Smart interlock system and working method thereof

US 8,928,457 B2
Filed: 12/16/2009
Issued: 01/06/2015
Est. Priority Date: 11/16/2009
Status: Active Grant

First Claim

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1. A smart interlock system, comprising a lock (1), an unlocking device (2) and a logic generator (3), characterized in that:

the logic generator (3) comprises a logic generation module and a logic communication module;

the logic generation module generates identity identification logic and state identification logic of the lock, and the identity identification logic and state identification logic are sent to the unlocking device (2) through the logic communication module;

the unlocking device (2) comprises an unlocking module, an identity identifying module and a communication module for starting a lock head;

the lock (1) comprises a lock tongue (102), a lock head (106) and an identity and state conversion module (104);

the lock head (106) is associated with the lock tongue (102) and drives the lock tongue (102) to move;

while in motion, the lock tongue (102) has more than two set positions and intermediate positions between set positions;

the identity and state conversion module (104) converts information of change of position of the lock tongue (102) into identity label information of the lock, and then transmits the identity label information of the lock to the unlocking device (2) upon insertion of the unlocking module into lock (1);

the identity identifying module of the unlocking device (2) identifies the identity of the lock (1), receives the identity label information of the lock which is transmitted by the identity and state conversion module (104) of the lock, identifies the state of the lock tongue (102), and judges whether the process of unlocking shall be performed or not according to the identity identification logic and state identification logic of the lock, which are received from the logic generator (3).

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Abstract

A smart interlock system and a working method thereof. The smart interlock system includes a lock (1), an unlocking device (2) and a logic generator (3). The logic generator (3) comprises a logic generation module and a logic communication module. The logic generation module generates identity identification logic and state identification logic of the lock, and the two kinds of logic are sent to the unlocking device (2) through the logic communication module. The lock (1) comprises a lock tongue (102), a lock head (106) and an identity and state converting module (104). The unlocking device (2) comprises an unlocking module for starting the lock head to move, an identity identifying module (201) and a communication module. The identity identifying module (201) of the unlocking device identifies the identity of the lock, receives an identity label information which is transferred from the identity and state converting module (104) of the lock, recognizes the state of the lock tongue (102), and judges whether to unlock the lock or not according to the identity identification logic and state identification logic of the lock which are received from the logic generator (3). The smart interlock system works flexibly and enables electric anti-misoperation to be reliable and intelligent.

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13 Claims

1. A smart interlock system, comprising a lock (1), an unlocking device (2) and a logic generator (3), characterized in that:
- the logic generator (3) comprises a logic generation module and a logic communication module;
  
  the logic generation module generates identity identification logic and state identification logic of the lock, and the identity identification logic and state identification logic are sent to the unlocking device (2) through the logic communication module;
  
  the unlocking device (2) comprises an unlocking module, an identity identifying module and a communication module for starting a lock head;
  
  the lock (1) comprises a lock tongue (102), a lock head (106) and an identity and state conversion module (104);
  
  the lock head (106) is associated with the lock tongue (102) and drives the lock tongue (102) to move;
  
  while in motion, the lock tongue (102) has more than two set positions and intermediate positions between set positions;
  
  the identity and state conversion module (104) converts information of change of position of the lock tongue (102) into identity label information of the lock, and then transmits the identity label information of the lock to the unlocking device (2) upon insertion of the unlocking module into lock (1);
  
  the identity identifying module of the unlocking device (2) identifies the identity of the lock (1), receives the identity label information of the lock which is transmitted by the identity and state conversion module (104) of the lock, identifies the state of the lock tongue (102), and judges whether the process of unlocking shall be performed or not according to the identity identification logic and state identification logic of the lock, which are received from the logic generator (3).
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
- - 2. The smart interlock system according to claim 1, characterized in that:
    - the lock tongue (102) of the lock (1) is a bolt structure which is installed in the inner cavity of a lock body (101) and can move left and right;
      
      the lock head (106) comprises a top cover disposed at outermost end thereof, a lock core under the top cover, a stepped and cylindrical converting mechanism (103) and a turntable locking mechanism (105) under the converting mechanism (103);
      
      the turntable locking mechanism (105) is provided with a sliding pin (109) in the center of a top surface;
      
      the converting mechanism (103) is provided with a wedge-shaped groove (108) at the bottom;
      
      the sliding pin (109) is located in the wedge-shaped groove (108) so that a unidirectional ratchet mechanism is constituted;
      
      the lock tongue (102) is provided with a slide groove (111) whose opening faces upward;
      
      the turntable locking mechanism (105) is provided with a slide bar (110) at one end of the bottom; and
      
      the slide bar (110) is located in the slide groove (111), and so the turntable locking mechanism (105) drives the lock tongue (102) to move when it rotates.
  - 3. The smart interlock system according to claim 2, characterized in that:
    - the lock (1) comprises one or more sensors (107) which are installed on the turntable locking mechanism (105);
      
      the identity and state conversion module (104) comprises a switch (1043), electronic circuits (1042) and an antenna (1041);
      
      the sensors (107) are electrically connected with the identity and state conversion module (104) electrically; and
      
      the antenna (1041) is installed on top of the lock head (106).
  - 4. The smart interlock system according to claim 1, characterized in that:
    - the unlocking device (2) comprises a case (208);
      
      an unlocking module (205) and an identity identifying module (201) are installed at one end of the case (208);
      
      the case (208) is provided with a man-machine interface thereon, a control circuit therein and a socket (207) for recharging batteries on one side thereof;
      
      the identity identifying module (201) is a wireless identity identifying module; and
      
      the man-machine interface comprises keys (204), a display (206) and a sounder (202).
  - 5. The smart interlock system according to claim 4, characterized in that:
    - a control circuit of the unlocking device (2) comprises a battery (2081), a microprocessor CPU (2082), a sounder circuit (2083), a memory circuit (2084), a wireless communication circuit (2085), an unlocking driving circuit (2086), a wireless identification circuit (2089), a display circuit (2087) and a keys circuit (2088);
      
      the microprocessor CPU (2082) is connected electrically and respectively with the sounder circuit (2083), the memory circuit (2084), the wireless communication circuit (2085), the unlocking driving circuit (2086), the wireless identification circuit (2089), the display circuit (2087) and the keys circuit (2088), all of which are disposed inside the case (208); and
      
      the display circuit (2087), the keys circuit (2088) and the sounder circuit (2083) are respectively disposed to drive the display (206), the keys (204) and the sounder (202).
  - 6. The smart interlock system according to claim 2, characterized in that:
    - the unlocking module comprises an unlocking head (301), an unlocking rod (302), a stop groove (303), a solenoid (an electromagnet) (305) and a position detector (306);
      
      the identity identifying module (201) is disposed at the exterior of the unlocking rod (302) and near one end of the solenoid (305);
      
      the unlocking head (301) is telescopically located on top of the unlocking rod (302);
      
      the stop groove (303) is disposed on the unlocking rod (302) and the solenoid (305) is disposed at bottom of the unlocking rod (302);
      
      the lock core of the lock comprises a lock core body (1061), a lock core case (1062), a marble (1063) and a stop abutment (1064);
      
      the steel ball (1063) and the stop abutment (1064) are disposed inside the lock core case (1062), and the stop abutment (1064) is disposed on sidewall of an inner through hole of the top cover; and
      
      when the unlocking device is in the state of unlocking, the stop abutment (1064) is inserted in the stop groove (303).
  - 7. A working method of the smart interlock system according to claim 1, characterized in that:
    - the logic generation module of the logic generator generates identity identification logic and state identification logic of the lock, and the identity identification logic and state identification logic are sent to the unlocking device through the logic communication module;
      
      the identity and state conversion module converts information of the change of position of the lock tongue into the identity label information of the lock, and then transmits the identity label information of the lock to the unlocking device;
      
      the identity identifying module of the unlocking device identifies the identity of the lock, receives the identity label information of the lock which is transmitted by the identity and state conversion module of the lock, and identifies the state of the lock tongue;
      
      according to the identity identification logic and state identification logic of the lock, which are received from the logic generator, the identity identifying module of the unlocking device judges whether the equipment installed with the lock is allowed to be operated;
      
      if yes, an unlocking mechanism of the unlocking device allows unlocking, and drives unlocking parts of the lock so as to drive the lock tongue to move;
      
      then the equipment can be operated;
      
      if not, the lock can'"'"'t be unlocked and the equipment can'"'"'t be operated.
  - 8. The working method of the smart interlock system according to claim 7, characterized in that the implementation of unlocking or locking of the smart interlock system comprises the following steps:
    - step 1;
      
      starting the unlocking device;
      
      the unlocking device starting self-checking and indicating operators;
      
      step 2;
      
      selecting sequence for operations of equipment to be operated by pressing keys on the panel of the unlocking device and pressing the enter key to confirm;
      
      the sequence of operations selected being a setting for the equipment to be operated;
      
      step 3;
      
      the unlocking device displaying the information of the equipment to be operated;
      
      step 4;
      
      inserting the unlocking module of the unlocking device in the lock, and the unlocking device starting the wireless identification circuit;
      
      step 5;
      
      the identity and state conversion module of the lock detecting wireless identification signals of the unlocking device and sending the identity and the state information of the lock;
      
      step 6;
      
      according to the identity and the state information of the lock, the unlocking device lookuping the mistake-proofing data storage of equipment, and finding the identity and the state corresponding to equipment;
      
      step 7;
      
      according to the identity and the state of the equipment, the unlocking device lookuping the setting of the sequence for operations for the equipment to determine whether the conditions of operation are satisfied, if yes, a microprocessor sending a first signal to the sounder, and the sounder sending out a first sound signal of operation permission, which is also indicated on the display;
      
      simultaneously, the microprocessor sending a second signal to the unlocking module, and an unlocking pin of the unlocking module working so that the unlocking module can drive the unlocking mechanism of the lock;
      
      if not, the microprocessor sending a third signal to the sounder, and the sounder sending out a sound signal of no operation, which is also indicated on the display;
      
      step 8;
      
      turning the unlocking device manually;
      
      the unlocking device driving the unlocking parts of the lock and driving the lock tongue to move axially;
      
      step 9;
      
      the axial motion of the lock tongue initiating the switching of the state of the identity and state conversion module;
      
      when the lock tongue moves to a preset position, the state of the lock being switched and the identity of the lock being changed;
      
      step 10;
      
      the unlocking device identifying the change of the identity of the lock through the wireless identity identifying module;
      
      step 11;
      
      the unlocking device finding that the state of the lock has been changed and determining the state of the equipment by looking-up the mistake-proofing data storage inside the equipment;
      
      the microprocessor sending a fourth signal to the sounder, and the sounder making a sound signal of accomplishment of the operation, which is also indicated on the display;
      
      the microprocessor sending a fifth signal to the unlocking module, and the unlocking pin of the unlocking module working so that the unlocking module can'"'"'t drive the unlocking mechanism of the lock, namely, the lock is locked;
      
      step 12;
      
      the unlocking device recording the process data of the operations, which includes time, equipment, modes of operation and state of the equipment after being operated;
      
      step 13;
      
      repeating the steps above till the equipment operations in this sequence of operations are accomplished; and
      
      step 14;
      
      the steps of the implementation of unlocking or locking of the smart interlock system ending.
  - 9. The working method of the smart interlock system according to claim 7, characterized in that the process of generating logic of the logic generator comprises the following steps:
    - step 1;
      
      starting the logic generator and log on with user name and password;
      
      step 2;
      
      configuring the identity information of the lock, inputting logical formulae and checking the logic for correctness;
      
      step 3;
      
      simulating the sequence of operations according to the requirement to test the logic of the sequence of operations for correctness;
      
      step 4;
      
      after simulating, inputting task names of the sequence of operations;
      
      step 5;
      
      generating the sequence of operations and logic data according to an established form; and
      
      step 6;
      
      the generating of logic data and generating of data of sequence of operations ending.
  - 10. The working method of the smart interlock system according to claim 7, characterized in that:
    - the process of communicating between the unlocking device and the logic generator comprises the following steps;
      
      step 1;
      
      starting the logic generator and generating sequence of operations of the equipment to be operated according to the steps of generating logic;
      
      step 2;
      
      starting the unlocking device and regulating it to be in a state of receiving the sequence of operations;
      
      step 3;
      
      the unlocking device sending a request for obtaining data to the logic generator wirelessly;
      
      step 4;
      
      when it receives the request, the logic generator sending the sequence of operations to the unlocking via wireless signals;
      
      step 5;
      
      the unlocking device receives and stores the data; and
      
      step 6;
      
      the process of communicating between the unlocking device and the logic generator ending.
  - 11. The smart interlock system according to claim 3, characterized in that:
    - the unlocking module comprises an unlocking head (301), an unlocking rod (302), a stop groove (303), a solenoid (an electromagnet) (305) and a position detector (306);
      
      the identity identifying module (201) is disposed at the exterior of the unlocking rod (302) and near one end of the solenoid (305);
      
      the unlocking head (301) is telescopically located on top of the unlocking rod (302);
      
      the stop groove (303) is disposed on the unlocking rod (302) and the solenoid (305) is disposed at bottom of the unlocking rod (302);
      
      the lock core of the lock comprises a lock core body (1061), a lock core case (1062), a marble (1063) and a stop abutment (1064);
      
      the steel ball (1063) and the stop abutment (1064) are disposed inside the lock core case (1062), and the stop abutment (1064) is disposed on sidewall of an inner through hole of the top cover; and
      
      when the unlocking device is in the state of unlocking, the stop abutment (1064) is inserted in the stop groove (303).
  - 12. The smart interlock system according to claim 4, characterized in that:
    - the unlocking module comprises an unlocking head (301), an unlocking rod (302), a stop groove (303), a solenoid (an electromagnet) (305) and a position detector (306);
      
      the identity identifying module (201) is disposed at the exterior of the unlocking rod (302) and near one end of the solenoid (305);
      
      the unlocking head (301) is telescopically located on top of the unlocking rod (302);
      
      the stop groove (303) is disposed on the unlocking rod (302) and the solenoid (305) is disposed at bottom of the unlocking rod (302);
      
      the lock core of the lock comprises a lock core body (1061), a lock core case (1062), a marble (1063) and a stop abutment (1064);
      
      the steel ball (1063) and the stop abutment (1064) are disposed inside the lock core case (1062), and the stop abutment (1064) is disposed on sidewall of an inner through hole of the top cover; and
      
      when the unlocking device is in the state of unlocking, the stop abutment (1064) is inserted in the stop groove (303).
  - 13. The smart interlock system according to claim 5, characterized in that:
    - the unlocking module comprises an unlocking head (301), an unlocking rod (302), a stop groove (303), a solenoid (an electromagnet) (305) and a position detector (306);
      
      the identity identifying module (201) is disposed at the exterior of the unlocking rod (302) and near one end of the solenoid (305);
      
      the unlocking head (301) is telescopically located on top of the unlocking rod (302);
      
      the stop groove (303) is disposed on the unlocking rod (302) and the solenoid (305) is disposed at bottom of the unlocking rod (302);
      
      the lock core of the lock comprises a lock core body (1061), a lock core case (1062), a marble (1063) and a stop abutment (1064);
      
      the steel ball (1063) and the stop abutment (1064) are disposed inside the lock core case (1062), and the stop abutment (1064) is disposed on sidewall of an inner through hole of the top cover; and
      
      when the unlocking device is in the state of unlocking, the stop abutment (1064) is inserted in the stop groove (303).

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Litigation Campaign Assessment

Current Assignee
Zhuhai Unitech Power Technology Co., Ltd.
Original Assignee
Zhuhai Unitech Power Technology Co., Ltd.
Inventors
Jin, Shuqiang, Chang, Qing
Primary Examiner(s)
Mehmood, Jennifer
Assistant Examiner(s)
POINT, RUFUS C

Application Number

US13/503,622
Publication Number

US 20120206235A1
Time in Patent Office

1,847 Days
Field of Search

340/5.64, 340/5.63, 340/5.7
US Class Current

340/5.64
CPC Class Codes

E05B 17/0083   Sound emitting devices, e.g...

E05B 19/0088   Displays on keys, e.g. LED ...

E05B 2047/0062   by generator

E05B 2047/0069   bolt position

E05B 47/0611   Cylinder locks with electro...

G07C 2009/0088   centrally

G07C 9/00309   operated with bidirectional...

Y10T 70/7124   Retracted electrically only

Smart interlock system and working method thereof

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Smart interlock system and working method thereof

First Claim

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13 Claims

Specification

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