TECHNICAL FIELD
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The present disclosure relates generally to the field of electronic security devices. More specifically, it pertains to an electronic lock with multiple access evaluation methods that utilises multiple energy sources.
BACKGROUND
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Conventional electronic locks often rely on battery power to operate, which necessitates periodic replacement or recharging of batteries. This can be inconvenient and environmentally unfriendly. Moreover, many electronic locks require complex installation procedures, making them less accessible to the average consumer.
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In the prior art, there are Near-Field Communication (NFC) locks, that utilise NFC technology to unlock doors with a mobile phone. However, this system has the inherent limitation of requiring the user to possess a specific physical object to unlock the mechanism.
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To date, there is a lack of available locking mechanisms that combine the convenience of easy installation, the flexibility of multiple unlocking methods, and the independence from external power sources or batteries.
SUMMARY
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One object is to provide an electronic lock that offers a pin code entry option without the need for external power.
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According to a first aspect, it is provided an electronic lock comprising: a wireless key interface enabling the electronic lock to receive energy from an electronic key and to communicate with the electronic key; a code input interface, comprising a user input device enabling a user to input an access code; an access controller configured to grant or deny access based on communication between the electronic lock and an electronic key over the wireless key interface, or based on a code input using the code input interface; a rotatable member; an energy storage device for storing electrical energy, wherein the energy storage device is configured to store energy for powering the code input interface to accept user input for the access code, and for powering the access controller to grant or deny access; and an energy converter, for converting mechanical energy, from when the rotatable member is rotated, to electrical energy stored in the energy storage device.
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The code input interface may be a touch interface enabling the user to input the access code. The touch interface for code input enhances user convenience and accessibility, allowing for a intuitive and seamless interaction with the electronic lock.
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The code input interface may be provided using the rotatable member, such that the user can rotate the rotatable member to input the access code. Utilizing the rotatable member for code input simplifies the design and reduces component count by combining mechanical and electronic functions.
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In one embodiment, there are no other sources for electrical energy than the wireless key interface and the energy converter. This is made possible by the energy converter and energy storage, making the electronic lock simple to install and removes the need for any battery replacements.
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The electronic lock may further comprise: 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; and an external section configured to be located, when the electronic lock is installed, outside the recess; wherein the wireless key interface and the code input interface are provided in the external section. The division of the electronic lock into a lock cylinder section and an external section allows for a versatile installation process, enabling the lock to integrate seamlessly with various door types and mechanical lock structures, while the external section is not limited by dimensions of legacy integration.
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The access controller may be provided in the external section.
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The electronic lock may further comprise a user output device, wherein the electronic lock is configured to emit a user notification using the user output device based on sufficient energy from the energy converter being stored in the energy storage device, for powering the code input interface to accept user input for the access code, and for powering the access controller to grant or deny access. The inclusion of a user output device for notifications ensures that users receive prompt feedback on the lock's status, enhancing the user experience and sense of security.
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The user output device may comprise at least one of a light source and/or a sound source.
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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
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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 according to one embodiment;
- Figs 3A-C are schematic diagrams illustrating embodiments of code input interface that can be applied with the electronic lock of Fig 1.
- Fig 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mechanical lock structure configured to interoperate with the electronic lock of Figs 1-2;
- Fig 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating how a mechanical lock structure can be configured to interoperate with the electronic lock of Fig 1 according to one embodiment;
- Figs 6A-B are schematic diagrams illustrating how the lock cylinder section of Fig 2 fits into a recess;
- Fig 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating some components of the electronic lock of Figs 1-2 according to one embodiment;
- Fig 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of the wireless key interface of the electronic lock of Fig 6; and
- Fig 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of the external section and the lock cylinder section of the electronic lock of Figs 1-2 according to one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
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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.
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According to embodiments presented herein, it is provided an electronic lock that is capable of receiving energy and communicating wirelessly with an electronic key. The electronic lock also features a code input interface for entering an access code, a rotatable member, and an energy converter that transforms mechanical energy, generated when the rotatable member is rotated, into electrical energy. This electrical energy is buffered and used to power electronic components of the electronic lock, such as the code input interface and an access controller. In this way, the electronic lock not only provides multiple user interfaces for access control, but eliminates the need for batteries or other external power sources. The integration of energy harvesting directly from user interaction with the lock (through rotation) contributes to a sustainable and maintenance-free operation, while providing power to enable access code input.
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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.
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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 Fig 5 below. This interaction with the mechanical lock structure can be based on a user action or based on a motor.
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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.
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In one use case, a user 5 carries an electronic key 2 for communication with the electronic lock 12. The electronic key 2 is able to communicate with, and transfer energy to, the electronic lock 12 wirelessly. In another use case, the user 5 does not carry any electronic key. However, according to embodiments presented herein, the electronic lock 12 is provided with both a wireless key interface 30 and a code input interface 4, as described in more detail below.
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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 or the electronic key 2 can be embedded in a smartphone. Depending on the access rights for the electronic key 2 or the access code that is input using the code input interface 4, the electronic lock 12 is unlocked.
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Fig 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating sections of the electronic lock 12 of Fig 1 according to one embodiment. 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 6A-B. A code input interface 4 is provided on the external section 24.
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Figs 3A-C are schematic diagrams illustrating embodiments of code input interface 4 that can be applied with the electronic lock 12 of Fig 1. The views of Fig 3A-C are towards an exposed side of the external section 24. A rotatable member 6 is provided around a circular outer section of the external section 24. When the user wants to use the code input interface, the user rotates the rotatable member 6. This mechanical rotation is converted to electrical energy using an energy converter 8, to thereby power the code input interface 4 as well as an access controller 36. An energy storage device 7 can be used as temporary storage or a buffer of electrical energy. In this way, the electronic lock does not need to have any battery or external power supply for operating the code input interface 4.
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Looking first to Fig 3A, the code input interface 4 is here provided as a touch interface, thereby enabling the user 5 to input the access code. A centre section 70 comprises indications of code elements for user input, here in the form of digits. The user 5 enters a code by sequentially touching the centre section 70 at the location of the code elements that are to be entered. In this embodiment, the centre section 70 can be rotatably fixed or can rotate along with the rotatable member 6.
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Looking now to Fig 3B and Fig 3C, the code input interfaces 4 are here provided using the rotatable member 6, such that the user 5 can rotate the rotatable member 6 to input the access code. In this way, rotation of the rotatable member not only powers the code input interface 4 and the access controller 36, but is also used in parallel to input the access code.
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In Fig 3B, an indicator 71 is printed, embossed, debossed, or otherwise visible indication provided on the rotatable member, and indications of code elements are provided on the (rotatably fixed) centre section. The user then rotates the rotatable member 6 to a position such that the indicator 71 is provided at a position corresponding to the desired code element. This procedure is repeated until all code elements have been entered.
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In Fig 3C, an indicator 71 is provided on the (rotatably fixed) centre section 70, and indications of code elements are provided on the rotatable member 6. Again, the user then rotates the rotatable member 6 to a position such that the desired code element is provided at a position corresponding to the indicator 71. This procedure is repeated until all code elements have been entered.
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Optionally the code input interface 4 further comprises a user output device. In this case, the electronic lock 12 is configured to emit a user notification using the user output device based on sufficient energy from the energy converter 8 being stored in the energy storage device 7, for powering the code input interface 4 to accept user input for the access code, and for powering the access controller 36 to grant or deny access. The user output device can comprise a light source. Alternatively or additionally, the user output device comprises a sound source, such as a beeper or similar.
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The user notification informs the user that the rotatable member 6 has been rotated sufficiently for code input to be possible. In this way, the user knows when no more turning of the rotatable member 6 is needed. In one embodiment, the user input device is provided as a background light that illuminates the code elements, which also simplifies access code input for the user, especially in conditions with low levels of ambient light.
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In one embodiment, when a first level of energy has been stored, sufficient for enabling the code input interface and the access controller 36, the user output device gives a first user indication. When a second level of energy has been stored (which is more than the first level of energy), to a level that is sufficient for enabling the code input interface 4 and the access controller 36, as well as for powering the background light (when provided), a second of user indication is provided using the user output device. The first user indication can e.g. be a beep, a blinking light-emitting diode (LED), and/or activation of the background lighting. The second user indication can of the same type or be of another type of beep (other pitch, length and/or repetition pattern), another type of LED blinking (other colour, length of illumination and/or repetition pattern), and/or activation of the background lighting.
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In one embodiment, when the first level of energy has been stored, sufficient for enabling the code input interface and the access controller 36, the user output device gives a user indication. The user can then input an access code for access evaluation. If access is granted, a second turn of the rotatable member 6 causes the electronic lock 12 be unlocked. The coupling between the rotatable member 6 and unlocking can be mechanical, i.e. upon access being granted, the rotatable member 6 is mechanically connected to the mechanical interface for causing the mechanical lock structure 21 to unlock. Alternatively, the coupling between the rotatable member 6 and unlocking can be via the energy converter, whereby electrical energy is stored that is used to power a motor (denoted second motor 39 below) to rotate the mechanical interface for causing the mechanical lock structure 21 to unlock. Optionally, regardless of whether the coupling between tor rotatable member 6 and the mechanical lock structure is mechanical or via the energy converter, the output device gives a user indication when the lock has fully opened, e.g. when a locking bolt has retracted sufficiently for the door to be opened. This can be based on a proximity sensor (or other sensor) detecting when the locking bolt has retracted.
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The various user outputs provide intuitive feedback to the user that enables an even more efficient user interface.
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Using the rotatable member 6 and energy converter, the code input interface can be provided while being powered by a simple user rotation of the rotatable member. Hence, no battery or external power source is needed for using the code input interface 4. As described in more detail below, the wireless interface is powered by the electronic key 2, whereby also this credential interface is provided without the need for battery power or an external power source. The resulting electronic lock supports access control using an electronic key as well as using an access code, while being independent from external power sources or batteries
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Fig 4 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 5, which is a schematic diagram illustrating how a mechanical lock structure 21 is configured to interoperate with the electronic lock 12 of Fig 1, 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 be generic per se and could also interact with traditional mechanical lock cylinders. Nevertheless, embodiments presented herein are related to electronic locks.
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In Fig 4, 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 3 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 (e.g. rotation of the rotatable member 6) or based on rotation of a motor (denoted as a second motor 39 below, see Fig 10 and corresponding text) within the electronic lock 12 that is triggered to rotate when the electronic lock 12 is unlocked.
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Looking now to Fig 5, 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.
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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. by rotating the external section 24) causes the locking member to retract 52, after which the barrier 15 can be opened.
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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 code input interface of a larger dimension that is more convenient to use.
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Figs 6A-B are schematic diagrams illustrating how the lock cylinder section 20 of Fig 3 fits into a recess 22. Looking first to Fig 6A, 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.
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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 6B. 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.
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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.
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Fig 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating some components of the electronic lock of Figs 1-2 according to one embodiment. As explained above, the electronic lock 12 comprises both the wireless key interface 30 and the code input interface 4.
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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 code input interface 4 allows the user to input an access code for access evaluation. An energy converter 8 is provided for converting mechanical energy from the rotatable member 6 to electric energy. The energy converter 8 can e.g. be a transformer of one or more phases, combined with an AC/DC (alternating current/direct current) converter. The electrical energy from the energy converter 8 can be stored in an energy storage device 7. The energy storage device 7 can e.g. be implemented using any one or more of a capacitor, supercapacitor, etc. The energy storage device 7 could also be provided as a rechargeable battery, also known as a secondary cell battery. In such a case, it is to be noted that the rechargeable battery is fundamentally different from a single-use battery (also known as primary cell battery) which needs to be replaced by a person when depleted. The from the energy converter 8, optionally via the energy storage device 7, is used to power an access controller 36 and the code input interface 4. It is to be noted that the energy storage device 7 can also be used in conjunction with energy transfer over the wireless key interface 30. The energy storage device 7 is configured to store energy for powering the code input interface 4 to accept user input for the access code, and for powering the access controller 36 to grant or deny access. In other words, by the energy converter 8 converting mechanical energy from the user action of the rotatable member and storing this energy in the energy storage device 7, sufficient electrical energy is obtained and stored in the energy storage device 7 to power the electronic lock to accept access code input, to evaluate the access code input and to, when access is granted, unlock the electronic lock.
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The access controller 36 is configured to grant access based on communication with the electronic key 2 or based on an access code input by a user into the code input interface 4. 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.
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By providing both interfaces, the electronic lock 12 supports both electronic keys 2 based on wireless communication with the electronic lock 12 and access evaluation based on an access code input by a user 5, both provided without the need to use batteries or other external power sources.
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Fig 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of the wireless key interface 30 of the electronic lock 12 of Fig 7. The wireless key interface 30 comprises a transceiver 29 and an antenna 31, such as a loop antenna, for communicating with the electronic key 2 and receiving power from 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).
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Fig 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of the external section 24 and the lock cylinder section 20 of the electronic lock 12 of Fig 1 according to one embodiment.
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The access controller 36 is here provided in the lock cylinder section 20 which is inside the recess 22, providing improved protection from physical tampering by an attacker.
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Optionally, the electronic lock 12 comprises a first motor 37. In this case, the access controller 36 is configured to activate the first motor 37, 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 37 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 37 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 37 effectuates the granted access, it is more secure to provide the first motor 37 in the lock cylinder section 20.
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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 energy converter 8 to the access controller 36. The power controller 38 thereby routes power from credential interface used, regardless of whether it is the wireless key interface 30 or the code input interface 4, to power the access controller 36.
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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.
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Optionally, the electronic lock 12 comprises a second motor 39. In this case, the access controller 36 is configured to activate the second motor 39 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 39 is not sufficient to unlock the electronic lock 12.
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In one embodiment, the second motor 39 is provided in the external section 24. Since, access to the second motor 39 does not compromise the electronic lock 12 per se, the second motor 39 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.
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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.