Mechanism of electromechanical lock

Abstract

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a mechanism of an electromechanical lock (10) comprising a first magnet (12) and a second magnet (14) arranged to interact with the first magnet (14) and to move in relation to the first magnet (12), wherein the second magnet (14) comprises a neutral position (NP) in relation to the first magnet (12) in which poles of the first and second magnets (12, 14) are at least partly aligned such that force generated by magnetic fields of the poles are configured to resist moving of the second magnet (14) from the neutral position (NP) and to attempt to return the second magnet (14) to the neutral position (NP) when deviated from the neutral position (NP). Opposite surfaces of the first and second magnet comprise at least one cavity pair (CP1) configured to affect the magnetic fields to boost force. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an electromechanical lock comprising the mechanism.

Description

[0001] Mechanism of Electromechanical Lock

[0002] Field

[0003] The invention relates to a field of locks, especially mechanisms of electromechanical locks.

[0004] Background

[0005] Electromechanical locks comprise a plurality of mechanisms to operate the lock. In some electromechanical locks, magnets may be applied to perform operations. The magnets may be used to get some certain components to desired positions, for example. The known mechanisms applying the magnets have some drawbacks.

[0006] Hence, there is a need for a more sophisticated mechanism to alleviate the issues of the known solution.

[0007] Brief description

[0008] The present invention is defined by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0009] Embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0010] 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.

[0011] List of drawings

[0012] Example embodiments of the present invention are described below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a mechanism of an electromechanical lock according to embodiments of the invention;

[0013] Figures 3, 4A, 4B illustrate detailed views of cavities of the mechanism of the electromechanical lock according to embodiments of the invention;

[0014] Figures 5A and 5B illustrate a magnet arrangement of the mechanism of the electromechanical lock according to embodiment of the invention;Figure 6 illustrates the electromechanical lock comprising the mechanism according to embodiments of the invention;

[0015] Figure 7 illustrates a curve presenting an effect of the cavities within the magnets according to embodiments of the invention;

[0016] Figures 8A and 8B illustrate functioning of the electromechanical lock according to embodiments of the invention; and

[0017] Figure 9 illustrates power vectors created by the cavities according to embodiments of the invention.

[0018] Description of embodiments

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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 them to these examples only.

[0021] 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. The invention described in this application may be used in traditional mechanical locks as well as in the electromechanical locks.

[0022] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a mechanism of an electromechanical lock comprising a first magnet and a second magnet arranged to interact with the first magnet and to move in relation to thefirst magnet. The second magnet comprises a neutral position in relation to the first magnet in which poles of the first and second magnets are at least partly aligned such that force generated by magnetic fields of the poles are configured to resist moving of the second magnet from the neutral position and to attempt to return the second magnet to the neutral position when moved in relation to the first magnet. Opposite surfaces of the first and second magnet comprise at least one cavity pair configured to affect the magnetic fields to boost force.

[0023] The electromechanical lock may comprise a cylinder knob operably coupled with a lock cylinder. The cylinder knob may comprise the neutral position in which the knob is when not rotated and the lock is in a locked state. When the cylinder knob is rotated, for example, about 90 degrees, the lock is set to the openable state. Hence, the cylinder knob may work like a doorknob in the lock arrangement. The electromechanical lock may further comprise an authentication system, wherein a user is authenticated before making it possible to open the lock (openable state) by rotating the cylinder knob. The authentication may be performed wirelessly by applying Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, for example. If the authentication is successful (user has opening rights), rotation of the cylinder knob opens the lock. The lock may stay in the openable state as long as the user keeps the cylinder knob rotated, and when the cylinder knob is released, the lock returns to the neutral position allowing the lock to enter the locked state again. It is very essential that the cylinder knob returns to the neutral position after opening the lock since it ensures that the lock cylinder within the lock can enter to the locked state again. The mechanism according to the invention may be used to improve functioning of the lock such that the cylinder knob, and the lock cylinder operably coupled with it, returns back to the neutral position after opening allowing the lock to enter the locked state. The mechanism may further ensure that the cylinder knob and the lock cylinder are positioned correctly in the neutral position making it possible to set the lock cylinder to the locked state and ensure that they stay in the neutral position firmly.

[0024] Let's now look at the mechanism in detail. Figure 1 illustrates the mechanism 10 having the first magnet 12 and the second magnet 14. The magnetsin this embodiment may be ring magnets, but the main principle of the invention may be applied with differently shaped magnets as well like with bar magnets, for example. Therefore, a subject matter of claim 1 is not limited to the ring magnets nevertheless the ring magnets are used to illustrate the invention. Figure 1 illustrates the second magnet in the neutral position in relation to the first magnet. The second magnet 14 may rotate around an axial direction AD in a rotation direction R1 in relation to the first magnet. The axial direction AD is visible also in Figure 5B, for example. Hence, the second magnet may be movable, and the first magnet may be stationary in the mechanism. In the neutral position NP, at least a first pole of the first magnet 12_P1 is aligned with a first pole of the second magnet 14_P1. The polarity of the first poles may be arranged such that the first pole of the first magnet attracts the first pole of the second magnet. Then the magnets may be in an equilibrium state in the neutral position. Furthermore, a second pole of the first magnet 12_P2 is aligned with a second pole of the second magnet 14_P2, and the polarity of the second pole of the first magnet attracts the second pole of the second magnet. In the case of the ring magnets, the first magnet may be arranged within an opening (hole, inner space) of the second magnet. Due to the magnetic field inside the opening, the first poles may have the same polarity (north - north, south - south), and the second poles may have the same polarity. Then the magnetic fields try to keep the second magnet in the neutral position and resist rotation of the second magnet from the neutral position.

[0025] Instead of the ring magnets, the bar magnets may be used and then the first poles may have opposite polarity, and the second poles may have the opposite polarity. With the bar magnets the opposite poles (north - south, south - north) attract each other and the similar poles (north - north, south - south) repel each other.

[0026] The second magnet may be coupled with the cylinder knob, so when the second magnet is in the neutral position, the knob is also in the neural position, and when the second magnet is in a deviated position (deviated from the neutral position), the cylinder knob is also in the deviated position. When the cylinder knob with the second magnet is rotated and deviated from the neutral position, aligningof the poles that attracts each other start to deviate causing magnetic forces that try to return the second magnet and the cylinder knob back to the neutral position in which the attracting poles are aligned.

[0027] The rotation force (torque) provided to the cylinder knob by the user must be greater than force generated by the magnetic fields to get the cylinder knob with the second magnet to deviate from the neutral position. The user can hold the cylinder knob in the deviated position, but when the cylinder knob is released, the magnetic force returns the second magnet and the cylinder knob back to the neutral position allowing the lock to be locked again. Hence, the user can rotate the cylinder knob with the second magnet to the deviated position from the neutral position, and when the cylinder knob is released in the deviated position, the magnetic fields of the first and the second magnet returns the second magnet with the cylinder knob to the neutral position. This returning mechanism ensures that the lock can enter the locked state again after opening.

[0028] Still referring to Figure 1, the opposite surfaces of the first and second magnet 12, 14 comprise at least the first cavity CPI pair configured to affect the magnetic fields to boost force provided by the magnets (magnetic force). As described above, the first and second magnets may be arranged such that the magnetic force(s) try to keep the second magnet in the neutral position and attempt to return the second magnet to the neutral position if deviated from the neutral position. The cavity pair on the opposite surfaces manipulates the magnetic field(s) such that it boosts the magnetic force caused by the magnetic fields. In other words, it manipulates the magnetic field(s) such that the force that keeps the second magnet in the neutral position and resist deviating it from the neutral position is, at least partly, greater (bigger). The cavity pair may cause an effect in which torque needed to deviate the second magnet from the neutral position is greater especially at the beginning of the rotational movement. Hence, the second magnet and the cylinder knob coupled with the second magnet is more difficult to deviate from the neutral position, and force that attempts to return the second magnet to the neutral position is greater nearby the neutral position.In an embodiment, both of the opposite surfaces comprise the cavity forming the cavity pair such that cavities are at least partly aligned. Figure 1 illustrates a first cavity Cl arranged on the surface of the second magnet 14 that is towards the first magnet 12, and a second cavity C2 arranged on the surface of the first magnet 12 that is towards the second magnet 14. Hence, the opposite surfaces comprise cavities that are aligned, at least partly.

[0029] Referring now to Figure 7 that illustrates a torque curve in relation to a rotation angle of the second magnet. A vertical axis presents the torque (0 - 0,1 Nm) and a horizontal axis presents the rotation angle of the second magnet (0 - 90 degrees) in relation to the first magnet. In the neutral position the torque and the angle are zero, and when the angle is greater than zero, the second magnet is in the deviated position. A second curve 2 presents the torque curve of the first and second magnet with at least one cavity pair, and a first curve 1 presents the torque curve of the first and second magnet without the cavity pair. As can be seen, when the first and / or second magnet comprises the cavity (curve 2), there is a remarkable peak in the torque at the beginning of the rotation (angle 0 - 12 degrees) compared to the first and / or second magnet without the cavity pair (curve 1). The peak may be the highest when the angle is about 7 degrees. This means that the greater force is needed to get the second magnet to rotate in relation to the first magnet, and also that the greater force tries to return the second magnet to the neutral position in the vicinity of the neutral position (when angle between 0 - 12 degrees) when deviated from the neutral position. The torque may be lower, for example, after 12 degrees as Figure 7 illustrates, but this is not an issue since the boost in force is desired when the angle is about 0 - 12 degrees, in other words, in the vicinity of the neutral position. Nevertheless, the torque is lower after 12 degreed, it is still high enough to ensure proper functioning of the lock.

[0030] Sometimes, in the known magnetic solutions, there may be some inaccuracy when the second magnet returns to the neutral position due to a lower force nearby the neutral position (zero angle). This inaccuracy may lead a situation in which the angle is not zero in the neutral position, instead the second magnetmay stay in a position in which the rotation angle is about 1 - 3 degrees in relation to the first magnet, for example. This may cause issues in functioning of the lock.

[0031] Referring now to Figures 8A and 8B, in an embodiment, the second magnet may be coupled with the cylinder knob that is coupled with a plug of the lock cylinder (core) 20. Rotation of the cylinder knob rotates the second magnet and the plug. The plug may be arranged within a hole of a lock cylinder shell 22 and may be configured to rotate in relation to the shell when the cylinder knob is rotated. The first magnet may be stationarily arranged within the lock cylinder shell. The plug may comprise a locking pin 24 that is configured to enter to an opening (cavity) of the shell 26 in the locked state of the lock. The locking pin may move along a first moving direction MD 1 as illustrated in Figures 8A and 8B. When the locking pin is inside the opening, it blocks the rotational movement of the plug, and the cylinder knob as presented in Figure 8A. Then the lock is in the locked state. The locking pin 24 can enter to the opening 26 only when the pin and opening are properly aligned. If this aligning is not accurate enough, the pin may not enter the opening, and this may lead to the situation in which the lock cannot be set to the locked state as illustrated in Figure 8B. Hence, if the rotation angle of the second magnet in relation to the first magnet in the neutral position is greater than zero, for example, like three degrees, it is possible that the locking pin cannot enter the opening, and the lock cannot be locked.

[0032] Still referring to Figures 8A and 8B that illustrates a central axis of the locking pin CAI and a reference axis RA. The reference axis may also be a central axis of the opening 26. The central axis of the locking pin CAI may be a longitudinal central line of the locking pin, and the reference axis RA may be the same as a longitudinal central line of the opening. The first moving direction of the locking pin MD1 may be parallel with the central axis of the locking pin CAI. The locking pin rotates with the plug and the second magnet around the axial direction AD when the cylinder knob is rotated. For example, when the cylinder knob is rotated about 90 degrees from the neutral position, there is also 90 degrees angle between the central axis of the locking pin CAI and the reference axis RA (not illustrated in Figures). When the angle between the second and first magnet is zero (neutralposition), the central axis of the locking pin CAI and the reference axis RA are parallel as Figure 8A illustrates. Figure 8B illustrates a situation in which the second magnet is not returned to the neutral position properly. Some inaccuracy occurs and the centre axis of the locking pin and the reference axis are not parallel. There is an angle a between them. The angle may be 3 degrees, for example. This may prevent entering of the locking pin into the opening and may lead to a malfunction of the lock. Even if the pin may enter the opening, the inaccuracy may cause contact between a side wall of the pin and a side wall of the opening that may wear the pin and the opening in use. The wearing may also lead the malfunction of the lock over the time. With the greater force in the vicinity of the zero angle, this issue may be avoided. In other words, with the cavities, the force provided by the magnetic fields of the first and the second magnet is greater that diminish the above-mentioned inaccuracy and improves reliability of the functioning of the lock.

[0033] Referring now to Figures 1 and 5A, in an embodiment, the first and the second magnet 12, 14 comprises a diametrically magnetised ring magnet. The first and the second magnet may be divided in the diametrical direction to two halves having opposite poles.

[0034] Referring to Figure 1, in an embodiment, the second magnet 14 comprises an opening 14_0 and the first magnet 12 is arranged within the opening 14_0 such that the second magnet 14 can rotate in relation to the first magnet 12. The second magnet may rotate around the axial direction of the mechanism AD. The axial direction maybe a (longitudinal) central axis of the first and the second magnets and the mechanism. Middle points of the first and second magnet may be aligned and may also be aligned with the central axis of the mechanism. The first magnet may also comprise a hole in the middle, and the first magnet may be stationary coupled with the lock cylinder via the hole, for example.

[0035] Referring to Figure 1, in an embodiment, the first and second magnet 12, 14 comprises a first and a second pole 12_P1-P2, 14_P1-P2 having different polarity, wherein the first pole of the first magnet 12_P1 is aligned with the first pole of the second magnet 14_P1, and the second pole of the first magnet 12_P2 is aligned with the second pole of the second magnet 14_P2 in the neutral position NPof the second magnet. As illustrated in Figure 1, the first and second magnets may be the ring magnets wherein the first magnet is arranged inside the inner space (opening) of the second magnet. This enables as strong magnetic force as possible between the first and second magnets since both poles of the first and second magnet are used to produce the magnetic force that attempts to keep the second magnet in the neutral position and resists rotation of the second magnet in relation to the first magnet.

[0036] Referring now to Figure 1, in an embodiment, the first and the second magnet 12, 14 comprises the first cavity pair CPI having a first cavity Cl within an inner surface of the first pole of the second magnet 14JS and a second cavity C2 within an outer surface of the first pole of the first magnet 12_OS, wherein the cavities Cl, C2 are at least partly aligned at least in the neutral position of the second magnet NP. The cavities are arranged to face each other in the neutral position of the second magnet. In an embodiment, the cavities face each other just partly, in other words the cavities may just partly be aligned. Hence, a middle point of the first cavity is not aligned with a middle point of the second cavity. Instead, there may be some deviation between the middle points causing the partial aligning of the cavities. Then the cavities are just partly aligned such that the cavities still overlap. Based on the testing and simulations, the boosting effect in the magnetic force may be greater when the cavities are just partly aligned. The cavities manipulate the magnetic field of the first and second magnet by creating own magnetic field(s) that add the magnetic force. Boosting of the magnetic force occurs as long as the magnetic fields created by the cavities can interact with each other. The magnetic fields of the cavities effect and boost the magnetic force when the rotation angle of the second magnet is about 0 - 12 degrees as can be seen in Figure 7. The deviation caused by the cavities in the magnetic field is illustrated in Figure 9 by arrows. Figure 9 illustrates a situation in which the second magnet 14 is rotated about 7 degrees in relation to the first magnet 12 and the cavities Cl, C2 within the magnets are just partly aligned (overlapped). The arrows illustrate power vectors, and as can be seen within the overlapped section of the cavities, a direction of the power vectors is different (sidewise) compared to other powervectors that boosts the force.

[0037] Still referring to Figure 1, in an embodiment, the first and second magnet 12, 14 comprises a second cavity pair CP2 having a third cavity C3 within the inner surface of the second magnet 14_1S and a fourth cavity C4 within the outer surface of the first magnet 12_OS, wherein the cavities C3, C4 are at least partly aligned at least in the neutral position of the second magnet NP. Hence, the first and the second magnet may comprise the second cavity pair having the same features as the first cavity pair presented above. The second cavity pair may enforce the effect of the cavities in the magnetic force. The second cavity pair may be arranged to the same or opposite poles that the first cavity pair.

[0038] Still referring to Figure 1, in an embodiment, the first and the second magnet 12, 14 comprises a third cavity pair CP3 having a fifth cavity C5 within an inner surface of the second magnet 14_1S and a sixth cavity C6 within an outer surface of the first magnet 12_OS, wherein the cavities C5, C6 are at least partly aligned at least in the neutral position of the second magnet NP. Hence, the first and the second magnet may comprise the third cavity pair having the same features as the first and / or second cavity pair presented above. The third cavity pair may enforce the effect of the cavities in the magnetic force. The third cavity pair may be arranged to the same or opposite poles that the first and / or second cavity pair.

[0039] Still referring to Figure 1, in an embodiment, the first and the second magnet 12, 14 comprises a fourth cavity pair CP4 having a seventh cavity C7 within an inner surface of the second magnet 14_1S and an eight cavity C8 within an outer surface of the first magnet 12_OS, wherein the cavities C7, C8 are at least partly aligned at least in the neutral position of the second magnet NP. Hence, the first and the second magnet may comprise the fourth cavity pair having the same features as the first, second and / or third cavity pair presented above. The fourth cavity pair may enforce the effect of the cavities in the magnetic force. The fourth cavity pair may be arranged to the same or opposite poles that the first and / or second cavity pair.

[0040] As presented above, the first and the second magnet may comprise one to four cavity pairs for enhancing the magnetic force nearby the neutral position ofthe second magnet, and at the beginning of the rotational movement of it. The more cavity pairs are arranged within the magnets, the bigger may be the boosting effect in the magnetic force. Furthermore, the four cavities provide a symmetrical structure that helps to keep the second magnet (movable) better in balance. More than four cavity pairs may start to cause negative issues to functioning of the mechanism, and therefore the number of the cavity pairs may be four or less.

[0041] In an embodiment, the opposite poles of the first and the second magnet 12, 14 each comprises at least one cavity Cl - C8. For example, the first cavity pair may be arranged within the first poles, and the second cavity pair may be arranged within the second poles of first and second magnets. In another example, the first and the second cavity pair may be arranged within the first poles of the first and second magnets, and the third and fourth cavity pairs may be arranged within the second poles. Then both poles of the magnets may comprise two cavity pairs.

[0042] Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, in an embodiment, a first angle Al between a centre line of the first, third, fifth and / or seventh cavity CL1 and the diametrical axis DAI is 25 - 35 degrees. In an embodiment, the angle Al is 28 - 30 degrees, preferably 29 degrees.

[0043] Still referring to Figures 2 and 3, in an embodiment, a second angle A2 between a centre line of the second, fourth, sixth and / or eight cavity CL2 and the diametrical axis DAI is 20 - 30 degrees. In an embodiment, the angle A2 is 24,5 -26,5 degrees, preferably 25,5 degrees.

[0044] Referring to Figure 3, in an embodiment, a third angle A3 between the centre lines of cavities CL1, CL2 in each cavity pair CPI - CP4 is about 3 -4 degrees. The angle between the centre line of the cavities CL1 arranged within the second magnet and the diametrical axis DAI may be smaller than the angle between the centre line of the cavities CL2 arranged within the first magnet and the diametrical axis DAI. Hence, the cavities within the second magnet are closer to the diametrical axis DAI than the cavities within the first magnet. Hence, the cavities in the cavity pair partly face each other (overlap). In other words, the cavities are partly aligned.

[0045] The diametrical axis DAI is illustrated in Figure 1 and 2, and it extends in a diametrical direction through magnets and is aligned with the middle pointMP1 of the magnets. The middle point may be congruent with the axial direction AD of the magnets and the mechanism. As described above, both magnets may be the ring magnets having two halves forming the opposite poles. In the neutral position dividing lines of the opposite poles 12_L, 14_L are aligned between the first and second magnets, then also the poles are aligned. This is the equilibrium state of the first and second magnets. The dividing line refers to the point in which the first pole of the magnet ends, and the second pole starts as Figure 1 illustrates. The diametrical axis may also be aligned with the dividing lines in the neutral position.

[0046] The centre line of the cavity CL1, CL2 refers to the line that extends through the middle point of the magnets MP1 and a middle point of the cavity MP2, MP3 as illustrated in Figure 3. As described above the angle between the diametrical axis and the centre line of the cavity is used for defining positions of the cavity within the magnet. Figure 2 illustrates how the first and second angle Al, A2 between the centre lines of the cavities CL1, CL2 and the diametrical axis DAI is defined in each cavity pair CPI, CP2, CP3, CP4. Figure 3 illustrates just one cavity pair because of the clarity, it also illustrates the third angle A3 between the centre lines of the cavities CL1, CL2. Nevertheless, Figure 3 illustrates just one cavity pair, the same principle is valid for each cavity pair as illustrated in Figure 2.

[0047] Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, in an embodiment, a bottom surface of each cavity BS has a radius of 15 - 16mm, and side surface SS have a radius of 0,8 - 1,4 mm. In an embodiment, the radius of the bottom surface is 15,5mm. In an embodiment, the radius of the side surface is 1,1mm. Figures 4A and 4B also illustrate a width of the bottom surface of the first and second cavity as an angle A4, A5. In an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 4A, the width of the first, third, fifth and / or seventh cavity as an angle A4 on the inner surface of the second magnet may be 4 - 6 degrees, for example. Preferably 5 degrees. In an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 4B, the width of the second, fourth, sixth and / or eight cavity as an angle A5 on the outer surface of the first magnet may be 1 - 3 degrees, for example. Preferably 2 degrees. As described above, in an embodiment, the width of the first, third, fifth and seventh cavity is larger than the width of the second, fourth, sixth and eight cavity. In other words, the cavities arranged within the secondmagnet may be wider than cavities within the first magnet.

[0048] In an embodiment, the first, third, fifth and / or seventh cavity has a depth (D) of 0,8 - 1,1mm, preferably 0,95mm. The depth may be measured from the inner surface of the magnet to bottom of the cavity (middle point) in a radial direction as illustrated in Figure 4A and 4B. In an embodiment, the second, fourth, sixth and / or eight cavity has a depth (D) of 0,7 - 0,9 mm, preferably 0,8mm. Hence, the cavity or cavities within the second magnet may be deeper that cavity or cavities within the first magnet.

[0049] Referring to Figure 5B, in an embodiment, the cavity Cl - C8 is a groove extending through the surface of the first and the second magnets 12_OS, 14JS in the axial direction AD. Figure 5B illustrates only the first magnet that may be arranged into the internal space of the second cavity. There is just one cavity illustrated on the outer surface of the first magnet, but same principle is valid also for other cavities that may also be on the internal surface of the second magnet. The aim of the Figure 5B is to illustrate how the cavity may be arranged such that it extend through the surface of the magnets.

[0050] A diameter of the first magnet may be 27 - 30mm, for example. A diameter of the second magnet may be 33 - 35mm, for example. The size of the cavities may increase in proportion to the size of the magnets. In other words, the bigger magnet may require the bigger cavity to work properly.

[0051] Referring now to Figure 6, according to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an electromechanical lock 16 comprising the mechanism 10 according to any of the embodiments described above. Figure 6 illustrates the cylinder knob 18, the housing of the lock cylinder (core frame) 20, the plug of the lock cylinder (core) 22 and the mechanism 10. The first magnet of the mechanism may be stationarily coupled with the housing and inside the inner space of the second magnet, and the second magnet may be coupled with the cylinder knob such that rotation of the knob rotates the second magnet in relation to the first magnet. Rotation of the cylinder knob deviates the second magnet from the neutral position, and when the cylinder knob is released after the rotation, the magnetic fields of the first and the second magnet attempts to return the second magnet back to theneutral position. The cavities within the first and second magnet boost the magnetic force that returns the second magnet to the neutral position nearby the neutral position. With the boosted force, a better positioning accuracy of the second magnet to the neutral position may be achieved. The better positioning accuracy reduces remarkably risks of the malfunction of the electromechanical lock that may occur if the positioning of the second magnet back to the neutral position is not accurate enough. An inaccurate positioning may affect to the other components of the lock and prevent proper functioning of the components. This kind of component may be the lock pin, for example, as described above.

[0052] In an embodiment, electric energy needed for operating the electromechanical lock may be harvested by using the NFC technology. For example, the electromechanical lock may harvest the electric energy from a smartphone or other user apparatus, or the current may be generated from a key insertion, both being technologies developed by the applicant. However, other sources of electric energy may be applied as well.

[0053] 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.

Claims

Claims1. A mechanism of an electromechanical lock (10), comprising:a first magnet (12); anda second magnet (14) arranged to interact with the first magnet (14) and to move in relation to the first magnet (12);wherein the second magnet (14) comprises a neutral position (NP) in relation to the first magnet (12) in which poles of the first and second magnets (12, 14) are at least partly aligned such that force generated by magnetic fields of the poles are configured to resist moving of the second magnet (14) from the neutral position (NP) and to attempt to return the second magnet (14) to the neutral position (NP) when deviated from the neutral position (NP),wherein opposite surfaces of the first and second magnet comprise at least one cavity pair (CPI) configured to affect the magnetic fields to boost force.

2. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first and the second magnet (12, 14) comprises a diametrically magnetised ring magnet.

3. The mechanism of claim 2, wherein the second magnet (14) comprises an opening (14_0) and the first magnet (12) is arranged, at least partly, within the opening (14_0) such that the second magnet (14) can rotate in relation to the first magnet (12).

4. The mechanism of claim 3, wherein the first cavity pair (CPI) comprises a first cavity (Cl) within an inner surface of the second magnet (14JS) and a second cavity (C2) within an outer surface of the of the first magnet (12_OS), wherein the cavities (Cl, C2) are at least partly aligned at least in the neutral position of the second magnet (NP).

5. The mechanism of claims 2 - 4, wherein the first and the second magnet (12, 14) comprises a second cavity pair (CP2) having a third cavity (C3) within the inner surface of the second magnet (14JS) and a fourth cavity (C4)within the outer surface of the first magnet (12_OS), wherein the cavities (C3, C4) are at least partly aligned at least in the neutral position of the second magnet (NP).

6. The mechanism of claims 2 - 5, wherein the first and the second magnet (12, 14) comprises a third cavity pair (CP3) having a fifth cavity (C 5 ) within the inner surface of the second magnet (14JS) and a sixth cavity (C6) within the outer surface of the second pole of the first magnet (12_OS), wherein the cavities (C5, C6) are at least partly aligned at least in the neutral position of the second magnet (NP).

7. The mechanism of claims 2 - 6, wherein the first and the second magnet (12, 14) comprises a fourth cavity pair (CP4) having a seventh cavity (C7) within the inner surface of the second magnet (14JS) and a eight cavity (C8) within the outer surface of the first magnet (12_OS), wherein the cavities (C7, C8) are at least partly aligned at least in the neutral position of the second magnet (NP).

8. The mechanism of claim 4 - 7, wherein opposite poles of the first and the second magnet (12, 14) each comprises at least one cavity.

9. The mechanism of claims 4 - 7, wherein an angle (Al) between a middle point of the first, third, fifth and seventh cavity (MP1) and a diametrical axis (DAI) is 20 - 30 degrees.

10. The mechanism of claims 4 - 7, wherein an angle (A2) between a middle point of the second, fourth, sixth and eight cavity (MP2) and the diametrical axis (DAI) is 25 - 35 degrees.

11. The mechanism of claim 7, wherein a depth of the first, the third, the fifth and the seventh cavity (DI) is 0,8 - 1,1mm, and a depth of the second, the fourth, the sixth and the eight cavity (D2) is 0,7 - 0,9 mm.

12. The mechanism of any preceding claim, wherein a bottom surface of each cavity (BS) has a radius of 15 - 16 mm, and side surface (SS) has a radius of 0,8 - 1,4 mm.

13. The mechanism of any preceding claim, wherein the cavity (Cl - C8) is a groove extending through the surface of the first and the second magnets (12_S1, 14_S1) in an axial direction (AD).

14. The mechanism of claims 4 - 7, wherein a width of the first, third, fifth and seventh cavity (Wl) is larger than a width of the second, fourth, sixth and eight cavity (W2).

15. An electromechanical lock (16) comprising a mechanism of any of claims 1 - 14.

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