Electronic padlock arrangement

Abstract

According to the invention, there is provided a padlock arrangement (100), comprising a body (102) with a shackle (104) and a linearly movable blocker (106) having a first position (106_P1) to disenable the shackle (104) to enter an open state (104_OS) and a second position (106_P2) to enable the shackle (104) to enter the open state (104_OS) The padlock arrangement further comprises a tilter (108) having a first position (108_P1) and a second position (108_P2), wherein moving of the tilter (108) from the first position (108_P1) to the second position (108_P2) is configured to move the blocker (106) from the first position (106_P1) to the second position (106_P2), and a clutch pin (110) having a first state (110_S1) to disable moving of the tilter (108) to the second position (108_P2), and a second state (110_S2) to enable moving of the tilter (108) to the second position (108_P2). The padlock arrangement further comprises a processing circuitry (112) configured, when authorized, to provide a control signal to set the clutch pin (110) to the second state (110_S2) to enable moving of the tilter (108) to the second position (108_P2) to open the shackle (104).

Description

[0001] ELECTRONIC PADLOCK ARRANGEMENT

[0002] FIELD

[0003] Various embodiments relate to a field of electronic padlock arrangements.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] There is a plurality of different types of electronic padlocks available in the market. Structures of the known electronic padlocks have some challenges. The challenges may relate to rotating components inside the padlocks, for example. Furthermore, the known structures of the padlocks may have safety issues.

[0006] Hence, there is a need for more sophisticated electronic padlock arrangement.

[0007] BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0008] The present invention is defined by the subject matter of the independent claim. Embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0009] 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.

[0010] LIST OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Some embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an electronic padlock arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0013] Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A and 6B illustrate some components of the electronic padlock according to embodiments of the invention.

[0014] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] The applicant, iLOQ Oy, has invented many improvements for the electromechanical locks, such as those disclosed in various European and US patent applications and patents. A complete discussion of all those details is not repeated here, but the reader is advised to consult those publications.

[0018] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an electronic padlock arrangement comprising a body with a shackle, a linearly movable blocker having a first position to disable the shackle to enter an open state and a second position to enable the shackle to enter the open state, a filter having a first position and a second position, wherein moving of the filter from the first position to the second position is configured to move the blocker from the first position to the second position, a clutch pin having a first state to disable moving of the filter to the second position, and a second state to enable moving of the filter to the second position, and a processing circuitry configured, when authorized, to provide a control signal to set the clutch pin to the second state to enable moving of the filter to the second position to open the shackle.

[0019] Figure 1 illustrates the electronic padlock arrangement in an assembled and open state (shackle is open), and Figure 2 is an exploded view of the electronic padlock arrangement revealing components arranged inside the padlock.

[0020] The electronic padlock refers to the padlock that uses an electric energy to set the padlock to an open or a locked state. The electric energy of the padlock arrangement may be harvested by usingthe Near Field Communication (NFC) from a smartphone or other user apparatus, for example. However, other sources of electric energy may be applied as well. The NFC may also be used to transfer data to / from the electronic padlock. For example, the smartphone with the NFC technology may be used to generate the electric energy to the padlock, and further the NFC may be used in an authentication, in other words, to check has a user of the smartphone access rights to open the padlock.

[0021] Referring now to Figure 3A that illustrates some of the components of the padlock arrangement 100. The padlock 100 comprises the shackle 104 operatively connected with the body 102. The body is not illustrated in Figure 3A but is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The shackle may comprise two legs 104A - B having different length. In the locked state of the padlock (or shackle) both legs are inside the body and are locked such that the legs cannot be pulled out of the body. In the open state of the shackle, a shorter leg 104A comes out of the body and a longer leg 104B stays inside the body such that the shackle can be rotated around the longer leg 104B enabling to open the padlock.

[0022] Each leg 104A - B may comprise a groove configured to receive a locking ball 130A - B. When the ball is in the groove of the leg, moving of the leg in a length direction LD is limited such that the shorter leg cannot come out of the body. Hence, the padlock stays in the locked state. Releasing of the locking ball 130A - B enables moving of the legs (shackle) such that at least shorter leg can be pulled out of the body and the padlock can be opened. The groove in the leg may comprise some clearance such that when the user of the padlock pulls the shackle in the locked state, the shackle can slightly move outwards but does not open. The length direction LD may refer to a longitudinal direction of the padlock.

[0023] The padlock arrangement further comprises the linearly movable blocker 106 having the first and the second positions 1O6_P1 - P2, wherein the blocker in the first position is configured to keep the locking ball(s) in the groove of the legs of the shackle. As can be seen in Figure 3A, the blocker 106 prevents the locking balls 130A - B - B to come out of the grooves of the legs. In other words, to move in a width direction of the padlock WD. Hence, in the first position of the blocker, the shackle cannot be opened, and the padlock stays in the locked state. The shackle is substantially U-shaped, and the blocker may be arranged between the legs of the U-shaped shackle as illustrated in Figure 3A, for example. The locking balls may be substantially between the legs and the blocker. The blocker further comprises grooves 106A - B for the locking balls 130A - B, and the groves 106A - B are aligned with the locking balls 130A - B - B in the second position of the blocker 106_P2. The blocker is configured to move in the length direction LD when moving between the first and the second positions. Referring now to Figure 3B, the blocker, when moving from the first position to the second position, moves towards an opening direction of the shackle which aligns the grooves of the blocker with the locking balls such that the locking balls can move substantially in the width direction WD from the grooves of the legs 104C - D to the grooves of the blocker 106A - B. This releases the legs to move outwards of the body such that the shackle and the padlock can be set to the open state. The blocker may be configured to move only linearly, in other words, it does not rotate when used. The padlock arrangement 100 further comprises the filter 108 having the first position 1O8_P1 and the second position 108_P2. The filter is configured to be in contact with the blocker such that when the filter moves from the first position to the second position, it also pushes the blocker from the first position to the second position. The first position of the filter 1O8_P1 is illustrated in Figure 3A, and the second position of the filter 108_P2 is illustrated in Figure 3B.

[0024] The padlock arrangement further comprises the clutch pin 110 having a first state 110_Sl to disable moving of the filter 108 to the second position, and a second state 110_S2 to enable moving of the filter 108 to the second position. Hence, the clutch pin is configured to interact with the filter such that only in the second position of the clutch pin, the tiler can proceed to the second position that also moves the blocker to the second position allowing opening of the shackle and the padlock. In the first state of the clutch pin, the filter may contact the blocker but is not capable of moving it and hence, the blocker stays in the first position keeping also the shackle locked.

[0025] The padlock arrangement 100 further comprises the processing circuitry 112 configured to control at least the clutch pin 110. The processing circuitry is configured to provide the control signal to the clutch pin to move between the first and / or the second position. The processing circuitry is further configured to check the access rights of the user. If the user has the access right to open the padlock, the processing circuitry provides the control signal to move the clutch pin. If the user does not have access rights, the control signal is not provided. Hence, the processing circuitry provides 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.

[0026] Referring now to Figures 3A and 3B, in an embodiment, the padlock arrangement 100 further comprises a locking pin 114 having a locked state 114_LS to disable moving of the blocker 106, and an open state 114_0S to enable moving of the blocker 106. The locking pin may be configured to move perpendicularly in relation to the blocker such that in the locked state one end of the pin extends into the blocker preventing its movement. The blocker 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 blocker to move to the second position and to open the shackle. Hence, in this embodiment, there are two pins which have to be set to the right positions to get the shackle open. The clutch pin must be in the second position that the tiler is capable of moving the blocker, and further the locking pin must be in the open state to enable moving of the blocker. If one of the pins remains in the first position, the shackle cannot be opened. The padlock arrangement may be operated without the locking pin, but it improves safety of the padlock since tampering of the lock is more difficult. The locking pin may be operated by the processing circuitry 112. When the processing circuitry is authorized (access rights exist), it provides a control signal to set the locking pin 114 to the open state 114_0S to enable moving of the blocker 106 to the second position 106_P2 by the filter 108. Hence, the processing circuitry is configured to control the locking and the clutch pin.

[0027] Still referring to Figure 3A and 3B, in an embodiment, the padlock arrangement 100 further comprises an actuation member 116 having a first and a second position 116_P1, 116_P2, wherein the actuation member 116 is configured to be movably coupled with the filter 108 such that the actuation member 116, when moving from the first position 116_P1 to the second position 116P2, is configured to provide force to the filter 108 to move from the first position 1O8_P1 to the second position 108_P2. As illustrated in Figure 3A, when the actuation member 116 and the filter 108 are in the first position, then also the blocker 106 stays in the first position. Figure 3B illustrates the actuation member 116 in the second position that also forces the filter 108 to the second position that moves the blocker to the second position enabling opening of the shackle. Hence, the actuation member is configured to move the filter such that the tiler can move the blocker. The actuation member is used to provide and / or deliver force to move the filter that moves the blocker. The term “movably coupled” shall be understood such that the filter and the actuation member may be directly in contact, or via some other component such that movement of the actuation member can be transferred to the filter.

[0028] In an embodiment, the actuation member 116 is arranged to be the in connection with the shackle 104, wherein outward movement of the shackle 104 is configured to move the actuation member 104 from the first position 116_P1 to the second position 116_P2. The outward movement means that the shackle is pulled out of the body in the length direction LD. For example, the user of the padlock may pull the shackle that moves the actuation member to the second position. As described above, moving of the actuation member from the first position to the second position causes moving of the filter from the first position to the second position, if the clutch pin is the second state, that pushes the blocker to the second position allowing opening of the shackle. If the arrangement comprises the locking pin, it must be in the open state to enable movement of the blocker.

[0029] In an embodiment, illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, the actuation member 116 is arranged substantially perpendicularly in relation to the shackle 104, and the shackle 104 comprises an opening 118 having a first chamfered surface 118A configured to receive a first end of the actuation member 116A having a second chamfered surface 116B such that the chamfered surfaces 116B, 118Aare against each other to enable sliding of the first end of the actuation member 116A out of the opening 118A due to the outward movement of the shackle 104. Figure 3A illustrates the situation in which the end of the actuation member 116A is in the opening 118 such that chamfered surfaces 116B, 118A are against each other. In other words, the actuation member 116 is in the first position 116_P1. When the shackle is pulled outwards, the chamfered surface of the actuation member starts to slide on the chamfered surface of the opening of the shackle, and finally comes out of the opening. Figure 3B illustrates the situation in which the end of the actuation member has been slid (moved) out of the opening, and the actuation member has reached the second position. The actuation member 116 may move in the width direction WD of the padlock 100, and the shackle 104 in the length direction of the padlock LD.

[0030] In an embodiment, the padlock 100 further comprises a slider 120 configured to movably couple the filter 108 and the actuation member 116, wherein force, provided by moving of the actuation member 116 from the first position 116_P1 to the second position 116_P2, is transmitted to the filter via slider 120. Still referring to Figures 3A and 3B, the slider 120 may be arranged to move in the length direction LD, when moved by the actuation member 116. So, it may move perpendicularly in relation to the actuation member. In an embodiment, illustrated in Figure 5A, the slider 120 may comprise an elongated groove 120A and the actuation member 116 may comprise a pin 116D wherein the groove is configured to receive the pin movably. A longitudinal centerline of the groove 120A_CL may be arranged to be in a predetermined angle in relation to a longitudinal center line of the actuation member 116_CL. The angle may be less than 90 degrees and more than 0 degrees. In other words, the longitudinal centerlines of the groove and actuation member may not be arranged perpendicularly or parallelly in relation to each other. The predetermined angle may be 45 degrees, for example. Due to the angle, movement of the actuation member (in width the direction WD) from the first position to the second position causes movement of the slider (in the length direction LD) since the pin moves form a first end of the groove towards a second end of the groove. The pin is in the vicinity of the first end in Figure 5A, and in the vicinity of the second end in Figure 5B. As can be seen in Figures 5A and 5B, the slider has moved from its initial position to a second position in the width direction, and this movement moves the filter to move from the first position to the second position.

[0031] Referring to the Figures 6A and 6B, in an embodiment, the actuation member 116 extends out of the body 102 from one end of the body 1O2_E1 or one side of the body 102_S such that a user of the padlock can provide force to move the actuation member 116 from the first position 116_P1 to the second position 116_P2. In Figures 6A and 6B the actuation member extends out of the body from one side of the padlock. The actuation member may also extend out of the one end of the body. For example, a first end of the padlock may comprise the shackle and the actuation member may extend out of a second end, wherein the second end may be opposite in relation to the first end. The one side in this content may be any other side of the padlock than the above-mentioned ends. A part of the actuation member 116A that extends out of the body 102, may comprise a push button 128. The actuation member may form the push button, or the push button may be a separate component coupled with the actuation member. Another end of the actuation member 116C may be coupled with the filter 108 and / or the slider 120, for example. Hence, the user may push the push button that moves the actuation member from the first position to the second position and causes moving of the filter from the first position to the second position. Figure 6B illustrates an embodiment, wherein the actuation member 116 comes out of the body from one side and is coupled with the slider 120. An operating principle is the same as described above in the embodiment in which the shackle is pulled to move the actuation member, but in this embodiment the shackle is not pulled, instead the button is pressed. If the actuation member is arranged in the end of the padlock, the actuation member may be coupled directly with the filter, for example. Then the actuation member is moved in the length direction of the padlock that moves the filter.

[0032] Referring to Figures 3A and 3B, the actuation member 116 comprises a first returning element 122 configured to return the actuation member 116 to the first position 116_P1. The returning element 122 is configured to compress when stressed and to return to its initial position when stressing ends. The returning element 122 may comprise a spring, for example. Hence, when the actuation member moves to the second position, the returning element compresses and tries to return the actuation member back to the first position. As described above, the actuation member may get force when the user pulls the shackle or when the user pushes the push button. When the user stops pulling or pushing, the returning element returns the actuation member back to the first position.

[0033] In an embodiment, the actuation member 116 is configured to return the filter 108 to the first position 1O8_P1 when the first returning element 122 returns the actuation member 116 to the first position 116_P1. In other words, moving of the actuation member, by the returning element, from the second to the first position returns the filter from the second to the first position. If the arrangement comprises the slider, movement of the actuation member may be transmitted to the filter via slider, for example. In other words, the returning element first moves the actuation member, and this movement moves the slider, and movement of the slider moves the filter. Hence, the filter may not need its own returning element to return to the first position.

[0034] Referring to Figures 3A and 3B, in an embodiment, the filter 108 comprises a first and a second projection 108A, 108B, wherein the first projection 108A is configured to interact with the clutch pin 110 and the second projection 108B is configured to interact with the blocker 106, wherein the clutch pin 110 in the second state 110_S2 is configured to restrict moving of the first projection 108A towards the blocker 106 such that the filter 108, when moving to the second position 108_P2, tilts (turns) in a first direction DI in relation to the slider 116 and / or the actuation member 116, configured to move the second projection 108B towards the blocker 106 and to move the blocker 106 from the first position 1O6_P1 to the second position 106_P2. As can be seen in Figure 3A, the filter in the first position may be in contact with the clutch pin and the blocker such that the first projection is in contact with the clutch pin and the second projection is in contact with the blocker. The blocker 106 may further comprise a pin 106B or an equivalent protrusion that is configured to interact with the second projection 108B. The clutch pin may not move in the length or the width direction of the padlock and therefore it provides a support point (fulcrum) for the filter in the second position. This means that the first projection of the filter may not move substantially in the length direction of the padlock, when the actuation member provides force to move to the filter. Restricting the movement of the first projection causes tilting of the filter in the first direction DI in relation to the body, and due to tilting, the second projection moves towards the blocker substantially in the length direction of the padlock. This movement of the second projection pushes the blocker from the first position to the second position that enables opening of the shackle.

[0035] The filter may be substantially U-shaped, wherein legs of the U-shape form the first and the second projections. Ends of the projections may be arched, and the arched ends are configured to interact with the pin and / or the blocker.

[0036] Referring now to Figure 3C, in an embodiment, the filter 108, in the first state of the clutch pin 110_Sl, is configured to move to a third position 108_P3, when the actuation member 116 provides force for the filter 108, wherein the blocker 106 restricts moving of the second projection 108B such that the filter 108 tilts (turns) in a second direction D2 in relation to the slider 120 or the actuation member 116 such that the first projection 108A moves towards the blocker 106 without reaching it. The clutch pin in the first position is retracted (deactivated) such that it cannot be in contact with the filter, and hence it does not provide the support point for the first projection of the filter to tilt in the first direction. In other words, the clutch pin does not restrict the movement of the second projection of the filter. In this case, when force is applied to the filter, the first projection moves towards the blocker since the blocker restricts the movement of the second projection. In other words, the filter turns in the second direction and moves to the third position as illustrated in Figure 3C. The blocker may be locked by the locking pin. In the third position, the first projection moves towards the blocker but does not reach it. In other words, the is no contact between the first projection of the filter and the blocker in the third position of the filter. The filter moves to the third position, if the padlock is in the locked state and user provides force for the filter via actuation member. When the filter tilts in the second direction, the user cannot easily break any components inside the padlock since the first projection does not take contact with the blocker.

[0037] Referring to Figure 3A, 3B and 3C, in an embodimentthe locking pin 114 is arranged substantially between the first and the second projections of the filter 108A, 108B. Then the locking pin may be substantially in the middle of the body in the width direction. This is the optimal location for the locking pin from the force dividing point of view.

[0038] Referring now to Figure 5A, in an embodimentthe filter 108 comprises an elongated arched opening 108C configured to receive a second pin 120B arranged on the slider 120 or the actuation member 116, wherein the second pin 120B, in the first position of the filter 1O8_P1, is configured to be substantially in the middle of the opening, and in the second position of the filter 108_P2 a first end of the opening is configured to move towards the second pin 120B to turn the filter 108 in the first direction DI, and in the third position of the filter 108_P3 a second end of the opening is configured to move towards the second pin 120B to turn the filter 108 in the second direction D2. Hence, the opening (filter) is configured to move in relation to the second pin (when the filter tilts), such that the pin can change its position in the opening. Figure 5A illustrates the situation in which the second pin 120B is substantially in the middle of the opening 108C, and then the filter is in the first position 1O8_P1. In other words, the filter is not tilted. Figure 5B illustrates the situation in which the second pin 120B is in the vicinity of the first end of the opening 108C, and then the filter is in the second position 108_P2. In other words, the filter 108 has tilted in the first direction DI. Figure 3C illustrates the situation in which the second pin 120B is in the vicinity of the second end of the opening 108C, and then the filter in the third position 108_P3. In other words, the filter 108 has tilted in the second direction D2. Figure 3C illustrates the padlock from the opposite side than Figures 5A and 5B. As described above, the filter may be U-shaped wherein the legs of the U-shape form the projections. The projections are connected together from one end (bottom of the U-shape), and the opening may be arranged in this area. So, the opening may be substantially on the opposite side of the U-shaped tiler than the ends of the projections that are configured to interact with the blocker and / or the clutch pin. The opening may be a through hole, or it may be a groove on the filter's surface. The opening may be substantially U-shaped.

[0039] In an embodiment, the blocker 106 comprises a second returning element 124 configured to return the blocker 106 from the second position 106_P2 to the first position 1O6_P1 when the shackle 104 is in the locked state 104_LS. The second returning element 124 is illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B, for example. The second returning element may be a spring, for example. As described above, the tiler moves the blocker from the first position to the second position that enables opening of the padlock. The second returning element is configured to return the blocker back to the first position and enabling locking of the padlock again. The second returning element may be compressed when the blocker is moved from the first to the second position, and the blocker may stay in the second position until the shackle is set back to the locked state. When the shackle is set to the locked state, and the filter does not keep the blocker in the second position anymore, the second returning element returns from its compressed position to initial position and pushes the blocker back to the first position. In an embodiment, the padlock arrangement further comprises holding means 126 configured to hold the blocker 106 in the second position 106_P2, when moved from the first position 116_P1 to the second position 116_P2, until the shackle 104 is set to the locked state 104_LS. The blocker comprises the grooves for receiving the locking balls in its second position. At least one locking ball may be used to prevent returning of the blocker back to the first position before the shackle is in the locked state. The locking ball may enter the groove of the blocker and the leg of the shackle may keep the locking ball in the groove that keeps the blocker in the second position. When the shackle is pulled outwards to open it, the longer leg stays inside the body, and in the open state of the shackle the longer leg may hold the locking ball in the groove of the blocker. Referring to Figure 3B, the one leg 104B may comprise a surface 104B_S that in the open state of the shackle is configured to prevent moving of the locking ball out of the groove of the blocker. In Figure 3B, the locking ball 136B is in the groove of the blocker 106B, but the shackle is not pulled out and open. Anyway, when the shackle moves outwards from the position illustrated in Figure 3B, the surface of the leg 104B_S can interact with the locking ball and can prevent moving of the ball out of the groove. This prevents the movement of the blocker in the length direction of the padlock, in other words, the blocker stays in the second position and cannot return the first position before the shackle is pressed again inside the body and set to the locked state. Then the longer leg may not restrict moving of the locking ball out of the groove of the blocker, and the locking ball can move out of the groove. When the locking ball is not in the groove of the blocker, the second returning element can push the blocker back to the first position. Hence, the groove of the blocker, the locking ball and the leg of the shackle may form the holding means.

[0040] Referring now to Figures 4A and 4B that illustrate functioning of the clutch and the locking pins 110, 114 in detail. Figure 4A illustrates the situation in which the clutch pin 110 is in the first state 110_Sl such that it disables moving of the filter to the second position. The clutch pin is retracted such that it cannot interact with the filter and hence prevents moving of the filter to the second position. The locking pin 114 is in the locked state 114_LS such that it prevents moving of the blocker in the length direction of the padlock. In other words, the locking pin prevent moving of the blocker from the first to the second position. Hence, Figure 4A illustrates the clutch pin and the locking pin in the locked state of the padlock. Figure 4B illustrates the situation in which the clutch 110 pin is in the second state 110_S2 such that it can interact with the filter and enables moving of the tilter to the second position. The locking pin 114 is in the open state 114_0S enabling moving of the blocker from the first to the second position by the tilter. Hence, Figure 4B illustrates the clutch pin and the locking pin in the state in which the padlock can be opened.

[0041] In an embodiment, the padlock arrangement further comprises a first stationary magnet with a first coil and a first movable magnet arranged in the clutch pin, wherein the first coil is configured to change a polarity of the first stationary magnet to move the first movable magnet such that the movement of the first movable magnet is further configured to move the clutch pin between the first and the second states. The padlock arrangement may further comprise a second stationary magnet with a second coil and a second movable magnet arranged in the locking pin, wherein the second coil is configured change a polarity of the second stationary magnet to move the second movable magnet such that the movement of the second movable magnet is further configured to move the locking pin between the locked and unlocked states.

[0042] The coils are electrically powered magnetization coils configured to switch the polarity of the stationary permanent semi-hard magnets between a first magnetization configuration S-N and a second magnetization configuration N-S. N and S refers to the North pole N and the South pole S of the magnet, and the opposite poles (S-N, N-S) attract each other, whereas similar poles (N-N or S-S) repel each other. The processor circuitry is configured to provide a control signal to the coil(s) to switch the polarity of the magnet(s). Change of the magnetization configuration causes moving of the movable magnets, which also moves the pins between the different states since the movable magnets are within the pins. In an embodiment, the electrically powered magnetization coil operates so that a flow of electricity in one direction causes the first magnetization configuration S-N, and a flow of the electricity in an opposite direction causes the second magnetization configuration N-S.

[0043] The electrically powered magnetization coil may be a part of a magnetizer (not illustrated in Figures). The magnetizer generates a very short pulse of a very high electric current, which causes a brief but very strong magnetic field. The electric pulse may be caused by storing up electric current in a bank of capacitors at high voltage and then suddenly discharging the capacitors through an electronic switch. The electric pulse is applied to the electrically powered magnetization coil, which may be at its simplest form a coil of wire.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The next example describes how the electrical padlock arrangement may be used. 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. The padlock may harvest the electric energy from the phone and further the access rights may be checked. If the user has the rights to open the lock, the processing circuitry provides the control signal to move the clutch pin to the second state, and the locking pin to the open state. Then the user can provide force by pushing the button or pulling the shackle to move the actuation member from the first to the second position that directly or via slider moves the filter from the first to the second position. Moving of the filter moves the blocker to the second position that releases the locking balls that hold the shackle in the locked state such that the shackle can be opened. When the shackle is set to the locked state again, the blocker moves back to the first position by the second returning element and the shackle is locked by the locking balls. The actuation member returns back to the first position by the first returning element that also moves the filter back to the first position.

[0046] The electrical 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, as the technology advances, the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. The invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An electronic padlock arrangement (100), comprising: a body (102 ) with a shackle (104); a linearly movable blocker (106) having a first position (1O6_P1) to disable the shackle (104) to enter an open state (104_OS) and a second position (106_P2) to enable the shackle (104) to enter the open state (104_OS); a filter (108) having a first position (1O8_P1) and a second position (108_P2), wherein moving of the filter (108) from the first position (1O8_P1) to the second position (108_P2) is configured to move the blocker (106) from the first position (1O6_P1) to the second position (106_P2); a clutch pin (110) having a first state (110_Sl) to disable moving of the filter (108) to the second position (108_P2), and a second state (110_S2) to enable moving of the filter (108) to the second position (108_P2); and a processing circuitry (112) configured, when authorized, to provide a control signal to set the clutch pin (110) to the second state (110_S2) to enable moving of the filter (108) to the second position (108_P2) to open the shackle (104).

2. The padlock arrangement (100) of claim 1, wherein the arrangement (100) further comprises a locking pin (114) having a locked state (114_LS) to disable moving of the blocker (106), and an open state (114_0S) to enable moving of the blocker (106), wherein the processing circuitry (112), when authorized, is configured to provide a control signal to set the locking pin (114) to the open state (114_0S) to enable moving of the blocker (106) the second position (106_P2) by the filter (108).

3. The padlock arrangement (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the arrangement (100) further comprises an actuation member (116) having a first and a second position (116_P1, 116_P2), wherein the actuation member (116) is configured to be movably coupled with the filter (108) such that the actuation member (116), when moving from the first position (116_P1) to the second position (116P2), is configured to provide force to the filter (108) to move from the first position (1O8_P1) to the second position (108_P2).

4. The padlock arrangement (100) of claim 3, wherein the actuation member (116) is arranged to be the in connection with the shackle (104), whereinoutward movement of the shackle (104) is configured to move the actuation member (104) from the first position (116_P1) to the second position (116_P2).

5. The padlock arrangement (100) of claims 3 - 4, wherein the actuation member (116) is arranged substantially perpendicularly in relation to the shackle (104), and the shackle (104) comprises an opening (118) having a first chamfered surface (118_S1) configured to receive a first end of the actuation member (116_E1) having a second chamfered surface (116_S1) such that the chamfered surfaces (116_S1, 118_S1) are against each other to enable sliding of the first end of the actuation member (116_E1) out of the opening (118) due to the outward movement of the shackle (104).

6. The padlock arrangement (100) of claims 3 - 5, wherein the padlock (100) further comprises a slider (120) configured to movably couple the filter (108) and the actuation member (116), wherein force, provided by moving of the actuation member (116) from the first position (116_P1) to the second position (116_P2), is transmitted to the filter (108) via slider (120).

7. The padlock arrangement (100) of claim 3, wherein the actuation member (116) extends out of the body (102) from one end of the body (1O2_E1) or one side of the body (102_S) such that a user of the padlock can provide force to move the actuation member (116) from the first position (116_P1) to the second position (116_P2).

8. The padlock arrangement (100) of claims 3 - 7, wherein the actuation member (116) comprises a first returning element (122) configured to return the actuation member (116) to the first position (116_P1).

9. The padlock arrangement (100) of claim 8, wherein the actuation member (116) is configured to return the filter (108) to the first position (1O8_P1) when the first returning element (122) returns the actuation member (116) to the first position (116_P1).

10. The padlock arrangement (100) of claims 3 - 9, wherein the filter (108) comprises a first and a second projection (108A - B), wherein the firstprojection (108A) is configured to interact with the clutch pin (110) and the second projection (108B) is configured to interact with the blocker (106), wherein the clutch pin (110) in the second state (110_S2) is configured to restrict moving of the first projection (108A) towards the blocker (106) such that the filter (108), when moving to the second position (108_P2), tilts in a first direction (DI) in relation to the slider (116) and / or the actuation member (116), configured to move the second projection (108B) towards the blocker (106) and to move the blocker (106) from the first position (1O6_P1) to the second position (106_P2).

11. The padlock arrangement (100) of claims 3 - 10, wherein the filter (108), in the first state of the clutch pin (110_Sl), is configured to move to a third position (108_P3), when the actuation member (116) provides force for the filter (108), wherein the blocker (106) restricts moving of the second projection (126) such that the filter (108) tilts in a second direction (D2) in relation to the slider (120) or the actuation member (116) such that the first projection (108A) moves towards the blocker (106) without reaching it.

12. The padlock arrangement (100) of claims 10 - 11, wherein the locking pin (114) is arranged substantially between the first and the second projection of the filter (108A - B).

13. The padlock arrangement (100) of claims 3 - 12, wherein the filter (108) comprises an elongated arched opening (108C) configured to receive a second pin (120B) arranged on the slider (120) or the actuation member (116), wherein the second pin (120B), in the first position of the filter (1O8_P1), is configured to be substantially in the middle of the opening, and in the second position of the filter (108_P2) a first end of the opening is configured to move towards the second pin (120B) to turn the filter (108) in the first direction (DI), and in the third position of the filter (108_P3) a second end of the opening is configured to move towards the second pin (120B) to turn the filter (108) in the second direction (D2).

14. The padlock arrangement (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the blocker (106) comprises a second returning element (124) configured to returnthe blocker (106) from the second position (106_P2) to the first position (1O6_P1) when the shackle (104) is in a locked state (104_LS).

15. The lock arrangement (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the padlock arrangement further comprises holding means (126) configured to hold the blocker (106) in the second position (106_P2), when moved from the first position (116_P1) to the second position (116_P2), until the shackle (104) is set to the locked state (104_LS).

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