FR2566823A1 - Access opening and closing system using a lock and memory keys - Google Patents

Abstract

It is constituted by a central management unit 1 allowing the writing of computer data into memory in a key 2 which the user inserts in a receptacle 3 before entering a secret code number on a keypad 6 in order to obtain the opening of the access which he requires. The control unit 4 connected to this receptacle checks the data written in memory in the key and compares certain of these data with the data received from the keypad and from the clock 5 before authorising opening by the retraction of the electromagnet or electromagnets 7 bolting the access 8. The system according to the invention is intended to control accesses in general and, more particularly, to manage storage depots for materials associated with nautical activities.

Description

 The present invention relates to a lock and key system specially designed and adapted for devices intended for the storage of materials relating to nautical activities such as windsurfers, outboard motors, scuba diving equipment, fishing equipment, accessories. boats, etc ...

 The purpose of installing these devices near water bodies is to avoid the users of these stookers handling and often very difficult and dangerous transport, while ensuring their storage protected from the weather, thefts and depredations.

Several formulas for using these devices can be considered:
- Devices belonging to an elub and made available
members for a specific period0
- Devices belonging to an owner who rents them to
users for specific periods of time0
- The user is the owner of his store which he
can possibly rent during the periods when it
don't use it itself.

 The study of these main formulas of use reveals the need to adapt to these devices an effective closing and opening system offering maximum guarantees and security to owners and tenants.

 The present invention therefore relates to a system of locks and keys, specially designed and adapted to these devices, operating on the principle of storing computer data in a key and of identifying this data by the lock during the introduction of the key in the latter.

 This key is made of plastic material in which a specially designed "chip" is embedded, and is given to the user after having stored in this "chip", using an independent central management unit and specially carried out to carry out these memorizations, the data necessary for the opening of a storage device.

In order to ensure a minimum of security of use, this data will be at least the following:
- A site where the devices are installed so
prevent a user of a store located at a
place can use its key to use dn .tec-
keur located in another place.

- A storage number communicated to the user for
let the latter know which storekeeper opens his key.

- A start and end date for using the key
also communicated to the user.

- A secret code number also communicated to the uti
reader who must compose it on a keyboard when
wants to open its store.

Other data intended to extend the security or infeflation necessary for more efficient management of the devices can be stored in the key 0
the lock comprises the elements necessary for the identification of the data stored in the key when the latter is inserted into the receptacle provided for this purpose and a numeric or alphanumeric keypad allowing the user to enter their secret code when they want to open their store.

 When the user wishes to open his store, he must therefore enter his key in the receptacle and dial his secret code number on the keyboard.

Right now, three cases can occur:
I) The data stored in the key is good
and the secret code entered is correct.

 In this case, the store is open.

2) The data stored in the key is good,
but the secret code number entered is incorrect.

In this case, the stooker remains locked until
the secret code number entered is correct.

For security, the number of errors will be limited, and at
beyond this limit, an alarm will be triggered at
each composition of wrong code.

3) The secret code number dialed is correct, but the
data stored in the key is not good
nes (for example: use outside of time
of use stored in the key, or the code
of the site stored in the key does not match
to the code of the site where the person wants to use
the key.

 In this case, the store remains locked.

 .these data can only be stored in the key with a specially designed device, called a central management unit, which can also read the data stored in the key, erase them and possibly put back new ones.

The keys are therefore reusable without being able to be copied, which offers absolute security for both owners and tenants of storage operators,
The storage locker system consists of one or more electromagnets acting on electrical impulses given in the event of opening authorization given by the lock.

It is necessary, to ensure the functioning of the system, to use a tricky source of electrical energy by sector, batteries or generator.
This opening control system requires the installation of only one lock common to several storage units and offers the additional advantage of having a locking system, individual for each storage unit, completely invisible from the outside.
As shown, this system is composed of a central management unit (I) which allows data to be entered into memory in a plastic key (2) in which a "chip" is embedded.

 During use, this key is introduced into a receptacle (3) which allows the control unit (4) to check the data stored in the key. This control unit is connected to a clock (5 ) of the perpetual type in order to be able to check whether the date of use of the key is located in the period of time of use stored in the key.

 A digital or alphanumeric keyboard (6), located near the receptacle of the key, makes it possible to dial the secret code number stored in the key and known only to the user.

 After having checked whether the secret code number dialed by the user is identical or different from that stored in the key and whether the other information also contained in the memory in this key is valid or not, the control unit of the lock authorizes or does not authorize the emission of an electrical impulse towards the electromagnet (s) (7) which lock the storage device (8) with a view to its possible opening.

 This system, object of the invention, is specially adapted for devices for storing materials relating to nautical activities such as windsurfing boards and accessories, outboard motors, scuba diving, fishing, boating, etc. but can also find other applications notably in the field of access control ((parking, hotel rooms, offices, factories etc ...).

Claims (9)

 I) Lock and key system operating on the principle of storing computer data in a key and identifying these memories by the lock, characterized in that it comprises a central management unit (I) allowing to enter this data in memory in a key (2) which must be introduced into a receptacle (3) which allows a control unit (4) to read and check the data in memory to possibly authorize the emission of a electrical impulse to the electromagnet (s) (7) which lock the storage device (8) when it opens.  2) System according to claim I characterized in that the central management unit (I) is completely independent of the system and can be used in a different location from that where the system is set up;  3) System according to claims I and 2 characterized in that the central management unit (I) makes it possible to put data in memory in a key (2) s to read this data for control and to erase it to recover some new.  4) System according to claims I and 3 characterized in that the key (2) comprises a "chip" embedded in the tick dishes that compose it and that only the contacts necessary for the operation of ce11puce "appear on the surface.  5) System according to claims 1,2,3 and 4 characterized in that the receptacle (3) intended to receive the key (2) comprises the contacts necessary to authorize the reading by the control unit (4) of data stored in the key and that it is therefore connected to this control unit.  6) System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (4) comprises the elements necessary to verify the data stored in the key (2) and to compare some with the information transmitted by the keyboard (6) and the clock (5) in order to authorize the emission of an electric pulse towards the electromagnet (s) (7),  7) System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a clock (5) of the perpetual type is connected to the control unit (4) so that the latter can check whether the date of use of the key (2) falls within the period of use stored in this key.  8) System according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that a digital or alphanumeric keyboard (6) connected to the control unit (4) allows the user to dial a secret code number as 1 unit control (4) compares with that stored in the key (2).  9) System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking system of the storage device (8) is composed of one or more electromagnets (7) which are erased under the effect of an electric pulse, the emission is authorized by the control unit (4) in order to unlock the storage device (8).  IO) System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a single receptacle (3), a willow control unit (4), a single clock (5) and a single keyboard (6) are sufficient to ensure the operation of the locking and unlocking system of several storage units (8).