EP0700555A1

EP0700555A1 - Device for electronic control of a plurality of locks

Info

Publication number: EP0700555A1
Application number: EP94917183A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Willem Van Dalfsen; Harm Van Dalfsen; Gerard Van Dalfsen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1993-05-06
Filing date: 1994-05-06
Publication date: 1996-03-13
Also published as: WO1994027260A1; BE1007051A3; AU6857694A

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for controlling a plurality of locks (30), which device comprises lock driving means controlled by a computer. The controlled locks (30) can be arranged for locking access doors to safe deposit boxes, individual cycle security devices in a cycle parking area, blocking means for closing vehicle parking lots, access doors to apartments and the like. The device has for its object to improve known devices and/or increase the application potential thereof. To this end the computer is connected to a code recorder (18) and, when a relevant code is generated to the code recorder (18), the computer releases at least one selected lock (30).

Description

DEVICE FOR ELECTRONIC CONTROL OF A PLURALITY OF LOCKS

The invention relates to a device for controlling a plurality of locks, which device comprises lock driving means controlled by a computer. The controlled locks can be arranged for locking access doors to safe deposit boxes, individual cycle securing devices, for instance in a cycle parking area, blocking means for closing vehicle parking lots, access doors to apartments and the like.

The device has for its object to improve known devices and/or increase the application potential there- of.

To this end the computer is connected to a code recorder and, when a relevant code is generated to the code recorder, the computer releases at least one select¬ ed lock. Mentioned and other features according to the inven¬ tion will be elucidated in the description following hereinafter with reference to drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the device for operating and monitoring locks of doors of safe deposit boxes wherein the invention is applied;

Figure 2 shows a flow chart of the program of the central control means of the device of figure 1 for electronic operation and monitoring of a number of locks;

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the device of figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a broken away perspective view of the inside of a safe deposit box of the device of figure 1; and

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of detail V of figure 4 in disassembled state.

Shown in figure 3 is the flow diagram for the pro¬ gramming of the central control means which is controlled by a microprocessor and which is made up of the blocks 1 In the blocks of the flow diagram the following activities are, in co-action with the keyboard and the information display, carried out for instance as follows: Block 1: This is a wait state. On the display appears the initial question which each user must first answer. Text: "Do you wish to open a new box?"

Block 2: If the reply to the above question is affirma¬ tive, there then appears on the information display the command with the text: "Pay the deposit of Dfl. 10.-" or another amount, for example Dfl. 5. - or Dfl. 20.-, which deposit is so high as to prevent a user rendering a lock inoperative without utilizing it himself. The system checks for the actual insertion of coins and/or bank¬ notes. Block 3 : When the deposit is paid there appears the text: "Insert 1 guilder as payment for use" (subject to the optionally time-dependent charge) . The system checks for the actual insertion of an acceptable coin. Block 4: The payment condition for a safe lock has now been fulfilled and the user can now type in a self-se¬ lected code on the keyboard. The following text appears for instance on the information display: "Type in a code now" .

Block 5: In this block is checked whether a correct, complete code has been entered. The following text ap¬ pears on the information display: "Is your code com¬ plete?". If the result is negative, the system returns to block 4 so that a code can be typed again. If the result is positive the system continues to block 6. Block 6: The typed code is now accepted. On the informa¬ tion display appears the text: "Box no. xxx is now at your disposal. Have you noted your box number?" If the user confirms this by pressing the confirm key there appears the text: "Box no. xxx is now being opened for you" . The microprocessor determines the box for use in accordance with a determined search routine so that the electromagnetic locks are mechanically loaded in propor¬ tion and possible defective or malfunctioning boxes (safe deposit boxes) can remain temporarily out of use. Block 7: Coming from block 1 with the negative answer the situation has arisen that the user wishes the return of his property. The text: "Enter your code" appears on the information display. Block 8: The same type of check is performed as in block 4 and a similar type of question appears on the informa¬ tion display. In the case a user has a clearly individual code card which can be inserted, the system can pass directly to block 12. Block 9: It is theoretically possible for two safe depos¬ it boxes of two different users to have been given the same code. The system therefore goes to block 10. Block 10: On the information display appears the follow¬ ing text: "What is your safe number?" Block 11: After typing in the safe number a check is made as to whether the typed code is related to the safe number and if the result is negative the system returns to block 1, whereafter the user of a safe deposit box can try once again to open a safe deposit box, or the atten- dant can be alerted to assist him herein. When the combi¬ nation of code and safe number correspond the system goes to block 12.

Block 12: A check is made here whether the user has exceeded the time limit related to the paid user charge. If not, the system passes to block 14. If so, the system passes to block 13.

Block 13 : On the display appears the text: "Make addi¬ tional payment of at least Dfl. xxx". After insertion of payment the system passes to block 14. In the other case to block 1.

Block 14: For repayment of the deposit the question appears on the display: "Is this your final use?". In the case of a negative reply the system goes to block 17 and with an affirmative reply to block 15. Block 15: In order to make clear to the user the signifi¬ cance of code erasure the question is asked: "Are you sure you wish to empty your deposit box?". In the case of an affirmative reply the system goes to block 16 and with a negative reply to block 17. Block 16: The deposit is delivered and there appears on the display "Your deposit is in the return tray. " The code is erased and the system then goes to block 17. Block 17: "Box no. xxx is now being opened for you" appears on the display.

After blocks 6 and 17 the system returns to the starting block 1, but checks are always made as to wheth¬ er safe deposit boxes are open and whether, if doors are closed, locking has already taken place, since the locks of emptied safe deposit boxes are also locked after closing of the doors.

Figure 3 shows the co-action of the microprocessor 26 with information display combined with keyboard 27 and the lock operation and monitoring 28. The microprocessor-controlled central control means is situated in figure 1 in the cabinet-like construction 12. The safe deposit boxes 13 are grouped around this cabinet-like construction 12. The whole is fixed to a vertical wall 14 at a suitable height (also for growing children) . The device is for instance approached via the path 15. Situated in the front door 16 of the cabinet¬ like construction 12 is the information display 17, keyboard 18 and coin slot 19.

Via the information display the potential user can answer questions step by step with the keyboard, whereaf¬ ter the lock of a safe deposit box is eventually re¬ leased. However, the location at which the six-figure code appears lies recessed in the information display behind the window consisting of impact-resistant plastic such that this code is only visible to the user standing directly in front of the central control means. Other onlookers cannot therefore discern the code.

Handles 20 for operation are arranged on the doors of the safe deposit boxes 13. Numbers 21 are arranged on the doors of safe deposit boxes 13. The box doors can be coloured in groups, while the groups are provided in each case with a letter with number, for instance a red box door R15 and a yellow box door G7. The safe deposit boxes 13 can be placed in a housing 22 and a cable duct 23 for wires can run thereunder for control and operation of the locks from the central control means. A plurality of central control means can be connected by telephone lines to a main control means with which the operation of the plurality of devices can be checked and/or controlled in order to enter new charges, Summer times and the like.

In addition the doors of the safe deposit boxes will preferably close automatically in the rest state, either through the force of gravity, by spring force or with a pressure cylinder. Only when a user places or removes something into or out of the safe deposit box will a door be open, but will otherwise always be locked. The appear¬ ance of the device is thereby always orderly and the danger of it being vandalized hereby limited as far as possible. A microswitch integrated into the lock gives the microprocessor the signal as to whether a door is open or closed. Protection against undesired forcing is hereby obtained, wherein diverse alarm possibilities can be applied and possibly defective doors are also detected immediately.

The whole mechanism and electronic system can be adapted such that in the case of malfunction complete modules can be changed, whereby servicing can take place quickly and thus inexpensively. The device can be embodied such that by means of two special locks the large door of a whole cabinet unit of for instance 25 boxes can be opened. Situated therein are all movable parts of the electromagnetic locking which, in the opened position of the relevant door, are rapidly and easily accessible. This large door is also monitored by a microswitch connected to the microprocessor.

A service program can be incorporated in the system so that the service engineer or the attendant working with the microprocessor and the information display can quickly gain an impression of the state of the installa¬ tion.

In preference an emergency power supply will further be present so that if there is mains voltage failure protection of property is still maintained and the code register is preserved. According to the invention the device can also be used to control and monitor locks of objects other than safe deposit boxes. Reference ^'can be made in this context to cycle parking areas, clothing lockers in swimming pools, large companies, sports centres etc., refrigerator lockers on camp-sites, luggage lockers and the like.

The device according to the invention can in fact be applied in all conceivable situations wherein two states can occur such as on/off, open/closed, light/no light, moving/standing still etc., wherein the one state is desired by the user, this optionally for payment, while the other state is a rest state.

A further development of the invention consists in that an attendant of the microprocessor-controlled cen- tral control means can open any desired lock when this is required by means of a special code and/or insertion of a master key in a central control means.

The advantage hereof is that any lock can be opened by an attendant in the case a user of the lock has for- gotten or lost his code or is no longer able to open a lock via the central control means, or it is necessary for the box to be opened due to bomb alerts or other calamity.

The invention is further developed in the sense that the programming of the microprocessor-controlled central control means is such that locking of the lock occurs an adjustable number of seconds after closing thereof.

The advantage hereof is that the operation of the locks becomes more user-friendly. In the case that the locks are mounted in the doors of safe deposit boxes about 10 seconds is for instance taken for this locking time.

A further development of an embodiment of the inven¬ tion in the form of locks for access doors of a number of safe deposit boxes controlled by the central control means is also such that a window of impact-resistant plastic is arranged for the information display in the front door of the central control means, that the cabi¬ net-like construction with the central control means and, if necessary, the devices provided with locks are ar- ranged on a wall at a suitable operating height, that the locks are located on access doors of safe deposit boxes which are arranged close to the cabinet-like construction with the central control means, and that safe numbers are arranged which are engraved on the access doors of the safe deposit boxes.

The advantages hereof are that the operation, use and security of an embodiment according to the invention are made as optimal as possible, whereby the utility and popularity among the general public will in practice be considerably increased.

According to the invention one or more of the fol¬ lowing enhancements is arranged in the above described device. The keyboard contains for instance 10 keys which, in addition to the numbers 0-9, each also carry at least one letter or preferably a number of letters, so that the whole alphabet is present on these keys. The user, who can remember a code word more easily than a code number, can therefore more easily recall his code.

In preference the user can himself determine the number of keys to be pressed so that he can choose a short code of four characters up to a long code of ten characters. Each time a lock is released, the time at which release takes place (time of allocation) is preferably recorded.

In the case of safe deposit boxes but particularly in the case of clothes lockers in sports centres and the like it is possible to programme the device such that after assigning of a lock the user has complete disposal of the lock for a determined time duration, for instance a number of hours or a day, without additional payment, so that the user can release the lock a number of times for additional filling or emptying of a locker.

All operations and attempted operations are prefera¬ bly recorded in a register with mention of time of opera¬ tion.

The computer can be connected to a printer or a monitor, for instance LCD, which is set up in the office of an attendant so that the latter can be provided with all kinds of information relating to the status of the diverse locks, for instance concerning whether the device is operating correctly or not, the scope of use of locks, the degree of utilization of locks, incorrect conditions of locks and/or attempts to break codes.

In particular the program is adapted to detect a predetermined number of erroneous release attempts per unit of time, which is an indication that a code breaker is at work. If a determined number of erroneous release attempts per unit of time is exceeded an alarm is gener¬ ated, audibly and/or silently at the location of the attendant.

If a user has forgotten both his box number and his code, an attendant can assist the user by checking in the register which box was operated at the relevant time of release. If a box or parking place is in use for longer than usual after assigning, the attendant is also alerted of this by the computer. The user can be given the choice of a lock from a number of series of locks, for instance the choice of locks for: large or small boxes; high or low boxes; for refrigerated or deep-frozen boxes; for cycle clamp or car parking places; for large or small parking places.

The computer itself preferably selects the lock for releasing of normally closed boxes, either at random or sequentially.

By entering his code the attendant can optionally release a group of the locks or even all locks simulta¬ neously, for instance for cleaning or checking the condi¬ tion of boxes or to replace used clothing of personnel with clean clothing.

A special user, for instance a teacher for his class or the captain of a team, can open a group of locks, for instance of clothes lockers, with a general code.

The payment for use of the device can take place inter alia with coins, banknotes, bank cards, credit cards, membership cards, chip cards. In the case of company clothes lockers an employee can use a personnel card with strip code or magnetic code to release the lock of his locker. If the device is preprogrammed such that the locker of the relevant employee is only releasable just prior to the beginning of and just after ending of his working hours, forcing of his locker becomes even more difficult. By recording opening of the locks this device can function as time clock and record the working hours of the relevant employees.

The device according to the invention can likewise be used in prisons, in particular for closing cell doors, but also for closing section doors, this such that locks of doors which lie in series one after another to form a sluice cannot be unlocked simultaneously. Authorized personnel herein have the necessary codes at their dis¬ posal, wherein for instance only head warders have at their disposal general codes and/or general codes for special doors in case of disasters and/or exceptional circumstances.

Figure 4 shows an example of a lock 30 comprising a bolt case 35 which is fixedly screwed to the inside of a door 31 of a safe and in which an electromagnet 36 with a soft iron core 37 is disposed vertically. Fixed to the soft iron core 37 on the underside is a bolt 38 which in the closed position of door 31 falls into the eye-like bolt catch 33.

In the case the bolt 38 has already been lowered as far as the stop 40 the inclining rise surface 39 first presses bolt 38 upward, whereafter it will fall into bolt catch 33.

The bolt catch 33 is manufactured from robust mate¬ rial, for instance glass fibre-reinforced plastic. A sloping surface 42 co-acts with an electric switch, for instance microswitch 43, fixed to the bolt case 35.

Because the bolt catch 33 has vertical slotted holes 45 for receiving fastening screws 32, the bolt catch is level-adjustable in order to adjust switching of the microswitch subject to the closing condition of the door. The switching condition can for instance be set such that in the case of a small relative displacement of bolt catch 33 in relation to microswitch 43 occurring during an attempt to force the door the switch will already make a connection and in the locking position of this lock 30 also generates an acoustic signal and/or informs only the attendant of the attempt at forcing.

These locks 30 can be arranged on already existing boxes with additional placing of a central unit with computer and connection via lines 49 which are well covered, for example with metal tubes 50.

In order to prevent the bolt 38 from not dropping downward despite its own gravitational force when the coil 36 is de-energized, for instance in the case it were to be stuck fast with chewing gum or otherwise in order to frustrate proper operation, an additional microswitch 51 is present.

In the locking condition of the lock this micro¬ switch 51 detects the incorrect position of the bolt 38 so that the user and the attendant are also alerted immediately with an alarm signal during closing of the door 31, which is ascertained by the microswitch 43.

In the case the contact arm 80 of microswitch 43 is broken off as attempted sabotage when the door 31 is opened, when this door 31 is closed this closure will not be detected by microswitch 43 so that after a predeter¬ mined time the latter will generate an alarm that the door 31 has remained open. This lock will no longer be given to a subsequent user before sabotage damage has been repaired. In the case the microswitch 43 were to be fixed in engaged position in an attempt at sabotage, this fact is then detected in that during closing of door 31 the microswitch 51 is engaged by the upwardly urged bolt 38, while the microswitch 43 indicates an already closed door position. This illogical situation is recognized as alarming and signalled to the attendant while the central control means no longer makes this lock available to a subsequent user.

Sabotage of microswitch 51 is likewise signalled in that when the door is closed the bolt 38 moves up and down once and therein actuates both the engaged and disengaged position of this switch. In the case both these switching conditions do not occur in the predeter¬ mined period this alarming fact is detected and the attendant informed. Once again this lock is not made available to a subsequent user until after repair.

The bolt case 35 is adapted such that the electro¬ magnet 36 with bolt 38 and the associated microswitches 43 and 51 can be fixed therein in two mounting positions, this for the purpose of mounting on a left or right-hand side wall 34. The doors 31 have for instance a horizontal hinge 41 at their top and/or are preferably provided with springs, for example in the form of an air cylinder, which urge them into the closing position, or a hydraulic cylinder controlled by the central control means.

After the computer determines that the required conditions for releasing a lock 30 have been fulfilled the control signal for release is preferably generated with some delay, which delay depends on the amount of time needed by the user to proceed from the central control location to the designated lock 30. The amount of time chosen for a remotely located lock 30 can be longer than for locks located close by. The amount of time for release of lock 30 can also be limited to a determined value. For instance for a locker at a station where travellers are in a hurry it is recommended to have short release times. When a user requires more time to fill the safe the door 31 can still be closed because the bolt 38 is then raised by the bolt catch 33. The user is then however already made aware by means of a light signal that the locking operation has taken place but the door 31 is not closed, which can for instance also occur when too long an object is present in the safe.

It should be noted that the invention is not of course limited to the embodiment shown in the drawing and described above, but that changes can be made without falling outside the scope of the inventive concept.

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Claims

1. Device for controlling a plurality of locks (30) , which device comprises lock driving means (36) controlled by a computer, characterized in that the computer is connected to a code recorder (18) and releases at least one selected lock (30) when a relevant code is generated to the code recorder (18) .

2. Device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a code can be entered into the code recorder (18) of which the number of characters, for instance 4-10, can be determined by the user.

3. Device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the code recorder (18) consists of a keyboard, the keys of which carry letters as characters.

4. Device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that number keys each carry in addition to a number at least one and preferably a plurality of letters.

5. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that a lock (30) controlled by means of the computer is only released after opening delay time which is adjustable for instance subject to the distance of the computer to the relevant lock (30) .

6. Device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the opening delay time of at least two locks (30) is different.

7. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that at least one lock (30) is provided with at least one switch (43, 51), for instance a micro¬ switch, for determining a lock condition, for instance the closing position of a bolt catch (33) and/or a clos- ing position of a bolt (38) .

8. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that at least one lock (30) is locked after a preferably adjustable, determined release time if the lock (30) has not been opened in this release time.

9. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that at least one lock (30) is locked after a preferably adjustable, determined time of being held open.

10. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the locks (30) are arranged on refrigeration compartments.

11. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that at least one lock (30) can be blocked such that a user of a particular lock (30) cannot operate this lock (30) , for instance for a deter- mined, for example adjustable, time duration.

12. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that at least one group of locks (30) can be blocked.

13. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that a plurality of locks (30) can be controlled collectively with a group code.

14. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that a plurality of individually controllable locks (30) , for instance all locks (30) , can also be controlled collectively with a group code.

15. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the moments in time when the diverse locks (30) are operated is recorded in a register.

16. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that at least one lock (30) is provided with a switch (43) which co-acts with a stop surface (39) of a lock element (33) , for instance a lock catch, which lies obliquely of the fixing plane of this lock element (33) , while the fixing position of this lock element (33) is adjustable.

17. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the bolt (38) can be mount¬ ed in at least two different locations in its bolt case (35) such that the lock can be used for left as well as right-hand doors.

18. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the bolt (38) comprises a soft iron core of an electromagnet (36) and falls into the closing position when the electromagnet (36) is not energized.

19. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the locks (30) are arranged on prison doors, in particular on cell doors.

20. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the device comprises a paying device and that when a determined amount is paid at least one lock (30) can be released a number of times during a determined period, for instance a day.

21. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that when a lock (30) is re¬ quested by a user the computer assigns and releases a lock (30) at random or sequentially. 22. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the computer records the input of an erroneous code and generates an alarm signal after a determined number of erroneous code recordings per unit of time. 23. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the code recorder (18) is provided with a circuit for recording the preference of the user for allocation of a preference for a lock (30) of a particular series. 24. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that a bolt catch (33) of a lock (30) is fixed to the inside of a door (31) while a bolt case (35) is arranged on a box wall.

25. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the moment in time at which a lock (30) is released is recorded and that after ex¬ ceeding of a determined time, for instance a week, a relevant signal is generated when re-releasing of this lock (30) fails to occur. 26. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that each use of the device is recorded and that a signal is generated to the attendant in the case all locks (30) or practically all locks (30) are in use. 27. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the status of the locks is recorded.

20. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized by deposit payment means and depos¬ it return means.

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