WO1999067759A2 - Coding circuit and actuating or control device provided with said circuit for a signal actuated closing system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a coding circuit (1) providing an electronic code that can be easily, manually and randomly adjusted in addition to being easily and manually duplicated and reproduced. Preferably, the circuit has a non-volatile memory device (5) for storing said code (13), a programming device (21) for manually inputting said code (13) by means of first actuating devices (6) and a display device (9) which displays the code (13) to a user. The programming and preferably the display of said code are performed successively for each n position of the code. The invention is provided with m first actuating devices (6), whereby m corresponds to the number of possible states for each position of the code (12), preferably in addition to a display element (15) that can deliver m signals that can be recognized and differentiated by the user. The inventive coding circuit is particularly suitable for components of a closing system, e.g. for a manual radio transmitter or a radio receiver in a radio-controlled garage door system, as a replacement for mechanical circuits.

Description

CODING AND SWITCHING OR CONTROL DEVICE FOR A S I G NAL B ETÄTI G BARES

LOCKING SYSTEM

The invention relates to a coding circuit for supplying a code that can be read and freely adjusted for free reproduction from n digits, each of which can be arbitrarily assigned manually with one of m possible states, for a security-relevant multicomponent system - in particular a signal-actuated locking system - whose components interact in a code-protected manner.

Such coding circuits are used in such a multi-component system (for example remote-controlled or remote-controlled systems with transmitters and receivers as components), in which two or more components communicate or otherwise interact using a code, the codes for the problem-free expansion of the system by one component or to replace a component freely and easily changeable but also to be duplicable. The code is therefore not entered by the user from his memory like a PIN at an automated teller machine or when a cell phone is started up. Rather, the code is contained in the components and is automatically exchanged by the components when they work together to determine whether the components are authorized to work together. The operator therefore only comes into contact with the code if it is to be changed or re-entered.

An example of such a multi-component system is a radio-controlled garage door for closing a garage entrance. A handheld radio transmitter is normally available for each authorized person, by means of which the door can be opened remotely by sending a code signal to a radio receiver connected to a door operator. The code contained in the handheld radio transmitter is then, so to speak, the key with which the authorization to open the garage door is verified. In order to be able to guarantee mass production and simple subsequent delivery of hand-held radio transmitters with later adaptation options to existing codes, coding circuits of the type mentioned at the outset, so-called coding switches, have been used with such hand-held radio transmitters and radio receivers. An example of a hand-held radio transmitter provided with such a coding switch is shown in the attached FIG. 6.

Such coding switches (sometimes referred to as "mouse piano") consist of n individual switches, which can be grouped together in a switch strip or other switch housing. The switches usually have two switch positions, corresponding to two possible states (m = 2), which are often designated with "OFF / ON", "OPEN / CLOSED" or "0" and "1". With such coding switches, m ^π different codes can be set manually, e.g. with n = 10 switches there are two possible switch positions ( m = 2) 2 ¹⁰ = 1024 different, arbitrarily adjustable codes.

For example, in order to enter the bit sequence "0100000010" as a code, the second and penultimate switch is set to the "1" position, as shown in FIG. 6, while all the other switches remain in the "0" position. The coding is fail-safe The coding is retained even if the voltage or other energy supply is interrupted, since the switches are mechanically fixed. The greatest advantage of the known coding circuits is that the set code is visible when the coding circuit is viewed (see FIG. 6 If the multi-component system is to be expanded by one component, for example a new radio transmitter to be added to an existing garage door system, only the corresponding code on the new component needs to be set by duplicating the switch position of an existing component to become.

However, the disadvantage is the price and the sometimes filigree operability of the often tiny switches. In addition, the known coding circuits ensure only a low level of security. The coding circuits are mostly hidden, for example inside the hand-held radio transmitter and the radio receiver, so that the set code can only be duplicated when these components are accessed. However, there is only a limited number of code options due to the number of switches too high a possibility that the code will be tried out by chance or by chance by an unauthorized person with a comparable manually adjustable component.

Despite these disadvantages, however, there will continue to be a demand for such coding circuits in the future, since existing systems will probably still be in operation for a long time and components for such systems are desired for retrofitting. In addition, multi-component systems with such coding switches offer the possibility for each individual user to set a desired code on the corresponding component with little effort and uncomplicated operation.

The object of the invention is to provide a coding circuit of the type mentioned at the outset which is less expensive and offers a greater variety of adjustable code possibilities and which is also particularly suitable for retrofitting existing multicomponent systems.

To achieve this object, a coding circuit of the type mentioned at the outset comprises a signal-operated memory device for storing the code, a programming device for entering or changing the code in or in the memory device, with at least m manually operated first actuating devices, by means of which the n Set the code to be stored in the memory device in succession with one of the m possible states in a signal-controlled manner, and a signal-controlled display device which is connected to the memory device for reading out the code stored therein and is suitable for displaying the stored code to an operator.

In the coding circuit according to the invention, as in the known mechanical coding switches, the operator can enter a code arbitrarily via the programming device, which has buttons or the like as the first actuating devices. The code entered is stored in the memory device. In addition, the operator can read the stored code on the display device, so that they can easily duplicate the stored code on other components. The code circuit according to the invention thus fulfills the most important functions of the known mechanical coding switches, but is not limited by mechanical components in the number n of digits of the code. The circuit could also easily be under Software can be implemented. Then the manufacturer only needs to produce a component with the appropriate hardware. By adapting the software, it is easy to adapt the number n of codes to codes used by existing systems.

So that the coding circuit according to the invention functions in the same way as the mechanical coding switch even when the power supply fails and retains the stored code, it is preferred that the memory device has a memory element that is independent of the power supply, in particular a non-volatile semiconductor memory element.

It is further preferred if the programming device has a manually operable programming mode initiating device for initiating the programming process. This has the advantage that inadvertent reprogramming is difficult. In addition, with such a design, the first actuating devices can be assigned other functions in normal operation.

Accidental initiation of a programming process is further complicated if the programming mode initiating device can be actuated by actuating a second actuating device which is more difficult to access than the first actuating devices, or by a certain combination or actuation sequence of the first actuating devices.

It is also conceivable that the display device has a display which may be hidden and which permanently displays the set code. An undesired recognition of the stored code can instead be prevented by a hidden arrangement of a display element in that the display device has a manually operable display mode initiator for initiating a display mode and a display element that displays the code after actuation of the display mode initiator of the operator. This is preferred because the display element can then be easily arranged on an exposed location, for example visibly on a housing, which makes reading easier, but can also perform other functions in a normal mode, for example for displaying for operation the component in which the coding circuit is used can serve required or desired parameters or signals. The display element could also be a display on which the code can be displayed completely (ie all n digits at once). As mentioned, it should also be possible to generate codes in which the number n of digits is large and which, due to the size of the displays which are naturally limited, could only be shown incompletely or one after the other. It is very cost-effective, but still completely sufficient, if the display element only shows the state of a single point. The n digits can then be displayed one after the other. It is therefore provided in a further preferred embodiment that the display element in the display mode successively emits a signal perceptible by the operator and assignable to that of the m possible states with which the corresponding position of the code is currently assigned, for each of the n positions.

An unwanted initiation of the display mode with possibly unwanted disclosure of the code is made more difficult if the display mode initiating device can be actuated by actuation of a third actuation device which is more difficult to access than the first actuation devices, or by a certain combination or actuation sequence of the first actuation devices or the first and the second actuation devices is.

The invention is also readily applicable to systems in which switches with more than two switching positions have previously been used. It is also conceivable to enter and change decimal codes arbitrarily. However, a more advantageous embodiment of the invention, in which the code has an n-digit bit sequence with m = 2 possible, is more economical and in view of the fact that a change, setting or input of the codes takes place only extremely rarely in the systems in question here States ("0" or "1" or "H" or "L") per digit, ie Bit, is, the programming device preferably having two keys as the first actuating devices, each of which is assigned to one of the two possible states.

Furthermore, a signal generator can (but does not have to) be provided that acknowledges actuations or functions of the coding circuit by emitting signals to the operator.

A signal lamp, in particular a light-emitting diode, is advantageously used as a signal transmitter and as a display element.

The coding circuit according to the invention can be used particularly advantageously in an actuation device for a code-protected signal-actuated locking system for ben a code signal for actuating the locking system, which has a control device which receives the code signal from the actuating device, compares it with a predetermined signal code and controls the locking system for opening or closing after establishing a match, the actuating device having a code signal setting device for at least partially manually arbitrary Setting the code signal to be delivered is provided. An example of such an actuating device is a hand-held radio transmitter for a radio-controllable garage door. Such a hand-held radio transmitter can easily be used instead of existing hand-held radio transmitters with known mechanical coding switches. Instead of a mechanical setting of the switches, the code is entered by programming it into the memory device by means of the programming device. Such a programming operation is advantageously initiated as a second actuating device via a button arranged in the housing. During the programming process, the keys intended for sending the code signals in normal operation can be used in succession as first actuating devices for entering the states of the individual digits of the code. A light-emitting diode present in many hand-held radio transmitters to indicate the transmission function in normal operation can be used as the display element, and the button can serve as a third actuation element for initiating the display mode without subsequent actuation of the first actuation elements (signal keys).

Furthermore, the invention provides a control device for a code-protected, signal-actuated locking system for receiving a code signal sent by an actuating device, comparing the code signal with a predetermined signal code and controlling the locking system after establishing a match between the signal code and the code signal, with a signal code setting device for at least partially manually setting of the predetermined signal code, which can be used instead of a control device with mechanical code switches. For this purpose, the signal code setting device is provided with the coding circuit according to the invention. An example of such a control device is a radio receiver for a radio-controlled garage door.

The invention makes it possible for existing locking systems such as the garage door mentioned, with a large number of users and accordingly a large number of components, that is to say hand-held transmitters or the like, to be gradually modernized by gradually replacing the components. Once everyone is Providing components with the coding circuits according to the invention instead of previously used mechanical coding switches, a code with a larger number n of codes than previously could be used, ie newly entered, with a corresponding design of the coding circuit according to the invention - for example by means of adapted software. The individual authorized persons only needed to be informed by a message, for example in the form of a letter, which contains the new code and possibly operating instructions for setting the new code. The invention makes it possible for the authorized persons to reset their code without outside help solely on the basis of this message.

Embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shows:

1 shows a basic circuit diagram of a coding circuit in a first embodiment,

2 is a block diagram of the coding circuit of FIG. 1,

3 shows a basic circuit diagram of a coding circuit in a second embodiment,

4 shows a block diagram of the coding circuit according to FIG. 3,

5 is a front view of a hand-held radio transmitter for a radio-controlled remote-controlled garage door system,

Fig. 6 is a rear view of a known handheld radio transmitter with the open

Battery compartment and

Fig. 7 is a rear view of a new type of radio transmitter with the open

Battery compartment

1 shows a coding circuit 1 suitable for supplying a code by means of which a component of a system can prove its authorization to interact with other system components, in a first embodiment. The coding circuit 1 has an input 2 and an output 3, which are connected to a processor P acting as a control unit 4. In addition, the coding circuit 1 for power supply has a current or voltage supply connection V and a ground connection M.

A memory device 5 for storing a bit sequence 13 as code is connected to the control unit 4. The memory device 5 has a programmable non-volatile semiconductor memory S which holds stored values even in the event of a power failure.

In addition, two first actuating devices 6 that can be actuated by an operator, a display device 9, a signal transmitter 11, a second actuating device 12 that can be actuated by the operator and a third actuating device 14 that can be actuated by the operator are connected to the control unit 4.

The two first actuating devices 6 are essentially formed by a first easily accessible button 7 and a second easily accessible button 8.

The display device 9 comprises a display element 15 which can emit at least two signals which are perceptible and distinguishable by the operator. 1, the display element 15 is suitable for displaying numbers.

The signal generator 11 comprises an LED as a signal lamp 10 for emitting optical signals. The second actuating device 12 comprises a first button 16, and the third actuating device comprises a second button 17. The buttons 16, 17 are more difficult to access than the buttons 7 and 8.

2, a normal operation controller 18 for controlling a normal operation, a programming mode controller 19 for controlling a programming operation in a programming mode, and a display mode controller 20 for controlling a display operation in a display mode in the processor P are in the form of Software implemented.

The normal operation control 18 is with the input 2 and the output 3 and with the

Storage device 5 connected. The programming mode controller 19 is with the two first actuators 6, the second actuator 12, the signal generator

11 and the memory device 5 for forming a programming device 21 for Entering or changing the code (bit sequence 13) in or in the memory device 5. The display mode controller 20 is connected to the third actuating device 14 and the display element 15 and, together with these, forms the display device 9, which is used to display the code stored in the storage device 5 to the operator. For this purpose, the display device 9 is connected to the memory device 5 via the display mode controller 20.

The function of the coding circuit 1 is described below.

In normal operation, the coding circuit 1 serves to write an n-digit bit sequence 13, i.e. output a binary number with n digits, each assigned one of two possible states, "0" and "1" (or "H" and "L"). For this purpose, the normal operation controller of the control unit 4 reads the bit sequence 13 stored in the memory device 5 after receiving a request signal via the input 2 and outputs it as an electrical signal to the output 3.

The programming device 21 is active in a programming mode. The programming mode is initiated by actuating the second actuating device 12. The programming mode control 19, which acts together with the second actuating device 12 as a programming mode initiating device, activates in

Programming mode the first actuators 6 and controls the programming process. The operator can then select the desired state or value, “0” or “1”, for each of the n positions one after the other by actuating the corresponding one of the first actuating devices 6. If states have been selected for all n digits, the programming mode controller 19 supplies the bit sequence thus entered in the form of electrical signals as a new code to the memory device 5, where a possibly existing bit sequence is deleted and the new one. Code to be used new bit sequence 13 is stored. Thereafter, the programming mode controller 19 automatically ends the programming mode. On the other hand, the programming mode can also be terminated at any time by actuating the second actuating device 12 again, possibly incomplete ones

Entries are then ignored, the old code remains saved. Normal mode is resumed when the programming mode is ended or canceled.

For example, the system specifies that the code to be supplied must be a sequence of 10 bits, ie n = 10. If, for example, the bit sequence "0100000010" is to be newly entered as a code, the operator first actuates the second Actuator to enter programming mode. Thereupon she first presses the first key 7 to assign the status or value "0" to the first digit, then the second key 8 to assign the status or value "1" to the second digit, then six times in succession the first , once the second and once the first button.

All inputs or operations on the actuation devices 6 and 12 are acknowledged by signals from the signal generator 11. The signal lamp 10 of the signal generator 11 emits, for example, a long signal when the first button 7 is pressed and two short signals with a defined pause in between when the second button 8 is pressed. The successful initiation of the programming mode is also indicated, for example by a rapidly flashing signal. Successful storage of the new code is also acknowledged by the signal generator 11.

In order to check the stored code or to copy it onto other components of the system, the coding circuit 1 can be brought into a display mode. In the display mode, the operator's code is displayed by the display device 9. The third actuation device 14 acts together with the display mode controller 20, which starts the display mode when the third actuation device 14 is actuated, as the display mode initiating device for initiating the display mode. The display mode controller 20 then reads out the stored bit sequence 13 from the memory device 5 and controls the display element 15 in such a way that the individual states “0” or “1” (or “H” or “L”) of the n digits in succession displays. After all n bits have been displayed, the coding circuit 1 automatically returns from the display mode to normal operation.

If, for example, the bit sequence "0100000010" is stored as a code in the storage device 5, the display element 15 successively shows a "0" (or alternatively, for example, an "H"), a "0" (or alternatively, for example, an "H") 1 "(or alternatively eg an" L "), six times a" 0 "(" H "), a" 1 "(" L ") and again a" 0 "(" H "). There is between the individual displays paused each time, which indicates that a new position is now displayed.

3 shows a coding circuit 30 in a second embodiment. It has a timer 31 and, in contrast to the coding circuit 1, has only a single button 32 instead of the first and second buttons 16 and 17. The will continue

Display functions of the signal generator 11 and the display device 9 instead of two Separately designed elements 10 and 15 are taken over by a single display element 34 in the form of a signal lamp designed as an LED. The buttons 7 and 8 forming the first actuating devices 6 are arranged together with the display element 34 on an easily accessible control panel 33. Further elements of the coding circuit 30, such as the control unit 4, the memory device 5, the timer 31 and the button 32 are arranged on a circuit board 36, which is located inside a housing 35.

As shown in FIG. 4, the display mode controller 20 in the coding circuit 30 is connected not only to the storage device 5 but also to the programming mode controller 19 and to the display element 34. In addition to the display mode controller 20, the programming mode controller 19 is also connected to the memory device 5, to the display element 34, the push button 32, the first actuating elements 6 and the timer 31. The display mode controller 20 is also connected to the button 32 via the programming mode controller 19.

The function of the coding circuit 30 is the same as that of the coding circuit 1 in normal operation. However, the button 32 acts on the one hand together with the buttons 7 and 8 as a second actuating device 12 for initiating the programming mode and on the other hand together with the timer 31 as a third actuating device 14 for initiating the display mode . To operate the button 32, the operator must have access to the interior of the housing 35, that is to say open the housing. If the button 32 is actuated, the programming mode controller 19 starts the timer 31. If programming is started within a certain period of time, for example 4 seconds, by actuating one of the first actuating devices 6, for example the first button 7, the actuation is carried out interpreted as input for the first bit of the code, and the programming process is carried out as described above for the coding circuit 1, the signal lamp used as the display element 34 fulfilling the function of the signal lamp 10, ie the display element 34 acts as a signal generator 11 in programming mode. It acknowledges each entry, for example by emitting a long signal for a "0" and emitting two short signals for a "1". If all n bits are input, the input bit sequence is sent in the form of electrical signals to the memory device 5, stored there in a non-volatile manner, and the successful input process is also acknowledged by the display element 34 as a signal generator 11 in the form of a longer flashing sequence. Then the system switches back to normal operation. If, however, after actuation of the button 32, no actuation of one of the first actuation devices 6 takes place within the period of time specified by the timer 31, the programming mode controller 19 outputs a signal to the display mode controller 20, which then starts the display mode for carrying out the display process. The display process is carried out essentially analogously to that of the coding circuit 1, but in this case the display element 34 serves to display the individual binary states, “0” or “1”, of the n digits of the code. The display is the same as when acknowledging inputs, ie the signal lamp used as display element 34 gives a long signal for a state "0" (this state is assigned to key 7 in the example shown) and a state "1" for a state two short signals with a defined pause in between, which is shorter than the pause between the display of individual binary digits or bits.

In a special embodiment of the coding circuit 30, the timer 31 becomes active after each input in the programming mode. In this embodiment, a certain period of time elapses between two inputs, e.g. again 4 seconds, the programming process is terminated and the coding circuit 30 returns to normal operation without the coding having been changed.

The coding circuits described are particularly suitable for actuating or control devices of multicomponent systems, in particular of locking systems, in order to deliver a code there as an "electronic key" which authorizes the components to interact. For example, they can be used to deliver codes in radio receivers and / or handheld radio transmitters radio-controlled garage door systems are used.

5 shows a hand-held radio transmitter 38 of such a garage door system in a front view. The hand-held radio transmitter 38 is provided with the housing 35, which contains the devices necessary for transmitting signals and on the front side, visible in FIG. 5, of the control panel 33 with the buttons 7 and 8 and the display element 34. In normal operation, a transmission of code signals is initiated by actuating keys 7 and 8, for example to open a garage door (for example by actuating key 7) or to switch garage lighting or the like on or off (for example by actuating key 8). The display element 34 is used in normal operation to acknowledge transmission of the code signals. There may also be additional buttons 36 for additional functions. In known hand-held radio transmitters, such as the hand-held radio transmitter 39 shown in a rear view with the battery compartment 40 open in FIG. 6, in addition to a battery 41 there is also a coding switch 42 having a number of individual small mechanical switches 43 within the battery compartment 40 for setting the code signal to be transmitted , by means of which a bit sequence can be set as code in a recognizable manner by setting the switch 43.

The hand-held radio transmitter 38, which is shown in FIG. 5 in a front view and in FIG. 7 in a rear view with the battery compartment 40 open, has a code signal setting device for arbitrary, readable and therefore controllable and reproducible setting of the code signal. Instead of the coding switch 42, the coding circuit 30 is therefore provided, of which a part of the circuit board 36 can be seen in FIG. 7 with a component (IC) having the control unit 4 and the memory device 5. On the part of the board 36 accessible from the battery compartment 40, the button 32 is attached so that it can be actuated after opening the battery compartment 40, but is normally protected against unintentional actuation.

Just like the hand-held radio transmitter 38 shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, a corresponding radio receiver (not shown) of the radio-controlled garage door system can also be used with the

Coding circuit 30 (or the coding circuit 1 or a comparable coding circuit) can be provided. In the radio receiver, the code is required as a signal code for comparison with the code signal received by the handheld radio transmitter. If the code signal and signal code match, the radio receiver emits a control signal for actuating a door operator, a light switch or the like. Through the coding circuit 30 (or

1) of the radio receiver, the signal code can be set arbitrarily and the stored one

Signal code can be read by the display device 9. With the help of the coding circuit

Leave 1, 30. the codes are easily transferred between handheld radio transmitters and radio receivers.

The number n of digits need not necessarily be a fixed size. If desired, a much longer code (e.g. with 20, 25, 30, ... digits) can be programmed if the software of the controls 18, 19 and 20 is designed accordingly.

Coding circuits are also conceivable that are not limited to the input and display of binary codes. The codes will mostly be stored as bit sequences and also preferably be passed on as such in a digital electronic manner. However, the use of number systems other than the binary system, for example the common decimal system, may be more convenient for the user. In such a case, m = 2 states (or values) instead of m = 2 as with the bit sequence 13 are possible per digit of the code to be entered. Accordingly, in an embodiment that supports a decimal system, ten first actuation devices, for example in the form of a numeric keypad, will also be present. Then there is also a conversion device which converts the decimal inputs into a bit sequence (binary number) in the programming mode and the bit sequence (binary number) into a decimal number in the display mode.

In still further embodiments (not shown), the signal generator 11 is omitted as a part that is actually unnecessary. With such coding circuits, the operator must do without acknowledgment of inputs.

Embodiments are also conceivable which do not require any buttons 16, 17, 32 and which have only the first actuation devices 6 as actuatable devices. The functions of the buttons 16, 17 and 32 are carried out in such embodiments by certain operating sequences or combinations of operations of the first actuating devices 6, for example in one embodiment the programming mode can be achieved by pressing buttons 7 and 8 together and then pressing one of these buttons for input the state of the first bit. If no further input is made within the time specified by the timer after the joint operation, the display mode is started. In a further embodiment, the programming and / or the display mode is initiated by double-clicking one or both of the buttons 7 and 8.

The controls 18, 19 and 20 can also be in the form of hardware. In addition, the coding circuits described here can be used instead of a garage door system also in other remotely controllable systems for coding the communication between transmitters and receivers, for example for remotely controlling electrical or electronic devices, industrial and power plant systems or alarm systems or the like. Various combinations of the features of the coding circuits described here and of the system components described here are also possible.

Essential aspects of the signal-actuated locking system described here are summarized again below with reference to the illustration in FIG. 2:

A coding circuit (1) is proposed for supplying an electronic code that is simply manually arbitrarily adjustable and manually simply duplicated or reproducible, said coding circuit comprising a preferably non-volatile memory device (5) for storing the code (13), a programming device (21) for manually entering the code (13) via first actuating devices (6) and a display device for (9) for displaying the code (13) to an operator. The programming and preferably also the display of the code takes place in succession for each of n positions of the code. For this purpose, m first actuating devices (6) are provided, m corresponding to the number of states possible for each position of the code (13) and preferably a display element (15) which can deliver m signals which are recognizable and distinguishable by the operator. The coding circuit according to the invention is particularly suitable for components of a locking system, for example for hand-held radio transmitters or radio receivers of a radio-controllable garage door system, where it replaces mechanical coding switches.

REFERENCE SIGN LIST

Coding circuit

entrance

output

Control unit

Storage device first actuating device first button second button

display

Signal lamp

Signal generator second actuator

Bit sequence (code) third actuator

Display element first button second button

Normal operation control

Programming mode control

Display mode control

Programming device

Coding circuit

Timer

Button

Control panel

Display element (signal lamp)

casing

PCB another button 38 radio transmitters

39 known radio transmitters

40 battery compartment

41 battery

42 coding switches

43 switches

P processor

T timer s non-volatile semiconductor memory

Claims

Expectations 1.Coding circuit for supplying a manually readable and freely adjustable code (13) from n digits, each of which can be arbitrarily assigned manually with one of m possible states, for a security-relevant multi-component system - in particular a signal-actuated locking system - whose components (38) Communicate in a code-protected manner or otherwise interact, characterized by a signal-actuatable memory device (5) for storing the code (13), a programming device (21) for entering or changing the code (13) in or in the memory device (5), with at least m manually operable first actuation devices (6), by means of which the n positions of the code (13) to be stored in the storage device (5) can be sequentially signal-controlled with one of the m possible states during a programming process, and a signal-controlled display device (9) which can be connected to the Storage device (5) for Ausle sen of the code (13) stored therein and for displaying the stored code (13). an operator is suitable. 2. Coding circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that the memory device (5) has an energy supply-independent memory element, in particular a non-volatile semiconductor memory (S). 3. Coding circuit according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the programming device (21) has a manually operable programming mode initiating device (12, 19) for initiating the programming process. 4. Coding circuit according to claim 3, characterized in that the programming mode initiating device (12, 19) via actuation of a second actuating device (12), which is more difficult to access than the first actuating devices (6), or via a specific combination or actuation sequence of the first actuating devices ( 6) can be actuated. 5. Coding circuit according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the display device (9) a manually operable display mode initiating device (14, 20) for initiating a display mode and a display element (15, 34) which after actuation of the display mode initiating device (14, 20) the operator displays the code (13). 6. Coding circuit according to claim 5, characterized in that the display element (15, 34) in the display mode one after the other for each of the n digits perceivable by the operator and that of the m possible states with which the corresponding digit of the code (13) currently is assigned, assignable signal. 7. Coding circuit according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the display mode initiating device (14, 20) via actuation of a third actuating device (14), which is more difficult to access than the first actuating devices (6), or via a specific combination or actuation sequence the first actuating devices (6) or the first (6) and the second actuating devices (12) can be actuated. 8. Coding circuit according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the code is an n-digit bit sequence (13) with m = 2 possible states per digit or bit, the programming device (21) preferably having two keys (7, 8) for forming the first actuating devices (6), each one of the two possible states are assigned. 9. coding circuit according to one of claims 1 to 8, geken nze i ch n et d u rch a signal generator (11), the operations and / or functions of the coding circuit (1, 30) acknowledged by emitting signals to the operator. 10. Coding circuit according to claim 6 and claim 9, characterized by a signal lamp (34), in particular a light-emitting diode, which serves as a signal generator (11) and as a display element. 11. Actuating device for a code-protected signal actuatable Locking system, in particular hand-held radio transmitter (38) for a radio-controlled gate, for emitting a code signal for actuating the locking system, which has a control device which receives the code signal from the actuating device, compares it with a predetermined signal code and, after determining a match, the locking system for opening or closing controls, the actuating device being provided with a code signal setting device for at least partially manually arbitrarily setting the code signal to be emitted, characterized in that the code signal setting device is provided with a coding circuit (1, 30) according to one of Claims 1 to 10. 12. Actuating device according to claim 11, characterized by a coding circuit (1, 30) according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the two keys (7, 8) can be actuated in normal operation, in which no programming can be carried out, to emit the signal code is. 13. Control device for a code-protected signal-actuated locking system, in particular radio receiver of a radio-controlled gate, for receiving a code signal sent by an actuating device (38), comparing the code signal with a predetermined signal code and controlling the locking system after determining a match between the signal code and Code signal with a signal code setting device for at least partially manually arbitrarily setting the predetermined signal code, characterized in that the signal code setting device is provided with a coding circuit (1, 30) according to one of Claims 1 to 10.