EP0424356B1 - Locking cylinder - Google Patents

Abstract

A lock cylinder (1) carries a bore (4) passing through the cylinder housing (5), the cylinder core (6) and the key channel (3). A radiation source (9) and a sensor (10) are provided in a rose (8) or in another component surrounding the lock cylinder (1). Electronic signals of different amplitudes are generated by bores (13 to 20) of differing size which are located in the key bit of a flat key (12) and which fade out the beam path in the bore (4) of the lock cylinder. These signals are divided in a receiver (11) into a clock track (21) and a code track (22) by means of two threshold values. The code resulting from this is compared in a comparator circuit (23) with at least one desired code of one or more code stores (26, 27, 31, 32, 33, 34). When the codes correspond, the release of an electromechanical blocking mechanism (25) additionally provided takes place. One code store (26) contains a cyclically activatable sequence of codes (C1, C2, C3), a further store (27) is freely programmable (Cn) after the insertion of a programming key into the lock, and a third store (31 to 34) allows individual direct access to the storage locations (C10, C20, C30, ... Ci) by means of a programming unit (35). <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a lock cylinder with a cylinder core rotatable in a lock housing and with tumblers which can be pushed into a release position from a core and housing bridging position by a key which can be inserted into a key channel of the cylinder core, and with at least one the lock housing and the cylinder core and the Key channel in the cylinder core penetrating hole, in which a radiation source, for example an infrared transmission diode for transmitting a signal, and opposite this a sensor is provided, to which a receiver and a comparison circuit for comparing a signal caused by recesses in the key by stopping the beam path when plugged in with a or several code signals which can be stored in at least one code memory is connected downstream, an electromagnetic interlock in the lock cylinder or in a mortise lock being connected to the comparison circuit sen and only one sensor is provided and two threshold values are set in the receiver for the analog signal arriving from this sensor and obtained only from a signal track of the key, and the signals detected above the lower threshold clock signals (clock track) and those above the Upper threshold detected signals are code signals (code track), which are connected as a clocked code to the comparison circuit, at the second input of which there is at least one code memory.

In the case of individual locks, there is a desire to be able to reprogram the locking cylinder if a key is lost or stolen. In the known designs, the insertion of a key of a second key set leads to the rearrangement of the mechanical tumbler pins, as a result of which the reprogramming is carried out and can no longer be locked with the keys in the first key set. Multiple reprogramming is not possible with these versions.

With locking systems, it is often necessary to change locking authorizations, i.e. to make restrictions or extensions. This requires the exchange of locking cylinders and in many cases is only possible by replacing the entire locking system.

Access control systems are also known which operate on the basis of punched card codes or with magnetic track codes. A punch card or check card replaces the key. Electronic or mechanical readers determine the card code and, based on the target / actual comparison with the stored codes, derive the cardholder's possible blocking authorization. In a known embodiment, the key spine of a flat key for a cylinder lock bears marks in the form of incisions, the position of which relative to one another results in the code which, in addition to the mechanical locking mechanism, controls an electromechanical locking device.

Lock cylinders are also known which, in addition to the mechanical pin tumblers, have an electronic locking level. For this purpose, the key is coded in addition to the variation criteria of the key profile and the toothing in such a way that a target / actual comparison is carried out electronically on the lock side after code recognition. Such a lock therefore only locks when the key profile fits into the key channel, when the toothing moves the core and housing pins of the cylinder into the parting area between the core and the housing and when code correspondence between the key and the lock has been determined. The specialist literature reveals active key systems, static passive key systems and dynamic passive key systems. In the active key systems, a transmitter is provided in the key, which sends a code to the lock for comparison with the lock-side code. Static passive key systems include a key with marks such as notches or bores, which are scanned as soon as the key is fully inserted into the lock and at least briefly comes into contact with the builder. The snapshot of the coding is subjected to the target / actual comparison, which then leads to unlocking if there is a match. With the dynamic passive key system, the key code is successively removed during the insertion movement as it slides past reading heads, one after the other incoming signals are stored and the memory content is then subjected to a target comparison.

Typical representatives of the aforementioned active key systems can be found in DE-OSen 30 05 890, 29 22 230 and 30 06 128. Transmitters are housed in the key, the code of which can be reprogrammed or changed by a random number generator in synchronism with the lock code during each locking process. These systems are not only complex, but also prone to malfunction due to the wireless transmission path.

DE-OS 1 553 363 relates to a static passive key system. The key, which has a perforated pattern, is inserted into the key channel. One key side is illuminated over the entire area. Light only passes through in the hole positions and activates photocells that trigger the unlocking process. This system requires a large-area light source and a large number of photocells, so that this construction is not suitable for adapting conventional cylinder locks.

Static passive systems are also shown in DE-OS 29 25 214 and DE-AS 25 16 283. While in the first case, when the key is in the idle state, a key hole pattern lies between a large-area radiation source and a chain of light-sensitive elements of the lock, it is in second case notches in the key back. All such static passive key systems require large-volume fittings in the lock, which, as mentioned, preclude the adaptation of existing, highly specialized locking cylinders.

A dynamic passive key system is known from CH-PS 640 297. The key itself has at least two code tracks on a non-mechanical basis, from which when inserted into the key channel by means of at least two lock-side read heads, clock information and code information associated with the clocks are derived. The clock information is required because every person inserts the key at different speeds and the insertion speed does not keep constant over the entire depth of the key channel. The effort with two tracks and associated with two or even four reading heads is great, in particular the reading heads require a lot of electrical energy.

A security system of the latter category is known from EP-A-0 391 929. Flat keys are used whose beard profile is optically scanned. A special embodiment also provides for scanning bores which are provided one behind the other in the direction of insertion in the beard area and which have different diameters in order to distinguish between clock and code signals. When the key is inserted into a key channel, a light beam oriented transversely to the channel is repeatedly interrupted or dimmed, so that a sensor detects a sequence of pulses. The presence of pulses on the one hand and the crossing of a threshold on the other hand leads to the differentiation between a clock and a code derived from it. The invention is based on such a system, which aims at a particularly practical coding, in particular recoding of the key-lock combination in the event of a key loss or a change in the locking hierarchy. The electronic criteria should be unconditionally superimposed on a high-quality key-lock combination on a cylinder basis, so that in particular the diversity of variations is increased and changes can also be made retrospectively regarding the locking authorization on site without replacing the lock. This object is achieved by the teaching given in the characterizing part of claim 1. The systems of the effective recoding can be used to increase the security of a single cylinder as well as for the flexible design of a locking system and for the immediate assignment and withdrawal of blocking authorizations for the single cylinder as well as for the system. While the security against violence is taken over by the mechanical locking mechanism, the electronics scanning the mechanical code of the key ensure an enormous increase in variation and flexibility. The lock code changes cyclically without additional effort as soon as a new key is inserted, for example if the old key is lost becomes. The previously valid lock code will become ineffective. An advantage of this system is therefore that such a locking cylinder can be reprogrammed by the owner himself at any time. As an alternative or in addition to this, the code memory can be switched through to the receiver for programming or reprogramming key codes by means of a predetermined control code, for example a programming key. This makes the code memory accessible. A programmable memory can be provided, which deletes all previously entered codes when a programming key is inserted and is briefly open for reprogramming by successively inserting all of the keys authorized to lock. In addition to being time-limited, programming can also be ended by inserting the program key again. If, for example, a key is given to a craftsman for a short period of time, the blocking authorization for this key can be revoked at night, at the weekend or after work has ended. In the embodiment which is particularly suitable for this purpose, the code memory has memory locations, the codes of which can be entered individually by means of a pluggable or optically or inductively coupled programming device. Even if the handyman or a neighbor holding the key during his or her absence loses it, then the code of the lost key can only be deleted from the signal memory by the programming device. Even if the toothing and profiling match, which would lead to overcoming the mechanical tumblers, the lock does not lock with this key - should it have fallen into the wrong hands.

The programming device can individually access the memory locations of this code memory. A clock chip can be assigned to the code memory, so that certain blocking authorizations can take place as a function of time. For example, employees' office keys can only be locked on weekdays between 8 and 6 p.m. The watch chip may also be connected to an event log that includes every attempt to lock, including of the key code, registered under the time and date. The event memory can be read out by means of optical, inductive coupling or via a plug by means of a reader, at most with a printer.

In terms of design, a special embodiment is characterized in that the radiation source and the sensor are provided in a rosette which can be pushed over the locking cylinder. It is also advantageous if the energy of the radiation source via isolated mounting screws in the rosette from a battery in a housing, which is preferably designed as part of a long plate of the fitting opposite the rosette, as well as the received signal from the sensor via these mounting screws in the housing provided receiver and then the comparison circuit can be fed.

An embodiment of the subject of the invention is shown in the drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the lock area of a door with mortise lock and lock cylinder together with a block diagram for the functional representation, Fig. 2 shows the lock cylinder together with a rosette in front view and Fig. 3 shows a key.

A standard lock cylinder 1 is inserted in a mortise lock 2 of a door 3. The lock cylinder 1 has a bore 4 which passes through the lock housing 5 and the cylinder core 6 and the key signal 7. A rosette 8 is slid over the part of the locking cylinder 1 projecting outward beyond the door surface, in which a bore is also provided, which is aligned with the bore 4 in the locking cylinder. In the rosette bore there is on the one hand an infrared transmitter diode 9 and on the other hand an infrared sensor 10, the signal of which is fed to a receiver 11. The incoming signal is compared in receiver 11 with two threshold values. If the lower threshold is exceeded, the receiver recognizes a clock signal; if the upper threshold is also exceeded, then a code signal ("1") is present.

When a key 12 (FIG. 3) is inserted into the key channel 7, the bores 13, 14 provided in the key bit, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 the infrared beam between the transmitter diode 9 and the sensor 10. As a result of the different bore diameters on the key 12, the sensor emits signals of different strengths which result in a clock sequence 21 and lead a code sequence 22. The latter represents the electronic image of the mechanical hole track 13 to 20. In the exemplary embodiment, the holes 14, 15 and 17, that is to say the second, third and fifth holes, are larger in cross section than the other holes. The cross-sectional difference does not have to relate to the bore diameter, but concerns the effective dimming of the infrared beam. Thus, holes of the same size could also be used, which are offset in height for a smaller passage cross-section compared to the central axis of the infrared beam on the key. For different dimming of the infrared beam, the bores could also run obliquely to the axis of the light beam in the key bit. The passage cross-section effective for the dimming can also be influenced thereby. Back to the exemplary embodiment, all bores 13 to 20 give a signal when the key 12 is inserted into the key channel 7, which signal lies above the lower threshold of the receiver 11. This is indicated by eight clock pulses from clock track 21. The larger passage cross section of the key bores 14, 15 and 17 results in a signal of higher amplitude, which not only exceeds the lower but also the upper threshold in the receiver 11. Opposite the clock track 21, these signals are at the clock positions two, three and five. The code for key 12 is therefore 01101000.

The determined code is compared in a comparison circuit 23 with a target code. If the code matches, an electromagnetic lock 25 is lifted via a line 24, which acts in the mortise lock on the bolt or the bolt mechanism or in the lock cylinder on the cylinder core, the locking lug or the coupling between the cylinder core and locking lug.

The target code or codes, that is to say those codes which lead to the unlocking of the electromechanical locking mechanism, are contained in FIG. 1 in three memories or memory groups, which in a practical case Execution can be realized together or alternatively. The code memory 26 comprises three target codes (C₁, C₂, C₃), of which only the first code C₁ is initially effectively compared to the actual code performed via the code track 22 to the comparison circuit 23. As soon as a key with the code C₂ is inserted into the key channel 7, the code C₂ is activated. C₁ and C₃ are ineffective. In practice, three sets of keys are supplied with the lock system, and if a key of the first set is lost or stolen, which is coded with C₁, the reprogramming to C₂ takes place by inserting a key of the second set. This process can be repeated with C₃ or several times. A cyclic sequence is possible, which finally starts again at C₁.

Alternatively or additionally, a freely reprogrammable memory 27 can be provided which contains the codes C _n as target codes. The memory 27 can be opened for reprogramming by a code key, the code of which is compared with a special code K of a read-only memory 29 in the comparison circuit 28. If the key code of the programming key matches K, then a signal is sent to the code memory 27 or all codes of the keys subsequently inserted are stored in the memory 27. All original codes can be deleted for the time being, or the memory locations can be reassigned in sequence. When a programming key is inserted, the memory 27 can be opened, for example, for 2 minutes for reprogramming or reprogramming. This is indicated by a clock chip 30 and the dashed operative connection to the memory 27. The reprogramming phase can also be ended by inserting the programming key again.

A third memory system comprises memories 31, 32, 33 and 34, the memory locations of which can be specifically accessed. For this purpose, a programming device 35 is provided, which is connected to the storage system via induction coils 36, 37. The aforementioned storage system allows the locking authorization to be coupled with a period of time, as is shown by the dashed active connection between the clock chip 30 and the memory 31.

An event memory 38 is also provided, which records all incoming codes simultaneously with the date and time (control lines 39, 40). Furthermore, it is also recorded whether the code has released the electromechanical locking mechanism 25. The event memory 38 can be read out via an inductive coupling 41, 42 by means of a display device 43 at most with a log printer 44.

The circuit has a battery 45 for energy supply, only one circuit to the infrared red diode being symbolically shown in FIG. 1. The battery 45 can be charged by means of an inductively coupled AC voltage via a rectified charger 46. The voltage supply can also take place without a battery, for example only with buffering via a capacitor with high capacitance via inductive coupling from the network with the interposition of a transformer (bell transformer). A single, common induction coil can be used for the inductive coupling of the programming device 35, the reading device 43, and the external voltage.

If the battery 45 is used, then a beep sounds as a signal for a positive code comparison by connecting an acoustic detector to line 24. As soon as the voltage drops below a certain value that can be predicted, the beep is no longer used as a warning and that the battery will be replaced as soon as possible should. In an emergency, voltage could be applied from the outside via the inductance (e.g. charging the aforementioned capacitor). Even if the voltage of the battery drops, the entire electronic system can be deactivated, so that only the mechanical locking criteria of a conventional locking cylinder are available for security and locking.

The mortise lock can be designed as a panic lock, ie the bolt can be withdrawn with the inside handle. The inside handle is decoupled from a possible outside handle. While unlocking and locking from the outside of the door the agreement of the electronically mechanical code requires, the mechanical unlocking of the locking cylinder is sufficient for locking from the inside in one embodiment. "Unlocking" is done from the inside using the handle. Of course, with increased security desired on both sides, a rosette with an infrared light barrier can also be provided on the inside of the door or lock.

The eight-digit code was only mentioned in the exemplary embodiment. In practice, codes of 14 and more digits can be used, for example four digits being used to represent a checksum. This means that the read code can be checked and a reading error can even be corrected.

There is also the possibility of potting the holes 13 to 20 with plastic, which is penetrated by the infrared beam. A groove can be provided on both sides of the key bit, in the bottom of which the bores 13 to 20 lie. In this case, the grooves can be poured out so that the potting compound does not protrude over the surface of the key bit.

Claims (3)

1. Lock cylinder with a cylinder plug (6) that can be rotated in a lock case (5) and with levers that can be moved by a key (12), which can be inserted into a keyway (7) in the cylinder plug (6), from a position that bridges the plug and the case into a releasing position, and with a minimum of one bore (4) that penetrates the lock case (5) and the cylinder plug (6), as well as the keyway (7) in the cylinder plug (6), in which a radiation source, for example an infra-red transmitting diode (9) for the transmission of a signal, and a sensor (10) on the opposite side are provided, behind which a receiver (11) and a comparator circuit (23) are provided where a signal, which is generated when a key (12) is inserted, the recesses (13 - 20) of which dim the beam path, is compared to one or several code signals that can be stored in a minimum of one code memory (26, 27, 31 - 34), with an electromagnetic locking device (25) in the lock cylinder (1) or in a mortice lock (2) being connected to the comparator circuit, and with only one single sensor (10) being provided, while two threshold values are set in the receiver (11) for the analog signal that arrives from that sensor (10) and is obtained merely from one signal trace of the key (12), where the signals detected above the lower threshold value are timing pulses (timing trace 21), and where the signals detected above the upper threshold value are code pulses (code trace 22), which are connected to the comparator circuit (23) as a timed code, while a minimum of one code memory (26, 27, 31 - 34) is connected to the second input of the circuit, characterized in that the code memory (26) contains several codes (C₁, C₂, C₃), which can be retrieved cyclically, one after the other, and which can be activated individually by inserting a key that contains a new code, with the previous code in code memory (6) being taken out of operation at the same time and/or, respectively, where the code memory (27) can be connected to the receiver (11) by means of a pre-determined control code, for example of a programming key, for programming or re-programming the key codes, and/or, respectively, where the code memory has memory locations (31, 32, 33, 34), the codes of which may be entered individually by means of an optical plug-in programming device (35, 36) or a plug-in programming device (35, 36) that can be coupled through induction.
2. Lock cylinder according to Claim 1, characterized in that the radiation source (9) and the sensor (10) are provided in a keyhole escutcheon (8) that can slipped over the lock cylinder (1).
3. Lock cylinder according to Claim 2, characterized in that the energy of the radiation source (9) can be conducted via insulated assembly screws in the keyhole escutcheon (8), from a battery (45) which is in a case that is preferably embodied as component of the lockset plate of the fitting opposite the keyhole escutcheon (8), just as the received signal from the sensor (10) can be conducted via these assembly screws to the receiver (11) that is provided in that case, and then to the comparator circuit (23).

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