EP1012430A1

EP1012430A1 - Process and device for controlling the closure of locks

Info

Publication number: EP1012430A1
Application number: EP97954476A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Wilhelm Sonderegger; Thomas Hupp; Georg KÜHNE
Original assignee: Vos Verkerhrs-Optimierungs-Systeme & Co KG GmbH
Current assignee: Vos Verkerhrs-Optimierungs-Systeme & Co KG GmbH
Priority date: 1996-12-31
Filing date: 1997-12-30
Publication date: 2000-06-28
Anticipated expiration: 2017-12-30
Also published as: WO1998029626A1; EP1012430B1; DE19654443A1; AU724204B2; AU5860898A; ATE226675T1; US6255957B1; DE59708583D1

Abstract

A process reliably detects the change of the locking state of at least one lock with a logic with memory and display attached to a key. The process includes determining a rotation of the key associated with the lock within the lock, detecting a single or multiple rotation in unlocking or locking direction of the lock and simultaneously determining whether the detected rotation occurs in unlocking or locking direction of the lock. A signal is generated that indicates the unlocking or locking of the lock. This signal is stored in the memory of the logic, and the signal is displayed. A device for implementing the process includes one or several markers mounted near the lock, one or several sensors non-rotatably connected with the key for detecting these markers, a logic attachable to the key with a memory in which data can be stored whereby the logic can process the signals received from the sensors, and a display for displaying the locking state.

Description

Lock locking method and device

The present invention relates to methods and devices with which changes in the closed state of a lock or the absolute closed state can be detected and displayed to a user.

Nowadays it happens relatively often that a single user carries a large number of keys for locking different locks. A key often locks not just one but several locks. In everyday practice, however, this means that it was often forgotten shortly after locking that the lock in question was really locked. In many areas, regardless of the distance to the lock, it must then be checked whether the lock has been closed. This can involve considerable circumstances and a large expenditure of time.

There are essentially three different systems known from the prior art for this problem.

A principle that works independently of the lock is described in US 4,440,011 and US 5,435,160. The basic idea behind these two US patents is to rotatably attach a key cap to the head of the key. This key cap is turned when opening / closing a lock and then indicates the direction of rotation via a sliding pin or similar device.

This principle has a number of disadvantages. The first and most serious disadvantage is that such a mechanical display cannot distinguish between unlocking a door from the inside and locking the door from the outside. So even if, for example, the key cap indicates a closed state, this can mean that the user has unlocked a door. In addition, this system can only be used for the last lock of one lock. Another disadvantage that occurs in practice is the sensitivity of this system to turning the key back after unlocking and locking. It happens relatively often that the key is turned over the position in which it can be removed from the lock. In order to be able to remove the key, it must therefore be turned back in the opposite direction, which automatically leads to a reset of the mechanical display.

A lock-dependent system is known from the prior art, the z. B. describe JP 07054524 and JP 04038382. Here it is provided that when a certain position of the key with respect to the lock is reached, a magnet on the key head is displaced by means of magnets attached to the lock. There is a first such position for locking the lock and a second such position for locking.

This system has the disadvantages already mentioned above for the lock-independent systems.

DE 43 27 294 shows a key which is equipped with a device for detecting a rotary movement, a distinction being made between left and right rotation. A ball rotary encoder, a grinding tongue or a wheel rotating in the lock during the rotation of the key are provided. There is no detection of whether the lock is now being unlocked or locked. It is preprogrammed whether the evaluation unit interprets a right turn as unlocking or locking, so that every detected right turn e.g. is displayed as Unlock. An actual check as to whether the lock has been released is not provided and is not possible.

This document recognizes the problem that unlocking a door from one side requires the same direction of rotation as locking from the other side. To this problem To solve it is proposed to passivate one side of the door and thus the lock, that is, the rotary movement of the key is either not detected or not noted. This solution is unsatisfactory; only a single lock can be grasped, and this only from one side, for example from the outside. If the key used for this lock also locks other locks, these other locks must all be passivated on both sides. The items to be recorded are therefore passivated on one side and all other locks on both sides. As soon as this passivation becomes ineffective on only one side of a lock, the system becomes obsolete.

US 4 908 605 deals with a key which is used together with a special, immobilized evaluation unit. The key has magnetic switches that are operated when the lock is turned and indicate a right or left turn. A detection of whether the lock is now unlocked or locked does not take place in the key, but in an additional device in which the key is inserted. In practice, the magnetic switches used are unreliable because they can be switched by vibrations. Only one lock can be detected.

DE 43 15 892 deals with a networked system with a central point. Here, several locks are connected by cables to a central station that is stationary relative to the locks. Each lock transmits its closed status to the central office, from which each individual lock can be queried. Possibly. can be transmitted from the central office to a user in the vicinity. The targeted detection of a single lock is not possible; the central office only transmits information regarding all the locks recorded. If e.g. only one of these locks is unlocked, the information "Open" is transmitted; it is not possible to assign this information to the open lock. A transmission of the information from the central office to the key should only take place if the key has been recognized as authorized. The data exchange therefore preferably runs in two directions. In addition, the signal sent by the central office is encoded.

This system has a number of other disadvantages. First of all, it is a very expensive, complex system that cannot be retrofitted. Furthermore, the user cannot control the closed state himself; he is dependent on the fact that the central office transmits the information to him. This requires physical contact between the key and the lock. In addition, such a system fails completely as soon as there are larger spatial distances between the individual locks to be locked, such as, for. B. from the front door or apartment door to the office.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide methods and devices of the type mentioned at the outset which work simply, securely, reliably and practically without errors, can be used for a wide range of keys / locks and can be retrofitted with little financial outlay.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by the technical teaching of the independent claims.

The invention essentially proposes two different ones

Procedures for solving the task. The first procedure, which is described in claims 1, 2 and 17 and the associated subclaims, essentially covers the twisting of a key inserted in the lock. A signal is generated simultaneously with the twisting; this signal either indicates the unlocking or locking of the lock (claim 1) or it is a coded signal which is assigned to the locking direction, but must first be decrypted by data synchronization (Claim 2). Depending on this signal, it is then saved whether the lock has been unlocked or locked, and a corresponding display is activated.

The present invention is not necessarily intended to be

Detect a left or right rotation. In the first embodiment, it is determined whether the key is rotating. At the same time, it is determined whether the lock has been unlocked or locked, regardless of the actual direction of rotation. So it is not first determined the direction of rotation and then checked whether this direction of rotation causes an unlocking or locking, but the unlocking or locking is determined directly during the rotation.

The method according to claim 2 can provide that the determination of the rotation with detection of the direction of rotation and the assignment to the locking direction are carried out separately. So it is detected whether the key is turned left or right; at the same time it is detected whether the lock is locking on the left or right. This detection is expediently carried out by markings placed in the vicinity of the castle. The signal can thus include only the direction of rotation (left or right) or the direction of rotation and the blocking direction.

This method can be expanded in such a way that the rotation of the key is only possible by sensors attached to the key itself, e.g. Position sensors or ball sensors is detected. The key itself determines its direction of rotation.

The detection of the rotary movement of the key does not only take place to the left or right, but in

Direction or in connection with the direction of unlocking or locking. The problem of the inside and outside of doors is therefore reliably overcome. Furthermore, the detection of the rotary movement can be designed such that a slight turning back of the key is either not recognized at all or is recognized and identified as such. A false indication of such a slight turning back, which is common in practice, is thus also avoided.

It is also easily possible to use this method and the associated device in the case of multi-locking locks, two or three times

Turn to open or close the lock is recognized as such.

The system is not only able to display and save the status of a single lock, but can also be used for several locks that are locked with one key. For this purpose, it is provided not only to detect the locking or unlocking when turning the key, but also to determine at the same time which lock it is. This

Lock identification can either be recorded together with the signal mentioned or as a separate signal.

Another advantage is that the method according to the invention can be used with all known lock types. There are e.g. B. Security keys that can be inserted into the lock in two positions - usually rotated by 180 °. Such a twisted insertion can be taken into account in the design from the outset and does not lead to false indications.

To increase the security of the system, it can be provided as a further step to detect the insertion of the key into and / or the insertion of the key in the lock. This ensures that accidental detection of an unlocking or locking movement when the key is carried loosely in the pocket cannot take place. In practice, the check as to whether a key is inserted or, for cost reasons, is preferably carried out via a mechanical switch. In order to make the system very easy to use, it is preferred, however, if all of the detection, detection and

Identification steps take place without contact.

In addition, it can be provided to change the closed state of a lock with a relative time display - starting a stopwatch, which informs the user of the time period that has passed since opening / closing - or with the absolute time - opening / closing z. B. at 10:15 a.m. - to link.

In one embodiment, the display can be switched over or off by the user by pressing corresponding buttons, switches or keys. However, it is also possible to keep the display switched on at regular intervals, e.g. to switch between different locks at intervals of a few seconds.

The practical implementation (cf. claim 17 and the associated subclaims) consists of one or more markings which are placed near the castle. On the key itself or on an

Key attachable part, e.g. B. the key cap, one or more sensors are attached that can detect these markings. When the key is turned, the sensor or sensors now sweep over the markings, the order of detection of these markings being determined by the direction of rotation of the key. The sensors generate a corresponding signal, which can be stored in a memory that can be attached to the key and, if necessary, can be processed by logic that can also be attached to the key. The status of the lock has then been displayed. Different parts of the device need not necessarily be attached to the key itself, but can e.g. B. be included in a keychain.

A suitable type of coding, that is to say a specific sequence of the markings, can be used to reliably determine for a large number of locks whether an unlocking or locking has occurred. These markings are e.g. B. attached clockwise on the inside of the door, counterclockwise on the outside. It is therefore reliably detected for both sides of the door whether there is an unlocking or locking.

The lock can also be identified by querying the markings.

In practice it is preferred if the markings are designed as magnets which are scanned by Hall sensors and / or reed sensors for detecting the magnetic field. The magnets can be attached so that they face the key with their north or south pole; alternatively, it is also possible to attach magnets lengthwise, which are then swept lengthwise by the corresponding sensors.

But it is of course also possible to use optical sensors, the z. B. work with different colors or barcodes (so-called barcode).

The display itself can be implemented in any form; an LCD display is preferred. There can also be an optical or acoustic signal generator which notifies the user of a change in the closed state and / or of the correct / incorrect detection of such a change.

In practice, this system can only fail once. This false indication occurs when a lock is locked several times is opened only once, i.e. is turned back from locking level 2 to locking level 1. In this case the lock is still locked; however, the display shows an open lock.

However, this non-report is not critical. First, it will be extremely rare for a lock not to be fully opened. When the user unlocks a lock, he usually wants to open the locked door. In the case described above, a complete opening of the lock will therefore generally always take place, so that the display corresponds to the closed state.

Second, the system is still extremely reliable even in this case. In any case, it must be avoided that a locked lock is displayed even though it is actually open. In the case described, however, a locked lock is incorrectly saved as open. The user can therefore assume in any case that this lock is actually locked when a locked lock is displayed.

The invention proposes yet another way with which the closed state of a lock is detected and sent to one

User can be submitted. Independent claims 8 and 22 and their subclaims are directed to this embodiment.

The associated procedure is to continuously determine the closed state of the lock. A corresponding signal is then transmitted to logic that can be attached to the key. This transfer can always take place. To save energy, however, it is preferred if transmission takes place only periodically or under certain circumstances. In this case, it is preferred if a transmission takes place only after a change in the closed state. The closed state is saved and displayed if necessary. In this embodiment, the locking state is detected and transmitted to logic that can be attached to the key. Each recorded lock can be queried and coded individually and individually. The key is not identified in relation to the lock. A central office, which is attached to the locks and only provides information relating to a lock group as a whole, is not provided.

In order to make the entire system easy to handle, contactless or wireless transmission of the corresponding signal is also provided here.

It is not intended to transmit the signal over long distances, but only when there is a key near the locked lock. It can be assumed that this will be the case immediately after a change in the closed state.

Of course, one can also in this embodiment

The lock can be identified using a suitable signal. It is also possible to link to the absolute time or to start a stopwatch.

It can thus be locked in succession with the system according to the invention. The signal used to identify the lock enables the lock status to be assigned to each lock and the lock status to be identified or displayed.

The associated device comprises a lock sensor module mounted in the vicinity of the lock, with which the closed state of the lock is detected. This signal is transmitted via a transmitter to a memory with receiver attached to the key and then displayed there.

The lock sensor module can either be integrated into the lock inserted into the door or on the door frame in the area of the striking plate. The second variant has the advantage that locking the lock when the door is open is not recognized and is therefore more reliable.

As in the first embodiment, the corresponding components assigned to the key can not only be arranged on the key itself, but can also be accommodated in a key fob, for example. Here, too, there can be several buttons or switches for activating / deactivating the display, for switching over and / or resetting.

This further embodiment of the invention enables error-free detection of the closed state of a lock. This closed state is then transmitted to the recipient on the keychain, with only a very short distance to be covered. It is therefore possible to work with very low transmission powers and to save energy accordingly. However, it is also possible to cover larger distances using suitable transmitters.

In a further development of the further embodiment of the invention, the lock sensor module in the vicinity of the lock can also be connected to a stopwatch or absolute clock which is started when the closed state changes. A time comparison during the second lock can then be used to determine whether the lock has been locked in the meantime by third parties.

In contrast to the method known from the prior art, in which the detection of the closed state takes place in the lock (DE 43 15 892), it is also possible to combine locks which are far away in a single display.

In addition, no complex cabling or the use of transmitters with high performance is required

The subject matter of the present invention results not only from the subject matter of the individual Claims, but also from the combination of the individual claims with each other.

All of the information and features disclosed in the documents, including the summary, in particular the spatial design shown in the drawings are claimed to be essential to the invention, insofar as they are new to the prior art, individually or in combination.

In the following the invention based on several

Drawings illustrating execution paths explained in more detail. Here, from the drawings and their description, further features and advantages of the invention that are essential to the invention emerge.

It shows:

Figure 1: A schematic representation of a key according to the invention with the associated lock in a first

Embodiment;

Figure 2: A view of the stuck in the castle

Key;

Figure 3: A schematic circuit diagram of the associated electronic components;

Figure 4: A schematic view of a second embodiment;

Figure 5: A view of the electronic components associated with the key;

Figure 6: A view of the electronic components associated with the lock.

Figures 1-3 show schematically a first embodiment of the present invention with an associated circuit. Here, a key 1 is provided, which can be inserted into a lock 2. In the embodiment shown, there are several markings around the lock 2, preferably magnets

3, attached, which can be recognized by sensors 4 on the key 1.

If the key 1 is now turned in the direction of the arrow 5, the sensors 4 sweep over the markings 3 in a predetermined sequence. This sequence can be used to determine whether the lock 2 is unlocked or locked; it can also be determined which lock 2 it is.

The sensors 4 can z. B. in a key cap 6, which is simply placed over an existing key.

The key cap 6 carries a display 7, on which a “z” for closed and a time of 1 hour, 17 minutes since the lock is shown in FIG. 1.

The underlying circuit essentially comprises a logic 8 with a memory and a sensor system 9 with sensors

4. The structure of the sensor system 9 depends on the sensors used. If Hall sensors are used, the signal will generally be processed further in the sensor system; in the case of reed sensors, the signal can be fed directly into the logic 8. The signals generated in the logic 8 are made visible on the display 7. Furthermore, a timer 10 and a suitable energy store 11, for. B. in the form of a battery.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the key 1 is additionally provided with an insertion sensor 20. This sensor 20 is activated when the key 1 is inserted into the lock 2, preferably by physical contact. As long as the sensor 20 is not actuated, that is to say that the key 1 is inserted in the lock 2, the sensors 4 are switched off or their signals are not processed. This prevents a false display.

Of course, it is also possible to provide various buttons, switches or keys as well as a loudspeaker or a lighting device for the display.

FIGS. 4-6 deal with a second embodiment, in which a key 12 has already been inserted into a lock 13. In the case shown, it is a conventional lock with a cylinder 14, a bolt 15, a latch 16 and a lock plate 17th

The position of the bolt 15 is detected by a lock sensor module 18 with an associated transmitter 23 and transmitted to a receiver 24, which is located in a key fob 19 in the embodiment shown. The corresponding signal is then shown on the display 7.

In this example, the display 7 shows that a lock No. 1 was closed 1 hour and 17 minutes ago. Switching between several locks can e.g. B. via the keys 21.

The associated circuit shown in FIG. 5 in the key fob 19 or in the key 12 works analogously to FIG. 3, with a receiver 24 for receiving signals being provided instead of the sensor system for determining signals. These signals are transmitted by a transmitter 23 which is attached in the vicinity of the lock 13.

The associated circuit of the lock sensor module 18 shown in FIG. 6 comprises a sensor system 9 which detects the closed state, possibly via its own sensors, not shown, and transmits it to its logic 8 with an associated memory. The transmitter 23 is connected to the logic 8. There are again a timer 10 and a suitable energy store 11 available. The lock is identified e.g. B. in that the logic 8 is stamped with a serial number 22.

The collected signals are processed in a suitable manner and transmitted to the receiver 24 via the transmitter 23. As already stated in the general part of the description, in order to save energy, the transmission can only be carried out when the lock status has changed.

Overall, the subject matter of the invention results in many and comprehensive advantages over the prior art. In this way, it can be checked at any distance from a lock whether and when it has been locked. You can also assign which key was last used. This information is linked to a key or keychain and therefore cannot be checked by third parties (data protection).

The key user himself can be informed directly and immediately via a suitable display (optical, acoustic or otherwise). The entire system can also be used for locks that allow several turns to lock, it can be used on the inside and outside of the door and is easy to retrofit.

The key can also be used for locks that are not registered.

DRAWING LEGEND

1. Key

2nd castle

3rd mark

4. Sensor

5. Arrow direction

6. Key cap

7. Display

8. Logic / memory

9. Sensor technology

10. Timer

11. Energy storage

12. Keys

13. Castle

14. Cylinder

15. Bar

16. Trap

17. Lock plate

18. Lock sensor module

19. Followers

20. Plug-in sensor

21. button

22. Serial number

23. Transmitter

24. Recipient

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Method for detecting the change in the closed state of at least one lock (2) with one on a key

(1) fixed logic (8) with memory and display (7) with the following steps:

- Detecting a rotation of the key (1) assigned to the lock (2) in the lock and simultaneously determining whether the detected rotation is in the unlocking direction or in the closing direction of the lock (2),

- generating a signal which indicates the unlocking or closing of the lock (2), - storing this signal in the memory of the logic (8), and

- Display this signal.

2. Method for detecting the change in the closed state of at least one lock (2) with logic (8) with memory and display (7) attached to a key (1), with the following steps:

- Detection of a rotation with detection of the direction of rotation of a key (1) assigned to the lock (2) in the lock (2) and simultaneous determination of the locking direction of the lock (2),

- comparing the detected direction of rotation with the determined locking direction,

- determining whether the lock (2) is unlocked or closed, - generating a corresponding signal,

- storing this signal in the memory of the logic (8), and

- Display this signal.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the detection of the rotational movement of the key (1) is carried out independently of the lock (2).

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein as a further step an identification of the lock (2) is provided and the detection of the change in the closed state is stored and / or displayed together with the identifier of the lock (2).

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the identification of the lock (2) takes place together with the detection of the change in the closed state or by a separate, additional signal.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein as a further step the detection of the insertion of the key (1) into the lock (2) and / or the detection of the insertion of the key (1) in the lock (2) is provided .

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the

Detection or determination or identification takes place without contact.

8. A method for detecting the closed state of at least one lock and for transmitting it to a user, which comprises the following steps:

- constant detection of the closed state of the lock (13) with a lock sensor module (18),

- Transmission of a corresponding signal to a logic (8) which can be fastened to the key (12) with a memory and a display (7), this transmission taking place always or at periodic intervals or being triggered by a change in the closed state,

- storing the closed state in the memory, and - displaying the closed state on the display (7).

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein a further, the lock identification signal is transmitted in order to be able to detect the closed state of several locks (13) individually.

10. The method according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the transmission of the signal or signals is contactless.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8-10, wherein after a change in the closed state of the lock (13), a stopwatch of the lock sensor module (18) is started.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein a detection of the change in the closed state of several locks (2, 13) in succession and a storage and / or display.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein a stop watch on the key (1; 12) is started further after the detection of the change in the closed state.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein the detection of the change in the closed state is linked to the absolute time.

15. The method according to any one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the stopwatch and / or absolute time are displayed.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein a periodic switching of the display (7) between the individual stored locking states of different locks (2, 13) takes place.

17. A device for detecting the change in the closed state of a lock, comprising:

- one or more markings (3) made in the vicinity of the lock (2), - one or more sensors (4) connected to the key (1) in a rotationally fixed manner for detecting these markings (3),

- A logic (8) which can be fastened to the key (1) and has a memory in which data can be stored, the logic (8) being able to process the signals received by the sensors (4), and

- A display (7) for displaying the closed state.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein one or more sensors (4) on the key (1) or an attachment (6) are provided for detecting the rotation of the key (1).

19. The apparatus of claim 17 or 18, wherein the markings (3) are designed as magnets.

20. Device according to one of claims 17 - 19, wherein the sensors (4) are designed as Hall sensors and / or reed switches.

21. Device according to one of claims 17 - 20, wherein a further sensor (20) for detecting the insertion of the key (1) into the lock (2) and / or for detecting the insertion of the key (1) in the lock (2 ) is provided.

22. A device for detecting the closed state of a lock and for transmitting it to a user, comprising:

- A near the lock (13) attached lock sensor module (18) for detecting the closed state

- a transmitter (23) connected to the lock sensor module (18) for transmitting signals,

logic (8) which can be fastened to the key (13) and has a memory with a receiver (24) for receiving and storing the signal or signals received from the lock (13),

- A display (7) which can be attached to the key (12).

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the lock sensor module (18) is attached to the striking plate of a door frame associated with the lock (13).

24. The apparatus of claim 22 or 23, wherein the lock sensor module (18) is coupled to a stopwatch.

25. Device according to one of claims 17 - 24, wherein the logic (8) with the memory, the display (7) and possibly the receiver (23) in a part (6, 19) which can be fastened to the key (1, 12). are included.

26. Device according to one of claims 17 - 25, wherein the display (7) can be switched on and off manually.

27. The device according to any one of claims 17-26, wherein one or more buttons (21) for activating / deactivating, switching between different display modes and / or resetting are present.

28. The device according to any one of claims 17-27, wherein the display (7) is constantly in operation and, if appropriate, automatically switches between closed states stored for a plurality of locks (2, 13) at periodic time intervals.