WO2007034172A1

WO2007034172A1 - Lock apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2007034172A1
Application number: PCT/GB2006/003488
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Scott; Andrew Gregory
Original assignee: W B Bawn & Co Ltd
Priority date: 2005-09-20
Filing date: 2006-09-20
Publication date: 2007-03-29
Also published as: EP1937918A1; GB0519162D0

Abstract

The present invention provides a system (100) for managing a leisure facility, enabling users to access multiple features using a single identification token. The invention also describes a number of locks (200) comprising piezoelectric actuators (220) that can be used with the system of the present invention.

Description

LOCK APPARATUS

BACKGROUND

a. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system for use in controlling and managing the operation of a facility and in particular to a system for use in controlling and managing the operation of a sports centre or health club, to storage lockers for use with such a system and to electronic keys and locks for use with such storage lockers.

b. Related Art

It is conventional for leisure facilities to provide registered users with some form of identity token such as a photo card, to allow the users access to the facility. However, users still need cash or payment card to make a purchase at the bar or shop of the leisure facility and the lockers provided by the facility are operated using metallic keys. This requires the management of the facility to operate a number of different systems to deal with these aspects of running a leisure facility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a lock apparatus comprising: a cam comprising an engagement region for engaging with a locking pin, the cam, in use, rotating from a first position to a second position when a locking pin is moved to engage with the engagement of the cam; detection means to detect the rotation of the cam to the second position; an actuator comprising a plunger, the actuator being located proximate to the cam such that: i) when the cam is in the first position the cam is in contact with the actuator plunger and the actuator plunger is in a retracted position; and ii) when the cam rotates to the second position the cam is not in contact with the actuator plunger; the actuator further comprising means to detect the presence of a key, the actuator being activated by the presence of a key to activate the lock such that the cam is secured in the second position.

The present application also discloses a system comprising a central server and a plurality of storage cabinets, each of the storage cabinets comprising a lock such that the central server may establish communications with the lock of one of the plurality of storage cabinets. The system may also comprise one or more local terminals and/or one or more remote terminals. The central server may comprise a database to store records connecting a lock of one of the plurality of storage cabinets with a registered user. The database may hold further data relating to a plurality of registered users.

The present application further discloses a lock comprising a piezoelectric actuator, a lever mounted on the piezoelectric actuator, the lever comprising an engagement means and being configured to rotate about a pivot point.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following Figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic depiction of a system according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic depiction of a storage locker used in the system shown in Figure 1;

Figures 3 to 5 show a schematic depiction of a first embodiment of a lock for use in the storage locker shown in Figure 2; and

Figures 6 to 9 show a schematic depiction of a second embodiment of a lock for use in the storage locker shown in Figure 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows a schematic depiction of a system 100 according to the present invention, which may be used to manage a facility such as a sports centre or health club. The system 100 comprises central server 10 which communicates with a plurality of storage lockers 20, one or more local terminals 30 and one or more remote terminals 40. The central server 10 comprises memory storage means 12, a central processing unit 14 and data storage means 15, such as an array of hard disk drives. The memory storage means 12, central processing unit 14 and data storage means 15 are all inter-connected by a data transfer bus 13. The data storage means stores an operating system 15 that is used to control the operation of the server and its interaction with other agents and one or more databases 16.

The plurality of lockers 20 will conventionally be located in a different location to that of the server, for example in changing rooms, and it is likely that there will be a number of locations at which there are a plurality of lockers. A connection is provided between each plurality of lockers and the central server, via a cable or a wireless communications link. The plurality of local terminals 30 are located in the facility and may be used in the operation of a bar or shop, for example a till, a vending machine, or may enable registered users to book or reserve a resource of the facility, for example reserve a tennis court for a particular time and date, make an appointment with a personal trainer, etc. The one or more remote terminals 40 are located external to the facility and may comprise a central server of a further facility or a payment system of a bank or credit card authoriser.

Figure 2 shows a schematic depiction of a storage locker used in the system shown in Figure 1. Each locker 20 comprises an internal region 24 that can be secured by a lockable door 22. An electronic lock 200 (which will be described below in detail with reference to Figures 3 to.5) is securely received to a wall of the locker within the internal region 24 of the locker and a latch or plate 23 (or other similar means) is provided on the interior of the door in order to facilitate the locking of the door.

In use, each registered user is issued with an electronic key which may be used to activate the lock 200 of the lockers 20. The database 16 records which key has been issued to which user. The database also provides a link between each registered user and a credit limit. If the user provides a credit or debit card then the credit limit will be determined by the issuer of the card. If the user provides an amount of cash then this will determine the credit limit and will be decreased as the user makes purchases (see below).

A registered user may use their electronic key to lock one of the lockers 20. Each of the electronic keys and each of the locks 200 have a unique identifier. The interaction of the key with the lock is recorded and transmitted to the central server. The database 16 is queried and if the record for that user indicates that the user is not currently using a locker then the electronic lock is activated to lock the storage locker. The database then is updated to provide an association between the storage locker and the user's key, using the unique identifier for the lock and the key. This prevents this key from being used to lock any further lockers and prevents the locker from being unlocked by any other key. Once that user unlocks the locker using their key then the association will be removed from the database, allowing the user to lock a different locker and allowing a different user to lock the locker that the user had previously locked. The database may allow for a user to lock more than one locker at a single time by allowing that user an increased number of associations between their key and a lock. The associations will still prevent another user from unlocking one of the lockers and will prevent the user from locking more lockers than they are permitted to.

The electronic key may also be used with the local terminals 30 to make purchases, make court reservations, book appointments, etc. The local terminals

30 comprise a key reader that allows the unique identifier of the key to be transmitted to the central server. In response, the central server confirms the identity of the user associated with the key to the local terminal. If the user is attempting to book a court or make an appointment then the terminal comprises a user input device, such as a keyboard or touch sensitive screen, to allow the user to make a request for a reservation. This request is sent to the central server and a query is made to the database. If the reservation request can be made then the resource (tennis court, personal trainer session) is reserved and the database updated accordingly. The confirmation that the request has been made is then returned to the user. If a charge or deposit is required to secure the reservation then this is deducted from the users funds (see below). If it is not possible to make the requested reservation then the user may be invited to make a further request or the central server may send a number of alternative available reservations to the user. The user may also use a terminal to access personal records, such as their training plan or the workout that they performed on previous visits.

If the user is making a purchase using the electronic key then the terminal transmits the^" unique identifier of the key to be to the central server, along with the cost of the goods or service that are to be purchased. If the cost is less than the user's credit limit then the cost of the goods are subtracted from the user's remaining credit and a response sent to the terminal to authorise the purchase. If the cost is greater than the user's credit limit then either the purchase may be refused or the central server may contact a remote server 40 in order to obtain authorisation for the transaction.

It will be understood that variations may be made to the system without describing from the teaching of the present invention. Encryption may be used on communications between the central server and the lockers or the remote or local terminals. Some form of user validation or authentication may be required, for example for making transactions above a certain value, when purchasing alcohol, etc. The database may be used to store other data used in the running of the facility, e.g. stock management, etc and it will be understood that the database may comprise a plurality of databases, each of the databases being used for a different aspect of the system. It will also be readily understood that the system could be implemented in other facilities which require controlled access to storage lockers, such as a hospital, factory, school, etc.

A system according to the present invention allows a user of the facility to still access all the different attractions of the facility using only their electronic key, which replaces a membership card, mechanical key locker, cash etc. For ease of use the electronic key may be implanted in a wristband so that it can be worn easily. The electronic key will be protected from water, impact etc so that the user can perform a full range of activities without damaging the key or compromising its usefulness or performance. Preferably the key comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag

Figures 3 to 5 show a schematic depiction of a first embodiment of a lock for use in the storage locker shown in Figure 2, with Figure 5 showing the fully assembled lock in the locked position. The lock comprises a piezoelectric actuator 220, on which is mounted a lever 250. The piezoelectric actuator 220 is located next to a arcuate slot 230 and the lever 250 comprises a first arm 252 at a first end of the lever which is received within the arcuate slot 230. The engagement of the ends of the first arm 252 provides a bound to the movement of the lever 250. The lever 250 is connected to a spring 240 at the second end of the lever such that the lever can rotate about pivot point 280. The lever further comprises a second arm 254, which is located near to, or at, the second end of the lever. The lock further comprises first and second end-stops 290 and 295 which make contact with the second arm 254 of the lever to limit the rotational movement of the arm. The lever 250 further comprises a third arm 256 which is located near to, or at, the second end of the lever, the third arm 256 comprising a lever arm engagement means 258. A case 210 houses all of the components and prevents unauthorised access to the interior of the lock. In the unlocked position no voltage is applied to the actuator and the lever 250 is free to rotate in the slot 230. This means that the lever arm engagement means 258 is disengaged from the notch 265 formed in the locking pin 260.

When an appropriate electronic key is brought into proximity to the lock then a voltage is applied to the actuator, which causes the lever to be rigidly coupled to the actuator. The spring 240 will then contract and cause the lock to move into the locked position such that the lever is not free to rotate. In the locked position, the lever arm engagement means 258 engages with a notch 265 formed in a locking pin 260.

Furthermore, if a standard pivot point were to be used in the lock then the load would be transferred onto the actuator when the lock was in the locked position. This would lead to the premature mechanical failure of the actuator. The design of the present invention means that when the actuator is locked the pivot allows the lever to rotate about the pivot point until the third arm makes contact with the case of the lock, such that the load is transferred into the case 210 of the lock and not the actuator.

Figures 6 to 9 show a schematic depiction of a second embodiment of a lock 1000 for use in the storage locker shown in Figure 2 (with reference to Figure 2 and the following description, lock 1000 is fitted to the locker in the place of lock 200 and pin 1010 is fitted to the door 22 in place of latch or plate 23). The lock 1000 comprises a plurality of components that are located on mounting plate 1050. A cam 1030 has a locking region 1130 that can engage with the pin 1010. The pin 1010 may comprise a cut-away region 1015 to aid the engagement of the pin with the locking region of the cam. The cam 1030 is located near to a piezoelectric actuator 1020, the actuator comprising a plunger 1060.

Figure 6 shows the lock apparatus when the pin has not been inserted (i.e. when the locker door is fully open) and the cam is in a first position. The cam 1030 comprises a guide slot 1140 within which a stop pin 1100 is received: when the cam is in the first position the stop pin is in contact with a first end of the guide slot, preventing the cam from rotating too far. When the cam rotates to the second position (see below), the stop pin makes contact with the second end of the guide slot. When the cam is in the first position, the actuator plunger is forced into a retracted position within the actuator.

Figure 7 shows the lock apparatus when the pin has been inserted (i.e. the locker door has been closed). The movement of the pin has caused the cam to rotate to a second position, as is indicated by the position of the stop pin within the guide slot. The rotation of the cam into the second position moves the cam away from the actuator, such that the actuator plunger moves into an extended position and so that it is no longer in contact with the cam. The rotation of the cam into the second position also brings the cam into contact with the switch 1070, causing the key detection means (not shown) to be activated. The key is an electronic key, preferably comprising an RFID tag, such that the lock can be activated (or deactivated) by passing the key over the lock region of the locker door.

If no key is detected then the door can be opened, the movement of the pin causing the cam to rotate to the first position, bringing the cam back into contact with the actuator plunger and depressing the plunger back into the actuator.

Figure 9 shows the lock apparatus when the lock has been activated. The detection of a key causes the actuator to be energised such that the actuator is locked in its extended position. This prevents the cam from rotating back to the first position and thus the locker door is held closed. When a key is subsequently detected, the actuator is de-energised such that it is no longer able to resist rotation of the cam back to the first position. The door can then be opened, with the removal of the pin causing the cam to rotate to the first position, bringing the cam back into contact with the actuator plunger and depressing the plunger back into the actuator. If an opening force is applied to the door when it is locked, then the pin will pull on the cam and the actuator, against spring 1090, such that the mounting plate 1050 rotates about pivot 1080. This causes the stop pin 1100 to be held in the engagement region 1150 of the guide slot, preventing further rotation of the cam. Furthermore, the rotation of the mounting plate causes the mounting plate to come into contact with interior of the lock casing, preventing further rotation of the plate. It will be understood that if the actuator is capable of withstanding an attempt to force the locked door open, then these mechanisms may not be required.

Figure 8 shows a rear view of the mounting plate 1050, which shows the cam spindle 1120 and an over centre spring 1040 which acts on the cam to either assist or restrict the movement of the cam, dependent on the position of the cam.

For both of the lock mechanisms described above, it is preferred that the piezoelectric actuator requires low voltages in order to activate it, such that a large number of locks can be controlled from a single control unit without needing to use additional power supplies. A suitable actuator is the Active Latch AL1 sold by Servocell (see www.servocell.com). The design of the lock is very simple, which aids manufacture and maintenance.

Claims

1. A lock apparatus comprising: a cam comprising an engagement region for engaging with a locking pin, the cam, in use, rotating from a first position to a second position when a locking pin is moved to engage with the engagement of the cam; detection means to detect the rotation of the cam to the second position; an actuator comprising a plunger, the actuator being located proximate to the cam such that : i) when the cam is in the first position the cam is in contact with the actuator plunger and the actuator plunger is in a retracted position; and ii) when the cam rotates to the second position the cam is not in contact with the actuator plunger; the lock apparatus further comprising means to detect the presence of a key, the actuator being activated by the presence of a key to activate the lock such that the cam is secured in the second position.

2. A lock apparatus according to Claim 1 , wherein, use, the detection of a key causes the actuator to be energised such that the actuator plunger is held securely in an extended position such that the cam can not rotate from the second position to the first position.

3. A lock apparatus according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the means to detect the presence of a key comprises an antenna and, in use, a key is detected when an appropriate signal is detected by the antenna.

4. A lock apparatus according to Claim 3 wherein, in use, a key may comprise a radio frequency identification device (RFID).

5. A lock according to any preceding claim wherein the actuator comprises a piezoelectric actuator.

6. A lock apparatus according to Claim 2, wherein the subsequent detection of a key causes the actuator to be de-energised, such that the plunger is able to retract and the cam is able to rotate from the second position to the first position.

7. A lock apparatus according to any preceding Claim, wherein the cam further comprises a guide slot and the lock apparatus further comprises a fixed member that is received within the guide slot, such that when the cam is in the first position a first end of the guide slot is in contact with the fixed member and when the cam is in the second position, a second end of the guide slot is in contact with the fixed member.

8. A lock apparatus according to Claim 7, wherein the guide slot further comprises an engagement region at the second end of the guide slot, such that when the actuator is energised the fixed member is held in the engagement region.