Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
  • G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
  • G07C9/00174—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys
  • G07C9/00309—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
  • G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
  • G07C9/00174—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys
  • G07C9/00944—Details of construction or manufacture
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
  • E05B47/00—Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
  • E05B47/06—Controlling mechanically-operated bolts by electro-magnetically-operated detents
  • E05B47/0611—Cylinder locks with electromagnetic control
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
  • G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
  • G07C9/00174—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys
  • G07C2009/00634—Power supply for the lock
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
  • G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
  • G07C9/00174—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys
  • G07C2009/00753—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated by active electrical keys
  • G07C2009/00761—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated by active electrical keys with data transmission performed by connected means, e.g. mechanical contacts, plugs, connectors
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
  • G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
  • G07C9/00174—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys
  • G07C2009/00753—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated by active electrical keys
  • G07C2009/00769—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated by active electrical keys with data transmission performed by wireless means
  • G07C2009/00777—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated by active electrical keys with data transmission performed by wireless means by induction

Definitions

• the present disclosure relates to the field of electronic locks and in particular to an electronic lock comprising a wireless key interface and a physical key interface.
• Locks have undergone significant evolution, transitioning from their traditional mechanical forms to more sophisticated electronic variants. This transformation has been driven by advancements in technology and changing security needs. Electronic locks, in particular, are becoming increasingly preferred for their enhanced features, including greater flexibility, improved control over access, and superior auditing capabilities, which allow for a comprehensive review of entry and exit records.
• the operational principle of electronic locks involves assessing the legitimacy of access requests through communication with an electronic key.
• electronic keys have evolved to embody a diverse range of formats, catering to the convenience and preference of users. They may take the form of key fobs, key cards, or even more advanced versions such as electronic keys equipped with a blade for a conductive connection with the electronic lock. Additionally, the integration of electronic keys into smartphone applications represents a significant leap forward, combining convenience with advanced security features.
• an electronic lock comprising: a lock cylinder section configured to mechanically interact with a mechanical lock structure, wherein the lock cylinder section is configured to be located, when the electronic lock is installed, within a recess; an external section configured to be located, when the electronic lock is installed, outside the recess; a wireless key interface, comprising a loop antenna provided in the external section, the wireless key interface enabling the electronic lock to receive power from the electronic key and to communicate with the electronic key; a physical key interface comprising a socket comprising lock connectors enabling a direct physical connection between the lock connectors and corresponding key connectors of the electronic key, wherein the physical key interface enables the electronic lock to receive power from the electronic key and to communicate with the electronic key, wherein the socket is provided inside loops of the loop antenna; and an access controller configured to grant access for an electronic key that is authorised, based on communication between the electronic lock and the electronic key over either one of the wireless key interface and the physical key interface, and wherein the access controller is configured to enable
• the electronic lock may further comprise a power controller configured to control the transfer of power received over the wireless key interface and/or the physical key interface to the access controller, wherein the power controller is provided in the external section.
• the access controller may be provided in the lock cylinder section.
• the external section may comprise a rotatable section, such that only when the electronic lock is unlocked, a rotation of the rotatable section causes a rotational mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure.
• a rotation of the electronic key within the socket causes a rotational mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure.
• the physical key interface may be provided within the external section.
• the electronic lock may further comprise a first motor, wherein the access controller is configured to activate the first motor to enable the mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure based on granting access.
• the first motor may be provided in the lock cylinder section.
• the electronic lock may further comprise a second motor, wherein the access controller is configured to activate the second motor to perform rotational mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure based on granting access.
• an electronic lock comprising a lock cylinder section, to fit in a traditional recess for lock cylinders, and an external section, where more space is available for other components.
• the electronic lock comprises both a wireless key interface, for a wireless connection with an electronic key, as well as a physical key interface, for conductive connection with an electronic key. Both key interfaces enable both power transfer from the electronic key to the electronic lock as well as communication between the electronic key and the electronic lock.
• a loop antenna for the wireless key interface is provided in the external section, and a socket for the physical key interface is provided inside loops of the loop antenna.
• Fig 1 is a schematic diagram showing an environment in which embodiments presented herein can be applied.
• Access to a physical space 16 is restricted by an openable physical barrier 15 which is selectively unlockable.
• the physical barrier 15 stands between the restricted physical space 16 and an accessible physical space 14.
• the accessible physical space 14 can be a restricted physical space in itself, but in relation to this physical barrier 15, the accessible physical space 14 is accessible.
• the barrier 15 can be a door, gate, hatch, cabinet door, drawer, window, etc.
• an electronic lock 12 is provided in order to control access to the physical space 16, by selectively unlocking the barrier 15, an electronic lock 12 is provided.
• the electronic lock 12 can be provided in the barrier 15 itself (as shown) or the electronic lock 12 in a structure 11, such as a wall, surrounding the barrier 15 (not shown).
• the electronic lock 12 is controllable to be in a locked state or in an unlocked state.
• the electronic lock 12 When the electronic lock 12 is set in an unlocked state, the electronic lock 12 enables interaction with a mechanical lock structure to open the door, e.g. by retracting a locking bolt or latch, as described in more detail with reference to Figs 3 and 4 below. This interaction with the mechanical lock structure can be based on a user action or based on a motor.
• the barrier 15 when the electronic lock 12 is in an unlocked state, the barrier 15 can be opened and when the electronic lock 12 is in a locked state, the barrier 15 cannot be opened. In this way, access to a restricted physical space 16 is controlled by the electronic lock 12.
• a user 5 carries an electronic key 2 for communication with the electronic lock 12.
• the electronic key 2 is able to communicate with the electronic lock 12 wirelessly or conductively. Accordingly, the electronic lock 12 is provided with both a wireless key interface 30 and a physical key interface 32 as described in more detail below.
• the electronic key 2 can be provided in any suitable format that allows an access control device to communicate with the electronic key to evaluate whether to grant access.
• the electronic key 2 can be in the form of a key fob, a key card, an electronic key with a blade for conductive connection, or the electronic key 2 can be embedded in a smartphone. Depending on the access rights for the electronic key 2, it can be used to unlock the electronic lock 12. It is to be noted that, while only one electronic key 2 and user 5 are shown in Fig 1 , there can be any suitable number of users with respective electronic keys that are usable with the electronic lock 12.
• Fig 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating sections of the electronic lock 12 of Fig 1 .
• the electronic lock 12 comprises an external section 24 and a lock cylinder section 20. The purpose of these sections is described in more detail below with reference to Figs 5A-B .
• Fig 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the mechanical interface of the electronic lock according to one embodiment.
• Fig 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating how a mechanical lock structure 21 is configured to interoperate with the electronic lock 12 of Figs 1-2 , according to one embodiment.
• the mechanical lock structure 21 does not need to be provided only for interaction with electronic locks; the mechanical lock structure 21 can generic per se and could also interact with traditional mechanical lock cylinders. Nevertheless, embodiments presented herein are related to electronic locks.
• Fig 3 the view is from the back, i.e. towards a back end (provided on an interior side of the electronic lock 12) of the lock cylinder section 20, i.e. looking left from the right-hand side of Fig 2 towards the lock cylinder section 20.
• the end of the lock cylinder section 20 is provided with a protrusion 27, here in the form of a thin rectangular protrusion, similar to a classic screwdriver.
• a casing 28 of the lock cylinder section 20 is static, and the protrusion 27 can rotate, when the electronic lock 12 is in an unlocked state, based on user movement or based on rotation of a motor (denoted as a second motor 42 below, see Fig 10 and corresponding text) within the electronic lock 12 that is triggered to rotate when the electronic lock 12 is unlocked.
• a motor denoted as a second motor 42 below, see Fig 10 and corresponding text
• a lock case 50 is mounted e.g. in the barrier 15 (or in the surrounding structure 11) of Fig 1 .
• the lock case 50 comprises a mechanical lock structure 21 that can mechanically interact with the protrusion 27.
• the mechanical lock structure 21 can comprise a recess into which the protrusion 27 is inserted when the electronic lock 12 is installed.
• the mechanical lock structure 21 comprises a cross of recesses (as shown) to simplify installation.
• the locking member 52 can e.g. be in the form of a locking bolt or a latch.
• the locking member 52 can be retracted into the lock case 50 (in a negative direction along the x-axis) and for locking, the locking member 52 can be extended outwards (in a positive direction along the x-axis) from the lock case 50.
• Figs 5A-B are schematic diagrams illustrating how the lock cylinder section 20 of Fig 2 fits into a recess 22.
• the barrier 15 comprises a recess 22.
• the shape of the recess 22 corresponds to the shape of the lock cylinder section 20 of the electronic lock 12.
• the recess 22 is here shown (in its cross-section) as a circular recess, the recess can be of any suitable shape, including oblong shapes, complex shapes of circular or oval shapes and rectangular shapes, etc. Often, each country has a limited number of standard shapes for cylinders.
• the recess and the mechanical lock structure 21 have corresponding cross-sectional shapes, allowing the lock cylinder section 20 of the electronic lock 12 to be inserted into the recess 22, as shown in Fig 5B .
• the external section 24 remains external to the recess 22.
• the outer shell of the external section 24 makes up a rotatable section 25.
• the external section 24 comprises a rotatable section 25, such that only when the electronic lock 12 is unlocked, a rotation of the rotatable section causes a rotational mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure 21.
• the lock cylinder section 20 is thus configured to mechanically interact with the mechanical lock structure 21, and the lock cylinder section 20 is configured to be located, when the electronic lock 12 is installed, within the recess 22.
• the external section 24 is configured to be located, when the electronic lock 12 is installed, outside the recess 22.
• Fig 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the key interfaces of the electronic lock 12 of Figs 1-2 .
• the electronic lock 12 comprises both the wireless key interface 30 and the physical key interface 32.
• the physical key interface 32 comprises a socket comprising lock connectors that enable a direct physical connection between the lock connectors and corresponding key connectors of the electronic key 2, see Fig 8 and corresponding description below for more details.
• the physical key interface 32 enables the electronic lock 12 to receive power from the electronic key 2 and to communicate with the electronic key 2.
• Fig 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of the wireless key interface 30 of the electronic lock 12 of Fig 6 .
• the wireless key interface 30 comprises a transceiver 29 and a loop antenna 31, for communicating with the electronic key 2.
• the wireless key interface 30 can support any suitable wireless communication protocol for local wireless communication, e.g. NFC (near-field communication),, etc.
• Fig 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating interaction between an electronic key 2 and the physical key interface 32 of the electronic lock 12 of Fig 6 .
• the electronic key 2 comprises key connectors 35a-b provided on a blade 13.
• the key connectors 35a-b are electrically insulated from each other.
• One of the key connectors can be conductively connected to, or form part of, the blade 13.
• the physical key interface 32 (of the electronic lock 12) comprises a socket 33 with a first lock connector 34a and a second lock connector 34b.
• the first lock connector 34a is positioned such that, when the electronic key 2 is inserted in the socket 33, the first lock connector 34a makes a direct physical (and conductive) connection with the first key connector 35a.
• the second lock connector 34b is positioned such that, when the electronic key 2 is inserted in the socket 33, the second lock connector 34b makes a direct physical (and conductive) connection with the second key connector 35b.
• This arrangement provides a dual terminal connection between the electronic key 2 and the physical key interface 32 of the electronic lock 12 when the electronic key 2 is inserted in the socket 33 of the physical key interface 32.
• the dual terminal connection is used both for communication between the electronic key 2 and the electronic lock 12 and for powering the electronic lock 12 by transferring electric power from a power supply of the electronic key 2 to the electronic lock 12.
• separate connectors can be provided for powering the electronic lock 12 and communication between the electronic key 2 and the electronic lock 12.
• the physical key interface 32 is provided within the external section 24. This prevents any physical interface with the outside world within the lock cylinder section 20, reducing a risk of an attacker physically manipulating the interior of the lock cylinder section 20 to attempt to gain illegitimate access to the restricted physical space 16.
• Fig 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating placement of the socket in relation to the loop antenna 31 of the external section 24 of the electronic lock 12 of Fig 6 .
• the loop antenna 31 is provided close to the edge of the external section 24 to improve antenna efficiency in the given space.
• the socket 33 is provided inside loops of the loop antenna 31, where there is available space. This arrangement is space efficient, while providing a large loop antenna for improved antenna efficiency.
• the lock cylinder section 20 comprises an access controller 36.
• the access controller 36 is configured to grant access for an electronic key 2 that is authorised, based on communication between the electronic lock 12 and the electronic key 2 over either one of the wireless key interface 30 and the physical key interface 32.
• the access controller 36 is configured to enable interaction, using the lock cylinder section 20, with the mechanical lock structure 21 based on granting access.
• the access controller 36 is provided in the lock cylinder section 20 which is inside the recess 22, providing improved protection from physical tampering by an attacker.
• the electronic lock 12 comprises a first motor 40.
• the access controller 36 is configured to activate the first motor 40, when the access controller 36 decides to grant access, to enable the mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure 21 based on granting access.
• the first motor 40 can connect or disconnect a connection between the rotatable member and the mechanical lock structure 21, e.g. by retracting or extending one or more pins.
• the first motor 40 is provided in the lock cylinder section 20. Since the lock cylinder section 20 is more physically protected from physical attacks, and the first motor 40 effectuates the granted access, it is more secure to provide the first motor 40 in the lock cylinder section 20.
• the power controller 38 can be provided in the external section 24 to save space in the lock cylinder section 20, where the available space is defined by the recess 22 into which the external section 24 should fit.
• the electronic lock 12 comprises a second motor 42.
• the access controller 36 is configured to activate the second motor 42 to perform rotational mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure 21 based on granting access.
• the mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure 21 is also needed.
• access to control the second motor 42 is not sufficient to unlock the electronic lock 12.
• the second motor 42 is provided in the external section 24. Since, access to the second motor 42 does not compromise the electronic lock 12 per se, the second motor 42 can be provided in the external section 24 to save space in the lock cylinder section 20, where the available space is defined by the recess 22 into which the external section 24 should fit.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
• Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
• Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)

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Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Publications (1)

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Citations (4)

• 2024
  • 2024-03-28 EP EP24167398.7A patent/EP4625371A1/fr active Pending

Patent Citations (4)

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