CN108431348A - Electronic sensor and key operated locks - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a safety device. Previously, there were no locks that were opened using a combination of manual and electronic mechanisms. Embodiments of the present invention use a toggle switch (135) connected to a shackle (115) in a lock (100) and configured to be operated or movable by both an electronic key mode and a manual key mode. In some embodiments, the shackle may include a lever recess (113) on one end adjacent the pivot lever portion (117) and a recess (119) on the opposite locking end. Ball bearings (140,145) may be received in the recesses (118,119), respectively, to snap the shackle (115) in the locked state.

Description

Electronic sensor and key operated locks

technical field

Embodiments herein relate generally to security devices and, more specifically, to electronic sensors and key operated locks.

Background technique

Prior art locks typically only provide a single means of unlocking. Conventional locks, such as padlocks, use physical keys to open them. Some newer locks use an electronic mechanism to open. However, these pathways vary in the market. The two approaches are largely incompatible because they use different means to unlock the security mechanism. Thus, it occurs that a person using a key-based lock and forgetting or losing his key generally must destroy the lock in order to gain access to the protected item. For those who use electronic-based locks, and especially biometric-based systems, a common symptom and drawback in the device is that it loses power or otherwise electronically fails, rendering the device inoperable to open, and again generally Leaving the owner with no choice but to destroy the lock.

It can be seen that there is a need for a lock that provides compatibility with both manual and electronic mechanisms for opening, thereby providing the user with a fail-safe option in the event that one mode of operation is not available.

Contents of the invention

In one aspect of the present technology, a lock includes: a housing; a biometric scanner coupled to the housing; a circuit controller connected to the biometric scanner; connected to the circuit controller and the biometric scanner a power source connected to the circuit controller and the power source, the motor configured to work in response to a signal from the circuit controller based on an input to the biometric scanner; a tumbler coupled to the housing, which comprising a keyhole for receiving a key, wherein the tumbler is movable by operation of the key; a clutch transmission coupled to the tumbler and the motor, wherein the clutch transmission is configured to: engage the motor in response to a signal from the circuit controller, and/or engage the tumbler in response to operation of the key in the keyhole; and a shackle coupled to the housing and the clutch transmission, the shackle being operable by engagement of the clutch transmission with the tumbler or engagement of the clutch transmission with the motor Engaged to move out of the locked and unlocked positions.

In another aspect, an electronic and key operated lock includes: a lock housing; an electronic sensor coupled to the lock housing; a power source coupled to the electronic sensor; a motor coupled to the electronic sensor and the power source, the motor construction To operate in response to a signal from an electronic sensor; a tumbler comprising a manually operated mechanism, wherein the tumbler is movable by operation of at least a manually operated mechanism; a clutch transmission coupled to a tumbler and a motor, wherein the clutch transmission configured to: engage the motor in response to a signal from the electronic sensor, and/or engage the tumbler in response to operation of the key in the keyway; and a shackle coupled to the lock housing and clutch transmission, the shackle being passable by Engagement of the clutch transmission with the tumbler or engagement of the clutch transmission with the motor moves out of the locked and unlocked positions.

In yet another aspect, a lock includes: a lock housing; a biometric scanner incorporated into the lock housing; a circuit controller connected to the biometric scanner; a power supply connected to the circuit controller and the biometric scanner A source; a motor inside the lock housing connected to a circuit controller and a power source; a tumbler inside the lock housing, the tumbler including a keyhole for receiving a key, wherein the tumbler is movable by operation of the key and a shackle coupled to the lock housing, the shackle being movable out of the locked state and the unlocked state by the circuit controller receiving an authorized biometric input and driving the motor in response to receiving the authorized biometric input The shackle is moved to the unlocked position, or the key engages the shackle to move the shackle to the unlocked position.

Description of drawings

A detailed description of some embodiments of the invention follows below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals indicate corresponding parts of the drawings.

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an electronic sensor and key operated lock in use in accordance with an embodiment of the subject technology.

FIG. 1A is an exploded view of the lock in FIG. 1 .

Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the lock of Figure 1 showing the open and closed positions of the shackle.

2A is a rear perspective view of the lock of FIG. 1 .

3 is a front perspective view of the keyed tumbler and shackle assembly of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3A is an exploded view of the assembly of FIG. 3 .

4 is a rear perspective view of the keyed tumbler and shackle assembly of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 4A is an exploded view of the assembly of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 5 is a top view of the assembly of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6A-6A of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6B-6B of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6C-6C of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6D-6D of FIG. 5 .

Figure 7 is a front perspective view of a keyed tumbler and shackle assembly opened from a locked position to an intermediate state between the locked and unlocked positions in manual key operation.

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8A-8A of FIG. 7 .

8B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8B-8B of FIG. 7 .

FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8C-8C of FIG. 7 .

FIG. 8D is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8D-8D of FIG. 7 .

Figure 9 is a front perspective view of the keyed tumbler and shackle assembly in the unlocked position in manual key operation.

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10A-10A of FIG. 9 .

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10B-10B of FIG. 9 .

FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10C-10C of FIG. 9 .

FIG. 10D is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10D-10D of FIG. 9 .

Figure 11 is a front perspective view of the tumbler and shackle assembly in the locked position under operation of the biometric sense.

12A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12A-12A of FIG. 11 .

12B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12B-12B of FIG. 11 .

FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12C-12C of FIG. 11 .

FIG. 12D is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12D-12D of FIG. 11 .

13 is a front perspective view of the tumbler and shackle assembly of FIG. 11 intermediate the locked and unlocked positions.

FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14A-14A of FIG. 13 .

14B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14B-14B of FIG. 13 .

FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14C-14C of FIG. 13 .

14D is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14D-14D of FIG. 13 .

15 is a front perspective view of the tumbler and shackle assembly of FIG. 11 in an unlocked position.

FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16A-16A of FIG. 15 .

16B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16B-16B of FIG. 15 .

16C is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16C-16C of FIG. 15 .

16D is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16D-16D of FIG. 15 .

17 is a front perspective view of the tumbler and shackle of FIG. 15 with the clutch transmission disengaged from the second transmission.

18A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18A-18A of FIG. 17 .

18B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18B-18B of FIG. 17 .

18C is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18C-18C of FIG. 17 .

18D is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18D-18D of FIG. 17 .

19 is a block diagram showing electrical connections in a biometric sensor and key operated lock according to an embodiment of the subject technology.

Detailed ways

Referring generally to the drawings, the disclosed embodiments of the invention provide an electronic sensor and key operated lock. The lock combines both a manually operated mechanism and an electronic sensor into one device. The lock provides the user with the option of unlocking the lock using at least one of a manually operated mechanism and an electronic sensor. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking element is moved by a toggle switch co-connected with a manually operated mechanism and an electronic sensor. On the one hand, the user can mainly rely on the electronic sensor, and in the event of a failure of the electronic sensor, the user can still have the ability to open the lock through the manual mode of operation.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , a lock 100 is shown in operation in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the subject technology. In the exemplary embodiment, lock 100 is a padlock. Lock 100 includes a lock housing 110 and a shackle 115, which in some embodiments may be a "U" shaped metal piece. The lock 100 is shown in the locked state, and is unlocked by the user 50 by using elements as described below.

Referring now to FIG. 1A , lock 100 is shown in an exploded view wherein internal components are shown along with external components. In general, operation of the lock is provided by one of two modes: an electronic key mode and a manual key mode. Shackle 115 is a common security mechanism for both models. Additionally, a toggle switch 135 is connected to the shackle 115 and is configured to be operable or movable through both an electronic key mode and a manual key mode. In some embodiments, the shackle 115 may include a lever recess 113 on one end adjacent to the pivoting lever portion 117 and a recess 119 on the opposite locking end. Ball bearings 140 and 145 may be received in recesses 118 and 119 respectively to hold shackle 115 in the locked state. Referring momentarily to FIGS. 2 and 2A in conjunction with FIG. 1A , the shackle 115 is movable into and out of the locked state by an electronic key mode, eg, via electronic sensor 120 . In the locked state, the recess 119 of the shackle is positioned inside the housing 110 . In the unlocked state, the shackle 115 may be free to move upwards such that the recess 119 is outside the housing 110 and the shackle 115 may pivot about the axis of the lever portion 117 . It will be appreciated that in the manual key mode, the shackle 115 can operate in the same manner.

In the exemplary embodiment, toggle switch 135 is configured to interface with ball bearings 140 and 145 such that rotation of toggle switch 135 moves ball bearings 140 and 145 into and out of recesses 118 and 119 , as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the toggle switch 135 is connected primarily to the manual key mode element and secondarily to the electronic key mode element, but it will be appreciated that this configuration could be reversed to achieve the same effect. For purposes of illustration, the connection of the toggle switch 135 will first be described with respect to the manual key mode element.

manual key mode

Still referring to FIG. 1A , the manual key mode includes tumblers 125 . In the exemplary embodiment, tumbler 125 may be a pin type tumbler that includes a keyhole 129 for receiving a key (not shown). The internal operation of tumbler 125 may operate as known in the art. Some embodiments may include a retainer system 131; 151 at the interface of the keyhole 129 and housing 110 to prevent the motor 150 from rotating within the lock. Element 151 houses motor 150, while element 131 secures the retainer to tumbler 125, thereby preventing motor 150 from turning within the lock as it moves. In the exemplary embodiment, toggle switch 135 is keyed to tumbler 125 by clutch transmission 130 . Operation of tumbler 125 may cause clutch transmission 130 to rotate, which in response rotates toggle switch 135 . In some embodiments, clutch transmission 130 is in a default position to engage toggle switch 135 by operation of tumbler 125 . Retainer 133 holds clockspring 137 in position between clutch transmission 130 and toggle switch 135 . When the key is inserted into tumbler 125 , clutch transmission 130 rotates and engages toggle switch 135 . The toggle switch 135 rotates and releases the shackle 115 from the locked state. The clock spring 137 may be configured to return the clutch transmission 130 to the home position in response to the key being removed from the tumbler 125 . Limiter 139 limits the movement of toggle switch 135 so that spring 137 does not move toggle switch 135 beyond the vertical position. As seen on the drawing, spring 137 biases toggle switch 135 in a counterclockwise direction. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the clutch transmission 130 also serves as a common element to engage and/or disengage the motor 150 to activate the electronic key mode of operation as described herein, as desired.

Electronic key mode

The electronic key mode includes an electronic sensor 120 on the exterior of the housing 110 . Some embodiments may include a scanner button 127 to activate operation of the electronic sensor 120 . Electronic sensor 120 may, for example, be a biometric sensor. In the exemplary embodiment, electronic sensor 120 is a fingerprint scanner configured to read fingerprints. Electronic sensor 120 may be connected to a circuit board controller 160 , which may be positioned behind electronic sensor 120 within the interior of housing 110 . For purposes of illustration, power source 170 (FIG. 12) has been omitted from the view of FIG. 1A. Board controller 160 may include memory and a processor (not shown) configured to store authorized fingerprint records and to recognize fingerprints detected by electronic sensor 120 . In some embodiments, circuit board 160 may include programming button 153 that is enabled when lock 100 is unlocked. Button 127 is operable to trigger "plus" button 153 to allow biometric programming of electronic sensor 120, for example. In this manner, lock 100 may only be programmed in the unlocked position when access to lock 100 is expressly granted. Circuit board 160 may also be configured to send a signal to motor 150 (in housing 110 ) to rotate shaft 157 in response to receiving an authorized fingerprint scan from electronic sensor 120 . Shaft 157 may be coupled to transmission 155 . In some embodiments, transmission 155 may be keyed to splines on clutch transmission 130 . The splined portion of the clutch transmission 130 may only carry the clutch transmission and move the clutch transmission 130 during the electronic key mode. In operation, in response to user 50 ( FIG. 1 ) providing authorization input to electronic sensor 120 , motor 150 causes transmission 155 to rotate clutch transmission 130 , which in turn operates toggle switch 135 to engage the hook as described above. Ring 115 is unlocked.

locked state

Referring now to FIGS. 3 , 3A, 4 , 4A and 5 , the elements of the keyed tumbler and shackle assembly described above without the housing 110 are shown in a locked state. In the exemplary embodiment, ball bearings 140 and 145 operate as detents that retain recesses 118 and 119 and thus retain shackle 115 in the locked position. In the exemplary embodiment, toggle switch 135 may be cylindrical and include recesses 134 and 136 on its outer surface configured to receive and carry ball bearings 140 and 145 . However, as shown in these figures, in the locked state, ball bearings 140 and 145 may be in contact with the cylindrical outer surface and not aligned with recesses 134 and 136 . 6A-6D show sections along the longitudinal axis of the shackle and tumbler assembly in a locked state.

7, 8A-8D, 9 and 10A-10 show the elements of the keyed tumbler and shackle assembly described above without housing 110 operated via a manual key. The element is being rotated from the locked position to the unlocked position. 7A and 8A-8D show the locked state. Figures 9 and 10A-10D show the elements in the unlocked state. It will be appreciated that the manual mode mechanism and the electronic mode mechanism are operable independently of each other to unlock the shackle 115 . For example, transmission 155 may be held in its position without movement while clutched transmission 130 is rotated. As the clutch transmission 130 turns the toggle switch 135, the ball bearings 140 and 145 can align with the recesses 134 and 136, disengage the load of the recesses 118 and 119 and rotate out of the recesses 118 and 119, thereby allowing the shackle 115 to free Upward movement and rotation along the axis of end 117.

Figures 11, 12A-12D, 13, 14A-14D, 15, 16A-16D, 17, and 18A-18D show elements of the keyed tumbler and shackle assembly described above without a housing, operated via an electronic key . Figures 11 and 12A-12D show the locked state. In this mode, the tumbler 125 is immobile/rotatable, and thus the keyhole 129 is not shown rotating, while the transmission 155 is rotated into contact with the clutch transmission 130 . Clutch transmission 130 in turn rotates toggle switch 135 (FIGS. 13, 14A-14D, 15, and 16A-16D) so that ball bearings 140 and 145 can be aligned with recesses 134 and 136, out of the load bearing of recesses 118 and 119. and rotated out of the recesses 118 and 119 , so that the shackle 115 is free to move upwards and rotate along the axis of the end 117 . 17 and 18A-18D show the relative positions of the components as the clutched transmission 130 is disengaged from the transmission 155 .

Fig. 12 shows a block diagram of connections between some of the above-mentioned non-electronic and electronic components. As can be appreciated, the toggle switch 135 provides a useful link linking the manual (non-electronic) and electronic components to provide a lock 100 that heretofore could use either manual or electronic mechanisms or the other to substantially Not using both at the same time.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many design configurations may be possible to enjoy the functional benefits of the system of the present invention. Thus, in view of the wide variety of configurations and arrangements of embodiments of the invention, the scope of the invention is reflected by the breadth of the following claims rather than being narrowed by the embodiments described above. For example, although the manually operated mechanism has been described in the context of a bolt type tumbler, other manual locking mechanisms could be used to the same effect, including, for example, combination locks. Additionally, although electronic sensors are described in the context of fingerprint scanners, other electronic sensors such as RF devices, IR sensors, etc. 135 to lock/unlock the shackle 115. In addition, although the lock 100 is generally described in the context of a padlock using a "U" shaped shackle, it will be appreciated that other shackles, such as bolts or cables, may be combined with elements and configurations that hold the shackle in place. A modification of the toggle switch that moves and releases those elements is used.

Industrial applicability

Embodiments of the disclosed invention may provide a lock that provides compatibility with manual and electronic mechanisms for opening.

Claims (10)

1. A lock comprising: case; a biometric scanner coupled to the housing; a circuit controller connected to said biometric scanner; a power source connected to the circuit controller and the biometric scanner; a motor connected to the circuit controller and the power source, the motor configured to operate in response to a signal from the circuit controller based on an input to the biometric scanner; a tumbler coupled to the housing, including a keyhole for receiving a key, wherein the tumbler is movable by operation of the key; a clutch transmission coupled to the tumbler and the motor, wherein the clutch transmission is configured to: engaging the motor in response to a signal from the circuit controller, and/or engaging the tumbler in response to operation of the key in the keyway; and a shackle coupled to the housing and the clutch transmission, the shackle being movable away by engagement of the clutch transmission with the tumbler or engagement of the clutch transmission with the motor Locked and unlocked positions. 2. The lock of claim 1, further comprising a toggle switch coupled to said clutch transmission, wherein said toggle switch is operable by said tumbler or said motor And move from the first position to the second position. 3. The lock of claim 1, wherein the biometric scanner is a fingerprint scanner. 4. The lock of claim 3, wherein the tumblers are pin based tumblers. 5. An electronic and key operated lock comprising: lock housing; an electronic sensor coupled to the lock housing; a power source connected to said electronic sensor; a motor connected to the electronic sensor and the power source, the motor configured to operate in response to a signal from the electronic sensor; a tumbler comprising a manually operated mechanism, wherein said tumbler is movable by operation of at least said manually operated mechanism; a clutch transmission coupled to the tumbler and the motor, wherein the clutch transmission is configured to: engaging the motor in response to a signal from the electronic sensor; and/or engaging the tumbler in response to operation of the key in the keyway; and a shackle coupled to the lock housing and the clutch transmission, the shackle movable by engagement of the clutch transmission with the tumbler or engagement of the clutch transmission with the motor Leave the locked and unlocked positions. 6. The electronic and key operated lock of claim 5 wherein said electronic sensor is a biometric scanner. 7. The electronic and key operated lock of claim 6 wherein said manually operated mechanism is a key and keyway combination. 8. The electronic and key operated lock of claim 6 wherein said biometric scanner is a fingerprint scanner. 9. A lock comprising: lock housing; a biometric scanner incorporated into the lock housing; a circuit controller connected to said biometric scanner; a power source connected to the circuit controller and the biometric scanner; a motor inside the lock housing connected to the circuit controller and the power source; a tumbler inside the lock housing, the tumbler including a keyhole for receiving a key, wherein the tumbler is movable by operation of the key; and a shackle coupled to the lock housing, the shackle being movable out of a locked condition and an unlocked condition by: the circuit controller receives an authorized biometric input and in response to receiving the authorized biometric input drives the motor to move the shackle to an unlocked position, or The key engages the tumbler to move the shackle to the unlocked position. 10. The lock of claim 9 wherein said key engages said tumbler to move said shackle to said unlocked position without said circuit controller engaging said motor .