of the state of the position indicating element (70) triggers an indication signal for indicating the position of the core (50).

2. The electromechanical lock arrangement (10) of claim 1, wherein in the first position (P1) of the core (50), the electromechanical lock arrangement (10) is in a locked state and in the second position (P2) of the core (50) the electromechanical lock arrangement (10) is in an unlocked state.

3. The electromechanical lock arrangement (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the position indicating element (70) changes its state in a response of movement of the core (50) between the first and second positions.

4. The electromechanical lock arrangement (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the position indicating element (70) comprises an elastic member (72) wherein in the first state the elastic member (72) is uncompressed, and in the second state the elastic member (72) is compressed.

5. The electromechanical lock arrangement (10) of claim 4, wherein the elastic member (72) of the position indicating element (70) comprises a spring.

6. The electromechanical lock arrangement (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the core (50) comprises a substantially cylindrical portion and the core body (30) comprises a substantially cylindrical inner space configured to receive the substantially cylindrical portion of the core (50), and wherein the core (50) is rotatably movable at least between the first (P1) and second position (P2) within the core body (30), and wherein the rotational movement of the core (50) from the second position (P2) to the first position (P1) forces the position indicating element (70) to change the state from the second state to the first state to trigger the indication signal for indicating the position of the core (50).

7. The electromechanical lock arrangement (10) of claim 6, wherein the position indicating element (70) is arranged within the core (50) and wherein the core body (30) comprises, at the cylindrical inner space (32) a shape (34) configured to be aligned with at least a portion of the position indicating element (70) at the first state in the first position (P1) of the core (50).

8. The electromechanical lock arrangement (10) of claim 7, wherein the shape comprises a recess (34) configured to receive at least a portion of the position indicating element (70) at the first state in the first position (P1) of the core (50) and wherein the rotational movement of the core (50) from the first (P1) to the second position (P2) forces the position indicating element (70) to move in relation to the recess (34) that moves it to the second state.

9. The electromechanical lock arrangement (10) of claims 6-8 wherein the core (50) comprises a contact interface (74) into which the position indicating element (70) is configured to be contacted at the second state.

10. The electromechanical lock arrangement (10) of claim 3 - 9, wherein the elastic member (72) is configured to be pressed against the contact interface (74) at the second state.

11. The electromechanical lock arrangement (10) of claim 6, wherein the position indicating element (70) is arranged within the core body (30), and wherein the core (50) comprises at an outer curved surface (52) a recess (54) configured to receive a portion of the position indicating element (70) at the first state in the first position (P1) of the core (50).

12. The electromechanical lock arrangement (10) of claim 11, wherein in the first state a portion of the position indicating element (70) is within the recess (54).

13. The electromechanical lock arrangement (10) of claim 12wherein in the second state the position indicating element (70) is misaligned with the recess (54).

14. The electromechanical lock arrangement (10) of any of claims 1 - 5, wherein the core (50) is linearly movable at least between the first (P1) and second (P2) positions in relation with the core body (30), wherein a linear movement of the core (50) from the second position (P2) to the first position (P1) forces the indication element (70) to change the state from the second state to the first state to trigger the indication signal for indicating the position of the core (50).

15. The electromechanical lock arrangement (10) of claim 14, wherein the core (50) comprises a feature (56) arranged to be in contact with and to press the position indicating element (70) in the first position (P1) of the core (50).

16. The electromechanical lock arrangement of any of claims 14-15, wherein the position indicating element (70) comprises a switch (78), wherein the linear movement of the core (50) from the second to first position activates the switch (78), and from the first to second position deactivates the switch.

17. The electromechanical lock arrangement (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the electromechanical lock arrangement (10) further comprises a frame (12) of an electromechanical lock (100) comprising a sealing interface (14), and wherein the core body (30), the core (50) and the position indicating element (70) are arranged within the sealing interface (14) of the frame (12) of the electromechanical lock (100) such that the core body (30), the core (50) and the position indicating element (70) are sealed within the frame (12) in the first position (P1) and the second position (P2) of the core (30).

18. The electromechanical lock arrangement (10) of any preceding claim is a padlock, and wherein the electromechanical lock arrangement (10) comprises a processing circuitry (90), in connection with the indication element, configured to detect change of the state of the indication element and to provide the indication signal for indicating the position of the core (50) to a user interface (200).

19. The electromechanical lock arrangement (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the electromechanical lock arrangement (10) further comprises a shackle (16) that is unremovable from the frame (12) in the first position (P1) of the core (50) and removable in the second position (P2) of the core (50), and wherein the electromechanical lock arrangement (10) further comprises holding means (18) configured to hold the core (50) in the second position (P2) when the shackle (16) is removed, and to release the core (50) to move to the first position (P1) when the shackle (16) is set into the frame (12) such that the electromechanical lock arrangement (10) is in the locked state.

Images