JP4950253B2 - Key management system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a key management system for storing and managing a key in a box with a door.

  When managing keys, manage the keys in a dedicated storage box. The person who uses the key takes out the required number from the box. At this time, if another person wants to use the same key, if the key is being taken out, it is not convenient to know who owns the key. In order to solve this problem, an address is determined at the location where the key inside the management is stored, each key is assigned an ID, and the box address and the key ID are made to correspond one-to-one. Conventionally, a technique that can manage whether or not a key is owned has been known. Further, there is a technique in which a door is provided in the key management box, and the authority to open the door is given to each key user with a different ID, and the door can be unlocked only by the ID. This makes it possible to manage when and who is taking out the key at which location. As such a key management system, the following system is known (see Patent Document 1).

  In the invention of Patent Document 1, a wireless tag is attached to a key tag of a key, and each key has a different ID. A small antenna for reading the ID is provided for each storage position in the box, and when the key tag is stored at the position, the wireless tag ID mounted on the key tag is automatically read. On the other hand, when the key is taken out from the place, the wireless tag cannot recognize the ID, so that it can be recognized.

  On the other hand, the person who opens the key storage box, for example, allows the reader to read a wireless tag or a magnetic card owned only by the person, authenticates the individual, and automatically manages the unlocking authority confirmation and the takeout awareness. At this time, in addition to the wireless tag or the magnetic card, there is a technology that employs an automatic identification method such as fingerprint authentication, vein authentication, face authentication, or the like.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-20858

  However, in the invention of Patent Document 1, the ID for identifying the individual key, the mechanism for associating the ID with the storage position in the box, and the ID for managing the take-out person require very complicated realization means, and the realization cost. There was a problem that would increase. In particular, when the number of keys to be managed increases, when a wireless tag having a complicated structure or other hardware is used as a means for realizing a mechanism for correspondingly managing a key-specific ID and its storage location, There is a problem that the number is required and it is very influenced by the cost.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and its purpose is to manage information on where the key is stored in the key management box, but to each key ID. Is to provide a key management system capable of distinguishing key objects by managing keys by an unmanaged method and managing which storage keys are unique to the keys.

  That is, according to the present invention, only a function for determining only the presence or absence of a key is provided by a simple switch at the position where the key is stored in the key management box. On the other hand, the individual ID of each key is not particularly distinguished, and it is possible to identify and manage individual keys by identifying whether there is a key in the stored position only by turning this switch ON / OFF. it can. For the person who uses the key, an ID different for each individual is identified by an inexpensive RFID tag card, and this is read by the RFID tag reader so that the key management box is unlocked.

In order to achieve the above object, a key management system of the present invention includes a plurality of storage units for storing keys therein, a key storage box provided with a switch having the same structure in each storage unit, and the key A controller connected to the storage box and determining the presence / absence of a key based on information of a plurality of switches provided in each storage unit of the key storage box, wherein the switch provided in each storage unit is individually stored in a storage position; It has only ON / OFF contacts without having information, and the control device determines the presence / absence of a key in each storage unit based on the ON / OFF information of the switch from each storage unit. And the key stored in the storage unit are those in which the switch provided in each storage unit detects the presence or absence of a key when the shape of the key tag of each key or key matches each storage unit. Department checks for the presence of a key. A switch for, characterized in that a switch for detecting that the shape of each storage unit and each key or key tags match.

  According to the present invention, only an authorized person can open the key storage box, and security is ensured. Moreover, it is possible to record and manage who took out the key and when. The key management box has a unique address assigned to the storage location inside the key management box, and it can automatically identify whether there is a key at that location. It can be automatically managed by this storage location address. In addition, since the ID for each key is not managed, it is not necessary to provide a special mechanism for the key itself even when the number of managed keys increases. For this reason, even when the number of keys increases, it is possible to easily and inexpensively increase the storage unit inside the key storage box and the key storage box itself.

  On the other hand, a unique address is assigned to the storage location inside the key management box, and it is possible to manage whether there is a key at that location, so it is possible to manage which key has been taken out by this storage location address. In addition, as to who took out, the key storage box is unlocked by the wireless ID tag card possessed by each user, so that the individual user can be specified. With the above-described mechanism, it is possible to manage not only when and who took out a large number of keys at an extremely low cost, but also when the keys are returned. In addition, the history can be recorded.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a key management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The perspective view of the key storage box in Example 1 of this invention. The wiring diagram which shows the structure of the key storage box in Example 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the storage part in Example 1 of this invention. Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the storage part in Example 2 of this invention. The figure which showed the relationship between the hole provided in the key tag in Example 2 of this invention, and the position of the projection part provided in the microswitch. The figure which shows the state which accommodated the key tag in the storage part provided in the inside of the key storage box in Example 2 of this invention. The figure which shows the modification of a structure of the storage part in 1st Example of this invention. The figure which shows the modification of a structure of the storage part in 2nd Example of this invention.

  Embodiments of a key management system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, the same or similar components are denoted by common reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

[1-1. Constitution]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Reference numeral 1 denotes a key storage box in which a plurality of keys can be stored. A cable 30 is connected to the key storage box 1 for transmitting ON / OFF information of a switch provided in the internal key storage unit 6 to the outside. As this cable 30, a standard serial signal interface cable such as RS232C can be used. When a plurality of key storage boxes 1 are installed, an extension cable 31 for transmitting data between the key storage boxes 1 is connected to the key storage box 1. An outlet 2 is connected to the key storage box 1 for supplying power.

  A control unit 3 is connected to the key storage box 1 via the cable 30 and manages ON / OFF information of switches provided in the key storage unit. In order to manage the ON / OFF information of the switch provided in the storage unit, a general personal computer can be used as the control unit 1, and an AC adapter 4 is connected as a power source. Reference numeral 5 denotes a wireless tag card reader connected to the control unit 3. The wireless tag card reader 5 reads data recorded on a wireless tag card held by a user. As the wireless tag card reader 5, a non-contact type IC card such as FeliCa (registered trademark) can be used.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the key storage box 1 in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the key storage box 1 in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 6 denotes a key storage unit provided on the main body side of the key storage box 1. A plurality of storage units 6 are provided in the key storage box 1 according to the number of keys stored in the key storage box 1. In the first embodiment, each key can be stored in the predetermined storage unit 6 by hooking the storage unit 6 with a key tag (including a key holder) connected to the key via a key or a key ring. Inside each storage unit 6 is provided a key detection switch 7 that can be turned on / off by storing a key or key tag in the storage unit 6.

  A door switch 8 is provided on the main body side of the key storage box 1. When the lid of the key storage box 1 is opened and closed, the door switch 8 is pressed on a protrusion provided on the door switch 8 to distinguish ON / OFF. Reference numeral 9 denotes an electric lock provided on the lid side of the key storage box 1.

  Reference numeral 10 denotes a control board provided on the main body side of the key storage box 1. The control board 10 is connected to each key detection switch 7 and door switch 8 in the key storage box 1, converts an ON / OFF signal input from each switch into serial data, and converts the converted data via a cable 30. Is output to the control unit. Moreover, it connects with the electric lock 9 and opens and closes the electric lock 9 based on a command from the control device.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the storage unit 6 in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the key tag with the key is hooked and stored in the storage unit 6. The storage unit 6 is composed of a horizontally long plate 11, and the plate 11 is provided with a concave groove for suspending a key or a key tag 12 with a key. The key tag 12 has a substantially U shape so that the concave portion can be hooked into the concave groove of the storage unit 6 of the key storage box 1.

  FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the storage unit 6 using a box-type micro switch as the key detection switch 7. That is, reference numeral 13 denotes a base connected to the control base 10 in the key storage box 1, and a box-type microswitch 14 is installed on the base 13. The microswitch 14 is a box-shaped case in which movable and fixed contacts of the switch are housed, and a part of the movable contact protrudes from the case. For the movable and fixed contacts in the case, an ON / OFF signal is transmitted to the outside by soldering a lead wire from the outside of the case. Reference numeral 15 denotes a stay for supporting the microswitch 14 on the plate 11 constituting the storage unit 6. The stay 15 adjusts the installation position of the microswitch 14 so that the microswitch is turned on when the key tag is hooked on the plate 11.

[1-2. Action]
In Example 1 having such a configuration, when a key is taken out from the key storage box 1, the user causes the wireless tag card reader 5 to read the wireless tag card owned by the user. The ID of the RFID tag card read by the RFID tag reader 5 is transmitted to the control device. The control device checks whether or not the read ID has the right to take out the key. If the right to take out is checked, the control device outputs a lid unlocking command to the key storage box 1 and simultaneously opens it. Record the time when the lock command is output. The key storage box 1 to which the unlocking instruction is input outputs an unlocking instruction to the electric lock 9 from the control base 10, the key of the electric lock 9 is removed, and the lid of the key storage box 1 is opened. On the other hand, if the read ID has no take-out authority, the lid unlocking command is not output to the key storage box 1, and therefore the lid of the key storage box 1 is not opened.

  When the lid of the key storage box 1 is opened, the user takes out the desired key from the storage unit 6. Thereby, when the key tag 12 is removed from the storage unit 6, the microswitch 14 is turned off. The OFF signal of the micro switch 14 is transmitted to the control board 10, changed to serial data by the control board 10, and output to the control device. Based on this signal, the output device 3 records where the key of the storage unit 6 has been taken out.

  On the other hand, when the key is stored in the key storage box 1, the key storage box 1 is opened in the same procedure as when the key is taken out from the key storage box 1. Thereafter, the user stores (hangs) the key tag 12 with the key in the storage unit 6. When the key tag 12 with the key is stored in the storage unit 6, the microswitch 14 is turned on. The ON signal of the micro switch 12 is transmitted to the control board 10 and is changed to serial data by the control board 10 and is output to the control device. Based on this signal, the output device records where the key of the storage unit 6 is stored.

[1-3. effect]
As described above, in this embodiment, in addition to checking the take-out authority using a wireless tag card, an unlock command is output when a lid unlock command is output to the key storage box 1. Record the time spent. As a result, a user without take-out authority cannot open the key storage box, and security is maintained. Furthermore, even when there are a plurality of users having the take-out authority, it becomes clear which user opened the door at what time, so that convenience can be improved.

  Further, when the key storage box 1 is unlocked and the key is taken out from the inside of the box, it is possible to manage and record the location where the key stored is taken out. This makes it possible to manage and record when and who took out which key.

  Further, it is not necessary to prepare a dedicated RFID tag card, and the ID data portion of the ID card can be used. Therefore, Suika (registered trademark), Ikoka (registered trademark), and the like, which are electronic commuter passes that are currently popular, may be used. This eliminates the need to create a new tag card for this system.

  Also, in the storage space of the key storage box, each key is not identified, but only the presence or absence of the key is identified, so there is no need to embed an ID tag for recognizing each key in the key. . For this reason, even if the key management quantity increases, it is not necessary to embed an ID tag in the newly added key, so that the cost of the key itself accompanying the introduction of the system can be reduced to zero. On the other hand, the key storage box 1 itself is simple because the mechanism for detecting the presence or absence of a key is sufficient if it has only one very simple switch. Furthermore, if the number of keys to be managed increases, the number of key management boxes will be increased by adding a new key storage box 1 and connecting the control boards inside the key storage box 1 with a communication cable. can do.

  In this embodiment, a new switch is added to the key storage box 1 of the first embodiment, and the shape of a part of the key tag or key is changed to determine whether the key is stored in the correct place. is there.

[2-1. Constitution]
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the storage unit 6 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, two box-shaped micro switches 14 and 16 are used as the key detection switch 7. The microswitches 14 and 16 have a protrusion 17 at a portion in contact with the key tag 12. The microswitches 14 and 16 are in the OFF state when the projection 17 is not pushed in, such as when the key tag 12 is not stored in the storage unit 6, and the ON state when the projection 17 is pushed in more than the thickness of the key tag 12. It is arranged to be.

  In the portion of the key tag 12 used in this embodiment on the side of the micro switches 14 and 16, holes 18 are opened at different positions for each key tag 12. The size of the hole 18 is larger than the protrusion 17 provided in the microswitches 14 and 16. That is, when the key tag 12 is stored in an appropriate place in the storage unit 6, the projection 17 provided on the microswitches 14 and 16 can be inserted into the hole 18. The shape of the hole may be any shape as long as the protrusion provided on the microswitch 16 can be inserted.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the positions of the holes 18 provided in the key tag 12 used in this embodiment and the protrusions 17 provided in the microswitches 14 and 16. In the key tag 12 of FIG. 6, a number corresponding to the key storage space of the storage unit 6 is written on the micro switch 14, 16 side portion of the key tag 12. FIG. 6A shows the NO. It is the figure which showed the key tag 12 attached to the key accommodated in 1 space. The key tag 12 includes a NO. A hole 18 is opened at a location corresponding to 1. On the other hand, FIG. It is the figure which showed the key tag 12 attached to the key accommodated in 2 spaces. The key tag 12 includes a NO. A hole 18 is opened at a location corresponding to 2.

  On the other hand, in the microswitch 16 of FIG. 6, the number of the storage unit 6 in which the microswitch 16 is installed is written in the portion of the movable contact that contacts the key tag 12. FIG. 6C shows the NO. 1 is a diagram showing a microswitch 16 installed in FIG. The microswitch 16 is provided with a NO. A protrusion 17 is provided at a location corresponding to 1. On the other hand, FIG. 2 is a view showing a microswitch 16 installed in FIG. The microswitch 16 is provided with a NO. Projections 17 are provided at locations corresponding to 2.

[2-2. Action]
In the second embodiment having such a configuration, it is determined whether the key connected to the key tag 12 is stored in the correct position of the storage unit 6 by the two micro switches 14 and 16 provided in the key detection switch 7. . Hereinafter, the operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the key tag 12 is stored in the storage unit 6 provided in the key storage box 1 of the second embodiment. FIG. 7A shows a state in which the key tag 12 is stored in an appropriate place in the storage unit 6. In this case, since the key tag 12 pushes the micro switch 14 by the thickness of the key tag 12, the micro switch 14 is turned on. On the other hand, since the key tag 12 is housed in an appropriate position, the protrusion 17 provided at the contact portion of the microswitch 16 is inserted into the hole provided in the key tag 12. As a result, the microswitch 16 is turned off. Thereby, the microswitch 14 is turned on and the microswitch 16 is turned off.

  On the other hand, FIG. 7B shows a state where the key tag 12 is stored in the wrong place of the storage unit 6. In this case, since the key tag 12 pushes the micro switch 14 by the thickness of the key tag 12, the micro switch 14 is turned on. On the other hand, since the key tag 12 is housed in the wrong position, the protrusion 17 provided at the contact portion of the microswitch 16 is not inserted into the hole 18 provided in the key tag 12. As a result, the microswitch 16 is turned off. As a result, the microswitch 14 is turned on and the microswitch 16 is also turned on.

  When the key tag 12 is not stored in the storage unit 6, the contact portions of the micro switches 14 and 16 are not pushed in. Accordingly, the microswitch 14 is turned off and the microswitch 16 is turned off.

  The ON / OFF states of the two micro switches 14 and 16 in these cases are transmitted to the control device 3 via the control board 10 of the key storage box 1. In the control device 3, based on the ON / OFF state of the two micro switches 14, 16, “the key tag 12 is stored in an appropriate location in the storage unit 6”, “the key tag 12 is in the wrong location in the storage unit 6 It is determined for each key detection switch 7 that the state is one of three states, “a state in which the key tag 12 is not stored in the storage unit 6”.

  In the second embodiment, when the key tag 12 is stored in the storage unit 6, the contact portion of the micro switch 16 is temporarily pushed even when the key tag 12 is stored in an appropriate place. . That is, even though the key tag 12 is housed in an appropriate position, the micro switch 16 is temporarily turned on, causing erroneous determination. Therefore, by requiring a timer in the control device, it may be determined whether the microswitches 14 and 16 are in the ON / OFF state when the same state continues for a certain time (1-2 seconds).

[2-3. effect]
As described above, in this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not the key is stored in the correct location by the hole 18 corresponding to the location where the key provided in the key tag 12 is stored. Can do. In this determination, it is not necessary to attach an ID for identifying the individual to the key itself, and even if the same key tag is attached to all the keys, the key can be distinguished by a simple structure in which the position of the hole 18 is changed. . Moreover, since the microswitches 14 and 16 added to the key storage box 1 are mechanical switches having a simple structure, they can be easily and inexpensively realized.

[Other embodiments]
The storage unit and each switch are not limited to the structures exemplified in the above embodiments, and the shape thereof can be modified as follows, for example, as long as the function of the present invention can be realized.

(A) In each embodiment, a general micro switch is taken as an example of the key detection switch 7. However, a switch such as an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, or a piezoelectric sensor can also be used. In particular, when a switch having a simple structure and a leaf spring is used, the present invention can be used at low cost.

(B) FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a modification of the configuration of the storage unit 6 in the first embodiment of the present invention. In this modified example, instead of the microswitches 13, 14, and 16 in FIG. 4 and FIG. That is, reference numeral 21 in the figure denotes a printed wiring provided on the base 12. A movable contact 22 soldered to the printed wiring is provided on one side of the printed wiring, and a fixed contact 23 is provided on the other side of the printed wiring.

  In the configuration as shown in FIG. 8, compared to the box-type microswitches 13, 14, and 16, a case or the like is unnecessary, so that the number of parts constituting the switch itself is reduced, and the plate 11 constituting the storage unit is used. The stay 15 for fixing the box-shaped microswitch is not necessary. Further, since the switch portion is directly provided on the substrate 12, wiring for connecting the substrate 12 and each switch is unnecessary, and wiring for connecting each switch can be printed in accordance with the position of the switch. Therefore, wiring between each switch and the control board 10 can be completed at one place.

(C) In FIG. 5, the micro switches 14 and 16 are arranged vertically in FIG. 5, but when the key tag 12 is stored in the storage unit 6, the switches of the micro switches 14 and 16 can be turned on / off. As long as the protrusion 17 of the microswitch 16 can be inserted into the hole provided in the key tag 12, it may be disposed anywhere.

(D) In the second embodiment, the hole 18 of each key tag 12 is provided at a location corresponding to the protrusion 17 of the storage unit 6, but the key may be distinguished by other means. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a modification of the configuration of the storage unit 6 in the second embodiment of the present invention. In this modification, instead of the hole 18 of the key tag 12 as in the second embodiment, a plurality of grooves 19 having different depths are provided in the key tag 12. The groove 19 is provided at a different position for each key tag 12.

  On the other hand, in this modification, one box-type microswitch 24 is provided as the key detection switch 7 on the storage unit 6 side. The microswitch 24 houses a contact inside the case, and projects a part of the movable contact 25 out of the case. A plurality of protrusions 20 having different lengths are provided in the vicinity of the micro switch 24 in the storage unit 6. The protrusion 20 has a different shape for each microswitch 20 (for each storage unit 6).

  The protrusion 20 corresponds to the groove 19 on the key tag 12 side, and when the key tag 12 is stored in an appropriate place in the storage unit, the shape of the groove 19 and the protrusion 20 matches, and the movable contact of the micro switch 24 You can press. On the other hand, when the key tag 12 is stored in the wrong place in the storage unit, the shape of the groove 19 and the protrusion 20 do not match, so that the contact of the microswitch cannot be pushed. The shapes of the grooves 19 and the protrusions 20 may be any shapes as long as they match the case where the key tag 12 is housed in an appropriate place and can press the contacts of the microswitch 24. Further, the number of the grooves 19 and the protrusions 20 may be one or plural.

  With the configuration as described above, it is possible to determine whether or not the key is stored in the correct place by the combination of the shape of the groove 19 provided in the key tag 12 and the projection 20 on the microswitch side. Thereby, a key can be distinguished by one microswitch.

(E) In the second embodiment and other embodiments, the key tag (including the key holder) is provided with a hole or groove, but the key itself may be provided with a hole or groove. This eliminates the need to attach a key tag to the key.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Key storage box 2 ... Outlet 3 ... Control apparatus 4 ... AC adapter 5 ... Wireless tag card reader 6 ... Storage part 7 ... Key detection switch 8 ... Door switch 9 ... Electric lock 10 ... Control board 11 ... Plate 12 ... Key tag 13 ... Bases 14, 16 ... Micro switch 15 ... Stay 17 ... Protrusion 18 ... Hole 19 ... Groove 20 ... Protrusion 21 ... Printed wiring 22, 25 ... Moving contact 23 ... Fixed contact 24 ... Micro switch 30 ... Cable 31 ... Additional cable

Claims (3)

A plurality of storage units for storing keys therein and a key storage box provided with a switch of the same structure in each storage unit;
A controller that is connected to the key storage box and determines the presence or absence of a key based on information of a plurality of switches provided in each storage unit of the key storage box;
The switch provided in each storage unit has only ON / OFF contact without individually storing position information ,
The control device determines the presence / absence of a key in each storage unit based on ON / OFF information of a switch from each storage unit,
Each storage unit and the key stored in the storage unit are those in which the switch provided in each storage unit detects the presence or absence of a key when the shape of each key or key tag of each key matches. ,
The storage unit includes a switch that detects the presence or absence of a key, and a switch that detects that each storage unit and the shape of each key or key tag match . The key management system according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of switches constituting each storage unit are configured by arranging a plurality of fixed contacts and movable contacts on a substrate. The key storage box includes an electric lock connected to the control device,
3. The key management system according to claim 1, wherein the electric lock is opened and closed using a wireless tag card in which an ID recorded by the user in the control device is registered.