EP0884437B1 - Electronic lock - Google Patents

Abstract

The electronic lock comprises a mechanical assembly actuated by both a part and button (26) controlled by a key card actuated electronic device. The button is in the same axis of which is fixed a supplementary cam (25') lodged with the locks bolt (23) which is part of a mechanism operated by the introduction of a part (22) which causes displacement of the bolt. There is also a cam which transmits its movement to a slide (27) fitted with a tongue (27a) which during its movement holds/frees a key card (3) with a memory chip. There is an electronic means for locking/unlocking the memory card and a microprocessor possessing a programmed memory which detects the presence of the card, reads the data the card contains, verifies the contained data is appropriate and conforms to its programme. If this is all correct, it orders the electro-mechanical means to unlock the cam.

Description

The present invention relates to an applicable electronic lock for example, and preferably in places of massive use, such as hotels, lockers in sports complexes, lockers at stations or the like.

Mechanically operated locks are already known for this type of use. In particular, for lockers we know well the locks mechanical operation which operate by induction of a part or a token, which is collected by the user when he leaves the locker open for next use. Locks of this type are very vulnerable (because they can be forced very easily).

For OS 3614252 is already counue the use of means electromechanical, an electromagnet locks / unblocks the bolt the lock, on locks of this kind as soon as the mechanical device is operated, either directly by the button, or by the conjunction of a part or token and button. But the lock on OS 3614252 does not solve the problem. Security and flexibility petition in the hotel or premises market massive use of locks.

a) Casier ouvert (il n'y a pas d'utilisateur)
   la serrure reste ouvert, mais la carte est retenue dans la serrure;

b) Un utilisateur introduit la pièce de monnaie. Casier fermé
   la serrure reste fermé, et l'utilisateur porte la carte;

c) L'utilisateur revient et introduit la carte
   la serrure reste ouvert et la carte retenue.

The requester has detected that the user or the manager of places of massive use request a lock that can be actuated by part, button and key-card, p. example for lockers, with the following conditions:

a) Open locker (there is no user)
the lock remains open, but the card is retained in the lock;

b) A user introduces the coin. Locker closed
the lock remains closed, and the user carries the card;

c) The user returns and introduces the card
the lock remains open and the card retained.

a) d'un axe du bouton duquel sont disposés solidairement

a₁) un supplément de came logé avec le pêne de la serrure qui est solidaire du mécanisme actionnable et

a₂) une came qui transmet son mouvement à

b) un coulisseau muni d'une languette qui dans son mouvement enchâsse/libère la clé-carte possédant une puce à mémoire;

c) moyens électromécaniques de blocage/déblocage de la came; et

d) un microprocesseur possédant une mémoire programmée qui détecte la présence de la carte, lit l'information s'y trouvant contenue, en vérifiant si ladite information est l'information appropriée, conformément à son programme et, dans l'affirmative, ordonne aux moyens électromécaniques le déblocage de la came.

The electronic request lock fulfills these conditions and consists of a lock bolt secured to a mechanism that can be actuated by the combination of a part authorizing the movement of the bolt and a button and controlled by an electromechanical device that can be actuated by key. -card and characterized by the fact that it also consists of:

a) an axis of the button of which are arranged integrally

a ₁ ) an additional cam housed with the bolt of the lock which is integral with the actuatable mechanism and

a ₂ ) a cam which transmits its movement to

b) a slide provided with a tongue which in its embedding / releasing movement key-card having a memory chip;

c) electromechanical locking / unlocking means of the cam; and

d) a microprocessor having a programmed memory which detects the presence of the card, reads the information contained therein, checking whether said information is the appropriate information, in accordance with its program and, if so, orders the electromechanical means releasing the cam.

The lock, after each use, admits a code change to the upcoming card so that a possible user or picker would be in a situation such as his card (if he alleges having lost it) or a copy of it would not be valid for the next opportunity.

Individualization, flexibility and security are the watchwords of this invention.

La figure 1 est une représentation de l'ensemble de la serrure de l'invention incorporée à une porte.

La figure 2 est un diagramme de blocs du dispositif électronique de la serrure de la figure 1.

La figure 3 est un schéma de l'ensemble mécanique de la serrure de la figure 1.

La figure 4 est un schéma de l'enchâssement de l'axe (26a) du bouton de la figure 3 avec le pêne (23) de la serrure.

La figure 5 est une représentation pratique de l'ensemble blocage/déblocage (13) de la figure 3.

La figure 6 est une représentation de l'enchâssement carte(3) avec crémaillère (27) de la figure 3.

To allow us to better understand the object of the present invention, there will be shown on the plans a preferred practical embodiment, subject to modifications which hardly alter the basis thereof.

Figure 1 is a representation of the entire lock of the invention incorporated into a door.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the electronic device of the lock of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of the mechanical assembly of the lock of FIG. 1.

Figure 4 is a diagram of the embedding of the axis (26a) of the button of Figure 3 with the bolt (23) of the lock.

FIG. 5 is a practical representation of the blocking / unblocking assembly (13) of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a representation of the embedding card (3) with rack (27) of FIG. 3.

A practical example of implementation is described below, not limiting, of the present invention.

The electronic lock actuable by means of a coin or a token, according to the invention, consists of a mechanical assembly actuated by the conjunction of part (22) / button (26) and of an actuatable electronic device (1) using a built-in smart card type key (3) (49) (Figure 1).

The electronic device consists of a microprocessor (41) programmed in which the lock to be installed in its final place is personalized, the specific information of the lock being stored in the memory EEPROM (40).

The voltage booster-stabilizer (43) is an element intended for guarantee correct operation in a wide range of working voltages.

In order to increase autonomy, the electronic circuit as a whole remains "dormant" until a card (3) is inserted at puce (49), after which the appropriate checks are carried out and is activated, if there is takes place, the output element (11), for example, motor or coil (action bidirectional). Then, the circuit returns to "dormant" mode regardless of whether the key / card (3) has been extracted or not. In the same intention, the power supply of the key (3) is interrupted once the dialogue with this through the interface (50) has ended. In this way, all of the devices are only in operation for the time that is strictly necessary, which optimizes total consumption.

In the layout of the electronic circuit is included an optico-acoustic indicator (44) so that the user receives information from the activity of the lock.

The microprocessor has a comparator which checks the level voltage present at the ends of the batteries (48). The comparison is made with a value predetermined below which the indicator begins, for example, to become intermittent.

The power stage (45) is formed by a group of transistors directly controlled by the microcontroller (41).

The mechanical assembly consists of a device (2) conventional of those operating with coins or tokens (22) whose introduction into an intake system (21) allows displacement linear of a latch tongue (23), actuable by means of the button (26). The body of the bolt (23) consists of a window (24), in which the protrusion (25'b) of an additional cam (25 ') which can be pivoted by the axis (26a) of the button (26).

On the same axis (26a) is located the cam (25) (Figure 3) in which a housing (25c) has been arranged where a set of blocking / unblocking (13) actuable by the electronic device (1) in conjunction with the key-card (3) (according to detailed mode further on).

In kinematic continuity with the cam (25), there is arranged a rack (27) having a tongue (27a) corresponding to a recess (21) on the card (3) so that the tongue (27a) of the rack (27) is removed / lodged in the recess (21) of the key (3) in allowing / preventing extraction respectively.

a) la carte introduite à fond ferme un circuit ( c) qui envoie une impulsion afin que le dispositif électronique (1) commande l'ouverture du système ;

b) en introduisant la languette (27a) dans l'évidement (31) on déplace la carte (3) d'une quantité Δ, ce qui permet au circuit (c) de rester ouvert.

With the card (3) fully inserted, the recess (31) has a displacement Δ relative to the tongue (27a) so that:

a) the card inserted fully closes a circuit (c) which sends a pulse so that the electronic device (1) controls the opening of the system;

b) by inserting the tongue (27a) into the recess (31), the card (3) is displaced by an amount Δ, which allows the circuit (c) to remain open.

Electromechanical means are available which consist of a motor (11) coupling to its axis (11a) a kinematic assembly (12) which, in last instance, move the locking / unlocking assembly (13) to install it or not in the housing (25c) of the cam (25).

• un jeu de coulisseau (12a)/ sans fin (12b) dont le premier (12a) est positionné sur celle-ci (12b) par une fourche/ressort (12c), qui sert d'écrou;
• un jeu de cames (12d), (12e), (12f) qui, en pivotant autour d'axes (121) (122), rendent possible, en dernière instance, le déplacement linéaire de l'ensemble de blocage/déblocage (13).

The transmission (12) is integrated by (Figure 3) (the practical realizations can be of a very wide variety):

• a slider (12a) / endless (12b), the first (12a) of which is positioned on the latter (12b) by a fork / spring (12c), which acts as a nut;
• a set of cams (12d), (12e), (12f) which, by pivoting around axes (121) (122), make it possible, in the last instance, to linearly move the locking / unlocking assembly (13 ).

The locking / unlocking assembly (13) is structured, as well as shown in Figure 5, on a head (13a) mounted on the socket (13b) and maintained in position by the two springs (13c), (13d) which cooperate with the action of the motor (11), by lengthening his working life and by facilitating the accommodation / removal of the head (13a) in the cavity (25c) of the cam (25).

Function of the electronic part (1) of the lock.

The electronic lock uses smart cards (3) (49) which consists of memory, the actuation of the lock based on the correspondence which must exist between the information recorded in the chip (49), of the key (3) and the information present in the memory (40) of the lock.

Normal type key cards (3) are available (the one used by user), which may have the function of opening, closing or open and close; master key that allows access to the memory (40) of the microprocessor (41) for partial reprogramming; super type master key, which allows the reprogramming of master keys.

• Vérification du code d'application. Par données de l'application, on entend l'ensemble de codes identifiant les serrures propriété du même client, par exemple, le fabricant de serrures (on suppose que le fabricant des cartes (3) n'est pas le même que le fabricant de l'ensemble de la serrure électronique).
• Vérification du numéro d'installation. Le code d'installation est introduit par la propre entreprise fabricante de serrures, et identifie l'installation concrète à laquelle appartient la clé-serrure, par exemple, un complexe sportif. L'information est saisie tant dans la clé (3) que dans la serrure au moyen d'un équipement terminal (non représenté).
• Vérification du numéro et type de clé (3). Les clés (3) ont enregistré sur leur puce (49) un code qui correspond au numéro associé à cette clé (3). Ce numéro est assigné par un terminal de configuration (non représenté) qui garantit qu'il n'y aura pas deux clés (3) susceptibles de posséder le même numéro.

The microprocessor controls or checks (41) are the following taken one after the other:

• Application code verification. By application data, we mean the set of codes identifying locks owned by the same customer, for example, the lock manufacturer (it is assumed that the manufacturer of the cards (3) is not the same as the manufacturer of the entire electronic lock).
• Installation number verification. The installation code is entered by the company's own manufacturer of locks, and identifies the concrete installation to which the key-lock belongs, for example, a sports complex. The information is entered both in the key (3) and in the lock by means of terminal equipment (not shown).
• Verification of the number and type of key (3). The keys (3) have recorded on their chip (49) a code which corresponds to the number associated with this key (3). This number is assigned by a configuration terminal (not shown) which guarantees that there will not be two keys (3) likely to have the same number.

The key (3) also comprises assigned a "type" (already explained), in with three possibilities if it is of the normal type: if the key (3) is of the type open / close, the output device (11) will be activated first in one direction and then in another; on the other hand, if it is of the open type, it will only do so once in one direction and if it is of the closed type, it will do so once in the opposite direction.

If any of the checks are not correct, the microprocessor (41) suspends the activity and goes into "dormant" mode, in the case otherwise the lock obeys the user.

Mechanical operation. Phase 0.-

• Le système est bloqué et ouvert.
• Carte (3) introduite, retenue par la languette (27a) qui en empêche l'extraction.
• Pêne (23) retiré et bloqué par le dispositif à pièce (figure 4).
• Blocage (13) appuyé sur la came (25)

Initial position :

• The system is blocked and open.
• Card (3) inserted, retained by the tongue (27a) which prevents its extraction.
• Bolt (23) removed and blocked by the coin device (Figure 4).
• Locking (13) pressed on the cam (25)

Phase 1.-

• Le pêne (23) est libéré.
• On tourne le bouton (26) et avec lui la came (25), ce qui entraíne que :
• a) le dispositif de blocage (13) s'introduit dans le logement (25c) le bouton restant bloqué (26)
• b) la languette (27a) de la crémaillère (27) libère la carte (3)
• c) Le pêne (23) se déplace à l'extérieur.
• La carte se retire (3)
• Le système reste bloqué et fermé

We introduce the coin (22):

• The bolt (23) is released.
• We turn the button (26) and with it the cam (25), which means that:
• a) the blocking device (13) is introduced into the housing (25c) the button remaining blocked (26)
• b) the tongue (27a) of the rack (27) releases the card (3)
• c) The bolt (23) moves outside.
• Card withdraws (3)
• The system remains blocked and closed

Phase 2.-

a) le pêne (23) se retire, la pièce (22) se déplace du dispositif de monnaie vers une poche ou là où le voudra l'utilisateur, ledit dispositif se trouvant bloqué et avec lui le bouton (26)

b) la languette (29a) de la crémaillère (27) s'enchâsse dans la rainure de la carte (3), en l'obligeant à se déplacer Δ et en faisant en sorte, en conséquence, que s'ouvre le circuit (c) et le moteur (11) s'arrête, à la suite de quoi

c) le dispositif de blocage (13) tombe et s'appuie sur la came (25), le système restant bloqué de la sorte et ouvert.

The card (3) is introduced, the upper edge of which closes a circuit (c), which transmits a pulse to the microprocessor (40) which orders the time action of the motor (11), which produces the ascent of the blocking device ( 13), authorizing the pivoting of the button (26), giving rise so that:

a) the bolt (23) is withdrawn, the coin (22) moves from the money device to a pocket or wherever the user wishes, said device being blocked and with it the button (26)

b) the tongue (29a) of the rack (27) is embedded in the groove of the card (3), forcing it to move Δ and ensuring, therefore, that the circuit opens ( c) and the engine (11) stops, after which

c) the locking device (13) falls and rests on the cam (25), the system remaining blocked in this way and open.

Other possibilities

The microprocessor memory (41) also stores the number master key associated with this lock. As soon as a lock detects that it has been introduces a master key, a personalization cycle begins allowing a reassignment of the key (3) associated with this lock. The assignment is carried out in modifying the content of the internal memory (40) of the lock and, at the same time as the new value is programmed, the previous value is destroyed.

An additional situation was considered in the development of the lock, which corresponds to the deletion of the assigned keys (3). this is obtained by introducing the associated master key twice in a row. In this situation any normal key (3) which would be introduced later will not be not recognized, which will cause the lock to remain blocked.

Through a terminal equipment control program configuration, it is possible to carry out a check on the keys (3) issued and to know which master key is associated with each installation. If news locks are necessary for an expansion of the installation, the new locks will be programmed with the same master key number as the initial locks without the need for additional programming.

All locks respond, in addition to the key (3) assigned to each, the installation master key. The super master key allows the reprogramming the master keys associated with the locks of the same the way under which normal master keys and keys work (3).

Provision has been made for the use of this electronic lock without use coin or token, in this case the mechanical device is activated directly by the button (26) through the cam supplement (25 ').

In this case, the recess (31) is not necessary in the master key (3), and there is hardly any need for a rack (27) insofar as, in this embodiment, we are not required to leave the key in the locker when this one is open.

The physical layout of the circuit (c) relative to the device electronics (Figure 1), chip (49), interface (50) can have many alternatives which do not alter the substance of the invention.

The circuit (c) can be a simple switch.

Claims (8)

1. Electronic lock, which is comprised of a latch (23) solid with a mechanism (2) which can be activated by the conjunction of a coin (22) authorising the movement of the latch (23) and of a knob (26) and controlled by an electromechanical device (11) that can be activated by key-card (3), characterised because it is comprised of:

   a) an axis (26a) of the knob (26) where the following are attached

   a₁) a cam supplement (25') set with the latch (23), which is attached to the mechanism (2) that is activated, and

   a₂) a cam (25), which transmits its movement to

   b) a slide (27) with a tongue (27a) which when it moves fits/releases the key-card (3), which incorporates a chip with memory (49);

   c) electromechanical locking/unlocking means (11) (12) (13) for the cam (25);

   d) a microprocessor (50) with programmed memory, which detects the presence of the card (3), it reads the information contained in it verifying if this information is adequate in agreement with its program and if so orders the electromechanical means (11) (12) (13) to unlock the cam (25).
2. Electronic lock, according to the previous claim, characterised because the electromechanical locking/unlocking means of the cam are comprised of a core, moveable linearly to slot or not slot into a conjugated housing of the cam, by transmission of an outlet element of the electronic device; the structure of this core includes a headpiece, which coaxially mounts a bushing with interposition of various springs that cooperate with the action of the outlet element; the structure of this transmission includes a slide/worm unit mounted on the axis of the outlet element and associated with an angled set of levers, the last of which mounts onto the core.
3. Electronic lock, according to previous claims, characterised because the notch of the card-key bears an opening, initially opposite the tongue attached to the moveable rack due to the action of the knob; so that, the housing of the tongue into the notch implies a phase lag of the card-key, which stops activating the contact that closes the electronic circuit.
4. Electronic lock, according to the first claim, characterised because the information verified by the microprocessor is the following: customer code, installation code, number associated with the card inserted, type of card inserted.
5. Electronic lock, according to the previous claims, characterised because it has some master keys so that when the microprocessor detects the presence of a master key the content of the internal memory of the microprocessor is modified permitting the reassignment of a new code.
6. Electronic lock, according to the fifth claim, characterised because if the master key is inserted two consecutive times, the codes of the associated key are erased from the memory of the microprocessor.
7. Electronic lock, according to the second claim, characterised because the outlet element is driven by a direct current motor.
8. Electronic lock, according to previous claims, characterised because it is comprised of optic/acoustic indicators of the activity in the lock.

Images