EP2745275A2

EP2745275A2 - Locking device

Info

Publication number: EP2745275A2
Application number: EP12756093.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jean Blaufuß; Thomas Wilde
Original assignee: CARGOGUARD GmbH
Current assignee: CARGOGUARD GmbH
Priority date: 2011-08-18
Filing date: 2012-08-17
Publication date: 2014-06-25
Also published as: DE102011081207A1; WO2013023794A3; WO2013023794A2

Abstract

In order to enable an authorized repeated opening of an object to be locked and to provide protection from manipulation and unauthorized opening in a cost-effective manner, a locking device, a system and a method for operating a locking device are provided, wherein the locking device comprises a housing having a housing body and a receiving region, which is suitable for receiving elements of an object to be locked, which can be connected together, a movable bolt that extends at least through the housing body of the housing and is guided through the receiving region in a locked state; a locking mechanism that prevents a movement of the bolt in a locked state of the locking device; and a control unit for controlling the locking mechanism.

Description

sealer

The invention relates to a closing device and a system for closing an article as well as a method for operating a closing device.

The need for closure devices for securing articles, e.g. of containers, transport volumes or rooms, for a variety of situations is steadily increasing. Especially in freight forwarding today it is more necessary than ever to protect international supply chains from theft, manipulation or espionage. For this purpose, costly, complicated and very expensive security locking systems are offered on the market. As a cost-effective alternative, often only means are used which do not hinder or prevent the opening of a container or a room, but indicate the opening of the object and thus a possible manipulation of the contents. These include, for example, security seals or security seals or security sealing tapes. A conventional security seal is usually made of a wire or a cord, the ends are connected inseparably connected to each other after attachment to the object to be closed, for example by a metal disc. Recently, plastic seals have also been frequently used instead of metal seals. In general, a conventional seal is provided with an identification number so that it is not interchangeable, and can only be closed once. Therefore, such seals or seals are not suitable for situations in which a room or a container may possibly be reused several times by authorized persons, e.g. Customs personnel, opened and closed again. Also, safety seal tapes that are glued over a closure of the container or space are not suitable for repeated opening and reclosing.

However, the conventional safety seals for containers or rooms have many disadvantages. For example, conventional seals are used only once, so that the production costs must be kept as low as possible. In addition, many seals are not suitable for outdoor use because they lack weather resistance, saltwater and UV resistance or ruggedness. In addition, these seals are only suitable for the detection of manipulation of the container closure, but offer no protection against unauthorized opening itself. Also is an opening and Resealing by authorized personnel is not possible. Consequently, there is a great need in the transportation industry, especially in the valuables transport industry, for high security seals that provide protection against casual theft and manipulation while allowing repeated opening of the article during transport and reusable.

It is therefore an object of the present invention, for closing an object, to provide a closing device, a system and a method for operating a closing device, allowing authorized repeated opening of the object to be closed and protection against manipulation and unauthorized opening being realized in a cost-effective manner.

This object is solved by the features of the independent claims. The invention is based on the idea of providing an electromechanical closing device which simultaneously fulfills a sealing function and a lock function. In other words, the electromechanical locking device can make unauthorized opening difficult and allow authorized opening. The closing device comprises a housing, a locking mechanism, a control unit for controlling the locking mechanism and a bolt, which can be passed, for example, by closure elements of an object to be closed. The housing comprises a housing body and a receiving area for receiving elements to be joined together. The housing is preferably designed to have at least one of the properties robust, weatherproof, dustproof, vandal resistant, resistant to salt water, gasoline and / or oil and usable over a wide temperature range. In an unlocked state of the closing device, the bolt is movable so that it can be brought, for example, from an open state in which the bolt is withdrawn from the receiving area and elements to be joined into the receiving area can be brought into a closed state in which the bolt passed through the receiving area. In an exemplary embodiment, the bolt may traverse the housing body of the closing device at least in the closed state, but preferably also in the open state. For locking or locking the closing the locking mechanism is provided, the is controlled by the control unit and prevents in a closed state of the closing device an opening movement of the bolt. The closed state thus corresponds to a closed or locked state in which a bolt movement is essentially blocked. By combining electrical and mechanical components, the security of the closing device can be increased because higher demands can be placed on an authorization process than merely with a key. In addition, a person at a remote location can be immediately authorized to operate the capping device by transmitting the required data. This is particularly advantageous when opening the customs. Since in this way no entrainment of a key o.ä. necessary, the safety can be increased. Through the housing body electrical and sensitive mechanical parts can be protected. In addition, the receiving area may be formed so as to protect the elements to be joined together and the bolt from external access when the closing device is in use. Accordingly, a closure device is provided which offers a good compromise between a simple seal and a high-security lock. In contrast to a simple disposable seal, the closing device can be opened and closed again, for example by the control unit for controlling the locking mechanism receiving an authorized command. Preferably, the housing of the closure device has a unique identification number that can not be removed or overwritten. Alternatively or additionally, an identification number can be stored in the control unit. This can prevent the closing device from being forcibly removed and replaced by a similar closing device. Since the closing device is usually reusable, higher functionality and greater security can be offered at a reasonable cost.

Preferably, the receiving area of the housing is connected to the housing body and / or formed integrally with the housing body. Here, the receiving area on one side adjacent to the housing body. The receiving area can be completely or partially open on at least one side which runs parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bolt, so that elements to be closed together of an object to be closed can be inserted therein. In a preferred embodiment, the receiving area on a rear side of the closing device is substantially open, wherein the back runs parallel to the bolt and may face an object to be closed in use. On at least three other sides, the receiving area may be substantially closed, for example, on a front side of the closing device facing the open side and on the side surfaces adjacent thereto, the front side and the side surfaces being parallel to the bolt. In other words, the receiving area may have one or more side walls that extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bolt. In an exemplary embodiment, the receiving area may comprise three side walls arranged substantially at right angles to one another and running parallel to the pin. In another embodiment, the Aufhahmebereich may be formed in the form of a longitudinally bisected cylinder along the radial axis of the bolt extends. In addition, the Aufhahmebereich is preferably also closed on its upper side, which limits a bolt movement in this direction or on which the bolt abuts in a closed state of the closing device. The upper side may in this case be the side of the receiving region that is perpendicular to the direction of bolt movement and faces the housing body. By at least two sides, preferably on three sides substantially closed receiving area of the bolt can be better protected in the attached state. For example, the bolt in this case can not be reached laterally or from the front with a bolt cutter or the like. In the case of a bolt with a round cross-section, the bolt can be enclosed by the receiving region in the longitudinal direction of the bolt at least half of its pin circumference.

At least one bolt guide may be provided in the receiving region of the housing, wherein the bolt is guided through the bolt guide in a closed state. For example, the bolt guide may have a recess or a through hole or a hole through which the bolt can be pushed back or forth. The bolt guide may be a plate or a sheet, wherein the plate or the sheet may be arranged, for example, substantially perpendicular to the bolt movement direction. Alternatively, a forked or U-shaped bolt guide is conceivable. Preferably, the bolt guide is formed integrally with the receiving area. The bolt guide may be formed projecting from a closed front of the receiving area to an open rear side. If the receiving area has areas on more than one side, eg on the front side and on the sides adjacent to it, the bolster can be associated with more than one side of the Aufhahmebereichs. As a result, the bolt guide stabilizes the receiving area of the housing and vice versa. The bolt guide can serve as an additional protection of the bolt and stabilize it, for example, to prevent the bolt can be reached with a pair of pliers or a bolt cutter or can be knocked out laterally. Alternatively or additionally, one or more bolt guides can be arranged within the housing body.

On one side of the Aufhahmebereichs may also be provided at least one bolt receptacle, in which the bolt is inserted in a closed state. The bolt housing can be provided on the side opposite the housing body of the receiving area and is preferably designed so that it limits a bolt movement in the closing direction. In an exemplary embodiment, in which the upper side of the receiving region is closed, the bolt receptacle can be designed annularly and / or as a blind bore on an inner side of the receiving region, so that the bolt is stabilized laterally by the bolt receptacle in the closed state. This in turn can prevent lateral knocking out of the bolt.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the bolt is movable along its length in the housing. In this case, the bolt can preferably not be separated from the housing even in the unlocked state, or it can not be pulled out of the housing. In one embodiment, the bolt may be configured to be movable back and forth between an open state in which the bolt is retracted from the receiving area to the housing body and a closed state in which the bolt extends through the receiving area. Upwards, the bolt movement may be limited by the upper side of the receiving area and / or the bolt movement downwards may be limited by a securing element which is formed at a certain point of the bolt, for example in the form of a securing ring around the pin circumference. Preferably, the bolt protrudes on a side of the housing body, which is opposite to the receiving area or not adjacent to the Aufhahmebereich. The bolt may thus have one end which is slidable into the receiving area and another end which protrudes from the housing body and is arranged outside the receiving area. For example, a handle may be disposed at the end protruding out of the housing outside the receiving area. In a preferred embodiment, the bolt is formed substantially straight or extending in one direction. For example, the bolt may be rod-shaped and have a substantially round cross-section. However, any other cross-sectional shape is possible.

In another embodiment, the bolt may be formed at least in two parts. The multipart bolt may be integrally formed. Alternatively, at least two bolt parts of the multi-part bolt can be connected to one another by connecting means. Preferably, the bolt parts are not arranged on a line, but slightly offset from each other. The connection of the bolt parts can be designed so that it breaks up with greater violence. When locked, the locking mechanism preferably blocks the pin member passing through the receiving area. Therefore, the locking device remains closed when the bolt connection breaks with one or more of the lower bolt parts. In this way, a breaking of the closure device by forcibly pulling or knocking out of the bolt can be prevented. Alternatively or additionally, the bolt may have at least one predetermined breaking point, which breaks at greater violence. The predetermined breaking point or the connecting region between the bolt parts can also be arranged in the retracted state of the bolt, ie the open state of the closing device, within the housing body, so that they are not accessible from the outside and protected in the open state. The multi-part bolt may be designed to be uniformly movable in the housing in the intact state along its length, so that the operation of the closing device runs as in a closure device with one-piece bolt.

In the main area of the housing, the bolt may be surrounded by the housing body. The housing body may further surround the locking mechanism, the control unit and / or other elements of the closing device. Preferably, the housing body is substantially closed. In one embodiment, the housing or the housing body can only be opened in an open state of the closing device, so that unauthorized access to internal elements can be prevented. The housing or the housing body may consist of one or more parts. Preferably The housing or the housing body comprises at least one upper and one lower cover. Here, the upper cover together with the lower cover form the housing body, for example, the upper cover may additionally have the receiving area. In a preferred embodiment, the upper and lower covers can only be separated from one another in an open state of the closing device, eg to change an energy store or the like. The bolt can pass through the upper and lower covers in a closed state and lock both housing parts together. In this case, elements arranged in the housing body may be accessible only in an unlocked and / or open state of the closing device. Alternatively or additionally, the housing parts may be reversibly connected to one another on the rear side of the housing facing the object to be closed, eg by screws, so that the connection can only be released if the closing device is not attached to an object. For example, the closing device may be attached to eyelets of the handle bars of container doors, so that the rear side is not accessible and the housing can not be opened in an attached state of the closing device. However, a multi-part housing allows parts to be replaced, repaired, tested or the like contained therein. This can increase the life of the closing device and reduce costs for the user.

The locking mechanism may comprise a locking element which can engage at least one predetermined position of the bolt. The positions can be on the bolt by notches, recesses, holes, bulges, protrusions oää. be defined. These predetermined locations preferably correspond to a bolt position in the open or closed state. In the locked or locked state, the locking mechanism can bring the locking element in a position in which the locking element blocks a bolt movement.

In one embodiment, the locking element is designed as a latching element which presses elastically against the bolt surface and elastically latches at the predetermined locations on the bolt, for example in a recess or the like, which defines, for example, a bolt position in the closed state, in which the bolt completely pushed into the receiving area. An example of such a locking element may be a stamp, the with a spring element or similar is elastically pressed against the pin circumference or the bolt surface. The elastic reversible engagement of the latching element in recesses on the bolt surface in the unlocked state makes it easier to find a specific position. Furthermore, a locking device may be present in order to block a movement of the latching element in the closed state of the closing device. The locking device may comprise a locking element, such as a bolt, a plate or a sheet metal, which may be pushed, for example by a motor unit into a position in which the locking element obstructs movement of the latching element.

In another embodiment, the locking element may have at least one opening or perforation with different diameters. For example, the opening of different diameters may be formed by a small opening and a large opening which are connected to each other, or it may be formed by a hole with a connected slot. Preferably, the opening is substantially circular at one end and substantially slot-shaped at the other end. Here, the slot may have a width smaller than the circle diameter and thus form the small opening, while the circular part may form the large opening. In this embodiment, the bolt has different diameters, wherein a small diameter of the bolt corresponds to the width of the small opening of a perforated sheet member, eg the width of the slot, and a large diameter of the bolt corresponds to the width of the large opening of the perforated sheet member, eg the diameter of the circular part of the opening. The perforated plate element can be perpendicular to the pin axis. In an open state of the closing device, the perforated plate element can be arranged such that the region of the large-diameter opening is arranged at the level of the pin axis, so that the pin passes through this area and is freely displaceable. When closed, a narrow point of the bolt can be arranged at the level of the perforated sheet metal element. For closing, the perforated sheet metal element can then be displaced, for example by a motor, so that the area of the opening with a small diameter is pushed into the bolt path. As a result, a bolt movement can be prevented. Another example of a locking element comprises a bolt which can be tilted perpendicular to the bolt movement direction or obliquely to the direction of bolt movement and in a closed state of the closing device in a recess or the like. of the bolt rests so as to prevent a bolt movement. Preferably, a bolt pad is provided on the side of the bolt, which is opposite to the suspension of the bolt, which stabilizes the bolt in the closed state. Another exemplary embodiment of a locking element includes a rod which is pushed in a closed state through a through hole in the bolt perpendicular to the bolt movement direction. Again, a Stabauf- could be provided on the opposite side to stabilize the rod in the closed state.

The control unit for controlling the locking mechanism may include or be connected to a microprocessor to enable an authorization of a user to operate the locking device. In addition, the closure device may include a TAN unit that may generate a TAN and / or verify the acceptability of a received TAN. In another embodiment, an encryption unit may be provided to cryptographically secure a communication of the locking unit. Alternatively, this can also be a purely software-based solution can be used, for. By SSL encrypted transmission. In the housing body of the closing device may further be provided at least one power supply, for. As a battery or a battery. You may also have a backup power supply. In addition, the closing device may include at least one sensor that can measure at least one of the parameters location, temperature, movement, gas, orientation or acceleration. Furthermore, a real-time clock may be present and / or a memory for storing sensor data, position, transport route, identification processes by a user, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the closing device has an input field into which, for example, a PIN or TAN can be entered. A display may additionally be provided to detect an input of a user, a state of the closure device or the like. display. In addition, the closing device can be provided with a USB interface via which, for example, a power supply can be charged or data can be exchanged. The housing body may further include a communication unit that provides wireless communication via RF, IR, Bluetooth, Satellite, Internet and / or mobile phone allows. The closing device can also be equipped with an alarm unit which can send an alarm message to a control center or to a security server or which can issue a visual and / or audible alarm.

In a preferred exemplary embodiment, a closing device according to one of the preceding embodiments can be designed so that it can be integrated into a security system. According to a further aspect of the present invention, a security system is specified, which comprises a security server and at least one closing device. In this case, the closing device can correspond to one of the embodiments described above. The security server and the capping device each contain a TAN unit and can independently generate the same TANs in the same order as, for example, a HASH chain algorithm. Preferably, each user has his own user account on the security server and can log on to the security server, for example, with a password and a user name via the Internet. In this way, a user for a particular operation, such. B. for closing or opening the closure device, an electronic key or a TAN generate, which is required for a corresponding operation of the closing device. Preferably, the closing device has a unique identification number, which must be entered for the generation of the electronic key or the TAN. For example, by inputting a correct TAN, the control unit for controlling the locking mechanism can be activated to close or unlock the locking device. The entered TAN can be checked by the closing device, for example by the TAN unit of the closing device also generating a TAN and comparing both TANs, independently of the TAN generated by the security server and given to the user. In addition, no communication between the closing device and the security server is required in order to check the validity of an entered TAN, so that no communication establishment, eg via a mobile radio network or the like, is necessary for operating the closing device. The TAN is preferably only usable once and unique to a user and an operation, eg opening or Closing. The TAN may be specific to at least one of the user, capper, operation, time (space), and location parameters. For example, a TAN may be generated for a particular user to open a particular closure device at a particular location at a particular time. Preferably, processes which are carried out on the closing device are sent or stored to the security server. In this way, the security can be greatly increased and also a transport route can be tracked.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for operating a closure device is provided. In this case, the closing device may correspond to one of the closing devices described above. The method may also be used for a security system according to any of the above-described embodiments of the present invention. The method comprises the following steps: The user logs on to a security server, where an identification of the user may be required, for example by entering a user name and / or a password, and indicates the closure device to be operated, for example by entering an identification number of the capper. Subsequently, a transaction number (TAN) is generated that is specific to a particular operation and to the capping device. This TAN is entered by the user in the closure device. After confirmation of the TAN by the closing device or after verification of the TAN by the closing device, a performance of the process is made possible. For example, a control unit for controlling a locking mechanism of the closing device is activated accordingly for opening or closing the closing device. Preferably, the TAN is only usable for a certain period of time and only once. In one embodiment, a user may log into his user account on the security server and set up a transport process. In this case, the user can preferably specify for a closing device of the transport process who may request TANs for opening and / or closing and / or when TANs may be requested for opening and / or closing and / or where the closing device is opened and / or closed may. The user can thus authorize a recipient or a staff to operate the sealing device. However, the staff or the recipient must preferably also log on to the security server and perform the procedure described above.

For a better understanding of the exemplary embodiments, a detailed description of the attached figures follows. In the figures:

Fig. 1A shows a front view of a closing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1B shows a sectional view of a closing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 2A and 2B show rear views of a closure device in an open and closed state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 3A, 3B and 3C show transparent views of a closure device according to an embodiment of the present invention in an open, closed and closed state.

Figures 4A-4D show various embodiments for a locking mechanism of a closing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 shows a transparent view of a closing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 shows a security system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

7 shows a flowchart for a method for closing the closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

8 shows a flowchart of a method for opening a closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

9 shows a flow chart for a method for a control opening of a closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows a plan view of a closing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The closing device 10 comprises a housing 100 and a bolt 200, which is displaceable in an unlocked state of the closing device 10. The housing 100 comprises a closed housing body 120 and a Aufhahmebereich 1 10, can be included in the elements to be closed, such as the eyelets of door bars of a container. The housing 100 is preferably suitable for outdoor use in all weathers and is well sealed against dirt, water and dust, so that the elements accommodated in the housing body 120 are protected. The bolt 200 is movable in the housing 100 along its longitudinal direction and protrudes out of the housing 100 at one end of the closing device 10. At this end of the bolt, a handle 201 may be provided. To open the closing device 10, the bolt 200 on the handle 201 is pulled down out of the housing 100, for closing the bolt 200 is pushed up into the housing 100.

The housing 100 may include an upper cover 140 and a lower cover 130 that are either flush or turtle-capped, with the upper and lower covers 140 and 130 overlapping each other laterally. The two covers 130 and 140 may be screwed together on a rear side of the closing device so that opening of the housing 100 is only possible if the closing device 10 is not attached to an article. In order to prevent unauthorized opening of the housing 100, the bolt 200 may also be guided by the two covers 130 and 140 such that the bolt 200 joins the top cover 140 and the bottom cover 130 in the closed state. In this case, the housing 100 can only be opened when the bolt 200 is brought into the open state. The housing 100 may be made, for example, by die-casting aluminum or injection molding with fiber-reinforced polymers (glass fibers). As an alternative to a two-part housing, the housing 100 may also consist of several parts. For example, in addition to the upper and lower covers 140 and 130, a center portion may be provided to which the upper and lower covers 140 and 130 may be attached.

On the front side of the closing device 10, a display 101 and an input unit 102 can be provided. By means of the display 101, states of the closure device 10 can be displayed, such as, for example, a closure state, a battery state of charge, a menu navigation or a user input received via the input device 102. Possibly, the closing device 10 has moreover via a USB port 103, via which data can be exchanged or an energy store can be loaded. In the closing device 10 and an energy storage such as a battery or a battery is provided which ensures the longest possible energy supply. In addition, an emergency power supply may be provided to prevent failure of the electrical components of the closure device 10. Furthermore, the closing device may include a communication unit that can send and receive data wirelessly, eg via mobile radio. There may also be a crypto-module to encrypt the communication of the capping device 10. The encryption can also be software-based. Furthermore, a real time clock is preferably present to detect the exact timing of events. The closing device 10 may be equipped with sensors that can detect, for example, an outside temperature, an inside temperature, an acceleration, a position, a state of charge, etc. Sensors can also be provided which can detect removal of the closure device 10 from the object or space to be closed. For example, it can be detected whether the rear side of the closing device 10 rests on or is removed from a surface or whether it is attempted to open the closing device 10 forcibly. In one embodiment, an alarm unit is also provided, the like via mobile or satellite or similar. Send an alarm message to a control center, eg if sensor data deviates from a normal value or if external force effects are detected. Furthermore, the closure device 10 may include a monitoring switch, such as a microswitch or micro-switch, to output a lock state. The switch is preferably interrogated only when needed, eg via a pull-up resistor, and otherwise consumes no current.

On the back of the closing device 10, which rests in use, for example, on a door or a container surface, a rubberized magnet holder may be provided. As a result, an uncontrolled oscillation of the closing device 10 during a transport process can be prevented, which can lead to premature material fatigue of the bolt or of the receiving area. The rubberization of the magnetic holder also avoids damage to the surface of the article. According to one exemplary embodiment, the closing device 10 is particularly suitable for use in transportation. For this purpose, the closing device 10 can be designed robust and weatherproof. In addition, the closure device 10 is dust-tight, resistant to UV radiation, salt water, gasoline or oil and can be used over a wide temperature range. In order to make the closure device 10 vandal-proof, for example, a vandal-proof input unit 102 can be used, which has a rubberized surface or is made of impact-resistant plastic. But it can also be used a full metal keypad. The closure device 10 preferably also meets the requirements of high-security seals with regard to tensile strength, cutting force, flexural strength or impact resistance.

Fig. 1B shows a sectional view of a closing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Through the housing 100 of the closing device 10, a bolt 200 is guided, which can be performed in a receiving area 110 of the housing 100 by zusammenzuschließende elements. In the housing 100, a locking mechanism 300 is arranged, which prevents a bolt movement in the closed state of the closing device 10. The locking mechanism 300 is controlled by a control unit 400. The control unit 400 may be connected to an interface, such as a USB, IR, or Bluetooth interface, and may include a microprocessor and memory in which sensor data, data entered into the input field 102, and the like may be stored. The memory can be a read-only USB mass storage, NAND flash ICs, or an SD card. Preferably, the memory can be replaced. In addition, the control unit 400 may include a TAN unit that may generate a unique transaction number (TAN) for an operation. In a preferred embodiment, at least the input panel 102, the display 101, and the control unit 400 may be de-energized to reduce power consumption.

FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the closure device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A shows the closing device 10 in a closed state, in which the bolt 200 is pushed upwards through the receiving region 110. FIG. 2B shows the open state of the closing device 10, in which the bolt 200 is withdrawn from the receiving region 110, FIG. so that in the receiving area 1 10 zusammenzuschließende elements can be introduced. In the receiving area 1 10, a bolt guide 1 1 1 may be provided which stabilizes the bolt 200. The bolt guide 1 1 1 is preferably made together with the top cover 140, which also includes the receiving area 110. The receiving area 110 of the closing device 10 is substantially open on at least one side, so that elements to be joined together, such as wire rope loops or eyelets of door bars of a container or other means of transport, can be introduced. In the closed state, the bolt 200 is pushed through the receiving area 110 and the elements received therein and thus closes the elements together. 2, the receiving area 110 is essentially closed on an upper side, which the bolt abuts in the closed state, and on a front side of the closing device 10 and on the sides adjoining thereto, whereas the receiving area 110 is on the rear side of the closing device 10 which is facing the object or space to be closed, is substantially open.

FIGS. 3A-3C show various closing states of the closing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention in a semitransparent view. In Fig. 3A, the bolt 200 is withdrawn from the receiving portion 1 10 and the closing device 10 is in the open state. Complete removal of the bolt 200 is prevented by a circlip 220, which may be formed as a metal bead or ring around the circumference of the bolt 200 and which limits bolt movement downwardly out of the housing 100. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the locking mechanism 300 comprises a latching element 310, which is pressed elastically against the bolt circumference, a motor unit 330 and a locking element 320 that can be moved by the motor unit 330. In the open state, the locking member 320 is retracted so that the latch member 310 can be resiliently pushed away from the bolt surface and the bolt 200 can be freely reciprocated. In addition, a recess 210 is formed on the bolt surface at a predetermined position, into which the locking mechanism 300 engages in a closed state. This closed state is shown in Fig. 3B. Here, the bolt 200 is pushed through the receiving area 1 10 therethrough upward, wherein the latching element 310 snaps into the recess 210 of the bolt 200 elastically or reversibly. When closed, the latching element 310 is in the bulge 210 of the bolt 200 is engaged, but is pressed upon retraction of the bolt from the bulge 210, since the locking member 320 is retracted so that the bolt 200 can be pulled out to the open position. 3C now shows a closed state of the closing device 10. In the closed state, the bolt 200 is pushed through the receiving area 110 and the latching element 310 of the blocking mechanism 300 engages in the recess 210 on the bolt 200. Now, moreover, the locking element 320 is moved by the motor unit 330 into a position in which the locking element 320 prevents an elastic retraction of the latching element 320. Consequently, the bolt can not be moved and the closing device is closed.

FIGS. 4A-4D show further exemplary embodiments of a locking mechanism 300 of the closing device 10. The lock mechanism 300 in FIG. 4A corresponds to the lock mechanism 300 in FIG. 3 and includes a latch member 310 that is resiliently attached to press the pin circumference. In addition, the locking member 320 is provided, which can be brought by the motor unit 330 from a position in which the locking member 320 does not hinder movement of the latching member 310, in a position in which the locking member 320, a movement of the latch member 310 away from the bolt surface prevented. On the surface of the bolt 200, a recess 210 is provided at a position corresponding to the position of the latch member 310 on the bolt 200 in the closed state.

In Fig. 4B, a locking mechanism 300 is shown, which comprises a motor unit 430 and a locking element 410. In addition, a locking element receptacle 440 may be provided, which stabilizes the locking element 410 in a closed state. The locking member 410 may be configured as a perforated plate having a small diameter opening 411 and a large diameter opening 412. The small opening 411 and the large opening 412 are connected to each other and thus form an opening with different diameters. In the unlocked state, the large opening 412 of the locking element 410 is pushed into the bolt path, so that the bolt 200 can be freely moved in the large opening 412 back and forth. The bolt 200 has a smaller diameter at a position corresponding to the position of the locking member 410 in a closed state. For example, at this Make a recess 21 1 may be provided in the form of an annular notch. In order to prevent a bolt movement in the closed state of the closing device 10, the locking element 410 is displaced by the motor unit 430 such that the smaller opening 41 1 engages in the recess 211 on the bolt 200. The locking member 410 may be reciprocated by the motor unit 430 by means of a gear 431 or the like between these two positions.

The exemplary embodiment for a locking mechanism 300 shown in FIG. 4C comprises a motor unit 530 and a pivotable locking element 510, which in a closed state of the locking device 10 can be pivoted into a recess 212 on the bolt surface and rests on a locking element support 540. Such a locking element 530 can be realized for example as a bolt which is pivotable perpendicular to the bolt movement direction. The exemplary embodiment for a locking mechanism 300 shown in FIG. 4D likewise comprises a motor unit 630, a locking element 610 which can be displaced perpendicularly to the bolt movement direction, and a locking element receptacle 640 which stabilizes the locking element 610 in the closed state of the locking device 10. In the closed state, the locking element 610 is pushed through a through hole 213 in the bolt 200, so that a bolt movement 200 is prevented.

In the embodiments shown so far, the bolt is integrally formed, for example as a rod or a rod. However, as shown in Fig. 5, the bolt may also consist of two or more parts. In FIG. 5, the bolt 200 consists of an upper bolt part 202 and a lower bolt part 201, which are connected to one another via a bolt connection 203. The lower bolt part 201 may be offset relative to the upper bolt part 202. Alternatively, the bolt parts 201 and 202 may be arranged in a line and separated from each other by a predetermined breaking point or a connecting element 203. In the closed state, the upper bolt part 202 passes through the receiving area 110, whereas the lower bolt part 201 projects out of the closing device 10 and can be grasped by a user. The locking mechanism 300 engages the upper pin member 202, so that the closing device can not be opened by the lower pin member 201 is violently pulled down or beaten. Of the multi-piece bolts 200 may be made in one piece or composed of several parts. As an alternative to several bolt parts, one or more predetermined breaking points in the bolt 200 may also be provided. The bolt connections 203 or predetermined breaking points are arranged on the bolt 200 in the closed state within the housing body 120, ie between the location of the bolt 200, on which the locking mechanism engages in the locked state on the bolt 200, and the point at which the bolt protrudes out of the housing 100 in the closed state. Alternatively, the bolt connections 203 or predetermined breaking points can be arranged on the bolt 200 in such a way that they are also protected in the housing body 120 in the open state. However, the bolt connections 203 or predetermined breaking points must not lie between the point of application of the locking mechanism 300 on the bolt 200 and the top of the receiving area 110. In this way, it can be prevented that the bolt 200 can be forcibly pulled out of the housing 100 at its end protruding from the housing 100 so as to break open the locking device.

In Fig. 6, a security system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The security system comprises a security server 20 and at least one closing device 10, for example a closing device according to one of the above embodiments of the present invention. For operating the closing device 10, a TAN is required, which is used once and is specific at least for the closing device 10 or the operation. The locking device 10 and the security server 20 each contain a TAN unit that can generate a TAN independently of each other but with the same algorithm. In this way, the locking device 10 can check a TAN input by a user without requiring communication between the locking device 10 and the security server 20. If the input TAN and the TAN generated in the capping device match, the operation can be released. To obtain a TAN, the user can log on to the security server 220, eg, by entering his username and password. The user may also have to provide an identification number of the closure device and / or a particular operation. Then the user requests a TAN from the security Server 20 to perform the operation of the closing device 10. The obtained TAN is then entered by the user into the closing device 10. The closing device 10 checks the validity of the entered TAN and, in the case of a valid TAN, can allow operation of the closing device 10. For example, if the user has received a TAN to open the locking device 10 from the security server 20, the control unit 400, upon entering the valid TAN, may actuate the locking mechanism 300 so that the locking mechanism releases the bolt. Thereafter, the bolt 200 may be withdrawn and the closure device 10 removed from the article or space. To close the closing device 10, a TAN may also be necessary, which is requested via a similar process.

Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown a flow chart for a method of closing a closure device 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The method is explained by way of example with reference to a transport process, wherein the user or sender wants to send a secured with a closing device 10 transport volume. The user buys or rents a closing device 10, which preferably has a unique identification number. This identification number may either be visibly attached to the surface of the closure device 10 or stored in the control unit 400. To lock the capping device 10, the user logs on to a security server 20 (S710). For example, he enters his password and user name to open his user account. When the closure device 10 is used in a multiple closure device 10 system, the entry of an identification number of the closure device 10 may also be required. Subsequently, in step S720, the user requests a TAN for closing the closing device 10. The user attaches the closing device 10 to the shutter of the transport volume (S730) and pushes the bolt 200 to the closed state. Subsequently, the user enters the obtained TAN into the closing device 10 (S740), so that the control unit 400 of the closing device 10 activates the locking mechanism 300 in such a way that a bolt movement is prevented. Preferably, in the embodiments of the present invention, a TAN is usable only once and specific to a particular occlusion device 10 and to the operation as well as the user who requested it. In a preferred embodiment, the user may also define a particular transport operation, and may also specify who and when may request a TAN to operate the closure device 10. In addition, the opening or closing of the closure device 10 may be permitted only at a particular location, which may be defined via a corresponding user account on the security server 20.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart for a method of opening the closure device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. By way of illustration, the above example of shipping a transport volume will be continued. In step S810, the user or the receiver logs on to the security server 20 (S810) to request a TAN to open the shutter 10 (S820). It may be possible for a TAN to be requested only by a user designated as the recipient by the sender on the security server 20. As mentioned above, the sender may also specify a particular time or location. After the receiver has received requested TAN from the security server 20, he inputs the TAN to the capping device (S830). If the TAN is valid, the control unit 400 controls the locking mechanism 300 to unlock the locking device 10. Then, user can retract the bolt 200 and open the shutter 10 (S840).

In international transport, apart from the opening by the recipient, however, opening by a controller, for example by a customs officer, is often required. 9 shows a flow chart for a method for a control opening of the closing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control person calls to a user or a center and indicates the identification number of the shutter 10 (S910). The user or the central office verifies that the control person is actually authorized to check (S920) and then logs on to the security server 20 on (S930). In step S940, the user requests a control TAN with which the closing device 10 can be opened and closed again. After the control TAN has been transmitted to the control person by telephone or e-mail, for example (S950), the control person enters the control TAN in the closing device 10. If the control TAN is valid, the closure device 10 is unlocked. The inspector can now inspect the contents of the transport container and then reseal after attaching the closing device and entering the control TAN. The validity of the control TAN may also be limited to a specific period of time. It may also trigger an alarm if the closure device is not resealed within this time. Alternatively, a different control TAN may be required for the opening and closing operation.

Preferably, all operations are logged by the control unit 400 of the closure device 10, so that all opening and closing operations are traceable. The protocols of the closing device 10 can be transmitted to the security server 20 when connected to a PC via the USB interface 103. It is also possible to record on the security server which user has generated which TAN for which closing device and which operating procedure, so that it can be reconstructed at any time which person operated the closing device 10. If necessary, the location and time of the operation are also stored.

Thus, according to the present invention, a closure device is provided which protects against casual theft and manipulation and can detect the integrity of the contents of an article or space sealed thereto. The closing device is reusable, easy and quick to install and also suitable for outdoor use in all weathers and seasons. The closure device can be easily integrated into a security system and is easy to operate. Thus, the closure device according to the present invention provides a valuable compromise solution between a disposable seal and high security lock.

Claims

claims

A closing device comprising:

a housing (100) having a housing body (120) and a receiving area (110) adapted to receive elements to be locked together of an object to be obturated;

a movable pin (200) extending at least through the housing body (120) of the housing (100) and guided in a closed state through the receiving area (1 10);

a locking mechanism (300) which prevents movement of the bolt (200) in a locked state of the closing device; and

a control unit (400) for controlling the locking mechanism (300).

2. Closing device according to claim 1, wherein the bolt (200) along its length in the housing (100) is displaceable and / or wherein the receiving area (1 10) of the housing (100) the bolt (200) in the closed state at least half of Stud circumference covered.

3. Closing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the receiving area (1 10) at least one bolt guide (1 1 1) is arranged and / or wherein the receiving area (1 10) comprises a bolt receptacle, in which the bolt (200) in the closed state is included.

4. Closing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bolt (200) is at least two parts and / or wherein the bolt (200) at least one

Has predetermined breaking point.

5. Closing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking mechanism (300) comprises at least one locking element (310, 410, 510, 610), which is adapted to at least one predetermined position (210, 21 1, 212, 213) of the Bolzens (200).

6. Closing device according to one of claims 1-4, wherein the locking mechanism (300) at least one latching element (310) which is adapted to engage in a recess (210) of the bolt (200), and at least one locking device comprises, which blocks a movement of the latching element (310) in the closed state of the closing device.

7. Closing device according to claim 5, wherein the locking element (410) has at least one opening (41 1, 412) with different diameters, and wherein the bolt (200) has different diameters and through the opening (41 1, 412) is guided.

8. Closing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing body (120) of the closing device further comprises at least one of the following elements:

at least one energy supply;

at least one sensor;

a real-time clock;

a memory;

an input unit (102);

a display (101);

a USB interface (103);

a communication unit;

an alarm unit;

a TAN unit;

Encryption unit.

9. A system for locking an object, comprising:

at least one closing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims; and

a security server (20).

10. A method of operating a closure device (10), comprising: Log in (S710, S810, S930) of a user on a security server

(20);

Inquiries (S720, S820, S940) of a transaction number at the security server for a specific operation on the closing device (10);

Inputting (S740, S830, S960) the transaction number into the capping device (10);

Verifying the transaction number by the closing device (10); and

Performing the operation (S740, S840, S960);

wherein the transaction number is specific to the closure device (10) and to the operation.