EP0224607B1 - Locking device including an electronic identification system - Google Patents

Abstract

In the locking device with an electronic identification system the key (1) is equipped with a coding arrangement (7) which can be interrogated by a counterpiece on the fixed lock. The coding arrangement is accommodated in a plastic cap (5) attached to the key head. It can consist of a memory (9), a control unit (10) and a transmitter. It also has an infrared transmitting diode (14) and a supply terminal (12). When inserted into the lock, these come into contact with an infrared receiving diode (23) and a terminal counter piece which are both embedded in a rose (22) arranged round the lock orifice. A key identification code is thus automatically emitted continuously until the supply is cut off. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a key and a plastic cap for placement on the key head, as described in the preamble of the independent claims.

Such locking devices are generally used in security technology. In this area, which includes alarm systems, intrusion detection and access control systems, it is assumed that access to security-relevant areas is only possible for a limited group of people. This is especially true for arming or disarming the system in question. The locking devices in systems secured in this way are equipped with a mechanical tumbler which can only be operated with a suitable key. This key can additionally be provided with a coding arrangement, by means of which the scope of the authorization is determined. Using the embossed code, for example, the operator authorization for a large number of locks in a system can be defined. Another code, on the other hand, can restrict authorization to a single lock, for example. On the other hand, a single key can also be assigned to several people who are authorized to use the key simultaneously or in succession.

The lock generally consists of a mechanical tumbler, for example a profile cylinder, and one electromechanical locking device, which releases the guard locking in accordance with the given code, so that it can be operated with the key.

For further security in higher and highest risk areas, the locking device is coupled to a character input unit, via which the operator must enter a secret identification code. Only the correct entry of this sequence of digits creates the prerequisite that the mechanical locking element can be actuated within a predetermined period of time.

These known locking devices prevent unauthorized operation due to their encodability. However, it is not possible to make a statement afterwards, for example, by whom, when and how often the lock was operated, since the keys that can be used cannot be identified in detail. However, it is desirable not only for general monitoring purposes, but also to reconstruct the course of events in the event of a damage, to have a log with this information available.

Keys of the type mentioned are known from DE-A-35 07 871 and GB-A-21 58 870. The key neck and key head are individually adapted to each other, i.e. it is a special key. The retrofitting of existing keys for use in an electronic identification system is therefore not easily possible. Similar keys are also described in AT-PS 320 466, in WO 82/02811 and in DE-A-1 30 05 890. In all cases, the keys are individually manufactured by the manufacturer, i.e. Keys that already exist in a locking system cannot be retrofitted.

The invention has for its object to be able to retrofit existing locking devices in a simple manner.

This object is achieved in accordance with the characterizing part of claims 1 and 2, respectively.

The principle of the invention is to automatically transmit an identification code stored in the memory when the key is inserted into the lock via the transmitter diode and to evaluate it in the stationary part after receipt. In this way it is possible to obtain an identification of the respective key user. For logging, for example in the case of intrusion detection and access control systems, it can thus be recorded chronologically when and by whom the operation or operation was carried out. It is also advantageous that, in conjunction with the identification code, there is an additional criterion for enabling or actuating the mechanical switching element. In addition, it is possible to assign individual criteria to people with the same mechanical keys in order to supplement or replace other electronic coding devices.

A particular advantage of the invention lies in the fact that commercially available parts can be used for the mechanical components lock and key. It is therefore not necessary to provide special keys or the like. It is therefore possible in a simple manner to retrofit and supplement existing locking devices.

The fact that the plastic cap consists of two half-shells has the advantage that the cap can be easily fitted with the electronic and electromechanical components and / or placed on the key. This makes it easy to replace the cap and to retrofit existing keys.

It is also advantageous that the transmitter and receiver diodes are directly aligned with one another when the key is inserted and aligned in the initial position. It is then sufficient to provide the transmitter with a small power. In addition, there is no need to shield the transmission path.

Particularly in view of the fact that the cap should be flat for easy handling, it is provided that the transmitter diode lies above the back of the key. This is also the reason why the external contact is below the key neck.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the key neck is connected to the ground input of the electronic arrangement in the cap, and the lock piece receiving the key neck is connected to a ground conductor. Furthermore, the external contact is preferably connected to an operating voltage supply or to the operating voltage input of the key-side electronic arrangement. On the one hand, this measure has the advantage that the ground connection of all metal parts, which can easily be retrofitted to the usual locks, prevents the transmission of interference signals. The large-area contact between the key and the lock ensures adequate contact security. On the other hand, it is not necessary to provide a separate ground conductor in addition to the operating potential conductor.

The external contact preferably consists of a spring-mounted pin. The resilient arrangement ensures that there is sufficient ohmic contact with a counter surface on the rosette, regardless of the pressure on the operator.

A special embodiment of the locking device is provided in that the control arrangement is designed as a customer-specific gate arrangement (gate array). In this way, the locking device can be manufactured inexpensively even with relatively small quantities. The memory is preferably designed as a PROM or EEPROM.

An advantageous development of the invention also consists in the fact that data lines are led from the memory and / or from the control unit to the cap surface. These taps make it possible, for example, to check the memory content or the entire electronic arrangement by connecting them to an electronic data processing system via a contacting device.

A unit for signal preprocessing is integrated in the rosette, which is connected to an electronic computer system via a transmission link. The signals tapped by the receiving diode are processed and, if necessary, amplified in this unit. The evaluation takes place in the computer system which controls the locking of the locking bolt. Alternatively, it has advantages if the evaluation unit is arranged in the rosette. The locking mechanism is therefore controlled directly on site. The central computer system can thus be relieved.

A preferred method for operating the locking device mentioned at the outset is that after the operating voltage has been applied, an encoded bit sequence stored in the memory is transmitted asynchronously and permanently. Corruption of the information is preferably prevented in that the bit sequence is saved in blocks.

Figur 1

zeigt schematisch in Explosionsdarstellung Einzelteile eines codierbaren Schlüssels;

Figur 2

zeigt schematisch in perspektivischer Anischt einen Schlüssel nach Fig.1;

Figur 3

zeigt schematisch einen Querschnitt durch einen stationären Teil einer Schließvorrichtung;

Figur 4

zeigt ein Blockschaltbild einer Codieranordnung für einen Schlüssel nach Fig. 1 und 2;

Figur 5

zeigt ein Blockschaltbild einer Schaltungsanordnung für den stationären Teil nach Fig.3 und

Figur 6

zeigt ein Blockschaltbild einer weiteren Schaltungsanordnung im stationären Teil gemäß Fig. 3.

In the following, the invention is further described using an exemplary embodiment.

Figure 1

shows schematically in an exploded view individual parts of a codable key;

Figure 2

shows schematically in perspective Anisches a key according to Fig.1;

Figure 3

shows schematically a cross section through a stationary part of a locking device;

Figure 4

shows a block diagram of a coding arrangement for a key according to FIGS. 1 and 2;

Figure 5

shows a block diagram of a circuit arrangement for the stationary part of Figure 3 and

Figure 6

3 shows a block diagram of a further circuit arrangement in the stationary part according to FIG. 3.

At the center of FIG. 1 is a commercially available key 1, as can be obtained without any modification and / or processing. Above and below, a half-shell 2, 3 made of plastic is shown, which after being placed on the key head 4 form a cap 5, the perspective view of which is shown in FIG. As FIG. 2 also shows, the cap 5 leaves the neck 6 of the key 1 free, so that it can be inserted into a lock in the usual way.

In FIG. 1, in which the key 1 and the cap 5 are shown in an exploded view, it is further shown that the cavity of the shell 2 contains an electronic coding arrangement 7. It consists of a base plate 8, on which a digital memory 9 and a control device 10 are applied. These arrangements are connected to an external contact 12 via a supply line 11. They are connected to the key 1 via a ground line 13 as soon as the shells are placed on the key. An infrared transmitter diode 14, which is connected to the coding arrangement 7, is also embedded in the half shell 2.

In the other shell half 3, recesses 15 are provided for partially receiving the transmitter diode 14 and the external contact 12.

When the two half-shells are placed on the key head 4, the end faces of the shell walls 16 come into contact. The two half-shells 2, 3 can be connected by gluing, screwing or other suitable measures.

The arrangement of all elements in the cap 5 takes place in such a way that the cap is made as flat as possible and does not apply much to the key 1. For this purpose, the coding arrangement 7, which is designed as a flat, integrable circuit, is arranged next to the side surface of the key head 4, while the transmitter diode 14 and the external contact 12 are positioned in front of, i.e. are arranged in the direction of the key neck 6. The transmitter diode 14 is located above the key back 17. The external contact 12 is assigned to the other side of the key neck 6. From the two Figures 1 and 2 it can clearly be seen that the geometrical design of the cap is based on the key shape. After fitting, the cap 5 and the key 1 are positively connected to one another.

The purely schematic view of Figure 3 shows the stationary part of the locking device. In the selected illustration, a part 18, for example a door, is cut in order to expose the view of a lock 19 which is fastened in a recess in the part 18. The lock has a key counterpart for receiving the key 1 in the direction of the arrow. The key 1 is used to release and adjust a locking bolt 20 which can be moved into the plane of the drawing.

The stationary part of the locking device also includes an electromechanical locking mechanism 21 for engagement in the locking bolt 20. As will be described in the following, the locking mechanism 21 is in engagement with the locking bolt 20 under the control of an evaluation arrangement.

A rosette 22 is arranged around the free end face of the lock 19 and is partially let into the part 18. An infrared receiver diode 23 and an electronic circuit 24, which is shown schematically and enlarged next to the rosette for better illustration, are embedded in the rosette 22. The receiving diode 23 is arranged on the circumference of the rosette 22 in such a way that after a key 1 provided with a cap 5 is inserted into the lock 19, it lies directly in front of the transmitting diode 14. This applies analogously to the external contact 12 and a contact counterpart on the rosette 22, which, however, is not shown. As soon as the key 1 is inserted into the lock 19 and is in its initial position, the coding arrangement 7 is supplied with ground via the key 1 and the ground line 13 and via the supply line 11, the external clock 12 and the contact counterpart with a supply potential. When this state is established, the coding arrangement 7 is put into operation. In addition, since the transmitting diode 14 is precisely aligned with the receiving diode 23, the transmitted signal is received and processed in the circuit 24. The coding arrangement 7 remains in operation until the operating voltage is interrupted. This can be done on the one hand by pulling out the key or on the other hand in that the galvanic coupling between the external contact 12 and the by a certain rotation of the key 1 in the lock 19 Preparation of the voltage pulses into equivalent current and / or voltage pulses with the corresponding power, so that wired transmission is possible over a greater distance. A large number of such receiving devices can be connected to the central evaluation unit 30. It is typically housed in a hazard alarm center.

The received bit stream is checked in the evaluation unit 30 to determine whether the original code matches a predetermined code and whether there is authorization to operate the lock 19. Furthermore, the location, the time and a key identifier coded in the transmitted data sequence are stored in the evaluation unit 30. Finally, the number of locking attempts carried out with a specific key is also registered.

When the correct identification code is identified, the locking device 21 is actuated by the evaluation unit 30. In the example shown here, the locking device 21 consists of a coil 29 with a pawl 31, which engages in the locking bolt 20 in the locked state. An adjustment of the locking bolt 20 with the help of the lock 19 counterclockwise is not possible in this state.

If the coil 29 is energized, it generates an electromagnetic field and actuates the pawl 31. After release by the pawl, the locking bolt 20 can now be excluded in the direction of the arrow. This procedure also applies to the closing process. Contact counterpart is interrupted.

The function of the key-side coding arrangement is described below with reference to FIG. Via the external contact 12, which consists of a spring-loaded contact pin 25 for pressing against the contact counterpart, and via the key 1, a voltage converter 26 is acted upon by the supply voltage + U _B and the ground potential GND. As soon as the output 27 of the voltage converter on the memory 9 and on the control arrangement 10 is activated, the memory content is read out and the associated bit sequence is transmitted serially via the transmit diode 14.

The memory 9 is a digital memory that can be implemented as a PROM, as an EPROM or as an EAPROM, NOVRAM, EEPROM. A key-specific code is stored in the memory and is continuously read out. The serial bit stream is transmitted asynchronously in a known manner with start and stop bits together with a block-wise information backup.

The control arrangement 10 is designed as a customer-specific integrated circuit. It is also possible to integrate the memory 9 together with the control arrangement 10 in a single circuit.

As FIG. 5 shows, the light pulses emitted by the transmitter diode 14 are converted into equivalent voltage pulses by the receiver diode 23 and fed to an external, central evaluation unit 30 via signal preprocessing 28. In the signal preprocessing 28 there is an on-off Locking bolt 20 can only be pushed back when the release magnet is energized again with a stored reference code when the received bit stream is equivalent.

Instead of the locking mechanism 21, an electric motor can also be provided, which is energized when the release conditions are met and actuates the locking bolt 20.

Fig. 6 shows an example in which the entire locking device is designed as an autonomous unit. The signal preprocessing and the control-related evaluation takes place immediately, decentrally at the closing location, without the interposition of a central evaluation unit.

In this example, the incoming and processed signals are evaluated in a control unit 32 in the manner described in connection with FIG. 5. The reference data and specifications for the execution of the control are stored in a program carrier 33, for example a PROM, an EAPROM, EEPROM, NOVRAM or coding switch. The coil 29 is optionally energized via a power output stage 34. In all other details, the structure and function of the arrangement correspond to the arrangement according to FIG. 5, so that a description can be dispensed with here with reference to FIG. 5.

Claims (14)

1. Key with electronic and/or electromechanical components for controlling a lock-side electronics monitoring device, embedded in the vicinity of the key head in a plastic cap (5) comprising two half-shells (2, 3), which are interconnected at the end faces of the shell walls, characterized in that the key head is constructed as in the case of mechanical, commercially available keys and that the plastic cap (5) is shaped in such a way that it can be placed on the key head for retrofitting purposes.
2. Plastic cap for placing on a key head in which are embedded electronic and/or electromechanical components for controlling a lock-side electronic monitoring device and which comprises two half-shells (2, 3), which are interconnected after engagement, characterized in that the two half-shells (2, 3) are constructed in such a way that, for retrofitting purposes, they can be placed on the key head of a mechanical, commercially available key.
3. Arrangement according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the two half-shells (2, 3) are bonded together.
4. Arrangement according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the two half-shells (2, 3) are screwed together.
5. Arrangement according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a transmitting diode (14) is positioned above the key back (17).
6. Arrangement according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that an external contact (12) is positioned below the key neck (6).
7. Arrangement according to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the key neck (6) is connected to an earth input of the electronic arrangement in the cap (5) and to an earth wire.
8. Arrangement according to one of the claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the external contact (12) is preferably connected to an operating voltage supply or to the operating voltage input of the key-side electronic arrangement.
9. Arrangement according to one of the claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the external contact (12) comprises a resiliently mounted pin (25).
10. Arrangement according to one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that an electronic control arrangement (10) is constructed as a customer-specific gate array.
11. Arrangement according to one of the claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a memory (9) is constructed as a PROM or EPROM.
12. Arrangement according to claim 11, characterized in that data lines pass from the memory (6) and/or from the control unit (10) to the cap surface.
13. Arrangement according to one of the claims 10 to 12, characterized in that after applying an operating voltage a coded bit sequence (35) stored in the memory (9) is emitted asynchronously and permanently.
14. Arrangement according to claim 13, characterized in that the bit sequence (35) is blockwise protected.

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