GB2454173A

GB2454173A - Electro-mechanical padlock with keyless access control

Info

Publication number: GB2454173A
Application number: GB0721156A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Christopher Holding; Christopher Charles Taylor
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-10-29
Filing date: 2007-10-29
Publication date: 2009-05-06
Also published as: GB0721156D0

Abstract

An electro-mechanical padlock is operated by temporary security codes, rather than keys or cards, the codes being provided to the user by a remote code generator. The padlock is unlocked when a valid security code is presented to a padlock processor 12 (for example via buttons 9) to cause an electro-mechanical actuator 7 to withdraw a plunger 16. The padlock bolt 1 is then rotated using thumbwheel 10 so that an eccentric at 11 acts on a member 2 to disengage (via spring 3) a locking plunger 4 and allow the padlock bolt 1 to be withdrawn. Presentation of an invalid code results in plunger 4 being held in the position shown by plunger 16 and rotation of the bolt acts only to depress member 2 against spring 3 to protect actuator 7 from force overload. The padlock generates a new code periodically based on time elapsed from the initialisation of an internal clock. The remote code generator is in synchronisation with the padlock and can provide the required code for example using SMS.

Description

Electro-mechanical padlock with keyless access control This invention relates to a low powered electro-mechanical padlock that is manually locked and unlocked by movement of the padlock bolt or shackle.

Whether the movement of the padlock bolt results in the unlocking of the padlock or not, depends on the validity of a previously entered security code.

Traditional key operated or mechanical combination padlocks are employed in many different applications and, although a very effective and widely used means of securing locations and property, they also have severe limitations. For example, keys and key holders need to be managed; access codes are fixed and need to be changed manually to preserve security as a result of staff turnover and locks need changing when keys are lost.

Attempts to overcome these issues include key management cabinets with associated software that records who/when keys have been issued and tiered lock systems, where a hierarchy of keys exist, each level of which will open a subset of the lock estate.

Other electronic padlocks exist that rely on programmable keys or tokens to be docked into the padlock, or presented in close proximity to it, and only if certain conditions are satisfied, will the lock operate. Although these represent a more sophisticated solution, they still require a physical item such as a radio frequency card or an electronic key, to be in the hands of the user before the padlock can be successfully opened.

The above-described limitations therefore reduce the effective deployment of padlocks on remote and mobile assets resulting in reduced security.

This invention overcomes many of these problems, and enables the use of padlocks on mobile and remote assets and property by removing the need for a physical key, either mechanical or electronic. The padlock relies on very law power electronics so that the padlock can potentially be built and sealed for life without the need for battery replacement during its normal working life. The padlock mechanism is designed so that the only externally available moving part, the locking bolt, is rotated to initiate the unlocking sequence following the presentation of a valid access code. In the event of an invalid access code being presented, then the same rotation of the locking bolt will not lead to the unlocking of the padlock, but at the same time, the force that can be exerted on the internal mechanism is restricted to a known maximum value, thus protecting it from a damaging force overload.

io Each padlock is part of a system that relies on the use of access codes with a temporary period of validity. The use of temporary access codes to open the padlock and the capability to know which code each padlock requires at any time from some remote location means that the padlock effectively has the equivalent of remote control. Various sets of rules can be established before an is access code is released to a user so that security is maintained. The rules may include knowledge of a personal identification number or an answer to a secret question.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electro-mechanical padlock, operated by an access code. The padlock is able to provide access to a house, shed, garage, shipping container or other suitable storage locations as well as maintenance sites items of equipment and many other objects. A semi-rigid plunger assembly may control the locking and unlocking of the padlock by the movement of the padlock's locking bolt or shackle. The padlock bolt may be able to at least partially rotate as a result of a rotational motion that may be applied to a thumbwheel that may be integral to the padlock bolt. The plunger assembly may comprise a locking plunger, a locking plunger control member and a control spring. The elements of the semi-rigid plunger assembly may be positioned concentrically. The rigidity of the semi-rigid plunger assembly may vary according to the state of an electronically operated actuator. The condition of the actuator may be dependent upon the validity of an access code entered into the padlock via a user interface.

When in the locked condition, the plunger assembly may operate as a flexible s member, and in the unlocked state it may operate as a fixed or less flexible member. The change of state may result from a force differential between two or more springs. One or more springs may be integral to the semi-rigid plunger assembly; a further spring or springs may be associated with the electronically operated actuator. The padlock may be constructed so that the forces between the semi-rigid plunger assembly and the electro-mechanical lock actuator are transmitted at the point of contact between an angled surface on the plunger assembly and a sphere that is in contact with the actuator, where the sphere's freedom of movement may be limited to being along the central axis of the actuator. By acting as a flexible member in the locked state, the plunger assembly may also be protecting the actuator from force overload, which may be as a consequence of somebody trying to open the lock without a valid access code. By acting as a less flexible member in the unlocked state, rotation of the padlock bolt may result in a height differential between the locking plunger and the locking plunger control member which may enable the semi-rigid plunger assembly to disengage from the padlock bolt thus enabling the padlock to be opened. The padlock may be opened by a rotation motion of the padlock bolt followed by a lateral translation of the padlock bolt, where the direction of translation is perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the padlock bolt. The padlock bolt may also include an end cap with a diameter that is larger than most of the rest of the locking bolt so that the locking bolt is retained within the padlock body when the padlock is opened.

The state of the electronically operated actuator may be controlled by a processor that may be dependent on an access code provided by a user of the padlock. The processor may be generating access codes according to a series of executable steps, which may include time related information and where the padlock identity may also be used in the calculation of the access codes which may change periodically. The padlock identity may take the form of a code or known offset of the time tracking means to an external time such as Greenwich Mean Time.

There is a security code supply means that may be located remotely from the padlock, which may have a memory and a processor for generating security codes according to a series of executable steps, corresponding to the series of io executable steps performed by the padlock processor. The security code supply means may base its manipulation on one or more time related value and the identity characteristic of the padlock, wherein the security code supply means transfers the security code directly or indirectly to a person requiring access to the padlock, thereby allowing the person to present the transferred security 1 code to the padlock and so access the padlock if the presented code corresponds to the valid security code generated by the padlock. Alternatively, the valid access code may represent a time counter running from an initial point in time synchronised for both the lock means and the security code supply means. The security code may have a limited duration of operation. It may be limited by time or it may be limited by number of operations. The security code may be presented directly to the padlock by the user or it may be presented by a key which has been programmed directly or indirectly by the security code supply means. The key may be valid and operate the padlock on a limited number of accessions. The padlock may be operated by the security code and a limited number of authorisation codes.

In order to supply security codes without manual intervention, the security code supply means may have the ability to receive a request for an access code by Short Message Service (SMS), and automatically generate the valid access code and transmit it back to the user using SMS. The security code supply means may also be able to receive a request for an access code from an autliorised user via an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system and automatically generate the valid access code and transmits it back to the user via the IVR system.

The code may be presented to the padlock using a keypad. The keypad may have so few buttons that the code numbers are presented by repeated button presses where the number of presses corresponds to the value needing to be entered.

The padlock may have the ability to record and store the activities of code presentation, together with the locking and unlocking events which can be retrieved at a later time for activity tracking and audit trail purposes. The padlock may include proximity sensors and/or angular position sensors to monitor and measure the activity and condition of the padlock.

A battery or batteries may power the padlock with the capability of operating it for at least one year. The battery (or batteries) may be AA or smaller in size and be capable of providing the power for at least 1,000 operations.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a padlock that may include a microprocessor and having at least one means for unlocking with an operation code that changes. The padlock may be opened by :0 the rotation and withdrawal of the locking bolt and contain a time tracking means that is or can be known to a security code supply means to an uncertainty equivalent or better than +1-1 month or an equivalent duration. The padlock operation code may be self-generated in a manner that can be anticipated or computed by said security code supply means.

:s The padlock may have an identity characteristic known to said security code supply means, which may take the form of a code or a known offset of the time tracking means to an external time such as Greenwich Mean Time. The security code may be limited in its duration of operation. The limitation may be by time or it may be by number of operations. The padlock may be operated by the security code and one of a limited number of authorisation codes.

The padlock may be activated by an authorised person via a key that is programmed directly or indirectly by the security code supply means. The key S may be valid for use on a limited number of occasions.

The padlock may have the capability to store data about whom and/or which code operated the lock. It may have the ability to detect and record if the padlock is in a locked or unlocked condition and when each event occurred.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a u padlock apparatus for allowing authorised access to a storage facility or property that may include at least a padlock bolt and a semi-rigid plunger assembly comprising of at least a locking plunger, a locking plunger control member and a control spring, where the padlock bolt is able to at least partially rotate, where the semi-rigid plunger assembly is disengaged from the padlock is bolt by a manually applied rotation motion on the padlock bolt when the plunger assembly is not blocked by the electro-mechanical lock actuator and where the plunger assembly remains engaged with the padlock bolt when subjected to a similar rotation motion if the semi-rigid plunger assembly is blocked by the electro-mechanical lock actuator.

According to another aspect ol the present invention, there is provided a method of remotely unlocking a padlock using access codes. The method may include: applying a rotational motion to a padlock bolt, the motion being transferred to a semi-rigid plunger assembly, the behaviour of the semi-rigid plunger assembly depending on the condition of an electro-mechanical actuator, the condition of the actuator being dependent upon the validity of a presented access code, the access code being generated by a remotely located code generated means according to a series of executable steps, the security code being based on a manipulation of one or more time related values, transferring the valid security code directly or indirectly to a user of the padlock, allowing the user to present the security code to the padlock having an identity characteristic and being located remotely from the security code supply means, the padlock means generating a valid security code according to a series of executable steps corresponding to the executable steps performed by the security code supply means, the valid code being based on the manipulation of one or more time related values, the padlock means comparing the presented security code with the generated to valid security code, and the padlock means unlocking if the comparison is positive, thereby allowing the user to unlock the padlock, the method characterised by the change in behaviour of the semi-rigid plunger assembly from a flexible to rigid condition upon presentation of a valid access code and by using the identity characteristic in the series of executable steps pertormed by the lock means so that the security code generated is based on a manipulation of the identity characteristic.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote controlled electronic padlock substantially as described herein with reference to figures 1-2 of the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows a typical overview of a padlock configuration Figure 2 shows an internal arrangement for the electronic padlock In figure 1 a padlock bolt 1 is engaged with the padlock body 15 when the padlock is in a locked state. Unlocking the padlock requires the withdrawal of :5 the padlock bolt 1 which is restricted in movement by the presence of a locking plunger 4 and a locking plunger control member 2. Rotation of the padlock bolt 1 using the thumbwheel 10 displaces the locking plunger control mechanism 2 due the eccentric profile of the padlock bolt 1 at that point 11. This in turn applies a force on the locking plunger 4 via the control spring 3. For this force to result in the displacement of the locking plunger 4, the bearing sphere 6 must also be displaced as a result of force being applied at point 5. The sphere's movement is restricted such that it can only move along an axis of the electronic-mechanical lock actuator 7 when the electronic-mechanical lock actuator's plunger 16 is free to move and its path is unblocked. The electro-mechanical lock actuator 7 can be in either a blocked or an unblocked condition.

The position of the padlock bolt 1 can be detected by a proximity sensor or io switch such as a Hall-effect device 18. This information can then be stored by the electronics and made available for future download for audit trail purposes.

The state of the electronic-mechanical lock actuator 7 is controlled by a processor 12 and associated electronics 17 which are powered by a battery 13.

The actuator 7 should consume only a very small amount of power for each i operation and the battery 13 should be chosen such that it has a sufficiently large charge capacity and long-term stability to maximise the time between battery renewals. The processor is programmed to control the state of the electro-mechanical lock actuator 7 based on the validity of an access code that is input using the buttons 9 numbered 1-4, # and * A 4-digit access code is 2 input by depressing the buttons 9 a number of times that corresponds to the value of that digit. For example, if the code 2-3-1-3 is to be entered, then button labelled "1" needs to be depressed twice, button labelled "2" three times, button labelled "3" once and button labelled "4" three times. The button labelled *" is then pressed to complete entry of the code.

s If the processor 12 decides that the access code is valid then electronic-mechanical lock actuator's plunger 16 is free to move. Rotation of the padlock bolt 1 will result in the movement of the locking plunger control member 2 and the locking plunger 4 such that the bolt 1 can be withdrawn from the padlock body 15 and the padlock opened. Complete removal is prevented by a locking bolt end cap 14 containing a feature, which prevents the complete removal of the padlock bolt 1 from the padlock body 15.

If the processor 12 decides that the access code is not valid then the electro-S mechanical lock actuators plunger 16 is not free to move. In turn the bearing sphere 6 cannot move and the locking plunger 4 cannot then become disengaged from the padlock bolt 1. Rotation of the padlock bolt 1 is still possible but in this case it results in the compression of the control spring 3 rather than the movement of the locking plunger 4. The spring rate of control io spring 3 enables the maximum force that is exerted on the electro-mechanical lock actuator 7 to be controlled, when there is an invalid attempt to unlock the padlock by rotation of the padlock bolt 1.

The processor 12 and electronics 17 have a real-time clock capability, which is initialised at manufacture and which also contains the capability of being IS reinitialised at other times too. The processor 12 generates an access code every hour based on a manipulation of the elapsed time from initialisation and a padlock identity code represented by the padlock serial number 8.

A database, that is remote from the padlocks, containing padlock identities and clock synchronisation information for each padlock is then able to anticipate the :o code required by each padlock at any time without the need for any subsequent direct communication with the padlock. In order to obtain a valid access code for the padlock, an authorised user can send an SMS request for a security code for a particular padlock. The security code supply means will verify the validity of the request before calculating the required code and transmitting it to the user using SMS.

Claims

Claims 1. An electro-mechanical padlock including at least: a padlock bolt and a semi-rigid plunger assembly comprising of at least a locking plunger, a locking plunger control member and a control spring, where the padlock bolt is able to at least partially rotate, where the semi-rigid plunger assembly is disengaged from the padlock bolt by a manually applied rotation motion on the padlock bolt when the plunger assembly is not blocked by the electro-mechanical lock actuator and where the plunger assembly remains engaged with the padlock bolt when subjected to a similar manually applied rotation motion if the semi-rigid plunger assembly is blocked by the electro-mechanical lock actuator.
2. A padlock according to claim 1 where the electro-mechanical lock actuator is controlled by a processor according to an access code that is presented to the padlock by a user.
3. A padlock according to claim 1 where the locking and unlocking of the padlock is a function of the spring rate and spring length of the spring or springs contained within the semi-rigid plunger assembly and the spring or springs controlling the movement of the electro-mechanical lock actuator.
4. A padlock according to claim 1 where the padlock is unlocked by a rotation of the padlock bolt followed by a lateral translation of the padlock bolt, the direction of translation being perpendicular to the plane of rotation.
5. A padlock according to claim 1 where the elements of the semi-rigid plunger assembly are positioned concentrically.
6. A padlock according to claim 1 where the force between the semi-rigid plunger assembly and the electro-mechanical lock actuator is transmitted by an angled surface on the plunger assembly and a sphere, whose movement is restricted to that along the axis of the actuator.
7. A padlock according to claim 1 where the padlock bolt includes an end cap that has a larger diameter than most of the locking bolt.
8. A padlock according to claim 2 where the processor generates a security code according to a series of executable steps, the series of executable steps including time related values, wherein an identity characteristic for the padlock is used by the series of executable steps, wherein the valid security code is updated at intervals by the series of executable steps.
9. A padlock according to claim 8 where there is a security code supply means, located remotely from the padlock, the security code supply means having a memory arid processor for generating security codes according to a series of executable steps corresponding to the executable io steps performed by the padlock processor so that the security code is based on a manipulation of one or more time-related values, the memory storing an identity characteristic for the padlock, wherein the security code supply means transfers the security code directly or indirectly to a person requiring access to the padlock, thereby allowing the person to present the is transferred security code to the padlock and so access the padlock if the presented code corresponds to the valid security code generated by the padlock.
10. A padlock according to Claim 9 where the said identity characteristic known to said processor, takes the form of a code or a known offset of the time tracking means to an external time such as Greenwich Mean Time.
11. A padlock according to Claim 9 where the security code supply means receives a request for an access code by Short Message Service (SMS), and automatically generates the valid access code and transmits it back to the user using SMS.
12. A padlock according to Claim 9 where the security code supply means receives a request for an access code from an authorised user via an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system and automatically generates the valid access code and transmits it back to the user via the IVR system.
13. A padlock according to claim 8 & 9 where the time related value represents the time elapsed from a known starting point in time.
14. A padlock according to Claim 8 where the said padlock security code has a limited duration of operation, the limitation may be by time or by number of operations.
15. A padlock according to claim 8 where the processor and actuator is powered by at least one battery.
16. A padlock according to claim 15 where at least one battery can power the padlock for at least one year.
17. A padlock according to claim 15 where a single AA or half AA style battery can power the padlock for at least 1,000 unlocking operations.

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18. A padlock according to Claim 9 where said padlock security code is presented by said authorised person via a key programmed directly or indirectly by said security code supply means.
19. An access control padlock according to Claim 18 where said key is valid for use on a limited number of occasions.

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20. A padlock according to Claim 9 where said padlock is unlocked by the use of said padlock security code and one of a limited number of authorisation codes.
21. A padlock according to any of the preceding claims where said padlock can provide access to at least a house, shed, garage, shipping container or other suitable storage location at said locations and maintenance sites and items of equipment.
22. A padlock according to any of the preceding claims where said padlock has a method for storing data and information about the code operated event.
23. A padlock according to any of the preceding claims where the padlock has a means for detecting and recording it the padlock bolt is in the locked or unlocked position and the time when a change of state occurs.
24. A padlock according to claim 23 where the means for detection is based on a proximity sensor.
25. A padlock according to claim 23 where the means for detection is based on a means of angular measurement.
26. A padlock according to claim 23 where the recorded information can be retrieved at a later point in time.
27. A padlock according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the padlock includes a keypad for allowing a person to present a security code to the padlock.
28. A padlock according to claim 27 where the security code is presented by repeated button presses, the number of presses corresponding to the value needing to be entered.
29. A padlock including a microprocessor and having at least one means for unlocking with an operation code that changes; said padlock being opened by the rotation and withdrawal of the locking bolt, said padlock having a time tracking means that is or can be known to a security code supply means to an uncertainty equivalent or better than +f 1 month or an equivalent duration; where the padlock operation code is self-generated in a manner that can be anticipated or computed by said security code supply means.
30. A padlock according to Claim 29 where the said padlock has an identity characteristic known to said security code supply means, which may take the form of a code or a known offset of the time tracking means to an external time such as Greenwich Mean Time.
31. A padlock according to Claim 29 where the said padlock operation code has a limited duration of operation, the limitation may be by time or by number of operations.
32. A padlock according to Claim 29 where said padlock operation code is activated by an authorised person via a key programmed directly or indirectly by said computing means.
33. An access control padlock according to Claim 32 where said key is valid for use on a limited number of occasions.
34. A padlock according to Claim 29 where said padlock is unlocked by the use of said padlock operation code and one of a limited number of authorisation codes.
35. A padlock according to any of Claims 29 to 34 where said padlock provides access to a house, shed, garage or other suitable storage location at said premises.
36. A padlock according to any of Claims 29 to 34 where said padlock has a method for storing data as to whom or which code operated said padlock.
37. A padlock according to claims 29 to 36 where the padlock has a method for detecting and recording if the padlock lock bolt is in the locked or unlocked position and the time of occurrence of such events.
38. Padlock apparatus for allowing authorised access to a storage facility or is property including at least a padlock bolt and a semi-rigid plunger assembly comprising of at least a locking plunger, a locking plunger control member and a control spring, where the padlock bolt is able to at least partially rotate, where the semi-rigid plunger assembly is disengaged from the padlock bolt by a manually applied rotation motion on the padlock bolt when the plunger assembly is not blocked by the electro-mechanical lock actuator and where the plunger assembly remains engaged with the padlock bolt when subjected to a similar rotation motion if the semi-rigid plunger assembly is blocked by the electro-mechanical lock actuator.
39. A method of remotely unlocking a padlock using access codes, the method including steps of: applying a rotational motion to a padlock bolt, the force being transferred to a semi-rigid plunger assembly, the behaviour of the semi-rigid plunger assembly depending on the condition of an electro-mechanical actuator, the condition of the actuator being dependent upon the validity of a presented access code, the access code being generated by a remotely located code generated means according to a series of executable steps, the security code being based on a manipulation of one or more time related values, transferring the valid security code directly or indirectly to a user of the padlock, allowing the user to present the security code to the padlock having an identity characteristic and being located remotely from the security code supply means, the padlock means generating a valid security code according to a series of executable steps corresponding to the executable steps performed by the security code supply means, the valid code being based on the manipulation of one or more time related values; the padlock means comparing the presented security code with the generated valid security code, and the padlock means unlocking if the comparison is positive, thereby allowing the user to unlock the padlock, the method characterised by the change in behaviour of the semi-rigid plunger assembly from a flexible to rigid condition upon presentation ol a valid access code and by using the identity characteristic in the series of executable steps performed by the lock means so that the security code generated is based on a manipulation of the identity characteristic.