Electronic and mechanical lock and key therefor

Details Electronic and mechanical lock and key therefor Electronic and mechanical lock and key therefor

1993-08-19

1996-07-30

Gall, Lloyd A.

Locks

Operating mechanism

Using a powered device

70283, 34082531, E05B 4900

Patent

active

055400698

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
The invention concerns an electronic and mechanical lock of the type that comprises means of mechanical blocking and means of electromagnetic blocking capable of being controlled by electronic circuitry in the lock. The lock is designed to be controlled by a key comprising a mechanical variant capable of releasing the mechanical part of the lock, and an electronic data storage element that can be read by the electronic circuitry in the lock to avoid the electromagnetic blocking of the lock when the key is authorized.
A lock of this type is described in FR-A-2 655 367 submitted on Dec. 5, 1989 under number 89 16039 in the name of the same applicant. A corresponding key is described in patent application FR 89 16038 of the same date, in the name of the same applicant, published under number FR-A-2 655 368.
The purpose of the invention is essentially to provide an electronic and mechanical lock that is simple and practical to use, that can be adapted and fitted to as many types of doors as possible, that will ensure the fullest possible security for its purchaser, and that will allow the latter to modify the key authorizations or exclusions easily.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention an electronic and mechanical lock of the type defined above is characterized by the fact that its electronic circuitry comprises a memory for the storage of a customer code, assigned to the purchaser and so constituted that it can be combined with a set of keys supplied to the purchaser of the lock. The set of keys comprises: together with a customer code identical to that of the corresponding lock. Each of these normal keys also comprises electronic data corresponding to an identification code specific to the key itself, notably consisting of a number; and will allow the purchaser, when this master-key has been inserted into the lock, either to program the lock so as to authorize or exclude the identification codes of the normal keys, which will then be respectively able or unable to open the lock, or to deactivate the electronic circuitry of the lock so that the lock will operate in a purely mechanical way.
For preference, the electronic circuitry in the lock is powered by one or more batteries housed in a casing associated with the lock, while the keys associated with the lock have no energy source. It is advantageous for the lock to be equipped with a microswitch so arranged that apart from a permanent low-level maintenance supply if necessary, the electronic circuitry of the lock is only connected to its power supply when a key has been fully inserted into the lock so as to close the microswitch, and this supply is cut off by the electronic circuitry in the lock after a delay corresponding to the time required for all the data handling processes that follow the insertion of the key.
The electronic circuitry of the lock comprises a microprocessor programmed to execute the initial sequence of its program when the electric power supply is connected to the circuitry by closing the microswitch, once the key has been inserted, in order to read the lock's customer code and to supply the key with electrical energy. The microprocessor then interrogates the key electronically by comparing the key's customer code with that of the lock, and if the codes are identical, establishes whether the key's identification code is authorized to open the lock or excluded from opening the lock.
Electrical energy is supplied to the key by either transmitting a continuous signal or clock pulses via an electrical connection between the key and the lock, to charge up an energy recuperator.
The reading of the customer code in the lock and the supply of energy to the key take place in parallel, to reduce the overall operation time.
When the comparison of the key's customer code with that of the lock, or when the comparison of the key's identification code with the authorization data stored in the lock's electronic circuitry reveal a mismatch, the microprocessor commands the activation of the electromagnetic blocking mechanism in a

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Phillips, Bill, Kaba Nova: A Self-Contained System With No Hardwiring, Access Control, Locksmith Ledger-Apr. 1989, pp. 62-64.

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