US 6,000,609 A · Mechanical/electronic lock and key therefor

Abstract

A lock cylinder of standard size and configuration, interchangeable with conventional mechanical cylinders, includes electronic access control features as additional security or in some embodiments as the sole security feature. A microcontroller, memory, solenoid, battery, one wire bus connection and other electric and electronic elements are self contained within the cylinder, being positioned in the cylinder shell or the cylinder plug. The microprocessor can be programmed as to authorized users, entry times, etc. using a special programming key, which itself is programmed with a computer. User keys have a memory cell or ID chip which is read by the cylinder's microcontroller on insertion of the key; however, a system of locks can include locks which are mechanical/electronic, solely electronic and solely mechanical, and keys can also be electronic, mechanical or both. In one embodiment a cylinder collar contains batteries for supplying power to the cylinder, and may also have an LED and contacts for supplying emergency power.

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Drawings

Claims12

Dependent claims

A system of locks and keys having electronic access features wherein certain keys are to be permitted access to certain locks as selected, comprising:

a computer with a memory and a monitor, the computer having programming,
a series of keys, each having an electronic ID chip with means for reading the ID chip by contact with the key,
a series of locks, each having electronic access control features, including an electrically operated locking member, a microcontroller for making access control decisions, and connected memory, each lock being programmable for access by selected ones of the keys,
a key reader, separate from the locks, with reader means for reading the ID chip on each key by inserting the key into the key reader so as to make electrical contact with the key, the key reader being connected to the computer so as to send ID information read from the key into the computer,
means in the computer programming for (a) presenting on the monitor a matrix representing locks in the system on one axis of the matrix and keys of the system on the other axis of the matrix, (b) facilitating user selection of which key or keys in the system are to be permitted electronic access to which lock or locks in the system, by the user's making a positive indication on the matrix by use of a user input device, such that each location of a positive indication comprises an intersection of a row and column represented by a particular lock and key signifying that the key is to have access to that lock, and including provision for some keys having access to multiple locks and for some locks being accessible by multiple keys, as desired, (c) recording the user selections in computer memory, along with codes or ID numbers representing the locks and keys,
a programming key for the system, having a key blade and having a programmable memory, the programming key being portable and insertable into the locks of the system, and the programming key including means for connecting to the computer when desired, and for downloading stored information from the computer into the programming key memory,
the computer and programming having means for downloading data representing the recorded user selections of which locks are to be accessed by which keys, to the programming key memory when the programming key is connected to the computer, such that the programming key stores, for each lock in the system, which keys in the system should be capable of electronically accessing the lock, and
means on the programming key for making electrical contact with locks in the system when the programming key is inserted into a lock, enabling data transfer between the programming key and the microcontroller of the lock so as to program the locks to grant electronic access to those keys selected by the user.

5 more elements

A lock cylinder with electronic security features, and at least one key for the lock cylinder comprising:

(a) a metal lock cylinder of conventional shape and size as to fit in many different conventional locks, the cylinder including a cylinder shell and a plug rotatable within the shell, the plug having a key slot,
(b) electrical conductive path means, including an external contact isolated from the metal of the lock cylinder, for making contact with a corresponding data contact on the head of said key inserted into the key slot and for communicating data between the key and the cylinder,
(c) electrically operated plug blocking means within the cylinder and acting between the cylinder shell and the plug to prevent rotation of the plug in the cylinder when the plug blocking means is in a first, blocking position,
(d) a power source comprising a battery within the cylinder,
(e) a microcontroller and a programmable memory connected to the microcontroller, and including battery connection means for providing a power path from the battery to the microcontroller and to the electrically operated plug blocking means when access is granted by the microcontroller both being contained within the cylinder,
(f) the electrically operated plug blocking means including means for releasing the plug blocking means to allow its retraction to a second, retracted position and to allow the plug to be rotated when power is switched to the electrically operated plug blocking means through said power path by the microcontroller,
(g) the key head having an electronic identification device readable via said data contact on the key head,
(h) the microcontroller including, when a key is inserted into the key slot, means for determining when required access conditions are met and the electrically operated plug blocking means is to be powered, by reading data from the key contained in said electronic identification device and comparing the data to information stored in the programmable memory, and
wherein all electronic components, the electrically operated plug blocking means and the external contact are located in the cylinder plug, with the battery located in the cylinder shell, and including brush contact means between the cylinder shell and the plug for conducting power from the battery to said electronic components and the electrically operated plug blocking means.

6 more elements

A lock cylinder with electronic security features, and at least one key for the lock cylinder comprising:

(a) a metal lock cylinder of conventional shape and size as to fit in many different conventional locks, the cylinder including a cylinder shell and a plug rotatable within the shell, the plug having a key slot,
(b) electrical conductive path means, including an external contact isolated from the metal of the lock cylinder, for making contact with a corresponding data contact on the head of said key inserted into the key slot and for communicating data between the key and the cylinder,
(c) electrically operated plug blocking means within the cylinder and acting between the cylinder shell and the plug to prevent rotation of the plug in the cylinder when the plug blocking means is in a first, blocking position,
(d) a power source comprising a battery within the cylinder,
(e) a microcontroller and a programmable memory connected to the microcontroller, and including battery connection means for providing a power path from the battery to the microcontroller and to the electrically operated plug blocking means when access is granted by the microcontroller both being contained within the cylinder,
(f) the electrically operated plug blocking means including means for releasing the plug blocking means to allow its retraction to a second, retracted position and to allow the plug to be rotated when power is switched to the electrically operated plug blocking means through said power path by the microcontroller,
(g) the key head having an electronic identification device readable via said data contact on the key head,
(h) the microcontroller including, when a key is inserted into the key slot, means for determining when required access conditions are met and the electrically operated plug blocking means is to be powered, by reading data from the key contained in said electronic identification device and comparing the data to information stored in the programmable memory, and
the cylinder shell further including an isolated terminal connected to the power source, for applying an external power source to the lock cylinder in the event the battery is too weak to operate the electronic components and plug blocking means,
whereby all access control electronics of said electronic security features are contained within the lock cylinder.

7 more elements

A lock cylinder with electronic security features, and at least one key for the lock cylinder comprising:

(a) a metal lock cylinder of conventional shape and size as to fit in many different conventional locks, the cylinder including a cylinder shell and a plug rotatable within the shell, the plug having a key slot,
(b) electrical conductive path means, including an external contact isolated from the metal of the lock cylinder, for making contact with a corresponding data contact on the head of said key inserted into the key slot and for communicating data between the key and the cylinder, the external contact of the electrical conductive path means including an enlarged head providing punch protection,
(c) electrically operated plug blocking means within the cylinder and acting between the cylinder shell and the plug to prevent rotation of the plug in the cylinder when the plug blocking means is in a first, blocking position,
(d) a power source comprising a battery within the cylinder,
(e) a microcontroller and a programmable memory connected to the microcontroller, and including battery connection means for providing a power path from the battery to the microcontroller and to the electrically operated plug blocking means when access is granted by the microcontroller both being contained within the cylinder,
(f) the electrically operated plug blocking means including means for releasing the plug blocking means to allow its retraction to a second, retracted position and to allow the plug to be rotated when power is switched to the electrically operated plug blocking means through said power path by the microcontroller,
(g) the key head having an electronic identification device readable via said data contact on the key head,
(h) the microcontroller including, when a key is inserted into the key slot, means for determining when required access conditions are met and the electrically operated plug blocking means is to be powered, by reading data from the key contained in said electronic identification device and comparing the data to information stored in the programmable memory,
whereby all access control electronics of said electronic security features are contained within the lock cylinder.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Description11,338 words

Summary4,731 words

#This invention is in the field of security and access control, and the invention particularly concerns access to door locks and other situations wherein numerous mechanical keys fit a single or a group of locks and wherein there is a need to control the instances of opening each lock and in some situations to maintain a record thereof.

#In the past, a number of electronic security features have been added to mechanical locks which use mechanical types of cylinders. In addition, locking elements controlled by electronic means have been disclosed in combination with non-mechanical types of tumblers, such as in Clarkson et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,712,398. In some cases electronic elements have been added to mechanical elements requiring both mechanical and electronic elements to be present before granting access such as Spahn et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,469,727. Some of the existing electronic systems have employed keypads, some have employed cards, some have had purely electronic, magnetic or optical access control devices, and some have employed mechanical keys equipped with electronic circuitry.

#With respect to the present invention, distinction is made among purely electronic, magnetic or optical keys; mechanical keys equipped with electronic, magnetic or optical features; and mechanical keys which operate solely by mechanical bittings, whether those bittings be pin tumbler, dimples or other mechanical patterns.

Brief description of the drawings29 figures

#FIG. 1 is a front elevation view showing a conventional mechanic lock cylinder of the pin tumbler type, as an example of an application of the invention, fitted with a one wire bus contact as part of the system of the invention.

#FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing a cylinder of FIG. 1, showing access control components of the invention.

#FIG. 2A is a view of a removable core type mortise cylinder.

Detailed description5,869 words

#FIG. 1 shows a conventional lock cylinder 20 which may be of the pin tumbler type, with a face plate 22 and a cylinder plug 24 which includes a keyway or key slot 26 and an electrical contact 28 which is isolated from the metal of the plug 24. The contact 28 may be formed as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,367,295, incorporated herein by reference, where the contact is disclosed as being spring-biased for engagement with a contact on a key; it may also be non spring-biased with a head diameter larger than the rest of the contact which is slightly raised above the surface of the cylinder plug 24, with the cylinder plug having a recess at the front part of the bore that is close to the face of the plug to accommodate the head of the contact thus providing protection against a punch attack. Although the described arrangement is generally preferred, the contact can take other forms or can be located in a different area of the cylinder, so long as it is positioned to be engaged by a mating contact from the key. The cylinder 20 also includes a cavity 13 that houses a power supply which supplies power to a circuit contained in the plug 24 and blocking solenoid 36 (show in FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the power is supplied via an isolated spring biased power probe 12 housed in the shaft or bore 11. The ground portion of the power is supplied via the metal of the cylinder body. The probe 12 makes connection to an isolated area 15 of the cylinder plug 24, shown in FIG. 2. The isolated area 15 forming a ring around the plug 24 resides in an insulated cavity 14. The isolated area 15 is connected to the circuit via a cable or contact 16. The cylinder also includes an LED display 18 (FIG. 1) for indicating allowance or denial of access as well as error or warning conditions. FIG. 1 also shows contact points 47 for battery bypass in the case of failure of the cylinders power supply. The cylinder 20 is mounted in an area to be secured 29, or a lock casing.

#FIG. 2 shows the lock cylinder 20 in dashed lines and shows the cylinder plug 24 in side elevation. FIG. 2 shows that the cylinder plug 24 has a head 30 of somewhat greater diameter, as is conventional. The contact 28, which establishes a one wire bus protocol for electrical connection to the key, is isolated from the plug, with the metal of the plug serving as ground, is connected to a printed circuit board 43 with components 32, 34 and 40 on a recessed side of the plug. The isolated contact 28 is housed inside the longitudinal bore with larger diameter at the front of the cylinder plug to accommodate the head of the isolated contact. The power probe 12 rests against the isolated section 15 and supplies necessary power to the circuit and the solenoid of the system. The probe 12 has a spring loaded tip 12a which presses against the isolated section 15. Since the isolated section 15 forms a ring around the plug 24 of the cylinder 20 as the plug 24 rotates in the cylinder, the probe rides on the isolated section 15 continuously providing power to the system; however, the isolated section 15 does not need to wrap 360 degrees around the plug 24 to provide power to the system. In fact, a small isolated area meeting the power probe 12 in the cylinder's lock position is sufficient to provide necessary power to the solenoid. Once the electrically operated blocking means 36 is energized to allow access (after the decision to allow access has been made) and the cylinder plug 24 has turned inside the cylinder shell 25, the power is no longer necessary as the locking member 38 of the electrically operated blocking means 36 will no longer block the cylinder plug 24 from turning until it is turned back and aligned with the hole or cavity 50 (shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B). This arrangement of a small isolated surface for providing power to the cylinder also works as a power saving mechanism as once the cylinder plug 24 is turned the power is cut off instead of supplying power for a predetermined amount of time for every instance. Normally, upon insertion of the key to the lock and a positive access decision, the electrically operated blocking means 36 is powered for a predetermined amount of time (i.e., three seconds) giving enough time for the keyholder to turn the cylinder plug 24. If the keyholder turns the cylinder plug 24 in less amount of time the power supply is cut earlier than the said predetermined amount of time providing savings in power. The power is supplied to the solenoid via the cable 44.

#FIG. 2 also shows the cavity 11 housing the isolated power probe 12 which makes contact with the isolated section 15 on the cylinder plug 24 via the spring loaded power connector head 12a. The power connector 12 has a spring 11b which makes contact with one end of the battery 41 when the battery 41 is inserted into the power supply cavity 13. The cap 11c has an attached spring 11d which provides connection with the other end (ground) of the battery 41. The cap 11c sits flush with the cylinder body 20.

Mechanical/electronic lock and key therefor

Life of this patent

Mechanical/electronic lock and key therefor

Life of this patent

Life of this patent

Abstract

Drawings

Drawings

Claims12

Description11,338 words

Drawings

Classification15 codes

Life of this patent

Description11,338 words