JP2006241758A - Mooring locking device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the trouble in using a conventional security wire lock. <P>SOLUTION: The mooring locking device 1 has a mooring member 2 used to be connected with a stationary object 8 for mooring a mobile object 7 to the stationary object 8, locking mechanism operating between a locking state that the mooring member 2 is locked not to be separated from a security slot provided in the mobile object 7 and an unlocking state that the mooring member 2 is released to be separated from the security slot, an authentication means for authenticating whether or not a person who tries to take away the mobile object 7 is an authorized person for the mobile object 7, and a lock control means for automatically switching the locking mechanism to the unlocking state when the person who tries to take away the mobile object 7 is authenticated to be the authorized person by the authentication means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a tethered locking device used to improve security particularly in an office or the like.

  Recently, in various organization operations, the problem of information leakage has been greatly highlighted, and improvement of security measures has become an urgent issue in order to maintain the reliability of the organization. In particular, the diversification of members in the offices in the organization is rapidly progressing recently, and in addition to the main workers such as so-called full-time employees and contract workers, sub-workers such as temporary employees, arbiters, and external maintenance companies are relatively free. An environment where people can be active is established. And it is in a situation where a person who does not have any authority using such an environment cannot ignore the possibility of intrusion from the outside.

Under these circumstances, if a notebook computer, external hard disk drive, etc. holding important information is illegally taken out, the information stored in them may be leaked. . As a countermeasure, it is conceivable to keep a notebook computer or other movable guarded object anchored to a stationary object such as a fixture or a building structure. A product for that purpose, a so-called security wire lock (for example, the following patent document) (See also) The security wire lock is used with one end connected to a stationary object and the other end attached to a guarded object. Specifically, a latch provided on the other end side is inserted into a security slot formed in advance on the outer surface of a notebook computer or the like, and is restrained so that it cannot be detached from the security slot by a key lock device.
Noto 3062010 publication

  In the conventional security wire lock, it is indispensable to consciously perform attachment / removal work on the guarded object with the user's own hand. Needless to say, locking and unlocking in a manual key lock device is a relatively cumbersome process in which the key is picked up, the key is inserted into the lock cylinder, the bolt is operated by operating the lock, and then the key is removed from the lock cylinder. With procedures. Therefore, a user who frequently carries a notebook computer or the like is forced to perform the locking / unlocking operation every time he / she carries it. And there are many cases where it is difficult to lock up, forgetting to lock, or leaving the key in the lock cylinder, and it does not actually improve security. .

  In order to solve the above problems, in the present invention, as a means for anchoring a guard object to another object, a tether member used for connection to the other object, and the tether member to the guard object. A locking mechanism that operates between a locked state that locks so that it cannot be separated from the provided restraining part and an unlocked state that releases the anchoring member so that it can be detached from the restraining part, and the guard object and the other An authentication means for authenticating whether a person who intends to take away the guarded object without being involved in the object is a specific person having a legitimate authority for the guarded object, and to take away the guarded object When the authenticating means authenticates that the person who performs is the specific person, a tethered locking device comprising a lock control means for automatically switching the lock mechanism to the unlocked state is configured.

  In other words, when a specific person having a legitimate authority has been successfully authenticated, the lock mechanism is activated to automatically unlock it. If this is the case, it will automate at least a part of the operations that the user has performed with his / her hand, which will not bother the user and greatly improve effective security. Can contribute. In addition, since the authentication process of the specific person is executed in a form independent of each of the guarded object and other objects, the guarded object and the object to be connected to this are not selected.

  Here, the guarded object refers to a portable information processing apparatus such as a notebook computer, a storage device such as an external hard disk drive, and other objects that can be taken out and are to be guarded. In addition, other items refer to general items that can play a role of restraining an object to be guarded, such as a fixture such as a desk or a wagon, or a pillar of a building structure. In principle, the other object is a stationary object. However, when the object to be guarded is a mobile phone terminal or the like, a bag or the like for connecting the object may be used, and is not necessarily limited to a stationary object. The anchoring member is a wire, rope, chain, strap, or the like that anchors the object to be guarded to another object, but is not limited to an elongate member or an easily deformable member. The restraining portion may be a slot (security slot) or the like formed in the guarded object itself, or may be a wire, a strap or the like attached to the guarded object. And the specific aspect of a lock mechanism is dependent on the aspect of the restraint part provided in the guard object.

  If the authentication unit authenticates the specific person through exchange of an authentication identifier using weak wireless communication, a user who wants to release the lock manually operates the lock mechanism or the authentication unit with his / her hand. It can be omitted. However, the authentication unit is not limited to the one that performs user authentication by wireless communication, and may be one using fingerprint authentication or other biometrics.

  If it further comprises an authentication process starting means for starting execution of an authentication process by the authentication means due to the action of the specific person, wireless communication and authentication are performed unless a positive action by a specific person or a person other than the specific person is detected. No processing occurs. Therefore, power consumption can be suppressed as much as possible. In addition, it is possible to avoid a situation in which electromagnetic waves are frequently propagated in a limited space region, which leads to prevention of electromagnetic interference.

  It is convenient that the authentication process starting means includes an unlocking switch operated by a person who intends to release the lock by the lock mechanism.

  The release switch includes a cover body that is supported so as to move up and down and surrounds at least the authentication means, and a sensor device that detects that the cover body is pressed, and authenticates when the cover body is pressed. If the authentication process is started by the means, the cover body can be enlarged while protecting the authentication means, and the operation becomes easier.

  Alternatively, the authentication processing activation means may be a human sensor that detects the presence of a person who intends to release the lock by the lock mechanism. When employing a human sensor, it is possible to save the user from operating the release switch.

  In addition, the authentication processing activation unit may include an operation detection sensor that detects an operation of a person who intends to unlock the lock mechanism to operate a movable object. Also in this case, it is possible to save the user from operating the release switch.

  If a deformable connecting portion for connecting both is interposed between the main body portion having at least the authentication means and the authentication processing activation means and the lock end portion having the lock mechanism, the anchoring locking device Flexibility of the arrangement position is ensured, and convenience is improved.

  The lock control means includes an electric actuator that outputs an operating force for operating the lock mechanism, and a wire that transmits an operating force output by the electric actuator to the lock mechanism, and the connecting portion includes If the tube is for inserting the wire, the electric actuator and the lock mechanism can be spatially separated. Then, the authentication means, the authentication process starting means, the electric actuator, the battery or the electric circuit, etc. can be integrated in the main body, and the maintenance becomes easier. In addition, since the lock end can be reduced in size, the application and application range are expanded. Here, the electric actuator is a concept that generally includes an output end that performs rotation or advance / retreat operation by converting electric energy into mechanical energy.

  The lock mechanism is of a normally-locked specification that is normally maintained in a locked state, and the lock control means is the authentication means that the person trying to take away the guarded object is the specific person. If the lock mechanism is switched to the unlocked state for a certain period of time when the authentication is performed, the specific person does not need to consciously perform an operation to lock the lock mechanism. In addition, when the battery runs out or the electric circuit fails, the lock mechanism is not inadvertently unlocked, thereby further improving security.

  Alternatively, once the locking mechanism transitions to the unlocked state, the unlocked state is maintained, and a locking trigger is provided, and the operation force acting on the locking trigger is used to switch from the unlocked state to the locked state. In this case, it is easy to tether the taken-out guard object to another object again.

  According to the tethered locking device according to the present invention, the user who uses the conventional security wire lock automates at least a part of the operation procedure performed by his / her hand, which imposes trouble on the user. Effective security improvement is realized.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The tethered locking device 1 of the present embodiment anchors a movable object 7 to be a guarded object such as a notebook computer or an external hard disk drive to a stationary object 8 to be another object such as a fixture or a building structure. It is used to prevent unauthorized take-out. As shown in FIG. 1, the anchoring locking device 1 of the present embodiment includes an anchoring member 2, a main body part 3, a connecting part 4, and a lock end part 5 as main components.

  The anchoring member 2 is a long member that can be bent and deformed and cannot be easily cut, and its proximal end is fixed to the main body 3. An annular portion 21 through which the lock end portion 5 and the connecting portion 4 pass is provided on the distal end side of the anchoring member 2 so that the stationary object 8 can be wrapped around and locked.

  The main body 3 implements a function of performing user authentication and unlocking the movable object 7 from the stationary object 8 when the authentication of a specific person having a legitimate authority to take out the movable object 7 is successful. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the main body 3 includes an electric actuator 31 that outputs an operating force that operates a lock mechanism, which will be described later, a control module 32 that controls the electric actuator 31, and an authentication determination that governs user authentication. A module 33, a battery 34 for supplying power (regardless of its type) and the like are mounted on a base 35, and these are covered with a cover body 36. In this embodiment, the battery is driven. However, this does not hinder the aspect of receiving power supply from an external power supply outlet.

  The electric actuator in the present embodiment is a solenoid 31 that projects and retracts a plunger 311 serving as an output end. The solenoid 31 protrudes the plunger 311 when not energized, and immerses the plunger 311 when energized.

  The control module 32 induces an immersion operation of the plunger 311 by energizing the solenoid 31, and is electrically connected to the solenoid 31 and the authentication determination module 33 as shown in FIG. The actuator control circuit mounted on the control module 32 outputs a lock release signal, that is, an electric signal to be applied to the solenoid 31 when receiving a signal indicating that the user authentication is successful from the authentication determination module 33.

  The authentication determination module 33 performs wireless communication with the authentication key element 6 provided to each user in advance by weak wireless, and exchanges an authentication identifier to be authenticated to perform user authentication. The authentication determination module 33 includes, for example, a processor unit including a processor, main memory, flash memory (nonvolatile memory), and / or ROM (Read Only Memory), an antenna, an amplifier, a demodulation circuit, a modulation circuit, and the like. And a weak wireless communication unit. A program to be executed by the processor is stored in a flash memory or ROM, read into the main memory at the time of execution, and decoded by the processor. The authentication determination module 33 operates hardware resources according to the program and executes processing necessary for user authentication. The authentication determination module 33 inputs a signal indicating the fact to the control module 32 at least when the user having the authority to take out the movable object 7 is successfully authenticated.

  The base 35 is, for example, a resin molded product in which the rear end wall of the box that opens downward is extended upward. In the illustrated example, circuit boards such as the control module 32 and the authentication judgment module 33 are arranged inside, and the solenoid 31, the battery 34, etc. are arranged on the upper surface. The plunger 311 protrudes rearward from the solenoid 31 and is attracted by the solenoid 31 when energized and sunk forward. A link wire 51 is connected to the plunger 311. The link wire 51 transmits the operating force output from the solenoid 31 to the lock end 5 side.

  The cover body 36 is, for example, a resin molded product that shields the base 35 from the front, side, and top, and a rear end portion of the cover body 36 is swingably supported on the rear end wall of the base 35 via a hinge 361. A bar-like protrusion 362 that protrudes downward is provided on the downward surface of the cover body 36. Thus, a mechanical switch 37 that does not require standby power is mounted as a sensor device near the tip of the rod-shaped protrusion 362. The mechanical switch 37 is for detecting that some person has performed an operation of pressing the cover body 36, and is pressed by a rod-like protrusion 362 that descends as the pressed cover body 36 moves downward. The pressed mechanical switch 37 inputs a signal indicating that to the authentication determination module 33.

  The connecting portion 4 is interposed between the main body portion 3 and the lock end portion 5 to connect both. The base end side of the connecting part 4 is fixed to the rear end wall of the base 35 of the main body part 3 together with the anchoring member 2. Similar to the anchoring member 2, the connecting portion 4 is also preferably a long member that can be bent and deformed and cannot be easily cut. In the present embodiment, the connecting portion 4 has a tube shape, and the link wire 51 described above is inserted through the connecting portion 4.

  The lock end 5 is attached to the movable object 7 using a restraint provided on the movable object 7, that is, a slot 71 formed in the movable object 7 in advance. As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7, the lock end portion 5 is provided with a fixed lock claw 53 projecting from one end surface of a base 52 having a small box shape, and is relatively displaced with respect to the fixed lock claw 53. A movable lock claw 54 is provided.

  More specifically, the fixed lock claw 53 has a substantially L-shape that extends in the normal direction of one end surface of the base 52 and is bent outward at the tip, and is disposed so as to be opposed to each other. . A taper surface 531 is formed on the side opposite to the base 52 of the bent end portion of the fixed lock claw 53, and the opposing surfaces of both fixed lock claws 53 are partially cut away.

  On the other hand, the movable lock claw 54 extends in the normal direction of one end surface of the base 52 and has a substantially L-shape that is bent in the opposite direction to the fixed lock claw 53 at its tip. It is arranged at the position that fits in. A tapered surface 541 is also formed on the anti-base 52 side of the bent end portion of the movable lock claw 54, and its edge 542 is extended along the opposing direction of the two fixed lock claws 53. The movable lock claw 54 pivotally supports an intermediate portion on the base 52 via a pin 55 so as to be rotatable. The movable lock claw 54 is urged in a direction away from the fixed lock claw 53 by an urging means (for example, a torsion spring) (not shown). When no external force is applied, the movable lock claw 54 is moved to the lock position X, that is, the fixed lock claw 53. On the other hand, it stands upright substantially in parallel and its bent end is kept at a position where it does not overlap with the bent end of the fixed lock claw 53.

  Further, the tube 4 as a connecting portion is joined to the base 52 and the inside thereof is communicated with the internal space of the base 52. The link wire 51 inserted through the tube 4 is introduced into the internal space of the base 52 and is directly connected to a portion of the movable lock claw 54 that is closer to the root than the pin 55. The link wire 51 transmits the operating force output from the solenoid 31 to the movable lock claw 54. When the solenoid 31 is energized, the plunger 311 is retracted and pulls the link wire 51, and the link wire 51 rotates the movable lock claw 54 in a direction approaching the fixed lock claw 53 against the urging force of the urging means. Move. The movable lock claw 54 that receives the transmission of the operating force via the link wire 51 is tilted with respect to the unlock position Y, that is, the fixed lock claw 53, and its bent end overlaps with the bent end of the fixed lock claw 53. Displace. At this time, the edge 542 on the side opposite to the base 52 of the bent end of the movable lock claw 54 comes into contact with or approaches the notch edge 532 on the opposite surface of the fixed lock claw 53.

  When the movable object 7 is anchored to the stationary object 8 using the anchoring locking device 1 of the present embodiment, the anchoring member 2 is attached to the stationary object 8 (for example, the leg of the desk) as shown in FIG. The lock end portion 5 and the connecting portion 4 are passed through the annular portion 21 and then the lock end portion 5 is attached to the movable object 7. In order to attach the lock end 5 to the movable object 7, the fixed lock claw 53 and the movable lock claw 54 protruding from the base 52 may be inserted into the slot 71 formed in the movable object 7. The movable lock pawl 54 is temporarily unlocked by utilizing the force to insert the movable lock pawl 54 into the slot 71 due to the relationship between the tapered surface 541 at the bent end and the peripheral edge of the slot 71. When it is displaced to Y and the bent end is completely accommodated in the slot 71, it returns to the lock position X again. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, the bent end portions of the fixed lock claw 53 and the movable lock claw 54 are prevented from coming off, and a locked state is obtained in which the extraction of both the claws 53 and 54 is prevented. At this time, the fixed lock claw 53 and the movable lock are arranged so that the one end surface of the base 52 is in close contact with or very close to the side surface where the slot 71 of the movable object 7 is opened and the movable lock claw 54 becomes difficult to operate from the outside. The dimension of the nail | claw 54 is designed.

  In order to remove the lock end 5 and release the movable object 7 from the stationary object 8, it is necessary to energize the solenoid 31 to pull the link wire 51 and to displace the movable lock claw 54 to the unlock position Y. In order to energize the solenoid 31, it is necessary to authenticate that the person who intends to take out the movable object 7 is a specific person having a legitimate authority. Each user who has the authority to take out the movable object 7 has an authentication key element 6. The authentication key element 6 serves as a key for releasing the lock. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the authentication key element 6 includes a processor unit including a processor, a main memory, a flash memory and / or a ROM, an antenna, an amplifier, a demodulation circuit, a modulation circuit, and the like. And a weak wireless communication unit. A program to be executed by the processor is stored in a flash memory or ROM, and is read into the main memory at the time of execution and is decoded by the processor. The authentication key element 6 operates hardware resources in accordance with the program and performs wireless communication with the authentication determination module 33 of the main body 3 of the tethered locking device 1 by weak radio. The authentication key element 6 is normally battery powered. The outer shape of the authentication key element 6 is not particularly limited. The authentication key element 6 is not limited to a tag shape or a card shape, and may have a shape larger than these (for example, a folder, a file, etc.), or a shape smaller than these (for example, a clip or a ring). , Staples, chips, etc.).

  From the standpoint of extending the battery life as much as possible, the authentication judgment module 33 has limited opportunities to wirelessly communicate with the authentication key element 6 for authentication. Specifically, the wireless communication is started only after detecting that some people have performed a predetermined positive action. In the present embodiment, a person who wants to take out the movable object 7 presses the cover body 36 of the main body 3 as an active action. When the cover body 36 is pressed, the mechanical switch 37 outputs a signal indicating that. The mechanical switch 37 and the authentication determination module 33 are electrically connected, and the authentication determination module 33 can receive a signal sent from the mechanical switch 37. When receiving a signal output from the mechanical switch 37, the authentication determination module 33 starts executing a program routine for performing wireless communication with the authentication key element 6 and user authentication.

  Hereinafter, user authentication will be described. An authentication identifier is assigned in advance to each authentication key element 6 possessed by each user. The authentication identifier identifies a user or a group including a plurality of persons, and has a predetermined length (for example, 4 bytes) for each person or each group. The flash memory or ROM mounted on the authentication key element 6 stores an authentication identifier assigned to the authentication key element 6.

  On the other hand, an authentication identifier to be authenticated is stored in the flash memory or ROM mounted in the authentication determination module 33 of the main body unit 3. The authentication identifier to be authenticated is an authentication identifier related to a specific person or group having the right to take out the movable object 7.

  The user authentication procedure is shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 10 shows a processing procedure executed by the authentication judgment module 33, and FIG. 11 shows a processing procedure executed by the authentication key element 6. The authentication determination module 33 is in a standby state until a positive action is performed by some person. The authentication determination module 33 that has detected the positive action by receiving the signal output from the mechanical switch 37 directs the request signal including a part of the authentication identifier to be authenticated (for example, 2 bytes in the second half) to the authentication key element 6. To make a wireless transmission (step S1).

  Upon receipt of the request signal (step S5), the authentication key element 6 determines whether a part of the authentication identifier included in the request signal is inherent in the authentication identifier assigned to itself (step S6). If it exists, a response signal including the remaining portion (for example, the first two bytes) of the authentication identifier assigned to itself is sent back to the authentication determination module 33 by radio (step S7). If it does not exist, no response signal is returned.

  The authentication determination module 33 that has transmitted the request signal waits for reception of a response signal returned from the authentication key element 6. When the response signal is received (step S2), it is determined whether or not the remaining part of the authentication identifier included in the response signal corresponds to the authentication identifier to be authenticated (step S3). If so, the lock is released assuming that the authentication is successful (step S4). Specifically, a signal indicating that the authentication of the specific person is successful is output to notify the control module 32 and the solenoid 31 is energized. If the response signal by the authentication key element 6 to which the authentication identifier to be authenticated is not received within a predetermined time limit after the request signal is transmitted, the authentication is unsuccessful, that is, it is valid. The lock is not released on the assumption that there is no specific person having the right authority nearby.

  An example of user authentication is shown in FIG. In the illustrated example, an authentication identifier “00 11 22 22” relating to a specific person or group having a legitimate authority is stored in the authentication determination module 33, and also in the authentication key element 6 (6K) possessed by the user. It is remembered. At the start of user authentication, the authentication determination module 33 transmits a request signal including the latter two bytes “22 22”, which is a part of the authentication identifier to be authenticated.

  Each of the authentication key elements 6 (6J, 6K, 6L, 6M, 6N) in a position capable of wireless communication with the authentication determination module 33 receives a request signal and determines whether or not a response signal should be returned. That is, in each of the authentication key elements 6J, 6K, 6L, 6M, and 6N, it is determined whether or not the latter 2 bytes of the authentication identifier stored by itself matches the latter 2 bytes of the authentication identifier included in the request signal. to decide. Among these authentication key elements 6, the authentication key elements 6K and 6N return a response signal. The authentication key element 6K returns a response signal including the first two bytes “00 11” that is the remaining part of the authentication identifier assigned to itself, and the authentication key element 6N returns the authentication identifier assigned to itself. A response signal including the first two bytes “33 44” is returned. The other authentication key elements 6J, 6L, and 6M do not return a response signal.

  Accordingly, the authentication determination module 33 receives the response signals returned from the authentication key elements 6K and 6N, respectively, and makes a final authentication determination. In this example, the first two bytes of the authentication identifier included in the response signal provided from the authentication key element 6K match the first two bytes of the authentication identifier “00 11 22 22” to be authenticated. Therefore, it is determined that a specific person having a legitimate authority exists in the vicinity and the lock should be released.

  As is clear from the above example, a plurality of authentication key elements 6 may respond to the request signal transmitted by the authentication determination module 33. Therefore, it is preferable that the authentication key element 6 generates a random number and determines a wait time based on the generated random number in step S7, and returns a response signal after the determined wait time has elapsed. As a result, even if there are a plurality of authentication key elements 6 that return response signals in response to the request signal, the response timing of response signals can be shifted from each other.

  As already described, when the user authentication is successful, the authentication determination module 33 outputs a signal indicating the fact. The authentication determination module 33 and the control module 32 are electrically connected, and the control module 32 can receive a signal transmitted from the authentication determination module 33. When the actuator control circuit of the control module 32 receives the signal output from the authentication judgment module 33, the solenoid 31 is energized to immerse the plunger 311 and the movable lock pawl 54 is displaced from the lock position X to the unlock position Y. Let As a result, the unlocked state in which the fixed lock claw 53 and the movable lock claw 54 can be extracted from the slot 71 is obtained. The time for which the control module 32 energizes the solenoid 31 is limited to a certain time (for example, several seconds). That is, after the positive action by the specific person, the time for which the movable lock claw 54 is displaced to the unlock position Y through user authentication is limited, and after the time has elapsed, the energization to the solenoid 31 is cut off and the movable lock claw 54 is turned off. Is returned to the lock position X again. When the lock end 5 is removed from the movable object 7, the fixed lock claw 53 and the movable lock claw 54 are extracted from the slot 71 within the above time for switching to the unlocked state.

  Generally speaking, the authentication judgment module 33 of the main body 3 plays the role of the authentication means, and the cover body 36 and the mechanical switch 37 play the role of the release switch and the authentication process starting means. In addition, the control module 32, the solenoid 31, and the link wire 51 cooperate to play the role of lock control means, and switch the lock / unlock state of the lock mechanism formed by the fixed lock claw 53 and the movable lock claw 54.

  Incidentally, it is also preferable that a manual lock (not shown) operated using a key is provided in the main body portion 3 in case of interruption of power supply due to battery exhaustion or failure of an electric circuit. In this lock, a bolt is driven through an operation using a key to displace the plunger 311 or the link wire 51 of the solenoid 31 to forcibly displace the movable lock claw 54 to the unlock position Y.

  As an actual usage of the tethered locking device 1, for example, authentication processing and unlocking can be performed while the user is present during working hours, and the user is present during working hours or during business trips. It is conceivable that user authentication and unlocking are not performed by turning off a power switch (not shown) while not being performed.

  According to this embodiment, as a movable guard object 7 for anchoring another object 8, the anchor member 2 used for connection to the other object 8 and the anchor member 2 are the guard object. A lock mechanism that operates between a locked state in which the anchoring member 2 is locked so as not to be detached from the restraining portion 71 provided in the object 7 and an unlocked state in which the anchoring member 2 is released so as to be detached from the restraining portion 71; Authentication for authenticating whether or not a person who intends to take away the guarded object 7 is a specific person having a legitimate authority for the guarded object 7 without being involved in the object 7 and the other object 8 And a lock control means for automatically switching the lock mechanism to the unlocked state when the authentication means authenticates that the person trying to take away the guarded object 7 is the specific person. Tethered Since the apparatus 1 is configured, in such a case, since at least a part of operations performed by the user with his / her hand is automated, the user is not burdened and effective. It can greatly contribute to improving security. Moreover, since the authentication judgment module 33 executes the user authentication process in a form independent of each of the guard object 7 and the other objects 8, the guard object 7 and the object 8 to which the guard object 7 is connected are not selected. Benefits are provided.

  Since the authentication unit authenticates the specific person through exchange of an authentication identifier using weak wireless communication, a user who wants to release the lock manually operates the lock mechanism or the authentication unit with his / her hand. It can be omitted.

  Since it further includes an authentication process starting means for starting execution of authentication processing by the authentication means due to the action of the specific person, wireless communication and authentication are performed unless an active action by a specific person or a person other than the specific person is detected. No processing occurs. Therefore, power consumption can be suppressed as much as possible. In addition, it is possible to avoid a situation in which electromagnetic waves are frequently propagated in a limited space region, which leads to prevention of electromagnetic interference.

  The authentication process starting means is simple because it includes an unlocking switch operated by a person who intends to release the lock by the lock mechanism.

  The release switch includes a cover body 36 that is supported so as to be movable up and down and surrounds at least the authentication means, and a sensor device 37 that detects that the cover body 36 has been pressed, and the cover body 36 is pressed down. In this case, since the authentication process by the authentication unit is started, the cover body 36 can be enlarged while protecting the authentication determination module 33, the control module 32, the solenoid 31, and the like, which makes it easier to operate. .

  Since the deformable connecting portion 4 is interposed between the main body portion 3 having at least the authentication means and the authentication processing activation means and the lock end portion 5 having the lock mechanism, the tethered locking The flexibility of the arrangement position of the apparatus 1 is ensured, and convenience is improved.

  The lock control means includes an electric actuator 31 that outputs an operating force for operating the lock mechanism, and a link wire 51 that transmits the operating force output by the electric actuator 31 to the lock mechanism. If the connecting portion is the tube 4 through which the link wire 51 is inserted, the electric actuator 31 and the lock mechanism can be spatially separated. And the authentication judgment module 33, the control module 32, the mechanical switch 37, the electric actuator 31, the battery 34, an electric circuit, etc. can be integrated in the main-body part 3, and a maintenance becomes easier. Moreover, since the lock end part 5 can be reduced in size, the use and application range are expanded. In addition, since the authentication determination module 33 communicates wirelessly with the authentication key element 6 to perform the authentication process, it is necessary to bring them closer to each other during user authentication, but the authentication determination module 33 is placed inside the cover body 36. When the user presses this, the authentication determination module 33 and the authentication key element 6 can be brought close to each other naturally.

  The lock mechanism is of a normally-locked specification that is normally maintained in a locked state, and the lock control means confirms that the person who intends to take away the guarded object 7 is the specific person. When the authentication is performed by the means, the locking mechanism is switched to the unlocked state for a certain period of time, so that the specific person does not need to consciously perform an operation to lock the locking mechanism. In addition, when the battery runs out or the electric circuit fails, the lock mechanism is not inadvertently unlocked, thereby further improving security.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described in detail above. First, the authentication process starting means for starting the user authentication process is not limited to the element having a release switch operated by a finger. In place of the release switch (cover body 36 and mechanical switch 37) in the above embodiment, a human sensor (not shown; an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, etc.) is provided in the main body 3 or the like, and in the vicinity of the human sensor. When the presence of some person is detected, the authentication process may be started. With such a configuration, it is possible to save the user from having to operate the release switch. Further, in place of the release switch, an operation detection sensor (not shown; a vibration sensor, an acceleration sensor, an inclination sensor, etc.) for detecting the operation of some person operating the guard object 7 may be provided on the lock end 5 or the like. Conceivable. When the motion detection sensor is mounted on the lock end 5 or the like, for example, a hollow passage in the tube 4 may be used for electrical connection between the motion detection sensor and the authentication determination module 33.

  The user authentication method is not limited to the exchange of authentication identifiers by wireless communication between the authentication determination module 33 and the authentication key element 6. Biometrics such as fingerprint authentication may be employed, or other known methods may be employed.

  Next, the restraining portion on the guard object 7 side is not necessarily a security slot or the like formed in advance on the guard object 7. When a ready-made wire lock 72 is attached to a security slot of a notebook computer or the like, the tethered locking device 1 is applied using an annular portion 721 provided on the distal end side of the wire lock 72 as a restraining portion. Is also possible. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, if a slot 351 similar to a security slot is formed in the main body 3 or the like of the anchoring locking device 1, the lock end 5 and the connecting portion 4 are connected to the annular portion 721 of the wire lock 72. Then, the lock claw 53 and 54 are engaged with the slot 351 so that the lock end 5 is attached to the main body 3 and the guard object 7 can be anchored. The lock mechanism in this example is the same as that in the above embodiment except that a slot 351 formed in the main body 3 is used. Thus, when the restraint part by the side of the guard object 7 is the ready-made wire lock 72 etc., the relative position with respect to the guard object 7 of the tether locking device 1 is changed (by the aspect of the ready-made wire lock 72). obtain.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 14, it is displaced between a lock position X that is inserted through the annular portion 721 of the ready-made wire lock 72 and is locked, and an unlock position Y that allows the wire lock 72 to be pulled out. You may comprise the lock mechanism which makes the lock bolt 38 the main body. In this example, a slit 352 into which the annular portion 721 of the wire lock 72 can be inserted is formed in the main body portion 3 or the like of the anchoring locking device 1, and a lock bolt 38 that protrudes and retracts between opposing surfaces of the slit 352 is provided. ing. A tapered surface 381 is formed on the side surface of the lock bolt 38 on the opening side of the slit 352. Further, the urging means such as the spring 382 urges the lock bolt 38 in the direction toward the lock position X, and outputs an operating force that displaces the lock bolt 38 to the unlock position Y against the urging force. An actuator (in particular, a solenoid) 31 is mounted. When the user authentication by the authentication determination module 33 is successful and the control module 32 applies an electric signal to the electric actuator 31, the lock bolt 38 is retracted to the unlock position Y and becomes unlocked. When the control module 32 is not applying an electrical signal to the electric actuator 31, the lock bolt 38 returns to the lock position X and enters the locked state. That is, the lock mechanism of this example also has a normally-lock specification that is normally maintained in a locked state. When the guard object 7 is tethered, the annular portion 721 of the wire lock 72 attached to the guard object 7 is inserted into the slit 352. When the annular portion 721 is pressed against the tapered surface 381, the lock bolt 38 is displaced from the lock position X toward the unlock position Y by the force. When the annular portion 721 reaches a position where the lock bolt 38 can be inserted, the lock bolt 38 returns to the lock position X again to lock the wire lock 72. Incidentally, the annular portion 21 of the anchoring member 2 connected to the other object 8 can be locked with the lock bolt 38.

  Furthermore, it is also conceivable to constitute a lock mechanism of a non-normally lock specification. In the example shown in FIG. 15, when the annular portion 721 of the wire lock 72 inserted into the slit 352 is engaged with the locking trigger 39 and driven, the lock bolt 38 is displaced to the lock position X for the first time. 72 is locked. In this example, a mechanism stopper 391 for stopping the lock bolt 38 displaced to the unlock position Y is provided at the unlock position Y, and a mechanism for converting an operating force acting on the locking trigger 39 into a force for releasing the mechanical stopper 391. Is building. Once the locking mechanism has transitioned from the locked state to the unlocked state, it remains in the unlocked state unless the locking trigger 39 is driven. When the guard object 7 is tethered, the annular portion 721 of the wire lock 72 attached to the guard object 7 is inserted into the slit 352. When the annular portion 721 is pressed against the locking trigger 39, the locking trigger 39 is moved against the urging force of the spring 392, the mechanical stopper 391 is released, and the lock bolt 38 stopped at the unlock position Y is locked. Displacement to position X Such a thing is convenient when the guarded object 7 taken out is tethered to another object 8 again.

  In addition, the specific configuration of each unit, detailed processing procedure, and the like are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The perspective view which shows the tether locking device of one Embodiment of this invention. The principal part perspective view which shows the main-body part of the tether locking device of the embodiment. The principal part side sectional drawing. The principal part sectional side view which shows the main-body part of the anchor locking device of the embodiment, a connection part, and a lock end part. The hardware resource block diagram of the authentication judgment module and control module in the embodiment. The principal part perspective view which shows the lock | rock end part of the tether locking device of the embodiment. FIG. The principal part sectional drawing which shows the state which attached the lock end part to the restraint part of a movable object. Hardware resource configuration diagram of authentication key element in the embodiment The flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which an authentication judgment module performs. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which the key element for authentication performs. The figure which shows the Example of the personal authentication by a radio | wireless communication system. The perspective view which shows one of the modifications of this invention. The principal part side sectional view which shows one of the modifications of this invention. The principal part side sectional view which shows one of the modifications of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Anchor locking apparatus 2 ... Anchor member 3 ... Main-body part 31 ... Electric actuator 32 ... Control module 33 ... Authentication judgment module 36 ... Cover body 37 ... Sensor device 39 ... Locking trigger 4 ... Connection part 5 ... Lock end part 51 ... Wire 54 ... Moveable lock claw 7 ... Movable object 71 ... Restraining part 8 ... Still object

Claims (11)

For tethering an object of custody to another object,
A tether used to connect to the other object;
A locking mechanism that operates between a locked state in which the anchoring member is locked so as not to be detached from a restraint provided on the guarded object and an unlocked state in which the anchoring member is released so as to be detached from the restraint; ,
An authentication means for authenticating whether or not a person who intends to take away the guarded object is a specific person having a legitimate authority for the guarded object without being involved in the guarded object and the other object;
A tether comprising a lock control means that automatically switches the lock mechanism to the unlocked state when the authentication means authenticates that the person who is going to take the guarded object is the specific person Locking device. The tethered locking device according to claim 1, wherein the authentication unit authenticates the specific person through exchange of an authentication identifier using weak wireless communication. The tethered locking device according to claim 1, further comprising an authentication process starting unit that starts executing an authentication process by the authentication unit due to the action of the specific person. The tethered locking device according to claim 3, wherein the authentication process starting means includes an unlocking switch operated by a person who intends to release the lock by the lock mechanism. The release switch includes a cover body that is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction and surrounds at least the authentication unit, and a sensor device that detects that the cover body is pressed, and authenticates when the cover body is pressed. The tethered locking device according to claim 4, wherein execution of authentication processing by means is started. 4. The tethered locking device according to claim 3, wherein the authentication process starting means includes a human sensor that detects the presence of a person who intends to release the lock by the lock mechanism. The tethered locking device according to claim 3, wherein the authentication process starting unit includes an operation detection sensor that detects an operation of a person who intends to release the lock by the lock mechanism to operate a movable object. A deformable connecting portion for connecting both of the main body portion having at least the authentication means and the authentication processing activation means and the lock end portion having the lock mechanism is interposed. The tethered locking device according to 6 or 7. The lock control means includes an electric actuator that outputs an operating force for operating the lock mechanism, and a wire that transmits an operating force output by the electric actuator to the lock mechanism.
The tethered locking device according to claim 8, wherein the connecting portion is a tube through which the wire is inserted. The locking mechanism is configured to be maintained in a locked state during normal times,
The lock control means switches the lock mechanism to the unlocked state for a predetermined time when the authentication means authenticates that a person who is going to take away the guarded object is the specific person. Item 12. A tethered locking device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9. The locking mechanism is configured to maintain the unlocked state once it transits to the unlocked state, and includes a locking trigger, and is configured to switch from the unlocked state to the locked state using an operating force acting on the locking trigger. The tethered locking device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9.

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