JP2006257643A - Key management device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve usability by inserting a key unit in any lock unit 1 if it is not used when the key unit 2 is returned to the lock unit 1 in a key management box. <P>SOLUTION: An IC tag is fitted to the tag card of the key unit 2. The identification code of the IC tag is read by the lock unit 1. Information on the correspondence of the identification code to the lock unit 1 is stored in the memory of a control part 3. When a manager ID is read from a master key by a box lock 20, the LED 11 of the lock unit 1 where a key (key unit 2) allowed for the manager ID is present is lit. The information on the correspondence is updated each time the key lock 2 is taken out of the lock unit 1. Each time the key unit 2 is inserted into the lock unit 1, the identification code is read and the information on the correspondence is updated. The information on the correspondence is used for the management. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a key management apparatus that collectively stores and manages a plurality of keys.

  Conventionally, in order to manage a large number of keys, a holder such as a tag is attached to each key, the holder is inserted into a specified lock unit of a key management box (key management device), stored, and managed when taken out. When a person inputs an ID or the like, only a permitted key (holder) can be taken out from the lock unit. There is also a key management box that electrically controls the unlocking operation of the cylinder by inserting the key itself into the key cylinder.

In such a key management device, each holder or key is associated with a lock unit or cylinder into which it is inserted. For example, in the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-184362 (Patent Document 1), as described in paragraph [0024], the key management member (holder) has a specific lock mechanism (lock unit). There is provided a key management member specifying section that can be inserted only into the. Further, in the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-136655 (Patent Document 2), as described in paragraph [0015] and the like, the first to thirty keys and the key holder thereof are the first to first keys. Each of the 30 accommodating units is associated with each other. That is, the storage location of each key is determined.
JP 2003-184362 A (Patent Document 1) JP 2000-136655 A (Patent Document 2)

  However, since the storage position is determined for each key in the conventional technique, there are the following problems. For example, in the case of storing a key attached with a holder as in Patent Document 1 and associating it with a lock mechanism (lock unit) due to a difference in the shape of the holder, etc., the structure must be different from each other. In addition to the increase in height, there is a limit in storing a large number of keys due to the shape of the holder and the structure of the lock mechanism.

  Also, if many keys are pulled out from the key management device at a time, when returning the key to the original location where it was stored, you should check the holder number etc. In particular, it becomes very complicated when working in an emergency.

  The present invention makes it possible to make each holder and each lock unit have the same structure, thereby reducing the cost and easily returning a plurality of keys (holders) to the lock unit, which is easy to manage and easy to use. It is an object to provide a good key management device.

  The key management device according to claim 1 holds a plurality of key units including a key and a holder attached to the key by a plurality of lock units having a lock mechanism that makes the key unit non-detachable. A key management device that collectively stores and manages units, wherein an identification code output means for outputting an identification code of the key unit is provided in a holder of the key unit, and the identification code for inputting the identification code to the lock unit Input means is provided, and includes a control unit that is connected to each lock unit and controls a lock mechanism of the lock unit, and the control unit receives an identification code of a key unit attached to the lock unit. To record the correspondence information between the identification code and the lock unit. Based on the correspondence information, the lock mechanism lock of each lock unit is recorded. And controlling the click and release.

  In the key management device according to claim 1, when the key unit taken out from the lock unit is returned to the key management device, it is returned to an arbitrary lock unit. The control unit reads the identification code of the key unit attached to the lock unit, and records correspondence information between the identification code and the lock unit in a memory or the like. Therefore, the control unit can always recognize which key unit is returned to which lock unit. For example, the administrator is permitted to use the administrator ID of the administrator who uses the key. The identification code of the key (key unit) is determined in advance corresponding to the administrator ID, and the key unit corresponding to the administrator ID can be taken out by inputting the administrator ID. Control such as releasing the lock mechanism of the lock unit can be performed.

  The key management device according to claim 2 is the key management device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit includes an ID input means for inputting an administrator ID, and a key unit permitted for the input administrator ID. The lock unit corresponding to is detected from the correspondence information, and the lock mechanism of the detected lock unit is released.

  The key management apparatus according to claim 2, wherein only the key unit permitted to be used for the manager ID (or manager) can be taken out only by inputting the manager ID, and the key can be managed reliably. .

  A key management device according to claim 3 is the key management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a display means is provided in each lock unit, and the lock unit is released by the control unit. A display for informing the lock unit display means of the release or release is possible.

  In the key management device according to claim 3, when the lock mechanism of the lock unit is released or can be released, the lock unit can be displayed by display means such as turning on an LED. The user (administrator, etc.) who wants to take out can easily check where the necessary key (key unit) is.

  A key management device according to claim 4 is the key management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a key identification code output for outputting a key identification code of the key to each key of each key unit And a receiving device that receives the key identification code of the key identification code output unit can be connected to the control unit, and the control unit inputs a key identification code from the connected receiving device. Each key is managed based on the key identification code.

  5. The key management device according to claim 4, wherein when a plurality of (many) keys are attached in a bundle to each key unit, the key identification code of each key is read by the receiving device. A code can be input to the control unit, and for example, the presence or absence of a lost key can be easily managed for a large number of keys.

  According to the key management device of claim 1, since the control unit manages the correspondence information between the identification code of the key unit and the lock unit, it is vacant when the key unit taken out from the lock unit is returned to the key management device. Since it can be returned to any lock unit, it is very easy to manage and easy to use.

  According to the key management device of claim 2, in addition to the effect of claim 1, only key units that are permitted to be used for the manager ID (or manager) only by entering the manager ID are obtained. It becomes possible to take out and the key can be managed reliably.

  According to the key management device of claim 3, in addition to the effect of claim 1 or 2, a user (administrator, etc.) who wants to take out the key unit can easily find out where the necessary key (key unit) is. I can confirm.

  According to the key management device of claim 4, in addition to the effect of claim 1, 2, or 3, it is possible to easily manage, for example, the presence or absence of a lost key for a large number of keys, Easy to manage and easy to use.

  Next, an embodiment of the key management device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is a front view of a key management box (key management apparatus) to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is a front view of a lock unit 1 and a key unit 2 of the key management box, and FIG. 3 is an internal structure of the lock unit 1. It is the principal part fracture | rupture front view and side sectional view which show. This key management box is configured integrally with a portable case, and is used, for example, when an administrator of a security service company manages a key (key) such as a door lock of a predetermined building or facility. FIG. 1 shows a state where a lid (not shown) of the case is opened.

  A box lock 20 is disposed on the side of the case 10, and a master key possessed by each manager is inserted into the box lock 20 to open the lid of the box. Each master key includes an IC tag capable of transmitting an administrator ID corresponding to the master key. The box lock 20 is provided with an IC reader for reading the manager ID from the IC tag of the master key. When the management ID is authenticated, the box lock 20 can be unlocked and the lid can be opened. . The box lock 20 is provided with an open / close detection switch for detecting opening / closing of the lid.

  In the case 10, a plurality (50 in this example) of lock units 1, 1,... Are arranged vertically and horizontally, and an LED 11 is disposed in front of the lock units 1, 1,. Further, key units 2, 2,... Are detachably held in the lock units 1, 1,. An operation panel 30 is provided beside the lock units 1, 1,..., And an LCD display 40 and a numeric keypad 50 are disposed on the operation panel 30. Further, a control unit 3 constituted by a computer or the like is built in the operation panel 30, and the lock units 1, 1,..., The box lock 20, the LCD display 40 and the numeric keypad 50 are controlled by the control unit 3. Be controlled. A USB connector 60 is provided at the lower end of the operation panel 30, and an external device such as a handy scanner 100 as a “receiving device” that receives a key identification code can be connected to the USB connector 60. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the key unit 2 is obtained by attaching a plurality of keys 22,... To a tag card 21 as a “holder” by wires 21a. The IC tag 21b is attached. The key 22 is also attached with an IC tag 22a as “key identification code output means”. An identification code unique to the key unit 2 is recorded on the IC tag 21b of the tag card 21, and the identification code is transmitted. Read by IC reader. The tag card 21 can be taken out from the lock unit 1 by inserting it into the lock unit 1 from above and pulling it upward when a lock mechanism described later of the lock unit 1 is unlocked. The tag card 21 is regulated (locked) by a later-described lock mechanism of the lock unit 1 by a recess 21c formed on a side portion thereof. The IC tag 22a of the key 22 is scanned in a non-contact manner by the handy scanner 100, and the key identification code of each key 22 is read by the handy scanner 100. Thereby, each key 22 can be identified individually, and the presence or absence of the key 22 can be confirmed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a lock mechanism 12 is built in the lock unit 1. The lock mechanism 12 is such that one portion of the hook lever 12a is pivotally supported by a shaft 12b, and the protrusion 12c at the upper end of the hook lever 12a is engaged with the recess 21c of the tag card 21. The hook lever 12a has a horizontal arm 12d. When the tag card 21 is inserted into the lock unit 1, the lower end of the tag card 21 pushes down the horizontal arm 12d, so that the hook lever 12a rotates. The protrusion 12c is adapted to engage with the recess 21c. A solenoid 12e is disposed below the tag card 21, and a horizontal plate 12f having one end pivotally supported by a shaft 12f1 is attached to the plunger 12e1 of the solenoid 12e.

  When the solenoid 12e is OFF (non-energized state), the plunger 12e1 protrudes upward as shown in FIG. 3, and the horizontal plate 12f is in a position where it abuts on the lower end 12a1 of the hook lever 12a. In this state, even if the tag card 21 is pulled, the lower end 12a1 contacts the horizontal plate 12f and the rotation of the hook lever 12a is prevented, and the protrusion 12c does not come out of the recess 21c, and the tag card 21 cannot be pulled out. . That is, the solenoid 12e is OFF and the lock mechanism 12 is locked. When the solenoid 12e is ON (energized state), the plunger 12e1 is drawn into the solenoid 12e and the horizontal plate 12f is lowered. Therefore, the lower end portion 12a1 of the hook lever 12a does not contact the horizontal plate 12f, and the hook lever 12a can be rotated. Thereby, the tag card 21 can be pulled out. In other words, the solenoid 12e is turned on and the lock mechanism 12 is released.

  In the vicinity of the entry path of the tag card 21, a tag detection switch 13 for detecting the presence or absence of the tag card 21 and an IC reader 14 as "identification code input means" for reading the identification code of the IC tag 21b are disposed. . Further, in the lock unit 1, a control board 15 for outputting a detection signal of the tag detection switch 13 and outputting an identification code read from the IC tag 21b is disposed.

  4 is a block diagram of the key management box of the embodiment. The control unit 3 includes lock units 1, 1,..., A box lock 20, an open / close detection switch 20a for detecting the opening / closing of the box, and the vicinity of the box lock 20. The IC reader 20b for detecting the manager ID, the LCD display 40, and the numeric keypad 50 are connected. The control unit 3 includes a computer including a memory, an interface, a timer, a power supply circuit, and various drive circuits. The control unit 3 controls the locking / unlocking of the box lock 20, monitors the open / close detection switch 20a, and manages from the IC reader 20b. The user ID is read, the display on the LCD display 40 is controlled, and the input data from the numeric keypad 50 is read. For each lock unit 1, 1,..., The tag detection switch 13 detects the presence or absence of the tag card 21, and the IC reader 14 reads the identification code from the IC tag 21b of the key unit 2. Further, ON / OFF of the solenoid 12e is controlled, and lighting / flashing / extinguishing of the LED 11 is controlled.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the main part of the main routine of the control program executed by the computer of the control unit 3, FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the subroutine of the extraction process, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the subroutine of the return process. The operation of will be described.

  When the main routine of FIG. 5 is started by turning on the power, initialization is performed in step S1. In this initial setting, the default information at the time of shipment stored in a CMOS memory or the like that is backed up by the battery and various setting data for each section are read according to the processing state up to the previous time. As this data, an administrator ID of an administrator who is permitted to use the keys 22, 22,... Managed by the key management box, that is, an administrator ID recorded in an IC tag of a master key possessed by the administrator. There is a list of In addition, there is correspondence information indicating a correspondence relationship between the lock unit 1 and the key unit 2. That is, this correspondence information indicates the correspondence between each lock unit 1, 1,... And each key unit 2, 2,... Currently inserted in each lock unit 1, 1,. As will be described later, this correspondence information is updated when the key unit 2 is taken out and used and then returned.

  In step S2, it is monitored whether the manager ID is detected by the IC reader 20b of the box lock 20 (whether the master key is inserted). If the manager ID is detected, it is determined in step S3 whether the manager ID matches the registered manager ID, and if not, the process returns to step S2. If the administrator IDs match (if authenticated), the box lock 20 is unlocked in step S4, the box open wait timer is started in step S5, and it is determined in step S6 whether the box is opened by the open / close detection switch 20a. If not open, it is determined in step S7 whether the timer has timed out. If not timed out, the process returns to step S6. If timed out, the box lock 20 is locked in step S8, and the process returns to step S2.

  If the box is opened in step S6, the extraction process of FIG. 6 is performed in step S9, and the process proceeds to step S10. When the extraction process of FIG. 6 is completed as described later, it is determined in step S10 whether there is an unreturned key unit 2, and if there is an unreturned key unit 2, the return process of FIG. 7 is performed in step S11. Note that the determination in step S10 is such that the return process in step S11 is not executed when the extraction of the key unit 2 is stopped in the extraction process. As will be described later, if the return process in FIG. 7 is completed or there is no unreturned key unit 2, the opening / closing detection switch 20a monitors whether the box is closed in step S12. 20 is locked and the process returns to step S2.

  In the extraction process of FIG. 6, the correspondence information is referred to in step S21. This correspondence information is read from the memory in the initial setting (step S1). Next, in step S22, all the LEDs 11 of the lock units 1, 1,... With the keys 22, 22,. Here, there are generally a plurality of keys 22 that are permitted to be used for the administrator ID, and there are also generally a plurality of key units 2 having these plurality of keys. The key identification codes of the keys 22, 22, ... and the identification codes of the key units 2, 2, ... corresponding to the keys 22, 22, ... are stored in the memory as management information in association with the administrator ID. Has been. In step S22, the lock units 1, 1,... With the keys 22, 22,.

  In step S23, a display prompting the user to input the key number of the key 22 is performed on the LCD display 40, an input waiting timer is started in step S24, and it is determined whether a number is input from the numeric keypad 50 in step S25. If not input, it is determined in step S26 whether the timer has timed out. If not timed out, the process returns to step S25. If timed out, the corresponding information is updated to the current state in step S36, and the process returns to the main routine. Here, the correspondence information is also updated when the time is up (for example, when the operation is stopped) without waiting for the key number to be entered, but the correspondence information remains as it is. However, with this process, when only a part of the keys (key units) that the administrator is allowed to use is extracted and used, the corresponding information is automatically extracted if only the necessary ones are extracted and left as they are. Will be properly updated. Details of the correspondence information update will be described later.

  On the other hand, if the key number is input in step S25, it is determined in step S27 whether the key number is correct, that is, whether it is the number of the key 22 permitted for the administrator ID. If it is correct, the process proceeds to step S28. In step S28, the LED 11 of the lock unit 1 corresponding to the input key number is blinked. In step S29, the solenoid 12e of the corresponding lock unit 1 is turned on (unlocked). In step S30, a timer is started. In step S31, it is determined whether the tag card 21 has been removed. If not, it is determined in step S32 whether the timer has timed out. If not timed out, the process returns to step S31. If timed out, in step S33, the solenoid of the corresponding lock unit 1 is turned off (locked state), the LED 11 is turned on, and the process returns to step S23. In this case, the process is performed when the currently input key number is stopped.

  If the tag card 21 is removed in step S31, the LED 11 of the corresponding lock unit 1 is turned off in step S34, and the process proceeds to step S35. In step S35, it is determined whether or not the processing has been completed for all the lock units 1 that have a key permitted for the administrator ID. If not, the process returns to step S23. Update the information to the current state and return to the main routine.

  Here, the correspondence information indicates the correspondence between each lock unit 1, 1,... And each inserted key unit 2, 2,. Further, a flag indicating whether or not the key unit 2 is currently inserted is also recorded for each lock unit 1, 1,. At this time, the identification code is read from the IC tag 21b of the tag card 21 by the IC reader 14, and the correspondence between the identification code and the lock units 1, 1,.

  In the return process of FIG. 7, the correspondence information is read from the memory in step S41, the correspondence information is referred to, and the LEDs 11 of all the empty lock units 1 (the lock units in which the tag card 21 is not inserted) are turned on in step S42. The process proceeds to step S43. In step S43, it is monitored whether or not the tag card 21 is detected in the empty lock unit 1 (whether or not the tag card 21 is inserted). If detected, the tag card 21 is detected in step S44. The identification code is read by the IC reader 14 of the lock unit 1, and the solenoid 12e of the corresponding lock unit 1 is turned OFF (locked state) in step S45, and the process proceeds to step S46. In step S46, the correspondence information is updated in the same manner as described above, and the process proceeds to step S47.

  In step S47, a timer is started, and in step S48, it is determined whether or not all tag cards 21 are properly detected in the empty lock unit 1. It should be noted that the determination as to whether or not the detection is normal can be made by referring to the correspondence information updated in step S46. If not detected normally, it is determined in step S49 whether the timer has timed out. If not timed out, the process returns to step S43. If timed out, the LED 11 that is lit is blinked as an alarm in step S50, and the process returns to step S43. If all the tag cards 21 are properly detected in step S48, the LED 11 is turned off in step S51 and the process returns to the main routine. In this way, the key unit 2 (tag card 21) can be inserted (returned) anywhere as long as it is an empty lock unit. If the key unit 2 is properly returned to the lock unit 1, the process proceeds to step S46. The correspondence information is updated to an appropriate one by the processing.

  In the above embodiment, since the LED 11 of the lock unit 1 is turned on, the lock unit with the key corresponding to the administrator ID can be easily confirmed.

  In the embodiment, the tag card 21 is detected by the tag detection switch 13. However, since the tag card 21 includes the IC tag 21b, is the identification code of the IC tag 21b detected? The presence / absence of the tag card 21 may be detected based on the result.

  In the embodiment, the key number is input by the administrator. However, without performing this input process, the LED of the lock unit having the key permitted by the administrator is turned on, and the lock unit is immediately turned on. The key unit may be taken out from.

  In the embodiment, the handy scanner 100 reads the key identification code of the IC tag 22a of the key 22. However, the handy scanner 100 transmits the key identification code to, for example, a management center by communication to manage each key 22. May be performed.

  In the embodiment, an example in which a key management box (key management device) is integrally formed in a portable case has been described. In this case, the key management box may be connected to a host computer such as a management center or a management room via a LAN to manage the correspondence information and the key identification code.

  In the embodiment, the case where the identification code output means for outputting the identification code of the key unit is an IC tag has been described. However, the identification tag may not be an IC tag as long as the identification code can be output.

  In addition, the key unit 2 of the embodiment is configured such that a plurality of keys 21 are attached to a tag card 21 as a holder with wires 21a, and one “key” corresponds to one “key unit”. A “key” may be formed by integrally forming a “key” and a “holder”. Needless to say, the lock mechanism of the lock unit is not limited to that of the embodiment, and may be any configuration that can lock the key unit to the lock unit.

It is a front view of the key management box to which the present invention is applied. It is a front view of the lock unit and key unit of the key management box of the embodiment. It is a front view of the lock unit and key unit of the key management box of the embodiment. It is a block diagram of the key management box of an embodiment. It is a principal part flowchart of the main routine in embodiment. It is a flowchart of the subroutine of the extraction process in the embodiment. It is a flowchart of a subroutine of a return process in the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Lock unit 2 Key unit 3 Control unit 11 LED
21 Tag card 21b IC tag 22 Key

Claims (4)

A key that holds a plurality of key units including a key and a holder attached to the key by a plurality of lock units having a lock mechanism that makes the key unit non-detachable, and collectively stores and manages the plurality of key units. A management device,
Identification code output means for outputting the identification code of the key unit to the holder of the key unit is provided,
An identification code input means for inputting the identification code to the lock unit is provided,
A controller that is connected to each lock unit and controls a lock mechanism of the lock unit;
The control unit inputs an identification code of a key unit attached to the lock unit from the identification code input means, records correspondence information between the identification code and the lock unit, and sets each lock based on the correspondence information. A key management device that controls locking and releasing of a lock mechanism of a unit. The control unit includes ID input means for inputting an administrator ID,
2. The key management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a lock unit corresponding to a key unit permitted by the inputted administrator ID is detected from the correspondence information, and a lock mechanism of the detected lock unit is released. . Each locking unit is provided with a display means,
The key management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a display for notifying the lock unit of the lock unit for releasing the lock mechanism by the control unit is displayed to notify the lock unit of the lock unit. Key identification code output means for outputting a key identification code of the key to each key of each key unit is provided,
A receiving device that receives the key identification code of the key identification code output means can be connected to the control unit,
The said control part inputs a key identification code from this connected receiving apparatus, and manages each key based on this key identification code, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Key management device.

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