EP4377536A1

EP4377536A1 - Mobile electronic lock

Info

Publication number: EP4377536A1
Application number: EP22844227.3A
Authority: EP
Original assignee: ABUS August Bremicker Soehne KG
Current assignee: ABUS August Bremicker Soehne KG
Priority date: 2022-01-10
Filing date: 2022-12-29
Publication date: 2024-06-05
Also published as: WO2023131572A1; AU2022431476A1; TW202340593A; CA3230403A1; DE102022100409A1; CN118119756A

Abstract

A mobile electronic lock comprises a lock body and a securing element that can move between a locked position and an open position. The lock body comprises an electromechanical locking device, which has an electric motor, a driver, a rotating bolt, a restoring spring, a blocking mechanism, and a control circuit. For opening, the rotating bolt is driven by the driver into an unlocked position, in which the securing element is unlocked for movement into the open position, and the driver is rotated back into an initial position using torsional play. The blocking mechanism initially blocks the rotating bolt in the unlocked position to prevent a restoring movement. By bringing the securing element from the open position into the closed position, the blocking mechanism can be released in order to release the rotating bolt and thus release the restoring spring so that the rotating bolt is mechanically driven by the restoring spring to perform a restoring movement into the locking position.

Description

Mobile electronic lock

The invention relates to a mobile electronic lock with a lock body and a security part that can be moved between a closed position and an open position relative to the lock body, the lock body comprising an electromechanical locking device in order to lock the security part located in the closed position on the lock body.

In mobile applications, such a lock can be used to secure an object—for example a two-wheeler—to a stationary object, or to immobilize the object. A lock of this type can also be used to selectively attach to a stationary object—for example, to a building door or to a hasp on a building door—to secure access.

A mobile electronic lock can be controlled, for example, by biometric authentication (e.g. using a fingerprint sensor), by transmission of an electronic code from a mobile device (e.g. smartphone) by radio, or by entering a code on a numeric input device of the lock body, in particular in order to transmit an unlocking command and authentication information to the lock when the security part is to be unlocked. In some applications it is advantageous if no mechanical key is required to unlock the security part. For example, in some applications it may also be desirable to only grant a user unlocking authorization temporarily and/or remotely. Authentication via radio can also simplify management of the unlocking authorizations for a large number of locks for a user or a user group.

A mobile electronic lock with a security part in the form of an essentially L-shaped bracket is known from DE 10 2018 111 305 A1, for example. A mobile electronic lock with a security part in the form of an essentially U-shaped bracket is known, for example, from DE 10 2019 113 184 A1.

A problem with a mobile electronic lock with an electromechanical locking device is that such a lock is often used outdoors and is therefore exposed to high mechanical stresses and the ingress of moisture and dirt. The sensors installed in the lock can suffer as a result. A problem with some electronic locks is also possible user error, which can lead to the lock not being correctly locked - unnoticed by the user. In some applications of mobile electronic locks, there is also a problem in that it is difficult to maintain the supply of electrical energy, which can jeopardize the security function of the lock.

It is an object of the invention to provide an electronic lock which has a robust construction suitable for mobile applications with a simple control and which can still fulfill a security function even when the energy supply is exhausted.

This object is solved by a mobile electronic lock with the features of claim 1. The lock has a lock body and a security part (for example a shackle or a block; rigid, flexible or articulated). The securing part can be moved relative to the lock body between a closed position and an open position. In the open position, the securing part can be partially detached from the lock body, in particular in such a way that the securing part and the lock body form an open loop, with the securing part still being fixed to the lock body; as a result, the security part can be hung on an object or placed around an object, for example. In the closed position of the security part, the security part and the lock body can in particular form a closed loop, and the lock can be used, for example, to secure an object to a stationary object. The lock body includes an electromechanical locking device in order to selectively lock the securing part located in the closed position on the lock body. The electromechanical interlocking device has an electric motor, a driver, a rotary latch, a return spring, a locking mechanism and a control circuit for controlling the electric motor.

The driver can be driven by the electric motor to rotate between an initial position and a release position. For this purpose, the driver can be coupled to a rotor of the electric motor, for example directly or via a reduction gear. So that the electric motor can drive the rotary bolt via the driver, the rotary bolt is drivingly coupled to the driver, but via a torsional play which corresponds at least to the angle of rotation of the driver during a movement between the initial position and the release position. The driver can thus also move between the initial position and the release position without driving the rotary bolt, namely when the driver, starting from abutment on the rotary bolt, utilizes the torsional play. The twist lock is from the Return spring (e.g. torsion spring) biased in the direction of a locking position in which the rotary bolt locks the locking part located in the closed position on the lock body (directly or indirectly, for example via an interposed blocking element).

Starting from the locking position of the rotating bolt and starting from the starting position of the driver, the rotating bolt can be electrically driven by the driver against the force of the restoring spring into an unlocking position, the restoring spring being tensioned. In this unlocked position, the securing part is unlocked for movement into the open position. The securing part can be moved manually into the open position or can be prestressed in the direction of the open position by a release spring and thus automatically jump into the open position as a result of the unlocking. As long as the security part is in the open position, the blocking mechanism initially blocks the rotating bolt in the unlocked position against a return movement according to its pretension.

Such unlocking is initiated by the control circuit in response to an unlocking command, with the control circuit rotating the driver from the initial position into the release position by appropriately driving the electric motor. The unlocking command can be transmitted to the control circuit together with authentication information, or as an integral part of authentication information, for example in the form of a radio signal, which is transmitted in particular according to a common protocol (e.g. Bluetooth, NFC) from a mobile terminal device of the user (e.g. smartphone). (preferably as an encrypted signal).

The control circuit can include, for example, an integrated circuit (IC), a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), in particular with an integrated circuit non-volatile memory. The control circuit can also include the required driver electronics for the electric motor and the authentication sensors mentioned below.

The control circuit is designed to turn the driver back into its initial position after such an electrical drive of the rotary bolt into the unlocked position - by appropriate activation of the electric motor - using the torsional play, while the rotary bolt is locked by the locking mechanism in the unlocked position, i.e. in the unlocked position remains held. Thereafter—and in particular independently of the control circuit—the locking mechanism can be released by the user moving the safety part from the open position to the closed position (for example by inserting it into the lock body). Due to the release of the locking mechanism, unlocking of the rotary bolt and thus relaxation of the return spring are triggered, so that the rotary bolt is mechanically driven by the return spring to perform a return movement into the locking position.

The electromechanical locking device is thus designed to unlock the security part by electrically driving the rotating bolt as a result of a received electronic unlocking command. On the other hand, the subsequent locking of the security part on the lock body takes place purely mechanically and is triggered by the user moving the security part manually.

Such an embodiment of the mobile electronic lock enables a control process that requires no or only a simple position sensor system for the movable elements of the electromechanical locking device. Because the driving of the rotating bolt via the electric motor and the driver can be done according to a predetermined time course, as soon as a Unlock command is present. A position sensor for the driver can be provided, for example to prevent the electric motor from having to move to mechanical end stops (undesirable wear). However, for example, no position sensor is required for the securing part, in particular to detect whether the securing part has been moved into the closed position. This is because the locking of the security part can be triggered and carried out purely mechanically without the need for monitoring by the control circuit. The lock is therefore particularly robust against malfunctions of position sensors that have to be installed in exposed positions (e.g. in an insertion channel of the lock body for the security part, into which moisture or dirt from the environment can easily get).

Due to the mechanical triggering and execution of the locking, the user immediately receives haptic feedback that the locking part has been locked when he moves the safety part from the open position to the closed position. As a result, operating errors and in particular overlooking a locking that has not taken place or has not taken place completely can be avoided.

Furthermore, even if no electrical energy is available for the electric motor, the lock can still fulfill its security function by moving the security part from the open position to the closed position and then locking it automatically by a mechanical drive. This is because the turning bolt is driven in the direction of the locking position by the return spring, ie by a mechanical energy store. The lock can thus be stored over a long period of time, for example in a stationary warehouse or in a transport vehicle, and still be used immediately to secure an object (by locking it), even if an electrical energy store in the lock is exhausted (eg discharged). Further embodiments are explained below.

In some embodiments, a mechanical end stop can be provided for the rotational mobility of the driver in at least one direction of rotation (e.g. on a section of a housing of the lock body), wherein the control circuit can be designed to rotate the driver via the electric motor up to the respective end stop to drive The driver can run on the block at the respective end stop in order to limit the rotary movement. In some embodiments, the control circuitry may be configured to monitor the motor current of the electric motor, stopping drive as soon as an increase in motor current is detected (indicating that the driver has reached the respective end stop).

As an alternative to this, in some embodiments the lock can have a position sensor which is designed to detect at least one rotational position of the driver. Such a position sensor can interact directly with the rotatable driver or be effective at another location (for example on the rotor inside the electric motor or on a motor shaft outside the electric motor). In both cases, the position sensor can be arranged inside the lock body and in particular inside a housing of the lock body and thus well protected against moisture and dirt. Such a position sensor does not necessarily have to output a position value (e.g. angle of rotation), but it is generally sufficient if at least the reaching of a target position is detected.

If there is at least one position sensor for both directions of rotation of the driver and/or a position signal is generated, the control circuit can be designed to rotate the driver in the direction of the release position in response to the unlocking command until the position sensor Reaching the release position signals. The control circuit can optionally be configured to wait for a predetermined waiting interval thereafter. The control circuit can be designed to then turn the driver back in the direction of the starting position until the position sensor signals that the starting position has been reached. As a result, a predetermined control sequence can be followed, and it can be avoided that the electric motor always has to drive to a block.

In some embodiments, the position sensor may be embodied as a switch. The position sensor can thus have a particularly simple and robust design.

In some embodiments, the driver of the electric motor can be non-rotatably connected to at least one cam. The cam or cams can protrude, for example, in the radial direction or in the axial direction (relative to the axis of rotation of the driver). The cam or cams can be formed, for example, on a turntable which is non-rotatably connected to the driver. The electromechanical locking device can have at least one switch that can be actuated by the cam or cams (in particular the switch already mentioned), wherein the control circuit can be designed to control the electric motor as a function of a detected actuation of the switch or switches. One or more cams can be formed on the rotatable driver with little effort and space, thereby enabling simple and reliable actuation of a respective switch depending on the rotational position of the driver.

In some embodiments, the driver may be non-rotatably connected to two cams spaced apart in the direction of rotation, the lock having a single switch actuated by one of the two cams when the driver is in the home position and by the Driver is actuated by the other of the two cams. Thus, only a single switch is required in order to be able to signal to the control circuit that both the starting position and the release position of the driver have been reached.

In some embodiments, the switch or switches can be designed to detect an actuation due to a movement of the at least one cam from a first direction of rotation and an actuation due to a movement of the at least one cam from a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation and from each other to distinguish. Because the switch or switches is/are designed to be direction-sensitive, the control circuit can determine the range of the current rotational position of the driver in the event of a restart (e.g. due to a malfunction as a result of a mechanical blockage or a failure of the energy supply) without mechanical end stops having to be approached.

In particular, in some embodiments the switch can have a toggle lever which can be actuated either in a first direction or in a second direction opposite thereto, depending on the direction of rotation of the at least one cam (i.e. depending on the direction in which the switch is traveled over). . The resulting lever positions of the rocker arm can be differentiated from one another using signals.

In some embodiments, the rocker arm can be prestressed into a central position, so that the rocker arm can be passed over by the cam without any problems from both directions of rotation.

In some embodiments, the middle position of the rocker arm can be aligned parallel to an axis of rotation of the cam(s). This makes a compact design of the castle possible because radially outside of the Trajectory of the cam or (s) little space is required for the switch with toggle.

In some embodiments, the switch can be designed to also distinguish the middle position of the rocker arm from a respective actuation due to a movement of the cam(s) in the first or second direction of rotation. Thus, a total of three lever positions of the rocker arm can be differentiated from one another in terms of signals, with an intermediate position of the driver (between the initial position and the release position) being able to be recognized immediately. This can simplify a restart (if necessary due to a malfunction or a power failure).

In some embodiments, said switch is the only position sensor that the lock includes for detecting the rotary position of the driver of the electric motor, the rotary position of the rotating bolt and the position of the security part. As explained, due to the special design of the electromechanical locking device, no further position sensors are required, which would mean additional structural complexity and could be associated with a higher susceptibility to failure (in particular with regard to penetrating moisture or dirt).

Regarding the locking mechanism for the rotating bolt in the unlocked position, the locking mechanism may have a locking portion of the locking part, which engages with a locking portion of the rotating lock in the unlocked position of the rotating lock and in the open position of the locking part to lock the rotating lock in the unlocked position . The securing part can also have an unlocking section which, when the securing part is brought from the open position into the closed position, comes to rest on the rotating bolt instead of the locking section of the securing part and the Rotating latch unlocked for reset movement toward locked position. In this way, the locking mechanism can be released and the security part locked on the lock body in a simple manner, in that the user moves the security part into the closed position and thereby brings the unlocking section of the security part to the level of the rotating bolt instead of the locking section.

In some embodiments, the driver of the electric motor can, as already mentioned, be coupled to a rotor of the electric motor via a reduction gear. As a result, a sufficiently high torque can be generated to drive the rotating bolt into the unlocked position and at the same time to tension the return spring.

In some embodiments, the lock can have an authentication sensor system for detecting authentication information, the control circuit being designed to only execute the unlocking command if the detected authentication information corresponds to an unlocking authorization, the authentication sensor system comprising at least one of the following sensors: a biometric sensor; a radio communication device for receiving a radio signal; or a code entry device.

The lock can thus generally receive authentication information in different ways, which legitimizes the user to unlock it. In particular, the unlocking command can be transmitted to the control circuit together with the authentication information, or as an integral part of the authentication information. The control circuit can have a memory or be connected to a memory in which information about the unlocking authorization is stored. The control circuit can do this be designed to evaluate the received authentication information and in particular to compare the received authentication information with the stored information about the unlocking authorization and only execute the unlocking command if they match. Instead of from a local memory, the information about the unlocking authorization can also be read out via radio from a remote memory (eg cloud memory).

The biometric sensor can include a fingerprint sensor, for example.

The radio communication device can be designed to receive the radio signal according to a common protocol (e.g. Bluetooth, Near Field Communication NFC, Long Term Evolution LTE, or further developments thereof). In particular, the radio communication device can be designed to receive the radio signal with the authentication information from a mobile terminal device of the user (e.g. smartphone). The radio signal is preferably encrypted, it being possible for the control circuit to be designed to decrypt the radio signal and thus to extract the authentication information. The radio communication device can have a radio receiver. In some embodiments, the radio communication device can additionally have a radio transmitter in order to enable bidirectional communication and, for example, to also send out status information or confirmation signals.

The code input device can in particular include a numeric input device for entering a character string (eg keypad or touch screen with virtual keys). In some embodiments, the lock can have an electrical energy source for supplying energy to the electric motor and the control circuit, for example a battery or an accumulator.

As an alternative or in addition to such an internal electrical energy source, in some embodiments the lock can have at least one electrical connection for receiving electrical energy for supplying energy to the electric motor and the control circuit. The electrical connection can be designed to be selectively coupled to an external source of electrical energy from outside the lock body. The electromechanical locking device can thus be supplied with electrical energy from the outside if required, in particular in order to unlock the security part of the lock.

In an embodiment with an electrical connection for an external electrical energy source, it is preferred if the electrical connection is designed to only receive electrical energy for the electric motor and the control circuit, but no signals with authentication information. Instead, the authentication information required for an unlocking command, for example, is preferably transmitted to the control circuit via an interface of the lock that is separate from the electrical connection. A relatively simple and cost-effective external electrical energy source can thus be provided, and the user can also keep several copies available as a precaution in order to ensure that he always has at least one sufficiently charged energy source at his disposal. This can be important in mobile use if the user uses several locks of the same type and has to look for them and unlock them in a single tour, for example. The required authentication, on the other hand, can always be carried out with the same device, in particular via the user's smartphone, which is typically always available. In some embodiments, the securing part can, as already mentioned, be pretensioned in the direction of the open position. A release spring can be provided for this purpose, for example, which is supported on the lock body on the one hand and on the securing part on the other hand.

In some embodiments, the driver can have a drive section that abuts or comes to rest on a drive section of the rotary bolt when the driver is rotated from the starting position in the direction of the release position while the rotary bolt is in the locked position. Thus, the driver can be drivingly coupled to the rotary bolt via the drive section of the driver (e.g. front side, step, edge, projection or the like) and the drive section of the rotary bolt (e.g. complementary geometry) in order to drive the rotary bolt and at the same time tension the return spring. If the cam is rotated back from the release position to the home position while the rotary latch is locked by the locking mechanism and remains in the unlocked position, the drive portion of the cam may disengage from the drive portion of the rotary latch.

In some embodiments, the electromechanical locking device can have at least one blocking element, via which the rotary bolt interacts with the security part in order to lock the security part on the lock body when the security part is in the closed position and the rotary bolt is in the locked position. The respective blocking element can, for example, have the shape of a sphere, a cylinder, an ellipsoid, a pin, a plate or a slide, in particular with rounded ends. The respective blocking element can be movably mounted in the lock body, in particular in the radial direction (relative to the axis of rotation of the rotating bolt). The respective blocking element can Driving surfaces of the rotary bolt interact, in particular on a lateral surface of the rotary bolt.

In some embodiments, the lock can be designed as a padlock, with the securing part being designed as a substantially U-shaped bracket. The U-shaped bracket can have two legs, which can be aligned parallel to one another, in particular. The two legs can be of the same length or of different lengths. The electromechanical locking device is preferably designed to lock the two legs when the U-shaped bracket is in the closed position. For this purpose, the rotating bolt can be designed to engage in the locking position directly or via a respective blocking element of the type mentioned in a recess of the respective bracket leg. As a result, the security part or the U-shaped bracket can be locked particularly stably and reliably on the lock body.

The invention is explained below by way of example only with reference to the drawings.

1 shows a schematic representation of a mobile electronic lock.

Fig. 2 shows a driver.

3A and 3B show a rotary latch in a locked position and an unlocked position, respectively.

4 shows a switch.

The mobile electronic lock shown in FIG. 1 comprises a lock body 11 and a security part in the form of a U-shaped bracket 21. The bracket 21 has two legs 23 of different lengths. A locking recess 25 is formed on each of the two legs 23 . The shackle 21 can be moved relative to the lock body 11 between a closed position (as shown in FIG. 1) and an open position. In the open position, the free end of the shorter leg 23 is outside of the lock body 11 so that the shackle 21 can be placed around an object to be secured, with the free end of the longer leg 23 remaining fixed in the lock body 11 . The bracket 11 is biased by an ejection spring 27 in the direction of the open position.

The lock body 11 comprises an electromechanical locking device 31 which has an electric motor 33, a reduction gear 35 coupled to the electric motor 33, an output shaft 37 and a driver 41 which can be rotated about an axis of rotation A. The driver 41 is non-rotatably connected to the output shaft 37 of the reduction gear 35 and can thus be electrically driven by the electric motor 33 to rotate between an initial position and a release position. The driver 41 is in the form of a turntable, on which an axially upwardly projecting drive section 43 and two radially outwardly projecting cams 45 are formed, which are spaced apart from one another in the direction of rotation with respect to the axis of rotation A of the driver 41, as can be seen from the plan view according to FIG. 2 can be seen.

The electromechanical locking device 31 also includes a rotating bolt 51 which can also be rotated about the axis of rotation A. The rotating lock 51 is essentially cylindrical in shape, with two diametrically opposite locking sections 53 and two diametrically opposite unlocking sections 55 being formed on a lateral surface of the rotating lock 51, the unlocking sections 55 being concave radially inwards with respect to the locking sections 53 (cf. the top view according to FIGS. 3A and 3B). On the rotating bolt 51 is also an axially downward protruding drive section 57 formed, which cooperates with the drive section 43 of the driver 41, as will be explained below.

The electromechanical locking device 31 also includes a restoring spring 61, which prestresses the rotating bolt 51 in the direction of a locking position, and two blocking elements 63. The restoring spring 61 is designed as a torsion spring, which is spiral-shaped in a plan view. One end of the return spring 61 is fixed to the lock body 11 and another end of the return spring 61 is connected to the rotary latch 51 . The blocking elements 63 are elongated with rounded ends. 1 and 3A, the blocking elements 63 are pushed radially outwards by the locking sections 53 of the rotary bolt 51 and engage in the locking depressions 25 of the bracket 21 to hold the bracket 21 in the closed position to lock on the lock body 11. In contrast, in an unlocked position of the rotating lock 51, which is shown in Fig. 3B, the blocking elements 63 can move back radially inwards into the concave unlocking sections 55 of the rotating lock 51 in order to unlock the bracket 21 and thus release it for a movement into the open position (in Fig. 1 this is a move up). As can be seen from Fig. 3A and 3B, the unlocking section 55 assigned to the right-hand blocking element 63 has a smaller depth than the unlocking section 55 assigned to the left-hand blocking element 63. The locked position and the unlocked position of the rotating bolt 51 can differ, for example, by an angle that a range between 30° and 60°.

The rotary bolt 51 is coupled to the driver 41 via the respective drive sections 43 , 57 , there being torsional play between the rotary bolt 51 and the driver 41 . Thus there is no non-rotatable coupling. Starting from its initial position, the driver 41 can indeed drive the rotating bolt 51 from the locked position into the unlocked position. However, he can Driver 41 as a result of the torsional backlash, after the driver 41 has rotated the rotary bolt 51 into the unlocked position, detach from the rotary bolt 51 and be rotated back to its original position. For this purpose, the backlash corresponds at least to the angle of rotation of the driver during a movement between the initial position and the release position.

The electromechanical locking device 31 also includes a locking mechanism 71 which includes a locking section 73 of the bracket 21 , a locking section 75 of the rotating bolt 51 and an unlocking section 77 of the bracket 21 . The blocking section 73 of the clip 21 is formed by a flattened area which extends downwards along the inside of the right clip leg 23 starting from the locking recess 25 . The blocking section 75 of the rotating bolt 51 is formed by the right-hand unlocking section 55 of the rotating bolt 51 . The unlocking section 77 of the clip 21 is formed by the locking recess 25 of the right clip leg 23 .

When the rotary bolt 51 assumes the unlocked position according to FIG. 3B, the right-hand blocking element 63 can retreat sufficiently radially inwards, despite the smaller depth of the recess or the right-hand unlocking section 55 of the rotary bolt 51, so that the bracket 21 can move upwards into the open position can. This is because the flattening or the blocking section 73 of the right-hand side of the bracket 23 is correspondingly offset radially outward (that is, to the right in FIG. 1). When the bracket 21 is in the open position, the blocking section 73 of the bracket 21 is arranged at the level of the rotating bolt 51 . Even when the bracket 21 is in the open position, the right-hand blocking element 63 remains caught between the associated unlocking section 55 or the blocking section 75 of the rotating bolt 51 formed thereby, on the one hand, and the blocking section 73 of the bracket 21, on the other hand. The rotating bolt 51 is thus mechanically locked in its unlocked position according to FIG. 3B , in particular against a return movement by the tensioned return spring 61 . However, if the bracket 21 from the open position in the is brought into the closed position according to FIG. 1 , the right-hand blocking element 63 can move back radially outwards into the associated locking recess 25 of the bracket 21 , which forms the unlocking section 77 of the bracket 21 . The rotary latch 51 is thus unlocked for a rotary movement into the locking position, ie the locking mechanism 71 is released.

The electromechanical locking device 31 also includes a control circuit 81 for controlling the electric motor 33, a position sensor in the form of a switch 83, which has a rocker arm 85, an authentication sensor system, which has a radio communication device 87, and an electronic memory 89. The electromechanical locking device 31 can also either an internal electrical power source 91, or electrical connections 93 for an external electrical power source 95, or both. A mobile end device 97 belonging to the user (e.g. a smartphone with its own radio communication device and a corresponding software application or app) can also be assigned to the lock. The control circuit 81 is connected to the switch 83, the radio communication device 87, the memory 89, the internal electrical power source 91 (if present) and the electrical connectors 93 (if present).

The control circuit 81 is designed to control the lock as follows, starting from a locked state:

An authorized user (eg via his mobile terminal 97) can transmit an encrypted radio signal to the lock via the radio communication device 87 (eg as a Bluetooth or NFC radio signal). The radio signal contains an unlock command and authentication information. The control circuit 81 compares the received authentication information with unlock authorization information stored in the memory 89 . If a match is found, the unlock command is executed.

In order to carry out the unlocking command, the control circuit 81 controls the electric motor 33 to rotate the driver 41 from the initial position into the release position. The driver 41 thereby drives the rotating bolt 51 via the drive sections 43, 57 to rotate from the locked position into the unlocked position, with the return spring 61 being tensioned at the same time. When the rotary bolt 51 reaches the unlocked position, the bracket 21 is unlocked and can be moved from the closed position into the open position by the ejector spring 27 . The locking mechanism 71 locks the prestressed rotating bolt 51 in the unlocked position, as explained above.

The control circuit 81 allows only a short waiting interval II to elapse (e.g. with a time period in the range from 0.2 seconds to 2 seconds) and then controls the electric motor 33 to move the driver 41 using the explained torsional play (relative to the rotating bolt 51 ) back to its original position.

Only when the user moves the shackle 21 from the open position back in the direction of the lock body 11 into the closed position is the locking mechanism 71 released, as explained, so that the rotating bolt 51 is unlocked. A relaxation of the restoring spring 61 is thus triggered, so that the rotating bolt 51 is now mechanically driven by the restoring spring 61 back into the locking position. The drive section 57 of the rotating bolt 51 comes into contact with the drive section 43 of the driver 41 or is held up shortly before by a stop (not shown). By turning the rotating bolt 51 back into the locking position, the blocking elements 63 are pushed radially outwards and the shackle 21 is again attached to the lock body 11 locked. This mechanical locking can occur immediately after unlocking (after the driver 41 has been rotated back to its original position) or at any later time, independent of the electric motor 33 and the control circuit 81 being supplied with electrical energy.

In order to move the driver 41 in a precise position and to control the electric motor 33 accordingly, the control circuit 81 receives corresponding position signals from the switch 83 which represent when the driver 41 has reached the release position or the initial position. The control circuit 81 can thus rotate the driver 41 in the direction of the release position until the switch 83 signals that the release position has been reached; thereafter waiting for the predetermined waiting interval; and then turn the driver 41 back in the direction of the starting position until the switch 83 signals that the starting position has been reached.

For this purpose, the switch 83 detects whether the rocker arm 85 is run over by one or the other of the two cams 45 of the driver 41 (cf. FIG. 2) and is thus turned over in the respective direction. Fig. 4 shows the switch 83 with the rocker arm 85 shown in a middle position in solid lines. The rocker arm 85 is biased into this middle position. Shown in dashed lines is the position of rocker arm 85 when it is toggled in one direction or the other. These two positions can be distinguished from one another in terms of signals, so that the switch 83 supplies a direction-sensitive signal in relation to the rotary movement of the driver 41 .

With regard to the authentication sensor system described, the lock can also have a radio communication device 87, for example biometric sensor (e.g. fingerprint sensor) or have a code input device.

As explained, the lock can have an internal source of electrical energy 91 for supplying the electric motor 33 and the control circuit 81 with electrical energy.

In some applications, however, it can be advantageous if the lock is equipped with electrical connections 93 that are accessible from the outside and allow an external source of electrical energy 95 (e.g. battery or accumulator) to be connected. As a result, the power can be supplied when required, it being sufficient if the user carries a relatively simple external electrical power source 95 with them. This can be produced correspondingly inexpensively, so that the user can also keep several external energy sources 95 of this type available in order to ensure that he always has a charged external energy source 95 at his disposal. Such an external energy source 95 can also ensure that the energy required for the explained tensioning of the restoring spring 61 can always be provided. On the other hand, as explained, the user can carry out the authentication for unlocking the lock via a separate channel. The interface required for this (radio signals or electrical signals) is typically much more complex than a pure power supply. In an embodiment with electrical connections 93 for an external electrical energy source 95, an internal electrical energy source 91 can be dispensed with entirely, or an internal electrical energy source 91 can be additionally provided (e.g. as a buffer).

An advantage of the mobile electronic lock shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 consists in a stable control process that only requires a simple position sensor system for the movable elements of the electromechanical locking device 31 required. The rotating bolt 51 can be driven via the electric motor 33 and the driver 41 according to a predetermined control sequence as soon as an unlocking command is present. The switch 83 can be arranged inside the lock body 11 so that it is well protected from moisture and dirt. Since the locking of the bracket 21 is triggered and carried out purely mechanically, no additional sensor for monitoring the position of the bracket 21 is required. Due to the mechanical triggering and execution of the locking, the user receives immediate haptic feedback about the successful locking of the locking part when he moves the locking part from the open position to the closed position, which makes it easy to avoid operating errors. Furthermore, even if no electrical energy is available for the electric motor, the lock can still be locked in order to fulfill the desired security function, namely by moving the security part from the open position to the closed position and then automatically locking it by mechanical drive .

Reference character list

11 lock body

21 Securing part, bracket

23 thighs

25 locking recess

27 ejection spring

31 electromechanical locking device

33 electric motor

35 reduction gears

37 output shaft

41 drivers

43 Driving section of the driver

45 cams

51 twist lock

53 Locking section of the rotary latch

55 Unlocking section of the rotary latch

57 Drive section of the rotating bolt

61 return spring

63 blocking element

71 locking mechanism

73 locking section of fuse part

75 Locking section of the rotary latch

77 unlocking section of the fuse part

81 control circuit

83 position sensor, switch

85 rocker arms

87 authentication sensors, radio communication device

89 memory

91 electric power source 93 electrical connection for power supply

95 external electrical power source

97 mobile terminal

A Axis of rotation of the driver and the rotary bolt

Claims

26

Claims Mobile electronic lock, with a lock body (11) and a security part (21) which is movable relative to the lock body (11) between a closed position and an open position, wherein the lock body (11) comprises an electromechanical locking device (31) which an electric motor (33), a driver (41), a rotating bolt (51), a return spring (51), a locking mechanism (71) and a control circuit (81) for controlling the electric motor (33), the driver (41) can be driven by the electric motor (33) to perform a rotational movement between an initial position and a release position, the rotating bolt (51) being coupled to the driver (41) with a torsional play which at least corresponds to the torsion angle of the driver (41) during a movement corresponds between the initial position and the release position, the rotary bolt (51) being prestressed by the return spring (51) in the direction of a locking position in which the securing part (21) in the closed position is locked on the lock body (11), the rotary bolt (51) can be driven by the driver (41) against the force of the return spring (51) into an unlocking position, starting from its locking position and starting from the starting position of the driver (41), in which the safety part (21) can be moved into the open position is unlocked, wherein the locking mechanism (71) is designed to mechanically lock the rotating bolt (51) in the unlocked position against a return movement by the return spring (51) as long as the securing part (21) is in the open position, wherein the control circuit (81) is designed to rotate the driver (41) from the initial position to the release position in response to an unlocking command, in order to electrically drive the rotating bolt (51) into the unlocked position and to tension the return spring (51), and then turning the driver (41) back into its initial position using the torsional play, while the rotating bolt (51) is blocked by the blocking mechanism (71) in the unlocked position, with the blocking mechanism moving the securing part (21) from the open position into the closed position (71) can be released in order to release the rotary bolt (51) and thus release the return spring (51) so that the rotary bolt (51) can be mechanically driven by the return spring (51) to return to the locked position. Mobile electronic lock according to claim 1, wherein the lock has a position sensor which is designed to detect at least one rotational position of the driver (41). Mobile electronic lock according to claim 2, wherein the control circuit (81) is designed to rotate the driver (41) in the direction of the release position in response to the unlocking command until the position sensor signals that the release position has been reached; thereafter waiting for a predetermined waiting interval; and then turn the driver (41) back in the direction of the starting position until the position sensor signals that the starting position has been reached. Mobile electronic lock according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the driver (41) of the electric motor (33) is rotationally connected to at least one cam (45) and the lock has at least one switch (83) which can be actuated by the at least one cam (45), wherein the control circuit (81) is designed to control the electric motor (33) as a function of actuation of the switch (83). Mobile electronic lock according to claim 4, wherein the driver (41) is rotatably connected to two cams (45) which are spaced from each other in the direction of rotation, the lock having a single switch (83) which in the initial position of the driver (41) is actuated by one of the two cams (45) and is actuated by the other of the two cams (45) in the release position of the driver (41). Mobile electronic lock according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the switch (83) is designed to trigger an actuation due to a movement of the at least one cam (45) from a first direction of rotation and an actuation due to a movement of the at least one cam (45) from a to detect the second direction of rotation, which is opposite to the first direction of rotation, and to distinguish them from one another. Mobile electronic lock according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the switch (83) has a rocker arm (85) which can be actuated either in a first direction or in a second direction opposite thereto, depending on the direction of rotation of the at least one cam (45). is. 29 Mobile electronic lock according to claim 7, wherein the rocker arm (85) is biased in a middle position. Mobile electronic lock according to claim 8, wherein the center position of the rocker arm (85) is aligned parallel to an axis of rotation of the cam (45). Mobile electronic lock according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the switch (83) is designed to also detect the middle position of the rocker arm (85) and to be informed of a respective actuation of the rocker arm (85) due to a movement of the at least one cam (45) in to distinguish the first or second direction of rotation. Mobile electronic lock according to one of claims 4 to 10, wherein said switch (83) is the only position sensor that the lock uses to detect the rotational position of the driver (41) of the electric motor (33), the rotational position of the rotating bolt (51) and the Position of the securing part (21) includes. Mobile electronic lock according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the blocking mechanism (71) has a blocking section (73) of the security part (21), which in the unlocked position of the rotating bolt (51) and in the open position of the security part (21) has a blocking section (75 ) of the rotating bolt (51) is engaged in order to lock the rotating bolt (51) in the unlocked position, the securing part (21) having an unlocking section (77) which, when the securing part (21) is brought from the open position into the closed position instead of the locking section (73) of the securing part (21) on the rotating bolt (51) 30 comes to rest and unlocks the rotating bolt (51) for the reset movement. Mobile electronic lock according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock has authentication sensors for detecting authentication information, wherein the control circuit (81) is designed to only execute the unlocking command if the detected authentication information corresponds to an unlocking authorization, wherein the authentication sensors have at least one of includes the following sensors: a biometric sensor; radio communication means (87) for receiving a radio signal; and/or a code input device. Mobile electronic lock according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock has an electrical energy source (91) for supplying energy to the electric motor (33) and the control circuit (81). Mobile electronic lock according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock has at least one electrical connection (93) for receiving electrical energy for supplying energy to the electric motor (33) and the control circuit (81), the electrical connection (93) being designed for this purpose to be selectively coupled from outside the lock body (11) with an electrical energy source (95). 31 Mobile electronic lock according to claim 15, wherein the electrical connection (93) is designed to receive only electrical energy for a power supply of the electric motor (33) and the control circuit (81), wherein the lock one of the electrical connection (93) separate interface for receiving a

has authentication information. Mobile electronic lock according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the securing part (21) is biased towards the open position.