FR2539795A1 - Safety device for the closing and opening of doors, windows and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

The device comprises a grid 1 with a large number of holes 2, 3. At least one hole 2 has electrical contacts 8 sensitive to the insertion of the appropriate key 4 and located on an electrical circuit 12 which terminates at opening/closing or blocking/unblocking control means 15 associated, for example, with a lock 16. The other holes 3 of the grid 1 comprise means 9, 10, 19 sensitive to the insertion of any object 5 and located on electrical circuits terminating at an alarm 6. The chances of being able to open or unblock the lock 16 accidentally and quickly thus become very slight. This safety device can be used on doors, windows, French windows, shutters, cases, furniture, vehicles, etc.

Description

'' Safety device for closing and opening
of doors, windows and the like "
The present invention relates to - a safety device for closing and opening doors, windows, French windows, shutters, chests, furniture, etc. in the field of fixed constructions as in that of vehicles. This device is a complement to bolts, locks and other conventional closing systems, which it makes practically impossible for a person other than the owner or the usual user to open.

 The safety device that is the subject of the invention can either provide the opening / closing control itself, or only provide a locking / unlocking function for locks or locks already in place and remaining actuated in the usual manner. . Although it in itself provides sufficient security, this device can, as required, be coupled with alarm or surveillance systems, programming clocks or even with devices making it possible to neutralize an intruder.

 To this end, the security device according to the invention, for closing and opening doors, windows and the like, essentially comprises at least one grid with a plurality of holes or slots, each capable of receiving a key or another. means capable of controlling a locking / unlocking, at least one of the holes or slots being associated with means sensitive to the introduction of the suitable key and connected to means for opening / closing or blocking / unlocking control while that all the other holes or slots in the grid are devoid of such means.

 With such a device, it is necessary not only to have the appropriate key but also to introduce it into the "correct" hole of the grid to cause the automatic opening of latches and / or locks, or else the unlocking of latches and / or locks whose own control remains manual.

It is therefore understood that, the greater the number of holes in the grid, the lower the chances of being able, by chance, to quickly cause the opening or release of the latches and / or locks, even with the appropriate key, the many "bad" holes constituting as many lures.

 In addition, in order to make vain all the attempts consisting in "forcing" the device while trying to introduce an object successively all the holes of the grid, at least part of the holes, other than that or those planned for the effective control of 'opening or closing / blocking / unblocking, are associated with means sensitive to the introduction of any object and connected to alarm means. Thus, the introduction of any object, and even of the suitable key, into a "bad" hole triggers an alarm, for example an audible one, either on the spot, or in a neighboring room, or remotely in a central monitoring station .

A device produced in this way therefore provides double security, both statistically by leaving a low chance of falling by chance and quickly on the "right" hole, and in a dissuasive and even repressive way by setting off the alarm as soon as any object is introduced into one of the "bad" holes.

 According to one embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a source of electrical energy, preferably autonomous such as a cell or battery, which supplies at least one electrical circuit comprising contacts associated with each "good" hole in the grid and capable of being actuated by the introduction of the appropriate key into this hole, this or these first electrical circuits leading to electrical control means for opening / closing or blocking / unlocking, said energy source supplying still others electrical circuits comprising contacts associated with the "bad" holes in the grid and capable of being actuated in the event of the introduction of any object, these latter electrical circuits all leading to the alarm. Thus, the introduction of the suitable key in the '! bon' itrou closes one or more electrical circuits, which makes it possible to power at least one electric motor, an electromagnet or another actuator which either actuates at least one latch and / or at least one lock, etc. in the opening direction, or causes the unlocking of at least one lock and / or at least one lock, etc., and then allows its normal manual actuation; the lock and the lock can, in the latter case, play their usual role and possibly be used independently of the device according to the invention, which then presents itself as an additional security system.

The use of electrical means offers great flexibility and allows easy adaptation to all concrete application cases and more or less strong security requirements
- With a single suitable key inserted into the "correct" hole in the grid, it is possible to cause the opening or unlocking of several latches, locks, etc., either by supplying as many motors or other electric or actuators as there are latches and locks, either by supplying a single motor or actuator mechanically connected to all locks and locks.

 - In the case of several locks or locks1 opened or released by separate actuators, each actuator can be powered by its own electrical circuit, put into service by a specific key, which implies that the user has, for example, two keys, each must be inserted into the corresponding "correct" hole in the grid.

- Even in the case of a single motor or other electric actuator, starting it may require the introduction of two or more specific keys in the corresponding "good" holes of the grid, the multiplication of the number of necessary keys increasing security in two ways: on the one hand, a person must have all the keys to obtain opening or unlocking, and on the other hand, each key must be inserted into the appropriate hole of the grid which corresponds to only one particular combination among a very large total number of possible combinations, hence the miniscule chances of obtaining by chance the opening or the unlocking
The effectiveness of the device will also be increased by providing very specific keys and sensitive means for the "good" hole (s), and by providing, on the contrary, for the "bad" holes in the grid, means sensitive to the introduction. more or less deep of an absolutely arbitrary object in order to trigger the alarm.

 Thus, the or each key comprises for example on its rod a plurality of contact keys distributed over the length and / or the periphery of said rod while a guide tube situated behind each "good" hole in the grid comprises electrical contacts inserted in a circuit leading to the electrical control means for opening / closing or blocking / unblocking, the arrangement of the keys on the stem of the key corresponding to that of the electrical contacts on the guide tube.

 More special keys can be envisaged, for example double keys composed of a hollow external element and an internal element which must be brought into comcidence, before or after the introduction into the "correct" hole of the grid, so that the contacts are actuated, or else keys with a curved rod and / or with a very specific section.

 The electrical contacts associated with the "bad" holes in the grid may comprise, on the one hand, electrical contacts actuated by the movement of valves normally closing the inputs of all the holes, and, on the other hand, internal electrical contacts. The valves will trigger the alarm regardless of the shape and depth of introduction of the object with which we would try. to "force" the device.

 In a mechanical embodiment of the device also conceivable, mobile means such as fingers, levers, pawls 9 etc. sensitive to the introduction or the push of a key or any object in the holes of the grid will cause, as the case may be, the normal opening or unlocking or else the triggering of the alarm. Other equivalent solutions, for example magnetic, electronic, optical, or combining several techniques, are also possible.

In any case, the invention will be clearly understood with the aid of the description which follows, with reference to the appended schematic drawing showing, by way of nonlimiting examples, some embodiments of this safety device for closing and opening doors, windows and the like
Figures 1 and 2 are front views of two grids, of different shapes, usable in the safety device object of the invention;
Figure 3 is an overall view, very schematic, of a safety device according to the invention, the grid being seen in profile and in section;
Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7 illustrate the application of this security device to a door provided with several latches or locks, with different arrangements;
Figures 8,9 and 10 show various keys usable with such a security device.

The safety device shown in the drawing comprises, as part accessible from the outside for its control, a grid (1) of any shape, for example rectangular as shown in FIG. 1 or circular as shown in FIG. 2. The grid ( 1) is placed on the object to be opened such as a door, or in the fixed position near it. It has many holes (2,3) arranged in a grid and designed to be able to each receive a key. The introduction of the correct key (4) into the suitable hole (2), known only to the usual user who holds this key, causes or authorizes the opening of the door. Optionally, two or more "good" holes (2) are provided, and the user must in this case have two or more corresponding keys (4). All the other holes (3) do not allow opening, re , that any object such as a tip (5) or even the correct key (4) is introduced into it - see Figure 3. These "bad" holes (3) are connected, in part or in whole, to an alarm (6) for example sound.
Figure 3 shows, in the form of a block diagram, how the functions of the device are obtained. This comprises a source of electrical energy (7), such as a cell or battery, which supplies circuits on which electrical contacts (8, 9, 10) are inserted, placed near the wall of guide tubes ( 11) located behind the holes (2,3) of the grid (1).

 The electrical circuit (12) which corresponds to the "good" hole (2) thus comprises, for example, two or more contacts (8) intended to be actuated by means of keys s13) of corresponding arrangement provided on the rod (14) of the key (4). The introduction of this key (4) into the hole (2) causes, by means of the keys (13), the closing of the contacts (8) and the passage of the electric current in the circuit (12). An electric motor (15) can thus be supplied, either to release a lock (16) which can then be opened manually, or to automatically actuate the bolt (17) of the lock (16), by making it - come out of the strike ( 18).

 All the other electrical circuits, comprising the contacts (9,10), make it possible to supply the alarm (6) as soon as one of these contacts is closed by the introduction of a key. (4) or any object (5) in a "bad" hole (3), and of course this introduction does not allow the opening. To each hole (3) is associated, for this purpose, a valve (19) which normally closes the hole and whose movement causes the closure of a contact (9). The other contacts (10) are actuated when an object (5) is pushed into the corresponding tube (11). The "good" hole (2) also has a valve (19) so as not to be visually distinguished from the others, but this valve is obviously not connected to the alarm control (6).

 It is understood that, the greater the number of holes (2,3) of the grid (1), the lower the chances of being able to unlock or open by chance and quickly the lock (16). Even if he has the correct key (4), the perpetrator who tries all the holes would have every chance of first inserting the key in the wrong holes (3) and attracting attention by setting off the alarm ( 6), before falling on the "right" hole (2).

 To facilitate normal use of the device, the holes (2,3) of the grid (1) will preferably be numbered or identified by any signs or other means: letters, codes, colors, so that the usual user can identify immediately the "good" hole (2) into which he must insert his key (4), in particular in the case where the grid (I) has very large numbers of holes.

 Figures 4 to 7 illustrate the application of the safety device according to the invention to a door (20) equipped with two latches (16) and a lock (21), which remain manually operable in the usual way, the role of the device being only to ensure their blocking or unblocking. In these figures, the "alarm" part of the device has not been shown and we have simply indicated the control elements involved in normal use.

 In the case of FIG. 4, the same electrical circuit (12) simultaneously supplies three electric motors (15) which each move a mobile member, for example a rotary member (22). In a first position, the members (22) block the two locks (16) and the lock (21). The introduction of the key into the suitable hole in the grid (I) causes all the members (22) to move simultaneously to a second position, indicated simply by its general axis. The two locks (16) and the lock (21) are then released and can be opened.

 Starting from this particular embodiment, it is easy to conceive of variants in which the different motors (15) are powered by separate electrical circuits, providing that their actuation is caused either by the introduction of a single key in the "correct" grid hole (1), or by the introduction of three keys, each of which corresponds to one of the motors (15).

 From a single motor (15), it is also possible to control the blocking or unblocking of all the latches and locks (16, 21), as illustrated in FIG. 5. The electric motor (15) actuates a link (23) which moves a vertical bar (24) having sailtie parts (25). In a first position of the bar (24), the projecting parts (25) ensure the locking of the latches (16) and of the lock (21). The introduction of the key into the suitable hole in the grid (1.) causes the bar (24) to move to a second position, for example a lifting of the bar (24) according to the arrow (26), so that the protrusions (25) shift and no longer block the latches (16) and the lock (21).

 As shown in FIG. 6, the bar (24) can be extended downwards, its lower end then engaging in a housing (27) so as to itself secure the door (20) at its base . The introduction of the key- in the suitable hole of the grid (1) causes, in this case, simultaneously the unlocking of the latches (16) and of the lock (21), and that of the door (20) at its base. since the lifting of the bar (24) extracts its lower end from the housing (27).

 Finally, FIG. 7 shows an arrangement in which a first motor (15) actuates by means of a connecting rod - (23), in the lifting direction (arrow 26), a vertical bar (24) which blocks or unlocks the lower latch (16) and the base of the door (20) by engagement in a housing (27). A second motor (15) is here coupled to a link (28) which moves another vertical bar (29), the upper end of which can be engaged in a housing (30) in order to block the door (20) at its top. . The starting of the second motor (15) causes the lowering of the bar (29) along the arrow (31) which simultaneously unlocks the lock (21)? the upper latch (16) and the top of the door (20).

 The arrangement according to FIG. 7 is also very suitable for window shutters or French windows, although the other arrangements, according to the preceding figures, are also applicable.

 In Figure 3 there is shown a key (4) extremely simple to explain the principle of the invention. As shown in Figure 8, the rod (14) of the key (4) may include fairly numerous contact keys (13), distributed over its entire length in various angular positions, and even a key (13) located at the end of the rod (14).

 FIG. 9 shows a more specific key, which is double and composed of a hollow external element (32) and an internal element (33); so that the key becomes active, that is to say acts on the contacts, it is advisable to engage the internal element (33) in the external element (32) beforehand, by bringing the keys (34) of the internal element (33) coincident with bosses (35) of the external element (32). Markings can be provided on the internal element (33) to push it to an exact depth in the external element (32).

 Finally Figure 10 shows a special special key (4) having a rod (14) of curved shape, and can be made of flexible material. Such a key is designed to be introduced into a hole in the grid behind which there is a guide tube of corresponding curved shape. It is easy to understand that by varying the shapes, the sections and the depths, the risk of opening or unlocking is further reduced by the introduction of any object, which further increases the security provided by the device, in addition the fundamental fact of having one or a few "good" holes and a large number of "bad" holes on the grid.

 The keys can be made of insulating or conductive material, in whole or in part3 in which case they can participate by themselves in the closing of an electrical circuit. The guide tubes can also be made of insulating or conductive material so as to intervene directly in the establishment of the electrical circuit.

As is obvious, and as follows from the above, the invention is not limited to the sole embodiments of this safety device for closing and opening doors, windows and the like which have been described. above, by way of examples; on the contrary, it embraces all of the variant embodiments and applications relating to the same principle. In particular:
- The grid holes can have any shape: round, square, polygonal, etc. in accordance with the key section provided for the opening or unlocking command; it can also be slots for the introduction of flat keys or magnetic cards.

 - A device can include several grids, for example a grid located on the outside and a grid located on the inside of a door. If the grid is visible and accessible in the case of a landing door, it can also be hidden in the case of window shutters or other openings, or in the case of vehicles (device placed for example in the boot of a automobile).

 - The grid is not necessarily constituted by the front face of a special box; it can also be formed by the entire surface of the door to be equipped with the device, which makes it possible to have a very high number of holes.

 - The device can be coupled with any system imposing additional restrictive conditions on opening or unlocking, for example with a time programming system causing an automatic closing and prohibiting any opening at certain times (especially for shops, factories, etc., see apartments and individual houses).

 - The electrical controls can be reversed, that is to say operate by opening and not by closing contacts, when inserting the key or another object.

 - Finally, it goes without saying that the possible arrangements are unlimited, as regards the motors or other actuators, as well as the nature and the movements of the mechanical members (rods, rods, bars, rods) moved by these actuators for cause an opening or an unlocking.

Claims (10)

 1. Safety device for closing and opening doors, windows and the like, characterized in that it comprises at least one grid (1) with a plurality of holes or slots (2,3), each capable of receiving a key (4) or another means capable of controlling locking / unlocking, at least one of the holes or slots (2) being associated with means (8) sensitive to the introduction of the suitable key (4) and connected to means (15) for opening / closing or blocking / unlocking control, while all the other holes or slots (3) of the grid (I) are devoid of such means.  2. Safety device according to claim I, characterized in that at least part of the holes (3), other than that or those (2) provided for the effective opening / closing or blocking / unlocking control, are associated with means (9,10,19) sensitive to the introduction of any object (5) and connected to alarm means (6).  3. Safety device according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a source of electrical energy (7), preferably autonomous such as a cell or battery, which supplies at least one electrical circuit (12) comprising contacts ( 8) - associated with each "good" hole (2) of the grid (1) and capable of being actuated by the introduction of the suitable key (4) into this hole (2), this or these first electrical circuits (12 ) leading to electrical control means (15) for opening / closing or blocking / unblocking, said energy source (7) supplying still other electrical circuits comprising contacts (9,10) associated with "bad" holes (3) of the grid (1) and capable of being actuated in the event of the introduction of any object (5), these latter electrical circuits all leading to the alarm (6).  4. Safety device according to claim 3, characterized in that the electrical control means comprise at least one electric motor (15), an electromagnet or other actuator which is capable of actuating itself at least one latch (16) and / or at least one lock (21) in the opening direction.  5. Safety device according to claim 3, characterized in that the electrical control means comprise at least one electric motor (15) t an electromagnet or other actuator which is capable of causing the release of at least one latch (16) and / or at least one lock (21), allowing normal manual actuation of the lock or the lock.  6. Safety device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that several motors or other actuators (15), capable of causing the opening or unlocking of several latches (16) and / or locks (21), are powered by introducing a single suitable key (4) into the "good" hole (2) of the grid (1).  7. Safety device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that a single motor or other actuator (15), capable of causing the opening or unlocking of one or more latches (16) and / or locks (21), can only be powered by the introduction of two or more specific keys (4) in the "good" holes (2) of the grid (1).  8. Safety device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the or each key (4) has on its rod (14) a plurality of contact keys (13) distributed over the length and / or the periphery of said rod (14), while a guide tube (11) located behind each "good" hole (2) of the grid includes electrical contacts (8) interposed on a circuit leading to the control means electric (15) opening / closing or blocking / unlocking, the arrangement of the keys (13) on the rod (14) of the key (4) corresponding to that of the electrical contacts (8) on the guide tube (11 ).  9. Safety device according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one double die is provided, composed of a hollow external element (32) and an internal element (33) which must be brought into coincidence, before or after. the introduction into the "good" hole (2) of the grid (1), so that the electrical contacts (8) are actuated.  10. Safety device according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the electrical contacts associated with the "bad" holes (3) of the grid (1) comprise on the one hand, electrical contacts (9) actuated by the displacement of valves (19) normally closing the inputs of all the holes (2,3), and on the other hand, internal electrical contacts (10), all these contacts (9,10) being placed on circuits electrics leading to the alarm (6).