Improved electronic Anti-theft device

Abstract

electronic anti-theft device (1) intended to be assembled on an article to be protected from theft, in particular an electronic anti-theft device for self-service items in a store, comprising a remote alarm triggering system (11), and locking and unlocking means (3) for the anti-theft device which are capable of configuring the anti-theft device respectively, either in a closed position or in an open position, characterized in that it further comprises an integrated alarm (12) and an electronic unit (6) for controlling the integrated alarm which is capable of activating, triggering and deactivating it, deactivation being caused by positioning the electronic anti-theft device against an electronic tag deactivator.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electronic anti-theft device for self-service items, provided with several alarm systems. The invention also relates to its use in a store enclosure and to the method of unlocking and opening such an anti-theft device.

[0002] An electronic anti-theft device for self-service items is intended to combat shoplifting by protecting items in a retail establishment by triggering a remote alarm. The electronic anti-theft device is designed to trigger an alarm when the anti-theft device attached to the item to be protected is in proximity or passes through a security gate. Typically, an electronic anti-theft device uses either radio frequency (RF) technology, usually at a frequency of 8.2 MHz, or acousto-magnetic (AM) technology, usually at a frequency of 58 kHz.

[0003] An electronic anti-theft device can take various forms depending on the type of item to be protected, and may or may not be reusable.

[0004] Electronic labels (also called "tags" or "softags") are anti-theft devices that are systematically deactivated when the product is checked out to avoid triggering an alarm; they are therefore not reusable. These are relatively flexible labels that are generally found sewn into clothing labels or stuck onto packaging. RF labels are most often integrated into clothing (sewn into the textile label of clothing) or often stuck onto the packaging of multimedia products. AM labels are adhesive and have a barcode; they are often stuck onto packaging such as perfume boxes or cosmetic products. Whether RF or AM labels, they are permanently deactivated when the product is checked out by passing the product with the label over a device called a "label deactivator" (usually placed under the checkout counter).The tag deactivator works with either AM technology to deactivate AM tags (by emitting a powerful magnetic field that demagnetizes the tags), or RF technology to deactivate RF tags (by emitting a powerful signal at the resonant frequency of the tag's resonant circuit, creating a surge that destroys the circuit's micro-capacitor).

[0005] Other electronic anti-theft devices are, however, reusable (they are called "hard tags") and they have various shapes adapted to the type of item to be protected, such as anti-theft devices for bottles, those for textile items with studs, those for glasses, or those for multimedia items (CDs, DVDs, video games, etc.), etc. Document US20160258192 shows this type of device. These reusable anti-theft devices include a remote alarm triggering system using AM or RF technology to ensure detection at the alarm gates, the system being nevertheless designed not to be deactivatable so that the anti-theft device is reusable. These anti-theft devices also include a mechanical and magnetic locking and unlocking means for assembling them on the items to be protected and uncoupling them when passing through the checkout.They are unlocked at the checkout by positioning the locking and unlocking means against a powerful magnet, commonly called a "detacher". The anti-theft device in its open state can then be removed from the item. The detacher has no influence on the remote alarm triggering system (AM or RF), which thus remains operational.

[0006] While this type of reusable anti-theft device has been very suitable until now, there is unfortunately an increase in thefts in stores by customers or even in store storage areas by staff. The person operates by detaching the anti-theft device from the item using a large magnet (of the detacher type) that they have managed to introduce into the store or store storage area. As the anti-theft device is detached from the item inside the store, the anti-theft device is left in place and the item is no longer protected, no alarm is triggered; the item is thus easily stolen. However, document US2010 / 188227 discloses an anti-theft device, according to the preamble of claim 1, which comprises an integrated alarm and an electronic alarm control unit, the alarm being triggered if the device is opened while the alarm has not been previously deactivated.However, this document requires the design of a special system that is a detacher for hard tags and also allows the alarm to be activated, deactivated and reactivated. However, for a store, this means having to purchase new specific detachers, which represents a significant cost. Also known in document FR2932915 is an anti-theft device with an integrated alarm that is only deactivated when opened with a specific detacher.

[0007] The aim of the invention is to propose an improved electronic anti-theft device (reusable, i.e. a hard tag) which makes it possible to trigger an alarm inside the store when the anti-theft device is uncoupled from the article with the intention of stealing.

[0008] The invention therefore relates to an electronic anti-theft device (reusable, or so-called hard tag) intended to be assembled to an article to be protected from theft, in accordance with claim 1.

[0009] Once the alarm is activated, the electronic anti-theft device can only be opened by first deactivating the alarm (with the standard electronic tag deactivator that acts on soft tag electronic tags). If the alarm is not deactivated and the electronic anti-theft device is opened, the alarm will be triggered.

[0010] The alarm cannot be deactivated by bringing a powerful magnet of the detacher type or other close to it. The deactivation of the anti-theft device alarm and the unlocking of the anti-theft device are done by two completely separate devices. The deactivation of the anti-theft device alarm and the unlocking of the anti-theft device are done by two standard devices. By "standard" relating to a detacher or an electronic tag deactivator, respectively, is meant the usual detachers on the market which work for all hard tag type anti-theft devices, and the usual electronic tag deactivators on the market which act directly on all soft tag type electronic tags.

[0011] Therefore, the electronic anti-theft device of the invention provides an additional alarm that can only be deactivated by passing the anti-theft device (and therefore the store item provided with the anti-theft device) past an electronic label deactivator. Since the electronic deactivators are located exclusively at the store's checkouts (or at least in localized and monitored locations), a malicious person without going to the checkout, who would open the anti-theft device within the store, whether by a detacher-type magnet, or by forcing it open, would automatically trigger the integrated alarm of the electronic anti-theft device (since it would not have been previously deactivated).

[0012] The electronic anti-theft device thus eliminates the risk of theft within the store itself. "Store premises" means the store itself, which is open to the public, and other areas reserved for staff, such as the storeroom, offices, etc.

[0013] Unexpectedly, the electronic anti-theft device of the invention is designed to be used with an electronic tag deactivator which usually renders electronic anti-theft devices unusable, whereas in the invention the electronic tag deactivator, thanks to the electronic unit, does not destroy the electronic anti-theft device which can be reused. The electronic control unit is in fact able to recognize the frequency of the signal of the electronic tag deactivator and to process it to deactivate the alarm, while being able to make the electronic anti-theft device reusable by reactivating the alarm.

[0014] In addition, the electronic anti-theft device of the invention provides the store manager with a simple and economical solution to implement, because the device works with equipment (electronic label deactivators) already in place in the store. Indeed, all stores are equipped with electronic label deactivators. The invention advantageously offers a cost-optimized solution for the store. The store will only have to obtain the anti-theft devices of the invention, without having to change the detection equipment, or especially to purchase new equipment for unlocking the devices and deactivating the integrated alarm. The usual electronic label deactivators and the usual detachers already in the store will be suitable.

[0015] According to one feature, the electronic unit is capable of recognizing a signal frequency of an electronic label deactivator, in particular the electronic unit comprises an antenna picking up the signal frequency of an electronic label deactivator, preferably of an electronic label deactivator operating with either AM technology or RF technology. Preferably, the antenna is adapted to pick up either the AM frequency or the RF frequency. The antenna is in no way sensitive to the magnetic field of a magnet. The electronic anti-theft device will be manufactured with the operating technology of the electronic label deactivator of the store in which the electronic anti-theft device is intended to be (delivered) used. Unexpectedly, it is the electronic anti-theft device that adapts to the store.

[0016] Advantageously, the electronic anti-theft device intended to be assembled to an article to be protected from theft, in particular an electronic anti-theft device for self-service sales articles in a store, comprising a remote alarm triggering system, an attachment element, means for locking and unlocking the attachment element which are capable of configuring the anti-theft device respectively, either in a closed position or in an open position, and which are capable of cooperating with a detacher (a standard detacher) for unlocking, as well as an integrated alarm and an electronic unit for controlling the integrated alarm which is capable of activating, triggering and deactivating it, the electronic unit being capable of detecting the closing of the electronic anti-theft device, which causes the activation of the integrated alarm,the device being characterized in that the deactivation of the alarm by the electronic unit is generated when the electronic anti-theft device is positioned against an electronic tag deactivator (a standard electronic tag deactivator), the electronic unit being capable of recognizing a signal frequency of a (said) electronic tag deactivator.,

[0017] Thus, the electronic unit of the electronic anti-theft device of the invention is capable, on the one hand, of activating the integrated alarm (putting it on standby) and triggering it automatically in the event of inappropriate or malicious opening of the device, and on the other hand, of deactivating the electronic anti-theft device (so that it can be opened without triggering the integrated alarm). Deactivation is carried out by the electronic unit receiving the signal from an electronic label deactivator, called the deactivation signal, and its processing results in the deactivation of the integrated alarm. The activation and deactivation of the integrated alarm correspond to what is subsequently called activation and deactivation of the electronic anti-theft device.

[0018] The reception of the deactivation signal and its processing by the electronic unit constitute an electronic authorization to open the anti-theft device. The authorization to open the anti-theft device is said to be electronic because it is done electronically via the electronic unit. The electronic unit, by processing the information it receives, is able to deliver a binary control signal coded on a bit, one of the values of which corresponds to the activation of the integrated alarm or to the mode of non-authorization of opening of the electronic anti-theft device (the integrated alarm is activated and can then be triggered in the event of opening of the anti-theft device), and the other value corresponds to the deactivation of the integrated alarm or to the mode of authorization of opening of the electronic anti-theft device (the integrated alarm is then deactivated and there will then be no possible triggering of the integrated alarm).

[0019] Therefore, the anti-theft device being assembled on the article to be protected and being activated (in standby and capable of triggering the integrated alarm), when a person opens the anti-theft device while the electronic unit is in the opening non-authorization mode and the deactivation signal has not been received, the electronic unit triggers the alarm (the alarm sounds). Since the deactivation signal has not been received, even when closing the anti-theft device, the alarm continues to sound. The anti-theft device being assembled on the article to be protected and activated, and the electronic unit being in the opening non-authorization mode, when said electronic unit receives the deactivation signal, it then switches to the opening authorization mode (the alarm is then deactivated) and it is possible to open the anti-theft device.

[0020] According to one feature, the electronic unit is capable of detecting the closing of the electronic anti-theft device, which causes the integrated alarm to be activated. In particular, the electronic anti-theft device comprises means for detecting the closing and opening of the electronic anti-theft device, said detection means communicating with the electronic unit so that the latter receives the closing and opening detection information.

[0021] According to one feature, the electronic anti-theft device comprises a mechanical position sensor (as a detection means) detecting the closing and opening of said electronic anti-theft device, the sensor being electrically connected to the electronic unit (via an electronic switch). When the electronic anti-theft device is closed on the item, the mechanical position sensor detects the closing of the anti-theft device, which causes the closing of the electronic switch and the transmission of the closing information to the electronic unit. Upon receipt of the closing information from the electronic anti-theft device, the electronic unit goes into the opening non-authorization mode. This opening non-authorization mode corresponds to the activation of the alarm.

[0022] According to another feature, the mechanical position sensor contributes to both the activation of the integrated alarm and its triggering. Therefore, having only one element that contributes to two distinct functions (activation and triggering), allows for savings in the number of components and manufacturing cost of the device, and in simplicity of electronic processing.

[0023] According to another feature, the electronic unit includes at least one time delay.

[0024] Preferably, a time delay is provided between the moment of closing the electronic anti-theft device and the activation of the alarm. Preferably, the activation of the alarm integrated by the electronic unit is done by uninterrupted pressing of the mechanical position sensor according to a time delay, in particular of 5 s. Indeed, if the store staff closes the anti-theft device when it has not been attached to an article and reopens it, the alarm is not triggered unnecessarily.

[0025] Preferably, a time delay is provided between the moment of deactivation and the opening of the electronic anti-theft device. Once the alarm is deactivated, the electronic anti-theft device can be opened. The time delay allows the integrated alarm to remain deactivated while the person at the checkout opens the anti-theft device. The time delay is preferably less than 10 seconds, for example 5 seconds. After the time delay has elapsed, if the electronic unit detects that the anti-theft device is still closed, the electronic unit reactivates the integrated alarm.

[0026] According to yet another characteristic, the type of electronic anti-theft device (i.e. according to the type of article), the position of the mechanical position sensor is different.

[0027] In one embodiment, the electronic anti-theft device is a bottle anti-theft device. The mechanical position sensor is arranged so that it is compressed by the bottle when the anti-theft device is closed and clamped onto the bottle. Preferably, the electronic anti-theft device comprises a housing which houses the electronic unit and the integrated alarm (and preferably also the remote alarm triggering system), and the attachment element forms a attachment ring capable of being opened or closed, the mechanical position sensor being arranged in the housing while projecting outwardly from the housing to be intended to bear on the article to be protected when the attachment ring is closed. This electronic anti-theft device is in particular for a bottle. The attachment ring and the housing are preferably integrally molded (such as by plastic injection molding).

[0028] In another embodiment, the electronic anti-theft device comprises a first part and a second part (which form the attachment element) which are capable of being applied against each other in the closed position of the electronic anti-theft device, the mechanical position sensor being arranged in the first part, while projecting relative to said first part and facing the second part. This electronic anti-theft device is in particular for clothing. The mechanical position sensor is capable of detecting when the two parts are applied against each other, the mechanical position sensor being compressed by said second part applied against the first part when the anti-theft device is closed (and sandwiches a piece of clothing between the two parts).The first part consists in particular of a housing which houses at least the mechanical position sensor, the electronic unit, the integrated alarm, and the locking and unlocking means.

[0029] In another embodiment, the electronic anti-theft device comprises, on the one hand, a housing which houses (in a closed manner) the electronic unit, the integrated alarm (preferably the locking and unlocking means), and the mechanical position sensor (internal to the housing without protruding from the housing), and on the other hand, the attachment element which is in the form of a (rigid) hoop with two branches, the first branch of which is fixed irremovably to the housing, while the second branch is able to be inserted into the housing while being locked (to close the anti-theft device, in particular by its cooperation with the locking and unlocking means), or is able to be taken out of the housing to open the anti-theft device, the mechanical position sensor being able to detect the inserted and locked position of the second branch of the attachment element.This anti-theft device is particularly suitable for an item on which it is suspended, such as an item with a strap (irremovable) or an attachment hole.

[0030] According to another feature, the integrated alarm is connected to the electronic unit via an electronic switch. In particular, this electronic switch is normally open and switches to the closed state to trigger the integrated alarm. The electronic switch connected to the integrated alarm switches to the closed state by command of the electronic unit when the electronic unit in non-opening authorization mode detects the opening of the electronic switch which connects the closing and opening detection means (the mechanical position sensor) to said electronic unit.

[0031] According to yet another feature, the integrated alarm is audible, namely it consists of a buzzer.

[0032] Preferably, the electronic anti-theft device comprises at least one light-emitting diode visible from the outside of the anti-theft device and informing of the activation state of the integrated alarm, in particular the light-emitting diode being controlled by the electronic unit. Advantageously, the light-emitting diode is lit when the anti-theft device is activated (therefore the integrated alarm is activated). Preferably, the light-emitting diode is connected to the electronic unit via an electronic switch which is capable of closing when the integrated alarm is activated, in particular when the means for detecting the closing and opening of the anti-theft device transmits the closing information to the electronic unit.

[0033] According to yet another feature, the electronic unit comprises an electronic switch capable of being activated by the electronic tag deactivator (the electronic switch is capable of closing when the antenna picks up the deactivation signal from the electronic tag deactivator). Activation (closing) of the electronic switch deactivates the integrated alarm (the electronic unit switches to the anti-theft device opening authorization mode).

[0034] The invention also relates to a method for implementing the aforementioned electronic anti-theft device of the invention, characterized in that the method comprises a step of activating the integrated alarm, this step being automated when closing and locking the electronic anti-theft device on an article to be protected, and in that it subsequently comprises a step of deactivating the electronic anti-theft device before its unlocking and opening, the deactivation step consisting of passing the electronic anti-theft device to an electronic label deactivator (standard electronic label deactivator).

[0035] The invention also relates to the use in a store enclosure of the aforementioned electronic anti-theft device of the invention, characterized in that by assembling the electronic anti-theft device on an article to be protected, the activation of the integrated alarm is done automatically by detection by the electronic unit of the closing of the electronic anti-theft device, and in that the deactivation of the integrated alarm is done automatically by cooperation of the electronic anti-theft device with an electronic label deactivator (standard electronic label deactivator), in particular the deactivation being done at a checkout of the store. Once the integrated alarm is deactivated, the anti-theft device being therefore deactivated, the person at the checkout can open (via a standard detacher) the electronic anti-theft device without triggering the integrated alarm.The invention also relates to a use of a standard electronic tag deactivator and a standard anti-theft device detacher for respectively deactivating the alarm of the anti-theft device of claim 1 and unlocking said anti-theft device.

[0036] The invention finally relates to the use of a barcode scanner provided with an electronic label deactivator, characterized in that the electronic label deactivator is used to deactivate the integrated alarm of an aforementioned electronic anti-theft device of the invention. Preferably, the electronic label deactivator is only active once the scanner has read a barcode. In particular, at the moment when the person at the checkout reads the barcode (emission of a characteristic sound signal of the "beep" type), the scanner produces an electrical pulse which activates the electronic label deactivator. It is from this moment, the electronic label deactivator being active, that the checkout staff can open (detach) the electronic anti-theft device of the invention.Thus, the cash register equipment (barcode scanner equipped with an electronic label deactivator) and the anti-theft accessory (the electronic anti-theft device of the invention) are designed to comply with the store's checkout procedure, i.e. the electronic anti-theft device can only be detached from the item once the item has been paid for. In addition, this makes it possible to require the cash register staff to comply with the procedure of first paying for the item and then removing the anti-theft device: if the electronic anti-theft device of the invention is detached before the barcode has been read and therefore before the item has been paid for, the integrated alarm of the electronic anti-theft device will be triggered.

[0037] Characteristics and other advantages of the invention will appear on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings and in which the present invention is now described with the aid of examples which are solely illustrative and in no way limitative of the scope of the invention, and from the appended illustrations, in which: [ Fig. 1] ou figure 1 represents a perspective view from above of an electronic anti-theft device according to the invention for bottles, the electronic anti-theft device being closed without being assembled to a bottle. Fig. 2] ou figure 2 represents the electronic anti-theft device of the figure 1 according to a perspective view from below. [ Fig. 3] ou figure 3 is a perspective view of an electronic anti-theft device according to the invention for clothing in the open position. Fig. 4] ou figure 4 is a perspective view of an electronic anti-theft device according to the invention according to another variant form, in particular for an article with a strap or an orifice, the electronic anti-theft device being in the closed position. Fig. 5] ou figure 5 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the electronic anti-theft device of the figure 4 , showing its interior. [ Fig. 6] ou figure 6 illustrates the electronic housing of the electronic anti-theft device of the invention with its components and before assembly on an article of said device, or after deactivation of said device and its detachment. Fig. 7] ou figure 7 illustrates the electronic box after assembly of the electronic anti-theft device on an article and activation; [ Fig. 8] ou figure 8 illustrates the electronic box after deactivation of the electronic anti-theft device and before detachment of the article; [ Fig. 9] ou figure 9 illustrates the electronic box after unauthorized opening of the electronic anti-theft device, without therefore having deactivated it and the alarm being triggered; [ Fig. 10] ou figure 10 schematic of a store cash register comprising two separate devices, an electronic label deactivator and a detacher.

[0038] The electronic anti-theft device 1 of the invention illustrated in the figures is intended to be assembled to a self-service store item to protect it against theft, including against theft in the store in the event of removal of the anti-theft device inappropriately and without electronic authorization. The anti-theft device 1 is intended not only to trigger a remote alarm in the usual manner when it is in the vicinity of a security system of the portal type, but also to trigger an alarm when, far from the security system of the portal type, it is opened in the store premises in a malicious manner.

[0039] The anti-theft device 1 of the invention comprises a housing 10 housing the electronics for triggering several different alarms, and for electronic activation and electronic deactivation of the anti-theft device, a fastening element 2 for assembling the anti-theft device to the article to be protected, the anti-theft device 1 being able to adopt either an open position to be able to assemble the fastening element 2 to the article, or a closed position to be adopted when it is assembled to the article, a locking and unlocking system 3 for locking the fastening element 2 in the closed position of the anti-theft device 1 and for unlocking it in order to open the anti-theft device, and a position sensor 4 making it possible to inform of the closed position of the anti-theft device (of the locked position of the fastening element 2), and depending on the type of anti-theft device, of the support position of the anti-theft device against the article to be protected.Preferably, the anti-theft device 1 further comprises a light-emitting diode 5 which, when lit, informs the user that the anti-theft device of the invention is activated (ready to trigger an alarm if it is opened without electronic authorization).

[0040] As illustrated on the figures 6 à 9 , the housing 10 of the anti-theft device 1 of the invention houses a remote alarm triggering system 11 (first alarm triggering configuration) which is intended to trigger an alarm of a security gate at the entrance of a store, and an integrated alarm 12 which is intended to be triggered when a third party opens the anti-theft device while said anti-theft device has not had electronic authorization. The integrated alarm 12 is triggered when someone opens the anti-theft device 1 without electronic authorization, whether with a detacher without risk of damaging the anti-theft device or the article (second alarm triggering configuration), or with any other tool such as a shearing tool while damaging the anti-theft device and risking damaging the article (third alarm triggering configuration).In addition, the electronic housing 10 houses an electronic unit 6 with an antenna 7 capable of picking up a frequency of the signal from an electronic label deactivator 9 (standard). Preferably, the housing 10 also houses the position sensor 4. Preferably, the housing 10 also houses the diode 5. The electronic unit 6 is capable of controlling the switching on and off of the diode 5 and the triggering of the integrated alarm 12 depending on the state of the position sensor 4 and the activation or deactivation state of the anti-theft device.

[0041] As will be detailed later, electronic unit 6 controls: the activation of the anti-theft device 1 (and therefore the activation of the integrated alarm 12) which is generated by the closing of the anti-theft device 1, the closing information being detected by the position sensor 4 and processed by said electronic unit 6; the triggering of the integrated alarm 12 when the anti-theft device 1 is activated (the integrated alarm 12 is activated) and the anti-theft device 1 is opened without electronic authorization (without having deactivated the integrated alarm 12), and the deactivation of the anti-theft device 1 (and therefore the deactivation of the integrated alarm 12) which is generated by the detection by the antenna 7 of the electronic unit of the deactivation signal emitted by a standard electronic label deactivator which acts on electronic labels of the soft tag type, the detection of the deactivation signal being processed by said electronic unit 6.

[0042] Depending on the type of item to be protected, the anti-theft device 1 has a different shape and / or a fastening element 2 which is of a different design. Three examples of anti-theft devices 1A to 1C are illustrated in the figures 1 à 5 . The operation of activating the electronic anti-theft device and its electronic opening authorization remains the same.

[0043] The electronic anti-theft device 1A illustrated on the figures 1 et 2 is for example an anti-theft device for bottles; it comprises the housing 10, the attachment element 2 in the form of an attachment ring intended to be tightened around the neck of a bottle, and preferably a cap 20 intended to cap the bottle cap in particular to prevent any loosening of the cap when the latter is screwed on. The cap 20 is for example fixed to the housing 10 and extends laterally. The attachment ring 2 is capable of adopting two positions, an open position (also called unlocked), and a closed position (called locked) around the neck of the bottle. The attachment ring 2 has an open interior space which is intended, in the closed position of the ring, to be circular to fit the circular cylindrical neck of the bottle. An anti-theft device of this type is for example described in patent EP2634696B1 and in the applicant's patent application FR1913440.The locking and unlocking means 3 are housed in a rigid casing 3A, preferably in the same plastic material as that of the attachment ring 2. The rigid casing 3A is arranged on the body of the attachment ring 2 and opposite the housing 10. Such locking and unlocking means 3 associated with the attachment ring 2 are for example described in the aforementioned patent EP2634696B1. Other variants of the locking and unlocking means 3, in particular as regards their arrangement, are possible. The locking and unlocking means 3 are capable of retaining the attachment ring 2 by inserting a free end of the ring therein.The casing 3A housing the locking and unlocking means 3 constitutes a portion of the anti-theft device projecting outwards relative to the body of the attachment ring 2, so as to be able to cooperate with a detacher 9A (standard) to ensure unlocking (and therefore removal of the anti-theft device 1 from the article). The diode 5 is visible on the top of the casing 10.

[0044] The electronic anti-theft device 1B shown in the figure 3 is an example of an anti-theft device for clothing. The electronic anti-theft device 1 comprises two parts 21 and 22 which form the attachment element 2, the first part 21 of which comprises a hooking element 21' and the second part 22 of which comprises a housing 23 for receiving the hooking element 21'. The second part 22 provided with the housing 23 constitutes the housing 10. The attachment element 21' is intended to be hooked onto a garment for assembling the anti-theft device 1. Preferably, the two parts 21 and 22 are integral with each other and articulated relative to each other to use the anti-theft device in the manner of a clamp, which allows rapid installation of the anti-theft device on the article and avoids losing the hooking element during removal. A spring 24 is provided at the joint, which provides extremely rapid opening of the anti-theft device.The operating principle of such an anti-theft device is in particular described in the applicant's patent EP2419587B1. The locking and unlocking means 3 are housed inside the second part 22 (housing 10) provided with the housing 23 intended to accommodate the attachment element 21'. The locking and unlocking means 3 are capable of retaining the attachment element 21' in the housing 23. The second part 22 or the housing 10 of the anti-theft device 1 has a portion 3B projecting outwards from the face opposite the first part 21, this projecting portion 3B housing the locking and unlocking means 3 so as to be able to cooperate with a detacher to ensure unlocking (and therefore removal of the anti-theft device 1 from the article). The diode 5 is housed in the second part 22 (housing 10) and is visible on the face opposite the first part 21.

[0045] The 1C anti-theft device shown on the figures 4 And 5is an anti-theft device used primarily for articles having a part forming a ring (such as a non-removable strap of a leather goods item) or having an orifice (such as an eyelet of a lace-up shoe). The anti-theft device 1C is intended to be suspended from the article to be protected. The anti-theft device 1C comprises the housing 10, the attachment element 2 in the form of a rigid hoop which is intended to be passed around the strap of the article or through the orifice of the article. The attachment element or hoop 2 has an inverted U shape with two branches, a branch 25 called the fixing branch and a branch 26 called the closing branch. The fixing branch 25 of the hoop is fixed (irremovably) in the body of the housing 10, being able to be movable by translation and pivoting, while the other closing branch 26 is able to come out of the housing and to come back into it thanks to the mobility of the fixing branch 25.Such an anti-theft device is for example described in the applicant's patent EP2491212B1. The locking and unlocking means 3 are housed inside the housing 10. The locking and unlocking system 3 is capable of retaining the closing branch 26 once introduced into the housing. The electronic housing 10 has a portion 3C projecting outwards relative to the rest of the body of the housing and in which the locking and unlocking means 3 are housed so as to be able to cooperate with a detacher to ensure unlocking (and therefore removal of the anti-theft device 1 from the article). The diode 5 is visible on one of the faces of the housing 10.

[0046] The electrical power supply for the electronic unit 6, and generally for all the components of the electronic anti-theft device 1 requiring an electrical power supply, is provided by a battery 8 which is housed inside the housing 10 as shown in the figure 5 .

[0047] The operation of the various components is now described in more detail. With regard to the figure 6 , the housing 10 comprises the remote alarm triggering system 11, the integrated alarm 12, the position sensor 4, preferably the light-emitting diode 5, the electronic unit 6 with its antenna 7 capable of capturing the deactivation signal of a standard electronic label deactivator which acts on electronic labels of the soft tag type. The electronic unit 6 via a microcontroller 60 is capable of processing the information from the position sensor 4, the information from the antenna 7 (when it is activated by the electronic label deactivator) and of controlling the electronic activation and the electronic deactivation of the anti-theft device, that is to say of activating and deactivating the integrated alarm 12, of switching on and off the light-emitting diode 5, and of triggering if necessary the integrated alarm 12 in the activated state (in the second and third configurations cited above for triggering the alarm).

[0048] The position sensor 4, the light-emitting diode 5, and the integrated alarm 12 are each electrically connected to the electronic unit 6, via electronic switches 4', 5' and 12' respectively.

[0049] The position sensor 4 is preferably a mechanical sensor and is intended to be in direct contact with the object to be detected. The position sensor 4 is capable of detecting the closing of the anti-theft device and possibly its assembly to the article to be protected. Indeed, depending on the type of anti-theft device linked to its use, the object to be detected by the position sensor 4 may be the fastening element 2 in the closed position (electronic anti-theft devices 1B and 1C), or the article on which the anti-theft device will be assembled in the closed position with the fastening element 2 (electronic anti-theft device 1A).

[0050] For the 1A electronic anti-theft device for bottles ( figures 1 et 2 ) or the anti-theft device 1B ( figure 3 ) for clothing, the mechanical position sensor 4 projects relative to the body of the anti-theft device. The mechanical position sensor 4 of the anti-theft device 1A for bottle projects relative to the electronic housing 10, and perpendicular to the plane of the attachment ring 2. The position sensor 4 of the anti-theft device 1B for clothing projects relative to the second part 22 (the one having the function of housing 10) opposite the first part 21. In the assembly position of the anti-theft device 1A or 1B on the article to be protected (on a bottle or respectively on a piece of clothing), the bottle, or respectively the first part 21 of the clamp with the piece of clothing is intended to press on the mechanical position sensor 4, which triggers the closing of the electronic switch 4'. In turn, the electronic unit 6 triggers the activation.

[0051] For the 1C anti-theft device to be suspended from an item to be protected, the position sensor 4 is also mechanical but entirely housed in the body of the anti-theft device ( figure 5 ), here entirely housed in the body of the electronic box 10 (therefore without protruding outwards). The mechanical position sensor 4 is able to cooperate with the end of the closing branch 26 of the arch 2 when the latter is inserted and locked in the box. In the closed position of the closing branch 26, the latter presses on the mechanical position sensor 4 which closes the electronic switch 4'. In turn, the electronic unit 6 triggers the activation.

[0052] The switch 5' associated with the diode closes when the alarm is activated in order to light the diode. The light-emitting diode 5 makes it possible to identify when the electronic anti-theft device 1 is activated or deactivated. It is lit when the electronic anti-theft device 1 is activated. In addition, it is capable of flashing when the integrated alarm 12 is triggered (and sounds).

[0053] The integrated alarm 12 is triggered when its associated switch 12' closes. The antenna 7 is capable of activating (closing) an electronic switch, here symbolized by 7', of the electronic unit 6 when it receives the deactivation signal.

[0054] The remote alarm triggering system 11 (independent of the electronic unit 6) is capable of communicating with an external detection system such as a security gate of a store. The remote alarm triggering system 11 is independent of the electronic unit 6. The remote alarm triggering system 11 is for example a ferrite block. When the article provided with the anti-theft device 1 passes through a control or interrogation zone by approaching or passing through the detection system of the store, the remote alarm triggering system 11 communicates with the external detection system, causing the triggering of an audible alarm by said detection system of the store. Preferably, the remote alarm triggering system 11 is radio frequency operated or acousto-magnetic operated.

[0055] Thus, thanks to the remote alarm triggering system 11, the electronic anti-theft device 1 retains its initial purpose of triggering a remote alarm if a person attempts to steal an item on which the anti-theft device is assembled, by passing through a security gate. In addition, the electronic anti-theft device 1 makes it possible to trigger another alarm, the integrated alarm 12, when the anti-theft device has been assembled to the item to be protected and is removed from the item within the store when it should not be (for example, it is removed outside a store checkout). To this end, the electronic unit 6 of the anti-theft device 1 makes it possible, on the one hand, to activate the integrated alarm 12 (the integrated alarm 12 is on standby and can be triggered if the anti-theft device is opened without electronic authorization), and on the other hand to deactivate it in order to be able to remove the anti-theft device without the risk of triggering said integrated alarm 12.

[0056] There figure 6 illustrates the electronic anti-theft device 1 before assembly on an article, it is therefore deactivated and the integrated alarm 12 is deactivated (the switch 12' is open). When the electronic anti-theft device 1 is deactivated and not in use, no pressure is exerted on the position sensor 4 and consequently the electronic switch 4' connecting the position sensor 4 to the electronic unit 6 is open. The switch 7' of the electronic unit 6 linked to the antenna 7 is also normally open. Consequently, as long as the electronic switch 4' of the position sensor and the switch 7' linked to the antenna 7 are open, the electronic unit 6 is in authorization mode for opening the electronic anti-theft device. The electronic anti-theft device 1 being open, the switch 5' of the diode 5 is open, the diode remaining off.

[0057] There figure 7 illustrates the activation of the electronic anti-theft device 1 after assembly of the anti-theft device on an article. The closing of the anti-theft device 1 and its assembly to an article is detected by the mechanical position sensor 4 which, when pressed, closes the associated electronic switch 4'. The electronic unit 6 in turn controls the closing of the switch from the opening authorization mode to the opening non-authorization mode. The integrated alarm 12 is therefore activated, the electronic unit 6 being on standby. The electronic unit 6 has also closed the switch 5' of the diode so that it lights up.

[0058] There figure 8 illustrates the deactivation of the electronic anti-theft device 1 and therefore of the alarm 12 (and of the diode 5). When the antenna 7 picks up the signal from a label deactivator 9 (for example integrated into a barcode scanner (reader) 90 at the checkout of a store), this triggers the closing of the associated electronic switch 7', the electronic unit 6 then switches from the non-authorization mode to the authorization mode. The electronic unit 6 also opens the electronic switch 5' connected to the diode 5, which turns off the diode (and shows the user that the electronic anti-theft device is deactivated). With the electronic anti-theft device still on the article, the electronic switch 4' connected to the position sensor 4 is still closed. The anti-theft device 1 can then be removed from the article without the risk of triggering the integrated alarm 12.The electronic anti-theft device will be opened by placing the locking and unlocking means 3 against a detacher 9A (. figure 10 ), and the electronic anti-theft device will be found in the configuration of the figure 6 .

[0059] Preferably, the electronic unit 6 comprises a time delay 61 which reactivates the electronic anti-theft device 1 if, after the time delay has elapsed, the electronic anti-theft device 1 has not been opened.

[0060] There figure 9 illustrates the electronic anti-theft device 1 in its open position without having had electronic authorization to open. It has therefore been opened inappropriately without passing in front of a label deactivator. In the event of uncoupling of the anti-theft device 1 from the article, i.e. opening of the anti-theft device by unlocking the fastening element 2 or by cutting or forcing the opening of the fastening element 2, the electronic unit 6 detects this unauthorized opening because the electronic switch 4' connected to the position sensor 4 opens while the electronic switch 7' is open (since no deactivation signal - the signal from an electronic label deactivator - has been received). The electronic unit 6 in turn commands the closing of the electronic switch 12' connected to the integrated alarm 12 to trigger it. The integrated alarm 12 is for example a buzzer.Once the electronic switch 12' connected to the integrated alarm 12 is closed, it will not reopen, even if the electronic anti-theft device is closed again (and the switch 4' of the position sensor closes); the integrated alarm continues to sound. The integrated alarm 12 will only stop sounding by passing the electronic anti-theft device 1 over a label deactivator to open the switch 7' of the electronic unit 6 in order to enter the opening authorization mode.

[0061] Finally, the electronic anti-theft device of the invention advantageously makes it possible to force cashier staff to comply with the protocol for cashing in items comprising such an electronic anti-theft device, namely cashing in and then detaching the electronic anti-theft device. To this end, the figure 10shows a store checkout with a standard electronic tag deactivator 9, for example a plate integrated into the checkout counter, and a standard detacher 9A. This type of checkout is the one generally found in clothing stores. The staff is required to pass the item already equipped with the electronic anti-theft device 1 over the standard electronic tag deactivator 9, to deactivate the alarm, and can then detach the device via the standard detacher 9A to open the device without risk of triggering the alarm. The devices that are the electronic tag deactivator 9 and the detacher 9A are standard devices that do not need to be adapted to the anti-theft device of the invention.For a supermarket checkout type checkout, it is the barcode scanner 90 at the store checkout that is equipped with an electronic label deactivator 90 which is preferably only active once the scanner has read a barcode. Once the barcode has been read, the item is therefore paid for, and this activates the standard electronic label deactivator which acts on soft tag type electronic labels, which sends its signal. The signal is then received by the electronic anti-theft device 1 which accordingly deactivates its integrated alarm 12. The electronic anti-theft device can then be opened (by a standard detacher). On the contrary, if the checkout staff opens the electronic anti-theft device without having scanned the item, the integrated alarm will be triggered.

Claims

1. Electronic anti-theft device (1) intended to be assembled to an article to be protected from theft, in particular an electronic anti-theft device for self-service sales articles in a store, comprising a remote alarm triggering system (11), a fastening element (2), and locking and unlocking means (3) of the fastening element (2) which are able to cooperate with a detacher for unlocking and to configure the anti-theft device respectively, either in a closed position or in an open position, as well as an integrated alarm (12) and an electronic unit (6) for controlling the integrated alarm which is able to activate, trigger and deactivate it, the electronic unit (6) being able to detect the closing of the electronic anti-theft device, which causes the activation of the integrated alarm (12), the deactivation of the alarm by the electronic unit (6) being caused when the electronic anti-theft device is positioned against a deactivator and the locking and unlocking means (3) being capable of cooperating to open the anti-theft device with a standard detacher which works for hard tag type anti-theft devices, characterized in that said detacher is a standard electronic label deactivator which acts on electronic labels of the type soft tag.

2. Electronic anti-theft device according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic unit (6) is capable of recognizing a signal frequency of a standard electronic label deactivator which acts on electronic labels of the type soft tag, in particular the electronic unit (6) comprises an antenna picking up the signal frequency of a standard electronic label deactivator which acts on electronic labels of the type soft tag, preferably of an electronic tag deactivator operating either with AM technology or with RF technology.

3. Electronic anti-theft device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electronic anti-theft device (1) comprises means (4) for detecting the closing and opening of the electronic anti-theft device (1), the detection means communicating with the electronic unit (6).

4. Electronic anti-theft device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic unit (6) comprises at least one time delay (61), preferably a time delay being provided between the moment of deactivation and the opening of the electronic anti-theft device, and a time delay being provided between the moment of closing of the electronic anti-theft device and the activation of the alarm.

5. Electronic anti-theft device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the integrated alarm (12) is audible, in particular it consists of a buzzer.

6. Electronic anti-theft device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one light-emitting diode (5) visible from outside the electronic anti-theft device and informing of the activation state of the integrated alarm (12), in particular the light-emitting diode (5) being controlled by the electronic unit (6).

7. Electronic anti-theft device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a mechanical position sensor (4) detecting the closing and opening of said electronic anti-theft device (1), the sensor being electrically connected to the electronic unit (6), preferably the activation of the integrated alarm (12) by the electronic unit being carried out by uninterrupted pressure on the mechanical position sensor (4) according to a time delay, in particular 5 s.

8. Electronic anti-theft device according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a housing (10) which houses the electronic unit (6) and the integrated alarm (12), and in that the attachment element (2) forms an attachment ring capable of being opened or closed, the mechanical position sensor (4) being arranged in the housing while projecting towards the outside of the housing to be intended to bear on the article to be protected when the attachment ring is closed, in particular the electronic anti-theft device being for a bottle.

9. Electronic anti-theft device according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a first part (21) and a second part (22) which are capable of being applied against each other in the closed position of the electronic anti-theft device, the mechanical position sensor (4) being arranged in the first part, while projecting relative to said first part and facing the second part, in particular the electronic anti-theft device being for clothing.

10. Electronic anti-theft device according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises, on the one hand, a housing (10) which houses the electronic unit (6), the integrated alarm (12), and the mechanical position sensor (4), and on the other hand, the attachment element (2) which is in the form of a two-armed hoop of which the first arm (25) is fixed irremovably to the housing, while the second arm (26) is capable of being inserted into the housing while being locked or is capable of being removed from the housing to open the anti-theft device, the mechanical position sensor (4) being capable of detecting the inserted and locked position of the second arm of the attachment element, in particular the anti-theft device being for an article on which it is suspended of the type of article with a strap or an attachment hole.

11. Method for implementing an electronic anti-theft device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a step of activating the integrated alarm (12), this step being automated when closing and locking the electronic anti-theft device on an article to be protected, and in that it subsequently comprises a step of deactivating the electronic anti-theft device (1) before its unlocking and opening, the deactivation step (1) consisting of passing the electronic anti-theft device to a standard electronic label deactivator (9) which acts on electronic labels of the type soft tag.

12. Use in a store enclosure of the electronic anti-theft device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that by assembling the electronic anti-theft device (1) on an article to be protected, the activation of the integrated alarm (12) is done automatically by detection by the electronic unit (6) of the closing of the electronic anti-theft device (1), and in that the deactivation of the integrated alarm (12) is done automatically by cooperation of the electronic anti-theft device with a standard electronic label deactivator (9) which acts on electronic labels of the type soft tag, in particular the deactivation being done at a checkout of the store.

13. Use of a barcode scanner (90) with an electronic label deactivator (9), characterized in that the standard electronic label deactivator (9) which acts on electronic labels of the type soft tag, characterized in that said electronic label deactivator (9) is used to deactivate the integrated alarm (12) of an electronic anti-theft device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, preferably the electronic label deactivator (9) being active only after the scanner has read a barcode.

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