Programmable opening device for mobile phone cases and storage containers

Abstract

Opening device for the time-controlled magnetic opening of a magnetically releasable locking mechanism (5) arranged on a storage container, comprising a magnetic opening unit with at least one magnetic source designed as a permanent magnet (2) and / or a switchable electromagnet, and an actuating mechanism (1) configured to vary the magnetic usability of the magnetic opening unit in a user-accessible area, wherein the area of ​​use is spatially separated from the magnetic opening unit by means of a cover device (4), wherein the magnetic usability of the magnet is attenuated so that the magnetic opening unit can be switched between (a) a release position in which a magnetic field strength sufficient to release the locking mechanism (5) is present in the area of ​​use, and (b) a locking position in which the field strength present in the area of ​​use is reduced below a predetermined threshold value.switchable; without being limited to a specific type of movement of the actuating mechanism, and an electronic control unit (6) which is configured to switch the actuating mechanism and / or the current flow to an electromagnet within predefinable active / inactive time windows and thereby transfer it to the release position and to maintain the locked position outside these time windows.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to opening devices for, among other things, so-called mobile phone pouches (smartphone pouches) with magnetically releasable locking mechanisms. It lies in the field of access control and locking technology for storage solutions for electronic devices, which, for example, reduce student distractions during class time, particularly in educational institutions such as schools.

[0002] Smartphone pouches typically use a magnetically released closure mechanism. The device is placed in the pouch, and the opening is then secured by a locking mechanism (e.g., a ferromagnetic cap with a locking pin or a security tamper-evident closure). Opening the pouch requires a strong external magnetic field, usually a permanent magnet, and / or a specific field geometry that selectively releases the lock. Without this targeted external magnetic field, especially at a greater distance or with effective shielding, the closure remains closed.

[0003] Such bags are primarily used for smartphones, but can also be used to store other small electronic devices, such as smartwatches, headphone cases or data glasses / AR glasses (e.g. “Google Glass”-like systems), provided they have a corresponding magnetically releasable closure mechanism.

[0004] In practice, mobile phone case opening devices are currently either freely accessible or housed in manually lockable containers, using a permanently mounted permanent magnet. This requires, for example, school staff to regularly open and close the containers or to constantly supervise freely accessible openers, resulting in a considerable increase in time and organizational effort. In addition, there are mobile openers that school staff must manage and provide for use; these also operate with a permanent magnet. Furthermore, users of the storage containers may forget to open them and then have to contact school staff again. A technical solution is needed that would allow automated, controllable, or programmable access to the opening devices at predetermined intervals.

[0005] The object of the invention is to make the usability of opening devices controllable with minimal effort, thus significantly reducing the time and supervisory effort required, for example, by school staff. At the same time, use outside authorized time windows should be reliably prevented.

[0006] This problem is solved by the features listed in claim 1. Fig. Figure 1 shows a possible embodiment with a lifting magnet 1 as an actuating mechanism, a permanent magnet 2 as a magnetic source, a guide bushing 3, a cover device 4 which separates the magnetic source from the area of ​​use, a right-hand closing mechanism of the mobile phone case 5 and an electronic control unit 6.

[0007] The in Fig.The embodiment shown in Figure 1 comprises an electrically controlled solenoid 1 as an actuator, which displaces a magnetic source in the form of a permanent magnet 2 relative to a user area. The permanent magnet 2 is guided in a guide bushing 3, ensuring a defined movement and reproducible end position. A cover 4 is arranged between the permanent magnet 2 and the user-facing user area. This cover prevents direct access to the magnetic source and optionally acts as a magnetic flux conductor or as a shield to reduce the field strength present in the user area when the cover is in a locked position.

[0008] To open, the storage container, e.g., a mobile phone case, is held with its locking mechanism 5 against the area of ​​use, in this case to the right of the cover device 4. In the release position, the actuating mechanism 1 moves the magnetic source 2 into a position where a magnetic field strength sufficient to release the locking mechanism 5 is present at the area of ​​use. Outside of the release times, the device remains in the locked position; in this position, the field strength is reduced by an increased distance and / or by the action of the cover device 4 so that the locking mechanism 5 is not released.

[0009] The electronic control unit 6 features a timer function that allows for the configuration of active and inactive time windows. Configuration can be performed locally via an operating unit and / or remotely via a communication interface (e.g., Bluetooth, WLAN). The control unit 6 can also provide user authentication, access logging, and tamper detection. A fail-secure design ensures that the device remains in the locked position in the event of a power failure.

[0010] In further design variants, for example, it may be provided that the electronic control unit (6) manages daily, weekly and / or calendar profiles with freely programmable active and inactive time windows as well as exception rules e.g. holidays, special days and switches the opening device accordingly.

[0011] Swivel mechanisms – The positioning mechanism can be designed as a swivel drive that pivots the magnetic source around a bearing relative to the cover and / or the operating area. In a locked position, the magnetic source is swivelled away behind the cover and / or positioned with a reduced effect by increasing the distance; in the released position, it is brought into effective proximity. The swivel axis can be parallel or perpendicular to the cover. Stops and / or position sensors can ensure the reproducibility of the swivel movement and the end position.

[0012] In an electromagnet option, the magnetic opening unit can have a switchable electromagnet instead of a permanent magnet, thus eliminating the need for a mechanical mechanism and cover. In the release position, the electromagnet is energized, ensuring sufficient field strength in the operating area; in the locked position, the electromagnet is de-energized.

[0013] In another possible design, the magnetic source can also be inserted or removed laterally into or out of the operating area along a guided track. Alternatively, multi-stage kinematics (e.g., cam or telescopic guides) are possible. The guide bushing serves as an example of equivalent guiding and bearing elements.

[0014] In another conceivable configuration, the active / inactive time windows are programmed directly on the device via the electronic control unit, for example, using buttons, rotary encoders, or a touch panel and a display (e.g., LCD / LED). Wireless or network interfaces (Bluetooth, WLAN, Ethernet) are not required in this case. Optionally, a purely wired service interface (e.g., USB) can be provided without a wireless connection.

[0015] The device is not limited to mobile phone cases. It can be used in an identical manner for bags / containers that hold other devices such as smartwatches, AR / VR glasses (e.g., data glasses), headphones, or similar items and have a magnetically releasable closure mechanism. The selection and geometry of the magnetic source, as well as the design of the cover mechanism, can be adapted to the specific bag / closing mechanism geometry in terms of shape, size, and required spacing.

[0016] In another embodiment, the field strength in the operating area is controlled by switching the magnetic flux. The device comprises a bypass yoke (shunt) with a control coil. In the blocked position, the shunt is conductive, so the magnetic flux preferably flows through the bypass, thus reducing the field strength in the operating area. In the enabled position, the shunt is blocked, particularly by saturation and / or counter-excitation, so that the main flux is directed into the operating area. The cover can provide flux guidance / shielding; flux barriers reduce stray flux. The magnetic source can be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. With a permanent magnet, switching occurs without displacement. The control unit can actuate the control coil based on time or sensors. Fail-secure: current-free conducting shunt (blocked position). Variants: mechanically switchable shunt, dual-coil topology, integration into the cover.Advantages: finely dosed coupling, precise duration of action, low mechanical effort, low wear.

[0017] This significantly reduces the workload for school staff, as the manual locking and unlocking of the devices is no longer necessary. Furthermore, the responsibility for supervision is eliminated, since constant presence at the device is not required, and use outside authorized time slots is reliably prevented. With appropriate programming, users can even reopen the safe independently after forgetting to unlock it, without assistance from school staff. Optionally, release times (active / inactive) can be remotely configured centrally. Reference symbol list 1 lifting magnet 2 permanent magnets 3 Guide bushing 4 Cover device 5. Locking mechanism of the mobile phone case 6 Electronic control unit

Claims

[1] Opening device for time-controlled magnetic opening of a magnetically releasable locking mechanism (5) arranged on a storage container, comprising a magnetic opening unit with at least one magnetic source designed as a permanent magnet (2) and / or a switchable electromagnet, an actuating mechanism (1) configured to vary the magnetic usability of the magnetic opening unit in a user-accessible area, wherein the area of ​​use is spatially separated from the magnetic opening unit by means of a cover device (4), wherein the magnetic usability of the magnet is attenuated so that the magnetic opening unit can be switched between (a) a release position in which a magnetic field strength sufficient to release the locking mechanism (5) is present in the area of ​​use, and (b) a locking position,in which the field strength present in the operating area is reduced below a predetermined threshold value, is switchable; without being limited to a specific type of movement of the actuating mechanism, and an electronic control unit (6) which is configured to switch the actuating mechanism and / or the current flow to an electromagnet within predefinable active / inactive time windows and thereby transfer it to the enabling position and to maintain the locked position outside these time windows. [2] Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the magnetic opening unit comprises at least one magnetic source selected from a permanent magnet (2), a switchable electromagnet or a combination thereof. [3] Opening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the actuating mechanism can vary the magnetic effectiveness between the magnetic opening unit and the area of ​​use by increasing or decreasing the effective distance between the magnetic source and the area of ​​use, whereby the movement required for this can be linear, pivoting, sliding, folding away or rotary. [4] Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the actuating mechanism can vary the magnetic effectiveness between the magnetic opening unit and the area of ​​use by altering the magnetic flux path via an intermediate element. [5] Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the magnetic opening unit is designed as a switchable electromagnet and the electronic control unit (6) is configured to switch the electromagnet on or off between a magnetically effective state and a substantially field-free state, whereby this switching effect brings about the release or blocking position, in particular with a substantially constant relative position of the opening unit to the area of ​​use without mechanical distance change. [6] Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that guiding and / or bearing means for the reproducible positioning of the magnetic opening unit in the release and locking positions are provided, designed as a guide bushing (3), linear guide, swivel bearing, cam guide or equivalent means, optionally with position sensors. [7] Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that to reduce the field strength in the locked position and / or to prevent unauthorized access to the magnetic source, at least one of the following means is effective: increasing the distance between the magnetic source and the area of ​​use, magnetic shielding and / or flux dissipation, and a mechanical locking or covering device (4) which may also be designed as a door, flap, slide or other covering device. [8] Opening device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a covering device (4) is provided which (a) acts as a mechanical barrier / cover to prevent direct external access to the magnetic source and / or (b) is designed as a magnetic flux conductor and / or shield to selectively shape or reduce the field strength present in the area of ​​use. [9] Opening device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a communication interface for external configuration and / or user authentication is provided. [10] Opening device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the communication interface includes wireless technologies selected from Bluetooth, WLAN, NFC and / or other wireless technologies, and / or wired interfaces selected from USB, Ethernet and / or other wired technologies. [11] Opening device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the electronic control unit (6) includes an operating unit for local programming and operation and / or is remotely configurable via the communication interface. [12] Opening device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the electronic control unit (6) switches seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks and / or calendar profiles with freely programmable active and inactive time windows. [13] Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the electronic control unit (6) manages exceptions, e.g. holidays, special days and switches the opening device accordingly. [14] Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the electronic control unit (6) keeps the device in the locked position outside of the programmed active times and / or in the event of a fault or power failure (fail-secure), preferably using a return spring and / or a self-locking mechanism. [15] Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the electronic control unit (6) includes a logging of releases and / or opening operations and / or a tamper detection and optionally provides user authentication (e.g. NFC, BLE, PIN). [16] System of multiple opening devices according to one of the preceding claims, which are configurable via a common administrative instance. [17] Use of one or more opening devices according to one of the preceding claims in school operations for the controlled release of magnetically locked mobile phone pouches and other pouches for small devices (e.g. smartwatches, data glasses). [18] Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the activation and deactivation of the opening function, as well as the time programming of the time windows, is possible via an app or other software solutions.

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