This invention relates generally to the field of electronic locks, and more particularly to a keyless electronic lock and its application, particularly a cash box, secret box or safe box using the keyless electronic lock.

Background of the Invention

In some occasions requiring substantial security, for example access control systems of Grade A office buildings, electronic locking systems having a burglar alarm are becoming more and more popular, because they provide substantial security and allow for a large number of combinations of lock access codes in comparison with mechanical locking systems.

Generally, electronic locking devices are known to include the following sorts: 1 . keypad or steering wheel electronic locks in which passwords are input through the numerical push buttons formed on the keypad or the steering wheel, and which are easy to operate;

2. electronic key-type electronic locks in which passwords are input through the electronic key in communication with a control circuit via sound, light, electricity or magnetism; the electronic key forms an important part of the control circuit, and may be constructed in a handheld form by cell circuitry; and

3. biometric identification electronic locks which utilize biometric traits such as sound, eyeball, face and fingerprints as input passwords, and which must be equipped with a computer for authentication of the biometric traits to enable the unlocking of the locks and are very expensive.

On the other hand, the currently available electronic safe deposit boxes, especially portable secret boxes, would have two locks to secure the contents therein. The boxes usually have also a mechanic lock which is vulnerable to be opened mechanically. Therefore, the currently available boxes with electronic lock have relatively low security.

A portable cash or secret boxes with a keyless electronic lock has not been found in the art yet. l Summary of the Invention

An object of the invention is to provide a novel touch sensitive electronic locking device which is opened by touch input and/or an electronic key, and which requires no mechanical key.

The invention also provides a portable secret box equipped with the electronic locking device of the invention.

To attain the above objects, the invention provides an electronic locking device, comprising:

a lock hook;

a lock body;

circuit components including a power supply unit, a microcontroller unit (MCU) and an electromagnetic actuator mechanism;

a touch pad through which a lock password or operation instructions are input by touching a plurality of touch areas formed on the touch pad, and which transmits a signal to the MCU responsive to the touch input; and/or

an electronic key in which a lock access code for opening the electronic locking device is stored;

wherein the power supply unit comprises a power source for providing power to the MCU and the touch pad; and the MCU delivers a signal to the electromagnetic actuator mechanism to release the lock hook from the lock body for opening the electronic locking device, when the lock password is input correctly on the touch pad or the electronic key is plugged to be connected with the MCU.

The electromagnetic actuator mechanism may be a motor, particularly a DC motor with a sensor for positioning the lock hook.

According to the invention, the electronic locking device may further comprise a LED indicator connected respectively to the power source and the MCU for indicating in which state the electronic locking device is operating.

The electronic locking device may further comprise an acoustic output unit, particularly a beeper, connected respectively to the power source and the MCU for indicating in which state the electronic locking device is operating and whether the password is valid. The electronic locking device may further comprise an a low energy detection unit connected respectively to the power source and the MCU for detecting whether the power source is in low energy condition and transmitting a corresponding signal to the MCU.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the MCU comprises an integrated circuit HT68F30; the touch pad comprises an integrated circuit BS808B and comprises three to eight touch areas formed thereon; the power supply unit comprises an integrated circuit HT7530, and the power source comprises AA or AAA dry batteries or rechargeable batteries or cell buttons; and the electronic key comprises an integrated circuit HT2201 memory IC, and the electronic key is connected with the MCU via a mini USB interface.

Preferably, the lock access code consists of a plurality of binary code numbers, and the electronic key is an USB memory. The electronic key can serve for password recovery and lock opening.

According to the invention, the lock password by the touch input is formed as a pattern, character or the like.

The invention also provides a secret box comprising:

a box cover;

a box body; and

an electronic locking device according to the invention;

wherein the box cover is locked openably to the box body through the electronic locking device.

In the secret box of the invention, the power supply unit is mounted on a bottom of the box body, the LED touch pad and the LED indicator are arranged on a top surface of the box cover; a lock sensor is provided to detect whether the box cover is snapped into the box body, and to signal to the MCU to drive actuation of the electromagnetic actuator mechanism for locking the electronic locking device if the snapping is in order.

In one embodiment of the invention, the box cover is pivotally fixed to the box body by a hinge arranged on one side of the box cover, and the lock hook is mounted on the opposite side of the box cover, and the lock body is mounted on the box body at a position corresponding to the lock hook. The secret box may be formed as a portable safe deposit box or briefcase.

In contrast to the lock devices available in the prior art, the electronic locking device of the invention eliminates the physical key and provides substantial security and low maintenance and low costs. The electronic locking device of the invention also provides the advantages of ease and convenience to use.

To have a better understanding of the invention reference is made to the following detailed description of the invention and embodiments thereof in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective schematic view of a portable secret box constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in an open state.

Fig. 2A is a side view of the secret box of Fig. 1.

Fig. 2 B is a top view of the secret box of Fig. 1.

Fig. 2C is a schematic view of a touch pad on which a password is input by touching one or more touch areas formed on the touch pad.

Fig. 3 is a circuitry block diagram used in the secret box of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a circuitry of a microcontroller unit (MCU) with switching or optical sensors of the secret box of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a circuitry of a power supply unit of the secret box of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a circuitry of a touch pad and a MCU touch reader of the secret box of Fig. 1 .

Fig. 7 is a circuitry of an LED indicator of the secret box of Fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a circuitry of an electronic key of the secret box of Fig. 1.

Fig. 9 is a circuitry of an acoustic output unit of the secret box of Fig. 1.

Fig. 10 is a circuitry of a low energy detection unit of the secret box of Fig. 1. Fig. 1 1 is a circuitry of a motor driver of the secret box of Fig. 1.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

While this invention is illustrated and described in preferred embodiments, the invention may be produced in many different configurations, sizes, forms and materials. The technical solution and inventive concept of the invention will be described with the accompanying drawings, and embodied in a secret box having a touch sensitive electronic locking device.

The inventive concept of the invention is that a touch sensitive electronic lock is formed as a keyless electronic lock, which can be mounted onto a secret box. Thus, a mechanical key may be eliminated. As a spare key or a master key, an electronic key containing a lock access code which consists of a plurality of binary encrypted code numbers may be provided for the electronic lock.

According to the invention, the touch sensitive electronic lock will be opened by touching the touch pad with a finger or hand. The touch sensitive electronic lock is more inexpensive and has longer service life than a keypad switch, and also can optimize the control circuit of the electronic lock.

Fig. 1 is a perspective schematic view of a portable secret box constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in an open state. As illustrated, the secret box comprises a box body and a box cover which are made of a strong material. The box cover may be pivotally opened for allowing an object to be taken out of or put into the box body. Alternatively, the box body and the box cover may be made from any other suitable material, for example metal, fabric or leather, where the box will become a briefcase having an electronic lock.

As shown in Fig. 1 , one side of the box cover is pivotally connected to the box body by a hinge 8, and a lock hook 5 is mounted on the opposite side of the box cover. The lock hook 5 is fastened to a locking body mounted in the box body to lock the secret box. As a variation, the box cover and the box body may be provided separately, where a plurality of lock hooks and a plurality of locking body are mounted on the box cover and the box body, respectively, to lock the secret box.

A lock sensor 6 is provided on the box body or the box cover for detecting whether the box cover is snapped onto the box body. If the snapping has been done, a detection signal will be transmitted to a MCU which will then act to lock the secret box. This will be described in details hereinbelow.

The box body has a multiplicity of trays or compartments to provide the convenience of use. A mirror glass 7 is mounted on an internal side of the box cover. As an alternative, an instruction manual may be stuck onto the internal side of the box.

Fig. 2A is a side view of the secret box of the invention, showing that the box cover is snapped onto the box body. As can be seen, an interface 3 into which an electronic key is plugged is arranged on one side wall of the box cover. The interface 3 may be a mini-USB (universal serial bus) interface or any other suitable interface. For example, the interface 3 may be an infrared (IR) interface or a radio frequency (RF) interface. Also, the interface 3 can be arranged on any suitable position of the box body.

A power source 4 for powering the electronic lock is mounted in a compartment of the bottom of the box body. The power source 4 may be AA batteries or AAA batteries, or rechargeable batteries or cell buttons. Or the power source 4 may be mounted in the box cover.

Fig. 2B is a top view of the secret box of the invention, and Fig. 2C is a schematic view of a touch pad. As illustrated, a touch sensitive pad 1 is formed in the center of the top surface of the box cover, and an LED (light emitting diode) indicator 2 in a circular shape is provided along a circumference of the touch pad 1 . In this embodiment, five touch areas A-E in a spaced relation are provided on a surface of the touch sensitive pad 1 for inputting a password. As shown, four of the touch areas A, B, D and E are positioned at the four right angles of a square, and the touch area C is positioned at the center of the square. The sequence of touching the five touch areas constructs a lock password for opening the electronic lock of the invention. For example, sequential touching of the touch areas A, B, C, D and E forms a "Z"-shaped lock password. The combination of five touch areas can create up to 120 passwords. Such a combination may result in up to 10 ⁵ passwords, if repeatedly touching each of the touch areas A-E is taken into account.

It can be seen that the lock password of the electronic lock according to the invention is not a digital password, instead, it is a password which corresponds to a character or pattern defined by the touch areas. Touching or scanning the touch areas is allowed, provided that the character or the pattern is input correctly.

In the case that more passwords are required, a touch screen of high resolution can be used to form the touch pad 1 , which is similar to the touch screen of a mobile phone or a computer. According to the invention, the touch pad 1 can be selected from a capacitance touch pad, a resistance touch pad or a thermal touch pad.

The box cover may comprise a coating layer to protect the touch pad 1 from being damaged or touched inadvertently and to conceal the touch pad 1 from the others to enhance the security.

Fig. 3 is a circuitry block diagram used in the secret box of the invention. As illustrated, the circuitry consists of a power supply unit 1 1 , a MCU 10, a touch pad 12, an LED indicator 13, an electronic key 14, an acoustic output unit 15, a low energy detection unit 16 and a motor 17, which are configured and arranged as shown in Figs. 4 to 1 1 , respectively. The LED indicator 13, either of the electronic key 14 and the touch pad 12, the acoustic output unit 15, the low energy detection unit 16 and/or the motor 17 are optional and may be removed according the actual needs and arrangements.

Fig. 4 is a circuitry of MCU 10 of the secret box of the invention. The MCU 10 comprises a microcontroller integrated circuit HT68F30 which is a flash 8 bits electrically-erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and associated peripheral circuits. The MCU 10 has various pins for receiving a plurality of control signals and transmitting the corresponding control signals as shown in Fig. 4. The MCU 10 has switching or optical sensors for positioning the box cover and the motor, and a touch reader which reads out the lock password input on the touch pad. The switches SW1 and SW2 are connected to the lock sensor 6 shown in Fig. 1 for detecting the state of the lock sensor and a motor sensor arranged in the box body for detecting the state of the motor sensor, respectively. The pin 9 of the MCU 10 is connected to the mini USB interface via a diode for detecting the electronic key plugged into the interface. The pin 14 of the MCU 10 is connected to the output terminal SCD of the touch pad 1 .

Fig. 5 is a circuitry of the power supply unit 1 1 of the secret box of the invention. The power supply unit 1 1 is electrically coupled to the batteries shown in Fig. 2A for powering the components, especially the integrated circuits. Some of the components may be powered on directly by the batteries. The power supply unit 1 1 comprises a DC/DC converter U1 and associated peripheral circuits. The converter U1 may be an integrated circuit HT7530 which is a 100mA step-down stabilizing voltage chip that delivers a 3V output voltage VDD to provide the power energy to the MCU 10 and the touch pad 12.

Fig. 6 is a circuitry of the touch pad of the secret box of the invention, comprising an integrated circuit U2, associated peripheral circuits and the touch areas A-E. The IC U2 has pins that are connected to the output voltage VDD of the power supply unit 1 1 and the touch areas A-E, respectively. The IC U2 may be a IC BS808B which is capable of detecting eight touch areas and sensing whether the touch areas are touched with a finger or hand to determine whether a touch signal is generated. The IC BS808B has a compact configuration and provides at least one serial interface which is in communication with the MCU 10. Other types of integrated circuit U2 is possible for the applications where more than eight touch areas are required or other types of touch pad are adopted.

Fig. 7 is a circuitry of the LED indicator 13 of the secret box of the invention, which may be powered on by the batteries directly. The LED indicator 13 has an input terminal connected to the pin 5 of the MCU 10 (which is a LED signal output terminal) for indicating that the touch pad 1 is working or operating under the control of the MCU 10. The LED indicator 13 may comprise one or more LEDs 2. In this embodiment, the LED indicator 13 comprises a plurality of LEDs in a circular shape which surrounds the touch pad 1. In this figure, 8050D is the model no. of the transistor Q1.

Fig. 8 is a circuitry of the electronic key 14 of the secret box of the invention. This figure also illustrates a part of the USB interface shown in Fig. 4. The circuitry of the electronic key 14 comprises an integrated circuit HT2201 (SOT23-5) and associated peripheral circuits. The IC HT2201 (SOT23-5) is a two-wire serial EEPROM in the form of SOT23-5 mini package, and suitable for many applications which require strictly for space occupation. A preset lock access code is stored in the electronic key 14. When the electronic key 14 is plugged into the mini USB interface of the secret box, the secret box will be opened if the lock access code matches the code of the box. The electronic key 14 may serve as a spare key and enables the user to open the secret box once the user forgets the touch password as discussed above. One electronic key 14 is assigned with an unique ID no. which corresponds to one secret box solely. Preferably, the lock access code consists of a plurality of binary encrypted code numbers, and the electronic key 14 is an USB memory in which the lock access code is stored. The combination of the binary code numbers can result in up to 4 x 10 ⁹ lock access codes, if desired. Therefore, the electronic key 14 provides substantial security and reliability.

Fig. 9 is a circuitry of the acoustic output unit 15 of the secret box of the invention, which can be powered on by the batteries directly. The acoustic output 15 comprises a beeper or a speaker. The acoustic output unit 15 has an input terminal connected to the "BUZ" signal output terminal (i.e. the pin 6) of the MCU 10 to make beep sounds, indicative of the electronic lock being in operation.

Fig. 10 is a circuitry of the low energy detection unit 16 of the secret box of the invention, which can be powered on by the batteries directly. The low energy detection unit 16 comprises two PNP type transistors Q4 and Q5 (model no. 8550D) with an emitter connected to a base. The base of the transistor Q4 is connected to the "OLVD" terminal (i.e. the pin 3) of the MCU 10, and the collector of the transistor Q5 is connected to the "ILVD" terminal (i.e. the pin 4) of the MCU 10. The low energy detection unit 16 can detect whether the batteries are in the low energy condition, and in the case of low energy condition transmit a signal to the MCU 10 for enabling the LED indicator to flash continuously for battery replacement.

Fig. 1 1 is a circuitry of the motor driver 17 of the secret box of the invention, which can be powered on by the batteries directly. The motor driver 17 preferably comprises a DC motor M with a sensor for the lock hook positioning and associated driving circuits. The input of the motor driver 17 is connected to the "ΡΑΓ signal output (i.e the pin 16) of the MCU 10. The DC motor M operates under the control of the MCU 10 to drive the automatic descending of the box cover to the closed position and then lock the box, or to drive the automatic ascending of the box cover to the open position and then unlock the box. The model no. and specification of the DC motor M can be selected to cater for the dimension and weight of the secret box.

The operation of the secret box of the invention will be elaborated below. Start Up (Reset or power on)

1 . Open the battery compartment cover on the bottom of the secret box. 2. Insert the batteries, for example three 1 .5V AA type batteries; it should ensure that the polarity is correct when the batteries are inserted.

3. LED indicator is turned on with beep sound.

4. Close the battery compartment cover.

The user password can be kept even the batteries are replaced or reset.

Open the Secret Box

1 . Double touch the touch area "C" (for example within one second) to deliver a signal to the MCU 10 that it is ready to input the password, then the LED indicator is driven to light up by the MCU 10 with beep sound.

2. Sequentially touch the touch areas on the touch pad to input the password, and the default password is "ABCDE" which make up a "Z" -shaped character.

If the password is correctly input, the MCU 10 would drive the DC motor M to operate to unlock the electronic lock and open the box cover after the beep sound.

If the password is incorrect, the electronic lock remains in the locked position, and double beep sound is made under the control of the MCU 10, and then go to Step 1 for password re-entry.

Lock the Secret Box

1 . Push down the box cover in the open position by hand which is detected by the lock sensor 6, the lock sensor 6 then delivers a signal to the MCU 10 which would signal to lock the electronic lock and drive to light up the LED indicator, and the sound of motor rotation can be heard.

2. Release the hand after the LED indicator is turned off, indicative of the lock being closed.

3. If the LED indicator is being flashed continuously to indicate the low energy condition, the electronic lock cannot be closed, then go to the above "Start up" procedure to replace the battery. Change the Password

1 . Double touch the touch area "C" (for example within one second), the LED indicator is driven to light up by the MCU 10 with beep sound. 2. Touch and hold the touch area "C" for a period of time (for example 5 seconds), then the MCU 10 would signal to the beeper to make one beep sound.

3. Touch to input the previous password (or the default password if no password is changed).

If the password is correctly input, the MCU 10 would confirm it by one beep sound; then touch to input a new password consisting of 3 to 8 touches on the touch pad which will be confirmed by other beep sound; finally touch the touch areas in the touch pad to re-enter the new password for last confirmation by one more beep sound. The new password is valid then.

If the password is incorrect, double beep sound is made under the control of the

MCU 10, and then go to Step 1 for password re-entry.

Forget the Password

If the user forgets the touch password, the electronic key 14 needs to be plugged into the mini-USB interface 3 of the secret box. The DC motor M would automatically unlock the electronic lock and open the box cover if the lock access code contained in the electronic key matches the preset code. It should be noted that the electronic key 14 must be stored at a secret area for emergency use. Losing the Electronic Key

1 . If the electronic key is lost or stolen, the user needs to contact the customer service of the manufacturer to re-build a new electronic key, on the basis of the user information registered in the manufacturer. In the meantime, the secret box can be opened by touching to input the password on the touch pad.

2. If the electronic key is lost and the touch password is forgotten at the same time, the secret box must be sent to the customer service of the manufacturer for opening the box by administration login and re-building a new electronic key.

As discussed above with reference to Fig. 8, the ID no. of the electronic key is associated solely with the ID no. of the corresponding secret box. The lock access code of the electronic key utilizes the binary system and is unique. Thus, the lock access code of the electronic key can be selected and set from up to 4G combinations.

In operation, if the LED indicator is not lit up after doubling touch the touch area C, this suggests that the batteries are in low energy condition and need to be replaced.

The default password and the position of the touch area C can be adjusted according to the actual needs, which fall into the scope of the invention.

According to the invention, the electronic lock can be opened either by touching to input the password or by plugging the electronic key. It would be appreciated that the invention can be implemented by either one of these two methods. Namely, the electronic lock can be designed to be opened by touching to input the password only, or by plugging the electronic key only. This is within the ability of a person skilled in the art.

Apart from the use of the DC motor M (as shown in Fig. 1 1 ), the electromagnetic actuator may be driven by the MCU 10 to actuate the release and locking of the lock hook of the electronic lock. In this case, the box cover requires to be opened and closed manually. This would reduce the costs and simplify the technical solution of the invention.

The LED indicator 13, the acoustic output unit 15 and/or the low energy detection unit 16 may be removed for the purpose of further reduction in manufacturing costs. This simplified technical solution can still achieve the basic function of the invention and thus falls into the scope of the invention.

According to the circuits and operations of the electronic lock discussed above as well as the MCU and the integrated circuits adopted herein, the MCU, the touch pad and the integrated circuits are all programmed properly in order that the electronic lock of the invention goes smoothly. Starting from the teachings of the invention, modification to the programs is possible to cater for the specific designs in practice, which is however within the scope of the invention.

In addition to the portable secret box, the electronic lock of the invention can find a wide range of applications such as briefcases, doors and access control systems. While the embodiments described herein are intended as exemplary locking devices, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated. Those skilled in the art will envision many other possible variations and modifications by means of the skilled person's common knowledge without departing from the scope of the invention, however, such variations and modifications should fall into the scope of this invention.