DE4117721C1 - Operating electronically controlled programmable lock - transferring light pulses from key to microprocessor chip via light conductor and photodiode to operate electromagnet(s) via power amplifier(s) - Google Patents

Abstract

A security lock system uses a programmable key (1) with an LED-emitted code to release the lock security. The lock reads the code via a photo-diode and operates release solenoids via an amplifier stage. The solenoids pull back locking tabs and enable the leg to turn and open the lock. The key and/or lock are fitted with batteries, as well as back-up batteries to preserve the stored codes. The user is identified by PIN codes and the lock operation by certified users can be monitored via timing circuits and memories. ADVANTAGE - Difficult to by-pass.

Description

The security awareness in our society wins an increasing position. For this Basically there are a lot of different ones Locking devices in use which allow mechanically or mechanically-electrically-electronically Actuate locking mechanism of a door.

It is still common for a conventional one Locked a key to use in one Lock cylinder preferably introduced spring-loaded Pens into a position that allows that Open lock. Of course there is the Possibility of multiple locks even with one key to operate, which is connected with the danger is that legitimate users have access to multiple Get areas.

Chip cards are usually used for high security used or it is possible to use a external keyboard to read a code that the Legitimation is confirmed and the door is opened.

The safes, on the other hand, are still common Number combinations over a corresponding one Enter the combination lock and in combination with a conventional lock, d. H. with key, the safe to open.  

In the home, but also in the corporate area, with everything the disadvantages associated with the devices presented, that the key can be copied, that it is lost that a master key goes into unauthorized access prohibited areas allowed and that ultimately the result is an accumulation of keys that each address a certain lock or for one Lock combination are suitable.

Another disadvantage is that with Except for the combination lock for the key an insertion opening is available, which in turn for Example of freezing cars in winter or which is often used for malicious manipulation to replace the Castle must lead.

From DE 36 02 989 A1 is an electromechanical Lock system known with which the user is able to is shifted by means of a programmable and micro processor chip key device this lock system to be operated by coding and the available storage capacity of this programming to operate a variety of different locks system.

However, it is necessary for functional use Lich, the key in a locking channel (keyhole) introduce what regarding the deformation of the key sels during the closing movement as very disadvantageous see is.

In addition, the user needs an external input device use for the code.  

A key system is known from WO 86/00 108, where the keyboard is placed on the key head, but also has the disadvantage that this has a blade for closing operation.

AT 3 90 118 B is a microcomputer controlled Locking system for locks described in the elec trical reading contacts, which, if the Key is introduced from the lock microcomputer be checked. How the key is inserted and how the relationship between the actual key and the lock is or a solution to this, can be from AT 3 90 118 B not be removed.

DE 36 12 510 A1 describes an electronically controlled one Device for actuating lockable or lockable facilities that can be opened with a key code with which he is a remote information transmission follows.

In contrast, the present invention is based on based on a method and a device (construction sentence) to carry out the procedure at to avoid using keys that are in a key channel where the Key straw that insert into the key channel is due to the information channels that he is recording must be limited in its stability training and avoid contactless systems where the problem of the torque solved at the expense of the lock material becomes.  

The invention is therefore the primary task reasons, the use of a key channel (key hole) to avoid breaking the shaft avoid what about a through the key shaft carried mechanical closing force can take place here would at least result in a deformation of the key, especially when a legitimate person tries by turning the key, access is blocked area.

The object of the invention is also a method and to create a kit that allows using a single key ideally all of that Open user legitimate areas.

Another object of the invention is to Example using at least one Microprocessor chips in its storage unit (s) enter legitimate lock combinations and also via a so-called PIN number (personal identification number) the key owner as to legitimize such. The legitimation be limited in time, d. H. over a quartz timer or The PIN number entered drops out again  or it will go through in another possible case a clear key deleted.

Another object of the invention is to to dispense with the insertion opening of the key preferred embodiment by means of optoelectronic Method is carried out using an optical fiber, the is embedded in a rotatably mounted pin, through z. B. a light emitting diode (LED) via which the Microprocessor chip / s of the key addressed will / will, with at least one corresponding Microprocessor chip in the door lock in turn z. B. means Photodiode records the signal and if correct Encoding provides an output current that is appropriate amplifies an electromagnet whose armature is activated in a preferred embodiment, the locking of the described bolt loosens so that this with the Key can be turned and z. B. over a laterally attached cross bolt the locking mechanism makes the door operable. The key is used here even as an active rotating element, so that no additional auxiliary part is necessary.

These tasks are accomplished by a Method of the proposed claim 1 solved, where appropriate types of execution in the sub claims 2 to 15 are shown.  

Furthermore, the aforementioned tasks are carried out a proposed according to claim 15 kit Implementation of the method solved, being particularly preferred embodiments of the invention in the Subclaims 16 to 40 are marked.

In the described procedure, use is preferably made of the digitized transmission of signals, ie words as bits, which are processed serially in the preferred exemplary embodiment by the output signals of the key microprocessor chip (s) preferably driving at least one light emitting diode in series, after transmission via the / the light guide on the opposite side, ie the microprocessor chip (s) of the door lock, the serial bit pattern is checked for legitimation and, if the key is used lawfully, delivers the corresponding output current, which via a power amplifier generates the necessary current that the electromagnet generates used to release the bolt lock. This means the transformation of current 0/1 into light on / off and the back transformation via the photodiode, which has long been known as an optical coupler.

Another great advantage of the invention is in that in particular for the rotatable bolt high-strength alloys and glasses are used can, so that at least on the part of the castle highest security level can be achieved.

Another advantage of the invention is that the Key itself at least one microprocessor logic Memory chip that contains the possibility of a self programmable PIN number as well as the Programming on the appropriate locks, where both the programming of the lock and the the key can be changed at any time. The big advantage is that the key as Unit key is producible, whereby in  Large series production the price is significantly reduced.

It is worth noting in this context that the individual lock programming with known PIN Number then in the simplest form z. B. with one, two, three, etc. can be addressed, so that from Key owners don't need a lot of memory is.

Just the possibility of reprogramming the lock and keys allow it, e.g. B. loss of Key or the like to secure the lock.

Another advantage is the possibility that over an electronic key variant a separate electronic storage unit last key user z. B. on a display can be displayed, of course the lock like this must be programmable to match different words or bit combinations opens.

Finally, it should be noted that in the event of a power failure or the like by e.g. B. one of outside contactable battery the electromagnet of the Locking mechanism is accessible from the outside, so that on destruction of the lock by drilling or the like can be dispensed with.  

Find preferred embodiments of the invention themselves in the additional procedural claims (2-14) and in the device claims (15-40).

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying Drawings explained in more detail by way of example.

It shows

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the entire kit,

Fig. 1a shows an equivalent circuit of a photodiode (photo-transistor),

Fig. 2 shows a possible key in a schematic arrangement,

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of the lock in front view with integrated optical waveguide,

Fig. 4 is a detailed view of an optical fiber.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the entire kit with key ( 1 ), key lock ( 11 , 12 ) in the combination of key ( 1 ) / lock bolt ( 2 ) with storage ( 3 ) and cross bolt ( 4 ) and light guide ( 5 ) with photodiode ( 6 ), lock microprocessor chip ( 7 ), power amplifier ( 8 ), bolt locking device ( 9 ) and electromagnet ( 10 ).

In Fig. 1 a detailed representation of the key ( 1 ) has been dispensed with, which in the preferred exemplary embodiment engages with projections ( 11 ) in recesses ( 12 ) of the lock bolt ( 2 ) and at the same time acts as a mechanical rotating element. The key ( 1 ) makes it clear that it contains at least one light-emitting diode (LED) ( 13 ), which addresses the light guide ( 5 ) of the lock bolt ( 2 ), which runs in the light guide receptacle ( 47 ).

The lock bolt ( 2 ) itself is rotatably mounted ( 3 ) and carries a cross bolt ( 4 ) in the section shown, which, not shown here, actuates the actual locking mechanism of the lock.

In its extension, the lock bolt ( 2 ) is blocked by means of a locking device ( 9 ), the fixed ( 14 ) housing ( 15 ) of which has spring-loaded ( 16 ) bolts ( 17 ) in the bearing (s) ( 43 ), which is more preferred Embodiment consists of a ferromagnetic ( 18 ) and a non-ferromagnetic ( 19 ) component, and is / are arranged so that when the lead electromagnet (s) ( 10 ) is activated, it locks by leaving the lock bolt ( 2 ) - recess / en ( 46 ) solves. It is clear that in the preferred embodiment to avoid tilting of the bolt (s) ( 17 ), the armature ( 45 ) of the electromagnet ( 10 ), which is surrounded by the coil ( 48 ), is arranged corresponding to the lock bolt ( 2 ) , wherein the light guide ( 5 ) is shown curved in section and has a lateral outlet opening ( 20 ). A photodiode ( 6 ) is aligned with this and, in a preferred embodiment, is in the form of a phototransistor and, when the signal is transmitted correctly, supplies an output current which responds to the microprocessor chip ( 7 ) of the door lock via input port ( 22 ) and whose output port ( 23 ) is a power amplifier ( 8 ) activated, which in turn can be designed as a transistor and its energy z. B. from the network ( 50 ) or z. B. from a battery ( 39 ), while chip ( 7 ) is additionally secured by power supply ( 41 ) against data loss. The power amplifier ( 8 ) in turn responds to the electromagnet ( 10 ) which attracts the bolt ( 17 ) of the locking device ( 9 ) and releases the locking of the lock bolt ( 2 ) so that it can be rotated via key ( 1 ), whereby Cross bolt ( 4 ) unlocks the door. No further mechanical details were shown.

It is also worth mentioning that the lock bolt ( 2 ) is secured and guided ( 49 ) by the bolt holding element ( 27 ) in the extended lock cylinder ( 51 ).

Fig. 1a shows an equivalent circuit diagram of a photodiode ( 6 ), for which the terms photoresistor or phototransistor are also common. Receivers with an internal photo effect play the leading role in today's optoelectronic technology. Charge carrier pairs are generated in the PM barrier layer by the action of photons and supplied to the connection electrodes ( 24 ). An essential component of the photodiode ( 6 ) is a transistor ( 25 ), in whose collector ( 21 ) base ( 26 ) path the charge carrier migration takes place (photodiode). It is thereby achieved that the low photo current reaches the emitter ( 52 ) by a factor of 100 to 300.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic arrangement of a possible variant key (1). It has a microprocessor chip ( 32 ) which responds to a light emitting diode (LED) ( 13 ) via output port ( 40 ), a display ( 33 ), a timer ( 34 ) and a preferably alphanumeric keyboard ( 35 ), the said ones Elements are connected to one another by a so-called data bus system ( 36 ), for which the chip input ports ( 44 ) are also to be counted. Power supply ( 37 ) provides the necessary working current, a second power supply ( 38 ) for the chip is integrated as an additional backup of the fed data. In the variant shown, a hazard warning lamp or the like in the event of a power failure was dispensed with.

Since the key also serves as a mechanical element, in the exemplary embodiment shown it has two projections ( 11 ) on the left and right of the LED ( 13 ), which engage in corresponding recesses ( 12 ) in the lock bolt ( 2 ) and are suitable for rotating the lock bolt ( 2 ) are.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the lock in the view from the front with integrated light guide ( 5 ). Lock bolt ( 2 ) is secured to the front by holding element ( 27 ). The light guide ( 5 ) is not redirected here, since it emerges laterally ( 20 ) in the course of the lock bolt ( 47 ) and responds to a photodiode ( 6 ).

Fig. 4 shows a detailed view of a light guide ( 5 ). It consists of a high-index core material ( 28 ), which is provided with a low-index coating ( 29 ), also called jacket material. The propagation of light in this transparent core is based on the principle of total reflection. Light rays ( 30 ) which strike the core ( 28 ) / cladding ( 29 ) boundary surface are reflected back into the core at an angle which is greater than the critical angle of total reflection. They propagate to the other end of the fiber in a kind of zigzag path. In the variant shown, a redirected single light guide ( 5 ) or a light guide bundle can be used, the light guide ( 5 ) in the lock bolt ( 2 ) entry z. B. is secured by means of tempered glass ( 31 ).

Claims (40)

1. A method for electronically controlled actuation of a lock, in which a programmable key is used for a multiplicity of programmable locks, in which a microprocessor chip key device is programmable and at least partially erasable and is coded for actuating certain locks, characterized in that the information transmission from The key to the lock is made by means of light pulses by the programmable key being picked up in a defined lock position in such a way that the preferably serial light code is supplied via at least one light guide with at least one preferred photodiode which is connected to the input port / s of at least one corresponding lock microprocessor Chips are / are connected and enter the light code as a digital electrical and preferred serial signal, the lock microprocessor (s) identifying / identifying the code and at legitimation tion delivers an output current which ultimately leads to the opening of the lock and allows the key serving as a mechanical element to be rotated. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized, that preferably at least one for programming Microprocessor chip is used, the z. B. alpha-numeric keypad is addressed, that the programming can preferably be deleted saved and using the same keyboard Coding is called by preferably serial the bit pattern on at least one light emitting diode (LED) the word is transmitted in light impulses translated (optocoupler). 3. The method according to claim 1, 2, characterized, that to identify the key user at least one preferably individually a programmed so-called PIN number is entered, which preferably via a quartz timer or The like only for a defined time remains stored and / or z. B. by means of a Clear key is deleted and thus the Key use only when activated Random access memory (RAM) enables. 4. The method according to claims 1-3, characterized, that the key code and possibly also the PIN number on a display of the key device Is displayed.   5. The method according to claim 1-4, characterized, that individual codes in programmable erasable Read-only memory of the microprocessor chip (s) be read. 6. The method according to claim 1-5, characterized, that the light code as digital electrical and preferred serial signal via preferably a photodiode as serial Signal is entered using the lock microprocessor (s) identifies / identify the code and if legitimized delivers an output current that ultimately leads to Opening the lock leads. 7. The method according to claim 1-6, characterized, that the lock microprocessor chip / s on programmed in at least one key code and can be reprogrammed if necessary by the code (s) in at least one erasable programmable memory of the lock chip (s) be read.   8. The method according to claim 1-7, characterized, that the lock programming via readable Key commands are issued or by means of your own preferably carried out alpha-numeric keyboard , the lock code (s) preferably in at least one erasable programmable Read-in memory of the lock chip (s) and if necessary made visible on a display will be. 9. The method according to claim 1-8, characterized, that via a separate storage unit Key code / s of the last key / s saved and preferably via a display called and deleted if necessary. 10. The method according to claim 1, 9, characterized, that with saturated storage capacity each first (oldest) key code in the permanent memory of the corresponding chip or chips Storage unit is deleted and all others Codes in the storage unit by one storage location move up and that in the last, now free Storage space, the current code is read, the storage unit being protected against unauthorized access is particularly protected. 11. The method according to claim 1-10, characterized, that the lock is time-programmable, so that too only defined key codes at certain times be legitimized.   12. The method according to claim 1-11, characterized, that the castle is connected to an alarm system that is at certain, preferably outside set times of applied codes, the alarm triggers when used illegally. 13. The method according to claim 1, 11, characterized, that at certain times a special PIN number is read into the key to the call legalized code. 14. The method according to claim 1, 6-8, 11, 12, characterized, that the output current of the lock Microprocessor / s / s preferably reinforced at least activated an electromagnet whose / whose magnetic field / s a preferably spring-loaded Lock bolt locking device releases and over the so lock bolts turn the lock is opened. 15. Kit for performing the method according to claim 1, consisting of a programmable key and programmable lock, characterized in that the key for the purpose of transmitting the key code has a light-emitting diode ( 13 ) which has a light guide ( 5 ) in the lock bolt ( 2 ) contacted the lock device and the key ( 1 ) has elevations (projections) ( 11 ) which correspond to corresponding recesses ( 12 ) in the lock bolt ( 2 ). 16. Kit for performing the method according to claim 15, characterized in that it consists of a microprocessor chip-controlled key device ( 1 ), a lock device, the programmed electronics of which by means of an optical coupler ( 5 , 6 , 7 ) via at least one key ( 1 ) light-emitting diode ( 13 ) (LED) can preferably be controlled in binary series, consists of a power supply ( 39 ) and a locking mechanism ( 4, .. ) and that in a preferred embodiment the lock electronics (lock microprocessor chip) with an additional memory unit is connected to determine the last key codes, a time programming and possibly an alarm system. 17. Kit according to claim 15 and 16, characterized in that the key device ( 1 ) at least one microprocessor chip ( 32 ), a preferably alphanumeric keyboard ( 35 ), at least one light-emitting diode (LED) ( 13 ), a timer ( 34 ), a display ( 33 ), a power supply ( 37 ), a data bus system ( 36 ). 18. Kit according to claim 15 to 17, characterized in that the / the microprocessor chip / s ( 32 ) of the key ( 1 ) has at least one erasable programmable read-only memory for at least one PIN number and at least one key code, and at least one direct access memory and is / are designed as a logic memory chip / s. 19. Kit according to claim 15-18, characterized in that the memory units of the / the key microprocessor chip / s ( 32 ) via a preferably alphanumeric keyboard ( 35 ) is / are addressable, the output ports ( 40/44 ') With the display ( 33 ) and / or the LED (s) ( 13 ) of the key ( 1 ) is / are. 20. Kit according to claim 15-19, characterized in that the current source ( 37 ) for general power requirements and current source ( 38 ) are suitable for securing the chip information of the key ( 1 ). 21. Kit according to claim 15-20, characterized in that the timer ( 34 ) of the key (i) is designed as a quartz timer or the like. 22. Kit according to claim 15, 17, 19 to 21, characterized in that the alpha-numeric keyboard ( 35 ) of the key ( 1 ) has a clear key for the direct access memory (s). 23. Kit according to claim 15 and at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lock device from lock bolt ( 2 ) with at least one integrated light guide ( 5 ) and cross bolt ( 4 ) or the like for actuating the locking mechanism, holding element ( 27 ) and storage ( 3 ), at least one photodiode ( 6 ) which is / are connected to the input port (s) ( 22 ) of at least one microprocessor chip ( 7 ), the output port (s) ( 23 ) of which is via a power amplifier ( 8 ) is / are connected to at least one electromagnet ( 10 ) which, via its armature ( 45 ), corresponds to at least one preferably spring (16) mounted locking bolt ( 17 ) which, in the absence of an electrical flow, a) corresponding recess (s) ( 46 ) of the lock bolt ( 2 ) is / are positioned via spring element (s) ( 16 ), when current flows, ie with the correct key code, but when building at least one ele ktromagnetic field can be moved out of the recess (s) ( 46 ) against the spring force ( 16 ), with which the rotation of the lock bolt ( 2 ) is possible. 24. Kit according to claim 15, 23, characterized in that the lock bolt ( 2 ) is secured against slipping out via the holding element ( 27 ) and, like the holding element ( 27 ) and lock cylinder ( 51 ), preferably consists of a high-strength alloy. 25. Kit according to claim 15, 23, 24, characterized in that the lock bolt ( 2 ) z. B. consists of high-strength sintered material. 26. Kit according to claim 15, 23-25, characterized in that the lock bolt ( 2 ) has at least one preferably deflected and laterally emerging (20) light guide ( 5 ) in its course. 27. Kit according to claim 15, 23-26, characterized in that the light guide ( 5 ) is preferably designed flexibly as a light guide bundle. 28. Kit according to claim 15, 23-27, characterized in that the light guide ( 5 ) receptacle ( 47 ) is closed to the outside with an armored glass ( 31 ) and / or another high-strength translucent element. 29. Kit according to claim 15, 23, characterized in that the photodiode ( 6 ) is preferably designed as a phototransistor and is / are connected to the input port (s) ( 22 ) of at least one microprocessor chip ( 7 ). 30. Kit according to claim 15, 23, 29, characterized in that the / the lock microprocessor chip / s ( 7 ) also has / have at least one erasable programmable read-only memory and direct access memory and is designed as a logic memory chip / s / are, has / have a separate power supply ( 41 ) and via his / her output port / s ( 23 ) each with a power amplifier ( 8 ), z. B. a trasistor amplifier, and this / r in turn is / are connected to at least one electromagnet ( 10 ), which / each consist of coil ( 48 ) and armature ( 45 ). 31. Kit according to claim i5, 23, 30, characterized in that the / the respective locking bolt (i 7 ) consists of a high-strength portion ( 19 ) and an associated portion ( 18 ) made of ferromagnetic material, which / the ( 19 ) is / are mounted in a housing ( 15 ) bearing ( 43 ), the housing ( 15 ) and the high-strength bolt portion ( 19 ) made of non-ferro-magnetic material and the high-strength bolt portion ( 19 ) both via spring ( 16 ) protrudes into the lock bolt ( 2 ) recess ( 46 ) as well as into the housing ( 15 ) and the ferromagnetic portion ( 18 ) strikes the spring ( 16 ) and that the bolt bearing ( 43 ) preferably the armature ( 45 ) one Electromagnet ( 10 ) is applied, which is suitable when the magnetic field is built up by releasing the locking bolt ( 17 ) - combination ( 18 , 19 ) against the existing spring (i 6 ) force to release the locking bolt ( 2 ). 32. Kit according to claim 15, 23-25, characterized in that the cross bolt ( 4 ) or the like is connected to the actual locking device. 33. Kit according to claim 15, 23, 29, 30, characterized in that for increased security of / the lock microprocessor chip / s ( 7 ) this / these is / are connected to a timer which is capable of increase the time intervals of the chip address with every failed attempt. 34. Kit according to claim 15-33, characterized, that a timer to control a Program command is so appropriate that certain Codes are only legitimated at certain times. 35. Kit according to claim 15-34, characterized, that the lock is connected to an alarm system, that responds to certain codes. 36. Kit according to claim 15-35, characterized in that the power supply is secured by using the mains current ( 50 ) after preferred transformation and synchronization via contacting through the lock and optionally additionally via an accumulator. 37. Kit according to claim 15, 23, characterized, that the lock against heat and extreme cold is isolated. 38. Kit according to claim 15, 21-30, characterized in that the light guide ( 5 ) of the lock bolt ( 2 ) and the electronics are designed twice. 39. Kit according to claim 15, 23, 36, characterized, that the lock mechanism for securing in the event of a power failure, also with a battery is provided, which by a rotatable bolt contactable outside and thus to replace the failed mains or battery operation is. 40. Kit according to claim 15, 23, 36, 37, characterized, that at least one preferred LED for Display of a missing or falling Power supply is suitable.