EP4625371A1

EP4625371A1 - Electronic lock comprising a wireless key interface and a physical key interface

Info

Publication number: EP4625371A1
Application number: EP24167398.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jesper Sandberg; Mats Cederblad; Mattias HAEGER; Frans Lundberg
Original assignee: Assa Abloy AB
Current assignee: Assa Abloy AB
Priority date: 2024-03-28
Filing date: 2024-03-28
Publication date: 2025-10-01
Also published as: CN223784735U

Abstract

It is provided an electronic lock (12) comprising: a lock cylinder section (20) configured to mechanically interact with a mechanical lock structure (21), wherein the lock cylinder section (20) is configured to be located, when the electronic lock (12) is installed, within a recess (22); an external section (24) configured to be located, when the electronic lock (12) is installed, outside the recess (22); a wireless key interface (30) comprising a loop antenna (31) provided in the external section (24), the wireless key interface (30) enabling the electronic lock (12) to receive power from the electronic key (2) and to communicate with the electronic key (2); a physical key interface (32) comprising a socket (33) to receive power from and communicate with the electronic key (2), wherein the socket (33) is provided inside loops of the loop antenna (31).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of electronic locks and in particular to an electronic lock comprising a wireless key interface and a physical key interface.

BACKGROUND

Locks have undergone significant evolution, transitioning from their traditional mechanical forms to more sophisticated electronic variants. This transformation has been driven by advancements in technology and changing security needs. Electronic locks, in particular, are becoming increasingly preferred for their enhanced features, including greater flexibility, improved control over access, and superior auditing capabilities, which allow for a comprehensive review of entry and exit records.
The operational principle of electronic locks involves assessing the legitimacy of access requests through communication with an electronic key. These electronic keys have evolved to embody a diverse range of formats, catering to the convenience and preference of users. They may take the form of key fobs, key cards, or even more advanced versions such as electronic keys equipped with a blade for a conductive connection with the electronic lock. Additionally, the integration of electronic keys into smartphone applications represents a significant leap forward, combining convenience with advanced security features.
Despite these advancements, electronic locks face the ongoing challenge of maintaining compatibility with a wide array of electronic key types. This requirement poses a particular dilemma in terms of designing locks that are not only versatile in their compatibility but also efficient in their use of space. Achieving this balance is crucial for ensuring that electronic locks can be easily integrated into a variety of settings without compromising on functionality or design aesthetics.

SUMMARY

One object is to provide an electronic lock comprising both a wireless key interface and physical key interface, which is space efficient and provides good characteristics for wireless communication.
According to a first aspect, it is provided an electronic lock comprising: a lock cylinder section configured to mechanically interact with a mechanical lock structure, wherein the lock cylinder section is configured to be located, when the electronic lock is installed, within a recess; an external section configured to be located, when the electronic lock is installed, outside the recess; a wireless key interface, comprising a loop antenna provided in the external section, the wireless key interface enabling the electronic lock to receive power from the electronic key and to communicate with the electronic key; a physical key interface comprising a socket comprising lock connectors enabling a direct physical connection between the lock connectors and corresponding key connectors of the electronic key, wherein the physical key interface enables the electronic lock to receive power from the electronic key and to communicate with the electronic key, wherein the socket is provided inside loops of the loop antenna; and an access controller configured to grant access for an electronic key that is authorised, based on communication between the electronic lock and the electronic key over either one of the wireless key interface and the physical key interface, and wherein the access controller is configured to enable interaction, using the lock cylinder section, with the mechanical lock structure based on granting access.
The electronic lock may further comprise a power controller configured to control the transfer of power received over the wireless key interface and/or the physical key interface to the access controller, wherein the power controller is provided in the external section.
The access controller may be provided in the lock cylinder section.
The external section may comprise a rotatable section, such that only when the electronic lock is unlocked, a rotation of the rotatable section causes a rotational mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure.
Optionally, only when the electronic lock is unlocked, a rotation of the electronic key within the socket causes a rotational mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure.
The physical key interface may be provided within the external section.
The electronic lock may further comprise a first motor, wherein the access controller is configured to activate the first motor to enable the mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure based on granting access.
The first motor may be provided in the lock cylinder section.
The electronic lock may further comprise a second motor, wherein the access controller is configured to activate the second motor to perform rotational mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure based on granting access.
The second motor may be provided in the external section.
Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc." are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects and embodiments are now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig 1 is a schematic diagram showing an environment in which embodiments presented herein can be applied;
Fig 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating sections of the electronic lock of Fig 1;
Fig 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the mechanical interface of the electronic lock of Figs 1 and 2;
Fig 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mechanical lock structure configured to interoperate with the electronic lock of Figs 1-2;
Figs 5A-B are schematic diagrams illustrating how the lock cylinder section of Fig 2 fits into a recess;
Fig 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the key interfaces of the electronic lock of Figs 1-2;
Fig 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of the wireless key interface of the electronic lock of Fig 6;
Fig 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating interaction between an electronic key and the physical key interface of the electronic lock of Fig 6;
Fig 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating placement of the socket in relation to the loop antenna of the electronic lock 12 of Fig 6; and
Fig 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of the external section and the lock cylinder section of the electronic lock of Figs 1-2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The aspects of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain embodiments of the invention are shown. These aspects may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limiting; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of all aspects of invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description.
According to embodiments presented herein, it is provided an electronic lock comprising a lock cylinder section, to fit in a traditional recess for lock cylinders, and an external section, where more space is available for other components. Furthermore, the electronic lock comprises both a wireless key interface, for a wireless connection with an electronic key, as well as a physical key interface, for conductive connection with an electronic key. Both key interfaces enable both power transfer from the electronic key to the electronic lock as well as communication between the electronic key and the electronic lock. In order to save space and improve efficiency of radio communication, a loop antenna for the wireless key interface is provided in the external section, and a socket for the physical key interface is provided inside loops of the loop antenna. By transferring power over the wireless key interface or physical key interface, the electronic lock does not need any other power supply, such as a battery or wired power.
Fig 1 is a schematic diagram showing an environment in which embodiments presented herein can be applied. Access to a physical space 16 is restricted by an openable physical barrier 15 which is selectively unlockable. The physical barrier 15 stands between the restricted physical space 16 and an accessible physical space 14. Note that the accessible physical space 14 can be a restricted physical space in itself, but in relation to this physical barrier 15, the accessible physical space 14 is accessible. The barrier 15 can be a door, gate, hatch, cabinet door, drawer, window, etc. In order to control access to the physical space 16, by selectively unlocking the barrier 15, an electronic lock 12 is provided.
The electronic lock 12 can be provided in the barrier 15 itself (as shown) or the electronic lock 12 in a structure 11, such as a wall, surrounding the barrier 15 (not shown). The electronic lock 12 is controllable to be in a locked state or in an unlocked state. When the electronic lock 12 is set in an unlocked state, the electronic lock 12 enables interaction with a mechanical lock structure to open the door, e.g. by retracting a locking bolt or latch, as described in more detail with reference to Figs 3 and 4 below. This interaction with the mechanical lock structure can be based on a user action or based on a motor.
Hence, when the electronic lock 12 is in an unlocked state, the barrier 15 can be opened and when the electronic lock 12 is in a locked state, the barrier 15 cannot be opened. In this way, access to a restricted physical space 16 is controlled by the electronic lock 12.
A user 5 carries an electronic key 2 for communication with the electronic lock 12. The electronic key 2 is able to communicate with the electronic lock 12 wirelessly or conductively. Accordingly, the electronic lock 12 is provided with both a wireless key interface 30 and a physical key interface 32 as described in more detail below. The electronic key 2 can be provided in any suitable format that allows an access control device to communicate with the electronic key to evaluate whether to grant access. For instance, the electronic key 2 can be in the form of a key fob, a key card, an electronic key with a blade for conductive connection, or the electronic key 2 can be embedded in a smartphone. Depending on the access rights for the electronic key 2, it can be used to unlock the electronic lock 12. It is to be noted that, while only one electronic key 2 and user 5 are shown in Fig 1, there can be any suitable number of users with respective electronic keys that are usable with the electronic lock 12.
Fig 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating sections of the electronic lock 12 of Fig 1. The electronic lock 12 comprises an external section 24 and a lock cylinder section 20. The purpose of these sections is described in more detail below with reference to Figs 5A-B.
Fig 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the mechanical interface of the electronic lock according to one embodiment. This will be described with reference also to Fig 4, which is a schematic diagram illustrating how a mechanical lock structure 21 is configured to interoperate with the electronic lock 12 of Figs 1-2, according to one embodiment. The mechanical lock structure 21 does not need to be provided only for interaction with electronic locks; the mechanical lock structure 21 can generic per se and could also interact with traditional mechanical lock cylinders. Nevertheless, embodiments presented herein are related to electronic locks.
In Fig 3, the view is from the back, i.e. towards a back end (provided on an interior side of the electronic lock 12) of the lock cylinder section 20, i.e. looking left from the right-hand side of Fig 2 towards the lock cylinder section 20. The end of the lock cylinder section 20 is provided with a protrusion 27, here in the form of a thin rectangular protrusion, similar to a classic screwdriver. A casing 28 of the lock cylinder section 20 is static, and the protrusion 27 can rotate, when the electronic lock 12 is in an unlocked state, based on user movement or based on rotation of a motor (denoted as a second motor 42 below, see Fig 10 and corresponding text) within the electronic lock 12 that is triggered to rotate when the electronic lock 12 is unlocked.
Looking now to Fig 4, a lock case 50 is mounted e.g. in the barrier 15 (or in the surrounding structure 11) of Fig 1. The lock case 50 comprises a mechanical lock structure 21 that can mechanically interact with the protrusion 27. For instance, the mechanical lock structure 21 can comprise a recess into which the protrusion 27 is inserted when the electronic lock 12 is installed. Optionally, the mechanical lock structure 21 comprises a cross of recesses (as shown) to simplify installation. When the protrusion 27 of the electronic lock 12 rotates, this causes the mechanical lock structure 21 to rotate, which can be translated (as known in the art per se, e.g. using a cam and follower or a rack and pinion mechanism) to a linear action of a locking member 52. The locking member 52 can e.g. be in the form of a locking bolt or a latch. For unlocking, the locking member 52 can be retracted into the lock case 50 (in a negative direction along the x-axis) and for locking, the locking member 52 can be extended outwards (in a positive direction along the x-axis) from the lock case 50.
Hence, through the mechanical interaction between the protrusion 27 and the mechanical lock structure 21, when the electronic lock 12 is unlocked, a rotational motion on the outside of the door 15 (e.g. of an electronic key 2 with a blade or by rotating the external section 24) causes the locking member to retract 52, after which the barrier 15 can be opened.
In this way, the electronic lock 12 can be installed in a traditional recess for lock cylinders, while the external section 24 provides a larger form factor for housing additional components and providing a loop antenna of a larger dimension.
Figs 5A-B are schematic diagrams illustrating how the lock cylinder section 20 of Fig 2 fits into a recess 22. Looking first to Fig 5A, it can be seen how the barrier 15 comprises a recess 22. The shape of the recess 22 corresponds to the shape of the lock cylinder section 20 of the electronic lock 12. Even though the recess 22 is here shown (in its cross-section) as a circular recess, the recess can be of any suitable shape, including oblong shapes, complex shapes of circular or oval shapes and rectangular shapes, etc. Often, each country has a limited number of standard shapes for cylinders.
The recess and the mechanical lock structure 21 have corresponding cross-sectional shapes, allowing the lock cylinder section 20 of the electronic lock 12 to be inserted into the recess 22, as shown in Fig 5B. When the lock cylinder section 20 is inserted into the recess 22, the external section 24 remains external to the recess 22. In one embodiment, the outer shell of the external section 24 makes up a rotatable section 25. When the electronic lock 12 is in an unlocked state, the user can rotate the rotatable section 25, causing the protrusion 27 to interact with the mechanical lock structure 21 to enable opening of the barrier 15. Hence, in this embodiment, the external section 24 comprises a rotatable section 25, such that only when the electronic lock 12 is unlocked, a rotation of the rotatable section causes a rotational mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure 21.
On a general level, the lock cylinder section 20 is thus configured to mechanically interact with the mechanical lock structure 21, and the lock cylinder section 20 is configured to be located, when the electronic lock 12 is installed, within the recess 22. In contrast, the external section 24 is configured to be located, when the electronic lock 12 is installed, outside the recess 22.
Fig 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the key interfaces of the electronic lock 12 of Figs 1-2. As explained above, the electronic lock 12 comprises both the wireless key interface 30 and the physical key interface 32.
The wireless key interface 30 enables the electronic lock 12 to receive power from the electronic key 2 as well as to communicate with the electronic key 2.
The physical key interface 32 comprises a socket comprising lock connectors that enable a direct physical connection between the lock connectors and corresponding key connectors of the electronic key 2, see Fig 8 and corresponding description below for more details. The physical key interface 32 enables the electronic lock 12 to receive power from the electronic key 2 and to communicate with the electronic key 2.
By providing both interfaces, the electronic lock 12 supports both electronic keys 2 based on wireless communication with the electronic lock 12 and electronic keys 2 based on a physical conductive interface with the electronic lock 12.
Fig 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of the wireless key interface 30 of the electronic lock 12 of Fig 6. The wireless key interface 30 comprises a transceiver 29 and a loop antenna 31, for communicating with the electronic key 2. The wireless key interface 30 can support any suitable wireless communication protocol for local wireless communication, e.g. NFC (near-field communication),, etc.
Fig 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating interaction between an electronic key 2 and the physical key interface 32 of the electronic lock 12 of Fig 6. The electronic key 2 comprises key connectors 35a-b provided on a blade 13. The key connectors 35a-b are electrically insulated from each other. One of the key connectors can be conductively connected to, or form part of, the blade 13. The physical key interface 32 (of the electronic lock 12) comprises a socket 33 with a first lock connector 34a and a second lock connector 34b. The first lock connector 34a is positioned such that, when the electronic key 2 is inserted in the socket 33, the first lock connector 34a makes a direct physical (and conductive) connection with the first key connector 35a. Analogously, the second lock connector 34b is positioned such that, when the electronic key 2 is inserted in the socket 33, the second lock connector 34b makes a direct physical (and conductive) connection with the second key connector 35b.
This arrangement provides a dual terminal connection between the electronic key 2 and the physical key interface 32 of the electronic lock 12 when the electronic key 2 is inserted in the socket 33 of the physical key interface 32. The dual terminal connection is used both for communication between the electronic key 2 and the electronic lock 12 and for powering the electronic lock 12 by transferring electric power from a power supply of the electronic key 2 to the electronic lock 12. Alternatively, separate connectors (not shown) can be provided for powering the electronic lock 12 and communication between the electronic key 2 and the electronic lock 12.
Only when the electronic lock 12 is unlocked, a rotation of the electronic key 2 within the socket 33 causes a rotational mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure 21.
Optionally, the physical key interface 32 is provided within the external section 24. This prevents any physical interface with the outside world within the lock cylinder section 20, reducing a risk of an attacker physically manipulating the interior of the lock cylinder section 20 to attempt to gain illegitimate access to the restricted physical space 16.
Fig 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating placement of the socket in relation to the loop antenna 31 of the external section 24 of the electronic lock 12 of Fig 6. The loop antenna 31 is provided close to the edge of the external section 24 to improve antenna efficiency in the given space. The socket 33 is provided inside loops of the loop antenna 31, where there is available space. This arrangement is space efficient, while providing a large loop antenna for improved antenna efficiency.
Fig 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of the external section 24 and the lock cylinder section 20 of the electronic lock 12 of Figs 1-2.
The lock cylinder section 20 comprises an access controller 36. The access controller 36 is configured to grant access for an electronic key 2 that is authorised, based on communication between the electronic lock 12 and the electronic key 2 over either one of the wireless key interface 30 and the physical key interface 32. The access controller 36 is configured to enable interaction, using the lock cylinder section 20, with the mechanical lock structure 21 based on granting access. In one embodiment, the access controller 36 is provided in the lock cylinder section 20 which is inside the recess 22, providing improved protection from physical tampering by an attacker.
Optionally, the electronic lock 12 comprises a first motor 40. In this case, the access controller 36 is configured to activate the first motor 40, when the access controller 36 decides to grant access, to enable the mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure 21 based on granting access. In other words, the first motor 40 can connect or disconnect a connection between the rotatable member and the mechanical lock structure 21, e.g. by retracting or extending one or more pins. In one embodiment, the first motor 40 is provided in the lock cylinder section 20. Since the lock cylinder section 20 is more physically protected from physical attacks, and the first motor 40 effectuates the granted access, it is more secure to provide the first motor 40 in the lock cylinder section 20.
The external section 24 optionally comprises a power controller 38 that is configured to control the transfer of power received over the wireless key interface 30 and/or the physical key interface 32 to the access controller 36. The power controller 38 thereby routes power from the key interface used, regardless of whether it is the wireless key interface 30 or the physical key interface 32, to power the access controller 36.
Since, the power controller is not directly involved in access decisions, the power controller 38 can be provided in the external section 24 to save space in the lock cylinder section 20, where the available space is defined by the recess 22 into which the external section 24 should fit.
Optionally, the electronic lock 12 comprises a second motor 42. In this case, the access controller 36 is configured to activate the second motor 42 to perform rotational mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure 21 based on granting access. In order to allow opening of the door, the mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure 21 is also needed. Hence, access to control the second motor 42 is not sufficient to unlock the electronic lock 12.
In one embodiment, the second motor 42 is provided in the external section 24. Since, access to the second motor 42 does not compromise the electronic lock 12 per se, the second motor 42 can be provided in the external section 24 to save space in the lock cylinder section 20, where the available space is defined by the recess 22 into which the external section 24 should fit.
The aspects of the present disclosure have mainly been described above with reference to a few embodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended patent claims. Thus, while various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

An electronic lock (12) comprising:
a lock cylinder section (20) configured to mechanically interact with a mechanical lock structure (21), wherein the lock cylinder section (20) is configured to be located, when the electronic lock (12) is installed, within a recess (22);

an external section (24) configured to be located, when the electronic lock (12) is installed, outside the recess (22);

a wireless key interface (30), comprising a loop antenna (31), provided in the external section (24), the wireless key interface (30) enabling the electronic lock (12) to receive power from the electronic key (2) and to communicate with the electronic key (2);

a physical key interface (32) comprising a socket (33) comprising lock connectors (34a-b) enabling a direct physical connection between the lock connectors (34a-b) and corresponding key connectors (35a-b) of the electronic key (2), wherein the physical key interface (32) enables the electronic lock (12) to receive power from the electronic key (2) and to communicate with the electronic key (2), wherein the socket (33) is provided inside loops of the loop antenna (31); and

an access controller (36) configured to grant access for an electronic key (2) that is authorised, based on communication between the electronic lock (12) and the electronic key (2) over either one of the wireless key interface (30) and the physical key interface (32), and wherein the access controller (36) is configured to enable interaction, using the lock cylinder section (20), with the mechanical lock structure (21) based on granting access.
The electronic lock (12) according to claim 1, further comprising a power controller (38) configured to control the transfer of power received over the wireless key interface (30) and/or the physical key interface (32) to the access controller (36), wherein the power controller (38) is provided in the external section.
The electronic lock (12) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the access controller (36) is provided in the lock cylinder section (20).
The electronic lock (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the external section (24) comprises a rotatable section (25), such that only when the electronic lock (12) is unlocked, a rotation of the rotatable section causes a rotational mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure (21).
The electronic lock (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein only when the electronic lock (12) is unlocked, a rotation of the electronic key (2) within the socket (33) causes a rotational mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure (21).
The electronic lock (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the physical key interface (32) is provided within the external section (24).
The electronic lock (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a first motor (40), wherein the access controller (36) is configured to activate the first motor (40) to enable the mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure (21) based on granting access.
The electronic lock (12) according to claim 7, wherein the first motor (40) is provided in the lock cylinder section (20).
The electronic lock (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second motor (42), wherein the access controller (36) is configured to activate the second motor (42) to perform rotational mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure (21) based on granting access.
The electronic lock (12) according to claim 9, wherein the second motor (42) is provided in the external section (24).