FR2661446A1 - Mechanical lock selected, programmed, and controlled remotely by means of access management devices, with the standard, optical-code keys which are intended for it - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to locks (1), equipped with optical code readers, remotely controlled by a management keyboard (4) which makes it possible to select each lock and to insert the conditions of their use into the memory of the access control card (2) of each of them, and, by means of a reader/sender (3), to insert the optical codes of the keys (5) intended for the lock into the memory of the selected access control card (2), the keys being rendered unusable by cancellation of their codes in the memory of the electronic control card (2) tasked with authorising or permitting the use of the selected access by inhibiting the lock (1) in the event of non-agreement of the codes of the key inserted or the introduction of tools or various objects. The devices according to the invention are particularly intended to individualise keys and manage accesses into hotels and businesses.

Description

 The present invention relates to access control systems and their centralized management by means of coded instruments of the lock or key type or with badges.

 The problems posed by the management and regulation of access are often only partially resolved with existing products, either because the compulsory magnetic complementarity of the key or badge with the internal organs of the lock limits the use of this key. or from this badge to this lock, therefore with only one access, either because the mechanical imprint of the lock and the shape of the key make the key and the lock inseparable, characteristics which impose a very organized storage and management of keys strict, restrictive, costly and difficult to control, either because the modification of the complementarity of keys or badges, to systematically make their use on other locks of the same model and remove the constraints of classification involves significant work therefore costly, or finally because the technicality of the system remains incompatible with the transmission of permanent signals being the access management.

 Badge lock with magnetic tracks.

 This badge does not allow any mechanical action on the lock and remains statically integrated, via a reader, in the operation of an electric strike which is unusable in the event of power failure, deterioration of the badge or of the reading system. , which implies, as a safety measure, the use of a complementary mechanical opening system eliminating badge control.

 On the other hand, the track of the badge subjected to the effects of demagnetization remains unreliable and moreover the operation of an electric strike requires a high current consumption which poses wiring problems when one must use a large number of them. .

 The irregularity of the movement of inserting a badge into a reader sometimes causes the user to repeat the operation several times, which means that the reader must be provided with an electric drive system for regular introduction and return. of the badge, with the risks of breakdown that a complementary system can bring.

 Mechanical locks with badges fitted with permanent magnets incorporated, include a card of concordance of polarities for unlocking the bolt, but this card can only contain one code and limits its use to a single lock, or to a group of locks with the same matching code. The technical nature of this system does not allow it to be connected to a centralized access management system.

 This type of badge with a matching polarity card also allows the release of an electric strike with its weaknesses and constraints.

 Key lock known as "chip".

 The use of so-called chip keys includes a mechanical imprint which limits their use by locating them by the different shapes of their imprints on specific locks. The chip only contains conditions of use, for example time slots.

 The use of these keys implies an organization of classification, management and monitoring of the keys in circulation. The loss of a key implies the mechanical modification of the locks and the reprogramming of a chip, time during which the locks are unavailable.

 German Patent No. 2,335,830 uses a locking device similar to electronic strikes in which the core of an electromagnet is used as a bolt. As a result, the bolt is never locked and the key has no mechanical action on the lock. The lock consists of a matrix coded by wiring. It accepts any key with the same code. A key can only open one lock or a group of locks with the same Such a lock cannot be used in a centralized access management system.

 US Patent No. 4,267,439 uses optoelectronic readers to read, by reflection, the shapes of letters written on a track placed longitudinally on a card which is read by swiping in front of the readers. By extension it can be used to open a lock by control of an electric strike or a solenoid whose core would be used as a bolt.

 US Patent No. 3,787,714 (1974) uses a perforated code badge read by optoelectronic readers and compared to an interchangeable reference card, badge allowing the triggering of an electric strike.

 French Patent No. 2,452,559 (1980) uses a flat key, the code of which, read by optoelectronic readers, is obtained by optical paths made of crossed optical fibers. This key has no mechanical action on the lock and does not can operate an electric strike or a solenoid whose core would be used as a bolt.

 French Patent No. 2,560,919 (1984) uses a flat key, the code of which is obtained by perforations serving as optical paths for optoelectronic readers. This key has no mechanical action on the lock and can only actuate one electric strike or a solenoid whose core would be used as a bolt.

 The device which is the subject of the invention retains, with different means, the advantages of the above-listed systems, providing them with the following advantages: using traditional keys all having the same mechanical imprint allowing each of them to have an action direct on all locks regardless of their coding.

 The lock (1) is monitored by an electronic access control card (2) in which the codes of the keys authorized to use this lock are recorded. The code integrated into the key (5) introduced makes it possible to use the lock (1) in the event of concordance with one of the previously registered codes, or to lock this lock in the event of mismatch or introduction of objects various.

The coding of the keys can be carried out differently
a) With a barcode system, the coded bars being embedded in
longitudinal countersinks made on the body of the keys.

b) With thick washers of stacked black and white colors
in a different order on each of the keys.

c) With washers of thickness of different diameters, stacked in a
different order, allowing or obstructing the passage of a light current.

d) With circular countersinks made around the body of the key, according to
a different order, allowing or obstructing the flow of a current
luminous.

e) With holes drilled in a different order and passing through the body of the
key to allow the passage and obstruction of a light current.

f) With a variable number of deep millings made at different
in right in the longitudinal grooves of a key to neutralize the
reflection of a light ray towards the receiver of a photo cell
electric.

Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of Plate 2 illustrate these different systems in which
Fig. 1 - The body (6) of the key (5) shows grooves or tracks (a) in
which are inserted coded bars.

Fig. 2 - The body (6) of the key (5) shows stacked, in an order that will be
different for each code, light colored washers (b) and
dark, equal or of different thicknesses.

Fig. 3 - The body (6) of the key (5) shows stacked, in an order that will be
different for each code, washers (c and d) of different
diameters and different thicknesses.

Fig. 4 - The body (6) of the key (5) has circular grooves (e) of which
the number and separation spaces will vary for each
codes.

Fig. 5 - The body (6) of the key (5) shows holes (f), drilled in line for
allow the passage of a light current, the number and
spacings will be different on each of the codes.

(Note) Code readings are made by reflection (ri and rr) or online
direct (r), with common photocells.

 Figures 1, 2 and 3 of Plate 3 illustrate the coding system which will serve as a model and will be explained in detail.

 On two sides of the body (6) of the key seen in section, two shiny longitudinal grooves are made (g) serving as a plane of reflection for the light ray (ri reflected in rr), emitted by the photo-emitters (9). The diagram in FIG. 2 explains, by way of indication, the operation of a photoelectric cell whose terminals 1 are the anodes, the terminals 2 the cathodes, the terminals 3 the collectors and the terminals 4 the emitters.

 Over the length of these shiny grooves, small millings are made in depth (f) (Figures 1 and 3). These blackened millings modify, on the one hand the plane of reflection of the light ray, and on the other hand, by the contrast existing between the brilliance of the plane of reflection and the black of the holes, neutralizes the intensity of the light reflection of the ray. (rr) (figure 1).

 With this coding system, the code shown in Figure 3 is: 3 black, 3 glossy, 1 black, 1 glossy, 1 black, 2 glossy, 2 black, 3 glossy, the variation in the number of millings made, from zero to 16 , on each side, in the key grooves, and the different spacings of these countersinks in the grooves make it possible to produce 4 billion 225 million different codes; however, if necessary, a third coding groove could be made on top of the body (6) of the key.

 The division of the coding zone into sixteen reading points, represented in FIG. 3 of plate 3, is explained below. This division is necessary for the importance of the code, but also to allow counting the bright points and the black points when these points are joined.

The lock (1), described in detail below, whose forms, choices and action of mechanical or electronic parts are in no way limiting, has on its outer face (Plate 4, Figure 2, view (A)) a simple opening (10) for the introduction of the coded key (5). This is used for different functions
- upon opening and by rotation in one direction of the key (5), unlocking
of the latch (16) if it was locked and the door opened by
displacement of the latch (16);
- on closing, locking of the latch (16), if the user wishes,
by rotation of the key (5) in opposite direction.

View (B) shows the inside face of the lock in which are permanently fixed
- a non-removable key (14) used, by rotation, to open the door by
displacement of the latch (16);
- a knurled button (15) serving, by rotation in one direction and in the other,
to lock and unlock the latch (16).

Plate 4, Figure 1 shows the key (5) with on the body (6) its coded line, the interception ball (8) and the guide rivets (7).

 Plate 5 shows the various component parts of the lock (1).

To facilitate understanding, the body of the lock (1) is not shown.

This allows to examine the different devices of the lock (1)
- the key interceptor (25) is used to intercept and follow the movement of
the key (5) introduced, or any other object introduced to try to
force the lock (1); the key (5) fits into a fork
triangular provided for this purpose; an object of any size is,
as a last resort, intercepted by a vertical interception arm at
the rear of the interceptor (25);
- a coupling cam (27), driven by the interceptor (25), drives
the gear (28);
- the gear (28) is integral with the axis (26) and drives the rotation, according to
the movement of the interceptor (25), the axis (31) of the optical encoder
incremental (30); this encoder is a commercial piece providing
90 phase shifted signals;
the small axis (36), around which a compression spring (38) is placed,
is integral with the gear (35) driven by the gear (28);
the spring (38) compressed on the pinion (35) causes, by compression,
the rotation of the locker (37);
- in the event of refusal, by the electronic access control card (2), of the
key code (5) read by optoelectronic cells (9), electro
magnet (39) returns the locker (37) to the blocking position of the
barrel (22);
- released by the locker (37) and driven by the key (5) inserted in
the lock, the barrel (22) pushes back the locking rocker (17) and
causes the latch (16) to move to allow opening
Door;;
- by rotation in opposite direction the barrel (22) rotates the rocker of
lock (17) to bring it into the blocking position of the
latch (16);
- a knurled button (15) secured to the locking lever (17) by
the axis (20) allows, from inside the room, to lock and unlock
manually the latch (16);
- from inside the room, an irremovable key (14), via a
rack system (21), allows movement of the latch (16) if
it has been previously unlocked.

Plates 6 to 10 show the lock assembled from different angles
- front 3/4 view of the lock closed and locked with a key
in the insertion position (plate 6);
- view of 3/4 right front of the lock in the same position (Plate 7);
- 3/4 rear left view of the lock in the same position
(plate 8);
- front view (plate 9, figure 1) and left profile (figure 2) of the
lock in the same position;
- view of the lock in the open position by a key
outside (plate 10).

 Plate 11 shows different extracts from the lock allowing it to be explained in detail how it works. Figures 1, 3, 5 show the lock closed with a key (5) at the very beginning of the introduction phase. Figures 2, 4, 6 show the lock open from the outside via a coded key (5).

 Each key (5) has at its end a small ball (8) (Figure 1) which enters the fork (25a) of an interceptor (25) when the key is inserted into the lock; this interceptor (25) is kept under pressure on the ball (8) by a spring (29).

 On the other side, this spring bears on a link (34) integral with the coupling cam (27) (Figure 3). This coupling cam (27) is itself driven by the link (32) integral with the interceptor (25), and drives the set of gears (28) and (35) of the boards 5 to 10 by the links (33 ) (Figure 4).

 The interceptor (25), which moves in an alternating rotational movement of 90 "with the intercept axis (26), has a light (25c) (figure 2), to slide vertically on this axis and allow the fork (25a) to remain in engagement with the ball (8) and accompany the key (5) in its rectilinear movements.

(Note) Without this light (25c) the interceptor (25) could not be in contact
with the key (5) only in the middle of its stroke by the fact of its movement
initial circular.

 If an object other than a key is introduced and crosses without driving the fork (25a), it is intercepted as a last resort by the vertical interception arm (25b) (Figure 1).

 Recall that the axis (26) (Figure 2) rotates at an angle equal to the movement of the interceptor (25) and drives an incremental optical encoder (30) providing information on the angle and direction of rotation.

 The movement of the interceptor (25) also causes the rotation of the locker (37) which releases the barrel (22) (Figure 4). In case of refusal of the key code (5), read by the optoelectronic cells (9), the electromagnet (39) recalls the locker (37) which is inserted in a notch made for this purpose in the barrel (22) before the key (5) introduced has been able to drive it in rotation.

Note that the reading of the code by the optoelectronic cells (9) is synchronized by the rotation of the incremental optical encoder (30).

 In Figure (5) the latch (16) appears blocked by the locking latch (17). A rivet (24) secured to the locking lever (17) is placed behind the locking arrow (16a), which prevents movement of the latch (16). The latch (16) can be released by the action of the barrel (22) (Figure 6), or by rotation of the knurled button (15) (Figure 5).

 Figure 6 shows the position of the barrel (22) which after being inserted into the locking lever (17) to release the latch (16), then pushed the latch (16) by its action on the heel (16b) via the rivet (23).

A spring, not shown, returns the latch (16) to the rest position (Figure 5) when the barrel (22) is returned to its starting position.

 Note that, turned in the other direction, the barrel (22) pushes the locking lever (17) and replaces the rivet (24) in front of the arrow (16a) as an obstacle to the movement of the latch (16).

 The displacement of the latch (16) can also be obtained by rotation of the irremovable key (14) causing the gear / rack play (21/18/19), but this requires that the latch (16) has been previously unlocked by means the knurled button (15).

 Figures 1 and 2 of plate 12 show the positions A, B and C of the fork (25a) of the interceptor (25) and the ball (8) of the key (5). In the central position B, the fork (25a) of the interceptor (25) is placed in the lower part with respect to the drive axis (26).

 At each of the ends A and C of this rocking movement of the interceptor (25), caused by the introduction and withdrawal of the key (5), the high and vertical part (a) of the fork (25a) of the interceptor (25) becomes low and horizontal part and the low and horizontal part (b) becomes high and vertical part to ensure the drive of the interceptor (25) in the other direction.

 The interceptor (25) slides vertically on the intercept axis (26), always remaining integral with this axis, by means of the coupling cam (27) described above, to drive it in its movements of v back and forth on 90 ".

 The functions of the interception axis (26) are, on the one hand to activate an optical rotary encoder (30) by direct coupling of the axes (26) and (31) and, on the other hand to rotate simultaneously a gear responsible for unlocking the barrel (22) of the lock by introducing a key.

 During its insertion or withdrawal movement, the key (5) actuates the interceptor (25) until it rotates 90 "with its axis (26). This axis (26) causes, by junction, the axis (31) of the rotary encoder (30) which is responsible for dividing the coding area of the key (5) into regular spaces. The rotary encoder (30) indicates the extent and direction of movement of the key, which makes it possible to specify exactly in front of which "space" the photoelectric cells (9) are located. At the center of each of these spaces are analyzed the binary values collected by the two photoelectric cells (9) between which the key (5) is introduced and circulates.

The lock (1) is locally controlled by an electronic access control card (2) (Plate 13, Figure 1). This card is managed by a commercial microprocessor (41) and the role of the microprocessor can be broken down as follows
- it analyzes the signals transmitted by the incremental encoder (30) via a
phase recognition up / down counter (42); he deduces the
position of the key (5) and its code in relation to the photo cells
electric (9);
- it receives and transmits, via a parallel port (43), all or nothing signals
the main ones of which are
* reception of the key code in synchronization with the tops of
the incremental encoder (30);
* issue, if necessary, of a barring blocking order (22) for
prohibit the movement of the latch (16);
other all-or-nothing signals can also, depending on the applications, be
managed by the electronic access control card (2)
* reception of additional information such as latch (16)
locked, barrel (22) blocked, movement of the latch (16) and the
barrel (22), key (5) in the introduction phase, rotation of the key
irremovable (14) or knurled button (15) for manual locking; at
As an example, Figures 2 and 3 (Plate 13) show a
contact (49) detecting the movement of the latch (16), another (50)
detecting the rotation of the locking lever (17) and a
third (51) detecting the rotation of the barrel (22);
* emission of additional information such as triggering of
pre-alarms and alarms;
- it dialogues with the code reader / transmitter (3) and the keyboard
management (4) via a serial link (44) and a modem (45); any modem
suitable, specific or not (HF modem, RS 422 / RS 485 drivers, or
others), from the moment it allows networking (bus, ring, star
or mixed) electronic access control cards (2) with the
code reader / transmitter (3).

To operate, the microprocessor uses three types of memory
- a ROM memory (46) (or PROM, or EPROM) in which is
stored the microprocessor management program;
- a RAM memory (47), or working memory;
- an EEPROM memory (48) (or saved RAM) in which are
recorded the codes of the keys authorized to open the controlled lock (1)
by the electronic access control card (2); the number of keys
allowed is only limited by the capacity of this memory.

 The operating principle of the card (2) consists in reading, in synchronization with the signals delivered by the incremental encoder (30), the code of the key (5) introduced. This code is compared with the codes pre-stored in the memory (48); if none of them match, the access control card (2) sends a barring blocking order (22) to the lock (1) to prevent rotation of the key (5) and the latch (16 ).

 Depending on the nature of the card control program (2) and the all-or-nothing information it receives, various information can be transmitted as a warning signal or to be archived.

 The access control cards (2) are linked together to form a network controlled by a reader / transmitter of codes (3) and management keyboard (4). The reader / transmitter (3) comprises an electronic card on which the management keyboard (4) is connected (plate 14, figure 1) and a mechanical part composed of the elements for reading the code and its synchronization (figure 2) such as 'they are found in the lock (1).

 The operating principle consists of inserting a key (5) into the code reader / transmitter (3), dialing on the management keyboard (4) the number of the lock (1) that the key (5) will be authorized to open, and indicate with a function key that this is a key validation operation. The code of the key (5), read automatically, is sent, via the network, to the access control card (2) of the lock (1) chosen with the order to register it in addition to those qu 'she was able to memorize previously.

 A key is disabled by a similar operation by selecting the "disable" function key. The key code is sent to the access control card concerned with the order to erase it from its memory.

 The use of the reader / transmitter (3) can be limited to users selected by passwords entered on the management keyboard (4).

The electronic card of the reader / transmitter (plate 15, figure 1) is managed by a microprocessor (52) of the trade whose role can be decomposed thus
- it analyzes the signals supplied by the incremental encoder (30) of the part
mechanical via a phase recognition up / down counter (53);
he deduces the position of the key (5) and its code with respect to
photoelectric cells (9);
- it records the code of the key entered (5) by an all-or entry
nothing (53a) in synchronization with the signals from the optical encoder (30);
- it dialogues with the management keyboard (4), acting as selector
access, via an appropriate interface (54), and the
information received from the keyboard are
* number of the lock (1) selected;
* order of validation or invalidation of the key (5) read ;;
- it dialogues with the locks (1), and more precisely with the lock
selected by the management keyboard (4), via a serial link (55) and a
modem (56); any modem is suitable, specific or not (HF modem,
RS 422 / RS 485 pilots, or others), as soon as it allows
network (bus, ring, star or mixed) of electronic control cards
access (2) with the code reader / transmitter (3).

To operate, the microprocessor uses three types of memory
- a ROM memory (57) (or PROM, or EPROM) in which is
stored the microprocessor control program;
- a RAM memory (58), or working memory;
- possibly an EEPROM memory (59) (or saved RAM)
in which the lock numbers can be stored
connected to the network.

The management programs recorded in the access control cards (2) of the locks and in the card reader / transmitter of codes (3) check the consistency of the programmed orders
- the microprocessor of the code reader / transmitter (3) checks the existence
the lock number programmed from a management keypad (4);
- the microprocessor of the access control card (2) of the lock
check that the key code in the registration phase is not already
listed in its memory if it is a validation operation of
key or, in reverse, that it has been saved previously if
it is a key invalidation operation.

The mechanical assembly (plate 14, figure 2) includes the following elements
- the interceptor (25) is used to intercept and follow the movement of the
key (5) introduced, key which fits into a fork
triangular (25a) provided for this purpose;
- the coupling cam (27), driven by the interceptor (25) by means
of the link (32), rotates the gear (28) by means of the
links (33);
- the gear (28) is integral with the axis (26) and drives the rotation, according to
the movement of the interceptor (25), the axis (31) of the optical encoder
incremental (30); this encoder is a commercial piece providing
90 phase shifted signals;
- the key (5) moves in front of the photoelectric cells (9); these
read, in synchronization with the signals delivered by the encoder
incremental (30), the key code.

 The industrial application of this product, described below, calls for a more complex structure based on a network of multi-level locks and centralized management by an advanced computer system (Plate 15).

The material architecture is broken down into 2 main levels, distinguishing themselves into several sub-levels
* the lock (or access) level including
- the lock (1) and its key (s) (5)
- the electronic access control card (2)
* IT management level with
- the network of locks (64, 65, 66, 67)
- the network of control computers (60, 61, 62, 63) (ex-keyboards
management)
- code readers / transmitters (3)
Remember that the lock (1) works entirely mechanically; in the absence of electronic control, it accepts to be opened by any key (5) of the establishment. This lock (1) is fitted with optoelectronic sensors (9) enabling the code written on the key presented to it to be read. This information is transmitted to the electronic access control card (2). If the code is accepted, the door can be opened normally. If the code is refused, an order is sent to the lock (1) and the movement of the latch (16) is locked by the action of an electromagnet (39). Unblocking takes place automatically and mechanically by removing the refused key.

 Reading the code is synchronized mechanically and electronically.

Electronic synchronization is carried out by an optical encoder with phase recognition (30). The displacement of the key causes a proportional displacement of the synchronization track of the encoder. By the effect of a spring (29), the synchronization drive mechanics remains integral with the key introduced, even if this is the effect of back-and-forth movements. The principle adopted makes it possible to get rid of false readings due to a jerky or trembling insertion of the key. The code is recognized regardless of the speed of insertion of the key.

 From the outside, after validation of the code, the movement of the latch (16) is carried out by rotation of the key, as on a traditional lock. An angle of about 100 "is sufficient to drive the latch (16).

 Appropriate lock models allow opening to the left, right, inward or outward.

 On the studied model, the key has a double coding distributed on the 2 sides. One of the codes is specific to the key, the other is combined with a code linked to the establishment. This principle authorizes the management of 65,000 different establishments with 65,000 keys per establishment.

 The key is designed with simple shapes, which makes it particularly economical to build. If it can be copied easily enough, it should be noted that such an attempt is of little interest, since it can at any time be replaced by another key comprising a different code. It is thus possible, for security reasons, to renew the fleet of keys in service from time to time.

 Each lock (1) is connected to an electronic access control card (2). This card allows to memorize a certain number of key codes authorized to open the lock (1), according to the capacity of its internal memory.

These codes are downloaded from a central management computer station (60/61) and stored on EEPROM (48), which allows the lock / access control card assembly to be able to operate on its own in the event of communication breakdown. with the central site.

The access control card (2) is able to distinguish whether it is
- a valid key
- an invalid key with the following cases
* its number does not authorize the opening of this lock
* his establishment code is incorrect
* the complete code (number and establishment code) is incorrect
- an object other than a coded key
The lock access control cards (2) are designed to be connected in a network connected to a central computer (60). Each access control card (2) has an 8-bit wired address so that it can be recognized individually in the general lock network. The connection is made by a simple wired pair. In addition, the voltage supply to the card is routed by the network cabling circuit (67), the information transmitted being modulated on this voltage.

 The lock network can be divided into sub-networks (67) controlled by boxes hereinafter called distributors (66). The distributors (66) have an address wired on 8 bits so as to be recognized individually in the network (65) of the distributors. Addresses 0 and 1 are reserved for transceivers (64) which control the entire lock network. On the other hand, these transceivers (64) serve as an interface with the central computers (60).

 The key reader (3) consists, in part, of a lock diverted from its primary purpose associated with an electronic card.

 Each computer (60/61) used for managing the keys is associated with a key reader (3) and communicates with it by an appropriate link, for example by an RS 232 serial link.

A key reader (3) consists of a mechanical part connected to an electronic card interacting with a computer (60/61):
- the mechanical part includes
* the optical code reading system (9)
* the synchronization module with incremental encoder (30)
* the servo of synchronization to the movement of a key in
the reader (25/27/28/26)
- the electronic part includes a controller ensuring the following functions
* control of the synchronization system by an input
up / down counting (53) with phase recognition
* reading of the key code by an all-or-nothing input (53a)
* transmission of the code to the computer to which the reader is connected via
an appropriate output (55) (note: the modem (56) consists of
RS 232 drivers for a link of this type with the computer).

The role assigned to the management keyboard (4) is provided by the computer (60/61) associated with the key reader (3) and integrated into a computer network; its functions are increased tenfold. The locks selected from the computer keyboard, as well as the keys entered in the key readers, are managed by means of a database and are associated with criteria of use, for example
- lock active or inactive or activated within defined time limits
- locks grouped by function or type of activity, which allows
assign a key automatically to a lock group
- key or function or type of activity authorized within a time limit or
a defined number of uses
- key code associated with the identity of its user to prevent it from
is in possession of several keys, or to allow
manually invalidate a lost key
In the event of a need for additional security, the person responsible for managing the keys must, before composing his password, enter a personal key in the reader.

 IT consists essentially of the 2 interconnected networks, the network of access control cards (67/65) and the network of central computers (63) (or possibly a single computer).

Through their network (67/65), the access control cards (2) are interrogated cyclically so as to verify their activity even in the absence of information to be transmitted in one direction or the other. The dialogue concerning this interrogation takes place on 2 complementary levels
- by the network (65) of distributors (66) which communicate cyclically
with the transceivers (64);
- by the sub-networks (67) of the control cards (2) which communicate
with the distributors (66), these serving as a buffer between the 2 levels.

 Central computing consists, in its full version, of several computers (60/61) connected by a local network (63). Two master computers (60) are connected, by means of a transmitter / receiver (64), to the network of access control cards (65/67). Only one of these computers, called the primary master, can communicate with this network at a time, the second being able to replace it at any time in the event of failure. In normal operation, the second master computer (60) communicates with the access control cards (2) via the primary master. The network (63), through which the computers (60/61) interact, includes, in addition to the master computers (60), secondary stations (61) to which readers, as on the master computers (60), are connected The secondary stations (61) communicate with the access control cards (2) via the primary master computer (60).

 The role of central computing is manifold.

1) By sending different information, it characterizes the
access control (2) of each lock (1), namely
* control or not control of the lock
* memorization of establishment code so that the control card
access (2) can reconstruct the complete code of the keys
* memorization, or invalidation, of the codes of the keys entered in a
key reader (3).

2) It receives in return the information transmitted by each card
access control (2), namely
* statement of keys opening or attempting to open the lock;
* record of attempted break-ins with objects not recognized as
key;
* record of locks and unlockings of the latch or any other
information transmitted by the appropriate contacts.

3) It generates visual and / or audible alarms in the event of
malfunction of a general network element or an attempt
of break-in.

4) In this central computer each computer (60/61) dialogues with
the key reader (3) with which it is associated as indicated above.

5) The data collected (keys in circulation, identification of users,
recording of uses and other events occurring on the
locks, alarms) are memorized and can be archived for any
further research.

6) The data collected can be processed by basic tools
data, including the compilation of statistics on rates and
hours of use of locks, and rates of attempted break-ins.

Claims (13)

 1) Mechanical lock (1) managed and controlled by a system of optical codes characterized in that it is provided with an electronic access control card (2) and that it is integrated into a set of management devices comprising: a management keyboard (4) and a code reader / transmitter (3), and in that it cooperates with a key (5) supporting the optical coding of the lock for controlling mechanical locking or unlocking means of the latch and / or the bolt of the lock.  2) Mechanical lock (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the latch and / or the bolt (16) is actuated from the inside with an uncoded fixed key (14), and from the outside with code keys optics (5), and that it comprises a mechanical locking / unlocking device (17) of the latch and / or of the bolt (16) manually operated from the inside by means of a button (15) and of the outside by means of optical code keys (5).  3) Mechanical lock (1) according to claims 1 and 2 characterized in that it has a barrel (22) in which the key is inserted and which, at the end of introduction and according to the orientation of the manual rotation movement which applied to it, turns the barrel which, in one direction unlocks and moves the latch and / or the bolt (16) and, in the other direction, engages the rocker (17) of the mechanical locking device in the latch and / or the bolt (16).  4) Mechanical lock (1) according to claims 1 and 2 characterized in that it operates with keys (5) which have a uniform bit provided with an intercepting tooth with broken or rounded angles or in the form of a ball ( 8) identical on all the keys to leave to each of them the quality of a "general pass" by making them mechanically capable of actuating the latches and / or the bolts (16) of all the locks of the system.  5) Mechanical lock (1) according to any one of claims 1,2 or 4 characterized in that it operates with keys (5) provided with one or more optical codes (f / g) arranged along lines of reading parallel to the body of the key, characteristic which makes it possible to scroll in the lock all the codes of the keys in front of the optoelectronic reading cells (9) in accordance with the direction of movement of introduction or withdrawal of the keys in the lock.  6) Mechanical lock (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises, directly connected to its electronic access control card (2), optoelectronic cells for reading optical codes (9), a key interceptor (25) for synchronizing the codes of the keys with a distributor of the code retransmission points (30), an electromechanical device for locking the lock by means of a solenoid (39), electrical contacts (49/50/51) for monitoring mechanical functions and / or transmitters of audible and / or light alarm signals.  7) Mechanical lock (1) according to claims 4 to 6 characterized in that the ball (8) of each key that is introduced or removed from the lock engages in the triangular fork (25a) d '' a key interceptor (25) which rotates, sliding on its axis by means of a slide, which makes it possible to vary the length of this interceptor during its circular movement to adapt it to the linear movement of the key and, by this means, allow the fork of the interceptor to remain continuously engaged with the ball (8) under the pressure of a spring (29) and to accompany the key in its movements of introduction and withdrawal.  8) Mechanical lock (1) according to claim 7 characterized in that the key interceptor (25) synchronizes the length of the movement of the key in these introduction and withdrawal movements with that of a distributor of retransmission points key codes (30) which can be a rotary encoder, a rotary or linear potentiometer, or any other device capable of providing a differential value divisible into retransmission points of the codes over the linear length of the movements of introduction and withdrawal of the key.  9) Mechanical lock (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that its electronic access card (2), selected by means of the management keyboard (4), is connected, by means of a network, to a code reader / transmitter (3) which comprises a certain number of elements identical to those of the lock, in particular optoelectronic cells for reading optical codes (9), a key interceptor (25) synchronized with a distributor of code retransmission points (30), reader / transmitter which makes it possible to assign, by their codes, one or more keys to the selected lock via the management keyboard (4).  10) Mechanical lock (1) according to claim 9 characterized in that the electronic access control card (2) comprises a microprocessor (41) connected by an interface to the distributor of code transmission points (30) of the lock , for example an up / down counter with phase recognition in the case of an optical encoder, connected by digital inputs and outputs to the solenoid (39) of the lock locking device (37), to contacts electric monitoring (49/50/51) tilting under the effect of the movement of certain mechanical parts, for example the movement of the latch and / or the bolt (16), the movement of the rocker (17) locking the latch and / or bolt (16), the rotation of the barrel (22), also connected by a network interface to the code reader / transmitter (3).  11) Mechanical lock (1) according to claim 10 characterized in that its access control card (2) has a read / write memory circuit (48) in which the codes sent by the code reader / transmitter are recorded (3) and the conditions of use of the lock which are introduced via the management keyboard (4), memory retaining its data in the absence of electrical supply.  12) Mechanical lock (1) according to claim 11 characterized in that it comprises a locking device (37) actuated by a solenoid (39) managed by an all-or-nothing output of the electronic access control card (2), device which opposes the movement of the latch and / or the bolt (16) in the event of introduction into the lock of a key whose codes have not been recorded in the memory (48) or in the event of an attempted break-in by the introduction of various tools or objects.  13) Mechanical lock (1) according to claim 11 characterized in that the electronic access control card (2) is connected via all-or-nothing outputs to transmitters of sound and / or light signals that 'it manages and which come into action in the event of the introduction into the lock of a key whose codes have not been registered or in the event of an attempted break-in by the introduction of tools or various objects.