LOCKING ELEMENT AND TUBE SAFE WITH SUCH A LOCKING ELEMENT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a locking element for a tubular safe, which has a tubular safe body, wherein the locking element has an electronic lock with a first reading unit, a control unit and a locking unit, wherein the first reading unit is designed to detect an unlocking request and to control the electronics to open the locking unit.

[0002] The invention further relates to a tubular safe with a tubular safe body and such a locking element.

[0003] Pipe safes are used for the secure storage of items, such as keys to a property, and are located on a structure accessible from the outside. Access is gained by unlocking and removing a locking element using a master key or a special pipe safe key. This locking element acts as a pipe safe plug.

[0004] EP 2 607 596 A2 discloses a tubular safe with a locking device comprising a locking element movable between a locking position and a release position and at least one electrical or magnetic drive device which cooperates with the locking element to move it between the locking position and the release position.

[0005] WO 2013 / 160481 A1 describes a tubular safe with an electronic lock that can be opened with an electronic key. The electronic key has at least two contacts for transmitting data and / or power to the electronic lock. The electronic key has an input keypad for entering an authorization code that is released by a central unit for the electronic key.

[0006] WO 2015 / 055344 A1 discloses a method for operating a locking system comprising an electronic key and an electronic lock, as well as a central unit that is locally separate from the electronic key and the electronic lock during locking operation. The central unit generates an external authorization code by means of an authorization code determination program, which is transmitted to the electronic key and stored there in a memory.

[0007] WO 01 / 521 99 A2 describes a method for depositing goods in at least one locker, wherein a computer-controlled electronic locking system can be operated by an authorized person, e.g., by means of a transponder chip via a transponder reader as an electronic key system. For this purpose, the locker system can have a high-frequency transmitter / receiver that reads a transponder chip of an item to be deposited in the locker, its packaging, or its accompanying documents. The lock is unlocked to open the door of the locker to be accessed by evaluating the data from the transponder chip, and the locking system is unlocked for the removal of the goods by the authorized recipient using an electronic key system, which can also be implemented using a transponder chip.

[0008] Based on this, the object of the present invention is to create an improved locking element and an improved tubular safe with a tubular safe body and such a locking element.

[0009] The problem is solved by the locking element with the features of claim 1 and the tube safe with the features of claim 2. An advantageous embodiment of the tube safe is described in dependent claim 3.

[0010] According to the invention, it is proposed that a closure cap, which includes a part of the first reading unit, is arranged on the outer end face of a housing of the closure element, and that the first reading unit has a base unit which is plugged together with the closure cap, wherein the closure cap and the base unit are logically linked to each other via identifiers and that the closure cap only functions with the specified base unit of the closure element if the identifiers are uniquely assigned.

[0011] The safe body can be closed on one side with an end wall. The safe body can then have a first tube diameter at the end section opposite the end wall, followed by an intermediate section with a second tube diameter. This intermediate section is then followed by a tube section with a third tube diameter. The second tube diameter of the intermediate section is smaller than the first and third tube diameters. This intermediate section creates a step within the safe body, making it more difficult for moisture to penetrate. Furthermore, the intermediate section acts as a stop when inserting the locking mechanism, preventing it from being inserted further into the safe body than this intermediate section.The transition between the second pipe diameter of the intermediate section and the following larger third pipe diameter provides a locking stop for the locking elements to reliably prevent the locking element from being pulled out when locked.

[0012] The cross-section of the tube of the safe body is, in principle, arbitrary. It can be, for example, circular (cylindrical safe body) or polygonal.

[0013] The invention, as well as further advantageous aspects of a locking element for a pipe safe or a pipe safe itself, are explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and the accompanying drawings. These show: Figure 1 - perspective view of a pipe safe with locking element; Figure 2 - side sectional view of the pipe safe made of Figure 1Figure 3 - Side view of a locking element with a transponder element inserted therein; Figure 4 - Partial side sectional view of the locking unit of the locking element made of Figures 1 to 3 Figure 5 - Partial sectional view of a first housing part of the locking element with centering rollers; Figure 6 - Front view of a second housing part of the locking element with locking unit; Figure 7 - Partial sectional view of the second housing part with locking unit; Figure 8 - Block diagram of the electronic and electromechanical functional units of the locking element; Figure 9 - Side sectional view of the tubular safe body; Figure 10 - Tubular safe with the safe body and an exploded view of the locking element.

[0014] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a tubular safe 1 with a tubular safe body 2, which is closed at one end by an end wall 3. This end wall 3 is located inside a building wall when installed. Opposite the end wall 3, the tubular safe body 2 is open at one end, allowing the insertion of a locking element 4. A locking cap 6, which has a smaller diameter than the housing 5, is arranged on the outer end face of the locking element 4. A portion of a non-visible first reading unit 21 for wirelessly detecting an unlocking request is arranged in the locking cap 6. The locking cap 6 has a projecting circumferential collar 7. This allows the locking element 4 to be detected and pulled out of the safe body 2 after unlocking.

[0015] Figure 2shows a side sectional view of the pipe safe 1 from Figure 1 with a partial cut of the locking element 4.

[0016] It can be seen that a first reading unit 21, comprising reading electronics and, if applicable, a reading coil located remotely towards the outside, is arranged in the end cap 6. The end cap 6, located on the outer end face of the housing 5, forms a first part of the first reading unit 21. The first reading unit 21 also has a base unit 26, which can be plugged into the end cap 6 via connectors. The electronics of the end cap can store the identification numbers authorized for access and, if applicable, those that are blocked, so that the replaceable end cap contains the information necessary for authorization. To prevent the end cap from simply being replaced and placed on a different closure element 4 and then functioning without restriction there, the end cap 6 and the base unit 26 are logically linked to each other via identifiers.This ensures that a closure cap 6 can only interact with the base unit 26 for which it has been approved by defining the identifiers. The base unit 26 also has a battery compartment 23 for receiving a battery or accumulator to supply electrical power to the electrical and electromechanical components of the closure element 4.

[0017] On the circuit board of the locking body 6, at least one connector, e.g. in the form of a multi-pin socket or plug, is arranged, which interacts with a corresponding connector 25 on the second housing part 5b in order to connect the first reading unit 21 by wire to a control unit 38 located on another circuit board in the interior of the third and fourth housing parts 5c, 5d.

[0018] Also visible is the circumferential, projecting collar 7 of the end cap 6, which forms the end cap 6 as a handle element. The end cap 6 is mounted on a base unit 26, which is installed in a cavity of the first housing part 5a of the housing 5.

[0019] The housing 5 of the locking element 4 can have an optional circumferential sealing ring 8 on its outer circumference, which is positioned between the housing 5 and the inner wall of the tubular safe body 2 and prevents the ingress of moisture and other foreign bodies.

[0020] In the insertion direction, behind the sealing ring 8 and the end cap 6, 5 centering rollers 9 are arranged circumferentially on the housing. These can be spring-loaded and, when the locking element 4 is inserted into the safe body 2, engage in a circumferential centering groove 10, which is provided on the inside of the safe body 2. This ensures a defined locking position of the locking element 4 relative to the safe body 2, in which the bolts 16 of a locking unit 39 can engage in a recess in the safe body 2 with minimal force.

[0021] In the second housing part 5b, the locking unit 39, consisting of at least one actuator 28 and bolts 16 coupled to it, is installed, for example, in corresponding recesses of the second housing part 5b. A compression spring 31 is located between a plunger of the bolt 16 and the respective actuator 28, by which the bolt 16 is pressed radially outwards into the locking position shown when locked. To unlock, the actuator 28 is actuated and, by rotation, for example via a worm gear, moves the plunger with the bolt 16 connected to it radially back into the interior of the second housing part 5b. There, the bolt 16 remains in the unlocked position, even if the actuator 28 is no longer supplied with energy. The bolts 16 can remain in the unlocked position for a preset time and then be moved back into the locked position by means of the actuators 28.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, two locking bars 16 are provided on opposite sides of the second housing part 5b, each with an actuating motor 28 that acts in opposite directions. These two locking bars 16 are preferably actuated sequentially rather than simultaneously in order to avoid peak energy demands and to extend the service life of the battery or accumulator.

[0023] A transponder element 12 is inserted into the housing 5 on the inner end face 11 of the housing 2 of the locking element 4. The transponder element 12 carries a key ring 13 to which a key 14 is attached. If the locking element 4 is now pulled out of the safe body 2, the transponder element 12 can be removed from the housing 5, if necessary after mechanical unlocking and release, in order to use the attached key 14. During this time, the locking element 4 can be reinserted into the safe body 2 and locked again without the transponder element 12 and the attached object (e.g., key 14).

[0024] Figure 3Figure 4 shows a side view of the locking element 4 with the transponder element 12 inserted therein. It is evident that the housing 5 of the locking element 4 is composed of multiple cylindrical housing parts 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, arranged one behind the other and connected to each other, for example, by screws. The screws can be machine screws with a standard head (e.g., Phillips, slotted, Torx) or security screws with a security head.

[0025] It can be seen that the end cap 6 is screwed onto a first housing body 5a with a first housing diameter GD1. This first housing part 5a has centering rollers 9 (centering balls) on its circumference. A second housing part 5b, which has a second housing diameter GD2, is attached to this first housing part 5a. This second housing diameter GD2 is smaller than the first housing diameter GD1 of the first housing part 5a. The locking unit 39, with locking bolts 16 protruding circumferentially in the locked position, is arranged in this second housing part 5b.

[0026] A third housing part 5c is attached to this second housing part 5b. This third housing part 5c may have the same housing diameter GD2 as the second housing part 5b, or possibly a further reduced or increased housing diameter GD. On the inside of the tube, the housing 5 is then closed off by a fourth housing part 5d, which, together with the third housing part 5c, provides an interior space for accommodating a second reading unit.

[0027] Figure 4 shows a side partial sectional view of the locking element 4. Figures 1 to 3 .

[0028] It can be seen that in the interior of the third and fourth housing parts 5c, 5d a receiving body 18 is housed, which has a receiving opening 19 e.g. in the form of a bore for receiving the rod-shaped end 20 of the transponder element 12.

[0029] It is evident that an electromechanical switch or push button 32 projects into the receiving opening 19 at the end of the receiving opening 19 of the receiving body 18. The switch or push button 32 can interact with a spring-loaded return element to automatically switch back when the transponder element 12 is pulled out.

[0030] A coil winding can then be provided on the outer circumference of the receiving body 18, with which an RFID transponder located inside the rod-shaped end 20 of the transponder element 12 can be read wirelessly in the near field using high frequency. The second reading unit 40 can then determine whether and, if so, which identification code of the transponder element 12 is coupled with the locking element 4. This allows a logical assignment of a key 14 to the locking element 4.

[0031] It is conceivable that the transponder element 12 is mechanically held in the receiving opening 19 and only released after verification of authorization. This can be achieved by electromechanical locking of the transponder element 12 in the receiving body 18.

[0032] Switch 32 can be used to detect whether a transponder element 12 is inserted into the locking element 4. This triggers the reading of the transponder element 12.

[0033] Figure 5Figure 1 shows a partial sectional view of the first housing part 5a with the four centering rollers 9 arranged circumferentially at 90-degree angles, each housed in a roller body 35. A compression spring (not shown) can be located between the base of the roller body 35 and each centering roller 9 to push the centering rollers 9 radially outwards by means of spring force. Alternatively, it is conceivable that a different elastic or spring-elastic material could be placed in the space between the roller bodies 35 and the respective rollers 9 for this purpose.

[0034] Figure 6Figure 1 shows a front view of the second housing part 5b with the locking unit 39, which has two counter-rotating and parallel actuators 28 that linearly displace the associated bolt 16 via a spindle drive. It is evident that a compression spring 31 is arranged between the bolt 16 and the actuator 28. This spring acts as a spindle for the linear displacement of the bolt 16 and simultaneously as a compression spring to push the bolt 16 into the locking position by spring force, without the need to actuate the actuator 28. This allows the locking element 4 to be inserted into the safe body 2 in the locked position without actuating the actuators 28. The bolts 16 will initially move due to their Figure 2The sketched inclined surface is moved at least partially back into the second housing part 5b and then, in the locking position, snaps out by spring force to form a stop for a counter-stop on the safe body 2. The bolts 16 have a tubular extension in which the spindle formed by the compression spring 31 is received and guided on a thread.

[0035] Figure 7 Figure 1 shows a partial sectional view of the second housing part 5b with the locking unit 39. It can be seen that the compression springs 31 each project into an associated bolt 16. The actuators 28 are each coupled to a plunger which, when the motor shaft of an actuator 28 rotates, retracts the bolt 16 towards the actuator 28, and, in the opposite direction of rotation, releases it again.

[0036] Figure 8Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the electronic and electromechanical functional units of the locking element 4. A first reading unit 21 with reading electronics 21a and a reading coil 21b is present to wirelessly detect an unlocking request from a transponder or a mobile device using near-field radio technology (NFC), near-field radio transponder interrogation (RFID) (e.g., with long-wave LW, short-wave SW, ultra-high-frequency UHF, or microwave SHF technology), and / or wide-field radio technology (e.g., Bluetooth, WLAN, or similar). The first reading unit 21 can optionally implement several different technologies, for example, to be controlled via communication with mobile devices on the one hand and via RFID transponder cards or keys on the other. This makes it possible to provide (grant) different access paths for different user groups.

[0037] The first reading unit 21 is connected to a control unit 38, which may have a suitably programmed microcontroller or similar device. The control unit 38 is connected to the locking unit 39 in order to control it. The locking unit 39 has at least one actuator 28 and associated latch 16.

[0038] The control unit 38 is further connected to the second reading unit 40, which in turn has a reading electronics 40a and a reading antenna 40b, e.g. in the form of a coil 34 on the receiving body 18.

[0039] The control unit 38 is configured to verify the access authorization of the unlocking request received by the first reading unit 21. It is further configured to use the second reading unit 40 to capture an identification code associated with the transponder 12 coupled to the locking element 4, i.e., a transponder 12 located inside the safe body 2.

[0040] The control unit 38 can be configured to log the unlock request and the transponder's identification codes recorded in connection with it, along with a timestamp. The control unit 38 is also configured to control the locking unit 39, unlocking it upon recognition of authorization. Authorization can be determined solely based on the unlock requests by having the control unit 38 maintain a list of authorized user identifications, which is then compared with the user identification transmitted with the unlock request. Alternatively, a further verification step is conceivable: the user identification in the unlock request is compared with the transponder's identification code to determine whether the user is actually authorized to use the object associated with that identification code.

[0041] Figure 9Figure 1 shows a side sectional view of the tubular safe body 2, which is closed off at one end by an end wall 3 and open on the opposite side. The end section opposite the end wall 3 has a first tube diameter RD1, followed by an intermediate section with a second tube diameter RD2. Towards the end wall 3, the intermediate section with the second tube diameter RD2 is followed by another section with a third tube diameter RD3. It can be seen that the second tube diameter RD2 in the intermediate section is smaller than the first tube diameter RD1 in the distal area, and the third tube diameter RD3 is smaller in the proximal area, i.e., in the receiving space of the safe body 2 leading towards the end wall 3. Thus, at the transition between the intermediate section with the second tube diameter RD2 and the third tube diameter RD3, a stop 37 is formed for the bolts 16 to hold the locking plug 4 in the safe body 2.The step from the larger first pipe diameter RD1 to the smaller second pipe diameter RD2 of the intermediate section also forms a stop for the locking element 4, preventing it from being inserted further into the safe body 2. Furthermore, this step at the transition between the first pipe diameter RD1 and the second pipe diameter RD2 makes it more difficult for moisture and foreign objects to penetrate the interior of the safe body 2.

[0042] It becomes clear that an additional centering groove 10 can be incorporated in the first pipe section with the first pipe diameter RD1. This groove, together with the centering balls 9, ensures the correct alignment of the locking element 4 in the insertion direction or longitudinal extension direction of the safe body 2 with respect to the stop 37 and the locking position of the bolts 16. This prevents the locking element 4 from being pulled so far out of the safe body 2 in the locked state that the bolts 16 abut the stop 37, which would require increased force to unlock. The centering groove 10 is thus adapted to the position of the stop 37 so that the bolts 16 of the locking element 4 do not abut the stop surface 37 when the centering balls 9 are inserted into the centering groove 10.

[0043] Figure 10 shows the tube safe 1 with the safe body 2 and an exploded view of the locking element 4.

[0044] The end cap 6 is designed for installation on a base unit 26 of the first reading unit 21, which is arranged in a cavity 24 of the first housing part 5a of the housing 5. The end cap 6 is closed by a cover element 22, which, due to its larger diameter, forms a projecting, circumferential collar 7. The multi-part end cap 6 has a battery holder 23 in its center and two diagonally opposite connectors, e.g., in the form of sockets, onto or into which the connectors 25 of the upper part of the end cap 6 can be plugged. At least one connector, e.g., a plug connector, can be attached to a circuit board for the first reading unit 21 in the end cap 6.in the form of a multi-pole socket or plug, which interacts with a corresponding connector 25 on the second housing part 5b in order to connect the first reading unit 21 by wire to a control unit 38 located on a further circuit board 26 in the interior of the third and fourth housing parts 5c, 5d.

[0045] The circumferential sealing ring 8 can be inserted into a circumferential receiving groove 27 of the first housing part 5a.

[0046] In the first housing part 5a, four centering rollers 9 are arranged circumferentially at angles of 90 degrees each, each housed in a roller body 35.

[0047] In the second housing part 5b, the locking unit 39, consisting of at least one actuator 28 and coupled latches 16, is installed in corresponding recesses 29 of the second housing part 5b. A compression spring 31 is located between each latch 16 and the respective actuator 28. This spring presses the latch 16 radially outward into the locking position shown when locked. To unlock, the actuator 28 is actuated and, by rotation, for example via a worm gear, moves the latch 16 radially back into the interior of the second housing part 5b. The latch 16 then remains in the unlocked position even when the actuator 28 is no longer powered.

[0048] It can be seen that two locking bars 16 are provided on opposite sides of the second housing part 5b, each with an opposing actuator 28. These two locking bars 16 are preferably actuated sequentially rather than simultaneously, in order to avoid peak energy demands and extend the battery or accumulator's service life. Other variants with more than two locking bars 16 and associated actuators 28 are conceivable.

[0049] The receiving body 18 is still recognizable in the interior of the third and fourth housing parts 5c, 5d. A circuit board for the reading electronics 40a of the second reading unit 40 is arranged on the receiving body 18.

[0050] The described embodiment of the locking element 4 can also be implemented in an optional variant without the second reading unit 40. Reference symbol list

[0051] 1 Tube safe 2 Safe body 3 End wall 4 Locking element 5 Housing 5a First housing part 5b Second housing part 5c Third housing part 5d Fourth housing part 6 Locking cap 7 Collar 8 Sealing ring 9 Centering rollers 10 Centering groove 11 End face 12 Transponder element 13 Key ring 14 Key 15 Screws 16 Latch 18 Receiver body 19 Receiver opening 20 Rod-shaped end 21 First reading unit 21a Reading electronics 21b Reading coil 22 Cover element 23 Battery holder 24 Cavity 25 Connector plug / plug 26 Base unit 27 Receiver groove 28 Actuator 31 Compression spring 32 Switch / button 34 Coil 35 Roller body 37 Stop 38 Control unit 39 Locking unit 40 Second Reading unit 40a Reading electronics 40b Reading antenna GD1 First housing diameter GD2 Second housing diameter RD1 First tube diameter RD2 Second tube diameter RD3 Third tube diameter

Claims

1. Locking element (4) for a tube safe (1) having a tubular safe body (2), wherein the locking element (4) has an electronic lock with a first reading unit (21), a control unit (38), and a locking unit (39), wherein the first reading unit (21) is designed to detect an unlocking request and control the control unit (38) to open the locking unit (39), characterized in that a closure cap (6) which contains part of the first reading unit (21) is arranged on the outer end face of a housing (5) of the closure element (4), and that the first reading unit (21) has a base unit (26) which is connected to the closure cap (6), wherein the closure cap (6) and the base unit (26) are logically linked to each other via identifiers, and that the closure cap (6) only functions together with the specified base unit (26) of the closure element (4) if the identifiers are uniquely assigned.

2. Tube safe (1) with a tubular safe body (2) and with a closure element (4) according to claim 1.

3. Tube safe (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the safe body (2) is closed on one side by an end wall (3), wherein the safe body (2) is cylindrical, wherein the safe body (2) has a first tube diameter (RD1) at the end section opposite the end wall (3), followed by an intermediate section with a second pipe diameter (RD2), and the intermediate section is followed by a pipe section with a third pipe diameter (RD3), wherein the second pipe diameter (RD2) is smaller than the first and third pipe diameters (RD1, RD3).