Code type lock especially for safes

Abstract

 The lock comprings a key (101) operated bolt and an electronic device capable of storing a code and permitting or preventing the opening of said bolt depending on the coincidence or non-coincidence of another code entered through a keyboard (1) with.the previously stored code.
This lock is intended to be used in a safe and presents the particularity whereby each time said safe is opened the stored code is erased and the user, on leaving it closed, is ableto set a new code, which may be identical to or different from the previously stored one.
This lock provides a means of dissuading undue manipulations by unauthorised persons unfamiliar with the number of the code entered, which consists in blocking the lock for a certain time when the keyboard is unduly pressed. In this case an alarm system is also provided.

Description

[0001] The object of this invention consists of a code type lock comprising a key operated bolt and an electronic device capable of storing a code and permitting or preventing the opening of said bolt depending on the coincidence or non-coincidence of another code entered through a keyborad with the previously stored code.

[0002] This lock is intended to be used in a safe and presents the particularity whereby each time said safe is opened the stored code is erased and the user, on leaving it closed, is able to set a new code, which may be identical to or different from the previously stored one.

[0003] By mere way of illustration, it is indicated that the use of safes provided with this type of lock is extremely advantageous for hotel rooms, as on each occasion each guest will be able to apply a different code to the lock of the safe installed in his room and will thus obtain a high degree of security. With the system which has been developed it is further possible to make it unnecessary for users to carry the keys of their corresponding safes with them; hence, said users will not have to run the risk of losing them.

[0004] If an unauthorized person unfamiliar with the number of the code entered at the time in the safe wished to open it, he would attempt to do so by pressing keys to try his luck and endeavour to find the correct code with which said safe has to be opened.

[0005] The object of this invention provides a means of dissuading said undue manipulations which consists in blocking the lock for a certain time, for example, half an hour, when the keyboaad is unduly pressed. In addition, there are alarm means which are energized by that misuse.

[0006] The control system requires a direct current electric power supply, for which reason the safes will have to be connected to the mains through a current rectifying system.

[0007] According to the present invention there is provided a code type lock comprising a locking bolt, means for setting a master code, means for entering an opening code and means responsive to coincidence of the master code and the entered opening code to free the bolt characterised in that the means for setting the master code comprises means for entering the master code into an electronic store and the means responsive to coincidence of the master code and the entered opening code is operable to energise a solenoid associated with a shaft to free the bolt and to erase the master code when the solenoid has been energised, and further characterised by the provision of counting means responsive to the entry of an opening code of incorrect format to disable operation of the lock for a predetermined period of time on counting a predetermined number of entries of incorrect format and to initiate an alarm, a direct current power source for the lock and a plurality of lamps responsive to the state of the lock to provide an indication of its current mode of operation and the failure of the power supply.

[0008] The invention further provides:

-- An emergency power supply system with a battery, which is energized in the event of a failure in the mains supply;

-- A suitably arranged system of lamps which will always show the state of the various components of the safe and, if pertinent, indicate the possibility of performing the necessary operations to open it;

-- A key which has to be inserted in the lock of the safe on commencing the service, which serves as an activator thereof and has a mechanical'system which prevents its extraction when the pin of the lock is engaged.

[0009] To activate the control system, the key has at its forward end duly positioned conductor rings which, with their positioning, number, mutual separation and thickness, also make it possible to obtain a high number of combinations so that only one key may be used with a given safe.

[0010] To improve the function of this safe it is desirable to provide an arrangement which enables an authorized person to open the safe when it is closed and, therefore, have access to the mechanisms and other mechanical and electronic systems of the safe located in its rear part.

[0011] For this purpose, the present invention has developed an arrangement according to which, when the safe is closed, it is nevertheless possible to open it, in an emergency, with a special auxiliary key which shifts the entire lock unit backward, therefore releasing the anchoring systems which close its rear cover; thanks to this it is possible to attain access to the mechanisms and other mechanical and electronic systems of the safe.

[0012] However, in the case of normal operation the lock unit is only actuated by a striker with an electric motor and solely in case of emergency is it actuated with the special auxiliary key.

[0013] The invention will now be described by way of reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-

Fig. 1 shows, in block diagram form, the operation of the electric circuits of the lock;

Fig. 2 schematically shows the key in its co-operation with a pin;

Fig. 3A shows the electromechanical combination of the system in the position in which the key is disengaged and the door open;

Fig. 3B shows a detail of the preceding figure depicting the position in which the key is blocked;

Fig. 4 shows a section along line AB-AB of Fig. 3A;

Figs. 5A and 5B are partially sectional side elevational views of the lock unit to show the inside thereof in its blocked position and in its shifted position, respectively;

Figs. 6A and 6B are front elevational and sectional views, respectively, along line A-A, of the rear cover with its anchoring system in the blocked position, the internal latches and pawls being shown in outline; and

Figs. ?A and ?B are front elevational and sectional views, respectively, along line B-B of said anchoring system of the rear cover in the released position, the internal latches and pawls being shown in outline.

[0014] To explain the operation of the safe, reference will be made firstly to the manner in which the code is entered in its lock. This code is entered after closing the door of the safe, for which it will suffice to turn the pin P shown in Fig. 2. Referring now to Fig. 1, the key 102 is then inserted in the corresponding keyhole 2 of the lock; on reaching the correct stop, this key will activate an electronic device which detects its presence; this electronic device is formed by an optoelectronic detector 3 which starts a timer 4 and an electronic switch 5; the impulse passes through the flip-flop 13; the green lamp 10A will then turn on; this green lamp will remain lit until a predetermined period of time elapses, for example, 30 seconds.

[0015] If it is not desired to block the door of the safe with the code lock according to the invention, that is, if it is not desired to set any code in the main storage 39, the door can be closed with the key-operated bolt only, independently from the electronic circuit, and the green lamp will turn off after a predetermined period of time, for example, 30 seconds.

[0016] On the other hand, if it is desired to leave the safe closed with the code lock according to the invention, entering the master code which the user considers appropriate in the main storage device 39, after the key is inserted in the keyhole 2, the code in question, formed by a preestablished number of digits, is entered on the keyboard 1. Each digit is registered in said main storage device 39.

[0017] After the last of the digits has been entered; the yellow lamp 10-B turns on, through the switch counter 40, which means that the code has been accepted.

[0018] If less digits than the pre-established number are entered, the impulses will be counted by the counter 40 which, on being connected with the yellow lamp 10-B, will make the latter turn on and flash for a predetermined time, for example, 4 seconds, thanks to the action of the timer 44, it then being possible to enter a new code. In this case, the inputs 42-48 serve to reset the main storage and the counter. The subsequent digits which might be pressed out on the keyboard would not be accepted.

[0019] The opening of the safe with a code already entered and stored in the code lock subject of the invention will be described below, again referring to Fig. 1.

[0020] When the user wishes to open said safe he firstly makes the key, inserted in the keyhole 2, reach the correct stop, activating the electronic device which detects its presence, through the above mentioned components 3, 4 and 5; the impulse passes through an oscillator 6 and a decoder 8 and turns on the yellow lamp 10-B.

[0021] When the yellow lamp 10-B turns on, this indicates that a code has already been registered in the main storage device 39 of the system and that there is a predetermined time available, for example 30 seconds, to enter the correct code through the keyboard 1, operated through the encoder 7. The impulses from the digits entered in the keyboard 1 will pass to the slave storage 29 and will be compared in the comparator 46 with the code contained in the main or master storage 39.

[0022] If the result of this operation is positive, that is, if there is coincidence, the comparator 46 will emit an impulse toward the flip-flop switch 13 which, in turn, will turn on the green lamp 10A. At the same time, the main storage 39 will be cleared or erased through the input 48.

[0023] When the green lamp 10A turns on in a continuous manner, this indicates that the lock can be opened by depressing the opening permission button in the keyboard 1 and that there is a predetermined time available for this action, for example, 4 seconds. The lock can then be opened. This predetermined period, for example, four seconds, is set through the timer 19.

[0024] When the green lamp 10A turns on and in a flashing manner, this indicates that the voltage of the current supplied by the battery 25 sensed by the detector 24 is lower than a predetermined voltage, for example, 9 volts.

[0025] If an incorrect code is entered or no code at all is pressed out after the yellow lamp has turned on and the pre-established time, for example 30 seconds, has elapsed, this fact will be registered in a counter 28 of the slave storage and after another predetermined period passes, for example, 10 seconds, the yellow lamp 10B will commence flashing for a short period of time, set by the timer 34, for example, four seconds, thanks to the action of the warning unit 35;as soon as said lamp commences flashing, it will be possible to try to enter another code. A signal is simultaneously supplied from the counter 28 to the logic gate 32 to stop the timer 61 when a certain number of digits has been entered.

[0026] If three attempts have been made to press out incorrect codes and there is no coincidence between the code stored in the main storage 39 and the code or codes entered through the keyboard 1, the yellow lamp 10B will turn off and the red lamp 11 will turn on, thus indicating that the current supply 24 or 25 for the system has been cut off for a predetermined period of time, for example, half an hour, thanks to the action of the timer 36.

[0027] The lock according to the invention is also provided with an alarm system, to signal possible undue manipulations, comprising three sensors 49: a first thermal sensor, a second movement sensor and a third sensor formed by a microswitch for the door. Inside the lock, the sensors operate a timer 50 through a logic gate 51 which actuates an electronic switch 52 to energize an alarm siren or a warning light 53.

[0028] The 110-220 volt alternating current mains 54 are used as the primary electric power supply for the electric circuits which have just been described. From said mains the current is passed through a transformer which converts it to 13.5 volts. From there it passes to a diode bridge where it is converted into direct current. From this point the current passes to a 5 volt direct current regulator 58 which supplies the entire electronic system, except the mechanical lock, which is actuated by the solenoid 22, and the siren 53. In the event of a failure in the mains, the system would be supplied from the battery 25, through the logic gate 57; the invention also provides an auxiliary battery charging unit.

[0029] In the event of a failure in the mains supply, a sensor 55 will activate a flashing unit 56 which makes the red lamp 11 commence flashing by action of the logic gate 37. The battery will then be connected and will assume the task of supplying the electric circuits of the device.

[0030] Finally, it has to be indicated that if for any reason the user loses or forgets the opening code set in the main storage, there is a master code which permits the lock to be opened, whatever may be the code existing in said main storage.

[0031] Referring now to Fig. 2, the key is designated therein with the general reference 101.

[0032] On the external end of the key there is a detachable handle. If anyone attempts to extract the key by force, this handle breaks off from the body of the key which remains inside the lock.

[0033] In front of the body of the key there is a reinforced stop 104 which limits the movement of the key. This stop is solidly connected with the door 103, shown in section, in said Fig. 2.

[0034] The body of the key is provided with an annular groove which cooperates with a cylindrical pin P, which prevents its extraction when the lock is engaged.

[0035] On the internal end of the body of the key, the latter makes contact with the microswitch M1, through duly positioned conductor rings 105. With the thickness and the number of rings, the separation between rings and the positioning thereof, it is possible to create extremely numerous combinations, as previously explained.

[0036] In Figs. 3A (key disengaged and door open), 3B (key blocked and shaft blocked lock) and 4, M1 designates the key microswitch; M2 the lock microswitch (open); M3 the lock microswitch (closed); and M4 the shaft R actuating microswitch. MP designates the control microcomputer. This very strong shaft R, controlled by the solenoid 122, blocks the pin P in the cases where said-solenoid operates.

[0037] As has been said, an auxiliary battery is provided for the cases of mains current cutoffs. However, since this is a low power battery, it cannot energize the solenoid, which cannot therefore actuate the strong shaft Ri the result of this is that the pin P can be forced and the shaft can break. In order to provide for this contingency, the pin P and the manual actuator T are connected by a spring S so that the shaft cannot break on attempting to force the system.

[0038] Figs. 5A and 5B show, on the one hand, the lock unit assembly 201 and, on the other, the pertinent parts with which an authorized person can open the safe even if it is closed.

[0039] In the normal position, the lock unit has its latch 203 inserted in the hole 205 existing in the wall 207 of the safe, whereby the latter is kept closed.

[0040] When said authorized person wishes to open the safe, he inserts a special key in the keyhole 202 of the lock and turns the camming pin 204, which is applied against the slot 206 of the lock unit; this pin 204 pushes said slot and, consequently, the entire lock unit 201 backward, whereupon the latch 203 is released from the hole 205 and the safe is opened.

[0041] Figs. 6A and 6B, as well as Figs. 7A and 7B, show the rear cover of the safe, which normally prevents access to the mechanisms and mechanical systems thereof.

[0042] In the normal position (Figs. 6A and 6B),the latches 211, 212 and 213 are inserted in the holes 214, 215 and 216, respectively, of the walls of the safe, whereby the rear cover remains fixed.

[0043] On inserting the special key, these latches move and are released from the holes, passing to the position of Figs. 7A and 7B whereupon the entire rear cover can be removed, then attaining the desired access to the mentioned mechanisms and mechanical and electronic systems.

[0044] In the above description, the device of the invention has been spoken of in terms which might be called generic ones. This is due to the fact that all the electronic components are well known and they are available on the market under different embodiments. The functioning of same, isolately considered, is also known by experts on the matter.

Claims

1. A code type lock comprising a locking bolt, means for setting a master code, means for entering an opening code and means responsive to coincidence of the master code and the entered opening code to free the bolt characterised in that the means for setting the master code comprises means for entering the master code into an electronic store and the means responsive to coincidence of the master code and the entered opening code is operable to energise a solenoid associated with a shaft to free the bolt and to erase the master code when the solenoid has been energised, and further characterised by the provision of counting means responsive to the entry of an opening code of incorrect format to disable operation of the lock for a predetermined period of time on counting a predetermined number of entries of incorrect format and to initiate an alarm, a direct current power source for the lock and a plurality of lamps responsive to the state of the lock to provide an indication of its current mode of operation and the failure of the power supply.

2. Improvements in or relating to a -code type lock of the kind, comprising a key-operated bolt and an electronic device capable of storing a code and which permits or prevents the opening of said bolt depending on the coincidence or non-coincidence of a code entered through a keyboard with the previously stored master code, characterised in that the lock comprises: a key operated bolt; electronic means for blocking said bolt provided with a spring and a shaft actuated by a solenoid; a main storage device, which registers and stores, as the master code, a code set by a user through said keyboard; an opening storage, which registers and stores an opening code subsequently entered through said keyboard; comparing means, which compare the content of said opening storage with that of said main storage, which provide for the energization of said solenoid in order to release said bolt when said entered opening code coincides with said code contained in the mentioned main storage and which disable the actuation of said solenoid if said codes do not coincide; erasing means which clear said main storage when said codes coincide and said solenoid has been energized; counting means which register the entry of an incorrect code through said keyboard and which disable the operation of the lock for a predetermined period of time on registering the entry of a number of incorrect codes exceeding a predetermined limit; alarm means which are activated in response to the emission of a signal by said counting means when said predetermined limit is exceeded or when an attempt is made to manipulate the safe in which said lock is mounted in an unauthorised manner; electric power supply means, intended to supply direct current to operate the circuits of the lock; and a plurality of lamps, intended to indicate at all times the condition and the mode of operation of the lock, as well as a failure in the electric power supply in the system.

3. Improvements according to Claim 2 characterised in that the lock further comprises a sensor of the presence of said key therein, which prevents the operation of said lock while said presence is not sensed.

4. Improvements according to Claim 2 or 3 characterised in that the lock may be operated, in a first form, as a simple key operated lock when no opening code is set in said main storage and, in a second form, as a combined mechanical and electronic lock when, on closing it, a predetermined opening code is set in said main storage.

5. Improvements according to any one of Claims 2 to 4 characterised in that said alarm means, on being activated, operate a device which emits an audible and/or visible signal and, at the same time, cut off the electric power supply to the circuits of the lock, making it impossible to open it for a pre-established variable period of time, following which the content of the main storage is erased and the power supply is resumed, said lock then readopting its second mentioned form of operation.

6. Improvements according to any one of Claims 2 to 5 characterised in that the key is provided: a) with a handle which breaks off from its body if undue force is exerted thereon; b) with an annular groove in its body which cooperates with a cylindrical pin and prevents its extraction when the lock is engaged; and c) with conductor rings positioned in the forward part of its body, for the electrical contact.

7. Improvements according to any one of Claims 2 to 6 characterised in that an auxiliary emergency supply battery is provided to supply the electric circuits in the event of a possible failure in the mains current supply.

8. Improvements according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that when the safe is closed it can nevertheless be opened, as an emergency measure, with an auxiliary key which shifts the entire lock unit backward.

9. Improvements according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that when the lock unit retracts on using the special key the anchoring systems which close the rear cover of the safe are released, access being attained to the mechanisms and mechanical and electronic systems thereof.

Drawing