DE202016002367U1 - Electronic locking system - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic locking system comprising a mechanical locking unit (10) and an electronic control unit (12), the electronic control unit (12) having a communication module (120) for wirelessly receiving an access code, and wherein the mechanical locking unit (10) receives a correct access code using the electronic control unit (12) is actuatable for unlocking, characterized in that a switch (14), in particular a mechanical switch, a proximity switch and / or a touch switch, is provided, wherein the communication module (120) in a locked state of the locking system ( 1) is disabled by default and can be activated upon actuation of the switch (14) for a wireless reception of an access code.

Description

AREA OF APPLICATION AND PRIOR ART

The invention relates to an electronic locking system with a mechanical locking unit and an electronic control unit, wherein the electronic control unit has a communication module for a wireless reception of an access code and the mechanical locking unit is operable upon receipt of a correct access code by means of the electronic control unit.

Access, access or access control systems in which an access code is transmitted wirelessly are well known. Such systems are found on doors as well as on drawers, lockers, cabinets and the like. These systems are referred to hereafter generally as access control systems.

For access control systems so-called transponder cards are known, which interact with a stationary reader for data transmission. The communication is usually carried out by means of RFID technology ("identification by means of electromagnetic waves", engl. Radio-frequency identification).

In order to minimize the effort by distributing and managing the transponder cards, it is an effort to use mobile communication units, such as mobile phones and so-called smartphones, for access control.

It is therefore known to transmit via radio technology, in particular via Bluetooth, and / or via infrared technology, an authorization code from a mobile communication unit to a receiver unit. However, a disadvantage of known systems is that the receiver unit must be active for receiving the access code and has a high energy requirement in an active state.

TASK AND SOLUTION

It is the object of the invention to provide an electronic locking system which allows easy operation with a low energy consumption.

According to a first aspect, in an electronic locking system comprising a mechanical locking unit and an electronic control unit, the electronic control unit has a communication module for wireless reception of an access code and wherein the mechanical locking unit is operable to unlock upon receipt of a correct access code by the electronic control unit , A switch, in particular a mechanical switch, a proximity switch and / or touch switch, provided, wherein the communication module is disabled in a locked state of the locking system according to default and can be activated upon actuation of the switch for a wireless receipt of an access code.

According to the invention, the communication module is deactivated in a locked state of the locking system according to the default setting or by default, with only activation of the communication module as needed. This makes it possible to keep energy requirements lower than in conventional systems. The activation takes place by means of a switch. In this case, an actuatable element is referred to as a switch, with the switch, in particular in one embodiment, being designed as an electronic switch which can be actuated by means of a sensor key. The energy requirement is dependent, inter alia, on a frequency of activation and a design of the switch.

The switch is for example a mechanical switch. In advantageous embodiments, a proximity and / or touch switch with a sensor key is used, which can be operated by mere approach or touching the sensor key with a finger of a user. The actuation and / or proximity switch is designed, for example, as a capacitive or optical touch and / or proximity switch and / or using a light barrier. The touch and / or proximity switch is preferably designed such that it has only a minimum or no energy requirement at times when no actuation occurs.

In order to enable blocking or closing of the electronic locking system without user intervention, in one embodiment, the communication module is set up to request an access code from at least one communication unit, for example a mobile telephone, within a predetermined range and to actuate the mechanical locking unit, if provided no correct access code can be received, the communication module being disabled after being disabled. The activation of the communication module is possible when the switch is operated by any person. It is therefore understood that the locking unit remains in a locked state, provided that after activation no transmission of a correct access code.

The electronic locking system preferably comprises an energy storage unit, wherein by means of the electronic control unit a Charge state of the energy storage unit is monitored. In one embodiment, an operation by means of a rechargeable energy storage unit is provided, wherein the locking system has a connection to allow charging without removing the energy storage unit. The connection is preferably designed such that charging by means of standardized techniques is possible. For example, the port is designed as a USB or mini-USB port. In other embodiments, the energy storage unit is alternatively or additionally replaceable, wherein preferably an operation by means of standardized battery cells is possible.

In order to prevent access to the space or object protected by the electronic locking system being permanently blocked when the energy storage unit is completely discharged, provision is made in one embodiment for the electronic locking system to be unlocked in a complete discharge state of the energy storage unit. In other embodiments, provisions are made which allow charging of the energy storage unit wirelessly or by cable in a locked state. In addition, the control unit is preferably configured to control the communication module for issuing a warning message when a monitored state of charge of the energy storage unit falls below a defined threshold value. The warning message is sent in one embodiment to a coupled to the electronic clamping unit by the exchange of the access code communication unit. This is done in one embodiment by Nahfunktechniken, in particular via Bluetooth. Provided that the mobile communication unit is out of range, it is further provided in advantageous embodiments that the warning message is transmitted via mobile radio, wherein the warning message is selectively sent to a connected communication unit and / or to a central location, for example, when used in a building such as a hotel or factory or office building, sending to a property manager is conceivable.

In advantageous embodiments, the control unit is alternatively or additionally configured to control the communication module for issuing a warning message upon detection of unauthorized or violent access or vandalism. In one embodiment, the warning message is output in the form of an acoustic or optical warning signal transmitted to the immediate surroundings. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided in one embodiment for a safeguard against burglary or vandalism that the warning message is sent to a coupled to the electronic clamping unit by the exchange of the access code communication unit or a central office. This is done in one embodiment by Nahfunktechniken, in particular via Bluetooth. Provided that the mobile communication unit is out of range, it is further provided in advantageous embodiments that the warning message is sent via mobile radio, wherein the warning message is selectively sent to a connected communication unit and / or to a central location.

The electronic locking system is designed in one embodiment as a padlock and is used for example to secure bicycles, sheds or basements. In advantageous embodiments, the mechanical closing unit and the electronic control unit are arranged in a housing, wherein the housing is attachable to a door, drawer, flap or the like. The electronic locking system allows in particular retrofitting existing doors, drawers, flaps or the like, wherein the housing by screwing, gluing, or other types of attachment to a door frame, a door leaf, a drawer, a flap, etc. can be attached.

In advantageous embodiments, the housing and the switch or a sensor button of the switch are arranged on opposite legs of a U-shaped bracket. The bracket serves for attachment, wherein the bracket is a door leaf, a drawer front or a flap encompassing this attachable. In addition, the bracket allows attachment to opposite sides, wherein the housing and thus the mechanical clamping unit and the control unit on an inside of a door, a drawer, a flap attachable and so is protected against vandalism. Only the necessary for the activation of the clamping unit element, d. H. a mechanical switch or a sensor key of an electronic switch are provided on the outside.

In particular, in one embodiment of the locking system for access control of rooms, in an advantageous embodiment, the locking system additionally at least one, provided on the housing actuating element for actuation of the mechanical clamping unit for locking and / or unlocking. The actuator is located in use on the inside of the room and allows selective locking or unlocking, bypassing communication with a mobile communication unit. In the event of a lock, the communication module is deactivated again, so that a renewed exchange of the access code for unlocking is prevented.

In one embodiment, an readable field, in particular a bar code or QR code, is applied to the electronic locking system. In one embodiment, the access code is applied as a readable field, in particular as a barcode or QR code, on a housing of the electronic locking system. The housing is provided on the inside and thus accessible only after authorized access or access. The readable field makes a simple exchange of the access code possible. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that only a routine for issuing an access code is started by means of the readable field, wherein in addition a review of the authorization takes place. For example, it is conceivable that the electronic locking system can be identified by means of the readable field and the user transmits the data to the locking unit to a central location by means of a mobile communication unit, in particular a mobile telephone. At the central location, the authorization of the user for opening the closing unit is checked. If the user has the required authorization, an access code can be transmitted to the mobile communication unit of the user.

The mechanical clamping unit preferably comprises an adjustable locking bolt. The mechanical locking unit with the locking bolt can be attached to a movable part for access or access part. The locking bolt acts in one embodiment directly with an immovable or stationary part, such as a room wall or a cabinet wall together. In other embodiments, a counterpart is provided with an angle or a recess on an immovable or stationary part, wherein the locking bar is inserted into the recess or engages behind the angle. The locking bolt is designed in one embodiment as a trap and is forced by a spring in a closed state.

For operating an electronic locking system comprising a mechanical locking unit and an electronic control unit, wherein the electronic control unit has a communication module for a wireless reception of an access code and wherein the mechanical locking unit is actuated to unlock upon receipt of a correct access code by means of the electronic control unit, it is provided, for example that the communication module in a locked state of the locking system is set by default in a disabled state and the communication module is activated upon actuation of a switch of the electronic locking system for a wireless receipt of an access code.

The access code is transmitted in particular by means of a mobile communication unit, for example a mobile telephone. The invention is particularly suitable for retrofitting doors, flaps, drawers. For example, a use in a hotel is conceivable, with room doors are closed by means of the electronic locking system and guests at check-in an access code is issued. Alternatively, the use for parcel services is conceivable, whereby parcels are stored in a cabinet locked by means of the electronic locking system and an access code is transmitted to authorized users. Furthermore, the use of the electronic locking system on drawers in office buildings is conceivable, whereby private objects can be safely locked away from third parties.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the claims and from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which are explained below with reference to the figures. Showing:

1 a schematic representation of an electronic locking system;

2 a first embodiment of an electronic locking system upon activation of a communication module;

3 a first assembly step in an assembly of the electronic locking system according to 2 on a door leaf;

4 a second assembly step in the assembly of the electronic locking system according to 2 on a door leaf;

5 an assembly of a counterpart to a locking latch of the electronic locking system according to 2 on a door element;

6 a closing of the electronic locking system according to 2 from an inside;

7 opening the electronic locking system according to 2 from an inside;

8th a second embodiment of an electronic locking system upon activation of a communication module;

9 a first assembly step in an assembly of the electronic locking system according to 8th at a drawer;

10 a second assembly step in the assembly of the electronic locking system according to 8th at a drawer;

11 an assembly of a counterpart to a locking latch of the electronic Locking system according to 8th on a frame of a drawer compartment;

12 a third embodiment of an electronic locking system;

13 the electronic locking system according to 12 when opened;

14 A fourth embodiment of an electronic locking system; and

15 the electronic locking system according to 14 when opened.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

1 schematically shows an electronic locking system 1 comprising a mechanical closing unit 10 , an electronic control unit 12 , a switch 14 and an energy storage unit 16 , The electronic control unit 12 has a communication module 120 for wireless communication with a mobile communication unit, in particular a mobile telephone 2 on. The communication module 120 is designed such that at least one access code from the communication unit 2 to the communication module 120 is transferable. Preferably, communication takes place via the Bluetooth standard. The presence of a correct access code is by means of the electronic control unit 12 verifiable, with the mechanical clamping unit 10 upon receipt of a correct access code by the electronic control unit 12 to unlock as indicated by a double arrow is actuated. A power supply to the control unit 12 including the communication module 120 done by the energy storage unit 16 , To reduce an energy requirement is the communication module 120 in a locked state of the locking system 1 deactivated by default. An activation of the communication module 120 for a wireless receipt of an access code by pressing the switch 14 , If an activation is carried out a check, whether within a defined range of the communication module 120 a communication unit 2 is located on which the correct access code is stored. The range is preferably kept very small to ensure that an authorized user is in the immediate vicinity of a room or object, which by means of the electronic clamping unit 1 is secured. If a correct access code can be received, the mechanical closing unit becomes 14 to unlock. Otherwise, no actuation of the closing unit takes place 14 ,

A state of charge of the energy storage unit 16 is by means of the electronic control unit 12 monitored. If a monitored state of charge of the energy storage unit 16 falls below a defined threshold, preferably a visual or audible warning signal is issued.

The communication module 120 In one embodiment, it is set up to issue a warning message. The warning message is preferably issued with a near-field radio technology, in particular via Bluetooth. If a designated recipient of the warning message is not within a defined range of the communication module 120 for transmitting messages by means of the near-field radio technology, it is provided in one embodiment that the communication module 120 sent a message over the mobile network.

2 to 7 schematically show a first embodiment of an electronic locking system 1 comprising a housing 3 , in which the only partially visible mechanical closing unit 10 and the in 2 to 7 invisible electronic control unit 12 are housed. The mechanical clamping unit 10 has a locking latch 100 on which to lock out of the case 3 is extendable. The desk 14 is as an electronic switch with a sensor button 140 designed.

The housing 3 is on a door leaf 4 attachable, as schematically in the 2 to 4 shown. In the illustrated embodiment, a U-shaped bracket 5 provided, the housing 3 and the sensor switch 140 on opposite thighs of the temple 5 are arranged. The electronic locking system 1 is so on the door leaf 4 attachable to the door leaf 4 between the legs of the U-shaped bracket 5 is pushed. Between the hanger 5 and the door leaf 4 is in the illustrated embodiment, a shim 6 intended. The housing 3 and the sensor switch 140 are by means of the strap 5 on opposite sides of the door leaf 4 mountable. In particular, the electronic locking system 1 such on the door leaf 4 a door closing a room attachable to the housing 3 on an inside and the sensor switch 140 are arranged on an outer side.

The lower element 6 is between the thighs of the U-shaped bracket 5 slidably mounted, with the door leaf 4 between the lower element 6 and the housing 3 opposite leg of the U-shaped bracket 5 is arranged. Moving the shim 6 relative to the leg is by means of two screws 7 possible. By moving the shim 6 is the electronic locking system 1 on door leaves 4 different thickness clamped fastened.

The 3 and 4 show schematically the assembly of the electronic locking system 1 , Here, first, the U-shaped bracket 5 on the door leaf 4 pushed, with the door leaf 4 is placed between the thighs. By means of two screws 7 , of which only one in 4 is visible, becomes the Unterlegelement 6 relative to the U-shaped bracket 5 adjusted and so the hanger 5 on the door leaf 4 clamped attached. The housing 3 is on an outside of a thigh 50 of the temple 5 screwed on, taking on the hanger 5 in the illustrated embodiment, for this purpose, two booms 51 are provided, of which only one in 4 is visible.

The illustrated locking system 1 further includes a counterpart 8th which, for example, on a door frame, a wall element or hinged doors on a second door panel is attachable. The illustrated counterpart 8th is L-shaped, with two legs arranged at right angles to each other 80 . 81 , An attachment is done for example by means of screws, the counterpart 8th for this purpose on a first leg 80 Through holes 82 which allow fastening by means of screws. If, for example, in the case of a glass wall fastening by means of screws is not possible, attachment can also be effected as indicated schematically by applying an adhesive. On the second leg 81 is a recess 83 provided, in which a locking bolt 100 is insertable for a lock.

The illustrated locking system 1 additionally has two on the housing 3 arranged actuators 31 . 32 for an actuation of the mechanical closing unit 10 to lock or unlock. The actuators 31 . 32 are arranged in use on the inside of the room and allow selective locking or unlocking, bypassing communication with the mobile communication unit 2 (S. 1 ). For example, it is conceivable that the locking system 1 is provided on a toilet door, wherein a user has been issued an access code for using the toilet, which stores this on his mobile phone. Once the user has entered the bathroom, he can open the door as shown schematically 6 shown bypassing the communication of the locking system 1 with his mobile phone by pressing the actuator 31 close. To lock the locking bar 100 extended and engages in the illustrated embodiment in a recess 800 the counterpart 8th , In this case, the communication module is preferably deactivated so that unlocking by the electronic control unit 12 even with an actuation of the switch 14 not possible. To leave the toilet, the user can as schematically in 7 represented by pressing the actuating element 32 the locking system 1 unlock and open the door.

8th to 11 schematically show a second embodiment of an electronic locking system 1 , The locking system 1 according to the 8th to 11 is similar to the locking system 1 according to the 2 to 7 and for the same or similar components, the same reference numerals are used. A further detailed description of components already described will be omitted.

The locking system 1 according to the 8th to 11 also comprising a housing 3 , in which the only partially visible mechanical closing unit 10 with the locking bolt 100 and the invisible electronic control unit 12 are housed. The locking system further comprises a switch, by means of which a communication module 120 (S. 1 ) of the locking system can be activated. The switch is as an electronic switch with a sensor button 140 designed. Also the locking system 1 according to the 8th to 11 includes a U-shaped bracket 5 which is on a front 90 a drawer 9 attachable, wherein the legs of the U-shaped bracket 5 on the inside or the outside of the front 90 to be ordered. Between the hanger 5 and the front 90 is also a shim in the illustrated embodiment 6 intended.

The housing 3 and the sensor key 140 are at the two thighs of the U-shaped bracket 5 attached so that after a schematic in the 9 and 10 illustrated assembly the housing 3 on the inside of the front 90 and the sensor key 140 on the outside of the front 90 are arranged. As schematically in 10 indicated, the U-shaped bracket 5 also with screws 7 stuck at the front 90 appropriate.

Also the locking system 1 according to the 8th to 11 includes a counterpart 8th which, for example, on a frame of a drawer compartment or a dresser as shown schematically in 11 shown attachable is. The counterpart 8th according to 11 is also L-shaped, with two legs arranged at right angles to each other 80 . 81 , An attachment is done for example by means of screws, the counterpart 8th for this purpose on a first leg 80 Through holes 82 which allow fastening by means of screws. If attachment by means of screws is not possible or not desired, attachment can also be effected as indicated schematically by applying an adhesive. In contrast to the first embodiment is on the second leg 81 no recess 83 intended. Instead, a position and a length of the second leg 81 chosen such that the locking bar 100 for locking the second leg 82 engages behind.

In contrast to the previous embodiment are on the housing 3 according to the 8th to 11 no additional actuators 31 . 32 intended. However, there are modified embodiments with actuators 31 . 32 conceivable.

In the electronic locking system 1 according to the 8th to 11 is on the case 3 the access code as a readable field, in particular as a QR code 35 , applied. For commissioning, it is possible to read the access code by means of a suitable mobile phone.

12 and 13 schematically show a third embodiment of an electronic locking system 1 , The electronic locking system 1 according to 12 and 13 is as a padlock with a strap 102 and a latch 104 designed. At the ends of the temple are bolts 106 provided, which together with on the bolt 104 provided, in 12 and 13 non-visible locking elements a mechanical clamping unit 10 form.

The electronic locking system 1 includes as shown in the preceding figures locking systems 1 an electronic control unit 12 with a communication module 120 (see. 1 ) for a wireless receipt of an access code, wherein the mechanical closing unit 10 upon receipt of a correct access code by the electronic control unit 12 to unlock is operable.

To keep energy requirements low is also on the bar 104 a switch 14 provided, wherein the communication module 120 only when the switch is pressed 14 is activatable for a wireless receipt of an access code.

At the bar 104 is still a QR barcode 35 intended. The QR code 35 can be read by a user and allows, for example, an identification of the electronic clamping unit 1 , It is conceivable that an authorized user of the access code to open the identified electronic locking system 1 is transmitted.

14 and 15 schematically show a fourth embodiment of an electronic locking system 1 , The electronic locking system 1 according to 14 and 15 is as a cable or chain lock with a cable 108 (or a chain), being at one end of the cable 108 (or the chain) a bolt 106 and at the other end a blocking element are provided, which together form a mechanical closing unit 10 form.

Also the electronic locking system 1 according to the 14 and 15 includes a non-visible electronic control unit 12 with a communication module 120 (see. 1 ) for a wireless receipt of an access code, wherein the mechanical closing unit 10 upon receipt of a correct access code by the electronic control unit 12 to unlock is operable. The electronic control unit 12 , in particular the communication module 120 , is deactivated in a usual state of use, wherein the communication module 120 only when a switch is actuated 14 is activatable for a wireless receipt of an access code.

In the electronic locking system 1 according to 15 is also a QR barcode 35 provided, which is an identification of the locking system 1 allows.

The illustrated embodiments are merely exemplary and numerous modifications are conceivable. In particular, it is also conceivable to combine features of the exemplary embodiments with each other, so as to obtain further embodiments.

Claims (10)

Electronic locking system comprising a mechanical closing unit ( 10 ) and an electronic control unit ( 12 ), the electronic control unit ( 12 ) a communication module ( 120 ) for a wireless receipt of an access code and wherein the mechanical closing unit ( 10 ) upon receipt of a correct access code by means of the electronic control unit ( 12 ) is actuatable for unlocking, characterized in that a switch ( 14 ), in particular a mechanical switch, a proximity switch and / or a touch switch is provided, wherein the communication module ( 120 ) in a locked state of the locking system ( 1 ) is disabled by default and when the switch is pressed ( 14 ) is activatable for a wireless reception of an access code. Electronic locking system according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication module ( 120 ) is arranged to provide an access code of at least one communication unit (within a predetermined range) ( 2 ) and the mechanical clamping unit ( 14 ) to block, if no correct access code is receivable, wherein the communication module ( 120 ) is disabled after locking. Electronic locking system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an energy storage unit ( 16 ) is provided, wherein by means of the electronic control unit ( 12 ) a state of charge of the energy storage unit can be monitored. Electronic locking system according to claim 3, characterized in that the control unit ( 12 ) is set up to the communication module ( 120 ) to trigger a warning message when a monitored state of charge of the energy storage unit falls below a defined threshold. Electronic locking system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control unit ( 12 ) is set up to the communication module ( 120 ) to initiate a warning message upon detection of unauthorized or violent access or vandalism. Electronic locking system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the mechanical closing unit ( 10 ) and the electronic control unit ( 12 ) in a housing ( 3 ) are arranged, wherein the housing ( 3 ) is attachable to a door, drawer, flap or the like. Electronic locking system according to claim 6, characterized in that the housing ( 3 ) and the switch ( 14 ), or a sensor key ( 140 ) of the switch ( 14 ), on opposite legs of a U-shaped bracket ( 5 ) are arranged. Electronic locking system according to claim 7, characterized in that the locking system ( 1 ) at least one on the housing ( 3 ) arranged actuating element ( 31 . 32 ) for an actuation of the mechanical closing unit ( 10 ) for locking and / or unlocking. Electronic locking system according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that on the electronic locking system ( 1 ) a readable field, in particular a barcode or QR code, is applied. Electronic locking system according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the mechanical closing unit ( 10 ) an adjustable locking bolt ( 100 ).

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