WO2005093192A1 - Lock mechanism - Google Patents

Lock mechanism Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2005093192A1
WO2005093192A1 PCT/GB2005/001143 GB2005001143W WO2005093192A1 WO 2005093192 A1 WO2005093192 A1 WO 2005093192A1 GB 2005001143 W GB2005001143 W GB 2005001143W WO 2005093192 A1 WO2005093192 A1 WO 2005093192A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
lock mechanism
retaining member
lock
control unit
housing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2005/001143
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Alan James Maple
Ian Martin Lennard
Original Assignee
Alan James Maple
Ian Martin Lennard
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Alan James Maple, Ian Martin Lennard filed Critical Alan James Maple
Priority to DE200560004903 priority Critical patent/DE602005004903D1/en
Priority to US10/599,198 priority patent/US20080229792A1/en
Priority to EP05718119A priority patent/EP1738045B1/en
Publication of WO2005093192A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005093192A1/en
Priority to US12/785,819 priority patent/US20100225440A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05BLOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B39/00Locks giving indication of authorised or unauthorised unlocking
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05BLOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B77/00Vehicle locks characterised by special functions or purposes
    • E05B77/34Protection against weather or dirt, e.g. against water ingress
    • GPHYSICS
    • G09EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09FDISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F3/00Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
    • G09F3/02Forms or constructions
    • G09F3/03Forms or constructions of security seals
    • G09F3/0305Forms or constructions of security seals characterised by the type of seal used
    • G09F3/0347Forms or constructions of security seals characterised by the type of seal used having padlock-type sealing means
    • G09F3/0358Forms or constructions of security seals characterised by the type of seal used having padlock-type sealing means using a rigid hasp lock
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05BLOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B17/00Accessories in connection with locks
    • E05B17/002Weather or dirt protection
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05BLOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B17/00Accessories in connection with locks
    • E05B17/10Illuminating devices on or for locks or keys; Transparent or translucent lock parts; Indicator lights
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05BLOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B47/00Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
    • E05B47/0001Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof
    • E05B2047/0014Constructional features of actuators or power transmissions therefor
    • E05B2047/0015Output elements of actuators
    • E05B2047/0016Output elements of actuators with linearly reciprocating motion
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05BLOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B47/00Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
    • E05B47/0001Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof
    • E05B2047/0014Constructional features of actuators or power transmissions therefor
    • E05B2047/0018Details of actuator transmissions
    • E05B2047/002Geared transmissions
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05BLOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B47/00Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
    • E05B47/0001Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof
    • E05B47/0012Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof with rotary electromotors
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05BLOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B67/00Padlocks; Details thereof
    • E05B67/06Shackles; Arrangement of the shackle
    • E05B67/22Padlocks with sliding shackles, with or without rotary or pivotal movement
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05BLOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B83/00Vehicle locks specially adapted for particular types of wing or vehicle
    • E05B83/02Locks for railway freight-cars, freight containers or the like; Locks for the cargo compartments of commercial lorries, trucks or vans
    • E05B83/12Locks for railway freight-cars, freight containers or the like; Locks for the cargo compartments of commercial lorries, trucks or vans for back doors of vans
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T292/00Closure fasteners
    • Y10T292/48Seals
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T70/00Locks
    • Y10T70/40Portable
    • Y10T70/413Padlocks
    • Y10T70/487Parts, accessories, attachments and adjuncts
    • Y10T70/489Housings
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T70/00Locks
    • Y10T70/40Portable
    • Y10T70/413Padlocks
    • Y10T70/487Parts, accessories, attachments and adjuncts
    • Y10T70/491Shackles
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T70/00Locks
    • Y10T70/50Special application
    • Y10T70/5093For closures
    • Y10T70/5155Door
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T70/00Locks
    • Y10T70/60Systems
    • Y10T70/625Operation and control
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T70/00Locks
    • Y10T70/70Operating mechanism
    • Y10T70/7051Using a powered device [e.g., motor]
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T70/00Locks
    • Y10T70/70Operating mechanism
    • Y10T70/7051Using a powered device [e.g., motor]
    • Y10T70/7062Electrical type [e.g., solenoid]
    • Y10T70/7102And details of blocking system [e.g., linkage, latch, pawl, spring]
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T70/00Locks
    • Y10T70/80Parts, attachments, accessories and adjuncts
    • Y10T70/8027Condition indicators

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a lock mechanism.
  • this invention concerns a lock mechanism suitable for use on a sliding or hinged door of an access opening to a goods compartment, such as on a vehicle, a cargo container, a rail wagon or the like. Access openings to goods compartments such as on the above frequently have doors which must be locked shut, in order to prevent unauthorised access to the compartment.
  • lock mechanisms designed to fulfil this purpose, ranging from simple bolts which may be mechanically secured in the locked position when a door associated with the bolt has been closed and the bolt has been shot home, to complex remote controlled lock mechanisms, operated for example pneumatically or by an electric actuator.
  • a problem with these various lock mechanisms is that if, following authorised access to a goods compartment, a door is shut and then locked in its closed position, and is still shut and locked when access is required again, there has to be a presumption that there has been no unauthorised access since the door was last locked. However, there may have been unauthorised access performed in such a way that following that unauthorised access the door was shut and locked without leaving a trace of the unauthorised access. In an attempt to address this problem there have been proposals for lock mechanisms which incorporate a seal arrangement, wherein a seal will be broken in the event that the lock mechanism has been freed in an unauthorised manner to allow access to the compartment, even if the lock mechanism is locked once more, following closing of the door.
  • a lock mechanism for use with a component to be locked by the mechanism and which is securable to the lock mechanism or is releasable therefrom, which lock mechanism comprises: - a housing having a bore in which is slidably received a retaining member movable between a first position where the retaining member may be engaged with said component and a second position where the retaining member is disposed deeper in the bore and cannot be disengaged from said component; - a catch member movable between active and inactive positions, the catch member being in its inactive position when the retaining member is in its first position but on moving the retaining member to its second position the catch member moves to its active position engaged with the retaining member to hold the retaining member in its second position, until the catch member is moved back to its inactive position again to free
  • the component to be locked by the mechanism may comprise an elongate tension member which may be coupled to the retaining member and which may be passed through apertures provided on the goods compartment door and frame, or a second door.
  • Such a component may have loops at its two ends for coupling with the retaining member.
  • the retaining member may be configured to permit the connection thereto of an enlarged head at one end of the component.
  • the other end of the component may be secured to a fixed item or even the lock housing, or by appropriate configuration of the retaining member, both ends of the component may have enlarged heads for connection to the retaining member.
  • the component with which the lock mechanism is used serves as a seal arrangement. As such, the component does not need to be of high strength for it need not provide the primary locking function of the lock mechanism. However, release of the component from the lock mechanism is necessary in order to free a compartment door for opening and so the component may perform this sealing function. Sealing is initiated by closing the compartment door and engaging the component with the retaining member, following which the retaining member is moved to its second position and then is held there by the catch member.
  • Sealing is completed by providing said external signal to the control unit which then operates the auxiliary lock to hold the retaining member in its second position.
  • said input is supplied to the control unit and provided sealing was completed properly, the control unit drives the indicator to its first indicating state. So long as the integrity of the sealing is maintained, the indicator may continue in its first indicating state. In the event that an attempt is made to release the lock mechanism in an unauthorised manner by operating the catch member, a corresponding input is supplied to the control unit which then is able to log that fact.
  • the retaining member cannot move to its first position notwithstanding the operation of the catch member because the retaining member is held in its second position by the auxiliary lock and so the integrity of the seal is not broken, and the indicator may continue in its first indicating state or give an indication that the catch member has been operated but that the integrity of the seal has not been broken.
  • a driver or other authorised person is required to gain access to the goods compartment even though not all of the goods within the compartment have reached the ultimate destination. The driver may then release the lock mechanism firstly by providing an appropriate external signal thereto and then by operating the catch member so as to free the component.
  • the indicator will be driven to its second indicating state, to show that there has been authorised access since the initial sealing.
  • the indicator may have a third state to show that integrity of the compartment seal has been breached and that there may have been unauthorised tampering with the goods within the compartment, or that the retaining member has been moved to its second position but that the seal has not properly been completed, for example by using an appropriate key.
  • the indicator has at least two indicator lights, but preferably three such lights, which are selectively driven depending upon the locking condition of the lock mechanism.
  • the auxiliary lock may include a lock member having locked and free positions. When the retaining member is in its second position, the lock member may be driven to its locked position, to engage the retaining member and so prevent movement of the retaining member from its second position. Thus, the lock member will prevent the retaining member moving to permit release of the component from the retaining member, unless the lock mechanism has deliberately been unsealed.
  • the lock member may be in the form of a plate having an aperture through which the retaining member passes, the retaining member having a recess in which an edge of the plate defining the aperture may engage, on the lock member moving to its locked position.
  • the lock member may include a plunger mounted within the housing and when in its locked position engages a circumferential groove formed in the retaining member, and also a power-driven actuator to control movement of the plunger.
  • the actuator may have an electric motor which rotates a component to block or permit sliding movement of the plunger.
  • the actuator should be controlled by the control unit.
  • the external signal supplied to the control unit to effect sealing thereof may be furnished by a card supplied to a card reader associated with the control unit, the card carrying information to be read therefrom.
  • the card is in the form of a "smart-card" which may be inserted into the control unit or which may be indirectly interrogated by offering the card close to the control unit.
  • the control unit may include a receiver for electromagnetic waves of a particular frequency such as radio waves or infrared, whereby sealing of the lock mechanism may be performed remotely by a suitably tuned transmitter transmitting waves appropriately encoded to perform the sealing function.
  • the housing has two parallel bores each containing a respective retaining member the arrangement of each of which being essentially the same, whereby the two ends of a component in the form of a flexible cable may be coupled to the two retaining members respectively and so retained within the housing of the lock mechanism when sealing is performed.
  • the retaining member may be in the form of a U-shaped shackle one end of which is free of the housing when the retaining member is in its first position, that one end being received in a further bore in the housing when the retaining member is in its second position.
  • the catch member may interact with an intermediate portion of the or each retaining member which intermediate portion is of reduced cross-section, whereby the catch member may hold the or each retaining member in its second position by engaging said intermediate portion.
  • the catch member may be slidably mounted in a bore extending transversely to and partially intersecting the bores in which the retaining members are received the catch member having large and small diameter parts which when aligned with the retaining member bores correspond respectively to the active and inactive positions of the catch member.
  • the catch member is spring-urged to its active position.
  • the electronic control unit may be disposed in a separate housing which may be mounted remotely from the housing supporting the retaining member, to facilitate access by an operator.
  • This invention extends to the combination of a lock mechanism of this invention as described above and a goods compartment having an access opening provided with a door to close that opening, wherein the retaining member may be engaged with a component associated with the compartment door, thereafter to prevent opening of the door without breaking the component.
  • Figure 1 is a front view of the lock mechanism housing, with a sealing component removed from the two retaining members;
  • Figure 2 is a view of the lower side edge of the housing;
  • Figure 3 is a side view of the housing of Figure 1 but with the retaining members withdrawn into the mechanism;
  • Figure 4 is a view similar to that of Figure 1 , but with a cover removed;
  • Figure 5 is an exploded diagrammatic view showing the important mechanical parts of the mechanism of Figure 1 ;
  • Figures 6A and 6B are respectively sectional and end views on the auxiliary lock for locking the retaining members, when the lock mechanism is sealed and locked;
  • Figures 7A and 7B are similar to Figures 6A and 6B but showing the lock mechanism when unlocked;
  • Figure 8 is a front view of a modified form of the lock mechanism housing of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 9 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of lock mechanism with the retaining member in its first (open
  • the embodiments of sealable lock mechanism are intended for use with a goods compartment having an access opening and at least one door to close that opening.
  • two doors may be provided for the one access opening, and arranged so that one door must be closed first, whereafter the other door may be closed and locked shut, the other door overlapping the one door to a small extent so that the one door also is effectively locked shut.
  • FIGs 1 to 4 there is shown the housing 10 of the embodiment of sealable lock mechanism.
  • the housing 10 is of generally rectangular form having a base 11 with holes 12 through which mounting screws (not shown) may pass to secure the housing for example to a fixed part of a goods compartment or in the case of a goods compartment with two doors, to one of the doors.
  • a cover 13 is held to the base 11 by screws passing through holes 14 accessible only from the rear of the base, whereby access may be gained to the components mounted within the housing 10.
  • An electronic control unit 15 is mounted within a compartment 16 in the housing 10, and carries three seal status LEDs 17,18,19 which are visible through corresponding windows in the cover 13.
  • the cover carries the legends "SEALED”, "DRIVER SEALED” and "SEAL BROKEN” adjacent each LED respectively.
  • the control unit includes means responsive to an external signal in order to control operation of the lock mechanism and in particular the sealing function thereof.
  • the external signal may be provided by interrogating a smart-card held closely adjacent the housing 10, or there may be a receiver for an electromagnetic wave of an appropriate frequency and suitably encoded.
  • a locking unit 23 is mounted on the base 11 and will be described in further detail below.
  • the locking unit 23 has slidably mounted therein a pair of retainers the end portions 24 of which are shown in Figure 1 , projecting below the lower edge of the housing.
  • Each end portion 24 is formed with a transverse slot 25 the cross-section of which is increased at the end of the slot remote from the free end of the retainer.
  • Also contained within the housing 10 are a plurality of batteries 26 in order that the lock mechanism may be self-contained and not require an external source of electric current. Certain details of the locking unit 23 are shown in Figures 5, 6A, 6B, 7A and 7B.
  • the locking unit has a body 28 in which is provided a pair of parallel bores 29 in each of which is carried a respective retainer 30.
  • Each retainer is movable between a first position shown in Figures 1 and 5 where the retainer end portion 24 projects from the body, to a second position where the retainer is substantially wholly disposed within its bore.
  • Intermediate the ends of the retainer is a portion 31 of reduced cross-section and a catch member 32 is operable to engage that portion of reduced cross-section, to hold the retainer in its second position, once moved thereto.
  • the catch member 32 is slidably mounted in a bore 34 extending transversely to and intersecting bores 29, centrally therebetween.
  • the catch member has a wedging part 35 carried on a pin 36 having an enlarged head 37, a spring 38 being provided to urge the catch member 32 to a position where the end face of the enlarged head is essentially flush with the outer surface of the cover 13, when fitted to the base 11.
  • the wedging part 35 is mostly cylindrical but has a conical surface 39 which cooperates with the enlarged head 37 to define a groove therebetween.
  • a peg 40 projects from the cylindrical region of the wedging part and cooperates with an electrical microswitch 41 mounted on the base 11 and connected to the electronic control unit 15. Movement of the retainers 30 to their first positions is possible only when the groove of the catch member is aligned with the parallel bores 29 so that the portions 31 of the retainers may move away from bore 30 carrying the catch member 32.
  • Such movement of the catch member is performed by depressing the exposed end face of the enlarged head 37 of the catch member, against the action of spring 38.
  • the catch member moves under the action of spring 38 to bring the cylindrical part thereof into alignment with the bores 29 and so locating in the portions 31 of reduced cross-section of the retainers.
  • the catch member then resists movement of the retainers back to their respective first positions until the catch member is once more depressed.
  • the end portion 24 of each retainer has a transverse slot 25 as has been described above, in which may be received the end 43 of a flexible cable 44 serving as a sealing component for securing the doors of the goods compartment.
  • the flexible cable is in the form of a Bowden cable having an outer sheath 45 and a steel inner cable fitted with cylindrical nipples 46 at its free ends.
  • the two ends of the cable 44 may be engaged with the two retainer end portions 24 respectively, by transverse movement of each cable end with respect to the axis of the retainer with which that end is to be engaged, the nipple 46 fitting into the enlarged part of the slot until the cable end extends coaxially with the retainer.
  • the cable end may be pushed towards the interior of the housing, so moving the retainer from its first position shown in Figures 1 and 5 to its second position. Once at least the enlarged part of the slot is disposed within the bore 29, the cable end cannot be freed from the retainer.
  • the auxiliary lock is provided for the retainers, to hold those retainers in their second positions irrespective of actuation of the catch member 32.
  • the auxiliary lock has a plate 47 slidably mounted in a groove 48 provided in the body 28 of the locking unit 23, adjacent the internal ends of the bores 29 such that the plane of the plate is at 90° to the plane containing the axes of the bores 29.
  • a row of teeth 49 engageable by a pinion 50 driven by an electric motor 51 including an integral gearbox to reduce the rotational speed of the pinion as compared to that of the motor armature.
  • a slot 53 is formed through the plate 47, the slot having two circular portions 54 connected by a linear portion 55 and which extends beyond one of the portions 54.
  • Each retainer 30 has a washer 56 secured to its inner end by means of a screw 57, the washer being accommodated within a counter-bore 58 provided within the body 28.
  • the diameter of the washer 56 is slightly less than the diameter of the corresponding circular portion 54 of the plate 47 so that when suitably aligned, the washer may pass therethrough.
  • the diameter of the adjacent part of the retainer is slightly less than the width of the linear portion 56 of the plate so that the retainer may locate therein.
  • Figures 7A and 7B show the retainers in their first positions where the ends 43 of the flexible cable 44 have been engaged with the end portions 24 of the retainers and the plate 47 is moved to a position where its circular portions 54 are aligned with the bores 29. As discussed above, the catch member 32 is in its inactive position.
  • the washers 56 are disposed on the other side of the plate 47 so that the plate may be moved to the position shown in Figures 6A and 6B.
  • the catch member moves under the action of spring 38 to its active position to hold the retainers in their second positions. Even if the catch member is moved to its inactive position the retainers cannot move back to their first positions by virtue of the locking action of the plate 47.
  • the housing 10 is secured to a door or the compartment, such that the flexible cable may be passed through a suitable component associated with the compartment or door, to prevent opening of the door once closed without breaking or releasing the cable.
  • the door or doors are closed and locked shut and then the flexible cable is passed through said component and the ends of the cable are engaged with the end portions 24 of the retainers 30.
  • the retainers are moved to their second positions by grasping the cable and pushing it inwardly of the housing, the retainers then being held at their second positions by the automatic action of the catch member 32. This operates the microswitch 41 so notifying the control unit 15 that both retainers are in their second positions.
  • the lock mechanism may now be sealed by providing the external signal to the control unit. This may be achieved by an operator who has a master sealing smart-card and presenting that card to the housing for interrogation by the control unit.
  • control unit So long as a correct interrogation is achieved, the control unit will be set to a "sealed” status and LED 17, designated “SEALED” will be illuminated. Concurrently, the motor 51 is driven to move the plate 47 to the position shown in Figures 6A and 6B. On arrival of the vehicle at the destination for the goods in the compartment, the status of the lock mechanism may be checked. If LED 17 is still illuminated, the recipient of the goods may be assured that the integrity of the seal has been maintained since loading of the compartment and so accept the delivery. It sometimes is necessary for a compartment to be opened before the carried goods reach their destination.
  • the microswitch 41 will be operated though the retaining members will be held in their second positions by virtue of the interaction between the plate 47 and the retainers 30.
  • the control unit may give an indication that the lock mechanism has been tampered with but the integrity of the seal has not been broken, for example by causing LED 17 to flash.
  • LED 19 may also be illuminated if the sealing of the system has not properly been completed, for example should the retainers 30 be moved to their second positions so operating the microswitch 41 but the lock mechanism is not sealed by providing the external signal to the control unit.
  • the control unit may be arranged to illuminate the appropriate LED only for a short period of time, following a request for the lock status. This may be obtained by providing a status switch, or by the control unit having a proximity detector responding to the presence of a hand or other object close to the housing.
  • Figure 8 shows a modified form of housing differing from that described above only in that there is provided a four-digit symbol display 60 driven by the control unit.
  • the same reference numbers are used in Figure 8 to show the same parts as those of Figure 1.
  • the display 60 could be provided instead of the LEDs or in addition thereto. In the former case, the display could show legends to indicate the seal status of the lock mechanism. In the latter case, the display could be used to show a random number which is generated each time the mechanism is sealed. The number may be separately noted when the compartment is first sealed and then compared to a record made of that random number, when the compartment is to be opened at a delivery destination. In that way, a further check on the integrity of the sealing of the compartment may be made.
  • FIGS 9 to 12 show a second embodiment of lock mechanism of this invention and functionally like parts (though perhaps differing in physical appearance) are given like reference characters and will not be described again in detail here.
  • the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in two principal respects.
  • a shackle 62 mounted in one bore 29, the free end 63 of the shackle 62 being receivable in the other bore 29 when the shackle is in its second position but that free end being clear of the housing 10 when the shackle is in its first position and so freely rotatable about the axis of said one bore.
  • the locking unit 64 though similar to the locking unit 23, is arranged to interact only with arm 65 of the shackle 62 which remains in the housing when the shackle is in its first position.
  • the lock mechanism of the second embodiment more resembles a conventional padlock than does the first embodiment.
  • shackle 62 By providing a shackle 62, operation of the lock mechanism is more familiar to a user. Also, though the shackle may be used with a flexible cable 44, rather than providing nipples 46 on the ends of the cable, there should be formed simple loops at each end and through which the shackle 62 may be passed. Arm 65 of the shackle is formed with a notch 66 for interaction with the catch member 32. As the rotational position of the shackle will be defined when the shackle is moved to its second position, there is no need for the notch 66 to extend circumferentially.
  • Arm 65 is further provided with a circumferential groove 67 adjacent its innermost end, which groove is engageable by a plunger forming a part of the locking unit 64 when the shackle is in its second position.
  • the plunger comprises a pin 68 and a ball 69 mounted in a transverse bore formed in the housing, the pin 68 being urged by spring 70 to project ball 69 partially out of its bore, that bore having a reduced diameter entrance to ensure the ball 69 cannot leave its bore.
  • the locking unit 64 includes a motor 71 carrying a boss 72 rotatable through 90° and having a transverse hole 73 which may be brought into alignment with the pin 68.
  • the pin 68 When the shackle 62 is in its second position as shown in Figure 10, the pin 68 is spring urged to the right ( Figure 10), to push ball 69 partially out of its bore. On moving the shackle from its second position to its first (open) position, the ball and pin are moved to the left by the end of the shackle within the bore ( Figure 11 ) but the pin 68 may move to the left only when hole 73 in boss 72 is aligned with the pin. When the shackle is in its first position, the ball and pin can move once more to the right to engage the ball 69 in groove 67.
  • the shackle may be moved from its second position to its first position or from its first position to its second position, only when the hole 73 is aligned with the pin 68.
  • movement from the second position is possible only once the catch member 32 has been depressed.
  • the shackle is in its second position and sealing has been effected by causing the motor to turn boss 72 through 90° so preventing ball 69 moving out of groove 67, the shackle 62 is retained in its second position irrespective of operation of the catch member 32.
  • a seal member 74 is fitted to the bore 29 through which arm 65 extends. Water cannot enter the housing through the other bore 29 for receiving the free end of the shackle, as that bore is blind.
  • this second embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 7, including the functionality thereof, and so will not be described again here.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
  • Switches With Compound Operations (AREA)
  • Endoscopes (AREA)
  • Burglar Alarm Systems (AREA)

Abstract

A lock mechanism for sealing a goods compartment has a housing (10) supporting a shackle (62) movable between open and closed positions to permit hoops on the ends of an elongate sealing member (44) to be connected thereto and then held thereby. The shackle (62) is retained in its closed position by a spying loaded push-button (32) and also by an auxiliary lock (64) including an electric actuator (71) controlled by a control unit (15). The housing (10) has a display device (17,18,19) to indicate the lacking condition and sealing of the mechanism and also has a proximity card reader adapted to read information from a presented smartcard, operation of the auxiliary lock (64) being controlled by presentation of an appropriate smartcard.

Description

LOCK MECHANISM This invention relates to a lock mechanism. In particular, but not exclusively, this invention concerns a lock mechanism suitable for use on a sliding or hinged door of an access opening to a goods compartment, such as on a vehicle, a cargo container, a rail wagon or the like. Access openings to goods compartments such as on the above frequently have doors which must be locked shut, in order to prevent unauthorised access to the compartment. There have been numerous lock mechanisms designed to fulfil this purpose, ranging from simple bolts which may be mechanically secured in the locked position when a door associated with the bolt has been closed and the bolt has been shot home, to complex remote controlled lock mechanisms, operated for example pneumatically or by an electric actuator. A problem with these various lock mechanisms is that if, following authorised access to a goods compartment, a door is shut and then locked in its closed position, and is still shut and locked when access is required again, there has to be a presumption that there has been no unauthorised access since the door was last locked. However, there may have been unauthorised access performed in such a way that following that unauthorised access the door was shut and locked without leaving a trace of the unauthorised access. In an attempt to address this problem there have been proposals for lock mechanisms which incorporate a seal arrangement, wherein a seal will be broken in the event that the lock mechanism has been freed in an unauthorised manner to allow access to the compartment, even if the lock mechanism is locked once more, following closing of the door. Such mechanisms are satisfactory for several situations but a problem may still arise with mobile goods compartments such as may be found on motor vehicles. Even if the door to such a goods compartment is sealed for example at a depot where the compartment is loaded with goods, there may have been no unauthorised access to the compartment and yet the seal might be broken when the vehicle arrives at its intended destination. For example, the vehicle may have been parked somewhere for a period of time and a third party may have tampered with the lock mechanism so breaking the seal but without gaining access. As the seal has been broken, faith in the integrity of the goods within the compartment will be lost. If the vehicle is carrying foodstuffs, the risk that those goods might have been tampered with is too great and the entire consignment must be condemned. It is a principal aim of the present invention to address the above problem and so to provide a lock mechanism which is capable of giving a greater degree of security than can be achieved with the known forms of lock mechanisms having a sealing arrangement. According to this invention, there is provided a lock mechanism for use with a component to be locked by the mechanism and which is securable to the lock mechanism or is releasable therefrom, which lock mechanism comprises: - a housing having a bore in which is slidably received a retaining member movable between a first position where the retaining member may be engaged with said component and a second position where the retaining member is disposed deeper in the bore and cannot be disengaged from said component; - a catch member movable between active and inactive positions, the catch member being in its inactive position when the retaining member is in its first position but on moving the retaining member to its second position the catch member moves to its active position engaged with the retaining member to hold the retaining member in its second position, until the catch member is moved back to its inactive position again to free the retaining member for movement to its first position; - an auxiliary lock for the retaining member which auxiliary lock is operable to hold the retaining member in its second position irrespective of operation of the catch member to its inactive position; - an indicator for indicating the locking condition of the mechanism and having at least two indicating states; and - an electronic control unit driving the indicator, the catch member controlling an input to the control unit to indicate when the catch member is in its active position, and the control unit being responsive to an external signal to effect sealing of the lock mechanism and to operate the auxiliary lock, whereby a first indicating state of the indicator may show whether sealing of the lock mechanism is intact and a second indicating state may show whether an attempt has been made to release the lock mechanism since the lock mechanism was last sealed. Though the lock mechanism of this invention as described above may be used in a variety of situations, its principal use is with a door for closing an access opening to a goods compartment. As such, the invention will be described exclusively with reference to that use, in the following. The component to be locked by the mechanism may comprise an elongate tension member which may be coupled to the retaining member and which may be passed through apertures provided on the goods compartment door and frame, or a second door. Such a component may have loops at its two ends for coupling with the retaining member. In the alternative, the retaining member may be configured to permit the connection thereto of an enlarged head at one end of the component. The other end of the component may be secured to a fixed item or even the lock housing, or by appropriate configuration of the retaining member, both ends of the component may have enlarged heads for connection to the retaining member. The component with which the lock mechanism is used serves as a seal arrangement. As such, the component does not need to be of high strength for it need not provide the primary locking function of the lock mechanism. However, release of the component from the lock mechanism is necessary in order to free a compartment door for opening and so the component may perform this sealing function. Sealing is initiated by closing the compartment door and engaging the component with the retaining member, following which the retaining member is moved to its second position and then is held there by the catch member. Sealing is completed by providing said external signal to the control unit which then operates the auxiliary lock to hold the retaining member in its second position. Upon the catch member moving to its active position said input is supplied to the control unit and provided sealing was completed properly, the control unit drives the indicator to its first indicating state. So long as the integrity of the sealing is maintained, the indicator may continue in its first indicating state. In the event that an attempt is made to release the lock mechanism in an unauthorised manner by operating the catch member, a corresponding input is supplied to the control unit which then is able to log that fact. However, the retaining member cannot move to its first position notwithstanding the operation of the catch member because the retaining member is held in its second position by the auxiliary lock and so the integrity of the seal is not broken, and the indicator may continue in its first indicating state or give an indication that the catch member has been operated but that the integrity of the seal has not been broken. Sometimes it happens that a driver or other authorised person is required to gain access to the goods compartment even though not all of the goods within the compartment have reached the ultimate destination. The driver may then release the lock mechanism firstly by providing an appropriate external signal thereto and then by operating the catch member so as to free the component. Following authorised access to the compartment, the driver or other authorised person may reseal the compartment but then the indicator will be driven to its second indicating state, to show that there has been authorised access since the initial sealing. The indicator may have a third state to show that integrity of the compartment seal has been breached and that there may have been unauthorised tampering with the goods within the compartment, or that the retaining member has been moved to its second position but that the seal has not properly been completed, for example by using an appropriate key. Conveniently, the indicator has at least two indicator lights, but preferably three such lights, which are selectively driven depending upon the locking condition of the lock mechanism. For example, there may be green, amber and red lights, the green light being illuminated to show the first state, and the green light flashing to show the second state. The amber light may be illuminated to show the third state and the red light to show the fourth state. The lights need not be illuminated continuously; means may be arranged to cause illumination of the appropriate light whenever it is wished to interrogate the integrity of the seal. The auxiliary lock may include a lock member having locked and free positions. When the retaining member is in its second position, the lock member may be driven to its locked position, to engage the retaining member and so prevent movement of the retaining member from its second position. Thus, the lock member will prevent the retaining member moving to permit release of the component from the retaining member, unless the lock mechanism has deliberately been unsealed. The lock member may be in the form of a plate having an aperture through which the retaining member passes, the retaining member having a recess in which an edge of the plate defining the aperture may engage, on the lock member moving to its locked position. Alternatively, the lock member may include a plunger mounted within the housing and when in its locked position engages a circumferential groove formed in the retaining member, and also a power-driven actuator to control movement of the plunger. The actuator may have an electric motor which rotates a component to block or permit sliding movement of the plunger. The actuator should be controlled by the control unit. The external signal supplied to the control unit to effect sealing thereof may be furnished by a card supplied to a card reader associated with the control unit, the card carrying information to be read therefrom. Preferably, the card is in the form of a "smart-card" which may be inserted into the control unit or which may be indirectly interrogated by offering the card close to the control unit. Another possibility is for the control unit to include a receiver for electromagnetic waves of a particular frequency such as radio waves or infrared, whereby sealing of the lock mechanism may be performed remotely by a suitably tuned transmitter transmitting waves appropriately encoded to perform the sealing function. In one embodiment, the housing has two parallel bores each containing a respective retaining member the arrangement of each of which being essentially the same, whereby the two ends of a component in the form of a flexible cable may be coupled to the two retaining members respectively and so retained within the housing of the lock mechanism when sealing is performed. In an alternative, the retaining member may be in the form of a U-shaped shackle one end of which is free of the housing when the retaining member is in its first position, that one end being received in a further bore in the housing when the retaining member is in its second position. The catch member may interact with an intermediate portion of the or each retaining member which intermediate portion is of reduced cross-section, whereby the catch member may hold the or each retaining member in its second position by engaging said intermediate portion. For example, the catch member may be slidably mounted in a bore extending transversely to and partially intersecting the bores in which the retaining members are received the catch member having large and small diameter parts which when aligned with the retaining member bores correspond respectively to the active and inactive positions of the catch member. Preferably, the catch member is spring-urged to its active position. The electronic control unit may be disposed in a separate housing which may be mounted remotely from the housing supporting the retaining member, to facilitate access by an operator. This invention extends to the combination of a lock mechanism of this invention as described above and a goods compartment having an access opening provided with a door to close that opening, wherein the retaining member may be engaged with a component associated with the compartment door, thereafter to prevent opening of the door without breaking the component. By way of example only, two specific embodiments of sealable lock mechanism of this invention will now be described in detail, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:- Figure 1 is a front view of the lock mechanism housing, with a sealing component removed from the two retaining members; Figure 2 is a view of the lower side edge of the housing; Figure 3 is a side view of the housing of Figure 1 but with the retaining members withdrawn into the mechanism; Figure 4 is a view similar to that of Figure 1 , but with a cover removed; Figure 5 is an exploded diagrammatic view showing the important mechanical parts of the mechanism of Figure 1 ; Figures 6A and 6B are respectively sectional and end views on the auxiliary lock for locking the retaining members, when the lock mechanism is sealed and locked; Figures 7A and 7B are similar to Figures 6A and 6B but showing the lock mechanism when unlocked; Figure 8 is a front view of a modified form of the lock mechanism housing of Figure 1 ; Figure 9 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of lock mechanism with the retaining member in its first (open) position; Figure 10 is a cross-section through the lock mechanism of Figure 9, in a locked closed (second) position; Figure 11 is a view similar to that of Figure 10 but in a setting intermediate the first and second positions; and Figure 12 is an exploded view of the lock mechanism of Figure 9. The embodiments of sealable lock mechanism are intended for use with a goods compartment having an access opening and at least one door to close that opening. Typically, two doors may be provided for the one access opening, and arranged so that one door must be closed first, whereafter the other door may be closed and locked shut, the other door overlapping the one door to a small extent so that the one door also is effectively locked shut. Referring initially to Figures 1 to 4 there is shown the housing 10 of the embodiment of sealable lock mechanism. The housing 10 is of generally rectangular form having a base 11 with holes 12 through which mounting screws (not shown) may pass to secure the housing for example to a fixed part of a goods compartment or in the case of a goods compartment with two doors, to one of the doors. A cover 13 is held to the base 11 by screws passing through holes 14 accessible only from the rear of the base, whereby access may be gained to the components mounted within the housing 10. An electronic control unit 15 is mounted within a compartment 16 in the housing 10, and carries three seal status LEDs 17,18,19 which are visible through corresponding windows in the cover 13. The cover carries the legends "SEALED", "DRIVER SEALED" and "SEAL BROKEN" adjacent each LED respectively. The control unit includes means responsive to an external signal in order to control operation of the lock mechanism and in particular the sealing function thereof. The external signal may be provided by interrogating a smart-card held closely adjacent the housing 10, or there may be a receiver for an electromagnetic wave of an appropriate frequency and suitably encoded. An end face 20 of a catch member (described below) is exposed through a hole 21 in the cover. A locking unit 23 is mounted on the base 11 and will be described in further detail below. The locking unit 23 has slidably mounted therein a pair of retainers the end portions 24 of which are shown in Figure 1 , projecting below the lower edge of the housing. Each end portion 24 is formed with a transverse slot 25 the cross-section of which is increased at the end of the slot remote from the free end of the retainer. Also contained within the housing 10 are a plurality of batteries 26 in order that the lock mechanism may be self-contained and not require an external source of electric current. Certain details of the locking unit 23 are shown in Figures 5, 6A, 6B, 7A and 7B. The locking unit has a body 28 in which is provided a pair of parallel bores 29 in each of which is carried a respective retainer 30. Each retainer is movable between a first position shown in Figures 1 and 5 where the retainer end portion 24 projects from the body, to a second position where the retainer is substantially wholly disposed within its bore. Intermediate the ends of the retainer is a portion 31 of reduced cross-section and a catch member 32 is operable to engage that portion of reduced cross-section, to hold the retainer in its second position, once moved thereto. The catch member 32 is slidably mounted in a bore 34 extending transversely to and intersecting bores 29, centrally therebetween. The catch member has a wedging part 35 carried on a pin 36 having an enlarged head 37, a spring 38 being provided to urge the catch member 32 to a position where the end face of the enlarged head is essentially flush with the outer surface of the cover 13, when fitted to the base 11. The wedging part 35 is mostly cylindrical but has a conical surface 39 which cooperates with the enlarged head 37 to define a groove therebetween. A peg 40 projects from the cylindrical region of the wedging part and cooperates with an electrical microswitch 41 mounted on the base 11 and connected to the electronic control unit 15. Movement of the retainers 30 to their first positions is possible only when the groove of the catch member is aligned with the parallel bores 29 so that the portions 31 of the retainers may move away from bore 30 carrying the catch member 32. Such movement of the catch member is performed by depressing the exposed end face of the enlarged head 37 of the catch member, against the action of spring 38. When the retainers are moved to their second positions, where the end portions 24 thereof are disposed within the bores 29, the catch member moves under the action of spring 38 to bring the cylindrical part thereof into alignment with the bores 29 and so locating in the portions 31 of reduced cross-section of the retainers. As such, the catch member then resists movement of the retainers back to their respective first positions until the catch member is once more depressed. The end portion 24 of each retainer has a transverse slot 25 as has been described above, in which may be received the end 43 of a flexible cable 44 serving as a sealing component for securing the doors of the goods compartment. As shown, the flexible cable is in the form of a Bowden cable having an outer sheath 45 and a steel inner cable fitted with cylindrical nipples 46 at its free ends. The two ends of the cable 44 may be engaged with the two retainer end portions 24 respectively, by transverse movement of each cable end with respect to the axis of the retainer with which that end is to be engaged, the nipple 46 fitting into the enlarged part of the slot until the cable end extends coaxially with the retainer. Once so engaged, the cable end may be pushed towards the interior of the housing, so moving the retainer from its first position shown in Figures 1 and 5 to its second position. Once at least the enlarged part of the slot is disposed within the bore 29, the cable end cannot be freed from the retainer. An auxiliary lock is provided for the retainers, to hold those retainers in their second positions irrespective of actuation of the catch member 32. The auxiliary lock has a plate 47 slidably mounted in a groove 48 provided in the body 28 of the locking unit 23, adjacent the internal ends of the bores 29 such that the plane of the plate is at 90° to the plane containing the axes of the bores 29. Along one edge of the plate there is provided a row of teeth 49 engageable by a pinion 50 driven by an electric motor 51 including an integral gearbox to reduce the rotational speed of the pinion as compared to that of the motor armature. A slot 53 is formed through the plate 47, the slot having two circular portions 54 connected by a linear portion 55 and which extends beyond one of the portions 54. Each retainer 30 has a washer 56 secured to its inner end by means of a screw 57, the washer being accommodated within a counter-bore 58 provided within the body 28. The diameter of the washer 56 is slightly less than the diameter of the corresponding circular portion 54 of the plate 47 so that when suitably aligned, the washer may pass therethrough. The diameter of the adjacent part of the retainer is slightly less than the width of the linear portion 56 of the plate so that the retainer may locate therein. Figures 7A and 7B show the retainers in their first positions where the ends 43 of the flexible cable 44 have been engaged with the end portions 24 of the retainers and the plate 47 is moved to a position where its circular portions 54 are aligned with the bores 29. As discussed above, the catch member 32 is in its inactive position. When the retainers have been moved to their second positions, the washers 56 are disposed on the other side of the plate 47 so that the plate may be moved to the position shown in Figures 6A and 6B. The catch member moves under the action of spring 38 to its active position to hold the retainers in their second positions. Even if the catch member is moved to its inactive position the retainers cannot move back to their first positions by virtue of the locking action of the plate 47. In use, the housing 10 is secured to a door or the compartment, such that the flexible cable may be passed through a suitable component associated with the compartment or door, to prevent opening of the door once closed without breaking or releasing the cable. After loading the compartment with goods to be transported elsewhere, the door or doors are closed and locked shut and then the flexible cable is passed through said component and the ends of the cable are engaged with the end portions 24 of the retainers 30. The retainers are moved to their second positions by grasping the cable and pushing it inwardly of the housing, the retainers then being held at their second positions by the automatic action of the catch member 32. This operates the microswitch 41 so notifying the control unit 15 that both retainers are in their second positions. The lock mechanism may now be sealed by providing the external signal to the control unit. This may be achieved by an operator who has a master sealing smart-card and presenting that card to the housing for interrogation by the control unit. So long as a correct interrogation is achieved, the control unit will be set to a "sealed" status and LED 17, designated "SEALED" will be illuminated. Concurrently, the motor 51 is driven to move the plate 47 to the position shown in Figures 6A and 6B. On arrival of the vehicle at the destination for the goods in the compartment, the status of the lock mechanism may be checked. If LED 17 is still illuminated, the recipient of the goods may be assured that the integrity of the seal has been maintained since loading of the compartment and so accept the delivery. It sometimes is necessary for a compartment to be opened before the carried goods reach their destination. This may be achieved by an authorised person presenting a suitable smart-card (but not the master sealing card) to the housing, to break the seal and also move the plate 47 to the position shown in Figures 7A and 7B. The flexible cable may be removed following operation of the catch member 32 whereafter the doors may be opened. The compartment may then be resealed as described above but using the smart-card and the control unit will recognise the encoding of that smart-card as not being the master sealing card. As such, the control unit will illuminate LED 18 designated "DRIVER SEALED". On arrival at the destination, the intended recipient of the goods may make enquiries as to why the compartment was opened and reseated, before accepting the delivery. In the event that the catch member 32 is operated without the seal being broken in an authorised manner, the microswitch 41 will be operated though the retaining members will be held in their second positions by virtue of the interaction between the plate 47 and the retainers 30. As such, the control unit may give an indication that the lock mechanism has been tampered with but the integrity of the seal has not been broken, for example by causing LED 17 to flash. Should an attempt be made to defeat the system, for example by using an incorrect card or somehow supplying power to the motor to cause the plate 47 to move to the position of Figure 7B, whereafter the catch member 32 is operated to free the cable 44, it will not then be possible to achieve resealing even though mechanically the cable may be reconnected to the retainers 30 and returning those retainers to their second positions. This will be recognised by the control unit which will then illuminate LED 19, designated "SEAL BROKEN". The intended recipient of the goods should then refuse delivery. LED 19 may also be illuminated if the sealing of the system has not properly been completed, for example should the retainers 30 be moved to their second positions so operating the microswitch 41 but the lock mechanism is not sealed by providing the external signal to the control unit. In order to save battery power, the control unit may be arranged to illuminate the appropriate LED only for a short period of time, following a request for the lock status. This may be obtained by providing a status switch, or by the control unit having a proximity detector responding to the presence of a hand or other object close to the housing. Figure 8 shows a modified form of housing differing from that described above only in that there is provided a four-digit symbol display 60 driven by the control unit. The same reference numbers are used in Figure 8 to show the same parts as those of Figure 1. The display 60 could be provided instead of the LEDs or in addition thereto. In the former case, the display could show legends to indicate the seal status of the lock mechanism. In the latter case, the display could be used to show a random number which is generated each time the mechanism is sealed. The number may be separately noted when the compartment is first sealed and then compared to a record made of that random number, when the compartment is to be opened at a delivery destination. In that way, a further check on the integrity of the sealing of the compartment may be made. Though not illustrated, it would be possible to provide the card reader in a separate housing connected to housing 10 by an electrical cable. Instead of the control unit and the power source being mounted within the housing 10, those items may instead by provided within that separate housing. Figures 9 to 12 show a second embodiment of lock mechanism of this invention and functionally like parts (though perhaps differing in physical appearance) are given like reference characters and will not be described again in detail here. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in two principal respects. Firstly, rather than there being two retainers 30, there is provided a shackle 62 mounted in one bore 29, the free end 63 of the shackle 62 being receivable in the other bore 29 when the shackle is in its second position but that free end being clear of the housing 10 when the shackle is in its first position and so freely rotatable about the axis of said one bore. Secondly, the locking unit 64, though similar to the locking unit 23, is arranged to interact only with arm 65 of the shackle 62 which remains in the housing when the shackle is in its first position. As will be appreciated, the lock mechanism of the second embodiment more resembles a conventional padlock than does the first embodiment. By providing a shackle 62, operation of the lock mechanism is more familiar to a user. Also, though the shackle may be used with a flexible cable 44, rather than providing nipples 46 on the ends of the cable, there should be formed simple loops at each end and through which the shackle 62 may be passed. Arm 65 of the shackle is formed with a notch 66 for interaction with the catch member 32. As the rotational position of the shackle will be defined when the shackle is moved to its second position, there is no need for the notch 66 to extend circumferentially. Arm 65 is further provided with a circumferential groove 67 adjacent its innermost end, which groove is engageable by a plunger forming a part of the locking unit 64 when the shackle is in its second position. The plunger comprises a pin 68 and a ball 69 mounted in a transverse bore formed in the housing, the pin 68 being urged by spring 70 to project ball 69 partially out of its bore, that bore having a reduced diameter entrance to ensure the ball 69 cannot leave its bore. The locking unit 64 includes a motor 71 carrying a boss 72 rotatable through 90° and having a transverse hole 73 which may be brought into alignment with the pin 68. When the shackle 62 is in its second position as shown in Figure 10, the pin 68 is spring urged to the right (Figure 10), to push ball 69 partially out of its bore. On moving the shackle from its second position to its first (open) position, the ball and pin are moved to the left by the end of the shackle within the bore (Figure 11 ) but the pin 68 may move to the left only when hole 73 in boss 72 is aligned with the pin. When the shackle is in its first position, the ball and pin can move once more to the right to engage the ball 69 in groove 67. Thus, the shackle may be moved from its second position to its first position or from its first position to its second position, only when the hole 73 is aligned with the pin 68. Of course, movement from the second position is possible only once the catch member 32 has been depressed. Once the shackle is in its second position and sealing has been effected by causing the motor to turn boss 72 through 90° so preventing ball 69 moving out of groove 67, the shackle 62 is retained in its second position irrespective of operation of the catch member 32. In order to resist the ingress of water into the housing, a seal member 74 is fitted to the bore 29 through which arm 65 extends. Water cannot enter the housing through the other bore 29 for receiving the free end of the shackle, as that bore is blind. In all other respects, this second embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 7, including the functionality thereof, and so will not be described again here.

Claims

1. A lock mechanism for use with a component to be locked by the mechanism and which is securable to the lock mechanism or is releasable therefrom, which lock mechanism comprises: - a housing having a bore in which is slidably received a retaining member movable between a first position where the retaining member may be engaged with said component and a second position where the retaining member is disposed deeper in the bore and cannot be disengaged from said component; - a catch member movable between active and inactive positions, the catch member being in its inactive position when the retaining member is in its first position but on moving the retaining member to its second position the catch member moves to its active position engaged with the retaining member to hold the retaining member in its second position, until the catch member is moved back to its inactive position again to free the retaining member for movement to its first position; - an auxiliary lock for the retaining member which auxiliary lock is operable to hold the retaining member in its second position irrespective of operation of the catch member to its inactive position; - an indicator for indicating the locking condition of the mechanism and having at least two indicating states; and - an electronic control unit driving the indicator, the catch member controlling an input to the control unit to indicate when the catch member is in its active position, and the control unit being responsive to an external signal to effect sealing of the lock mechanism and to operate the auxiliary lock, whereby a first indicating state of the indicator may show whether sealing of the lock mechanism is intact and a second indicating state may show whether an attempt has been made to release the lock mechanism since the lock mechanism was last sealed.
2. A lock mechanism as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the auxiliary lock includes a bolt having locked and free positions, the bolt in its locked position engaging the retaining member to prevent movement thereof from its second position and the bolt when in its free position permitting the retaining member to move to or from its first position.
3 A lock mechanism as claimed in claim 2, wherein the bolt is in the form of a plate slidably mounted in the housing and having an aperture through which the retaining member passes, the plate when in its locked position being engaged in a recess formed in the retaining member.
4. A lock mechanism as claimed in claim 2, wherein the bolt is in the form of a plunger mounted within the housing and when in its locked position engaging a circumferential groove formed in the retaining member.
5. A lock mechanism as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4, wherein a power- driven actuator is provided to cause movement of the bolt between its said positions, the operation of the actuator being controlled by the control unit.
6. A lock mechanism as claimed in claim 5, wherein sealing of the lock mechanism causes the bolt to be moved to its locked position to prevent subsequent movement of the retaining member to its first position until the lock mechanism has been unsealed.
7. A lock mechanism as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the indicator has a third indicating state corresponding to the retaining member being in its second position and the catch member in its active position, but the auxiliary lock has not been operated to hold the retaining member in its second position.
8. A lock mechanism as claimed in claim 7, wherein the indicator has a fourth indicating state corresponding to movement of the catch member to its inactive position following sealing of the lock mechanism by the auxiliary lock, whereby the retaining member is not freed to move to its first position.
9. A lock mechanism as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the indicator has at least two indicator lights the illumination whereof is controlled by the control unit.
10. A lock mechanism as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit includes a card reader for reading information carried on a card, whereby sealing of the lock mechanism may be performed by a person in possession of a suitable card.
11. A lock mechanism as claimed in claim 10, wherein the control unit is arranged to permit initial sealing of the mechanism by a first card carrying appropriate information, and resealing by a second card carrying appropriate but different information.
12. A lock mechanism as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit includes a receiver for electromagnetic waves of a defined frequency whereby sealing of the lock mechanism may be performed remotely by a suitably tuned transmitter transmitting waves appropriately encoded to perform sealing of the lock mechanism.
13. A lock mechanism as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein said component is in the form of a flexible cable having at one end an enlarged head engageable with the retaining member.
14. A lock mechanism as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining member is in the form of a U-shaped shackle one end of which is free of the housing when the retaining member is in its first position, said one end being received in a further bore in the housing when the retaining member is in its second position.
15. A lock mechanism as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining member has an intermediate portion of reduced cross section and which remains in the bore in the housing when the retaining member is in its first position, the catch member being slidably mounted in a bore extending transversely to and partially intersecting the bore in which the retaining member is received, the catch member having large and small diameter parts which when aligned with the retaining member bore correspond respectively to the active and inactive positions of the catch member.
16. A lock member as claimed in claim 15, wherein the catch member is spring-urged to its active position.
17. A lock mechanism as claimed in any of the preceding claims and including an electrical switch operable on movement of the catch member between its two positions and connected to the control unit to furnish said input thereto.
18. The combination of a lock mechanism as claimed in any of the preceding claims and a goods compartment having an access opening provided with a door to close that opening, wherein the retaining member may be engaged with a component associated with the compartment door, thereafter to prevent opening of the door.
PCT/GB2005/001143 2004-03-22 2005-03-21 Lock mechanism WO2005093192A1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE200560004903 DE602005004903D1 (en) 2004-03-22 2005-03-21 LOCK MECHANISM
US10/599,198 US20080229792A1 (en) 2004-03-22 2005-03-21 Lock Mechanism
EP05718119A EP1738045B1 (en) 2004-03-22 2005-03-21 Lock mechanism
US12/785,819 US20100225440A1 (en) 2004-03-22 2010-05-24 Lock mechanism

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0406376.4 2004-03-22
GB0406376A GB0406376D0 (en) 2004-03-22 2004-03-22 Lock mechanism

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/785,819 Continuation US20100225440A1 (en) 2004-03-22 2010-05-24 Lock mechanism

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2005093192A1 true WO2005093192A1 (en) 2005-10-06

Family

ID=32118140

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2005/001143 WO2005093192A1 (en) 2004-03-22 2005-03-21 Lock mechanism

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (2) US20080229792A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1738045B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE386861T1 (en)
DE (1) DE602005004903D1 (en)
GB (1) GB0406376D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2005093192A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1852565A1 (en) * 2006-05-02 2007-11-07 3M Innovative Properties Company A sealed housing, a kit of parts including at least one housing, a combination including the housing or kit of parts and a use of a friction enhancing element
FR2982302A1 (en) * 2011-11-09 2013-05-10 Thirard Ets ELECTROMECHANICAL LATCH

Families Citing this family (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9472125B2 (en) * 2007-10-05 2016-10-18 E.J. Brooks Company Reusable bolt electronic seal module with GPS/cellular phone communications and tracking system
DE102010021104B3 (en) * 2010-05-20 2011-10-13 Matthias Plath Digital hang lock
GB2496838A (en) * 2011-10-20 2013-05-29 Carewhere Ltd Portable locking system
US9540845B1 (en) * 2015-07-14 2017-01-10 Yao-Kun Yang Lock unit with a room therein
US9997861B2 (en) * 2015-12-10 2018-06-12 International Business Machines Corporation Force limiting latch indicator
CN108222692A (en) * 2018-01-29 2018-06-29 郑州国大电子科技有限公司 A kind of coded lock with fingerprint identification function
CN108425553B (en) * 2018-05-17 2023-08-01 苏州锦璘金属有限公司 Electronic key storage box
US10950147B1 (en) 2018-09-28 2021-03-16 Amazon Technologies, Inc. Geofence transport sealing
US10738510B1 (en) * 2018-09-28 2020-08-11 Amazon Technologies, Inc. Geofence transport sealing
CN109386175B (en) * 2018-12-05 2024-01-02 苏州成利金属制品有限公司 Intelligent lock with dehumidification function
US11783655B1 (en) * 2022-11-15 2023-10-10 The Adt Security Corporation Biometric authentication for security sensor bypass

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2144483A (en) * 1983-08-01 1985-03-06 Waitrose Ltd Locking Devices
US4766419A (en) * 1985-02-05 1988-08-23 Enigma Electronics Limited Apparatus for recording the operation of a closure member
US5876076A (en) * 1995-02-09 1999-03-02 Mecom Standard Limited Tamper indication apparatus
GB2353425A (en) * 1999-07-06 2001-02-21 Alan James Maple Vehicle security system
BE1012799A6 (en) * 1999-07-27 2001-03-06 Manshoven Hugo Process and design for the securing of a goods transport

Family Cites Families (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2557543B1 (en) * 1983-12-29 1986-04-11 Commissariat Energie Atomique OPTICAL DEVICE FOR SEALING A CONTAINER FOR DETECTING AN ATTRACTIVE ATTEMPT
US6822553B1 (en) * 1985-10-16 2004-11-23 Ge Interlogix, Inc. Secure entry system with radio reprogramming
US4982985A (en) * 1989-03-06 1991-01-08 E.J. Brooks Company Bolt type seal with fiber optic seal
US5090222A (en) * 1990-08-01 1992-02-25 Supra Products, Inc. Electronic lock box and retention mechanism for use therein
US6047575A (en) * 1995-05-19 2000-04-11 Slc Technologies, Inc. Electronic padlock
US6069563A (en) * 1996-03-05 2000-05-30 Kadner; Steven P. Seal system
US5727405A (en) * 1997-02-03 1998-03-17 Cromwell; Daryl Alarm padlock
US6384709B2 (en) * 1997-05-30 2002-05-07 Intellikey Corporation Access control system for mobile platform using electronic key-embedded location verification data
GB9914711D0 (en) * 1999-06-23 1999-08-25 Leck Michael J Electronic seal,methods and security system
JP3831629B2 (en) * 2001-05-16 2006-10-11 三洋電機株式会社 Tag device
US7236085B1 (en) * 2002-06-18 2007-06-26 Smartlok Systems, Inc. Lock with remotely activated lockout feature
US6753775B2 (en) * 2002-08-27 2004-06-22 Hi-G-Tek Ltd. Smart container monitoring system
US20040108938A1 (en) * 2002-12-10 2004-06-10 Entrekin David A. Portable electronic locking system and method
IL154788A (en) * 2003-03-06 2010-12-30 Goldman Ilan Electronic locking mechanism and lock containing it
US7068162B2 (en) * 2003-06-24 2006-06-27 Alan James Maple Compartment security system
US7229107B2 (en) * 2003-09-25 2007-06-12 Jens Kuckertz Security seal for cargo containers
US6792779B1 (en) * 2003-10-27 2004-09-21 Kou-Chi Shen Locking device operated by both of the mechanical and magnetic effects
US6993943B1 (en) * 2005-07-26 2006-02-07 Ez Trend Technology Co., Ltd. Electric Padlock

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2144483A (en) * 1983-08-01 1985-03-06 Waitrose Ltd Locking Devices
US4766419A (en) * 1985-02-05 1988-08-23 Enigma Electronics Limited Apparatus for recording the operation of a closure member
US5876076A (en) * 1995-02-09 1999-03-02 Mecom Standard Limited Tamper indication apparatus
GB2353425A (en) * 1999-07-06 2001-02-21 Alan James Maple Vehicle security system
BE1012799A6 (en) * 1999-07-27 2001-03-06 Manshoven Hugo Process and design for the securing of a goods transport

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1852565A1 (en) * 2006-05-02 2007-11-07 3M Innovative Properties Company A sealed housing, a kit of parts including at least one housing, a combination including the housing or kit of parts and a use of a friction enhancing element
WO2007143293A2 (en) * 2006-05-02 2007-12-13 3M Innovative Properties Company A sealed housing, a kit of parts including at least one housing, a combination including the housing or kit of parts and a use of a friction enhancing element
WO2007143293A3 (en) * 2006-05-02 2008-03-20 3M Innovative Properties Co A sealed housing, a kit of parts including at least one housing, a combination including the housing or kit of parts and a use of a friction enhancing element
US7943868B2 (en) 2006-05-02 2011-05-17 3M Innovative Properties Company Sealed housing, a kit of parts including at least one housing, a combination including the housing or a kit of parts and a use of a friction enhancing element
CN101438018B (en) * 2006-05-02 2012-07-11 3M创新有限公司 A sealed housing, a kit of parts including at least one housing, a combination including the housing or kit of parts and a use of a friction enhancing element
FR2982302A1 (en) * 2011-11-09 2013-05-10 Thirard Ets ELECTROMECHANICAL LATCH
EP2592202A1 (en) 2011-11-09 2013-05-15 Etablissements Thirard Electromechanical lock

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1738045A1 (en) 2007-01-03
US20100225440A1 (en) 2010-09-09
EP1738045B1 (en) 2008-02-20
ATE386861T1 (en) 2008-03-15
US20080229792A1 (en) 2008-09-25
GB0406376D0 (en) 2004-04-21
DE602005004903D1 (en) 2008-04-03

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1738045B1 (en) Lock mechanism
US8225629B2 (en) Portable lock with electronic lock actuator
EP0193297B1 (en) Apparatus for recording the opening or closing of a closure member
US4125008A (en) Electrically operated lock
US6275141B1 (en) Single-key security system
US5887467A (en) Pawl & solenoid locking mechanism
US20050044908A1 (en) Digital door lock capable of detecting its operation states
US7770421B2 (en) Padlock with indication device
US8938998B2 (en) Lock with magnetically actuated latch movement preventing member
JPH11500193A (en) Electronic key
US20120192602A1 (en) Touch pad lock assembly
US20070131007A1 (en) Lock with actuation indicator
US20190194978A1 (en) Locking Apparatus
CN101203649A (en) A security system comprising a keyholder
US8256250B2 (en) Padlock with indication device
JP4216613B2 (en) Crime prevention system
GB2424918A (en) Removable locking unit including electronic module and power source
CN108222670A (en) Electronic anti-theft door lock with slide construction
US20040255628A1 (en) Door lock system and method
US20240352773A1 (en) Locking platform for receiving a mount
RU2349471C2 (en) Anti-theft device
JP3452864B2 (en) Vibration-resistant door lock device
RU2646775C1 (en) Module of key fob identification and locking
JP3832590B2 (en) Anti-theft device for vending machines.
GB2474802A (en) Floor conveyor and separate working means for operating the floor conveyor

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BW BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE EG ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NA NI NO NZ OM PG PH PL PT RO RU SC SD SE SG SK SL SM SY TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VC VN YU ZA ZM ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): BW GH GM KE LS MW MZ NA SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 10599198

Country of ref document: US

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Country of ref document: DE

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2005718119

Country of ref document: EP

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 2005718119

Country of ref document: EP

WWG Wipo information: grant in national office

Ref document number: 2005718119

Country of ref document: EP