Lock for a container

Abstract

The invention relates to a lock (1) for a container, in particular a waste container, comprising a housing and an electromotively driven locking element (3) which can be moved between a locking position and a release position and which is provided for locking a cover which closes an opening of the container. The aim of the invention is to provide a modular lock which allows a flexible configuration and simple operation and maintenance. For this purpose, the invention proposes that the housing is formed by at least two housing modules (4, 5) which can be detachably connected to one another, wherein the locking element (3) is movably mounted in a first housing module (4), and an electric motor (7) provided for driving the locking element (3) and a control unit (8) controlling the electric motor are arranged in a second housing module (5). A third housing module (6) is provided, which can be detachably connected to the second housing module (5), wherein an electrical energy store, in particular a battery, is arranged in the third housing module (6) for supplying electrical energy to the electric motor (7) arranged in the second housing module (5) and to the control unit (8).

Description

[0001] Lock for a container

[0002] The invention relates to a lock for a container, in particular a waste container, comprising a housing and an electrically driven locking element movable between a locking position and a release position, which is provided for locking a lid closing an opening of the container.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a system consisting of a mobile device and a lock, as well as a method for operating the lock.

[0004] Various types of containers (which include, for example, waste containers, suitcases or other transport containers, as well as storage and warehousing containers for various purposes) used in both private and public spaces require suitable locking mechanisms.

[0005] The costs associated with waste removal in areas where waste containers are freely accessible have led to unauthorized individuals dumping their waste into other people's containers. This is detrimental to the authorized user because their purchased collection volume is being used by unauthorized individuals. Even apart from the costs, unauthorized waste dumping results in the container filling up prematurely, potentially leaving the authorized user with a waste disposal problem until the next collection. Therefore, there is a need to secure the waste container assigned to a user against unauthorized filling. The most obvious solution is to use locks.While this would initially prevent unauthorized access by third parties, a simple lockable padlock would have the significant disadvantage that waste collection workers would also have to carry a key for each container. Furthermore, the cumbersome procedure of unlocking each container would unacceptably slow down the emptying process.

[0006] As a solution to this problem, special mechanical locks for waste containers are known, which make it possible to open a waste container, for example, one placed at the curb for emptying, without a key. These locks have a release mechanism actuated by a mass element, designed to release a locking bolt element of the lock, which secures the lid of the waste container when locked, through a characteristic gravitational force exerted when the waste container is tipped. Thus, if the waste container is tipped upside down for emptying, the lock opens automatically due to the described mechanical principle, without the need for a key. Such a lock is described, for example, in EP 1 396 446 A1.

[0007] Electrically driven locks for waste containers offer the advantage of remote locking and unlocking, simplifying operation and enabling integration into modern smart home and smart city infrastructures. However, such systems are often complex to install and maintain, and their integration into existing containers can be costly. Furthermore, they require a constant power supply and are often susceptible to environmental influences, limiting their use in outdoor areas. An electrically driven lock for a waste container is described, for example, in FR 3 115274 A1. The invention aims to address these problems by providing a modular lock that allows for flexible configuration and ease of operation and maintenance.

[0008] Starting from a lock of the type mentioned above, the invention proposes that the housing is formed by at least two housing modules that can be detachably connected to one another, wherein the locking element is movably mounted in a first housing module and an electric motor provided for driving the locking element and a control unit controlling the electric motor are arranged in a second housing module.

[0009] The modular design of the housing allows components such as the electric motor with control unit and the locking mechanism of the lock to be configured and maintained separately. This facilitates installation in a wide variety of container types and enables easy adaptation to specific requirements and environments.

[0010] In one possible embodiment, a drive shaft connected to the electric motor is rotatably mounted in the second housing module. When the second housing module is connected to the first, an end of the shaft, projecting laterally from the second housing module, extends through a lateral opening into the first housing module, thereby establishing a detachable drive connection between the electric motor and the locking element. A plug-in coupling can be provided at the end of the shaft to establish this drive connection. This design ensures a secure and reliable mechanical connection between the electric motor and the locking element and allows for quick assembly and disassembly of the modules as needed.

[0011] In another design, the second housing module is waterproof, while the first housing module is not. The waterproof construction of the second housing module offers advantages in terms of the lock's durability and reliability under various environmental conditions. It's important to consider that the lock, when mounted on a waste container, is exposed to significant amounts of dirt and moisture. The electric motor and control unit are particularly sensitive to moisture and water ingress, which can damage the electronic components and impair the lock's functionality. The first module, on the other hand, which contains the mechanical locking element, requires less protection from water, as it can be made of suitably resistant materials. Furthermore, the locking element must mechanically engage with a locking bar or pin attached to the lid to secure it.The locking element must therefore be at least partially exposed and accessible from outside the first housing module. By selectively applying water resistance only where technically necessary, costs and material usage can be managed more efficiently, thus improving cost-effectiveness.

[0012] In another possible embodiment, the lock has a third housing module that is detachably connected to the second housing module. This third housing module contains an electrical energy storage device, in particular a battery, for supplying electrical energy to the electric motor and control unit located in the second housing module. The electrical energy storage device can be connected to the control unit and / or the electric motor via a detachable electrical contact (for example, a plug and a corresponding socket). Corresponding contact elements are integrated into wall sections of the second and third housing modules that abut each other when connected. Integrating the power supply into a separate, preferably also waterproof, third housing module protects against environmental influences and improves the reliability of the lock in outdoor applications.Furthermore, the modular design of the housing allows for easy replacement of the energy storage device (preferably a battery) when the stored energy is depleted. In particular, it is not necessary to open the entire lock housing or even remove the lock to change the battery. In the simplest case, the third housing module is simply replaced with an identical module containing a new battery. In one possible configuration, the electric motor is not powered directly from the battery via the control unit, but rather from an intermediate buffer integrated into the second housing module, for example, in the form of a capacitor, preferably a so-called supercapacitor. The capacitor is charged from the battery by the control unit, and its charge level is automatically maintained. This allows a large amount of energy to be stored from the capacitor in a short time.A high electrical power output is required to set the lock mechanism in motion. Due to the energy buffering in the capacitor, the electric motor can generate sufficient torque for this purpose, even if the battery itself is not designed to supply enough current.

[0013] In another possible embodiment, the housing modules feature snap-fit ​​and / or positive-locking elements, allowing them to be detachably fixed to one another. This provides a simple and robust way to connect the housing modules and secure them firmly. The snap-fit ​​and / or positive-locking elements enable tool-free assembly of the modules. At least one of the housing modules has one or more mounting tabs for attachment to the container (within its internal volume). In this case, the connection can be made simply by screwing the modules together.

[0014] Furthermore, an outer housing can be provided to contain the housing modules. This offers additional protection for the lock components and represents an aesthetically pleasing solution.

[0015] In another possible embodiment, the control unit has a motion sensor, in particular a gyroscope, and is configured to control the electric motor for moving the locking element depending on an output signal from the motion sensor. The use of the motion sensor and the control of the electric motor depending on the output signal of the motion sensor is, in particular, independent of the modular design of the housing. In one possible embodiment, the control unit can be configured to control the electric motor for moving the locking element into the release position when the output signal of the motion sensor indicates a tilting of the container by at least 80°, preferably at least 90°, and particularly preferably at least 100°.

[0016] In one possible configuration, the control unit can also be set up to establish a data communication connection with a mobile device, in particular a smartphone. This data communication connection can be a Bluetooth connection.

[0017] Furthermore, the control unit can be configured to control the electric motor to move the locking element depending on control commands received via the data communication link.

[0018] The integration of the motion sensor and a data communication link enables intelligent control of the lock by allowing it to react to movements and be remotely controlled via a mobile device. The use of motion detection combined with communication capabilities enables adaptive security control that can respond to specific scenarios, such as automatic opening if the container tips over (for emptying the waste container during collection).

[0019] In one possible configuration, the control unit can be set up to control the electric motor for moving the locking element, depending on the result of authentication via the data communication link. The mobile device carried by the authorized user of the container can thus be used for automatic authentication (via suitable software running on the mobile device), after which the lock can be operated without requiring a key, code entry, or any other form of authentication. Advantageously, the data communication link is established automatically when the user approaches the lock. Authentication also occurs automatically after the connection is established, without the user having to take any action or enter any information.The user can store the necessary authentication data in advance in the mobile device's memory.

[0020] The lock can be opened by the user via a command on their mobile device, for example, through a suitable user interface in mobile software (app). Voice control is also conceivable ("Please open the waste container"), so that the user has their hands free to deposit the waste in the container.

[0021] The control unit can also be configured to activate the electric motor to move the locking mechanism when the motion sensor detects a vibration of the container after successful authentication. This allows the user to simply approach the container with the lock and then, for example, nudge or kick it, causing the lock to open automatically. No input is required; the user can open the lock hands-free, keeping their hands free to dispose of waste in the container.

[0022] The invention also relates to a system comprising a lock designed as described above and a mobile device. The mobile device includes a computer program (smartphone app) with instructions for performing the following steps when the computer program is running on the mobile device: automatically establishing the data communication connection between the mobile device and the control unit when the mobile device approaches the lock;

[0023] Transmitting authentication data via the data communication connection.

[0024] The computer program can contain instructions for transmitting a control command via the data communication link, depending on user input. The control unit is then instructed by this command to activate the electric motor to move the locking element into the locked or unlocked position. User input can conveniently be provided via voice control of the mobile device.

[0025] Finally, the invention also relates to a method for operating a lock according to the invention, comprising the following method steps: automatically establishing the data communication connection between a mobile device, in particular a smartphone, and the control unit when the mobile device approaches the lock;

[0026] Transfer of authentication data via the data communication link from the mobile device to the control unit.

[0027] The procedure can involve data being transmitted from the control unit to the mobile device via the data connection and from there to a data server via the internet. This data can include times and / or dates of lock openings, as well as environmental parameters (e.g., temperature) from the lock's surroundings, captured by suitable sensors on the lock, and / or times and / or dates of movements detected by the motion sensor. The data is stored on the data server for review and analysis. This data can be used to monitor the lock. Depending on the data (number of openings), for example, waste collection can be initiated. At high temperatures (in summer), the emptying intervals can be automatically shortened. Based on the recorded movements, the stored data can be used to determine whether waste collection is necessary.The container has been emptied. The data can also be used for billing purposes.

[0028] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. The figures show:

[0029] Fig. 1 sectional top view of a lock according to the invention with separate housing modules; Fig. 2 lock according to Fig. 1 with joined housing modules;

[0030] Fig. 3 View of the lock according to Fig. 2 with

[0031] Outer casing.

[0032] In the following figure description, the same reference symbols and terms are used for the same elements.

[0033] The figures show a lock, designated by the reference numeral 1, which interacts with a locking bar 2. The lock 1 is intended for a container (not shown), which is in particular a waste container.

[0034] The lock 1 has an electrically driven locking element 3, designed here as a rotatable latch bolt, which moves between a locking position and a release position. This locking element is designed to lock a lid (not shown) that closes an opening of the container. The locking bar 2 is connected (screwed) to the lid for this purpose. In the locking position shown in the figures, the locking element 3 positively engages the locking bar 2. When moving to the release position, the locking element 3 is rotated to the right in the figures, thereby releasing the locking bar 2, allowing the lid to be opened.

[0035] The housing of the lock 1 is formed by three detachably connectable housing modules 4, 5, 6, wherein the bolt element 3 is movably mounted in a first housing module 4. An electric motor 7 for driving the bolt element 3 and a control unit 8 for controlling the electric motor 7 are arranged in a second housing module 5.

[0036] The control unit 8 has a motion sensor, in particular a gyroscope (not shown), and is configured to control the electric motor 7 to move the locking element 3 depending on an output signal from the motion sensor. The control unit 8 is further configured to control the electric motor 7 to move the locking element 3 into the release position when the output signal from the motion sensor indicates that the container has tilted by at least 80°, preferably at least 90°, and particularly preferably at least 100°. Such tilting indicates that the container is emptying, which can therefore occur at any time without having to unlock the lock 1. For active unlocking of the lock 1 by a user, the control unit 8 is further configured to establish a data communication connection (Bluetooth) with a mobile device (not shown), in particular a smartphone.The control unit 8 then controls the electric motor 7 to move the locking element 3, depending on control commands received via the data communication link. The data communication link with the smartphone is simultaneously used for authentication. The lock 1 is only unlocked if authentication data (e.g., the mobile device's identification number or password) is successfully exchanged.

[0037] A drive shaft 9 connected to the electric motor 7 is rotatably mounted in the second housing module 5. Coding cams 10 are arranged on the drive shaft 9, allowing the control unit 8 to detect the rotational position of the drive shaft 9 by means of associated microswitches. This can be used, for example, for limit switching of the electric motor 7 when the locking or release position is reached. When the second housing module 5 is connected to the first housing module 4, an end 11 of the shaft, projecting laterally from the second housing module 5, extends through a lateral opening into the first housing module 4 (see Figure 2) and establishes a detachable drive connection between the electric motor 7 and the locking element 3 via a plug connector (at 12).

[0038] In this embodiment, a gearbox consisting of a drive cam 13 and a lever mechanism 14 is provided in the first housing module 4 to drive the locking element 3. A push button 15 is provided to manually move the locking element 3 into the release position. The lock 1 is located inside the container and is therefore not accessible from the outside. The button 15 is designed to allow a person trapped inside the container to free themselves. The second housing module 5 is waterproof, thus providing good protection against moisture ingress for the electric motor 7 and the electronic control unit 8. The first housing module 4, with the visible upper opening for the engagement of the locking bolt 2, is not waterproof.

[0039] The third housing module 6, which is detachably connectable to the second housing module 5, contains a battery 16 as an electrical energy storage device for supplying the electric motor 7 and the control unit 8 with electrical energy. When the second and third housing modules 5, 6 are connected, a detachable electrical contact is established, with corresponding plug contacts 17, 18 integrated into the adjacent wall sections of the second and third housing modules 5, 6 when connected. The third housing module 6, including the plug contacts 17, 18, is waterproof.

[0040] Figure 1 shows locking projections 19 arranged on the housing modules 4, 6, which engage in corresponding locking recesses (not visible in the figures) when the housing modules 4, 5, 6 are connected. This allows the housing modules to be detachably fixed to one another.

[0041] Furthermore, the housing modules 4, 5, 6 have mounting tabs 20 for attachment to the container.

[0042] Figure 3 shows an outer housing 21 that accommodates the housing modules 4, 5, 6.

[0043] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for operating the lock 1, wherein the method for remote unlocking of the lock 1 using a mobile device 22 is provided.

[0044] In a first step S1, the approach of a mobile device 22, in particular a smartphone, to the lock 1 is detected. Subsequently, in step S2, a data communication connection is automatically established between the mobile device 22 and the control unit 8 located in the second housing module 5. The data communication connection is established, for example, via Bluetooth.

[0045] In a subsequent step S3, authentication data is transmitted from the mobile device 22 to the control unit 8. In a verification step V, the control unit 8 checks the transmitted authentication data for validity. The process continues only if authentication is successful; otherwise, it terminates.

[0046] In step S4, a control command is transmitted to the control unit 8 via the data communication link, depending on user input on the mobile device 22. User input can be provided, in particular, by voice control.

[0047] In a subsequent step S5, the control unit 8, depending on the received control command 27, controls the electric motor 7 to move the locking element 3 into the release position or into the locking position.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, in step S6 the electric motor 7 is controlled by the control unit 8 to move the locking element 3 into the release position or into the locking position if the motion sensor integrated in the control unit 8, in particular a gyroscope, indicates a vibration of the container after successful authentication.

[0049] In a further optional step S7, data is transmitted from the control unit 8 via the data communication link to the mobile device 22 and from there via an internet connection to an external data server. The transmitted data can include, in particular, times and / or dates of opening operations of the lock 1, environmental parameters recorded by suitable sensors, and times and / or dates of movements detected by the motion sensor. The process ends with step S8. The data communication link is disconnected.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Lock for a container, in particular a waste container, comprising a housing and an electrically driven locking element (3) movable between a locking position and a release position, which is provided for locking a lid closing an opening of the container, characterized in that the housing is formed by at least two housing modules (4, 5) that can be detachably connected to one another, wherein the locking element (3) is movably mounted in a first housing module (4) and an electric motor (7) provided for driving the locking element (3) and a control unit (8) controlling the electric motor (7) are arranged in a second housing module (5).

2. Lock according to claim 1, wherein a drive shaft (9) connected to the electric motor (7) is rotatably mounted in the second housing module (5), wherein an end (11) of the shaft (9) projecting laterally from the second housing module (5) projects into the first housing module (4) through a lateral opening when the second housing module (5) is connected to the first housing module (4) and establishes a detachable drive connection between the electric motor (7) and the locking element (3).

3. Lock according to claim 2, wherein a plug coupling is provided at the end (11) of the shaft to establish the drive connection.

4. Lock according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second housing module (5) is waterproof, while the first housing module (4) is not waterproof.

5. Lock according to one of claims 1 to 4, with a third housing module (6) which is detachably connectable to the second housing module (5), wherein an electrical energy storage device (16), in particular a battery, is arranged in the third housing module (6) for supplying the electric motor (7) and the control unit (8) arranged in the second housing module (5) with electrical energy.

6. Lock according to claim 5, wherein the electrical energy storage device (16) can be connected to the control unit (8) and / or the electric motor (7) via a detachable electrical contact, wherein corresponding contact elements are integrated into wall sections of the second and third housing modules (5, 6) that are adjacent to each other in the connected state.

7. Lock according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the third housing module (6) is waterproof.

8. Lock according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the housing modules (4, 5, 6) have locking and / or positive locking elements (19) by which the housing modules (4, 5, 6) can be detachably fixed to one another.

9. Lock according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one of the housing modules (4, 5, 6) has fastening tabs (20) for attachment to the container.

10. Lock according to one of claims 1 to 9, with a Outer housing (21) which accommodates the housing modules (4, 5, 6).

11. Lock according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control unit (8) includes a motion sensor, in particular a gyroscope and is designed to control the electric motor (7) to move the locking element (3) depending on an output signal from the motion sensor.

12. Lock according to claim 11, wherein the control unit (8) is configured to control the electric motor (7) to move the locking element into the release position when the output signal of the motion sensor indicates a tilting of the container by at least 80°, preferably at least 90°, particularly preferably at least 100°.

13. Lock according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the control unit (8) is further configured to establish a data communication connection with a mobile device, in particular a smartphone.

14. Lock according to claim 13, wherein the data communication connection is a Bluetooth connection.

15. Lock according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the control unit is further configured to control the electric motor (7) to move the locking element (3) depending on control commands received via the data communication link.

16. Lock according to one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the control unit (8) is configured to control the electric motor (7) to move the locking element depending on the result of authentication via the data communication link.

17. Lock according to claim 16, wherein the control unit (8) is further configured to control the electric motor (7) to move the locking element (3) when the motion sensor indicates a vibration of the container after successful authentication.

18. Lock for a container, comprising a housing and a movable element between a locking position and a release position, an electrically driven locking element (3) which is provided for locking a lid closing an opening of the container, with an electric motor (7) provided for driving the locking element (3) and a control unit (8) controlling the electric motor (7), characterized in that the control unit (8) has a motion sensor, in particular a gyroscope and is configured to control the electric motor (7) to move the locking element (3) depending on an output signal of the motion sensor.

19. Lock according to claim 18, wherein the control unit (8) is configured to control the electric motor (7) to move the locking element into the release position when the output signal of the motion sensor indicates a tilting of the container by at least 80°, preferably at least 90°, particularly preferably at least 100°.

20. Lock according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the control unit (8) is further configured to establish a data communication connection with a mobile device, in particular a smartphone.

21. Lock according to claim 20, wherein the data communication connection is a Bluetooth connection.

22. Lock according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the control unit is further configured to control the electric motor (7) to move the locking element (3) depending on control commands received via the data communication link.

23. Lock according to one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the control unit (8) is configured to control the electric motor (7) to move the locking element depending on the result of authentication via the data communication link.

24. Lock according to claim 23, wherein the control unit (8) is further configured to control the electric motor (7) to move the locking element (3) when the motion sensor indicates a vibration of the container after successful authentication.

25. System comprising a mobile device and a lock (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the mobile device comprises a computer program, in particular a smartphone app, with instructions for performing the following steps when the computer program is running on the mobile device: automatically establishing the data communication connection between the mobile device and the control unit (8) when the mobile device approaches the lock (1); Transmitting authentication data via the data communication connection.

26. System according to claim 25, wherein the computer program further comprises instructions for transmitting a control command via the data communication link depending on a user input, wherein the control unit (8) is caused by the control command to actuate the electric motor (7) to move the locking element (3) into the locking position or into the release position.

27. System according to claim 26, wherein the user input is provided by voice control of the mobile device.

28. Method for operating a lock according to one of claims 1 to 24, comprising the following method steps: automatically establishing the data communication connection between a mobile device, in particular a smartphone, and the control unit (8) when the mobile device approaches the lock; Transfer of authentication data via the data communication link from the mobile device to the control unit (8).

29. Method according to claim 28, wherein a control command is also transmitted via the data communication link depending on a user input, wherein the control unit (8) is caused by the control command to actuate the electric motor (7) to move the locking element (3) into the locking position or into the release position.

30. Method according to claim 29, wherein the user input is provided by voice control of the mobile device.

31. Method according to one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the control unit (8) controls the electric motor to move the locking element (3) into the locking position or into the release position when the motion sensor of the lock (1) indicates a vibration of the container after successful authentication.

32. Method according to one of claims 28 to 31, wherein data from the control unit (8) are transmitted via the data connection to the mobile device and from there via the Internet to a data server, wherein the data relate to: times and / or data of opening operations of the lock (1), environmental parameters from the environment of the lock (1) and / or times and / or data of movements detected by means of the motion sensor.

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