Electronic lock including wireless key interface and physical key interface

Abstract

The utility model provides an electronic lock (12) comprising a wireless key interface and a physical key interface, comprising: a lock cylinder part (20) configured to mechanically interact with a mechanical lock structure (21), the lock cylinder part (20) being configured to be located in a recess (22) when the electronic lock (12) is installed; an outer portion (24) configured to be located outside the recess (22) when the electronic lock (12) is mounted; a wireless key interface (30) comprising a loop antenna (31) disposed in the outer portion (24), the wireless key interface (30) enabling the electronic lock (12) to receive power from and communicate with the electronic key (2); a physical key interface (32) comprising a socket (33) for receiving power from and communicating with the electronic key (2), where the socket (33) is disposed inside the loop of the loop antenna (31).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of electronic locks, and in particular to electronic locks that include both a wireless key interface and a physical key interface. BACKGROUND

[0002] Locks have undergone significant evolution, transitioning from their traditional mechanical form to more complex electronic variants. This transition has been driven by technological advances and changing security needs. In particular, electronic locks have become increasingly favored for their enhanced functionality, including greater flexibility, improved access control, and superior audit capabilities that allow for comprehensive review of access records.

[0003] The operational principle of electronic locks involves assessing the legitimacy of access requests through communication with electronic keys. These electronic keys have evolved to embody a wide variety of formats to cater to user convenience and preferences. They can take the form of key fobs, key cards, or even more advanced versions, such as electronic keys equipped with contact blades for conductive connection with electronic locks. Furthermore, the integration of electronic keys into smartphone applications represents a significant leap, combining convenience with advanced security features.

[0004] Despite these advances, electronic locks continue to face the ongoing challenge of maintaining compatibility with various electronic key types. This requirement presents a particular difficulty in designing locks that are both universally compatible in their compatibility and efficient in their space utilization. Achieving this balance is crucial to ensuring that electronic locks can be easily integrated into a variety of settings without compromising functionality or design aesthetics. UTILITY CONTENT

[0005] One object is to provide an electronic lock that includes both a wireless key interface and a physical key interface, which is space-efficient and provides good characteristics for wireless communication.

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided an electronic lock comprising: a cylinder portion configured to mechanically interact with a mechanical lock structure, wherein the cylinder portion is configured to be located within a recess when the electronic lock is installed; an exterior portion configured to be located outside the recess when the electronic lock is installed; a wireless key interface comprising a loop antenna disposed in the exterior portion, the wireless key interface enabling the electronic lock to receive power from and communicate with an electronic key; a physical key interface comprising a socket comprising a lock connector enabling a direct physical connection between the lock connector and a corresponding key connector of the electronic key, wherein the physical key interface enables the electronic lock to receive power from and communicate with the electronic key, wherein the socket is disposed inside a loop of the loop antenna; and an access controller configured to grant access to an authorized electronic key based on communication between the electronic lock and the electronic key through either of the wireless key interface and the physical key interface, and wherein the access controller is configured to enable interaction with the mechanical lock structure using the cylinder portion based on granting access.

[0007] The electronic lock can further comprise a power controller configured to control transmission of power received through the wireless key interface and / or the physical key interface to the access controller, wherein the power controller is disposed in the exterior portion.

[0008] The access controller can be disposed in the cylinder portion.

[0009] The exterior portion can comprise a rotatable portion such that rotation of the rotatable portion causes a rotational mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure only when the electronic lock is unlocked.

[0010] Optionally, rotation of the electronic key within the socket causes a rotational mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure only when the electronic lock is unlocked.

[0011] The physical key interface can be disposed within the exterior portion.

[0012] The electronic lock can further comprise a first motor, wherein the access controller is configured to activate the first motor based on granting access to enable a mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure.

[0013] The first motor can be disposed in the cylinder portion.

[0014] The electronic lock can further comprise a second motor, wherein the access controller is configured to activate the second motor based on granting access to perform a rotational mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure.

[0015] The second motor can be disposed in the exterior portion.

[0016] Generally, unless otherwise indicated herein, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all references to "a" or "an" element, device, component, means, step, etc. are to be interpreted to mean at least one instance of that element, device, component, means, step, etc. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the steps of any methods disclosed herein need not be performed in the exact order disclosed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Aspects and implementations are now described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an environment in which the implementations presented herein can be applied;

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing Figure 1 a portion of the electronic lock of

[0020] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing Figure 1 the mechanical interface of the electronic lock of Figure 2

[0021] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a mechanical lock structure configured to interoperate with the electronic lock of Figures 1-2

[0022] Figures 5A-5B is a schematic diagram showing how the cylinder portion of Figure 2 fits into the recess;

[0023] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the key interface of the electronic lock of Figures 1-2

[0024] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of components of the wireless key interface of the electronic lock of Figure 6

[0025] is a schematic diagram showing the interaction between the electronic key and the physical key interface of the electronic lock of Figure 8 Figure 6

[0026] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the placement of the socket of the electronic lock 12 relative to the loop antenna of Figure 6

[0027] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing components of the outer portion and the cylinder portion of the electronic lock of Figures 1-2 ​​​​​​​DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Aspects of the present disclosure will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which can provide certain embodiments of the application. These aspects can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limiting; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the application to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the description.

[0029] According to the embodiments presented herein, an electronic lock is provided that comprises a lock cylinder portion that fits in a conventional recess for a lock cylinder and an outer portion where more space is available for other components. Furthermore, the electronic lock comprises both a wireless key interface for a wireless connection with an electronic key and a physical key interface for a conductive connection with an electronic key. Both key interfaces enable both power transfer from the electronic key to the electronic lock and communication between the electronic key and the electronic lock. To save space and to improve the efficiency of the radio communication, a loop antenna for the wireless key interface is provided in the outer portion and a socket for the physical key interface is provided inside the loop of the loop antenna. By transferring power by either the wireless key interface or the physical key interface, the electronic lock does not need any other power supply, such as a battery or wired power.

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an environment in which the embodiments presented herein can be applied. Access to a physical space 16 is restricted by an openable physical barrier 15 that can be selectively unlocked. The physical barrier 15 is located between the restricted physical space 16 and an accessible physical space 14. Note that the accessible physical space 14 can itself be a restricted physical space, but with respect to the physical barrier 15, the accessible physical space 14 is accessible. The barrier 15 can be a door, a gate, a hatch, a cabinet door, a drawer, a window, etc. To control access to the physical space 16 by selectively unlocking the barrier 15, an electronic lock 12 is provided.

[0031] The electronic lock 12 can be provided in the barrier 15 itself (as shown), or the electronic lock 12 is provided in a structure 11, e.g. a wall, surrounding the barrier 15 (not shown). The electronic lock 12 can be controlled to be in a locked state or in an unlocked state. When the electronic lock 12 is set to the 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 a latch, as described in more detail below with reference to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The electronic lock 12 can be provided in the barrier 15 itself (as shown), or the electronic lock 12 is provided in a structure 11, e.g. a wall, surrounding the barrier 15 (not shown). The electronic lock 12 can be controlled to be in a locked state or in an unlocked state. When the electronic lock 12 is set to the 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 a latch, as described in more detail below with reference to

[0032] Therefore, when the electronic lock 12 is in the unlocked state, the barrier 15 can be opened, and when the electronic lock 12 is in the locked state, the barrier 15 cannot be opened. In this way, access to the restricted physical space 16 is controlled by the electronic lock 12.

[0033] User 5 carries electronic key 2 to communicate with electronic lock 12. Electronic key 2 is capable of communicating with electronic lock 12 wirelessly or electrically. Therefore, electronic lock 12 is provided with both a wireless key interface 30 and a physical key interface 32, as described in more detail below. Electronic key 2 can be provided in any suitable format that allows access control devices to communicate with the electronic key to assess whether access is granted. For example, electronic key 2 can be in the form of a key fob, key card, electronic key with contacts for conductive connection, or electronic key 2 can be embedded in a smartphone. Depending on the access permissions of electronic key 2, the electronic key can be used to unlock electronic lock 12. It should be noted that, although Figure 1 Only one electronic key 2 and user 5 are shown, but any suitable number of users with corresponding electronic keys that can be used with electronic lock 12 may exist.

[0034] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the electronic lock 12. The electronic lock 12 includes an external part 24 and a lock cylinder part 20. See below for reference. Figures 5A-5B To describe the purpose of these parts in more detail.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the mechanical interface of an electronic lock according to one embodiment. This will also be referred to... Figure 4 describe, Figure 4 This illustrates how the mechanical lock structure 21 according to one embodiment is configured to... Figures 1-2 A schematic diagram illustrating the interoperability of the electronic lock 12. The mechanical lock structure 21 does not need to be provided solely for interaction with the electronic lock; the mechanical lock structure 21 itself can be generic and can also interact with conventional mechanical lock cylinders. Nevertheless, the embodiments presented herein relate to electronic locks.

[0036] exist Figure 3 The view is from the rear, i.e., towards the rear end of the lock cylinder portion 20 (located on the inner side of the electronic lock 12), i.e., from... Figure 2 Looking to the left from the right side of the lock cylinder section 20, the end of the lock cylinder section 20 has a protrusion 27, which is a thin rectangular protrusion, similar to a classic screwdriver. The housing 28 of the lock cylinder section 20 is stationary, and the protrusion 27 can be adjusted based on user movement or the motor inside the electronic lock 12 (hereinafter referred to as the second motor 42, see [reference]) when the electronic lock 12 is in the unlocked state. Figure 10The motor rotates in accordance with the rotation of the corresponding text, and is triggered to rotate when the electronic lock 12 is unlocked.

[0037] See now Figure 4 The lock housing 50 is installed, for example Figure 1 The lock housing 50 includes a mechanical lock structure 21 that can mechanically interact with the protrusion 27. For example, the mechanical lock structure 21 may include a recess into which the protrusion 27 is inserted when the electronic lock 12 is installed. Alternatively, the mechanical lock structure 21 may include intersecting recesses (as shown) to simplify installation. When the protrusion 27 of the electronic lock 12 is rotated, this causes the mechanical lock structure 21 to rotate, which can (as is known in the art itself, for example, using a cam and follower or a rack and pinion mechanism) translate into linear action of the locking member 52. The locking member 52 may be, for example, in the form of a locking bolt or a latch. To unlock, the locking member 52 may be retracted into the lock housing 50 (in the negative direction along the x-axis) and to lock, the locking member 52 may extend outward from the lock housing 50 (in the positive direction along the x-axis).

[0038] Therefore, through the mechanical interaction between the protrusion 27 and the mechanical lock structure 21, when the electronic lock 12 is unlocked, the rotational movement on the outside of the door 15 (e.g., the rotational movement of the electronic key 2 with contact plates or the rotational movement by rotating the outer portion 24) causes the locking member 52 to retract, after which the barrier 15 can be opened.

[0039] In this way, the electronic lock 12 can be installed in a conventional recess for the lock cylinder, while the outer portion 24 provides a larger shape factor to accommodate additional components and provides a larger-sized loop antenna.

[0040] Figures 5A-5B It is shown Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing how the lock cylinder part 20 fits into the recess 22. First, refer to... Figure 5A As can be seen, barrier 15 includes recess 22. The shape of recess 22 corresponds to the shape of the lock cylinder portion 20 of electronic lock 12. Although recess 22 is shown here (in its cross-section) as a circular recess, the recess can have any suitable shape, including complex shapes such as rectangular, circular, or elliptical shapes, and rectangular shapes, etc. Typically, each country has a limited number of standard shapes for lock cylinders.

[0041] The recess and the mechanical lock structure 21 have corresponding cross-sectional shapes, thereby allowing the lock cylinder portion 20 of the electronic lock 12 to be inserted into the recess 22, such as... Figure 5BThe outer portion 24 remains outside the recess 22 when the lock core portion 20 is inserted into the recess 22. In one embodiment, the housing of the outer portion 24 constitutes the rotatable portion 25. When the electronic lock 12 is in an unlocked state, a user can rotate the rotatable portion 25, thereby causing the protrusion 27 to interact with the mechanical lock structure 21 to enable opening of the barrier 15. Thus, in this embodiment, the outer portion 24 comprises the rotatable portion 25, such that rotation of the rotatable portion causes a rotational mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure 21 only when the electronic lock 12 is unlocked.

[0042] At a general level, the lock core portion 20 is thus configured to mechanically interact with the mechanical lock structure 21, and the lock core portion 20 is configured to be located within the recess 22 when the electronic lock 12 is installed. In contrast, the outer portion 24 is configured to be located outside the recess 22 when the electronic lock 12 is installed.

[0043] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a key interface of the electronic lock 12. As set out above, the electronic lock 12 comprises both a wireless key interface 30 and a physical key interface 32. Figures 1-2

[0044] The wireless key interface 30 enables the electronic lock 12 to receive power from and communicate with the electronic key 2.

[0045] The physical key interface 32 comprises a socket comprising a lock connector, enabling a direct physical connection between the lock connector and a corresponding key connector of the electronic key 2, see Figure 8 and the corresponding description below for more details. The physical key interface 32 enables the electronic lock 12 to receive power from and communicate with the electronic key 2.

[0046] By providing two interfaces, the electronic lock 12 supports both electronic keys 2 based on wireless communication with the electronic lock 12, and electronic keys 2 based on a physical conductive interface with the electronic lock 12.

[0047] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of the wireless key interface 30 of the electronic lock 12. 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, such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or the like. Figure 6

[0048] is a schematic diagram illustrating the electronic key 2 in communication with the wireless key interface 30 of the electronic lock 12. The electronic key 2 comprises a loop antenna 33 for communicating with the loop antenna 31 of the electronic lock 12. Figure 8 Figure 6 ​​A schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between the physical key interfaces 32 of the electronic lock 12. The electronic key 2 includes key connectors 35a to 35b disposed on a contact piece 13. Key connectors 35a to 35b are electrically insulated from each other. One of the key connectors may be electrically connected to or form part of the contact piece 13. The physical key interface 32 of the electronic lock 12 includes a socket 33 having 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 into the socket 33, the first lock connector 34a is directly physically (and electrically) connected to the first key connector 35a. Similarly, the second lock connector 34b is positioned such that when the electronic key 2 is inserted into the socket 33, the second lock connector 34b is directly physically (and electrically) connected to the second key connector 35b.

[0049] This arrangement provides a two-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 into the slot 33 of the physical key interface 32. The two-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 power from the power supply of the electronic key 2 to the electronic lock 12. Alternatively, a separate connector (not shown) may be provided for powering the electronic lock 12 and for communication between the electronic key 2 and the electronic lock 12.

[0050] The rotation of the electronic key 2 inside the slot 33 will only cause a rotational mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure 21 when the electronic lock 12 is unlocked.

[0051] Optionally, the physical key interface 32 is located within the external portion 24. This prevents any physical interface between the lock cylinder portion 20 and the outside world, thereby reducing the risk of an attacker physically manipulating the interior of the lock cylinder portion 20 to attempt to gain unauthorized access to the confined physical space 16.

[0052] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the placement of the socket in the electronic lock 12 relative to the loop antenna 31 of the outer portion 24. The loop antenna 31 is positioned close to the edge of the outer portion 24 to improve antenna efficiency in a given space. The socket 33 is located inside the loop of the loop antenna 31, where there is available space. This arrangement is space-efficient while providing a larger loop antenna for improved antenna efficiency.

[0053] Figure 10 It is shown Figures 1-2 A schematic diagram of the components of the electronic lock 12, including the external part 24 and the lock cylinder part 20.

[0054] The lock cylinder portion 20 comprises an access controller 36. The access controller 36 is configured to grant access to authorized electronic keys 2 based on communication between the electronic lock 12 and the electronic key 2 through either of the wireless key interface 30 and the physical key interface 32. The access controller 36 is configured to enable interaction with the mechanical lock structure 21 using the lock cylinder portion 20 based on granting access. In one embodiment, the access controller 36 is provided in the lock cylinder portion 20 inside the recess 22, thereby providing improved protection against physical tampering by an attacker.

[0055] Optionally, the electronic lock 12 comprises a first motor 40. In this case, the access controller 36 is configured to activate the first motor 40 when the access controller 36 decides to grant access to enable mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure 21 based on granting access. In other words, the first motor 40 can connect or disconnect the connection between the rotatable member and the mechanical lock structure 21, e.g. by retracting or extending one or more pins. In one embodiment, the first motor 40 is provided in the lock cylinder portion 20. It is safer to provide the first motor 40 in the lock cylinder portion 20 since the lock cylinder portion 20 is more physically protected from physical attacks and the first motor 40 implements the granted access.

[0056] The outer portion 24 optionally comprises a power controller 38 configured to control the transmission of power received through the wireless key interface 30 and / or the physical key interface 32 to the access controller 36. Thereby, the power controller 38 routes power from the used key interface, whether it is the wireless key interface 30 or the physical key interface 32, to power the access controller 36.

[0057] Since the power controller does not directly participate in the access decision, the power controller 38 can be provided in the outer portion 24 to save space in the lock cylinder portion 20, where the available space is defined by the recess 22 into which the outer portion 24 should fit.

[0058] Optionally, the electronic lock 12 comprises a second motor 42. In this case, the access controller 36 is configured to activate the second motor 42 to perform a rotational mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure 21 based on granting access. To allow opening the door, a mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure 21 is also required. Therefore, access to the second motor 42 is not sufficient to unlock the electronic lock 12.

[0059] In one embodiment, the second motor 42 is provided in the outer portion 24. Since access to the second motor 42 does not compromise the electronic lock 12 itself, the second motor 42 can be provided in the outer portion 24 to save space in the lock cylinder portion 20, where the available space is defined by the recess 22 into which the outer portion 24 should fit.

[0060] Aspects of the disclosure have been described above primarily with reference to several embodiments. However, as is readily understood by those skilled in the art, other embodiments, in addition to those described, are equally possible within the scope of the application, as defined by the appended claims. Thus, although various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit the true scope of the application, which is indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electronic lock (12), comprising: a lock cylinder portion (20) configured to mechanically interact with a mechanical lock structure (21), wherein the lock cylinder portion (20) is configured to be located within a recess (22) when the electronic lock (12) is installed; an exterior portion (24) configured to be located outside the recess (22) when the electronic lock (12) is installed; a wireless key interface (30) comprising a loop antenna (31) disposed in the exterior portion (24), the wireless key interface (30) enabling the electronic lock (12) to receive power from and communicate with an electronic key (2); a physical key interface (32) comprising a socket (33) comprising lock connectors (34a-b) enabling direct physical connection between the lock connectors (34a-b) and corresponding key connectors (35a-b) of the electronic key (2), wherein the physical key interface (32) enables the electronic lock (12) to receive power from and communicate with the electronic key (2), wherein the socket (33) is disposed inside a loop of the loop antenna (31); and an access controller (36) configured to grant access to an authorized electronic key (2) based on communication between the electronic lock (12) and the electronic key (2) through either of the wireless key interface (30) and the physical key interface (32), and wherein the access controller (36) is configured to enable interaction with the mechanical lock structure (21) using the lock cylinder portion (20) based on granting access.

2. The electronic lock (12) of claim 1, further comprising a power controller (38) configured to control transmission of power received through the wireless key interface (30) and / or the physical key interface (32) to the access controller (36), wherein, The power controller (38) is disposed in the exterior portion.

3. The electronic lock (12) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The access controller (36) is disposed in the lock cylinder portion (20).

4. The electronic lock (12) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein The exterior portion (24) comprises a rotatable portion (25) such that rotation of the rotatable portion causes rotational mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure (21) only when the electronic lock (12) is unlocked.

5. The electronic lock (12) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, Rotation of the electronic key (2) within the socket (33) causes rotational mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure (21) only when the electronic lock (12) is unlocked.

6. The electronic lock (12) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein The physical key interface (32) is disposed within the exterior portion (24).

7. The electronic lock (12) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a first electric motor (40), wherein, The access controller (36) is configured to activate the first motor (40) to enable mechanical interaction with the mechanical lock structure (21) based on granting access.

8. The electronic lock (12) of claim 7, wherein, The first motor (40) is disposed in the lock cylinder portion (20).

9. The electronic lock (12) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a second electric motor (42), wherein, 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.

10. The electronic lock (12) of claim 9, wherein, The second motor (42) is disposed in the exterior portion (24).

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