GB2487295A

GB2487295A - Coin operated lock with additional interaction means

Info

Publication number: GB2487295A
Application number: GB1200368.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sergio Perez Urruticoechea; Ricardo Sendin Martin
Original assignee: Ojmar SA
Current assignee: Ojmar SA
Priority date: 2011-02-15
Filing date: 2012-01-11
Publication date: 2012-07-18
Anticipated expiration: 2032-01-11
Also published as: ES2387027A1; FR2970584A1; ES2387027B1; GB2487295B; GB201200368D0

Abstract

A coin actuated lock with optical coin detection comprising: coin insertion means 1 receiving a coin 2; interaction means transferring access information inputted by the user to a control; coin detection means 4 comprising an optical sensor emitting light and receiving the light from the reflection off the coin 2; coin retention means 5 retaining and releasing the coin 2 located over the detection means 4; a control module managing the information received by the interaction means and by the detection means 4; mechanical means activated by the control module for opening and closing the lock; coin collection means 6 collecting the coin 2; and a power supply for the various parts. A lever 3 is provided to manually release the coin held by the retention means. The interaction module may comprise a keypad, fingerprint reader or a transponder. The controller may check access information inputted through the interaction means to authenticate the identity of the user. The user may be notified it they attempt to use the lock without inputting a coin. The system allows coin-operated locks and lockers to only be used by authorised users.

Description

I

LOCK WITH OPTICAL COIN DETECTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention is encompassed within the field of electronic locks.

S Background of the Invenlion

The currently known locks have a large number of mechanical components for performing coin detection tasks. As a result of this large number of components, the locks are devices having a complex manufacture and maintenance.

Description of the Invention

This invention provides a lock with an optical coin detection which reduces the mechanical components necessary fOicàrrying out thisfUnction. Thélbck also has suitable resistance to water and dust, protecting the electronics and mechanics thereof using non-contact optical detection since the isolation of the inside of the lock can be facilitated by means of using a transparent visor welded to the casing of the lock.

IS The operation of the lock is associated both with inserting a legal tender coin into insertion means and with enabling the lock through an interaction module.

The insertion means can have different diameters for allowing the insertion of different coin types.

The interaction module enables the use of the lock, transferring the access information received from the outside by a user to a control module which will check it.

The use of the lock can be enabled by means of inputting an alphanumeric combination in a keypad incorporating a transponder or by fingerprint recognition means.

In the aforementioned cases, the interaction module receives information from the outside which will enable the lock for opening or closing but also allows authenticating the user, either by means of the numerical inputting of a code through the keypad, by means of receiving an outside signal and the subsequent emission to the control module of the lock through the transponder or by means of capturing a series of parameters coming from the user's fingerprint.

If a coin is not inserted in the insertion means and/or the user does not properly use the interaction module, the lock will not allow the opening or closing thereof.

The invention thus regulates the use of the locks, favoring a responsible and moderate use thereof by requiring the insertion of a coin for using them, and it would control their use through recognition means which the interaction module can comprise.

To close the lock, the user will insert a coin into the insertion means of the lock, and through the interaction module, will enable closing the lock if this is the result of the check performed by the control module. lithe control module checks that the access performed through the interaction module is valid, it will operate the retention means, which will retain the coin over the detection means thereof.

The invention performs coin detection through detection means comprising an optical sensor capable of emitting and receiving light such that when the sensor receives the light coming from the reflection of the emitted light and reflected off the coin, the sensor will inform the control module contained in the lock itself. The control module will activate mechanical means which will physically close the lock.

If the user performs a valid acôéssthrough interaction modUle for opening or closing the lock but the control module does not receive any signal from the detection means because the optical sensor has not detected any light due to the absence of a coin, the control module will activate notification means which will indicate to the outside that the lock is not operating normally.

The lock will comprise power supply means for powering the detection means, control means and notification means,.

The user will inform the control module to activate the mechanical means and open the lock through the interaction module. Once the lock is opened, the user will move a lever through which the retention means will be operated, releasing the coin retained over the sensor. Once released, the coin will be deposited in collection means so that the user easily collects it.

Brief Descr[ptjpp of the Drawings A drawing is very briefly described below for the purpose of aiding to better understand the invention and it expressly relates to an embodiment of said invention presented as a non-limiting example thereof.

Figure 1 schematically shows an elevational view of the coin detection module of the lock.

Figure 2 schematically shows the elements comprised in the coin detection module without its cover when the coin is detected by the sensor.

Figure 3 schematically shows the elements comprised in the coin detection module without its cover when the coin falls after opening the lock.

Detailed Description of an Embodiment

The lock with optical coin detection is characterized in that it comprises: * insertion means I configured to receive a coin 2; * interaction means transferring the access information received from the outside to a control module; * detection means 4 comprising an optical sensor, said sensor configured to emit light and to receive the light coming from the reflection of the emitted light off the coin 2; * the retention means 5 which, when activated by the control module, retaining the coin 2 over the detection means 4, and which, when activated by the movement of a lever 3, release the coin 2 retained over the detection means 4; * a control module managing the information received by the interaction means and by the detection means 4; * mechanical means activated by the control module and in charge of physically opening and closing the lock; * collection means 6 configured to collect the coin 2 released by the retention means 5; * power supply means powering the interaction means, the detection means 4 and the control module.

The lock will preferably comprise notification means for notifying the absence of coin detected by the detection means 4.

The interaction module may preferably comprise a keypad, fingerprint recognition means or a transponder, being able to combine each of such embodiments with one another.

The control module is preferably configured to check the access information inputted by the user through the interaction means.

Having clearly described the invention, it must be mentioned that the particular embodiments described above are susceptible to modifications of the details provided that the fundamental principle and the essence of the invention are not altered.

Claims

CLAIMS1.-A lock with optical coin detection characterized in that it comprises: * insertion means (1) configured to receive a coin (2); * interaction means transferring the access information received from the outside to a control module; * detection means (4) comprising an optical sensor, said sensor configured to emit light and to receive the light coming from the reflection of the emitted light off the coin (2); * the retention means (5) which, when activated by the control module, retain the coin (2) over the detection means (4), and which, when activated by the movement of a lever (3), release the coin (2) retained over the detection means (4); * a control module managing the information received by the interaction means and by the detection means (4); * mechanical means activated by the control module and in charge of physically opening and closing the lock; * collection means (6) configured to collect the coin (2) released by the retention means (5); * power supply means powering the interaction means, the detection means (4) and the control module.
Z-The lock with optical coin detection according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises notification means for notifying the absence of a coin detected by the detection means (4).
3.-The lock with optical coin detection according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interaction module comprises a keypad.
4.-The lock with optical coin detection according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interaction module comprises fingerprint recognition means.
5.-The lock with optical coin detection according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interaction module comprises a transponder.
6.-The lock with optical coin detection according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control module is configured to check the access information inputted by the user through the interaction means.