FR3109599A1 - LOCK SEALING DEVICE AND METHOD - Google Patents

Abstract

TITLE OF THE INVENTION: LOCK SEALING DEVICE AND PROCEDURE The lock sealing device (80) comprises: - a first key part (31) comprising a distal hook (33), - a second key part (32) comprising a distal end (37) of shape complementary to the shape of the hook, - a means (81) for receiving candidate codes and - a means (82) for setting the second part of the key in motion only after reception of a candidate code corresponding to a predetermined code. In some embodiments, the device comprises: - a reserve of electrical energy (85), a means of communication (81) with a communicating mobile terminal (83) and a central unit (86) for recognizing the predetermined code, - a motor (82) for setting in motion the second part (32) of the key towards the hook (33) of the first part (31) of the key and a compartment (84) for a physical key. Figure for the abstract: Figure 28

Description

LOCK SEALING DEVICE AND METHOD

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a lock sealing device and method. It applies, in particular, to the double authentication of a person upon entering a premises. The invention relates to the field of controlling door locks in the event of key theft or the loan of keys such as, for example, the rental of real estate or more generally the specific authorization of access to premises.

State of the art

As soon as a key is temporarily given to access premises, as has developed with the use of key boxes in recent years, the problem arises of unauthorized access to the premises beyond the period allowed. The problem also arises in the event of loss or theft of keys.

With the significant development of key boxes in the context of real estate rentals, another essential problem arises: many insurers refuse to compensate in the event of theft once the lessor decides to use a key box. to hand over the keys to the tenants. Insurers consider that the guarantees are not sufficient to protect against theft the home of the individual who rents his accommodation.

Thus, the advent of rentals between individuals has prompted many insurance companies to be stricter in terms of security. Key boxes are now considered a risk.

Presentation of the invention

The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

To this end, the present invention relates, according to a first aspect, to a lock sealing device, which comprises:
- a first key part comprising a distal hook,
- a second key part comprising a distal end of a shape complementary to the shape of the hook,
- a means for receiving candidate codes and
- Means for moving the second key part only after receiving a candidate code corresponding to a predetermined code.

Thanks to these provisions, access to a lock can be blocked by positioning the device opposite the barrel and by introducing the first part of the key into the lock. The hook of this first part of the key is retained by the pistons of the barrel and therefore cannot come out. To access the lock, a user must provide a code corresponding to the predetermined code. The movement of the second part of the key which is authorized by this code makes it possible to complete the hook by pushing back the pistons of the lock, the two parts of the key can then slide and come out of the lock, then giving access to this lock.

The invention thus makes it possible to apply a seal to the lock cylinder of the door of the accommodation. The door key being made available to a third party, the seal device being added to the door lock performs a double authentication to authorize the use of the door key. Without unlocking the seal, the key cannot open the door. Thus, the third party is authenticated by what he knows, the predetermined code, and what he has, the physical key.

The device that is the subject of the invention is inserted into the cylinder of the lock and blocks it. The only way to remove the device from the barrel is to know the predetermined secret code. The supply interface can be either mechanical or electronic. If the device is forced and broken, the first part of the key remains stuck in the key cylinder preventing subsequent insertion of a key.

To remove the seal device, the tenant must know the secret code communicated to him by the owner of the seal.

In embodiments, the means for receiving candidate codes comprises a combination lock.

Thanks to these provisions, the device does not need a power source and the user does not need another device to use the device.

In some embodiments, the device comprises a motion reverser configured to translate the second key part towards the hook when a user pulls on the device in a direction opposite to the first key part.

In some embodiments, the device comprises a rotary handle and a mechanism for transforming a rotational movement of the handle into a translational movement of the second key part towards the hook.

Thanks to each of these provisions, the use of the device is simplified, the user having to provide the predetermined code and then to pull on the device to remove it from the sealed lock.

In some embodiments, the device comprises an electrical energy reserve, an interface for receiving a candidate code and a central unit for recognizing the predetermined code.

In embodiments, the reception interface comprises a means of communication with a communicating mobile terminal.

Thanks to these provisions, the code can be stored in the memory of the communicating portable terminal or be entered via a user interface. In the first case, the user may not know the code transmitted to him in encrypted form by a reservation server of a room accessible via the sealed lock.

In some embodiments, the device comprises a motor for moving the second key part towards the hook of the first key part.

Thanks to these provisions, the user does not have to exert significant force on the device to remove it from the lock. This reduces the risk of damaging the device or the lock.

In embodiments, the device includes a compartment for a physical key.

Thanks to these provisions, after having separated the device from the protected lock, the user can open this lock with the key stored in the device.

In embodiments, the compartment has an opening on the side of the first key part.

Thanks to these provisions, access to the key is protected by the body of the device.

According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a lock sealing method, which comprises:
- a step of introducing a first key part comprising a distal hook into a lock, to seal it,
- a step for receiving a candidate code,
- a step of comparing a candidate code received with a predetermined code and
- A step of setting in motion a second key part comprising a distal end of shape complementary to the shape of the hook, only after reception of a candidate code corresponding to the predetermined code.

The advantages, aims and characteristics of this method being similar to those of the device which is the subject of the invention, they are not repeated here.

Brief description of figures

Other advantages, aims and particular characteristics of the invention will emerge from the non-limiting description which follows of at least one particular embodiment of the device which is the subject of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

represents, in perspective, two key parts of a device which is the subject of the invention,

represents, in section, a sealed or blocked configuration of a device which is the subject of the invention,

represents, in section, an unsealed or unlocked configuration of a device that is the subject of the invention,

represents, in side view, a first particular embodiment of a device which is the subject of the invention,

represents, in longitudinal section, the device illustrated in FIG. 4,

represents, in front view, the device illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5,

schematically represents, in four views, from the side, from the front and from above, a linear motion inversion system incorporated in the device illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, in locked configuration,

represents, in perspective, the inversion system illustrated in figure 7,

schematically represents, in four views, from the side, from the front and from above, a linear motion inversion system incorporated in the device illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, in the unlocked configuration,

represents, in perspective, the inversion system illustrated in figure 9,

schematically represents, in axial section, the inversion system illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 10, in intermediate configuration,

schematically represents, in front view, the inversion system illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 10, in intermediate configuration,

schematically represents, in longitudinal section, the inversion system illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 10, in intermediate configuration,

represents, in perspective, a sliding pin incorporated in the inversion system illustrated in Figures 7 to 13,

represents, in six views including four from the side, an inner inverter tube incorporated in the inversion system illustrated in Figures 7 to 14,

represents, in five views including three from the side, an outer inverter tube incorporated in the inversion system illustrated in Figures 7 to 15,

represents, in perspective, the outer inverter tube illustrated in figure 16,

represents, in five views including three from the side, an inner tube frame incorporated in the inversion system illustrated in Figures 7 to 17,

represents, in perspective, the interior frame illustrated in figure 18,

represents, in five views including three from the side, an outer tube frame incorporated in the inversion system illustrated in Figures 7 to 19,

represents, in perspective, the external frame illustrated in figure 20,

represents, in front view, an intermediate ring,

represents, in perspective, the intermediate ring illustrated in figure 22

represents, in side view and in front view, a number ring or roller,

represents, in perspective, the number ring illustrated in figure 24,

represents, in front view, an end ring,

represents, in perspective, the end ring illustrated in figure 26,

represents, schematically, a second embodiment of the device which is the subject of the invention and

represents, in the form of a flowchart, the steps of a particular embodiment of the method which is the subject of the invention.

This description is given on a non-limiting basis, each characteristic of an embodiment being able to be combined with any other characteristic of any other embodiment in an advantageous manner.

We note, from now on, that figures 1 to 27 are each to scale and that the scales of the different figures may be different.

Throughout the description, the term “upper” or “top” is used to refer to what is at the top or oriented upwards, in the figures, figures which correspond to the normal configuration of use of the device. We call "lower" or "low", what is below or directed downwards, in these figures. The notions of vertical and horizontal derive from these definitions. “Internal” is what is close to or oriented towards a vertical longitudinal axis of the tank or device and, external, is what is oriented opposite to this vertical axis. The height of the device is defined along this vertical axis.

The invention relates, according to its first aspect, to a device which is inserted into the barrel of the lock and blocks it. The only way to remove the device from the barrel is to know a predetermined secret code. The interface for providing this secret code by the user can be either mechanical or electronic. To remove the seal device from the barrel, the tenant must know the secret code communicated to him by the owner of the seal.

The principle of the device is to use two key parts illustrated in figure 1. These two key parts are universal, and fit into all lock cylinders of the same type. All cylinder locks with pistons using flat keys are concerned, whatever the level of security. These types of lock cylinder represent the majority of lock cylinders used for entrance doors (premises, apartments, houses, etc.) in the world. These two key parts are interchangeable depending on the type of lock cylinder and its level of security.

A first part 31, called "blocking", makes it possible to block the device 30 in the lock 35. This first part 31 comprises a re-entrant angle 33 on its end, which allows the pistons 36 of the barrel 35 to rise after the passage of this re-entrant angle, or hook, in the incoming direction, but does not allow them to come down during its passage in the outgoing direction. This ensures the blocking of the device on the lock.

A second part 32, called "unblocking", is partially inserted into the lock 35 in the sealed or locked lock configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 2, and completely in the unsealed or unlocked lock configuration, as illustrated in FIG. This “unblocking” part 32 is located, in the figures, below the first “blocking” part 31 and makes it possible to lower all the pistons 36 of the lock 35 located between the hook 33, the first blocking part 31 and the body 34 of the device 30, as illustrated in FIG. 3, thereby releasing the first "blocking" part 31 and the device 30 from the lock 35. The body 34 sets the part 32 in motion so that it enters the barrel 35 , once the secret code provided by the user.

In embodiments not shown, the second part is next to the first part in the barrel 35 and descends (in the direction from top to bottom shown in Figures 2 and 3) to press the pistons 36 and release the first part of the barrel 35.

The unlocking allowing the incoming movement of the second part 32 is by combination lock or by electronic access token (“Token”).

Thus, the present invention relates to a lock sealing device 30, which comprises:
- a first key part 31 comprising a distal hook 33,
- a second key part 32 comprising a distal end of complementary shape to the shape of the hook 33,
- a means 34 for receiving candidate codes and

- A means 34 for setting the second key part 32 in motion only after reception of a candidate code corresponding to a predetermined code.

Various particular embodiments are described below.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 27 is a device 40 for sealing the lock cylinder by roller code, also called a “combination lock”. It is an entirely mechanical system based on the principle of a code or combination lock. To set the second part of the key 32 in motion and unlock the device 30 of the lock 35, it is necessary to constitute a combination, or code, predetermined, using rollers 41 and pull the device 30 towards oneself or, alternatively, turn a cylinder which will pull the device 30 towards you.

In the first embodiment shown, a mechanical helical linear motion reversal system makes it possible to retract the unlocking part 32 into the lock cylinder 35 all the way to the bottom and therefore to release the device from the lock cylinder 35 by pulling on the body 34 of the device towards the outside of the lock 35.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 28 is an electronic lock cylinder sealing device 80. It is a system with electronic interface and electromechanical action. To unlock the device 80 of the lock 35, it is necessary to introduce the correct code or the correct access token (“Token”), enter it using a keyboard physically present on the body 34, or else in l sending from another portable electronic device such as an intelliphone (in English smartphone), a connected watch, a computer or a tablet, for example by implementing a Bluetooth protocol, Wifi, NFC, Lorawan, Sigfox (registered trademarks) ultrasound, infrared, narrowband IOT (narrowband internet of things), 3G, 4G, 5G (acronyms of third, fourth and fifth generation) or any other means of wireless communication. An electromechanical system such as a solenoid, a worm gear motor, a jack, or any other type of linear electromechanical actuator, makes it possible to insert the unlocking part 32 into the lock cylinder 35 all the way to the bottom and therefore to release the device 80 from the lock cylinder 35.

In embodiments, such as that illustrated in FIG. 28, the device has a secure housing for inserting the key corresponding to the lock 35. This secure housing can only be opened if the user unlocks the device beforehand. . Of course, such a housing can be incorporated into a mechanical device, such as that of the first embodiment.

Preferably, the use of the device provides that the unlocking key part 32 must be taken out of the body of the device until it joins the hook 33 during the first insertion of the device into a cylinder 35 and enters entirely at the same time as the part of locking key 31 to ensure compatibility of the lock cylinder 35 with the device. If there is compatibility, the two key parts will go all the way to the bottom of the barrel 35. If there is no compatibility, these two key parts will not go all the way to the bottom of the barrel 35.

The two key parts 31 and 32 are observed in FIG. 1. The locking key part 31 has, at its distal end (bottom right in FIG. 1) a hook 33 forming a re-entrant angle, i.e. say that the empty angle of matter is less than or equal to 90°.

The unlocking key part 32 has, at the distal end 37, a shape complementary to that of the hook, to at least partially fill this empty angle. Preferably, the distal end (bottom right in Figure 1) of the unlocking key part 32 has an acute angle of approximately 45° to lower all the pistons 36 during its insertion into the key cylinder 35.

There is seen in Figure 2, a general diagram of a seal device 30 whose first key part 31 is inserted into a lock cylinder 35 with pistons 36. In this so-called "blocked" configuration, the device 30 cannot be removed from the lock 35 by simple pulling (to the left in Figure 2). Indeed, the blocking key part 31 is blocked at the bottom of the lock 35 thanks to its end hook 33 forming a re-entrant angle. Forced withdrawal of the device would damage the lock by pulling out at least one piston 36, so that opening the lock 35 would be impossible.

A general diagram of the seal device 30 inserted in a lock cylinder 35 with pistons 36 in the unlocked configuration can be seen in FIG. In this configuration, the body 34 of the device 30 has made it possible to advance the unlocking key part 32 in the lock cylinder 35 after the predetermined combination, or code, has been supplied to the body 34. This code supply may , as explained above, carried out by a combination lock, by a keypad or by wireless communication. The movement of the unlocking key part 32 towards the bottom of the lock 35 lowers all the pistons 36 located between the body 34 and the hook 33.

In FIG. 4, a first mechanical embodiment of the device 30 for sealing the lock cylinder 35 with six rollers 41 rotatable in alignment with a visual cue can be seen, to form the secret unlocking combination.

The six rollers 41 are located, with an end ring 43, between an inner tube frame 42, lock side, and an outer tube frame 47.

We observe, in FIG. 6, the seal device 30 from the front, with marking of the section plane A – A according to which the section illustrated in FIG. 5 is represented. In this section, we observe the first blocking key part 31, the second unlocking key part 32, the inner tube frame 42, the end ring 43 serving to hold the six outer number rings 41, inner rings 45 for presetting a predetermined number for each roller 41 and a sliding pin 46, which connects the two tubes 48 and 50 of the linear motion inverter system. Also seen in Figure 5, the frame 47 of the outer tube, the outer tube 48 of the linear motion inverter system, a centering ring 49 of the linear motion inverter system and the inner tube 50 of the linear motion inverter system.

FIGS. 7 and 8 schematically represent the linear motion inversion system found in the roller code seal device 30, in the closed configuration corresponding, for the device, to the configuration locked in the barrel 35 illustrated in FIG. 2. In addition to the elements already described, there is, in Figures 7 and 8, a sliding pin 51, a slot 54 of helical shape in the outer tube 48, a slot 55 of helical shape in the inner tube 50 and a slot 56 of straight linear form, which serves to guide the two tubes 48 and 50 in a linear movement.

FIGS. 9 and 10 schematically represent the linear motion inversion system found in the roller code seal device 30, in the open configuration corresponding, for the device, to the unlocked configuration illustrated in FIG. 3. The same elements as in Figures 7 and 8 are shown in Figures 9 and 10. It is observed that the sliding pin 51 has rotated around the axis of the tubes while the inner tube 50 is out of the outer tube 48, driving the part of release key 32.

We find, in Figures 11, 12 and 13, a diagram of the linear motion inversion system found in the roller code seal device 30, according to three sections, Figure 12 identifying the section A - A illustrated in Figure 13. The same elements as in Figures 7 to 10 are shown in Figures 11 to 13.

Figure 14 shows sliding pin 51, in perspective. The sliding pin 51 has a lug 57 which enters the helical slot 54 and 55 of the tubes 48 and 50. The rounded shape of this pin 51 serves to make it slide around the outer tube 48.

We observe, in figure 15, the inner inverter tube 50 provided with a slot 58 allowing to fix the unlocking key part 32 and with a hole 59 allowing to pass a pin to retain the unlocking key part 32.

We observe, in Figures 16 and 17, the outer inverter tube 48 and, in Figures 18 and 19, the frame 42 of the inner tube 50. This frame 42 has a slot 62 for fixing the locking key part and guiding the unlocking key part 32, a hole 63 for passing a pin to fix the locking key part to the frame 42 and a rack 64 serving as a guide for the number rings 41, in one direction, and as a linear guide for the fitting of the frame 47 of the inner tube 50 in the frame 42.

Figures 20 and 21 show the frame 47 of the outer tube 48, comprising an alignment mark 65 to align the digits of the secret code when it is entered, notches 66 for locking the end ring 43 and a slot 67 allowing pass the rack 64 of the frame 42 of the inner tube 50 and guide the two tubes 48 and 50 relative to each other.

Figures 22 and 23 show an intermediate or inner ring 45. This intermediate ring 45 is located below a number ring or roller 41. It allows the number of the secret code to be changed. The number ring and the intermediate ring 45 are superimposed on each other.

To select the number, it is necessary to superimpose the chosen number of the number ring 41 with the notch 70 of the intermediate ring 45. This manipulation must be done before mounting the device 30. The lugs 69 allow guidance between the two rings 45 and 41 so that they are integral with one another.

Figures 24 and 25 show a digit ring 41 bearing ten digits 72 and a notch 73 allowing an intermediate ring 45 to be inserted into the digit ring 41.

Figures 26 and 27 show the end ring 43 which allows the six number rings 41 and the six intermediate rings 45 to be blocked to prevent them from moving laterally on the frame 47 of the outer tube 48. The end ring 43 has lugs 75 which come to hang in the notches of the frame 47 of the outer tube 48 and a depression 76 which allows the rack 64 of the frame 42 of the inner tube 50 to pass.

In embodiments (not shown), the device that is the subject of the invention comprises a rotary handle and a mechanism for transforming a rotational movement of the handle into a translational movement of the second part of the key towards the hook. Those skilled in the art can draw inspiration from the tube mechanisms with a sliding system, known, for example, in lipstick tubes.

In the second embodiment illustrated in figure 28, the device 80 comprises, in a body 44, a reserve of electrical energy 85 which supplies a user interface, a central unit 86 and a motorization 82 of the second key part 32.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 28, the user interface comprises both a means of communication 81 with a communicating mobile terminal 83 and a keyboard 87. In other embodiments, the user interface does not comprise only one of these means.

The device 80 also comprises a compartment 84, in a plane parallel to the cutting plane, to accommodate a physical key, in particular the key of the lock 35 or a key, possibly electronic, of an alarm system internal to the premises whose access is limited by the lock 35. The communicating mobile terminal 83, for example a mobile telephone, is in communication with the central unit 86, via the communication means 81, in a manner known in the field of connected objects . The central unit 86 stores in non-volatile memory a secret code, which can be much more complex than a six-digit code. When a user provides a candidate code, on the keyboard 87 or via the mobile telephone 83, the central unit 86 compares this candidate code with the secret code stored in memory. In the event that the candidate code corresponds to the secret code stored in memory, the central unit controls the movement of the unlocking key part 32 towards the interior of the barrel 35, by the motorization 82. The motorization 82 is an electromechanical system such as a solenoid, a worm gear motor, a jack, or any other type of linear electromechanical actuator, allowing the unlocking part 32 to be brought into the lock cylinder 35 as far as the bottom and thus to release the device 80 of the lock cylinder 35.

In this embodiment, if the user's mobile telephone is authenticated, for example by supplying the secret code via a short message ("SMS"), triple authentication can be carried out since the user must have being the holder of the telephone, having the key and, possibly, knowing a code for launching an application allows the transmission of the secret code from the mobile telephone to the device 80.

In the case where the keyboard 87 includes a fingerprint reader, authentication by fingerprint can be performed, the secret code comprising fingerprint identification elements. The user is then authenticated by who he is, what he knows (the secret code) and what he has (the key for opening the lock, unless it is in compartment 84 ).

We observe, in figure 29, a particular embodiment 90 of the lock sealing method which is the subject of the invention.

This method 90 comprises, preliminary, on the side of the recipient, for example tenant:
- a step 91 of reserving the room, by known means, for example a canvas reservation platform and
- A step 92 for obtaining a secret code to access the lock of the premises.

At the same time, are carried out, on the supplier side, for example the owner of the premises:
- a step 93 of closing the key door,
- a step 94 of inserting the key into the compartment of the device and
- A step 95 of positioning and blocking the device on the lock with insertion of the first key part comprising a hook-shaped distal end.

When the recipient arrives opposite the lock, the recipient's communicating portable terminal and the device jointly perform:
- pairing steps 96 and 97, respectively and
- Steps of supplying the secret code 98 and receiving the candidate code 99, respectively.

Then, the device performs a step 100 of verification of correspondence between the candidate code supplied by the communicating portable terminal and the predetermined code stored in the memory of the device. Only in case of correspondence, the device performs a step 101 of unlocking the lock by setting in motion the second part of the key comprising a distal end of a shape complementary to the shape of the hook. The recipient then performs a step 102 of removing the device, then a step 103 of removing the key from the compartment of the device and, finally, a step of opening the lock with the key extracted from the device.

Claims (10)

Lock sealing device (30, 40, 80), characterized in that it comprises:
- a first key part (31) comprising a distal hook (33),
- a second key part (32) comprising a distal end (37) of shape complementary to the shape of the hook,
- means (34, 41, 81) for receiving candidate codes and
- means (34, 42, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 54, 55, 56, 82) for setting the second part of the key in motion only after receipt of a candidate code corresponding to a predetermined code. Apparatus (40) according to claim 1, wherein the means for receiving candidate codes comprises a combination lock. Device (40) according to one of claims 1 or 2, which comprises a motion inverter (42, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 54, 55, 56) configured to translate the second part (32) key towards the hook (33) when a user pulls the device in a direction opposite to the first key part (31). Device according to one of Claims 1 or 2, which comprises a rotary handle and a mechanism for transforming a rotational movement of the handle into a translational movement of the second part of the key towards the hook. Device (80) according to claim 1, which comprises an electrical energy reserve (85), an interface (81, 87) for receiving a candidate code (83) and a central unit (86) for recognizing the predetermined code . Device (80) according to claim 5, in which the reception interface comprises a means of communication (81) with a communicating mobile terminal (83). Device (80) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, which comprises a motor (82) for moving the second part (32) of the key towards the hook (33) of the first part (31) of the key. Device (80) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, which comprises a compartment (84) for a physical key. Device (80) according to claim 8, wherein the compartment (84) has an opening on the side of the first key part (31). Lock sealing method (90), characterized in that it comprises:
- a step (94) of introducing a first key part (31) comprising a distal hook (33) into a lock (35), to seal it,
- a step (99) for receiving a candidate code,
- a step (100) of comparing a candidate code received with a predetermined code and
- a step (101) of setting in motion a second key part (32) comprising a distal end (37) of shape complementary to the shape of the hook, only after reception of a candidate code corresponding to the predetermined code.