CA1158750A - Electronic locking device - Google Patents
Electronic locking deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA1158750A CA1158750A CA000381127A CA381127A CA1158750A CA 1158750 A CA1158750 A CA 1158750A CA 000381127 A CA000381127 A CA 000381127A CA 381127 A CA381127 A CA 381127A CA 1158750 A CA1158750 A CA 1158750A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- circuit
- power source
- electric driver
- voltage
- unlocking
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
An unlocking device having a circuit to judge if the voltage of the ordinary power source circuit incor-porated in a device to operate an electric driver is maintained at a specified level. When the voltage of the said ordinary power source circuit is not maintained at the specified level, the said electric driver is conducted for unlocking by an external power source through the circuit having the connection terminals to the said external power source.
An unlocking device having a circuit to judge if the voltage of the ordinary power source circuit incor-porated in a device to operate an electric driver is maintained at a specified level. When the voltage of the said ordinary power source circuit is not maintained at the specified level, the said electric driver is conducted for unlocking by an external power source through the circuit having the connection terminals to the said external power source.
Description
75~
DETAILED DESCRIPTION O~' THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an electronic locking device for locking or unlocking by memory and relational computing processing of the code information given by key input of external memory code.
Compared with'mechanical locks, in which a key is inserted for locking and unlocking used so far for building doors and the like, electronic locks are free from such worries created by the need to carry the key at all times, losing the key, or possible burglary by means of a duplicated key, and are now used for many purposes other than building doors, such as safes, automobile doors or suit cases. Though a number of different contrivances have been made, all known devices are basically composed of a key button operation unit for input of external memory codes, a memory to memorize the input codes, a control circuit for relational computing of the input, a control unit for locking and unlocking such as a micro-computer or sequencer. The differences in these devices lie in the contrivance for completely keeping secret the code, i.e., one that can be renewed at any time freely by a specified person or one that can be renewed within a limited time only. Almost all electronic locks composed in such a manner are free'from the defects of mechanical locks described above and their ability to maintain the code confidential is bet~r than that of mechanical continuation locks. As they are primarily composed of electronic circuits, however, they all have problems such as voltage reduction of the battery incorporated as the power source for each circuit or as the driving power for solenoid or motor, failure of the'rectifier to convert commercial power into the source voltage of the locking device, and consumption or troubles' in the power source system, such ~s power failure'in the commercial power source~ which fails to operate the above circuit, solenoid or motor resulting in the prevention oE unlocking. Another dis-advantage is that the unlocking of doors or suit. cases becomes also impossible when the battery voltage as the power source of the micro-computer is consumed or in -trouble, the memory is cancelled by some trouble in the circuit composed of a number of electronic parts or when any other function of the computer fails while the door or suit case is being locked because the solenoid or motor lQ is not operated by regular key input.
In view of the foregoing, it is a general object of this invention to solve the problems of conventional electronic locking devices in which unlocking becomes lS impossible in the event of a voltage reduction or trouble in the power source system or a defective electronic component oE the
DETAILED DESCRIPTION O~' THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an electronic locking device for locking or unlocking by memory and relational computing processing of the code information given by key input of external memory code.
Compared with'mechanical locks, in which a key is inserted for locking and unlocking used so far for building doors and the like, electronic locks are free from such worries created by the need to carry the key at all times, losing the key, or possible burglary by means of a duplicated key, and are now used for many purposes other than building doors, such as safes, automobile doors or suit cases. Though a number of different contrivances have been made, all known devices are basically composed of a key button operation unit for input of external memory codes, a memory to memorize the input codes, a control circuit for relational computing of the input, a control unit for locking and unlocking such as a micro-computer or sequencer. The differences in these devices lie in the contrivance for completely keeping secret the code, i.e., one that can be renewed at any time freely by a specified person or one that can be renewed within a limited time only. Almost all electronic locks composed in such a manner are free'from the defects of mechanical locks described above and their ability to maintain the code confidential is bet~r than that of mechanical continuation locks. As they are primarily composed of electronic circuits, however, they all have problems such as voltage reduction of the battery incorporated as the power source for each circuit or as the driving power for solenoid or motor, failure of the'rectifier to convert commercial power into the source voltage of the locking device, and consumption or troubles' in the power source system, such ~s power failure'in the commercial power source~ which fails to operate the above circuit, solenoid or motor resulting in the prevention oE unlocking. Another dis-advantage is that the unlocking of doors or suit. cases becomes also impossible when the battery voltage as the power source of the micro-computer is consumed or in -trouble, the memory is cancelled by some trouble in the circuit composed of a number of electronic parts or when any other function of the computer fails while the door or suit case is being locked because the solenoid or motor lQ is not operated by regular key input.
In view of the foregoing, it is a general object of this invention to solve the problems of conventional electronic locking devices in which unlocking becomes lS impossible in the event of a voltage reduction or trouble in the power source system or a defective electronic component oE the
2~
micro-computer, and to of~er a device having means to detect any trouble in the power source s~stem ox the micro-computer system, to enable unlocking with simple operation by the de-tected sign~1, by an external power source or by an incorpor-ated battery immediately before renewal, and yet to keep the abnormal unlocking opera~ion highly confidential.
Another object of the invention is to o~fer a device that makes unlocking operation more confidential simply.
A further objection of the invention is to offer a de-vice that unlocking can be made simpl~ and quickly with confi-dence when the micro-computer control unit fails to function only if the driving power for the solenoid or motor is normal, and should the driving power source be in trouble in addition, unlocking can be also with a readily available external power source.
A still further object of the invention is to offer a device that enables easy unlocking by utilizing an external power source when the incorporated power system or computer is out of order so as to make it easy to handle in case the code is forgotten, although the performance for confidential preservation becomes somewhat lower.
According to the present invention there is provided an electronic locking device or locking and unlocking through control of an electric driver by key input of memory codes from outside for memory and relational computing, comprising a cir-cuitfor judging that the volta~e conducted from a normal power source incorporated in said device to control the electric driver is at a level over a specified value or at a level below the specified value and for transmitting a discrimination signal, a circuit having a terminal for connection to an ex-ternal power source to operate said electric driver, and a circuit to switch said electric driver to the said external .
~ ~ - 2a -,. ~
power source circuit by means of said discrimination signal, in which the speciEied value for judging normal or abnormal voltage conducted from the normal power source is set at a con-stant value to renew the power source above the minimum driv-ing level of the said electric driver, and said electric dri-ver is operated by applying the voltage of the said constant value conducted from the normal power source, and in which a signal transmission circuit is provided to generate a de-tection signal upon suspension of clock pulses generated as the normal timing control by the control unit for memorizing an external key input and for coded information processing by relational computation during consumption of the normal power source or circuit trouble, the electric driver being operated by the detection si~nal.
'7~
-- BRI~F DESCRIPTION OF DR~WIl~GS
Fig. 1 is oblique view of a suit case provided with an electronic locking device according to this invention;
Fig. 2 is the block diagram to show the circuit composition of the first embodiment of the invention;
- Fig. 3 is a circui-t diaKram of the power sollrce vol-tage jud~ing circuit and of the power source switching circuit of the first embodiment;
~ ig. 4 is the block diagram showing the circuit composition of the second embodiment of the invention~
Fig. 5 is a sectional side view to show the composition of the locking and unlocking control unit according to -the invention;
Fig. 6 is an oblique view seen from the bottom of the above Fig. 5 to explain -the automatic locking and locking preventive operations;
Fig. 7 is an embodiment circui-t diagram of the electronic circuit of the invention;
Fig. 8 is the block diagram to show the circuit composition of the third embodiment of -the invention;
Fig. 9 is an circuit diagram of the detection circuit that detect troubles of the micro-computer to g~enerate abnormal con-trol signal;
~ ig. 10 ~ to Fig. 10 D are the drawings to show waveform at each part of the said detection circuit;
Fig. 11 is the block diagram to show the circuit compostion of an electronic locking device;
Fig~ 12 is an cir~uit diagram of the judging circuit and of the switching circuit;
-3a-s~
Fig. 1~ is the bloc:k diagrarn to show the composition of an electronic locking device according to the inven-tion;
Fig. 14 is an embodiment of the ~udging circuit for `memorizing and comparison of abnormal unlocking code and for output of the agreement signal, and of the control circuit to drive the unlocking control terminal by the outpu-t;
Fig. 15 is the circuit diagram to explai~ another embodiment of the invention; and ~ ig. 16 is the bloclc diagram to show the circuit composition of an electronic locking device according to the invention~
-3b-~ ferring now to -~he drawings, the presen-t inven-tion is de~cribed in fur-ther detail from the first embo~i~ent and on. ~ig. 1 i8 a large si~d suit case mounted with an electronic locking device of the present invention and the casing 1 is made of duralumin and the electronic locIcing device 2 is attached to the center of the casing. A Icey button con-trol board 3 is placed several mrn below the panel surface ol the loclcing device 2 on which ten number keys and four function lceys are provided.
The receptacle of 10 core connector 5 is provided close to the clasp(4~) of the casing 1, which functions as the external power source te~minal ~or abnormal unlocking and is normally closed by a cover that can be mounted or dismounted freely, -though it is no-t illustrated. The magnetic solenoids 6~, 6B sho~ln by dotted lines are attached to the inside of the casin~ 1 and used as the control terminal to lock or unlock the clasps 4A, 4~
by key input (code numbers) into the electronic locking device~ The control unit 12 of the micro comp~ter ~or operation process of the said key input is provided on the lower face of the key button control board 3 as shown by the dotted line, and the power source, DC6V mercury lamp for instance, is attached to the same place so as to be replaced.
~ ig. 2 is the bloclc diagram showing the circuit composi-tion of an electronic locking device by this inventionO Of the 14 key buttons on the control board
micro-computer, and to of~er a device having means to detect any trouble in the power source s~stem ox the micro-computer system, to enable unlocking with simple operation by the de-tected sign~1, by an external power source or by an incorpor-ated battery immediately before renewal, and yet to keep the abnormal unlocking opera~ion highly confidential.
Another object of the invention is to o~fer a device that makes unlocking operation more confidential simply.
A further objection of the invention is to offer a de-vice that unlocking can be made simpl~ and quickly with confi-dence when the micro-computer control unit fails to function only if the driving power for the solenoid or motor is normal, and should the driving power source be in trouble in addition, unlocking can be also with a readily available external power source.
A still further object of the invention is to offer a device that enables easy unlocking by utilizing an external power source when the incorporated power system or computer is out of order so as to make it easy to handle in case the code is forgotten, although the performance for confidential preservation becomes somewhat lower.
According to the present invention there is provided an electronic locking device or locking and unlocking through control of an electric driver by key input of memory codes from outside for memory and relational computing, comprising a cir-cuitfor judging that the volta~e conducted from a normal power source incorporated in said device to control the electric driver is at a level over a specified value or at a level below the specified value and for transmitting a discrimination signal, a circuit having a terminal for connection to an ex-ternal power source to operate said electric driver, and a circuit to switch said electric driver to the said external .
~ ~ - 2a -,. ~
power source circuit by means of said discrimination signal, in which the speciEied value for judging normal or abnormal voltage conducted from the normal power source is set at a con-stant value to renew the power source above the minimum driv-ing level of the said electric driver, and said electric dri-ver is operated by applying the voltage of the said constant value conducted from the normal power source, and in which a signal transmission circuit is provided to generate a de-tection signal upon suspension of clock pulses generated as the normal timing control by the control unit for memorizing an external key input and for coded information processing by relational computation during consumption of the normal power source or circuit trouble, the electric driver being operated by the detection si~nal.
'7~
-- BRI~F DESCRIPTION OF DR~WIl~GS
Fig. 1 is oblique view of a suit case provided with an electronic locking device according to this invention;
Fig. 2 is the block diagram to show the circuit composition of the first embodiment of the invention;
- Fig. 3 is a circui-t diaKram of the power sollrce vol-tage jud~ing circuit and of the power source switching circuit of the first embodiment;
~ ig. 4 is the block diagram showing the circuit composition of the second embodiment of the invention~
Fig. 5 is a sectional side view to show the composition of the locking and unlocking control unit according to -the invention;
Fig. 6 is an oblique view seen from the bottom of the above Fig. 5 to explain -the automatic locking and locking preventive operations;
Fig. 7 is an embodiment circui-t diagram of the electronic circuit of the invention;
Fig. 8 is the block diagram to show the circuit composition of the third embodiment of -the invention;
Fig. 9 is an circuit diagram of the detection circuit that detect troubles of the micro-computer to g~enerate abnormal con-trol signal;
~ ig. 10 ~ to Fig. 10 D are the drawings to show waveform at each part of the said detection circuit;
Fig. 11 is the block diagram to show the circuit compostion of an electronic locking device;
Fig~ 12 is an cir~uit diagram of the judging circuit and of the switching circuit;
-3a-s~
Fig. 1~ is the bloc:k diagrarn to show the composition of an electronic locking device according to the inven-tion;
Fig. 14 is an embodiment of the ~udging circuit for `memorizing and comparison of abnormal unlocking code and for output of the agreement signal, and of the control circuit to drive the unlocking control terminal by the outpu-t;
Fig. 15 is the circuit diagram to explai~ another embodiment of the invention; and ~ ig. 16 is the bloclc diagram to show the circuit composition of an electronic locking device according to the invention~
-3b-~ ferring now to -~he drawings, the presen-t inven-tion is de~cribed in fur-ther detail from the first embo~i~ent and on. ~ig. 1 i8 a large si~d suit case mounted with an electronic locking device of the present invention and the casing 1 is made of duralumin and the electronic locIcing device 2 is attached to the center of the casing. A Icey button con-trol board 3 is placed several mrn below the panel surface ol the loclcing device 2 on which ten number keys and four function lceys are provided.
The receptacle of 10 core connector 5 is provided close to the clasp(4~) of the casing 1, which functions as the external power source te~minal ~or abnormal unlocking and is normally closed by a cover that can be mounted or dismounted freely, -though it is no-t illustrated. The magnetic solenoids 6~, 6B sho~ln by dotted lines are attached to the inside of the casin~ 1 and used as the control terminal to lock or unlock the clasps 4A, 4~
by key input (code numbers) into the electronic locking device~ The control unit 12 of the micro comp~ter ~or operation process of the said key input is provided on the lower face of the key button control board 3 as shown by the dotted line, and the power source, DC6V mercury lamp for instance, is attached to the same place so as to be replaced.
~ ig. 2 is the bloclc diagram showing the circuit composi-tion of an electronic locking device by this inventionO Of the 14 key buttons on the control board
3, power switch (S) is to be turned on for locking or unlocking when the incorporated ordinary po~ler source 11 is normal, key (C) is the clear key to cancel the number keys 10 from the memory ~Ihen the code number . 4 ~S!375~P
.
... ... . . .... . ..... .. .. ......
~ ~ ~j~7~
set in~orrectly~ and key (L~ i9 the lock key ta operated the solenoid 6 for locking af-ter setting a code number correctly by the number keys 10. After locking, the power is turned off by the said key (S). Key (U) is the unlocking key to be pushed to operate the solenoid 6 for unlocking to open up the suit case after turning on the power by the said key (S) and then setting the said code n~mber by the number keys 10 The control unit 12 functions to memorize a specific code number from the control board ~ into the memory circuit 12A
to compare the memorized number in the comparison circui-t 12~ with the number set on the control board 3 at locking or unlocking, and to give the ou-tput of lock signal (S~) or unlock signal (Su) from the control circuit 12C to the driving circuit 13 only when the compared numbers are in agreement. Though it is not provided in the embo~iment of Fig. 1, the block shown by dotted line 14 is an indicator, which is to provide close to the control board 3 and indicates the code number set by crystalline liquid letters, ~he dotted line 15 is the commercial power source used for building doors and others, the incorporated ordinary power unit 11 is used for commuta-tion and also as a constance voltage equipment. In the embodiment of ~ig 1, this i~corporated ordinary power unit 11 is a mercury ba-ttery of DC6V9 as described ~ -above, and also func-tions as the power for the control unit 12 as well. One of the key point of the present ~7 r~
invention is the part enclosed by the dotted frame 21 in Fig. 2, in which the receptacle of 10 core connector 5 has the socket connectors Pl to P10, which are can also be pins. The voltage of the ordinary power unit 11 is normally applied to the judging circuit of voltage 22, and when the voltage level is over DC5V, at which the solenoids 6A, 6B function normally, the signal (Sn) of normal voltage is given to the power switching circuit 23, and when it is below DCSV (including OV), the signal (Sa) of abnormal voltage is supplied. The power switching circuit 23, is so composed that no output is made at the output terminals 26, 27 however, voltage is applied to the input terminals 24, 25 through the exter-nal terminal 5 so long as the said input signals is (Sn) i.e., the power source 11 maintains the voltage abave the specified level. If the life of the mercury battery 11 is expired (or if the commutation equipment is in trouble) and the device does not function normally, a readily available power such as automobile battery (DC12V), for instance, is used as the external power source 28, or the clasp 4A of Fig. 1 as the positive (+) side of the external power source terminal and the clasp 4B as the negative (-) side of the terminal are directly connected with the lead wires 29, 30 (not illustrated), and when DC12V is applied to the input terminals 24, 25, the switching circuit 23 gives the output of the above DC12V
to 26J 27 and operates the 5~ ;
solenoides 6A, 6~ through the operation terminal drivin~
circuit 13 making it possible to unlock because the input signal from the volta~e judgement circuit 22 is (Sa) as described a~ove. Then the Slli~ case can be opened by the manual locking device of the clasps ~A,
.
... ... . . .... . ..... .. .. ......
~ ~ ~j~7~
set in~orrectly~ and key (L~ i9 the lock key ta operated the solenoid 6 for locking af-ter setting a code number correctly by the number keys 10. After locking, the power is turned off by the said key (S). Key (U) is the unlocking key to be pushed to operate the solenoid 6 for unlocking to open up the suit case after turning on the power by the said key (S) and then setting the said code n~mber by the number keys 10 The control unit 12 functions to memorize a specific code number from the control board ~ into the memory circuit 12A
to compare the memorized number in the comparison circui-t 12~ with the number set on the control board 3 at locking or unlocking, and to give the ou-tput of lock signal (S~) or unlock signal (Su) from the control circuit 12C to the driving circuit 13 only when the compared numbers are in agreement. Though it is not provided in the embo~iment of Fig. 1, the block shown by dotted line 14 is an indicator, which is to provide close to the control board 3 and indicates the code number set by crystalline liquid letters, ~he dotted line 15 is the commercial power source used for building doors and others, the incorporated ordinary power unit 11 is used for commuta-tion and also as a constance voltage equipment. In the embodiment of ~ig 1, this i~corporated ordinary power unit 11 is a mercury ba-ttery of DC6V9 as described ~ -above, and also func-tions as the power for the control unit 12 as well. One of the key point of the present ~7 r~
invention is the part enclosed by the dotted frame 21 in Fig. 2, in which the receptacle of 10 core connector 5 has the socket connectors Pl to P10, which are can also be pins. The voltage of the ordinary power unit 11 is normally applied to the judging circuit of voltage 22, and when the voltage level is over DC5V, at which the solenoids 6A, 6B function normally, the signal (Sn) of normal voltage is given to the power switching circuit 23, and when it is below DCSV (including OV), the signal (Sa) of abnormal voltage is supplied. The power switching circuit 23, is so composed that no output is made at the output terminals 26, 27 however, voltage is applied to the input terminals 24, 25 through the exter-nal terminal 5 so long as the said input signals is (Sn) i.e., the power source 11 maintains the voltage abave the specified level. If the life of the mercury battery 11 is expired (or if the commutation equipment is in trouble) and the device does not function normally, a readily available power such as automobile battery (DC12V), for instance, is used as the external power source 28, or the clasp 4A of Fig. 1 as the positive (+) side of the external power source terminal and the clasp 4B as the negative (-) side of the terminal are directly connected with the lead wires 29, 30 (not illustrated), and when DC12V is applied to the input terminals 24, 25, the switching circuit 23 gives the output of the above DC12V
to 26J 27 and operates the 5~ ;
solenoides 6A, 6~ through the operation terminal drivin~
circuit 13 making it possible to unlock because the input signal from the volta~e judgement circuit 22 is (Sa) as described a~ove. Then the Slli~ case can be opened by the manual locking device of the clasps ~A,
4~. ~
The above method to use the clasps directly as -the .
external power source terminals is simple and accordingly the cost is lower, but has,a disadvantage in kecping abnorm~l unlocking operation confidential. rrhat is, the unloclcing method will also become known widely as the suit cases of this type become popular. Accordin~ly, multi-core connector of higher secret retaining perforrn-`
ance is used as an embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in Fig. 2 the 10 core socket connetors P7 and p10, which are selected and at random out, are connected as (+) and (-) terminals respectivelyt then the code of (+)=P7 and (-)-P10 is made know only to the owner of the suit case. If someone else who are not allowed to open the suit case of this composition tries to open it by inserting (+) and (-) terminals of DC12Y
into the 10 core connector at random, the probability to fit the said code is 1/~(n-1) ~ (n-2)........ ~
...+1~X 2 = 1/90, where (n) is the number of cores of the connector, and practica~ly, this is safe enou~h. If a connector of more number of cores is used, it will B7S~
become almost impossible to open the suit case by any other person who does not know the code number.
rrhe structure and the function of the unlocking device according to this invention at a trouble of the power source are as described above, and now follows the description along ~ig. 3 of an embodiment of the voltage judging circuit 22 and power source swi~ching curcuit 23 of Fig. 2. Of course -the description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation on the scope of -the invention.
In Fig. 3, terminals 51, 52 are respectively (+) and (-) of the ordinary power source 11, and each one of the ~N transistor of emitter earthing type 53, 54, 55, in which the transisitor 55 has a large current amplification factor (~ ). A zener diode of ~V break-down voltage 56, diodes 57,58, the resistor 60 and the condenser 61 are provided in the voltage judging circuit 22 and power source switching circuit. In this composi-tion, the said output signals (SR ) (su) from the control unit (12) are applied to the base of the transistor (53) as the driving circuit (13) and also the battery voltage of the power source 11 is over the specified level of DC5V, the transistor 54 is conducted by the constant voltage function of the zener diode 56, the emitter current (I1 ) flows, no base current flows to the base 55B of the transistor 55 even if DC12V is applied, and the transistor 55 is turned ff (I2 = )-... . . . .
~ecause of this action, the solenoid 6 is driven onlyby -the signals (S~) (Su). The above are the o~erations undèr normal condition. Now if -the voltage o~ the power source 11 comes down below the specified level of DC5V, the signals from the control unit 12 StQp and the transistor 53 is turned off, The zener diode 56 i5 also turned off at the same time and the transistor 54 is -turned to non-conducting ( I1=O)o ~fter thatt the external power source voltage of D~12V is applied to the terminals 31, 32, the voltage is turned into unlocking voltage of DC6V by the diode 57 and resister 59, and the zener diode 56 is turned on again. The base voltage 54~
of the transistor 54 is applied being delayed by the time (T~) determined by the time constant elements 60, 61, 0.3 sec. for instance. On the other hand, the -transistor 55 is turned to on (I2 is generated) since the base current flows through the base 55B as soon as the above ~C12V is applied, and the unlocking voltage of DC6V is applied to the solenoid 6 for abnormal unlocking opera-tion and is turned off after the above mentioned 0.3 sec.
Described above is the first embo~iment of the electronic locking device according to this invention.
I~hen the locking device is used for building doors or safes, a lamp or buzzer may sometimes be provided on the control board. Many other compositions are also conceivable.
Now referring to Fig~ 4, which is the block diagram ~ S 8 7~0 to show the circuit configllxation of the embodiment of thi~ invention. One of the key point of this invention is in the blocks enclosed by the al-ternate long and two short dashes lines in Fig. 4 and thie~ signal system.
'~he vol-tage detection circuit 42 g.ives the ou-tput of normal signal (SN) to the swi-tching circuit 43 when the power source voltage of the power source 11 is applied continuously (or intermittently) and the level is within the range from DC6V to 4.5V, and gives the output of abnormal signal (SA) to the s~itching circult 43 when the voltage of the power source 11 is consumed and comes down below the specified level of 4.5V. Ordinarily, voltage reduction of dry ba-ttery differes depending on the capacity and discharge condition but the decrease is rather lenient to about 70~/o of the nominal capacity and stable use is ensured. Even under adequate discharge condition, however, the decrease is accelerated after 70 - 80yo of the nominal capacity as the capacity is limitted, and at 50% of the nominal capacity, it reaches .
the ending vol.tage as is generally known. In this invention, 75/0 of 6V or 4.5V is set as the normal operat-ing level (limit for battery renewal) of the main solenoid since the range to 75% of the nominal capacity with less voltage drop is used, and the block 42 is so composed to issue the output of abnormal signal (SA), when the source voltage comes down below 4.5V. Though 4.5V is still higher than 3~8V where the main solenold 6M ceases to function completely, setting is made at . - 10 ~ '7~
4.5V for stable use of the battery voltage a~d intending for earlier replacement of the battery as mentioned above. ~he locking preventive drive circuit ~4 is operated by this signal (SA), and the voltage (VA) slightly lower than the specified DC4.5V, 4.4V for instance, is supplied to the auxiliary solenoid 45 and also to the main solenoid 6M. Unlike the main solenoid 6M, the setting of the operation level for the auxiliary solenoid 45 is at 4.5V (minimum operation level 3 4V), and by the input of this voltage (VA), the automatic unlocking and locking preventive mechanism 46 is operated through the action ~1 shown by continuous line~ ~t the same time, the main solenoid 6M applies the operation of the action A2 to the normal locking mechanism 43 by above voltage (VA), i.e. 4.4V, for mechanical coupling A3 with the said mechanism 46. If the normal locking mechanism 43 is at locked condition, the mechanism is unlocked, and if it is at non-locked condition, it does not react to the input of locking signal (SL) given by key input through the driving circuit 1~, and the mechanism is kept being unlocked.
0~ the control unit 6, further description is given below on blocks 5M, 43 shown in Fig. 5, which is the cross sectional drawing of the control unit 6 of the clasp 4A for the suit case shown in Fig. 1 incorporated the said mechanisms 43, 46 into an unit. The member 72 of n -shape connected to the knob 7 with the rivet 71 '.
~ S~'7~
so as to slide freely in arrow direction (a) and (b) forms the lock shaft, and the locking unit 72T at the top of -the lock shaft i9 inserted into the latch 8F of -the said hook 8. The fixed cover 73 is screwed on-to the said clasp latch 4A on which the guide holes for the top ends 72AT, 72BT of the sides 72A, 72B of the lock shaft 72 are provided to control the above movernents in (a) and (b) direction. A scissors-shaped compression spring 73 having one end as the fulcrum point (not shown) keeps pushing the lock shaft in the directio~ (b? at all times.
A locking plate 75 for locking by key input when the lock shaft 72 is at the position of this drawing, i.e.
the~ hook 8 is looked. The locking plate 75 has a lock hole 75H and is connected and fixed to the lock shaft 72. The top end of the movable piece 76 of the main solenoid 6M described in Fig. 4 is inserted into the lock hole 75H, and it moves up and down with the shaft 77 supported by the bearing on the cover 7~ as -the fulcrum point by the drawing force of the solenoid 6M and by the pulling force of the tension spring 78. At the key input of the code number into the control board 3, the solenoid 6M functions to draw ~he movable piece 76 and the top 76T1 of the movable piece 76 goes out of the lock hole 75H. When the knob 7 is pushed in the direction (a), therefore, the hook 8 is sprung up to the position 8', and the suit case c~n be opened.
Referring to ~ig. 5 and Fig. 6, an auxiliary ~olenoid
The above method to use the clasps directly as -the .
external power source terminals is simple and accordingly the cost is lower, but has,a disadvantage in kecping abnorm~l unlocking operation confidential. rrhat is, the unloclcing method will also become known widely as the suit cases of this type become popular. Accordin~ly, multi-core connector of higher secret retaining perforrn-`
ance is used as an embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in Fig. 2 the 10 core socket connetors P7 and p10, which are selected and at random out, are connected as (+) and (-) terminals respectivelyt then the code of (+)=P7 and (-)-P10 is made know only to the owner of the suit case. If someone else who are not allowed to open the suit case of this composition tries to open it by inserting (+) and (-) terminals of DC12Y
into the 10 core connector at random, the probability to fit the said code is 1/~(n-1) ~ (n-2)........ ~
...+1~X 2 = 1/90, where (n) is the number of cores of the connector, and practica~ly, this is safe enou~h. If a connector of more number of cores is used, it will B7S~
become almost impossible to open the suit case by any other person who does not know the code number.
rrhe structure and the function of the unlocking device according to this invention at a trouble of the power source are as described above, and now follows the description along ~ig. 3 of an embodiment of the voltage judging circuit 22 and power source swi~ching curcuit 23 of Fig. 2. Of course -the description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation on the scope of -the invention.
In Fig. 3, terminals 51, 52 are respectively (+) and (-) of the ordinary power source 11, and each one of the ~N transistor of emitter earthing type 53, 54, 55, in which the transisitor 55 has a large current amplification factor (~ ). A zener diode of ~V break-down voltage 56, diodes 57,58, the resistor 60 and the condenser 61 are provided in the voltage judging circuit 22 and power source switching circuit. In this composi-tion, the said output signals (SR ) (su) from the control unit (12) are applied to the base of the transistor (53) as the driving circuit (13) and also the battery voltage of the power source 11 is over the specified level of DC5V, the transistor 54 is conducted by the constant voltage function of the zener diode 56, the emitter current (I1 ) flows, no base current flows to the base 55B of the transistor 55 even if DC12V is applied, and the transistor 55 is turned ff (I2 = )-... . . . .
~ecause of this action, the solenoid 6 is driven onlyby -the signals (S~) (Su). The above are the o~erations undèr normal condition. Now if -the voltage o~ the power source 11 comes down below the specified level of DC5V, the signals from the control unit 12 StQp and the transistor 53 is turned off, The zener diode 56 i5 also turned off at the same time and the transistor 54 is -turned to non-conducting ( I1=O)o ~fter thatt the external power source voltage of D~12V is applied to the terminals 31, 32, the voltage is turned into unlocking voltage of DC6V by the diode 57 and resister 59, and the zener diode 56 is turned on again. The base voltage 54~
of the transistor 54 is applied being delayed by the time (T~) determined by the time constant elements 60, 61, 0.3 sec. for instance. On the other hand, the -transistor 55 is turned to on (I2 is generated) since the base current flows through the base 55B as soon as the above ~C12V is applied, and the unlocking voltage of DC6V is applied to the solenoid 6 for abnormal unlocking opera-tion and is turned off after the above mentioned 0.3 sec.
Described above is the first embo~iment of the electronic locking device according to this invention.
I~hen the locking device is used for building doors or safes, a lamp or buzzer may sometimes be provided on the control board. Many other compositions are also conceivable.
Now referring to Fig~ 4, which is the block diagram ~ S 8 7~0 to show the circuit configllxation of the embodiment of thi~ invention. One of the key point of this invention is in the blocks enclosed by the al-ternate long and two short dashes lines in Fig. 4 and thie~ signal system.
'~he vol-tage detection circuit 42 g.ives the ou-tput of normal signal (SN) to the swi-tching circuit 43 when the power source voltage of the power source 11 is applied continuously (or intermittently) and the level is within the range from DC6V to 4.5V, and gives the output of abnormal signal (SA) to the s~itching circult 43 when the voltage of the power source 11 is consumed and comes down below the specified level of 4.5V. Ordinarily, voltage reduction of dry ba-ttery differes depending on the capacity and discharge condition but the decrease is rather lenient to about 70~/o of the nominal capacity and stable use is ensured. Even under adequate discharge condition, however, the decrease is accelerated after 70 - 80yo of the nominal capacity as the capacity is limitted, and at 50% of the nominal capacity, it reaches .
the ending vol.tage as is generally known. In this invention, 75/0 of 6V or 4.5V is set as the normal operat-ing level (limit for battery renewal) of the main solenoid since the range to 75% of the nominal capacity with less voltage drop is used, and the block 42 is so composed to issue the output of abnormal signal (SA), when the source voltage comes down below 4.5V. Though 4.5V is still higher than 3~8V where the main solenold 6M ceases to function completely, setting is made at . - 10 ~ '7~
4.5V for stable use of the battery voltage a~d intending for earlier replacement of the battery as mentioned above. ~he locking preventive drive circuit ~4 is operated by this signal (SA), and the voltage (VA) slightly lower than the specified DC4.5V, 4.4V for instance, is supplied to the auxiliary solenoid 45 and also to the main solenoid 6M. Unlike the main solenoid 6M, the setting of the operation level for the auxiliary solenoid 45 is at 4.5V (minimum operation level 3 4V), and by the input of this voltage (VA), the automatic unlocking and locking preventive mechanism 46 is operated through the action ~1 shown by continuous line~ ~t the same time, the main solenoid 6M applies the operation of the action A2 to the normal locking mechanism 43 by above voltage (VA), i.e. 4.4V, for mechanical coupling A3 with the said mechanism 46. If the normal locking mechanism 43 is at locked condition, the mechanism is unlocked, and if it is at non-locked condition, it does not react to the input of locking signal (SL) given by key input through the driving circuit 1~, and the mechanism is kept being unlocked.
0~ the control unit 6, further description is given below on blocks 5M, 43 shown in Fig. 5, which is the cross sectional drawing of the control unit 6 of the clasp 4A for the suit case shown in Fig. 1 incorporated the said mechanisms 43, 46 into an unit. The member 72 of n -shape connected to the knob 7 with the rivet 71 '.
~ S~'7~
so as to slide freely in arrow direction (a) and (b) forms the lock shaft, and the locking unit 72T at the top of -the lock shaft i9 inserted into the latch 8F of -the said hook 8. The fixed cover 73 is screwed on-to the said clasp latch 4A on which the guide holes for the top ends 72AT, 72BT of the sides 72A, 72B of the lock shaft 72 are provided to control the above movernents in (a) and (b) direction. A scissors-shaped compression spring 73 having one end as the fulcrum point (not shown) keeps pushing the lock shaft in the directio~ (b? at all times.
A locking plate 75 for locking by key input when the lock shaft 72 is at the position of this drawing, i.e.
the~ hook 8 is looked. The locking plate 75 has a lock hole 75H and is connected and fixed to the lock shaft 72. The top end of the movable piece 76 of the main solenoid 6M described in Fig. 4 is inserted into the lock hole 75H, and it moves up and down with the shaft 77 supported by the bearing on the cover 7~ as -the fulcrum point by the drawing force of the solenoid 6M and by the pulling force of the tension spring 78. At the key input of the code number into the control board 3, the solenoid 6M functions to draw ~he movable piece 76 and the top 76T1 of the movable piece 76 goes out of the lock hole 75H. When the knob 7 is pushed in the direction (a), therefore, the hook 8 is sprung up to the position 8', and the suit case c~n be opened.
Referring to ~ig. 5 and Fig. 6, an auxiliary ~olenoid
5 mounted on the solenoid fixing plate 80. The movable _ 12 .. .. ... ... _ . ... . . _ . _ .. .. .. ..... . . .. .
~ 7 ~ V
piece 92 is connected to the tension spring 94 and the balance weight 95 with the shaft 93 supported by the bearing provided on the fixing cover as the ~ulcrum point. It is drawn to the solenoid when a voltage slightly lower than the specified voltage, (VA) in Fig.
4 is applied. Fig~ 6 shows an obliqu~eiview of the mechanism of Fig. 5 excluding the said solenoids 6A, 45 from the bottom side, and the top end 92T of the said movable piece 92 is insert,ed into the la-tch hole 96H on the latch plate 96. The bent parts 96A at bo-th sides o~
the latch plate 96 are inserted in-to the two grooves 73S
on the fixing cover 73, and the top ends of the bent part 96AT are bent further. ~ccordingly, the latch plate 96 is supported by the fixing cover so as to mo~e freely along the said grooves 73S. In addition, the bent part 96P at the left end of -the latch plate 96 shown in Figo 5 is always pushed in -the arrow direction of ~ig. 6 by the spring force (F) at the free end 99T of the scissors-shaped compression spring 99 which is connected to the pin 97 and the knock 98 on the fixing cover. The square notch 96K at the right end of the latch plate 96 is wider than the top end width 96T1 of the said movable piece 76 and is narrower than the root width 76T2.
Because of the above composition9 the main solenoid 6M functions when the battery voltage drops and the auxiliary solenoid 45 is operated by the voltage (V~9 , . ., .. . , . . . _ . . . ~ _ . . . .
~ '7~ 0 the movable piece 76 is drawn upward of Fig. 6, the movable piece 92 of the said auxiliary lolenoid 45 is also drawn upward at the same time, and the latch plate 96 released from the top end 92T is pushed out by the spring force (F) of the spring 99 inserting the top end 76T1 of the said movable plate 76 into the notch 95K.
This operation is the coupling A3 of ~'ig. 4. ~y this operation, the locking of the lock .shaft 72 in Fig. 5 is released, thus the suit cas,e can be opened by pushing the unlocking Isnob 7 into the arrow direction (a) with a finger. hfter this, the main solenoid 6M can never be operated by any key input if the power source 19 of the control unit is normal and so long as the power source 11, i.e. DC6V battery is not replaced with a new battery~
~ccordingly, the movable piece 92 is kept being caught by the latch plate 96 and the lock shaft 72 can not be locked. ~ven if the power to both solenoids is cut off, the mechanical coupling between the latch plate 96 and the movable piece 76 is not disengaged and the locked condition is maintained. '.~hen the knob is pushed in the direction (b) after replacing the battery, the left end bent part 72C of the lock shaft in Fig. 5 pushes back the bent part of the latch plate 99P against the spring force of the spring 99 and the original condition of ~igo 6 is restored.
Now, referring to Fig. 7, embodiments of concrete circuits of the blocks of voltage judging circuit 42, ~S~'it~
change-over circui-t 43 and driving circuit 44 in Fig. 4 are described as follo~s. ~1hen the battery voltage 11 is over the specified value, i.e. between ~.5 V to 6V, the Zenor diod~ 104 is turned on and the transistor 103 is conducted, and therefore, -the emi-tter current I1 flows through the resistor 107 and the base current does not flow the base 102b of the transis~or 102. Accordingly, the transistor 102 is turned off and the auxiliary -solenoid 45 does no-t function, but the main solenoid 6M
is operated by the emitter current Io o~ the transistor 101 which is turned on and off by the output signals S~, Su from the control unit12 .This is the operation at normal voltage condition, and when the battery is consumed and the voltage drops below 4.5V, the Zener diode 104 is turned off and the transistor 103 is then turned to OFF~ This is the operation of the voltage jud~ing circuit 42 in Fig. 4, and by this operation, the transistor .
102 is conducted to generate the current I2 through the auxiliary solenoid 45. ~t the same time, the operating current (I3) also flows through the diode 105 since the main solenoid 6M is operated at 3.8V and over as ~.
explained previously. Once operated by the current I5, .
the main solenoid keeps the operating condition with no regard to the signals S~, Su. It makes no difference, therefore, whether or not the power source 1g of the control unit 1Z is provided separatelyO
As ~or the driving power source ~or the solenoid or-_ 15 .~
8'7~ ~
motor in these embodiments, a ba-ttery is used. This composition~ however, is also applicable to other cases where commercial power source is used by commutation to building doors, for example, and when the ~oltage goeq down below the specified level due -to a trouble of the component part, except for such troubles as power failure or zero voltage. That is, the same operation is made when the voltage drops down to the minimum operating voltage of the main solenoid or the motor. ~he mechanism and circui-t composition are not limited to those illustrated in Fig. 5, ~ig. 6 and Fig. 7, and many others are also conceivable, all of ~hich are of course within the scope of this invention.
Now the description is made on the ~rd embodiment i.e. the device so composed to accept unlocking at the abnormal condition of the control unit to memorize key input from outside and to process code information by relational computation. In other words, at a trouble in the power source system of -the micro-computer or in any one of the circuit parts. For the device of this embodiment, there is no need to provide any special micro-coumputer that has the unlocking function at l abnormal condition, but the clock pulse of square wave always generated by ordinary micro-computers for the timing control is used. ~roubles in the micro~computer or in the power source is immediately detected by the suspension of the said clock pulse, and abnormal control .
8~ 7 r signal output is given by a sirnple electronis circuit composition.
Now back to Fig. 1 to explain the parts provided specially or this embodiment, the srnàll holes 9A, 9B
at the upper cen-ter of the clasps 4A, 4B are the external power source connecting terminals for abnormal unlocking when the ordinary power source to drive the solenoid of DC6V is out of order ~s the external power source, DC12V is taken out of an automobile battery, fo~ example, with lead wires, and the pdsitive (~) ~ide is passed through the small hole 9~ of the clasp 4A and the negative (-) side through the sm~ll hole 9B o~ the clasp 4B. The positions of the small holes 9A, 9B are not necessarily be at the points as illustrated and the lead wires may also be connected to the metal parts of the clasps using alligator clips without providin~ any small hole.
Fig. 8 is the block diagram -to show the circuit configuration of the elctronic locI(ing device by this invention. One of the key point of this invention is the block double enclosed by continuous line and dotted line in ~ig. 8 and the signal system. The clock pulse generating circuit 12P is generally provided for the timing control of the control unit 12. During the operation of the control unit 12 7 which is by the power s~urce 19 and is composed of CMOS (Complementary rIetal-Oxide Semiconductor), the clock pulse of pulse width (TD=74 msec) and pulse recruuence frequency (~p = 120 msec) in this embodiment, i5 generated at all times.
~ ~ S~'7~
The pulse system in the control unit 12 is omit~ed. The detec-tion circuit 111 of the suspension of the said clock pulse (Pc) is one of the key points of this inven-tion. Though the detailed circuit compos-tion of the embodiment is described in -the following -text along with drawings, the function is to t~ke ou-t -the differential output of square wave while -the said cloclc pulse (Pc) is supplied for the switching opera-tion of the transistor swi-tch and also to limit the maximum voltage of the inter~ral wave form generated at the capacity load of the -transistor below a cer-tain level. When the input of the clock pulse (Pc) is suspended due to a trouble in the circuit of the said control unit 12 or in the power source 19, the transistor switch is turned to OFF, -the integral voltage of the said capacity load goes up above a certain level, and the abnormal control signal (SA) is supplied to the driving circuit 13. As rnentioned before, to the driving circuit 13, locking or unlocking signal (S~, (S~ is supplied by key input (Xn) when the control unit 12 is at normal condition and the solenoids 6A, 6B are driven by the ordinary power source 11. When the said clock pulse (Pc) is suspended, howeYer, input ~l)(Su) is not given, as a matter of course, and when the clasps 4A, 4B are locked, unlocking becomes impossible.
~t this abnormal condition, unlocking becomes possible by the signal (SA) input from the said detection circuit 111) but if the ordinary power source for the solenoid 11 is also in trouble by any chance, unlocking becomes impossible~ In the case of such a duplicated trouble, the externa] power source 28 (automobile battery as mentioned before for example) is connected to the external power source terminals 9~, 9~ provided on the clasps 4~, 4B as sho~m by the dotted lines, then the solenoid unlocking voltage is rea]ized by the diode 112 and the resistor 113 and unlocking by the solenoids 5A, 6B is made. Slnce the abnormal unlocking by the ex-ternal power source 28 is effective only when the control circuit 1~ is in trouble or the power source 19 is out or order, there is no need of par-ticulary high confidential performance of the external power source terminals 9~, 9B~
Referring now to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, the clock pulse suspension detection circuit 1l1 of Fig. 8 is described in the following text. The input of the clock pulse ~c) is supplied to the input terminal 116 o~ the detection circuit 111 in the wave form as shown in Fig.
10 ~. The voltage (V1) is DC5V. The output voltage (V2) of the resistor 117 is in the wave form as shown in ~ig. 10 ~. ~he output wave form of the differrential condenser 118 is as shown in ~ig. 10 C, and the voltage (V3) is about o.6v. A diode 119 absorbs the negative output (-V3) of the differential wave. A transis-tor switch 120 of emitter earthing NPN type, and when the differential output ~V3) of ~ig. 10 C is applied to the base 120~ at the frequency(t1) to (t3)~ the emitter _ 19 ., . . .. ... .. .. . .... ~ . . . ....
~ 5 ~'7~
current ~IE) is switched and charging and dischar~ing of the capacity load of th~ condenser 121 connected to the collector 120C are repeated. .. The resistor 122 in series wi-th the power ource l1, which determins CR time constant together wi-th the condenser 121. If the integral wave (V4) as sho~rn in Fig. 10 D is so composcd -to become 2.5V, discharging is made before the breakdo~m voltage ~V of -the zener diodc 123 is reached, the saw tooth wave-form as shown in ~ig. 10 D is repea-ted, and the zener diode 123 Iceeps O~'F condition. Because of this arrangemen-t, no signal output is given to the ou-tput terminal 12~ of the circuit 11 under normal condi-tion of clock pulse (Pc) input. l~en the ~eneration of the said clock pulse (Pc) is suspended due to a trouble in the circuit of the control circui-t 12 or the power source 19, the transistor 1?0 is turned to O~F (I~ = 0), the charging voltage of the condenser 121 increases as -- shown by the dotted line in ~ig~ 10 D, and at the tim~
point (t5~, the voltage (V5) to turn on the zener diode 123, for example 3V, is reached. The transistors 125, 126 amplify the voltage (V5) respectively, and both of them are turned on when the ~ener diode 123 -turns on, to supply abnormal signal (SA) to the said driving circuit 13 for unlocking operation of the solenoids 6A,
~ 7 ~ V
piece 92 is connected to the tension spring 94 and the balance weight 95 with the shaft 93 supported by the bearing provided on the fixing cover as the ~ulcrum point. It is drawn to the solenoid when a voltage slightly lower than the specified voltage, (VA) in Fig.
4 is applied. Fig~ 6 shows an obliqu~eiview of the mechanism of Fig. 5 excluding the said solenoids 6A, 45 from the bottom side, and the top end 92T of the said movable piece 92 is insert,ed into the la-tch hole 96H on the latch plate 96. The bent parts 96A at bo-th sides o~
the latch plate 96 are inserted in-to the two grooves 73S
on the fixing cover 73, and the top ends of the bent part 96AT are bent further. ~ccordingly, the latch plate 96 is supported by the fixing cover so as to mo~e freely along the said grooves 73S. In addition, the bent part 96P at the left end of -the latch plate 96 shown in Figo 5 is always pushed in -the arrow direction of ~ig. 6 by the spring force (F) at the free end 99T of the scissors-shaped compression spring 99 which is connected to the pin 97 and the knock 98 on the fixing cover. The square notch 96K at the right end of the latch plate 96 is wider than the top end width 96T1 of the said movable piece 76 and is narrower than the root width 76T2.
Because of the above composition9 the main solenoid 6M functions when the battery voltage drops and the auxiliary solenoid 45 is operated by the voltage (V~9 , . ., .. . , . . . _ . . . ~ _ . . . .
~ '7~ 0 the movable piece 76 is drawn upward of Fig. 6, the movable piece 92 of the said auxiliary lolenoid 45 is also drawn upward at the same time, and the latch plate 96 released from the top end 92T is pushed out by the spring force (F) of the spring 99 inserting the top end 76T1 of the said movable plate 76 into the notch 95K.
This operation is the coupling A3 of ~'ig. 4. ~y this operation, the locking of the lock .shaft 72 in Fig. 5 is released, thus the suit cas,e can be opened by pushing the unlocking Isnob 7 into the arrow direction (a) with a finger. hfter this, the main solenoid 6M can never be operated by any key input if the power source 19 of the control unit is normal and so long as the power source 11, i.e. DC6V battery is not replaced with a new battery~
~ccordingly, the movable piece 92 is kept being caught by the latch plate 96 and the lock shaft 72 can not be locked. ~ven if the power to both solenoids is cut off, the mechanical coupling between the latch plate 96 and the movable piece 76 is not disengaged and the locked condition is maintained. '.~hen the knob is pushed in the direction (b) after replacing the battery, the left end bent part 72C of the lock shaft in Fig. 5 pushes back the bent part of the latch plate 99P against the spring force of the spring 99 and the original condition of ~igo 6 is restored.
Now, referring to Fig. 7, embodiments of concrete circuits of the blocks of voltage judging circuit 42, ~S~'it~
change-over circui-t 43 and driving circuit 44 in Fig. 4 are described as follo~s. ~1hen the battery voltage 11 is over the specified value, i.e. between ~.5 V to 6V, the Zenor diod~ 104 is turned on and the transistor 103 is conducted, and therefore, -the emi-tter current I1 flows through the resistor 107 and the base current does not flow the base 102b of the transis~or 102. Accordingly, the transistor 102 is turned off and the auxiliary -solenoid 45 does no-t function, but the main solenoid 6M
is operated by the emitter current Io o~ the transistor 101 which is turned on and off by the output signals S~, Su from the control unit12 .This is the operation at normal voltage condition, and when the battery is consumed and the voltage drops below 4.5V, the Zener diode 104 is turned off and the transistor 103 is then turned to OFF~ This is the operation of the voltage jud~ing circuit 42 in Fig. 4, and by this operation, the transistor .
102 is conducted to generate the current I2 through the auxiliary solenoid 45. ~t the same time, the operating current (I3) also flows through the diode 105 since the main solenoid 6M is operated at 3.8V and over as ~.
explained previously. Once operated by the current I5, .
the main solenoid keeps the operating condition with no regard to the signals S~, Su. It makes no difference, therefore, whether or not the power source 1g of the control unit 1Z is provided separatelyO
As ~or the driving power source ~or the solenoid or-_ 15 .~
8'7~ ~
motor in these embodiments, a ba-ttery is used. This composition~ however, is also applicable to other cases where commercial power source is used by commutation to building doors, for example, and when the ~oltage goeq down below the specified level due -to a trouble of the component part, except for such troubles as power failure or zero voltage. That is, the same operation is made when the voltage drops down to the minimum operating voltage of the main solenoid or the motor. ~he mechanism and circui-t composition are not limited to those illustrated in Fig. 5, ~ig. 6 and Fig. 7, and many others are also conceivable, all of ~hich are of course within the scope of this invention.
Now the description is made on the ~rd embodiment i.e. the device so composed to accept unlocking at the abnormal condition of the control unit to memorize key input from outside and to process code information by relational computation. In other words, at a trouble in the power source system of -the micro-computer or in any one of the circuit parts. For the device of this embodiment, there is no need to provide any special micro-coumputer that has the unlocking function at l abnormal condition, but the clock pulse of square wave always generated by ordinary micro-computers for the timing control is used. ~roubles in the micro~computer or in the power source is immediately detected by the suspension of the said clock pulse, and abnormal control .
8~ 7 r signal output is given by a sirnple electronis circuit composition.
Now back to Fig. 1 to explain the parts provided specially or this embodiment, the srnàll holes 9A, 9B
at the upper cen-ter of the clasps 4A, 4B are the external power source connecting terminals for abnormal unlocking when the ordinary power source to drive the solenoid of DC6V is out of order ~s the external power source, DC12V is taken out of an automobile battery, fo~ example, with lead wires, and the pdsitive (~) ~ide is passed through the small hole 9~ of the clasp 4A and the negative (-) side through the sm~ll hole 9B o~ the clasp 4B. The positions of the small holes 9A, 9B are not necessarily be at the points as illustrated and the lead wires may also be connected to the metal parts of the clasps using alligator clips without providin~ any small hole.
Fig. 8 is the block diagram -to show the circuit configuration of the elctronic locI(ing device by this invention. One of the key point of this invention is the block double enclosed by continuous line and dotted line in ~ig. 8 and the signal system. The clock pulse generating circuit 12P is generally provided for the timing control of the control unit 12. During the operation of the control unit 12 7 which is by the power s~urce 19 and is composed of CMOS (Complementary rIetal-Oxide Semiconductor), the clock pulse of pulse width (TD=74 msec) and pulse recruuence frequency (~p = 120 msec) in this embodiment, i5 generated at all times.
~ ~ S~'7~
The pulse system in the control unit 12 is omit~ed. The detec-tion circuit 111 of the suspension of the said clock pulse (Pc) is one of the key points of this inven-tion. Though the detailed circuit compos-tion of the embodiment is described in -the following -text along with drawings, the function is to t~ke ou-t -the differential output of square wave while -the said cloclc pulse (Pc) is supplied for the switching opera-tion of the transistor swi-tch and also to limit the maximum voltage of the inter~ral wave form generated at the capacity load of the -transistor below a cer-tain level. When the input of the clock pulse (Pc) is suspended due to a trouble in the circuit of the said control unit 12 or in the power source 19, the transistor switch is turned to OFF, -the integral voltage of the said capacity load goes up above a certain level, and the abnormal control signal (SA) is supplied to the driving circuit 13. As rnentioned before, to the driving circuit 13, locking or unlocking signal (S~, (S~ is supplied by key input (Xn) when the control unit 12 is at normal condition and the solenoids 6A, 6B are driven by the ordinary power source 11. When the said clock pulse (Pc) is suspended, howeYer, input ~l)(Su) is not given, as a matter of course, and when the clasps 4A, 4B are locked, unlocking becomes impossible.
~t this abnormal condition, unlocking becomes possible by the signal (SA) input from the said detection circuit 111) but if the ordinary power source for the solenoid 11 is also in trouble by any chance, unlocking becomes impossible~ In the case of such a duplicated trouble, the externa] power source 28 (automobile battery as mentioned before for example) is connected to the external power source terminals 9~, 9~ provided on the clasps 4~, 4B as sho~m by the dotted lines, then the solenoid unlocking voltage is rea]ized by the diode 112 and the resistor 113 and unlocking by the solenoids 5A, 6B is made. Slnce the abnormal unlocking by the ex-ternal power source 28 is effective only when the control circuit 1~ is in trouble or the power source 19 is out or order, there is no need of par-ticulary high confidential performance of the external power source terminals 9~, 9B~
Referring now to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, the clock pulse suspension detection circuit 1l1 of Fig. 8 is described in the following text. The input of the clock pulse ~c) is supplied to the input terminal 116 o~ the detection circuit 111 in the wave form as shown in Fig.
10 ~. The voltage (V1) is DC5V. The output voltage (V2) of the resistor 117 is in the wave form as shown in ~ig. 10 ~. ~he output wave form of the differrential condenser 118 is as shown in ~ig. 10 C, and the voltage (V3) is about o.6v. A diode 119 absorbs the negative output (-V3) of the differential wave. A transis-tor switch 120 of emitter earthing NPN type, and when the differential output ~V3) of ~ig. 10 C is applied to the base 120~ at the frequency(t1) to (t3)~ the emitter _ 19 ., . . .. ... .. .. . .... ~ . . . ....
~ 5 ~'7~
current ~IE) is switched and charging and dischar~ing of the capacity load of th~ condenser 121 connected to the collector 120C are repeated. .. The resistor 122 in series wi-th the power ource l1, which determins CR time constant together wi-th the condenser 121. If the integral wave (V4) as sho~rn in Fig. 10 D is so composcd -to become 2.5V, discharging is made before the breakdo~m voltage ~V of -the zener diodc 123 is reached, the saw tooth wave-form as shown in ~ig. 10 D is repea-ted, and the zener diode 123 Iceeps O~'F condition. Because of this arrangemen-t, no signal output is given to the ou-tput terminal 12~ of the circuit 11 under normal condi-tion of clock pulse (Pc) input. l~en the ~eneration of the said clock pulse (Pc) is suspended due to a trouble in the circuit of the control circui-t 12 or the power source 19, the transistor 1?0 is turned to O~F (I~ = 0), the charging voltage of the condenser 121 increases as -- shown by the dotted line in ~ig~ 10 D, and at the tim~
point (t5~, the voltage (V5) to turn on the zener diode 123, for example 3V, is reached. The transistors 125, 126 amplify the voltage (V5) respectively, and both of them are turned on when the ~ener diode 123 -turns on, to supply abnormal signal (SA) to the said driving circuit 13 for unlocking operation of the solenoids 6A,
6~.
Described above are the composition and operation of an embodimen-t of the electronic locking device by the . 20 -present invention, and as a matter of course, the inven-tion is not limited -to the illustrations or descriptions nor to the suit case as described.
The followings are for an embodlment of the inven--tion, a device that allows easy operation for abnormal unlocking yet has a high confidential performance to ensure the use with no ~lorry, in which a proximity switch that is turned on by changing the magnetic field of the external power source circuit from outside in series is provided at a specific position so as to keep -the high confidential performance at the unlocking operation by external power source in such abnormal coditions where the ordinary power source circuit is in trouble or the voltage drops.
Now back to Fig. 1 J the lead switch 132 shown by the dotted line and held by an adequate retainer 131 at the left inside of the case is one Or the key points of the present invention, that is conducted by a magnetic change from outside to turn on the circui-t when a permanent magne-t is put close to the switch9 or to turn on the circuit when a ferromagnetic material such as an iron piece is put close to it. ~he former is called 2-pole type lead switch and is made o~ a glass tube of 3 - 5mm O.D~ and about 20mm long of vacuum type or inactive gas sealed type in which a pair of lead wires made of a ferxomagnetic material and treated by contact member at the top surface are placed facing each other, and the lead wires are drawn to close the circuit by external magnetic field. '~he latter is a kind of micro-switch having a permancnt magnet at-tached to th~ inside leads, which lunc-tions -to close the circuit drawn by a ferxomagnetic material such as an iron piece pu-t close to it. These ma~netic switch~s are easier to mount than other switches such as push-bu-tton switch or -thermal or photo-electric suitches, and the mounted position is not known from outside, accordingly~ the unlocking operation can be ! more confidential. The terminals (MA) (r~lB) are either one o~ the above s~litches.
Besides the pximary function for locking and unlocking operated by the magnetic solenoid 6 shown by the dotted lin~e below the clasps 4A, 4B of the suit case 1, they are so composed as the external power source connecting terminal ~or abnormal unlocking at a trouble in the power source system, which is one of the key poin-ts of the present invention. As the external power source, DC12V is taken out with lead wires from an automobile battery, in the same mar~er as described before for previous embodiment,-and the positive (+) wire is inserted into the small hole 9A on the clasp 4A and the negative (-) wire into the small hole 9~ on the clasp 4B.
~he positions of the small holes 9A, 9B are not limited to those illustrated, and as mentioned before, it is also possible to have the same effect simply by connecting the lead wires to the metal parts o~ the clasps without providing any small hole. This arrangement makes it .
~ 7lj~
impossible for other persons who are not allowed to open the suit case to unlock the electronic locking device even when they come to kno~J that the clasps 4~, 4~ are the external power source -terminals, unless they Icnow that a ma~net or an iron piece is required and also to which poin-t on the suit case the magnet or -the iron piece must be placed.
Referring now to Fig. 11, the circuit composition of the embodiment of the p,resent invention is described as follows, ~ lead switch 132 is provided on the inner wall of th~ sui-t case and is turn on by a ferrite magnet 133 putting close to the case 1 ~rom ou-tside as shown by the arrow (a), If the switch 132 is a ma~netic switch, the magnet 133 can be a piece of iron. The position of this switch 132 in the suit case is a kind of code known only by the owner of the suit case and this forms -the code for abnormal unloclcing in combination with the use of the magnet 133 or a piece of iron. The unlocking mechanism and operation by a specific person to open the suit case at an abnormal condition of the power source is as described above.
The following description is on the voltage judging circuit 22 of Fig. 11 and the power source switching circuit 23. In Fig. 12, the zener dlode 56 is turned on at normal condition when the above mentioned ou-tpu-t signals (Sl) (Su) are supplied from the control unit 12 to the base of the transistor 53 as the driving circuit - 2~ ~
and yet the voltaGe of the power source 11 is above -the specified lcvel, i.e. DC5V, the transistor 54 is conducted, and a large emitter current (I1) flo~s~
AccordinGly, the eY~ternal voltagc of DC12V i9 applied to the terminals 3~, 9~, base current does not flow through the base 55B of the transistor 55 hence the transistor 55 is turned off, and no current (I2) ~lows.
By this operatio.n, the solenoid 6 is driven only by the signals (S~) (Su). l'his is the operation undcr normal condition. If the voltage of the power source 11 goes down below the spccified level, 5V, the signal rom the control unit 12 s-tops and the transistor 53 is turned off, and the zener diode 56 as well as the transistor 54 are also turned off at the same time malcing I1 = O.
1~hen the external power of DC12V is applied to the terminals 9~, 9~,-*he operation starts for abnormal unlocking by the solenoid 6.
- Described below with illustrations is the device according to this invention provided with a simple abnormal unlocking code information process circuit that replaces only the unlocking function of the micro-computer under abnormal condition where the micro-computex fails to operate due to a trouble in the po~er source system or in the circuit.
Now back to ~ig. 1, the proximity switch 142 retained by an adequate retainer 141 at right side of the suit case 1 is one of the key points of this invention, ~hich is -the change-over switch to convert the normal solenoid driving power source, ~C6V rnercury battery, into the key button circuit when the control unit 12 goe3 out of order (including a trouble in the exclusive power source). This change~over s~litch is a lead s~ ch of single-pole double-thro~J type or a proximity switch that incorporates a magnet to be operated by field alteration from outside of the suit càse 1. ~en a magnet for the former case and an iron piece for the latter case i5 put close to the switch, the contact is s\~Iitched (MC - MD) to ~MC - Il~) and the said power source connected to the contact (~IC) is switched over to the common of the key button circuit. ~y this inven-tion, ho~ever, the switching is not necessarily limited to the proximity switch 142. The invention also includes the circuit switching key (~) by a key button provided on the control board 3 for more simple operation although the confidential performance becomes somewhat lo~er.
~ ig. 13 is the block diagram showing the circuit configuration of an electronic locking device by the present invention. One of the key point of this invention is the blocks enclosed by the alternate long and short dash line 21, and their signal systems. The abnormal unlocking judging circuit 143 as one of the essential factors of this invention. Memorized preliminary in the circuit is the code (Xa) for unlocking under abnormal .... .. . . . . . ... . .. . . ..
~s~
condition ~/here the control unit 12 fails to operate due to consurnption o~ the power source 19 or a trouble o~
any electronic part. It is then judged whether or not the number set by the key board 3, -to which the signal voltage source as described below is applied, ~or key input agrees with the memorized number. Only when the two numbers are in agreement, the input to the input terminal 1~5 and the output to the output terminal 146 are made by the gate circu,it 144, I~ the trouble of the control unit 12 is resulted while the suit case is locked, the magnet 133 or a piece of iron is put close to the proximity switch 142 then -the movable contact (Mc) is switched to (M~`), and the positive voltage (+VlO) of the power source 11 is applied to the key board 3 and the gate circui~ 144. ~en the positive v~oltage (~V10) is above the specified level, DC5 - 6V for example, the judging circuit 14~ and the gate circuit 144 function normally. Accordingly, if the above mentioned unlocking code (Xa) is selected out of the number keys 10 and the number is pushed, the circuit 143 judges agreement, turns on the gate circuit 144 to apply the said positive voltage (~V10) to the solenoids 6A, 6B, and they are driven for unlocking. If the power source 11 is also dropped below the specified voltage level by any chance, no unlocking is made~ Agalnst such a duplicated trouble, the external power source ciruit 2~ !
having the clasps 4~, 4B as the connection terminals ' ' f.
9A, 9B is provided, and the diode 112 and resistor 113 are provided in series with -the po~itive terminal 9A.
By this arran~ement) the voltage of the external power source 28, for example 12V when an automobile battery is used, is adjusted to 5 - 6V of the power source 11.
The key (B) in dotted circle on the key board 3 is the circuit switching key to take place the proximity switch 142, as mentioned before, -to be pushed simultaneously when the said number key 10 is pushed~
Now follows -the description on the composition and operation of an embodiment for the abnormal unlocking judging circuit 143 and the gate circuit 144 shown in Fig. 13 referring to ~ig. 14. The signal source ~2S
supplied to the right side of the common line 3~ of these keys is provided for the key input of the locking and unlocking code (Xn) at normal opera-tion as shown in Fig. 13. Under abnormal condition, however, the signal source 12S is turned to OF~. The part enclosed by the dotted line 147 between the 10 pieces of the number keys 10 and the control unit 12 has the function of the judging circuit 143 and the gate circuit 144. Transistor inverters ~I0 I9), which is so called signal inversion amplifier, generates the digital signal (L) of a low voltage, 0.2V for example, at the output terminal (b) when the digital signal (H~ of a higher voltage than a threshold level.(1.3V for example ) is supplied to the input terminal (a~. The lead wires at the output side .
27 - . .
(~) are terminated at the terminal (C'), which is fixed to the insulation. The connection line 148 between the amplifier (O~) and the terminal (d) intersecting the lead wires (~) at right angles is the code setting line ( and is electrically insulated from the above ten lead wires (~) before setting.
The programing procedure for the memory of the abnormal unlocking code (Xa) by means of the inverter group (Io - I9) goes as follows. If the code is the 3-digit number of "248", the key circuits of ~, ~ and ~
are connected to the said line 148 with three short pins 149 as shown by black circles in the drawing. ~he .
connection is made by inserting the pins into the pin board. ~he ou~put lead wires (~) of the remaining inverters (~ and ~) are also connected in the same manner to the short pins as shown by the marks (X). Because of this arrangment of short pins 149, the voltage (+V10) is applied at each point of the black circle when the keys ~ and ~) are pushed at a time and the signal (H) is given. Since.the other seven keys are not pushed, the output of the respective inverters (Io- I9) invert the input (~) as described above for output of the signal (H). While the ten inverters are connected in series by the lead 148, the output of AND
circuit becomes the signal (H). Since the voltage (+V1) is applied to the power source terminals of respective inverters, though they are not illustrated, the said signal (H) is supplied to.the amplifier (OA)9 the current _ 28 ~ ~ S ~ 7 ~
i9 amplified, and the solenoids 6A, 6B are operated.
If any one of the number keys is`pushed by a person who does not know the unlocklng code, the inverter output of the circuit is turned to the signal (~), the output of AND circuit is then turnéd to the signal (~), the solenoids are not operated, thus -the unlocking fails~
~he unlocking code (Xa) is memorized in this manner by the setting program of the shor-t pins 149, and the gate is kept off unless the number keys of the circuits with black circles in ~ig. 14 are pushed at a time, In other words, the simultanous pushing of the number keys genera-tes the signal (SI~) by the judging circuit 143 shown in Fig. 13. Since the short pin program can be changed freely at any time, the unlocking can be kept highly confidential. The code (Xa) is not limited to the above mentioned 3-digits and ordinarily 2 to 5 digits are used. Theoretically, one digit will do but it is not recommendable since the unlocking can be made if the ten keys are pushed one after another Referring to ~ig. 15, to improve the confidential performance further, provide more than one number of code line 148' to set the short pins 149 shown in Fig. 14 at random, compose the NAND circuit with 3-input AND circuit 150 and the inverter 151, and set the signal of agreemen-t by the output.
Now follows the description of an embodiment of the device according to this invention so composed to ~e ~ ~ S ~ 7 ~
unlocked by an external power source but not by key input irrespective of normal or abnormal condition of the power system or the control system.
Going back to Fig. 1 again, the small holes 9~, 9B
are provided on the clasps 4A, 4~ of the sui-t case 1 as the connection terminals holes to the external power source, and no proximity switches are provided in this embodiment~ As the external power source, DC12V is taken out of an autoMobile battery with lead wires and the top ends are inserted into the holes, positive wire to the hole 9~ and negative wire to the hole 9~. The positions of the small holes are not necessarily be as illustrated, and alligator clips may also be used on the top of the lead wires without providing the holes.
~ ig. 16 is the block diagram to show the circuit composition of the embodiment by -this invention. One of the key point of this invention is the external power source circuit connected to the terminal 6C o~ the solenoids 6A, 6B directly from the diode 112 which is connected in series with the positive external power source terminal 9A with lead wires 29, 30 from the external power source 28~ ~y this composition, when no key input is made from the key control board 3 and either one of the locking or unlocking signal (SQ) or (Su) is not given from the control unit 12 to the driving circuit 13, it becomes possible to unlock by the solenoids 6A, 6B~ In other words, the unlocking is made simply by the oper~tion 5~7SO
to connect the external po~er source 28 to the external power source terminals 9~, 9B irrespective of the voltage of the ordinary power source 11, i.e, normal voltage above the specified level or abnormal voltage b~low the speci~icd level, and also with no re~ard t/o the condition of the micro-computer con-trol un:it 12, i.e. norMal ox in trouble. The external power source terminal of this invention is not limited to the clasps 4A, 4~ a~ shown in Fig. 1, and can be provided, of course, at an~ place of the suit case. '~he external power source 28 is not limi-ted to automobile batteries either. It may also possible to provide the proximity switch 132 shown in ~ig. 1 to this ex-ternal power source circuit. ~he confidential performance of this embodiment may be somewhat lower. On the other hand, however, this has the advantages in that the structure and circuit are simple and rigid, and that the cost is lower. ~he compositions and operations of the embodiments according to this invention are as described above, and as a matter of course, this invention is not confined -to tha locking device for suit cases and is not limited to the illustrations or descriptions either.
Being composed as above described, this invention solves such problems that an electronic locking device becomes impossible to unlock due to the voltage drop or a trouble of the power source circuit o~ the solenoid or small motor for locking and unlocking while -the device ~ 7 ~
is being locked, OI' the problems, though they do not hap~en very frequently, due to a trouble in the power source system and the circuit system of the micro-computer which contains a number of electronic parts. And, this inven-tion offers a convenient device that can be used.
with confidence because it has the means to de-tect and judge any unusual condition in advance or immediately after it happens, the unlocking can be made simply and quickly with an automatic or redily available external power source, and because the abnormal unlocking opera-tion can be kept highly confiden-tial.
... . . .. .... , _ .. . . ... , _ . .
Described above are the composition and operation of an embodimen-t of the electronic locking device by the . 20 -present invention, and as a matter of course, the inven-tion is not limited -to the illustrations or descriptions nor to the suit case as described.
The followings are for an embodlment of the inven--tion, a device that allows easy operation for abnormal unlocking yet has a high confidential performance to ensure the use with no ~lorry, in which a proximity switch that is turned on by changing the magnetic field of the external power source circuit from outside in series is provided at a specific position so as to keep -the high confidential performance at the unlocking operation by external power source in such abnormal coditions where the ordinary power source circuit is in trouble or the voltage drops.
Now back to Fig. 1 J the lead switch 132 shown by the dotted line and held by an adequate retainer 131 at the left inside of the case is one Or the key points of the present invention, that is conducted by a magnetic change from outside to turn on the circui-t when a permanent magne-t is put close to the switch9 or to turn on the circuit when a ferromagnetic material such as an iron piece is put close to it. ~he former is called 2-pole type lead switch and is made o~ a glass tube of 3 - 5mm O.D~ and about 20mm long of vacuum type or inactive gas sealed type in which a pair of lead wires made of a ferxomagnetic material and treated by contact member at the top surface are placed facing each other, and the lead wires are drawn to close the circuit by external magnetic field. '~he latter is a kind of micro-switch having a permancnt magnet at-tached to th~ inside leads, which lunc-tions -to close the circuit drawn by a ferxomagnetic material such as an iron piece pu-t close to it. These ma~netic switch~s are easier to mount than other switches such as push-bu-tton switch or -thermal or photo-electric suitches, and the mounted position is not known from outside, accordingly~ the unlocking operation can be ! more confidential. The terminals (MA) (r~lB) are either one o~ the above s~litches.
Besides the pximary function for locking and unlocking operated by the magnetic solenoid 6 shown by the dotted lin~e below the clasps 4A, 4B of the suit case 1, they are so composed as the external power source connecting terminal ~or abnormal unlocking at a trouble in the power source system, which is one of the key poin-ts of the present invention. As the external power source, DC12V is taken out with lead wires from an automobile battery, in the same mar~er as described before for previous embodiment,-and the positive (+) wire is inserted into the small hole 9A on the clasp 4A and the negative (-) wire into the small hole 9~ on the clasp 4B.
~he positions of the small holes 9A, 9B are not limited to those illustrated, and as mentioned before, it is also possible to have the same effect simply by connecting the lead wires to the metal parts o~ the clasps without providing any small hole. This arrangement makes it .
~ 7lj~
impossible for other persons who are not allowed to open the suit case to unlock the electronic locking device even when they come to kno~J that the clasps 4~, 4~ are the external power source -terminals, unless they Icnow that a ma~net or an iron piece is required and also to which poin-t on the suit case the magnet or -the iron piece must be placed.
Referring now to Fig. 11, the circuit composition of the embodiment of the p,resent invention is described as follows, ~ lead switch 132 is provided on the inner wall of th~ sui-t case and is turn on by a ferrite magnet 133 putting close to the case 1 ~rom ou-tside as shown by the arrow (a), If the switch 132 is a ma~netic switch, the magnet 133 can be a piece of iron. The position of this switch 132 in the suit case is a kind of code known only by the owner of the suit case and this forms -the code for abnormal unloclcing in combination with the use of the magnet 133 or a piece of iron. The unlocking mechanism and operation by a specific person to open the suit case at an abnormal condition of the power source is as described above.
The following description is on the voltage judging circuit 22 of Fig. 11 and the power source switching circuit 23. In Fig. 12, the zener dlode 56 is turned on at normal condition when the above mentioned ou-tpu-t signals (Sl) (Su) are supplied from the control unit 12 to the base of the transistor 53 as the driving circuit - 2~ ~
and yet the voltaGe of the power source 11 is above -the specified lcvel, i.e. DC5V, the transistor 54 is conducted, and a large emitter current (I1) flo~s~
AccordinGly, the eY~ternal voltagc of DC12V i9 applied to the terminals 3~, 9~, base current does not flow through the base 55B of the transistor 55 hence the transistor 55 is turned off, and no current (I2) ~lows.
By this operatio.n, the solenoid 6 is driven only by the signals (S~) (Su). l'his is the operation undcr normal condition. If the voltage of the power source 11 goes down below the spccified level, 5V, the signal rom the control unit 12 s-tops and the transistor 53 is turned off, and the zener diode 56 as well as the transistor 54 are also turned off at the same time malcing I1 = O.
1~hen the external power of DC12V is applied to the terminals 9~, 9~,-*he operation starts for abnormal unlocking by the solenoid 6.
- Described below with illustrations is the device according to this invention provided with a simple abnormal unlocking code information process circuit that replaces only the unlocking function of the micro-computer under abnormal condition where the micro-computex fails to operate due to a trouble in the po~er source system or in the circuit.
Now back to ~ig. 1, the proximity switch 142 retained by an adequate retainer 141 at right side of the suit case 1 is one of the key points of this invention, ~hich is -the change-over switch to convert the normal solenoid driving power source, ~C6V rnercury battery, into the key button circuit when the control unit 12 goe3 out of order (including a trouble in the exclusive power source). This change~over s~litch is a lead s~ ch of single-pole double-thro~J type or a proximity switch that incorporates a magnet to be operated by field alteration from outside of the suit càse 1. ~en a magnet for the former case and an iron piece for the latter case i5 put close to the switch, the contact is s\~Iitched (MC - MD) to ~MC - Il~) and the said power source connected to the contact (~IC) is switched over to the common of the key button circuit. ~y this inven-tion, ho~ever, the switching is not necessarily limited to the proximity switch 142. The invention also includes the circuit switching key (~) by a key button provided on the control board 3 for more simple operation although the confidential performance becomes somewhat lo~er.
~ ig. 13 is the block diagram showing the circuit configuration of an electronic locking device by the present invention. One of the key point of this invention is the blocks enclosed by the alternate long and short dash line 21, and their signal systems. The abnormal unlocking judging circuit 143 as one of the essential factors of this invention. Memorized preliminary in the circuit is the code (Xa) for unlocking under abnormal .... .. . . . . . ... . .. . . ..
~s~
condition ~/here the control unit 12 fails to operate due to consurnption o~ the power source 19 or a trouble o~
any electronic part. It is then judged whether or not the number set by the key board 3, -to which the signal voltage source as described below is applied, ~or key input agrees with the memorized number. Only when the two numbers are in agreement, the input to the input terminal 1~5 and the output to the output terminal 146 are made by the gate circu,it 144, I~ the trouble of the control unit 12 is resulted while the suit case is locked, the magnet 133 or a piece of iron is put close to the proximity switch 142 then -the movable contact (Mc) is switched to (M~`), and the positive voltage (+VlO) of the power source 11 is applied to the key board 3 and the gate circui~ 144. ~en the positive v~oltage (~V10) is above the specified level, DC5 - 6V for example, the judging circuit 14~ and the gate circuit 144 function normally. Accordingly, if the above mentioned unlocking code (Xa) is selected out of the number keys 10 and the number is pushed, the circuit 143 judges agreement, turns on the gate circuit 144 to apply the said positive voltage (~V10) to the solenoids 6A, 6B, and they are driven for unlocking. If the power source 11 is also dropped below the specified voltage level by any chance, no unlocking is made~ Agalnst such a duplicated trouble, the external power source ciruit 2~ !
having the clasps 4~, 4B as the connection terminals ' ' f.
9A, 9B is provided, and the diode 112 and resistor 113 are provided in series with -the po~itive terminal 9A.
By this arran~ement) the voltage of the external power source 28, for example 12V when an automobile battery is used, is adjusted to 5 - 6V of the power source 11.
The key (B) in dotted circle on the key board 3 is the circuit switching key to take place the proximity switch 142, as mentioned before, -to be pushed simultaneously when the said number key 10 is pushed~
Now follows -the description on the composition and operation of an embodiment for the abnormal unlocking judging circuit 143 and the gate circuit 144 shown in Fig. 13 referring to ~ig. 14. The signal source ~2S
supplied to the right side of the common line 3~ of these keys is provided for the key input of the locking and unlocking code (Xn) at normal opera-tion as shown in Fig. 13. Under abnormal condition, however, the signal source 12S is turned to OF~. The part enclosed by the dotted line 147 between the 10 pieces of the number keys 10 and the control unit 12 has the function of the judging circuit 143 and the gate circuit 144. Transistor inverters ~I0 I9), which is so called signal inversion amplifier, generates the digital signal (L) of a low voltage, 0.2V for example, at the output terminal (b) when the digital signal (H~ of a higher voltage than a threshold level.(1.3V for example ) is supplied to the input terminal (a~. The lead wires at the output side .
27 - . .
(~) are terminated at the terminal (C'), which is fixed to the insulation. The connection line 148 between the amplifier (O~) and the terminal (d) intersecting the lead wires (~) at right angles is the code setting line ( and is electrically insulated from the above ten lead wires (~) before setting.
The programing procedure for the memory of the abnormal unlocking code (Xa) by means of the inverter group (Io - I9) goes as follows. If the code is the 3-digit number of "248", the key circuits of ~, ~ and ~
are connected to the said line 148 with three short pins 149 as shown by black circles in the drawing. ~he .
connection is made by inserting the pins into the pin board. ~he ou~put lead wires (~) of the remaining inverters (~ and ~) are also connected in the same manner to the short pins as shown by the marks (X). Because of this arrangment of short pins 149, the voltage (+V10) is applied at each point of the black circle when the keys ~ and ~) are pushed at a time and the signal (H) is given. Since.the other seven keys are not pushed, the output of the respective inverters (Io- I9) invert the input (~) as described above for output of the signal (H). While the ten inverters are connected in series by the lead 148, the output of AND
circuit becomes the signal (H). Since the voltage (+V1) is applied to the power source terminals of respective inverters, though they are not illustrated, the said signal (H) is supplied to.the amplifier (OA)9 the current _ 28 ~ ~ S ~ 7 ~
i9 amplified, and the solenoids 6A, 6B are operated.
If any one of the number keys is`pushed by a person who does not know the unlocklng code, the inverter output of the circuit is turned to the signal (~), the output of AND circuit is then turnéd to the signal (~), the solenoids are not operated, thus -the unlocking fails~
~he unlocking code (Xa) is memorized in this manner by the setting program of the shor-t pins 149, and the gate is kept off unless the number keys of the circuits with black circles in ~ig. 14 are pushed at a time, In other words, the simultanous pushing of the number keys genera-tes the signal (SI~) by the judging circuit 143 shown in Fig. 13. Since the short pin program can be changed freely at any time, the unlocking can be kept highly confidential. The code (Xa) is not limited to the above mentioned 3-digits and ordinarily 2 to 5 digits are used. Theoretically, one digit will do but it is not recommendable since the unlocking can be made if the ten keys are pushed one after another Referring to ~ig. 15, to improve the confidential performance further, provide more than one number of code line 148' to set the short pins 149 shown in Fig. 14 at random, compose the NAND circuit with 3-input AND circuit 150 and the inverter 151, and set the signal of agreemen-t by the output.
Now follows the description of an embodiment of the device according to this invention so composed to ~e ~ ~ S ~ 7 ~
unlocked by an external power source but not by key input irrespective of normal or abnormal condition of the power system or the control system.
Going back to Fig. 1 again, the small holes 9~, 9B
are provided on the clasps 4A, 4~ of the sui-t case 1 as the connection terminals holes to the external power source, and no proximity switches are provided in this embodiment~ As the external power source, DC12V is taken out of an autoMobile battery with lead wires and the top ends are inserted into the holes, positive wire to the hole 9~ and negative wire to the hole 9~. The positions of the small holes are not necessarily be as illustrated, and alligator clips may also be used on the top of the lead wires without providing the holes.
~ ig. 16 is the block diagram to show the circuit composition of the embodiment by -this invention. One of the key point of this invention is the external power source circuit connected to the terminal 6C o~ the solenoids 6A, 6B directly from the diode 112 which is connected in series with the positive external power source terminal 9A with lead wires 29, 30 from the external power source 28~ ~y this composition, when no key input is made from the key control board 3 and either one of the locking or unlocking signal (SQ) or (Su) is not given from the control unit 12 to the driving circuit 13, it becomes possible to unlock by the solenoids 6A, 6B~ In other words, the unlocking is made simply by the oper~tion 5~7SO
to connect the external po~er source 28 to the external power source terminals 9~, 9B irrespective of the voltage of the ordinary power source 11, i.e, normal voltage above the specified level or abnormal voltage b~low the speci~icd level, and also with no re~ard t/o the condition of the micro-computer con-trol un:it 12, i.e. norMal ox in trouble. The external power source terminal of this invention is not limited to the clasps 4A, 4~ a~ shown in Fig. 1, and can be provided, of course, at an~ place of the suit case. '~he external power source 28 is not limi-ted to automobile batteries either. It may also possible to provide the proximity switch 132 shown in ~ig. 1 to this ex-ternal power source circuit. ~he confidential performance of this embodiment may be somewhat lower. On the other hand, however, this has the advantages in that the structure and circuit are simple and rigid, and that the cost is lower. ~he compositions and operations of the embodiments according to this invention are as described above, and as a matter of course, this invention is not confined -to tha locking device for suit cases and is not limited to the illustrations or descriptions either.
Being composed as above described, this invention solves such problems that an electronic locking device becomes impossible to unlock due to the voltage drop or a trouble of the power source circuit o~ the solenoid or small motor for locking and unlocking while -the device ~ 7 ~
is being locked, OI' the problems, though they do not hap~en very frequently, due to a trouble in the power source system and the circuit system of the micro-computer which contains a number of electronic parts. And, this inven-tion offers a convenient device that can be used.
with confidence because it has the means to de-tect and judge any unusual condition in advance or immediately after it happens, the unlocking can be made simply and quickly with an automatic or redily available external power source, and because the abnormal unlocking opera-tion can be kept highly confiden-tial.
... . . .. .... , _ .. . . ... , _ . .
Claims (6)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An electronic locking device for locking and un-locking through control of an electric driver by key input of memory codes from outside for memory and relational computing, comprising a circuit for judging that the voltage conducted from a normal power source incorporated in said device to con-trol the electric driver is at a level over a specified value or at a level below the specified value and for transmitting a discrimination signal, a circuit having a terminal for con-nection to an external power source to operate said electric driver, and a circuit to switch said electric driver to the said external power source circuit by means of said discrimination signal, in which the specified value for judging normal or abnormal voltage conducted from the normal power source is set at a constant value to renew the power source above the minimum driving level of the said electric driver, and said electric driver is operated by applying the voltage of the said constant value conducted from the normal power source, and in which a signal transmission circuit is provided to generate a detection signal upon suspension of clock pulses generated as the normal timing control by the control unit for memorizing an external key input and for coded informa-tion processing by relational computation during consumption of the normal power source or circuit trouble, the electric driver being operated by the detection signal.
2. An electronic locking device according to claim 1, wherein a mechanism to prevent locking by key input is pro-vided when the voltage conducted from the normal power is lo-wered to the constant level for renewal.
3. An electronic locking device for locking and un-locking through the control of an electric driver by key in-put of memory codes from outside for memory and relational computing, comprising a circuit for judging that the voltage conducted from the normal power incorporated in the said de-vice to control the electric driver is at a level over a spe-cified value or at a level below the specified value and to transmit a discrimination signal, the circuit having a ter-minal for connection to an external power source to operate said electric driver and a proximity switch connected in series, the proximity switch being switched by the change in the external magnetic field, and a circuit for switching said electric driver to a series circuit composed of the said ex-ternal power source and the proximity switch by means of the said discrimination signal.
4. An electronic locking device for locking and un-locking through the control of an electric driver by key in-put of memory codes from outside for memory and relational com-puting, comprising an unlocking code information process cir-cuit, said circuit taking only unlocking function of the con-trol unit for the processing of the said code information when said control unit goes out of operation due to consumption of the normal power source or trouble in the circuit.
5. An electronic locking device according to claim 4, in which the memory code for unlocking is set in two digits or more, the key input operation of the unlocking code infor-mation process circuit being made by pushing two or more keys on the ten key unit at a time.
6. An electronic locking device for locking or un-locking through control of an electric driver by key input of external memory codes for memory and relational computing of code information, comprising a circuit having a terminal to connect an external power source which drives the said electric driver from outside in parallel to a normal power source incorporated in the device to control said electric driver.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000381127A CA1158750A (en) | 1981-07-06 | 1981-07-06 | Electronic locking device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000381127A CA1158750A (en) | 1981-07-06 | 1981-07-06 | Electronic locking device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1158750A true CA1158750A (en) | 1983-12-13 |
Family
ID=4120363
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000381127A Expired CA1158750A (en) | 1981-07-06 | 1981-07-06 | Electronic locking device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1158750A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN100395424C (en) * | 2004-02-16 | 2008-06-18 | 江苏中兴建设有限公司 | Minicomputer intelligent lockset system |
| EP2923340A4 (en) * | 2012-11-25 | 2016-12-28 | Eliahu Antopolsky | A system for meetings documentation that enables access to the documentation only by the consent of the participants |
-
1981
- 1981-07-06 CA CA000381127A patent/CA1158750A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN100395424C (en) * | 2004-02-16 | 2008-06-18 | 江苏中兴建设有限公司 | Minicomputer intelligent lockset system |
| EP2923340A4 (en) * | 2012-11-25 | 2016-12-28 | Eliahu Antopolsky | A system for meetings documentation that enables access to the documentation only by the consent of the participants |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |