Complex locks

Compound lock

The present invention relates to a lock, and more particularly to a wirelessly controllable lock.

The development of locks can be said to be changing with each passing day, and there are many kinds of locks. Generally, they can be divided into two types of locks: mechanical locks and password locks. The general mechanical lock has the structural principle that when the key is inserted into the lock, the recess or the bump provided on the key is used to correspond to the lock bolt in the lock, so that the lock bolt can be moved to a predetermined position to be rotated or axially. Move the lock. The combination lock has multiple dials. There is a recess in the middle of each dial. A shaft in the center of the combination lock has a number of protruding teeth for catching the dial. When the dial is transferred to the correct combination of passwords, the password lock can be opened.

However, whether it is a mechanical lock or a combination lock, there are significant drawbacks in practical use. In the use of traditional mechanical locks, thieves can easily destroy mechanical locks with the use of hand tools, and enter the house for theft, and the general mechanical locks do not have timely warnings and deterrent effects when they are destroyed, resulting in thieves. It is easy to get used in theft. The price of the password lock is high, and the user needs to keep in mind the password. For the inconvenience of using the user, when the user forgets the password, the user has to destroy the password lock, and repair the password lock or directly replace the new lock. Said to be a high cost. In addition, the user is vulnerable to the thief's side recording and voyeurism during the process of entering the password lock password, but increases the risk of intrusion.

In view of the above problems, the present invention proposes a composite lock. The composite lock includes a lock unit and a Bluetooth unit.

The lock unit is used to control the composite lock to be in a locked state or an unlocked state.

The Bluetooth unit is connected to the lock unit, the Bluetooth unit is used to pair with the handheld unit, and a back signal is received by the handheld unit. The Bluetooth unit transmits the return signal to the lock unit to control the composite lock.

In an embodiment, the lock unit includes an electronic lock. The electronic lock includes a solenoid valve and a latch. When the lock unit receives the unlock signal, the solenoid actuated latch is moved from an extended position to a retracted position to cause the composite lock to be unlocked.

In an embodiment, the lock unit includes a mechanical lock and a protective cover. When the lock unit receives the lock signal, the protection cover is moved from a cover position to an exposed position, and the composite lock is in an unlocked state.

In an embodiment, the lock unit includes an electronic lock and a mechanical lock. The electronic lock includes a solenoid valve and a latch. The inductive trigger generates a trigger signal when the mechanical lock is turned on. The Bluetooth unit transmits the unlock signal to the lock unit. When the lock unit receives the unlock signal, the solenoid valve actuates the latch to move from an extended position to a retracted position, and the composite lock is unlocked.

With the composite lock of the present invention, it can be turned on after the pairing and authentication of the Bluetooth unit and the handheld unit are correct. Therefore, the safety of the composite lock can be increased.

The detailed features and advantages of the present invention are further described in the following detailed description, which is sufficient to enable those skilled in the art to understand the technical contents of the present invention and to implement the present invention. In the drawings, the related objects and advantages of the present invention can be easily understood by those skilled in the art.

Please refer to "1A" and "1A" as a block diagram of the first embodiment of the composite lock. The composite lock of this embodiment can be any type of lock, such as a door lock, a safe lock, a drawer lock, a letter box lock, a trunk lock, a lock, and the like.

The composite lock 10 is coupled with a hand-held unit 90 for locking or unlocking. The handheld unit 90 can be an electronic device with wireless communication functions, such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a notebook computer, or a tablet computer.

The composite lock 10 includes a lock unit 20 and a Bluetooth unit 30.

In the present embodiment, the lock unit 20 includes an electronic lock 21. The electronic lock 21 includes a solenoid valve 22 and a latch 24.

The solenoid valve 22 can be an electromagnetic switch that accepts power control, such as an anode lock or a cathode lock.

The latch 24 is controllable by the solenoid valve 22 to move between the extended position and the retracted position to control the composite lock 10 to be locked or unlocked.

For the appearance of the lock unit 20, refer to "2A" and "2B". "2A" means that the latch 24 is in the retracted position (unlocked), and "2B" is in the extended position (on lock).

The Bluetooth unit 30 includes a microcontroller 32, a Bluetooth transceiver 34, a power management circuit 36, and a voltage detection circuit 38. The Bluetooth unit 30 can be coupled to the memory 62, the oscillator 64, the battery 66, the input device 67, and the alert 68.

Microcontroller 32 can be a single wafer microprocessor such as an 8051 or ARM processor. The microcontroller 32 is responsible for executing the software or firmware program to control the Bluetooth transceiver 34 for Bluetooth protocol communication or distance determination. The microcontroller 32 can control the lock-lock unit 20 to perform an action of locking or unlocking. Additionally, the microcontroller 32 can activate the alert 68 to provide an alert function.

The Bluetooth transceiver 34 is a wireless transmission component that complies with the Bluetooth communication specification and operates in the 2.4 GHz band. The Bluetooth transceiver 34 is responsible for pairing with other Bluetooth devices and for protocol connection and mutual authentication. In addition, the Bluetooth transceiver 34 can provide detection information of the Bluetooth wireless connection distance to the microcontroller 32.

The power management circuit 36 is responsible for converting the voltage of the power source 50 and supplying it to each component. The power management circuit 36 can include a plurality of DC/DC conversion circuits or AC/DC conversion circuits.

The voltage detecting circuit 38 can detect the power source 50 and the battery 66. When the voltage is lower than the set range, a message is provided to the microcontroller 32 to generate a warning to remind the user to replace the battery or set to be unlocked or automatically unlocked to avoid Because the battery 66 is de-energized, the composite lock 10 is locked and cannot be controlled to open.

The memory 62 can repeatedly read and write non-volatile memory of the data, and the memory 62 is used to access the preset information of the working state, pairing data, detection distance, password and the like of the microcontroller 32.

Oscillator 64 provides an accurate clock signal for operation of microcontroller 32.

The battery 66 is a small dry battery or a rechargeable battery.

The input device 67 can be a switch, a mechanical button or a touch screen for providing the user with various settings, such as detecting a distance or a password.

The alerter 68 includes a buzzer and a Light Emitting Diode (LED) indicator, and the alert 68 can alert the user by emitting sound or light.

According to the composite lock described above, the composite lock can be distinguished into the following two embodiments.

The first embodiment is automatic locking and authentication unlocking. The second embodiment is authentication lock and authentication unlock. The above two embodiments can be selected by the user or built in the product when the product is on the market.

When the user uses the composite lock 10 for the first time, the user's handheld unit 90 can be paired with the composite lock 10. The composite lock 10 will store the pairing data in the memory 62.

When it is automatically locked, it can be locked without passing through the Bluetooth unit 30. When the authentication is locked or the authentication is unlocked, the Bluetooth unit 30 is required to be locked. The manner in which the authentication is locked or the authentication is unlocked is detailed below.

When the authentication is unlocked or the authentication is locked, the following two modes can be activated: automatic start (corresponding to "1A") and trigger start (corresponding to "1B").

In the automatic start mode, when the handheld unit 90 is close to the composite lock 10, the Bluetooth unit 30 can first receive a response signal from the handheld unit 90 and authenticate based on the stored pairing data and the response signal. When the authentication is correct, the microcontroller 32 determines whether the estimated distance is less than a threshold according to the estimated distance estimated by the Bluetooth transceiver 34 (the distance between the handheld unit 90 and the composite lock 10) (the threshold value can be used) Set by yourself or pre-stored in memory). If the estimated distance is less than a threshold, the Bluetooth unit 30 transmits an unlock signal to the lock unit 20, and the solenoid valve 22 of the electronic lock 21 is moved from the extended position to the retracted position, so that the composite lock 10 is unlocked. status.

On the other hand, when the authentication is locked, it can be divided into automatic start and trigger start. Both the automatic start and the trigger start are similar to the process of the authentication unlock. When the authentication is correct, the Bluetooth unit 30 transmits a lock signal to the lock unit 20, and the solenoid valve 22 of the electronic lock 21 is moved from the retracted position to the extended position. The position is taken so that the composite lock 10 is in the locked state.

In the automatic start mode, in order to make the composite lock 10 distinguishable from the timing of the authentication unlocking and the authentication lock, it can be determined according to the change of the estimated distance of the Bluetooth unit 30. For example, when the distance detected by the Bluetooth unit 30 is changed from high to low, it means that the handheld unit 90 approaches the composite lock 10 from far to near, and the process of authentication unlocking can be performed at this time. On the other hand, when the distance detected by the Bluetooth unit 30 is from low to high, the hand unit 90 is located away from the composite lock 10, and the process of authentication locking can be performed.

In addition to being authenticated based on the stored pairing data, the Bluetooth unit 30 may also require the handheld unit 90 to enter a password. When the password input by the handheld unit 90 is correct and the distance is less than a threshold, the Bluetooth unit 30 transmits the unlock signal to the lock unit 20. The time and number of times the password is entered can also be controlled by the initial settings.

In the trigger start mode, the user first triggers the composite lock 10 when opening the door. Please refer to FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1B is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the composite lock. The inductive triggering device 23 on the composite lock 10 can detect the user's actions on the composite lock 10, such as pressing, rotating, moving, touching, tapping, and the like. The inductive triggering device 23 will generate a trigger signal to the Bluetooth unit 30 according to the detection result. After receiving the trigger signal, the Bluetooth unit 30 can first pair with the handheld unit 90. The Bluetooth unit 30 performs authentication based on the stored pairing data. When the authentication is correct, the Bluetooth unit 30 transmits an unlock signal to the lock unit 20, and the solenoid valve 22 of the electronic lock 21 is moved from the extended position to the retracted position, so that the composite lock 10 is in the unlocked state.

In the trigger activation mode, the inductive triggering device 23 receives the sensing signal, and the Bluetooth unit 30 does not detect the handheld unit 90, and the alarm 68 can alert the user by emitting sound or light. For example, when the sensing trigger device 23 can detect that the user goes out and closes the door, and the Bluetooth unit 30 does not detect the handheld unit 90 within the communication distance, the microcontroller 32 of the composite lock 10 can control the alarm 68 to The sound or light reminds the user that the handheld unit 90 is not provided. In this way, it will be possible to solve the long-term use of the traditional lock, the user will be locked out of the door because the key is not carried.

In addition to being authenticated based on the stored pairing data, the Bluetooth unit 30 may also require the handheld unit 90 to enter a password. When the password input by the handheld unit 90 is correct and the paired data authentication is correct, the Bluetooth unit 30 transmits the unlock signal to the lock unit 20. The time and number of times the password is entered can also be controlled by the initial settings.

Please refer to "1C" and "1C" as a block diagram of a third embodiment of a composite lock.

The composite lock further includes a verification device 40. In this embodiment, the verification device 40 can be a Dual Tone Multi Frequency (DTMF) decoder. The dual tone multi-frequency decoder can receive the dual tone multi-frequency signal and convert the dual tone multi-frequency signal into a digital signal.

The Bluetooth unit 30 performs authentication based on the stored pairing data. When the authentication is correct, the Bluetooth unit 30 will place a call through the handheld unit 90. In this embodiment, the handheld unit 90 can have a mobile communication module, and the mobile communication module can conform to the mobile communication standard of GSM, 3G or LTE, and can dial a telephone number to the mobile communication module. Remote control unit. The telephone number of the remote control device can be stored in the memory 62. After receiving the call made by the handheld unit 90, the remote control device can be controlled by the monitor or the computer, and the verification signal is sent back to the handheld unit 90. The handheld unit 90 will transmit this verification signal back to the Bluetooth unit 30. The Bluetooth unit 30 transmits the verification signal back to the verification device 40, and the verification device 40 generates a verification code according to the verification signal. The microcontroller 32 can compare this verification code with a predetermined password. If the comparison is correct, the Bluetooth unit 30 transmits an unlock signal to the lock unit 20, and the solenoid valve 22 of the electronic lock 21 is moved from the extended position to the retracted position, so that the composite lock 10 is in the unlocked state.

In addition to a call made by the handheld unit 90, the composite lock 10 can also be used to make a call. Please refer to "1D" and "1D" as a block diagram of a fourth embodiment of the composite lock.

The composite lock 10 further includes a communication device 42. The call device 42 can be a wired local or wireless mobile communication module. The composite lock 10 can make a call to a remote device via the communication device 42. After receiving the call made by the call device 42, the remote control device can be controlled by the monitor or the computer, and the verification signal is sent back to the call device 42. The call device 42 transmits the verification signal to the verification device 40, and the verification device 40 generates a verification code according to the verification signal. The microcontroller 32 can compare this verification code with a predetermined password. If the comparison is correct, the Bluetooth unit 30 transmits an unlock signal to the lock unit 20, and the solenoid valve 22 of the electronic lock 21 is moved from the extended position to the retracted position, so that the composite lock 10 is in the unlocked state.

By placing a call to the remote device, it is equivalent to adding an authentication mechanism to the composite lock 10 to increase the security of the composite lock 10.

In addition to being an electric lock, the composite lock 10 can also be a mechanical lock. Please refer to FIG. 3A, and FIG. 3A is a block diagram of the fifth embodiment.

In this embodiment, the lock unit 20 includes a mechanical lock 26 and a protective cover 28. The mechanical lock 26 can be a combination lock or a mechanical lock that requires a key to be locked. The protective cover 28 is movable between a covered position and an exposed position. When the protective cover 28 is in the covering position (locked state), the user cannot operate the dial of the combination lock or unlock with the key. Only when the protective cover 28 is in the exposed position (unlocked state) can the user operate the dial of the combination lock or unlock with a key.

In this embodiment, there are also two different embodiments: automatic locking and authentication unlocking/authentication locking and authentication unlocking.

Authentication unlocking can also be divided into two mechanisms: trigger start mode and automatic start mode. After being activated, paired, and authenticated, the microcontroller 32 can transmit the unlock signal to the lock unit 20. The lock unit 20 translates or rotates the protective cover 28 to move the protective cover 28 from the covered position to the exposed position. The user can operate the dial of the combination lock or unlock with a key.

As for the authentication lock, it is similar to the authentication unlock. After being activated and authenticated, the microcontroller 32 can transmit the lock signal to the lock unit 20. The lock unit 20 translates or rotates the protective cover 28 to move the protective cover 28 from the exposed position to the covering position. The user cannot operate the dial of the combination lock or unlock with a key.

Please refer to FIG. 3B, and FIG. 3B is a block diagram of the sixth embodiment.

The lock unit 20 includes an electronic lock 21 and a mechanical lock 26. The electronic lock 21 includes a solenoid valve 22 and a latch 24. In this embodiment, the electronic lock 21 acts as a dark lock and the mechanical lock 26 acts as a lock. Mechanical lock 26 can be coupled to inductive triggering device 23. When the mechanical lock 26 is inserted into the turntable of the key or the dial lock, the inductive triggering device 23 generates a trigger signal to the Bluetooth unit 30. And after being paired and authenticated, when the authentication is correct, the solenoid valve 22 of the electronic lock 21 is moved from the extended position to the retracted position, so that the composite lock 10 is in the unlocked state. Because the composite lock 10 has two mechanisms of open lock and dark lock, even if the lock is opened, if there is no corresponding hand unit 90, the dark lock cannot be opened, so the safety of the composite lock 10 can be increased.

Please refer to "3C" and "3C" as a block diagram of the seventh embodiment.

The lock unit 20 includes an electronic lock 21, a first mechanical lock 26a and a second mechanical lock 26b, and a protective cover 28. The electronic lock 21 includes a solenoid valve 22 and a latch 24. When the first mechanical lock 26a is turned on (for example, pressed or rotated), the inductive triggering device 23 generates a trigger signal to the Bluetooth unit 30. And after being paired and authenticated, when the authentication is correct, the solenoid valve 22 of the electronic lock is moved from the extended position to the retracted position, and the protective cover 28 is moved from the covered position to the exposed position to expose the second mechanical lock 26b. The user can operate the dial of the combination lock or use the key to open the second mechanical lock 26b.

Please refer to "4A" and "4B", "4A" and "4B" as the appearance of the lock unit. In "Fig. 4A", the protective cover 28 is located at the covering position. When the user turns the dial of the combination lock (first mechanical lock 26a), the Bluetooth unit 30 inside the composite lock 10 is paired and authenticated with the handheld unit 90. When the authentication is correct, the solenoid valve 22 of the electronic lock 21 is moved from the extended position to the retracted position, and the protective cover 28 is moved from the covered position to the exposed position. In other words, the composite lock 10 will change from "4A" to "4B". The user can open the second mechanical lock 26b with a key. In this embodiment, the user must have both the handheld unit 90 and the correct password and key to activate the composite lock 10.

Although the present invention has been disclosed above in the foregoing embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. The changes and refinements of the present invention are within the scope of the patent protection of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Please refer to the attached patent application for the scope of protection defined by this new model.

<p>10. . . Compound lock</p><p>20. . . Lock unit</p><p>twenty one. . . Electronic locks</p><p>twenty two. . . The electromagnetic valve</p><p>twenty three. . . Inductive trigger</p><p>twenty four. . . Latch</p><p>26. . . mechanical lock</p><p>26a. . . First mechanical lock</p><p>26b. . . Second mechanical lock</p><p>28. . . protection cap</p><p>30. . . Bluetooth unit</p><p>32. . . Microcontroller</p><p>34. . . Bluetooth transceiver</p><p>36. . . Power management circuit</p><p>38. . . Voltage detection circuit</p><p>40. . . Verification device</p><p>42. . . Call device</p><p>50. . . power supply</p><p>62. . . Memory</p><p>64. . . Oscillator</p><p>66. . . battery</p><p>67. . . Input device</p><p>68. . . Warning device</p><p>90. . . Handheld unit</p>

"FIG. 1A" is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the novel composite lock;

"1B" is a block diagram of the first embodiment of the novel composite lock;

1C is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the novel composite lock;

"1D" is a block diagram of a fourth embodiment of the novel composite lock;

"2A" and "2B" are schematic views of the appearance of the new type of lock unit;

"3A" is a block diagram of a fifth embodiment of the novel composite lock;

3B is a block diagram of a sixth embodiment of the composite lock of the present invention;

3C is a block diagram of a seventh embodiment of the novel composite lock; and

"4A" and "4B" are schematic views of the appearance of the new type of lock unit.