US 2021/0230905 A1 · ELECTRIC DRIVE MECHANISM FOR OPERATING A LOCK

Abstract

This invention describes an electric drive mechanism (120) for translating a blocking member (126) to secure or release a lock. The lock is configured as a latch lock (100), a slide bolt padlock (200), a U-shackle padlock (300) or a snap padlock (400). The blocking member (126) is supported by two or more steel balls (130) disposed in helical grooves formed on a helical member (124) to provide a self-centering and low friction drive mechanism (120), which allows an electric motor (122) connected to the helical member to be small and of low power. Unobstructed movement of the blocking member (126) is provided by an alignment or detent mechanism (160, 217, 317) or torsion spring in the snap padlock (400). An electronic control board (140) allows electronic operation of the lock via an application in a smartphone. A PCB (121) located near the electric motor provides tamper-proofing.

Claims31

Dependent claims

A lock unit comprising:

a rotary-linear motion transfer mechanism;
comprising:
a helical member having helical groove(s) with a predetermined number of start(s) engageable with cooperating helical groove(s) formed in a hollow interior of a blocking member, wherein the blocking member connected to the rotary-linear motion transfer mechanism;
and at least two steel balls disposed in the helical grooves or a steel ball disposed in each helical groove with the at least two steel balls or each steel ball being located within a respective hole formed through a wall thickness of the hollow blocking member, such that at least two steel balls are located substantially opposite each other, so that the at least two steel balls support the helical member in a self-centering manner and the at least two steel balls roll in a frictionless manner;
and
an electric motor is connected to drive the rotary-linear motion transfer mechanism;
such that, when the electric motor is activated to rotate, the blocking member is translated linearly between a locked position and a release position, with the blocking member in the locked position for securing a lock constituting the lock unit, and the blocking member in the release position for releasing the lock.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Electric drive mechanism for operating a lock

Life of this patent

Electric drive mechanism for operating a lock

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims31