EP3387943A1 - Device for storing objects - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for storing objects, comprising a housing (2) with an opening which can be closed by a door (3) movably connected to the housing (2). In order to enable a location-independent securing of valuables, the invention provides that the device (1) has a connecting device, in particular a bracket or a belt, or is set up for connection to such a connecting device, with which connecting device the device (1) with a fixed object is connectable, wherein a data processing device is provided, with which the connection device upon authorization by an authorized user is solvable and wherein an alarm in unauthorized release or severing of the connecting device can be triggered.

Description

The invention relates to a device for storing objects, comprising a housing having an opening which is closable by a door movably connected to the housing.

Various devices of the type mentioned for storing objects have become known from the prior art, such as safes and the like. Such devices are used as a rule stationary, for example in hotel rooms and therefore can not be used to prevent theft of entrained objects. Because of their size and weight, devices of the state of the art are therefore usually unsuitable for securing a wallet in a swimming pool against theft. Although small safes could be transported along, there is a risk that the safes and their valuables will be stolen.

This is where the invention starts. The object of the invention is to provide a device of the type mentioned, with which objects can be stored safely outside of buildings, the device should be flexible and location-independent use.

This object is achieved by a device of the type mentioned, which has a connecting device, in particular a strap or a belt, or is adapted for connection to such a connection device, with which connection device, the device is connectable to a stationary object, wherein a data processing device is provided, with which the connection device when authorized by an authorized user is solvable and wherein an alarm in unauthorized release or severing of the connecting device can be triggered.

In the context of the invention it has been recognized that objects can be safely stored in a particularly simple manner regardless of location, when the device in which the objects are stored with a stationary object on a Connection device is connected, wherein the connection means or a connection of the device with the stationary object is only solvable upon authorization by an authorized user. The device may then be formed, for example, as a small and handy portable container which is connectable via a bracket or a belt with a stationary object such as a railing or a sunshade. A user can thus safely store items in the device even if he is in a public place, in an outdoor swimming pool or the like. For example, the device may be connected in an outdoor pool via the connecting device with a stationary sun lounger, so that a theft of valuables is easily prevented, even if the user moves away from the sun lounger.

It is understood that the connecting device may be formed as a separate component or part of the device. When the connection means is part of the device, for example a strap connected unilaterally to the device, it is possible to fix the device to a stationary object by looping a free end of the strap around the stationary object and then connecting the free end to the device.

Usually, in the device according to the invention, after connecting the connecting device with the device, it is checked continuously or at regular intervals whether the connecting device is released from the device or the connecting device is severed.

A structurally simple construction results when the connection device can be connected to the device via two connections, a signal, in particular an electrical or optical signal, being transportable from a first connection to a second connection with the connection device, and detaching or cutting through the device Connection device can be detected via a signal interruption between the terminals. A signal interruption can be easily detected with a data processing device such as a computer, a microcontroller or the like, which is why such a design contributes to a simple and at the same time robust construction. A usually provided for the data processing device energy storage can be made small and lightweight, since small amounts of energy are sufficient for the signal transmission or detection of the signal interruption.

It has been proven that in the device a door contacting line extends, which is arranged in particular circulating in the device, and a line interruption can be detected by the data processing device. In this way, a state of the door, so whether it is open or closed, detected in a simple manner with the data processing device and an alarm is triggered in case of unauthorized opening of the door or interrupting the line. The line usually only contacts the door in the closed state, which is why the line is interrupted when the door is opened. In addition, a circulating in the device line through which a signal is transported, also be used to detect unauthorized opening of the device, for example by breaking a side wall. This leads as the opening of the door to an interruption of the line and is thus detected in a simple manner with the data processing device. The line may be formed again as an electrical or optical line.

It is advantageous if the data processing device is operatively connected to the door and the door can be locked by means of the data processing device and unlocked upon authorization by an authorized user. The device can thus be used like a conventional vault, wherein the door can be opened via the data processing device when authorized by a user, but moreover can be used flexibly and can be connected to fixed objects regardless of location via the connection device. As a result, a lightweight mobile vault is achieved in a simple manner.

A particularly stable device is achieved with low weight in a simple manner, when the door is connected to the housing via a mechanism, wherein the door is closed with a movement of the mechanism beyond a dead center, so that the door in a closed state by the in an overstretched state mechanism is held. A violent opening of the door is then almost impossible even with a lightweight design of the device.

Mechanisms that are brought to a stable state by moving them beyond a dead center into an overstretched position are well known in the art, for example, toggles. The mechanism can thus be designed basically in various ways. It has been found that the mechanism has a coupling element which is rotatable about the first axis with the housing and is rotatable about a second axis connected to the door, wherein the first axis and the second axis are approximately parallel. This allows the formation of a mechanism, which is brought to a closing of the door in an overstretched state, in a particularly simple and robust manner.

It is particularly favorable for the formation of an anti-theft device when the door rests in a closed state on a stop on the housing, wherein a dead center of the mechanism is defined by the fact that in the dead center of the stop, the first axis and the second axis approximately in one plane lie. Even a slight movement beyond this dead center is then sufficient to keep the door stably closed.

It is advantageous if the mechanism can be locked in the overstretched state. It can then be held with a small force of a bolt or the like, the mechanism in the overstretched state, so that the door can not be opened even with great force or force. As a result, for example, an actuator for locking the mechanism can be made very small, inexpensive and lightweight.

Authorization by an authorized user to open the device and / or release the connection device or the device from a stationary object can in principle be carried out in various ways known from the prior art. It is particularly favorable if a sensor for detecting a biometric feature, in particular a fingerprint sensor, is provided and connected to the data processing device. An authorized user can then easily and reliably identify himself / herself on the device with a biometric feature such as a fingerprint in order to open the device or release it from a stationary object to which the device is attached with the connection device.

It has been proven that a device for wireless communication, in particular a modem, is provided. The device for wireless communication is usually integrated in the device and connected to the data processing device and designed, for example, as a GPRS modem for connection to a telecommunications network. An alarm can then be triggered in the event of unauthorized opening of the device or unauthorized release of the connection device with the device for wireless communication via the telecommunications network or the Internet at a central server, a police station or the like.

It is advantageous if a motion sensor is connected to the device. The movement sensor usually positioned in the device may be coupled to the data processing device in order to detect unauthorized movements of the device and, if appropriate, to trigger an alarm. As a result, for example, an alarm can be triggered even if the device is illegally removed together with the fixed object per se, for example by removing the device with a deck chair to which the device is attached. The device can also be set up to trigger an alarm only if certain movements such as walking or walking with the device are detected, but unintentional initiation of the device does not lead to an alarm being triggered.

For easy location of the device, it is advantageous if a GPS receiver is provided and connected to the data processing device. For example, if the device is stolen, it can be easily located with the GPS receiver. For example, in conjunction with a wireless communication device, the device may then transmit a current location to a server connected via the Internet to allow an owner or executive to easily locate the device.

Authorization on the device itself is possible in a simple manner if an input device, in particular a touchscreen, is provided on the outside of the device. In this case, the device can be designed, for example, for inputting a PIN code, with which an authorized user at the device can identify to open the door and / or release the connecting device from the device without alarm triggering. A touch screen can also be used for other functions of the device, for example to make settings in relation to wireless connections, via which the device may be connected, for example, to a server.

The authorization by an authorized user as well as the triggering of an alarm need in principle not be done on the device itself. In particular, due to an increasing popularity of smartphones, it is advantageous if the data processing device can be coupled with a smartphone and the device can be locked and unlocked with the smartphone. Thus, for example, an authorized user can be authorized with a coupled smartphone, in particular via a camera or a fingerprint sensor of the smartphone.

Unauthorized opening of the door can be reliably detected if a sensor for detecting a state of the door is provided, in particular a photosensitive photocell, which is connected to the data processing device, so that an unauthorized opening of the device can be detected. For example, an alarm can then be triggered automatically if a light incidence is detected at the photocell, which is usually arranged in the device, without prior authorization by an authorized user.

In order to achieve high reliability, it is favorable if at least two energy stores are provided for an energy supply of the data processing device, which are in particular redundant.

For charging the energy store or the various methods known from the prior art can be used. For example, the energy storage device (s) can simply be charged via a network device. For this purpose, usually a micro-USB port on the device is provided on the outside. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to provide solar cells or a photovoltaic module in order to be able to charge the energy store (s) without an existing electrical network.

An alarm upon unauthorized opening and / or removal of the device from a stationary object to which the device is attached, can in principle be triggered in a variety of ways. For example, the alarm may be triggered on a smart phone coupled via a data connection or other electronic mobile or stationary device to alert an executive.

In order to enable the triggering of an alarm independently of other devices in a simple manner, it is favorable if a device for emitting acoustic signals, in particular a siren or a loudspeaker, is provided for emitting an acoustic alarm signal. If, for example, the siren is activated immediately after unauthorized release of the device from a stationary object, it may possibly be completely prevented that the device is stolen by an unauthorized person.

A constructive simple design results when a magnetic actuator is provided to lock the door. As a result, the device can also be made particularly robust.

Usually, the device is designed as a portable handheld device. This allows a secure closing and transport of valuables, while a mobile and flexible use is possible.

Depending on the intended use of the device, a device for connecting the device to a belt or a tube or for fixing the device in a vehicle may additionally be provided.

Fig. 1 bis 5

eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung in verschiedenen Ansichten;

Fig. 6

ein Detail einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung.

Further features, advantages and effects of the invention will become apparent from the embodiment illustrated below. In the drawings, to which reference is made, show:

Fig. 1 to 5

a device according to the invention in different views;

Fig. 6

a detail of a device according to the invention.

Fig. 1 to 5 show various views of a device according to the invention 1. As can be seen, the device 1, a housing 2 with an opening, wherein the opening is closed by a mechanism 6 connected to the housing 2 door 3. When the door 3 is open, valuables can be introduced into a cavity 13 in the housing 2 via the opening.

Provided in the device 1, but not shown, is a data processing device acting on the mechanism 6 and an energy store, wherein the door 3 can be locked and unlocked by means of the data processing device when an authorized user identifies himself to the device 1.

As further seen, the device 1 comprises a touch screen 12 and a fingerprint sensor 11 for identifying an authorized user or for authorization. An authorized user can thus identify himself at the device 1, for example via the touch screen 12, by means of a PIN code or the like or via the fingerprint sensor 11. This ensures in a reliable manner that stored in the device 1 objects are accessible only to an authorized user and the connection device 4 can only be removed without triggering an alarm, if authorized by an authorized user accordingly.

Furthermore, it can be seen that the device 1 has connections 5a, 5b on a rear side, via which the device 1 can be connected to a connection device 4. The connecting device 4 connected to the terminals 5a, 5b is in the Fig. 1 to 3 shown. In Fig. 4 and 5 the device 1 is shown in a state in which the connecting device 4 is not connected to the terminals 5a, 5b.

With the connecting device 4, the device 1 can be easily attached to a stationary object such as a railing, a parasol or the like, so that an unauthorized stealing of the device 1 is not possible even if the device 1 is small and lightweight. The connecting device 4, which is designed to be electrically conductive in the illustrated embodiment, provides an electrical connection between the first Terminal 5a and the second terminal 5b ago, when the connecting device 4 is connected to the terminals 5a, 5b. The connections 5a, 5b are also connected to the data processing device, so that it is possible to detect via the data processing device whether a connection exists between the first connection 5a and the second connection 5b or whether the connection device 4 has been removed or severed. As a result, an unauthorized release of the connecting device 4 can be automatically detected in a simple manner, if necessary to trigger an alarm.

It is understood that a mechanical security can be provided, with which the connecting device 4, for example, positively connected to the device 1, so that the connecting device 4 is reversible and without violence only when authorized by an authorized user solvable.

In the device 1, a non-illustrated energy storage is further provided, which supplies the data processing device with energy. The energy storage is also a locking of the door 3, usually acting on the mechanism actuator such as a solenoid actuator actuated to unlock the door 3 upon authorization or to lock them when needed.

Furthermore, in the device 1, a GPS receiver and a data modem are provided, so that the device 1 can be found automatically, for example, on detection of an unauthorized action such as a violent opening of the door 3 or a violent removal of the connection device 4, for example via a website. A triggering of an alarm can be done wirelessly via the data modem when the device 1 is opened or moved by an unauthorized person, for example, to alert an executive.

In the illustrated device 1, the energy storage can also be charged via a conventional charger, for example by means of a micro-USB port. Optionally, it is also possible to provide photovoltaic cells or a photovoltaic module for charging the energy store.

In order to reliably detect an unauthorized opening of the device 1, a photosensitive photocell is provided in the device 1. Thus, an alarm can be automatically triggered in a simple manner, if by means of the photocell an opening of the device 1 is detected without prior authorization by an authorized user.

An authorized user can be identified on the device 1 itself and / or via a smartphone or the like coupled to the device 1.

Fig. 6 shows in a sectional view of the mechanism 6 in detail, via which the door 3 is connected to the housing 2. As can be seen, the door 3 rests against a stop 10 of the housing 2 in a closed state and is connected to the housing 2 via a coupling element 9. The coupling element 9 is rotatably connected about a first axis 7 to the housing 2 and about a second axis 8 rotatably connected to the door 3, wherein the first axis 7 and the second axis 8 are approximately parallel. When closing the door 3, the mechanism 6 is moved with a closing movement in a direction of movement 15 beyond a dead center, in which dead center the stop 10, the first axis 7 and the second axis 8 lie in one plane. This position corresponding to the dead center of the mechanism 6 is indicated by a dot-dash line 14 in FIG Fig. 6 shown schematically. As can be seen in the illustrated closed position of the door 3, the second axis 8 is not on the dot-dash line 14, but is spaced from the dotted line 14 in the direction of movement 15 of the closing movement, in the exemplary embodiment by about 3 mm. The mechanism 6 is thus in an overstretched position, in which it holds the door 3 stably closed even without power supply. Opening is only possible by moving the mechanism 6 counter to the direction of movement 15 when closing beyond the dead center. This movement can be achieved for example with a solenoid actuator to open the door 3 upon authorization by an authorized user.

With a device 1 according to the invention, objects can be safely stored in a location-independent manner. The device 1, which is usually designed as a portable hand-held device, enables flexible use and secure storage of valuables especially for mobile use. As a result, the device 1 can be used in vehicles, in a home, in hotels, in hospitals, in nursing stations and on trips for the safekeeping of valuables. If the device 1 is still forcibly opened or stolen by an unauthorized person, an alarm is triggered and the device can be found easily and reliably due to the data modem and the GPS sensor. The device 1 is therefore particularly suitable for travel for the storage of valuables, but can also be used for a variety of other purposes beyond.

Claims (15)

Device (1) for storing objects, comprising a housing (2) with an opening which can be closed by a door (3) movably connected to the housing (2), characterized in that the device (1) has a connection device (4 ), in particular a strap or a belt, or is arranged for connection to such a connecting device (4), with which connecting device (4) the device (1) is connectable to a stationary object, wherein a data processing device is provided with which the Connection device (4) upon authorization by an authorized user is solvable and wherein an alarm in unauthorized release or severing of the connecting device (4) can be triggered. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting device (4) via two terminals (5a, 5b) with the device (1) is connectable, wherein the connecting device (4) is a signal, in particular an electrical or optical signal , is transportable from a first terminal (5a) to a second terminal (5b), and a release or severing of the connecting device (4) via a signal interruption between the terminals (5a, 5b) can be detected. Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that in the device (1) the door (3) contacting line extends, which in particular in the device (1) is arranged circumferentially, and a line interruption by the data processing device can be detected. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the data processing device is in operative connection with the door (3) and the door (3) by means of the data processing device can be locked and unlocked upon authorization by an authorized user. Device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the door (3) is connected to the housing (2) by a mechanism (6), the door (3) being moved by a movement of the mechanism (6). beyond a dead center is closable, so that the door (3) is held in a closed state by the mechanism located in an overstretched state (6). Device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the mechanism (6) about a first axis (7) rotatably connected to the housing (2) and about a second axis (8) rotatably connected to the door (3) coupling element ( 9), wherein the first axis (7) and the second axis (8) are approximately parallel. Device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the door (3) in a closed state against a stop (10) on the housing (2), wherein a dead center of the mechanism (6) is defined by the fact that at the dead center of Stop (10), the first axis (7) and the second axis (8) lie in a plane. Device (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the mechanism (6) can be locked in the overstretched state. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a sensor for detecting a biometric feature, in particular a fingerprint sensor (11), provided and connected to the data processing device. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a device for wireless communication, in particular a modem, is provided. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a GPS receiver is provided and connected to the data processing device. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that an input device, in particular a touch screen (12), on the outside of the device (1) is provided. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the data processing device can be coupled with a smartphone and the device (1) can be locked and unlocked with the smartphone. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a device for emitting acoustic signals, in particular a siren or a loudspeaker, is provided for emitting an acoustic alarm signal. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the device (1) is designed as a portable hand-held device.

Images