Locking system for a building door

Abstract

Method for operating a locking system for a building door (1), with at least - a locking device, - a control unit (3), with a receiver for receiving an opening signal via radio, - a communication unit (5) arranged within range of the controller (3) as a network server, which is integrated into a local radio network and which also has a transmitter for transmitting an opening signal (6) by radio to the receiver of the controller (3) and - at least one terminal device (7) operating as a network client, which is stored as authorized in the communication unit (5), wherein an actuating device (10) is provided in the area of ​​the building door with a transmitter for transmitting an actuating signal (11) to the control unit (3) or to the communication unit (5), wherein the actuating device (10) is designed as a push button, touch sensor or non-contact sensor, wherein the control (3) actuates the locking device if an actuation signal (11, 8) generated by the actuating device is transmitted to the control (3) or the communication unit (5) while at least one authorized terminal device (7) is registered in the communication unit (5).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a locking system for a building door, with at least - a locking device, e.g. a motor-operated lock, - a control unit with a receiver for receiving an opening signal via radio, - a communication unit arranged within the range of the control unit as a network server, which is integrated into a local radio network and which also has a transmitter for transmitting an opening signal by radio to the receiver of the control unit and - at least one terminal device operating as a network client (e.g. smartphone or the like), which is stored as authorized in the communication unit.

[0002] In the context of the invention, a locking system means in particular a door locking system for a security-relevant door, e.g. an entrance door of a single-family home or apartment building or also of a commercial or public building. Such a door locking system has at least one locking mechanism for locking and unlocking the door. In addition to or as an alternative to the provided mechanical access control system (in particular keys), other identification devices (finger scanning devices, transponders, radio keys or the like) are often provided in practice, so that the locking system can be opened by authorized persons even without a mechanical key. For this purpose, the lock (which can be designed, for example, as a multi-point locking system) is motor-operated, so that, for example, a (separate) motor unit can be provided with which at least one unlocking of the lock (and possibly also locking) is possible.The control unit can be integrated into the lock or the motor unit. Preferably, it is a separate control unit, which can be located in the door leaf or the door frame and controlled by a cable or wirelessly in the motor (e.g., for unlocking the lock). The control unit can store the various electronic keys with access authorization (e.g., radio handheld transmitters, transponders, or even authorized users of a fingerprint scanner).

[0003] The functionality of such a locking system is increased by the fact that a communication unit is provided as a network server, which acts as an additional electronic key and is stored in the control system as "authorized access" - just like other electronic keys. Such a communication unit is marketed by Carl Fuhr GmbH & Co. KG under the name "SmartConnect". Several end devices (e.g. smartphones) can be registered in this communication unit using an intuitive app, so that communication takes place via a wireless network (particularly WLAN) with the communication unit (SmartConnect). For example, an opening command can be transmitted to the communication unit via the smartphone, with the communication unit then transmitting an opening signal (radio-frequency) to the control system.The communication unit can be provided in a separate housing with a power supply and mains plug. It is plugged into a power socket near the door (inside), for example, within the building and "taught" in the control system. The door can then be unlocked, for example, using a smartphone, with the smartphone communicating either via Wi-Fi with the communication unit or, if necessary, via the internet and the local Wi-Fi network. In this way, a large number of users can be managed very easily, with only a single communication unit needing to be taught in the (conventional) control system. At the same time, it is still possible to unlock the lock using conventional radio keys (e.g., radio handheld transmitters, transponders, or the like), which are taught in the control system.This well-known system based on the "Fuhr-SmartConnect" has proven itself extremely effective in practice, but it still has potential for further development. This is where the invention comes in.

[0004] Furthermore, DE 10 2010 056 352 A1 discloses a conventional locking system based on transponder technology. A touch sensor is mounted on the door or a door leaf, which generates a touch signal when touched by a person. After checking and verifying the transponder signal in an evaluation unit, an unlocking signal is only transmitted to the motor unit if a touch signal is also generated. This is intended to enable easy-to-use keyless entry door opening.

[0005] Further prior art can be found in DE 10 2014 106 364 A1, DE 10 2010 056 352 A1 and DE 699 13 607 T2.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of creating a locking system for a building door of the type described above, which is characterized by increased ease of operation and use.

[0007] To achieve this object, the invention teaches that, in a generic locking system for a building door of the type described above, the locking device can be actuated with the control, e.g. the lock can be unlocked, by or after an authorized terminal device has been registered in the communication unit. According to the invention, a keyless entry system based on a basically known radio network communication unit (e.g. SmartConnect) is therefore provided. The unlocking of the lock or the actuation / release of the locking device takes place in the sense of "keyless entry" due to the automatic establishment of a network connection and consequently a registration of the terminal device in the communication unit. The invention is based on the knowledge that network connections in the known devices are generally automatically re-established after the initial setup as soon as the terminal device is within range in the network.In practice, this means that a terminal device (e.g. a smartphone) automatically reconnects to the communication unit (e.g. SmartConnect) and thus “registers” when its network is within range.

[0008] The communication unit is therefore able to detect that a specific device, e.g., a smartphone belonging to an authorized user, has logged on to the network (again). The communication unit can then link this event to an automatic action and, consequently, open or unlock the door lock in a "keyless entry" manner.

[0009] This can be implemented very simply and user-friendly in such a way that the control unit unlocks the lock after an authorized end device has been registered in the communication unit (and is therefore connected to it), without any further active action having to be taken with the end device.

[0010] Therefore, it is not necessary for the terminal device to transmit a separate opening command to the communication unit. Opening can occur automatically as soon as the terminal device is (re)registered in the network.

[0011] In the context of the invention, registration of the terminal device in the network means that a terminal device that is fundamentally stored as authorized in the communication unit is integrated into the network and consequently connected to the communication unit.

[0012] Even if it is fundamentally possible and very simple for the lock to be unlocked immediately without any further action by the user when the end device is registered in the communication unit (e.g. SmartConnect), it is nevertheless possible to design this process in two stages to increase security. The invention proposes that the lock can be unlocked with the control unit (only) if an actuation signal is transmitted to the control unit or the communication unit while at least one authorized end device is registered in the communication unit. In this two-stage embodiment of the invention, the lock is therefore only unlocked when, on the one hand, the end device (e.g. smartphone) has registered in the WLAN network and, on the other hand, the user performs a specific action, e.g. touches a handle on the door.For example, an actuating device can be provided in the area of ​​the building door, which has a transmitter for transmitting an actuating signal to the control system or to the communication unit. This actuating device can be a button, a touch sensor, a contactless sensor, or even an identification unit with identification query. Alternatively, the identification of a movement pattern or camera image is also possible to generate an actuating signal. Such an actuating signal, which is linked to the registration of the end device in the communication unit to open the lock, can alternatively also be generated by querying the location (e.g. of the end device) or a specific gesture with the end device. Corresponding options can be selected in the app installed on the end device for controlling the communication unit.

[0013] The communications unit forms a network server that communicates with actuators and sensors and prepares information for communication over an IP network (gateway). All relevant information is stored in the communications unit. The information contained in the communications unit is displayed and manipulated by authorized users on the end device, which acts as a network client. These "clients" are end devices with a visual display and / or corresponding input options. It can be a mobile phone, in particular a smartphone, or a tablet with a touch display or even a PDA. Alternatively, a computer, e.g. a workstation PC, a laptop or a notebook (with a browser) can be used. Communication between server and client takes place, for example, via the TCP / IP protocol, preferably via WLAN and expediently encrypted.Storing data on the Internet (in a cloud) is not necessary.

[0014] The local wireless network is preferably designed as a WLAN according to the IEEE 820.11 standard, which operates at frequencies from 2 GHz to 6 GHz. The end devices communicate with the communication unit via this local wireless network. Communication between the communication unit and the control system takes place - as with conventional radio keys - via radio, e.g. at a frequency between 500 MHz and 1000 MHz, e.g. 868.3 MHz. Accordingly, communication between the actuating device and the control system and between the actuating device and the communication unit can also take place via radio. The communication unit itself can communicate with the end device as a WLAN access point without an "existing" WLAN having to be available. The user can use the end device to connect the end device to the communication unit in the WLAN settings and then access it without restrictions via the app.This allows for quick and easy use without an existing Wi-Fi network. Alternatively, the communication unit can also be integrated into an existing Wi-Fi network with an access point / router.

[0015] The invention also relates to a method for operating such a locking system for a building door. This method is characterized in that the controller actuates the locking device, e.g., unlocks the lock, after an authorized terminal device is registered in the communication unit. Unlocking can occur immediately when the terminal device is registered in the communication unit, i.e., when the terminal device comes within range of the wireless network, without requiring any further action by a user to unlock.

[0016] According to the invention, the control unit unlocks the lock (only) when an actuation signal is transmitted to the control unit or the communication unit while at least one authorized terminal device is registered in the communication unit. The actuation signal can be generated, for example, with a separate actuation device, e.g., the sensor described above. Alternatively, however, an actuation signal can also be generated with the terminal device. In this respect, a two-stage process can also be implemented.

[0017] To increase security, it is optionally possible to set a time frame for the aforementioned embodiments. For example, the invention proposes that the control system only unlocks the lock if the actuation signal is generated within a predefined time window after the end device has registered on the network. Such a time window can, for example, be selected using the end device and saved in the communication unit. For example, it is possible for the door to only be unlocked if, after the end device has registered on the WLAN, the handle is touched or a similar action is carried out within 30 seconds. Further restrictions can be implemented, such as specifying certain times of day or limiting this convenience function to only being carried out once per day. For example, it is also possible to block access for a certain time interval if access has previously been granted. Such a time restriction can, for example,For example, this can be useful in locking systems for certain security areas, so that after a person has entered, access is only possible again after a certain time interval has elapsed. Overall, such measures can provide additional security for functionality. The described sequence can also be reversed. This allows the control system to only unlock the lock if the end device is logged on within a specified time window after the activation signal is generated / transmitted.

[0018] The invention has been explained by way of example using a preferred embodiment in which the locking system has a motor-operated lock as the locking device, which can be or is unlocked via the control system. This means that the control system transmits a corresponding command or signal to unlock the lock to the lock or to the motor. However, the invention also encompasses locking systems with other electrical or electronic locking devices, e.g. with an electronic locking cylinder or an electrical or electronic fitting. In such a case, the control system can actuate this locking device, for example by releasing the electronic locking cylinder or by releasing the door handle in the case of an electronic fitting. The above embodiments can also be implemented with such a locking system.

[0019] Optionally, visual or acoustic indicators can be provided to indicate to the user the activation / deactivation of functions. For example, the release can be indicated at the door or nearby when a device has been registered. It can also be indicated on the device when an actuation signal has been generated.

[0020] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to a drawing which merely represents an exemplary embodiment.

[0021] The single figure shows a simplified schematic of a locking system according to the invention and its mode of operation.

[0022] The figure shows a locking system for a building door 1 with a motor-driven lock 2 and a control unit 3. The motor-driven lock 2 is particularly preferably a multiple locking system with a central lock and one or more additional locking devices, which are connected to the central lock via a drive rod. The lock 2 is equipped with a motor. For this purpose, a (separate) motor unit 4 can preferably be provided, which is also connected to the central locking system and / or the additional locking devices via the drive rods. The motor unlocks the lock 2 at least once. The locking can optionally be mechanical in the sense of a self-locking mechanism (semi-motorized lock). However, the invention also includes fully motorized locks, in which both locking and unlocking are carried out via the motor. The control unit 3 can be mounted directly on the lock (e.g.on or in the motor unit). However, it can be arranged as a (separate) control 3 on the door leaf or on the door frame and, for example, be connected by cable to the lock or the motor unit 4.

[0023] The control unit 3 can store several (not shown) electronic keys (e.g., radio handheld transmitters, transponders, radio fingerprint scanners, or the like), which can be used to unlock the lock 2 (by authorized persons). For this purpose, such radio keys communicate wirelessly with the control unit by transmitting an opening signal to the control unit 3. In practice, a frequency of 868.3 MHz is used, for example. The use of such radio keys and communication with the control unit 3 are known. Details are not shown.

[0024] According to the invention, a communication unit 5 is arranged within radio range of the controller 3, which serves as a network server and is integrated into a local radio network (or provides such a local radio network as an access point). Such a communication unit 5 also has a transmitter for transmitting an opening signal 6 by radio to the receiver of the controller 3. Furthermore, the communication unit 5 preferably has a receiver for receiving radio signals, e.g. from the controller 3. Such a communication unit 5 can therefore be stored in the controller as an "authorized user" like a radio key. For this purpose, one or more end devices 7 (e.g. smartphones), which operate as network clients, can be stored in the communication unit 5 and then - provided they are within range - registered. The communication between the end device 7 and the communication unit 5 takes place via WLAN technology.Suitable application software (e.g. app) is installed in the end device 7 (e.g. smartphone), which enables simple operation and, in particular, user management. In this way, a large number of end devices 7 can be taught into the communication unit 5 and managed via the end devices 7. This allows individual uses to be defined and temporary specifications or blocking to be implemented. Security is also increased by logging operations and setting changes in a journal. The communication unit 5 is a separately provided WLAN module, which is preferably equipped with a power supply unit and is simply plugged into a power socket 9 near the door.

[0025] According to the invention, a keyless entry system is now implemented based on such a communication unit. This is because the controller 3 unlocks the lock 2 after an authorized terminal 7, which was previously registered as an authorized terminal, is logged into the communication unit 5 and thus into the radio network. Consequently, if a user approaches the building door 1 with an authorized terminal and then enters the range of the radio network, the lock 2 can be unlocked automatically without any further action being necessary.

[0026] The figure shows a preferred embodiment of the invention which operates in two stages and in which the lock 2 is therefore not unlocked as soon as the terminal device comes within range of the radio network and is thus registered, but rather requires "confirmation" through a further action. For this purpose, the illustrated embodiment provides an actuating device 10 which, in this case, is formed by the door handle or a sensor arranged on the handle. This actuating device 10 generates an actuating signal 11 which can be transmitted to the controller 3 or to the communication unit 5. In this case, the controller 3 unlocks the lock 2 only when an actuating signal is transmitted to the controller 3 or the communication unit 5 while at least one authorized terminal device 7 is registered in the communication unit 5.No active action on the terminal device 7, e.g., actively sending an opening command, is required. It is possible for the lock to open automatically when the user approaches the door with the terminal device 7, thus entering the range of the wireless network, and then touches the handle bar 10 and thus a sensor. This provides a true keyless entry system.

[0027] The actuating device 10 can optionally also be formed by a button in the area of ​​the door, another touch sensor, a contactless sensor or even an identification unit with identification query. Preferably, however, an action is required since the door is not opened anyway. In any case, such an actuating signal 11 is linked to the registration of the terminal device in the WLAN network and the door lock 2 is only unlocked if the link is successful. Optionally, an actuating signal 11, 8 can also be used for the link, which is generated with the terminal device 7, for example by requiring a specific gesture with the terminal device or by querying the location of the terminal device. In this way, security can be further increased without noticeably restricting ease of use. The various scenarios can preferably be set by the authorized user in the app.

[0028] Further optimization is possible by optionally setting a time frame for the execution of the various actions or for the presence of the aforementioned conditions. For example, it is possible for the controller 3 to only unlock the lock 2 if the actuation signal 11 (e.g., via the door handle) is generated within a predefined time window after the terminal device 7 registers. In an alternative sequence, the controller 3 can (only) unlock the lock 2 if the terminal device 7 registers within a predefined time window after the generation / transmission of the actuation signal 11.

[0029] The time window can be selected, for example, using the terminal device 7 and stored in the communication unit 5. A time window of around 30 seconds may be appropriate, for example. Further restrictions, such as specifying specific times of day or limiting this convenience function to only being executed once per day, can also be provided and, if necessary, selected on the terminal device.

[0030] The figure also shows that communication unit 5 can communicate with terminal device 7 as a WLAN access point without requiring an existing WLAN. The user can connect the terminal device to communication unit 5 in the WLAN settings and then access it without restrictions via the app. This allows for quick and easy use without an existing WLAN.

[0031] Alternatively, the figure also shows that the communication unit can be integrated into an existing WLAN with access point / router 12.

Claims

[1] Method for operating a locking system for a building door (1), with at least - a locking device, - a control unit (3) with a receiver for receiving an opening signal by radio, - a communication unit (5) arranged within the range of the control (3) as a network server, which is integrated into a local radio network and which also has a transmitter for transmitting an opening signal (6) by radio to the receiver of the control (3) and - at least one terminal (7) operating as a network client, which is stored as authorized in the communication unit (5), wherein an actuating device (10) is provided in the area of ​​the building door with a transmitter for transmitting an actuating signal (11) to the controller (3) or to the communication unit (5), wherein the actuating device (10) is designed as a button, touch sensor or contactless sensor, wherein the control unit (3) actuates the locking device if an actuation signal (11, 8) generated by the actuation device is transmitted to the control unit (3) or the communication unit (5) while at least one authorized terminal device (7) is registered in the communication unit (5). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the control (3) actuates the locking device if the actuation signal (11, 8) is generated within a predetermined time window after registration of the terminal device (7). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the control (3) actuates the locking device if the terminal (7) is registered within a predetermined time window after generation / transmission of the actuation signal (11, 8). [4] Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the locking device is designed as a motor-operated lock (2) which is unlocked by the control system. [5] Locking system for a building door (1), arranged to carry out the method according to one of claims 1 to 4.

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