GB2051211A

GB2051211A - Security Device

Info

Publication number: GB2051211A
Application number: GB8005602A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: APAG Elektronik AG
Current assignee: APAG Elektronik AG
Priority date: 1979-02-21
Filing date: 1980-02-19
Publication date: 1981-01-14
Also published as: CH647297A5; IT8020013A1; DE2906665C2; IT1140641B; IT8020013A0; FR2449771A1; GB2051211B; DE2906665A1

Abstract

A security device for preventing access to an enclosure, comprising an actuating member which actuates a lock to lock or unlock a locking mechanism 13. The actuating member comprises a transmitter 1 which emits a coded signal, and the lock comprises a receiver 5 and 7, which responds to the coded signal, to lock or unlock the locking mechanism 13, the receiver 5 and 7 being mounted in use within the enclosure. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Security Device The present invention relates to a security device for preventing access to an enclosure, comprising an actuating member which actuates a lock to lock or unlock a locking mechanism.

Various constructions of security devices of this type are known in motor vehicles for example the mechanical steering wheel lock, in which the actuating member is a key and the locking mechanism is a bolt, which is actuated by a lock, in which the key fits. Another example is the central locking system incorporated in high quality motor vehicles, in which the actuating member is likewise a key, whereas the locking mechanism comprises locking bolts provided on all doors and possibly also the boot lid. Apart from the pneumatic cylinders actuating the locks, an interpose energizer comprises either a reduced pressure store connected to the exhaust pipe of the engine or a pump with a drive, which produces a reduced pressure or excess pressure for operating the pneumatic cylinders.Further security devices on motor vehicles are for example electrical anti-theft devices, which when switched on prevent ignition, the supply of fuel or also lock the transmission and which can be unlocked by an actuating member.

Similar devices also occur in the case of desks, cupboards and other lockable enclosures, which have to be opened using a key, whereby the locking mechanism is a bolt, which is actuated by a lock, in which the key fits.

It is a common feature of all these known arrangements that an unlocking switch or the lock must be accessible for introducing the key. Thus, it is possible to work on these parts with other tools, for example a skeleton key. It is also a drawback that only a direct mechanical action of the actuating member on the locking mechanism is possible. Actuation from a certain distance is not possible.

Also, it is not possible to actuate several locking mechanisms simultaneously.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a security davice which obviates of mitigates the above problems.

According to the present invention there is provided a security device for preventing access to an enclosure, comprising an actuating member which actuates a lock to lock or unlock a locking mechanism, characterised in that the actuating member comprises a transmitter which emits a coded signal, and the lock comprises a receiver which responds to the coded signal to lock or unlock the locking mechanism, the receiver being mounted in use within the enclosure.

The device according to the present invention has great advantages for the user. Thus, for example, he is able to unlock the central locking system using the transmitter, without having to touch the vehicle. Similarly, in an office for example in which confidential documents are stored, the desk, filing cabinet or other similar container can be provided with a corresponding arrangement. It is thus possible to control all the receivers simultaneously with a single signal and thus to lock all the pieces of furniture simultaneously. Above all, this makes it easier to comply with security regulations, which specify that when leaving a room, all containers must be locked, especially since all the receivers are controlled by a single transmitted pulse.

The coding of the signal emitted by the transmitter and received by the receiver may be achieved in various ways so that complete security against unauthorised use is possible. The number of possible combinations and types of coding is so great that "cracking" of the code is virtually excluded. Thus, the construction of the device according to the invention opens up a wealth of further advantageous possibilities which will be described hereafter.

The transmitter may operate according to various principles and according to preferred embodiments of the invention can be constructed to emit a light beam, in particular an infra-red light beam or an ultra sound pulse. Light or sound transmitters of this type are inexpensive and can be supplied with low power. By concentrating the beam emitted in an angle of 30 to 900 for example, it is possible to achieve adequate density of energy in the beam with a low power output of the transmitter.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the receiver comprises a sensor for converting the optical or acoustic signal into an electrical signal and the sensors and receivers are separated from each other spatially. In particular, the spatially separated arrangement provides considerable advantages and additional security, because according to a preferred embodiment, the sensor is located in the passenger compartment, but the receiver is located in the engine compartment or in the boot. The location of the receiver in the engine compartment has the advantage that an unauthorised person cannot tamper with the receiver in an inconspicuous manner, but that he at least attracts a certain amount of attention on account of the fact that the bonnet lid is open.On account of the transmission of electrical signals from the sensor to the receiver, a spatial separation of this type causes no problems and can be achieved with little expenditure.

In order to provide additional protection for the receiver against unauthorised intervention, the receiver or a housing covering the latter is attached or closed by means of special screws, which can only be released by means of a special tool. Therefore, only the person in possession of the special tool is able to open the receiver. If it is ensured that only authorised workshops and service agencies possess the suitable special tools, unauthorised opening of the receiver is made considerably more difficult. Also, any person who does not belong to the circle of authorised persons, makes himself immediately suspicious by being in possession of a special tool of this type.

In order to secure the arrangement still further, the sensors and receivers are preferably constructed so that it is not possible to produce a signal, to which the receiver responds, by interrupting or short-circuiting the lead between the sensors and receivers. Thus, the security function cannot be cancelled out by interrupting or short-circuiting. This is a significant advantage with regard to all such devices which operate with a switch instead of the sensor and where the function of the switch can be simulated by shortcircuiting the lead coming from the switch.

The code according to which the signal is coded, can be very varied. Frequently it is associated with a certain transmitter and receiver, as a certain key is associated with a certain lock.

However, this has the drawback that when a key of this type is lost for example or when the vehicle changes hands, the connection with the existing code continues. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the code of the signal can be changed by the user at the transmitter and at the receiver. This is possible in a very simple manner in the case of an infra-red or ultra sound receiver or transmitter, because it is sufficient to provide a group of switches, by which the code can be determined. Thus, with a group of switches respectively having two or more switching positions, it is sufficient to alter some of these switching positions, in order to obtain a completely different code. Thus, for example, the purchaser of a second-hand car may ensure that it is impossible for the previous owner or any other person who had knowledge of the code, to use the vehicle unlawfully.Or, the owner of several vehicles, may use the same code for all the vehicles, due to which he is able to lock or unlock any one of his vehicles with the same transmitter.

Switching members with two switching positions are preferably used for the switches effecting the change of code and a group of switches is provided for altering the code signal, which has approximately 215 to 220 possible positions. The high number of possible combinations virtually precludes a systematic or random discovery of the code by an unauthorised person.

Preferably, the locking mechanism is the central locking system of a motor vehicle and the energizer is a differential pressure store or differential pressure generator, which operates selectively with excess pressure or reduced pressure. However, in addition to or in place of the central locking system, the locking mechanism may be an anti-theft device, which prevents ignition, the supply of fuel or locks the transmission or the steering wheel.

The transmitter requires a source of power in the form of a battery. In fact, batteries of this type have a considerable life expectancy with a small construction, since the transmitter operates only for a short time and requires relatively little energy, however, it must either be replaced or recharged. Now it may occur that despite an indication pointing to the fact that the battery is virtually exhausted, the use may neglect to change or recharge the battery promptly. Now in order to facilitate unlocking for example of an anti-theft device, the transmitter is provided with a plug connection, by means of which it can be connected to the power supply of the vehicle. For example, it can preferably be plugged into the cigar lighter.Also, in so far that it is provided with a rechargeable battery, the transmitter may comprise a charging device, by which it can be recharged after connection to the vehicle power supply. Therefore, this is an advantage because recharging may take place as the vehicle is travelling. If the user becomes accustomed to plugging the transmitter into the vehicle socket as he travels and removing the latter as well as the ignition key solely upon completing the journey, then he can be certain that the transmitter is always ready for operation, because its battery is sufficiently charged.However, even when the arrangement according to the invention controls a central locking system and for some reason the transmitter fails, this is not a particular drawback for the user, because as previously, he is able to actuate the central locking system and the ignition lock with his key, in the manner to which he was previously accustomed.

Further embodiments and details will become apparent from the ensuing description of one embodiment illustrated in the drawing, in conjunction with the claims. The drawing shows a block wiring diagram of an arrangement according to the invention, in a very simplified manner, omitting all technical details which are unnecessary for the understanding of the invention. A transmitter 1, which is approximately the size of a matchbox or cigarette packet, is equipped with a plug 2 for connection to a conventional vehicle socket.However, since the plug part is disproportionately large in comparison with the transmitter, it is possible for the plug 2 to comprise the charging device for a battery located in the transmitter 1, or a very much smaller special plug can be used, for which an appropriate socket is provided in the vehicle, which at the same time can be constructed for example as a receiver for the transmitter 1. On its narrow side, the transmitter 1 comprises a window 3, through which infra-red or sound pulses are emitted after actuation of a button 4. The coded pulses are monitored by a sensor 5, which is located elsewhere in the inside of the vehicle, for example on the steering column, in a loud speaker recess or other suitable place. The sensor 5 comprises a housing in which a signal converter is located, which may be for example either an infra-redsensitive diode, and infra-red-sensitive photoresistance or, when using ultra sound pulses, a microphone. The sensor 5 is connected by a lead 6 to an amplifier 7, which supplies the amplified signal by way of a lead 8 to a decoder and amplifier 9. The decoder 9 compares the signal received with the reference signal and when the signal received and reference signal correspond, it sends a control command by way of a lead 10 to the switching member 11, for example a relay, which actuates a bolt by way of an operative connection 12, or the switching member 11 is a magnetic valve, which opens or interrupts the connection between a pressure reservoir or pressure generator and a pneumatic cylinder.In the case of a central locking system which is supplied by a pump with its own electric motor drive, then the switching member 11 can be a relay, which is located in the circuit of the pump drive motor. Or, the switching member 11 , which can be constructed for example as a lifting magnet, actuates a bolt 13 directly by way of its armature serving as an operative connection 12, or by way of a lever or rod inserted therebetween.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated or described, but that variations thereof are possible without diverging from the scope of the invention.

In particular, individual features of the invention can be used individually or in combination. Thus, for example, when using a transmitter 1 of the type illustrated with an incorporated motor vehicle charging plug 2, the latter is covered by a cover, since when the transmitter 1 is carried, the projecting plug 2 would be troublesome. A further advantage of the invention in conjunction with a transmitter and receiver which can be coded by the user, consists of the possibility that the user can store a transmitter which is coded in a different manner to the receiver incorporated in the vehicle, as a reserve in the vehicle. If the user loses or forgets his transmitter which is coded like the receiver, after opening the vehicle with his key, he can adjust the reserve transmitter located in the vehicle, to the code known to him and he thus once more has a complete usable system.

Claims

1. A security device for preventing access to an enclosure, comprising an actuating member which actuates a lock to lock or unlock a locking mechanism, characterised in that the actuating member comprises a transmitter which emits a coded signal, and the lock comprises a receiver which responds to the coded signal to lock or unlock the locking mechanism, the receiver being mounted in use within the enclosure.

2. A security device according to claim 1, characterised in that the signal emitter by the transmitter is a light beam, in particular an infra red light beam, or an ultra sound beam.

3. A security device according to claim 2, characterised in that a sensor is provided for converting the signal received into an electrical signal and the sensor and receiver are separated from each other spatially.

4. A security device according to claim 3, characterised in that the locking mechanism is located in a vehicle the sensor being located in the passenger compartment and the receiver being located in the engine compartment or the boot.

5. A security device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the receiver or a housing covering the receiver is secured by special screws, which can be released solely by means of a special tool.

6. A security device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterised in that the sensor and receiver are constructed so that interrupting or short-circuiting a lead between the sensor and receiver produces no signal to which the receiver responds.

7. A security device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the code of the signal can be adjusted by the user at the transmitter and receiver.

8. A security device according to claim 7, characterised in that a group of switches is provided for adjusting the code of the signal.

9. A security device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the locking mechanism comprises a central locking system and an energizer is interposed between the actuating member and the locking mechanism, the energizer being a differential pressure store or pressure generator.

10. A security device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the locking mechanism comprises a central locking system and an energizer is interposed between the actuating member and the locking mechanism, the energizer being formed by electric motors or electro-magnets.

11. A security device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the locking mechanism comprises an anti-theft system of a vehicle, by which it is possible to prevent ignition, the supply of fuel, or to lock the transmission or steering wheel or to prevent the actuation of the starter.

1 2. A security device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the transmitter can be connected by a plug connection to the vehicle power supply.

1 3. A security device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.