Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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
750
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~
- 30
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
3Q
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
'.
1 1
~ 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
- 13
, . ., .. . , . . . _ . . . ~ _ . . . .
~ '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,
- 14
~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
.
- 16
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
- 18
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
- 21
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
.
- 22
~ 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
- 25
.... .. . . . . . ... . .. . . ..
~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.
- 26
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
- 29
~ ~ 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
- 30
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.
-32-
... . . .. .... , _ .. . . ... , _ . .
