JP2005016197A - Locking and unlocking method and device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a locking and unlocking method, by which the residual quantity of a battery is confirmed in the case of the locking and an electric lock system is locked and unlocked surely by a simple constitution, and a device. <P>SOLUTION: The electric lock system 30 is composed of a lock 10 and a key 20. Whether or not the residual quantity of the battery 18 for driving the lock is at either of the three levels of a first level (an unlocking guaranty level ) L1, a second level (a locking level) L2 and a third level (an unlocking impossible level) L3 is detected by a CPU 11 for the lock 10 in the CPU 11. The lock 10 has a non-volatile memory 16, and the operational hysteresis of the lock 10 is conserved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a lock system, and more particularly, to an electric lock locking / unlocking method and device that can be electrically locked and unlocked.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Recently, theft and damage caused by unauthorized and unauthorized unlocking using various auxiliary unlocking means such as picking frequently occur, which has become a serious social problem. There is a demand for the development of a lock system that effectively prevents theft damage caused by such unauthorized unlocking. As one of the means, an electric lock system has been proposed that does not have an opening (key hole) on the front surface of a door or the like.
[0003]
Prior art relating to such an electric lock system is disclosed in various documents. In order to prevent troubles due to running out of battery in a battery-driven electric lock system, there is a wireless electric lock / unlock device that includes a solar battery and is charged by a light source from an illuminating lamp that can be flashed by a signal from a wireless transmitter. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). There has been disclosed an electric lock system that includes a battery capacity detection means and reduces the power consumption and extends the operation time when the battery is nearly exhausted (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
[0004]
Further, an electronic lock configured to hold a battery in a key and supply power to the lock body via a coil is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 3). In addition, it operates with a built-in battery, and even if the battery runs out, the door is not closed, so the voltage detection means detects the battery voltage, and when the battery voltage drop is detected, the actuator is activated and the battery runs out. There has been disclosed a remote-control auxiliary lock that accommodates a bolt in the lock surface and unlocks it (see, for example, Patent Document 4).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2-256774 (2nd page, Fig. 1)
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-212583 (page 2-3, FIG. 1)
[Patent Document 3]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-132777 (page 3-4, FIG. 1)
[Patent Document 4]
JP 2002-256745 A (page 3-4, FIG. 5)
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The conventional electric key system as described above has a problem that it is impossible to perform locking / unlocking normally depending on the remaining battery level, or it is necessary to use auxiliary unlocking means.
[0007]
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and provides a locking / unlocking method and apparatus using a battery as a power source for checking the remaining amount of the battery at the time of locking and enabling unlocking. That is.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, the locking / unlocking method and apparatus according to the present invention employs the following characteristic configuration.
[0009]
(1) In a locking / unlocking method of a locking system that uses a battery as a power source to electrically lock and unlock doors, etc.
It is possible to check whether the remaining battery level is necessary for locking and unlocking at the time of locking, and if the battery level exceeds the guaranteed level that can guarantee locking and unlocking as a result of the check And a locking / unlocking method that issues a warning if the security level is not exceeded.
[0010]
(2) The locking / unlocking method according to the above (1), which enables locking by giving an instruction to remove protection from the key when the user desires locking even when the security level is not exceeded.
[0011]
(3) The locking / unlocking method according to the above (2), wherein the battery remaining level when locking with the protection removed is set above the unlocking impossible level.
[0012]
(4) The locking / unlocking method according to the above (2) or (3), wherein the locking / unlocking is not guaranteed when the protection is removed.
[0013]
(5) The locking / unlocking method according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the lock stores a history of how much the remaining battery level is locked / unlocked.
[0014]
(6) The locking / unlocking method according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the lock is not locked when the remaining battery level does not exceed the unlocking level of the lock.
[0015]
(7) Locking / unlocking, which includes a lock containing a battery for supplying operating power and a key for transmitting / receiving information to / from the lock to lock / unlock the lock electrically In the device
The lock includes battery remaining amount detection means for detecting whether the battery remaining amount of the battery is one of a first level, a second level, and a third level, and is locked when the battery level is equal to or higher than the first level. Locking / unlocking that allows the user to be warned when in between the first level and the second level and is locked only when the user desires, and locks when the level is less than the third level. Locking device.
[0016]
(8) The locking / unlocking device according to (7), wherein a central processing unit (CPU) is used as the remaining battery level detection means.
[0017]
(9) The locking / unlocking device according to (7) or (8), wherein the lock includes a nonvolatile memory and stores an operation history of the lock.
[0018]
(10) The locking / unlocking device according to (8) or (9), wherein the CPU stops a clock to reduce power consumption in a standby state before receiving an activation signal from the key.
[0019]
(11) The key includes an energy supply unit that activates the lock and an information transmission unit for locking and unlocking the lock. (7), (8), (9), or (10) Unlocking device.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of a preferred embodiment of the locking / unlocking method and apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0021]
First, FIG. 1 shows a system configuration diagram of a preferred embodiment of a locking / unlocking method and apparatus according to the present invention. A lock system 30 to which a locking / unlocking method and apparatus according to the present invention is applied includes a lock 10 and a key 20.
[0022]
The lock 10 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 11, an activation information reception unit 12 from the key 20, an information transmission / reception unit 13 between the key 20, an operation clock 14 supplied to the CPU 11, and an operation memory for the CPU 11. 15, the operation history storage nonvolatile memory 16 of the lock 10, the locking / unlocking actuator 17, and the driving battery 18 that drives the lock 10.
[0023]
Here, the activation information receiving unit 12, the information transmitting / receiving unit 13, the operation clock 14, the memory 15, the operation history storing nonvolatile memory 16, the actuator 17 and the battery 18 are all connected to the CPU 11.
[0024]
On the other hand, the key 20 constituting the lock system 30 includes an energy supply unit for activating the lock 10 and an information transmitting / receiving unit (not shown in FIG. 1) for the lock 10 for locking and unlocking. The
[0025]
Next, main functions of each component constituting the lock system 30 will be described. The CPU 11 performs signal transmission / reception and operation control with each of the units 12 to 18 of the lock 10. The activation information receiving unit 12 receives energy for activating the lock 10 from the key 20 and converts it into an activation signal to the CPU 11. The information transmitting / receiving unit 13 transmits and receives information between the key 20 and the lock 10. The clock 14 stops operating in a normal state, and supplies a clock for starting the operation to the CPU 11 by a start signal. The memory 15 stores data and programs necessary for the CPU 11 to operate. The nonvolatile memory 16 records the operation of the CPU 11 and stores security information when unlocking is impossible. The actuator 17 locks / unlocks the lock 10. The battery 18 supplies energy (power source) for driving the entire lock 10 to each unit.
[0026]
Hereinafter, the operation of the lock system 30 will be described. First, the “locking operation” will be described. In the standby state, the lock 10 stops the clock 14 to reduce the power consumption to substantially zero, thereby preventing the battery 18 from being consumed (power saving) (step 1). Energy is supplied to the receiving unit 12 as activation information from the energy supply unit of the key 20 described above, converted into electric power in the activation information receiving unit 12, and an activation signal is supplied to the CPU 11 (step 2). When the CPU 11 receives the activation signal from the receiving unit 12, the CPU 11 activates the clock 14 and starts operation. Then, an operation start signal indicating that the operation has started is transmitted to the information transmission / reception unit of the key 20 via the information transmission / reception unit 13 (step 3).
[0027]
Next, when receiving the operation start signal described above, the key 20 transmits the lock information to the information transmitting / receiving unit 13 of the lock 10 (step 4). When the CPU 11 receives the locking information from the information transmission / reception unit 13, the CPU 11 confirms its validity. If it is a proper locking request, the remaining battery level of the battery 18 is confirmed by a remaining battery level checking means (not shown) (step 5). The operation of step 5 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
[0028]
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the remaining battery level of the battery 18 and the three levels. In FIG. 2, the vertical axis indicates the remaining battery level, and the horizontal axis indicates time (elapsed time). In FIG. 2, L0 indicates a typical discharge characteristic of the battery 18 (time fluctuation of the terminal voltage of the battery 18). L1, L2 and L3 indicate a first level (or unlocking guarantee level), a second level (or locking level) and a third level (or unlocking impossible level), respectively. As shown in the figure, the voltage L0 of the battery 18 is a substantially constant value until a predetermined time T0, but decreases when the time T0 is exceeded, and at the times T1, T2 and T3, the first level L1 and the second level L2 respectively. And it becomes the third level L3 and becomes substantially 0 at time T4.
[0029]
When the remaining battery level L0 is greater than the first (unlocking guarantee) level L1 shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 11 transmits a locking instruction signal to the actuator 17. When receiving the locking instruction signal, the actuator 17 performs locking and simultaneously transmits a locking display signal to the CPU 11.
[0030]
When receiving the lock confirmation signal, the CPU 11 transmits the lock confirmation signal to the key 20 via the information transmission / reception unit 13. When the remaining battery level L0 is equal to or lower than the first (unlocking) level L1 shown in FIG. 2 and higher than the second (locking) level L2, the CPU 11 locks the protection state display signal via the information transmitting / receiving unit 13. 20 to send. On the other hand, when the remaining battery level L0 is equal to or lower than the second (locking level) L2 shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 11 transmits a lock impossible signal to the key 20 via the information transmitting / receiving unit 13.
[0031]
Next, when the key 20 receives the lock confirmation signal, it displays it. When the key 20 receives the protection status display signal, the key 20 displays it. The key 20 enters a state in which a protection cancellation request signal is transmitted by a user operation. By the user's operation, a protection release request signal is transmitted, and the battery remaining amount of the lock 10 is lowered, but the user is notified that the lock is performed with the user's knowledge. Upon receiving the protection release request signal, the CPU 11 stores it in the nonvolatile memory 16 and transmits a protection release confirmation signal to the key 20 and at the same time accepts the lock request signal (step 6).
[0032]
When the key 20 receives the protection cancellation confirmation signal, it displays it. When the key 20 receives the lock impossible signal, the key 20 displays it. The lock 10 and the key 20 are used to guarantee as follows. In other words, when the unlocked state is not released and the unlocking becomes impossible, the repair cost of the lock 10 and the structure (door or the like) on which the lock 10 is installed is guaranteed. When the lock is released after the protection state is released, the above-mentioned guarantee is excluded. Whether or not the protection state has been released is determined by reading the record in the nonvolatile memory 16.
[0033]
The configuration and operation of the preferred embodiment of the lock system according to the present invention have been described above in detail. However, it should be noted that such embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and do not limit the present invention in any way. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that various modifications and changes can be made according to a specific application without departing from the gist of the present invention.
[0034]
【The invention's effect】
As understood from the above description, according to the lock system of the present invention, the following remarkable effects in practical use can be obtained. That is, since the lock system according to the present invention does not have any opening (key hole) to the outside, not only makes it difficult to unlock the lock from the outside, but also makes it difficult to unlock the lock. It is also difficult to identify the location and number. In addition, by using a battery as the power source, the installation can be facilitated and the setting can be made in a place where the power source cannot be secured.
[0035]
In addition, by providing security, it is not necessary to prepare an auxiliary unlocking means, so that management of the auxiliary unlocking means is unnecessary. It has a function that makes it possible to limit the scope of security, and enables locking when it is out of the scope of security but requires locking.
[0036]
Furthermore, in order to suppress the decrease in the remaining battery level from locking to unlocking as much as possible, a power supply function is provided on the key side, and the CPU is started up at a constant cycle such as intermittent reception on the lock side to prevent battery consumption. Is possible.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a preferred embodiment of a lock system to which a locking / unlocking method and apparatus according to the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the lock system shown in FIG. 1;
[Explanation of symbols]
10 locks 11 central processing unit (CPU)
12 Activation Information Receiving Unit 13 Information Transmitting / Receiving Unit 14 Clock 15 Memory 16 Non-volatile Memory for Saving Operation History 17 Actuator 18 Battery 20 Key 30 Locking System

Claims (11)

In a locking / unlocking method of a locking system that electrically locks and unlocks doors etc. using a battery as a power source,
It is possible to check whether the remaining battery level is necessary for locking and unlocking at the time of locking, and if the battery level exceeds the guaranteed level that can guarantee locking and unlocking as a result of the check And a locking / unlocking method characterized by issuing a warning if the security level is not exceeded. 2. The locking / unlocking according to claim 1, wherein, even if the security level is not exceeded, if the user desires locking, the locking is enabled by instructing to remove the protection from the key. Method. 3. The locking / unlocking method according to claim 2, wherein the remaining battery level in the case of locking with the protection removed is set higher than the unlocking level. 4. The locking / unlocking method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein when the lock is removed with the protection removed, there is no guarantee of locking / unlocking. The locking / unlocking method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lock stores a history of a level at which the remaining battery level is locked / unlocked. The locking / unlocking method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the lock is not locked when the remaining battery level does not exceed the unlocking level of the lock. In a locking / unlocking device that includes a lock that incorporates a battery that supplies operating power and a key that locks and unlocks the lock by transmitting and receiving information to and from the lock, and electrically locking and unlocking the door, etc.
The lock includes battery remaining amount detection means for detecting whether the battery remaining amount of the battery is one of a first level, a second level, and a third level, and is locked when the battery level is equal to or higher than the first level. A warning is issued to the user when between the first level and the second level, and the user is locked only when the user desires, and the lock is disabled when the level is less than the third level. Locking and unlocking device. The locking / unlocking device according to claim 7, wherein a central processing unit (CPU) is used as the battery remaining amount detecting means. The locking / unlocking device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the lock includes a non-volatile memory and stores an operation history of the lock. 10. The locking / unlocking device according to claim 8, wherein the CPU stops a clock and suppresses power consumption in a standby state before receiving an activation signal from the key. 11. The locking / unlocking device according to claim 7, wherein the key includes an energy supply unit that activates the lock and an information transmission unit for locking and unlocking the lock. .

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