DE202012005895U1 - Electronic lock with optical detection of a release agent - Google Patents

Abstract

Electronic lock with optical detection of a release means, characterized in that it comprises: • insertion means (1) which are designed to enable a release means (2) to be inserted into the lock (10); • retaining means (5), which are used for retaining the release means (2) in a reading position; • Means (4) for optical detection, which are used to determine the release means (2) when this is used in the reading position; • communication means (7) which are used to record access information for the user; A control module which is used to receive and check said access information and the information coming from the means (4) for optical detection, and if both checks are correct, for generating a signal for actuating the lock.

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention belongs to the field of electronic locks.

Background of the invention

The presently known locks have a high number of mechanical components for performing coin and / or card detection tasks. In connection with this high number of components, these locks are devices with a complex production and maintenance.

Description of the invention

This invention provides a lock with an optical detection of a release means (for example, a coin, card) which reduces the mechanical components required to perform this task. The lock is also watertight and dustproof, thereby protecting the electronics and mechanics thereof using a non-contact optical detection, since the insulation of the lock interior can be facilitated by the use of a transparent visual element welded to the housing of the lock.

The operation of the lock is connected both with the establishment of a release means (coin / card) in introduction means and with the release of the lock by a communication module.

The insertion means may comprise a groove and / or a channel or rail for the installation of the release agent. For the particular case of finding a coin, the introducers may have different diameters to allow the introduction of different types of coins. For the detection of the card, the insertion means are adapted to the size thereof, being wide enough to allow the insertion of the card (preferably in a vertical position).

The lock has a communication module which enables the use of the lock by transmitting the information received externally from a user to a control module which carries out the verification thereof.

The use of the lock can be released differently, for example by entering an alphanumeric combination with a keyboard, by the inclusion of a transponder (preferably an RFID transponder) or by means for fingerprint recognition.

In the aforementioned cases, the communication module receives information from the outside which releases the lock for opening or closing, but also enables the authentication of the user, either by numerically entering a code by means of the keyboard or by receiving an external signal and the following Delivered to the control module of the lock by the transponder or by the detection of a number of parameters derived from the fingerprint of the user.

If no release means (for example, a coin or a card) is inserted into the insertion means and / or the user does not use the communication module properly, it is not possible to lock the lock.

Thus, the invention governs the use of the locks while promoting responsible and moderate use thereof, as it requires the establishment of a release agent for their use, and regulates their use by detection means which may be included in the communication module.

To lock the lock, the user inserts a release means (usually a coin or a card) into the lock insertion means and, through the communication module, releases lock on the lock if it results from the check made by the control module , If the control module verifies that the access made by the communication module is valid, it operates restraining means which, when using a coin, cause retention on the detection means thereof, while for a card this may include a pin or stop to prevent insertion of the card in to allow for a certain amount, and to allow the verification to be carried out correctly by the declaratory means.

To open the lock, it is only necessary that the control module knows the identification of the user with whom he has closed.

The invention carries out the detection of the enabling means by detecting means comprising an optical sensor capable of indicating and receiving light so that when the sensor receives the light coming from the reflection of the emitted light and reflected in the releasing means, the sensor in his own castle information contained in the control module. For the opening / closing of the door uses that insertable coin or card, since only it is determined that something is in front of the sensor. Upon proper detection of the release means, the control module activates mechanical means that perform the proper, actual opening or closing of the lock, or it sends a signal to an outer member for it to perform the opening / closing.

If the user makes valid access by the communication module for opening or closing the lock but the control module does not receive a signal from the detection means because the optical sensor has detected no light due to the absence of the release means, the control module activates signaling means to the user indicate that the lock is not working properly.

For the supply of the detection, control and reporting means, the lock may comprise supply means, or it could also be supplied from the outside.

Through the communication module, the user informs the control module that it should activate the mechanical means and that they open the door. When using a coin once the lock has been opened, the retaining means are taken out of service to free the coin retained on the sensor (for example, the user can move a lever to cause such retraction of the retaining means) while when using a card, the user removes it at the same location where it was inserted. Upon release of the coin, it falls into catcher, so that the user can take these easily.

It is important to emphasize that the lock object of the present invention may or may not incorporate the mechanical means for actually opening or closing the lock. If it incorporates these, the control module is responsible for their activation (opening or closing). If it does not incorporate these, the control module is responsible for transmitting a signal to an outer element (which may be represented by its own mechanical means) for it to open or close the lock, depending on the signal.

Short description of the drawing

In the following there will be briefly described a drawing which makes it possible to better understand the invention and which refers expressly to an embodiment of said invention, which is provided as a non-limiting example thereof.

1A and 1B each schematically show a view of the coin detection module and the card detection module of the castle.

2A and 2 B respectively and schematically illustrate the non-lidded items comprising the coin detecting module and the card detecting module when the coin / card is detected by the sensor.

3A and 3B each show schematically the elements comprising the coin detection module and the card detection module without a lid when the coin falls after opening the lock or upon removal of the card.

4 represents as an example communication means for the lock.

Detailed description of an embodiment

The lock with optical detection object of the present invention can be applied to coins or cards. In 1A . 2A and 3A a special execution of the lock is shown for the finding of coins, while the 1B . 2 B and 3B constitute the special case for the identification of cards. In 1A and 1B becomes the release agent 2 of the castle, which is a coin ( 1A ) or a map ( 1B ) can be when she is at the castle 10 approaches. In 2A and 2 B becomes the release agent 2 shown the coin ( 2A ) or map ( 2 B ), once in the castle 10 used when it is detected. In 3A and 3B schematically the elements are shown, which are included in the detection module of the castle. Neither the communication means (these are exemplified in FIG 4 shown) nor the mechanical means for the actual opening / closing of the lock (these may be elements outside the castle of the present invention) shown. Nor is the control module represented, which is a module with data processing means, inputs and outputs (for example, a microcontroller).

• • Einführungsmittel 1, welche dafür ausgebildet sind, eine Münze 2 aufzunehmen;
• • Kommunikationsmittel 7, welche die von außen empfangene Zugangsinformation an ein Steuermodul übertragen. Als Beispiel wird in 4 eine Tastatur als Kommunikationsmittel dargestellt;
• • Feststellungsmittel 4, vorzugsweise ein optisches Präsenzmelder, welcher einen optischen Sensor umfasst, der dafür ausgebildet ist, Licht abzugeben und das vom dem Reflex des abgegebenen Lichts in der Münze 2 kommende Licht zu empfangen;
• • die Rückhaltemittel 5, welche durch das Steuermodul aktiviert, die Münze 2 auf die Feststellungsmittel 4 zurückhalten und, durch die Bewegung eines Hebels 3 aktiviert, die auf die Feststellungsmittel 4 zurückgehaltene Münze 2 befreien;
• • ein Steuermodul, welches die von den Kommunikationsmitteln 7 und von den Feststellungsmitteln 4 empfangene Information verwaltet;
• • mechanische, durch das Steuermodul aktivierte Mittel und für das eigentliche Öffnen und Verschließen des Schlosses zuständig;
• • Auffangmittel 6, welche dafür ausgebildet sind, die von den Rückhaltemitteln 5 befreite Münze 2 zu fangen;
• • Versorgungsmittel, welche die Kommunikationsmittel 7, die Feststellungsmittel 4 und das Steuermodul versorgen.

The lock with optical detection of a coin comprises:

• • introduction means 1 which are adapted to a coin 2 record;
• • communication tools 7 which transmit the access information received from the outside to a control module. As an example, in 4 a keyboard shown as a communication means;
• • detection means 4 , preferably an optical presence detector comprising an optical sensor adapted to emit light and that of the reflection of the emitted light in the coin 2 to receive coming light;
• • the retention means 5 which, activated by the control module, the coin 2 on the detection means 4 hold back and, by the movement of a lever 3 activated on the detection means 4 withheld coin 2 to free;
• • a control module, which is the one of the communication means 7 and of the assessment means 4 manages received information;
• Mechanical means activated by the control module and responsible for the actual opening and closing of the lock;
• • Collecting agent 6 which are adapted to those of the restraint means 5 freed coin 2 catch;
• • Supplies, which are the means of communication 7 , the detection means 4 and supply the control module.

When executed with a card, the retaining means 5 For example, include a stop to allow the insertion of the card only up to a certain length.

Preferably, the lock should comprise signaling means to detect the absence of the detection means 4 Reported coin.

Preferably, the communication module (or the communication means) comprises 7 a keyboard, means for fingerprint recognition or an RFID transponder. Each of these designs can be combined.

Preferably, the control module is adapted to that of the user through the communication means 7 check entered access information.

After a clear description of the invention, it is to be understood that the particular embodiments described above may be modified in detail, provided that the principles and gist of the invention are not changed.

Claims (12)

Electronic lock with optical detection of a release agent, characterized in that it comprises: introduction means ( 1 ), which are adapted to the establishment of a release agent ( 2 ) in the castle ( 10 ); • retention means ( 5 ), which are responsible for the retention of the release agent ( 2 ) in a reading position; • Medium ( 4 ) for the optical detection, which is used for the determination of the release agent ( 2 ) when used in the reading position; • communication means ( 7 ), which serve to collect access information for the user; • a control module which is responsible for receiving and checking the access information and the means ( 4 ) are used for the optical detection, and if both checks are correct, for the generation of a signal for the operation of the lock. Lock according to claim 1, in which the release agent ( 2 ) is a card. Lock according to claim 1, in which the release agent ( 2 ) is a coin. Lock according to claim 3, in which the retaining means ( 5 ) activated by the control module and by the movement of a lever ( 3 ) to enable the liberation of the coin. Lock according to claim 3 or 4, which catching means ( 6 ), which are adapted to the coin ( 2 ) when the restraining means have been released. Lock according to one of the preceding claims, comprising mechanical means activated by the control module and used to open or close the lock. Lock according to one of the preceding claims, comprising supply means for supplying the communication means ( 7 ), the funds ( 4 ) for the optical detection and the control module. Lock according to one of the preceding claims, in which the means ( 4 ) for optical detection comprise an optical sensor adapted to emit light and to receive the light emitted by the reflection of the light emitted in the release means ( 2 ) emitted light comes. Lock according to one of the preceding claims, comprising signaling means for preventing the absence of 4 ) for the optical statement. Lock according to one of the preceding claims, in which the communication means ( 7 ) comprise a keyboard. Lock according to one of the preceding claims, in which the communication means ( 7 ) Include means for fingerprint recognition. Lock according to one of the preceding claims, in which the communication means ( 7 ) comprise an RFID transponder.

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