ELECTRONIC LOCKING SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electronic locking system with at least one electronic locking mechanism and a master element having a power source and an electrical circuit, as well as a passive transponder for controlling the electronic locking mechanism, wherein transmission paths for exchanging data and electrical energy are formed between the electrical circuit and the passive transponder and between the electrical circuit and the electronic locking mechanism, wherein the passive transponder is integrated in the master element, the passive transponder and the electronic locking mechanism are simultaneously supplied with energy via the transmission paths, and the electrical circuit functions as a bidirectional modulation converter,which converts an input signal with one modulation scheme into an output signal with a different modulation scheme and thus enables direct communication between the integrated passive transponder and the electronic locking mechanism, wherein the electronic locking system has at least one additional passive transponder arranged in a passive identification element, the master element has an interface for connection to the additional passive transponder, and wherein the electrical circuit enables direct communication between the additional passive transponder and the locking mechanism.

[0002] A lock with an energy storage device is known from WO 2005 / 054609 A1. In this lock, a wireless connection is stimulated and supplied with power by an external energy source. The lock is then activated, and the opening or closing process is initiated. This process is powered by a dedicated energy source within the lock. This is intended to avoid periodic pooling of transponders in the surrounding area.

[0003] Such an electronic locking system is known, for example, from EP 2 905 752 A2. In this locking system, the portable transponder is arranged as a passive key without its own power source, and the locking mechanism is located in a locking cylinder with its own power source. The master element is designed as a so-called active key with an integrated power source. One of the master element's interfaces is designed for the passive, externally stimulated output of data, and a second interface is designed for the active exchange of data with the locking mechanism. In the event of a power failure of the locking mechanism, the locking mechanism can be supplied with electrical power from the master element's power source. However, controlling the locking mechanism requires a locking authorization contained in the master element's integrated memory. Direct control of the locking mechanism with the locking authorization of the portable transponder is not possible.Storing a locking authorization in the memory of the master element represents an additional security risk.

[0004] EP 3 300 036 A1 discloses a locking system in which locking authorizations from a fixed database are transferred to an active key via a mobile computer. The active key can then transfer the locking authorizations to the locking mechanism without a data connection to the database. For this purpose, the active key has an energy storage device to supply the locking mechanism with electrical power. The locking system can then be locked with passive keys.

[0005] A disadvantage of the known state of the art, however, is that if the power supply of the portable transponder or the locking mechanism fails, the data from the portable transponder cannot be used directly to control the locking mechanism. If an active key is used to control the locking mechanism according to the state of the art, it must ensure the power supply to the locking mechanism and contain all the data required to control it in a memory.

[0006] The invention is based on the problem of developing an electronic locking system of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that communication between two passive elements is possible without intermediate storage.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention in that the master element has two antennas for simultaneously exciting the electronic locking mechanism and the passive identification means, wherein in one operating mode the integrated passive transponder of the master element is inoperative and the electronic locking mechanism is closed with the data of the passive identification means.

[0008] This design allows the master element to utilize a passive electronic locking mechanism with a passive transponder. This avoids buffering access authorization in the master element's memory. This makes querying locking authorization more secure and faster. When transmitting signals between the passive transponder and the locking mechanism, while simultaneously supplying both components with electrical power via the master element, the problem arises that the data cannot be received and transmitted using the same modulation type. For example, the passive transponder and the locking mechanism can only transmit their data using load modulation in order to simultaneously receive power via this communication channel.However, the data can only be received in a different modulation, such as amplitude shift keying (ASK) modulation. This problem is solved by modulation conversion of the electrical circuit. This means that the locking system can be operated using the master element without an additional power supply. This is particularly advantageous in the event of unexpected power failures to an electronic locking mechanism. The simultaneous power supply to the passive transponder and the passive locking mechanism ensures that there is no need to temporarily store the locking authorization in order to operate the locking mechanism, even in the event of a power source failure. Furthermore, the master element can also be used as a passive identification device if the locking mechanism's power supply is intact.In this case, the integrated passive transponder can draw its power from the locking mechanism and operates in a so-called card emulation mode (CEM). The functionality of the electronic locking system can be increased because the locking system has at least one additional passive transponder located in a passive identification element. The passive identification element can, for example, be designed as a passive user key for the electronic locking system. In principle, however, other passive identification elements, such as identification cards, are also conceivable. By using additional transponders, the locking system can be operated by multiple people with different access authorizations.Furthermore, the functionality of the electronic locking system in general, and of the master element in particular, can be increased if the master element has an interface for connecting to the additional passive transponder. This connection is advantageously established via RFID. This allows various additional transponders to be easily connected to the master element, eliminating the additional effort required to establish a plug-in connection. Consequently, the interface includes an antenna for establishing an RFID connection with an additional passive transponder. Furthermore, the entire electronic locking system can be conveniently operated even in the event of a power failure, because the electrical circuit enables direct communication between the additional passive transponder and the locking mechanism.This enhancement allows the additional passive transponder, which, for example, contains the locking authorization for an electronic locking mechanism affected by a power source failure, to communicate directly with the locking mechanism via the master element and transmit its locking authorization. This communication is analogous to the communication of the integrated passive transponder. This avoids intermediate storage of the locking authorizations, making the entire communication process more secure and faster. Furthermore, this enhancement eliminates the need to transfer locking authorization for the locking mechanism to be activated to the integrated passive transponder, which minimizes the administrative effort in such a case.

[0009] According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the master element can be manufactured cost-effectively if the electrical circuit is designed as an integrated circuit. This design allows for good control of the process conditions during production, and the production itself is easy to automate.

[0010] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the master element can be operated particularly energy-efficiently if the electrical circuit is implemented as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Such a circuit is designed precisely for its assigned task and thus, for example, has little to no redundancies, which could lead to additional costs in both production and operation of the circuit.

[0011] Furthermore, according to an advantageous development of the invention, the master element can be designed particularly variably if the electrical circuit is implemented as a field programmable gate array (FPGA). This embodiment allows the electrical circuit to be programmed for other tasks even as an integrated circuit, or programming modifications can be made to the electrical circuit depending on changing requirements. For example, the various modulation schemes that the electrical circuit converts into one another can be changed retrospectively.

[0012] The passive transponder can be integrated into the master element particularly easily if the transmission path between the electrical circuit and the integrated passive transponder is based on RFID technology.

[0013] The passive transponder can be integrated into the master element particularly reliably and tamper-proof if the transmission path between the electrical circuit and the passive transponder is a direct electrical connection. This direct electrical connection eliminates the need for an RFID field for communication between the transponder and the electrical circuit, which could potentially be intercepted via an external radio connection. The direct electrical connection can be established, for example, via a cable connection.

[0014] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the locking system is particularly convenient to operate if the transmission path between the electrical circuit and the locking mechanism is based on RFID technology. This eliminates the need for a direct electrical connection between the portable master element and the usually stationary locking mechanism, simplifying handling. Furthermore, several types of locking mechanisms can be addressed via RFID communication. Thus, both electronic locking mechanisms designed as locking cylinders can communicate with the master element via RFID, as can electronic locking mechanisms designed, for example, in the form of a simple RFID card reader.

[0015] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the electronic locking system can be managed with as little effort as possible if the master element has a non-volatile memory for programming commands. This allows programming commands for assigning access authorizations to be stored in the master element's memory. This allows the master element to be used as a programming unit for the locking system. An additional mobile programming unit that communicates with the locking mechanisms and identification devices, or a networking of the locking system with a central programming unit, is therefore not necessarily required.

[0016] According to an advantageous further development, the functionality of the locking system can be increased if the electronic locking system contains at least one passive identification element which has an additional passive transponder arranged in the passive identification element.

[0017] The invention permits numerous embodiments. To further clarify its basic principle, one of them is shown in the drawing and is described below. This shows in Fig. 1aComponents of an electronic locking system in normal operation, Fig. 1bthe components of Figure 1a in case of failure of a power source, Fig. 2 schematically shows the interaction of essential components of the electronic locking system Figure 1b .

[0018] Figure 1ashows a locking system with, for example, an electronic locking mechanism 2, which is designed as a locking cylinder, and a passive identification element 9, designed as a key. The locking system also has a master element 1 in the shape of a key. The electronic locking mechanism 2 has a locking unit 12 with a control unit 22, an antenna 21, and a power source 24. The control unit 22 is connected to an electronic memory 23 for locking authorizations. A passive transponder 8 is arranged in the passive identification means 9 and connected to an antenna 24. The master element 1 has a power source 3 and an electrical circuit 4 and has an integrated passive transponder 5. Furthermore, the master element 1 has two antennas 25, 26, with the antenna 26 being assigned to the interface 10. The antennas 25, 26 are used to transmit power and data.Furthermore, an electronic memory 11 is arranged in the master element 1.

[0019] Because the electronic locking mechanism 2 has its own energy source 24, it can be controlled directly with the passive identification medium 9 in an operating mode corresponding to normal operation. Data is exchanged between the passive transponder 8 of the passive identification medium 9 and the control unit 22 in the electronic locking mechanism 2, and if locking authorization is present, the locking unit 12 is unlocked. Likewise, the integrated transponder 5 of the master element 1 can interact with the electronic locking mechanism 2 to control the locking unit 12. In this case, the master element 1 operates in a so-called card emulation mode. This allows the electronic locking mechanism 2 to be controlled with both the master element 1 and the passive identification means 9 if locking authorization is present. The power storage unit 3 and the interface 10 of the master element 1 are Figure 1a The use shown is inoperative. In this mode, the electrical circuit 4 forwards the signals it receives on both sides to the electronic locking mechanism 2 and the passive transponder 5 without changing the signal modulation schemes. In this operating mode, the master element 1 behaves like the passive identification means 9. The data exchange options are indicated by a double arrow. The direction of generation of an RF field for transmitting energy toward the passive identification means 9 or the master element 1 is indicated by a single arrow.

[0020] However, if the electronic locking mechanism 2's own energy source 24 fails, the electronic locking mechanism 2 behaves like a passive component. The operating mode corresponding to this operation is shown in Figure 1bshown. In this state, the now passive electronic locking mechanism 2 cannot be directly controlled by the passive identification means 9 because neither component can provide the energy to generate the RF field. However, the master element 1, with its own power source 3 and the two antennas 25, 26, enables the simultaneous excitation of the electronic locking mechanism 2 and the passive identification means 9. The directions of energy transmission are marked with single arrows. Furthermore, the electrical circuit 4 in the master element 1 enables the exchange of data, marked with a double arrow, between the passive transponder 8 of the passive identification means 9 and the electronic locking mechanism 2. In this operating mode, the integrated passive transponder 5 of the master element 1 is inoperative, and the electronic locking mechanism 2 is closed using the data from the passive identification means 9.In this operating mode, the master element 1 serves exclusively as a power source and for transmitting data between the passive identification means 9 and the electronic locking mechanism 2. To transmit the data, the electrical circuit 4 converts the modulation schemes of the signals received on both sides, because both the passive identification means 9 and the now passive electronic locking mechanism 2 can only transmit data via load modulation in order to receive energy via this modulation. On the other hand, the passive elements can only receive data via a different modulation scheme, based, for example, on amplitude modulation. The modulation scheme used in the illustrated embodiment of the invention is amplitude shift keying (ASK) modulation.

[0021] If the integrated passive transponder 5 of the master element 1 has the locking authorization for the electronic locking mechanism 2 to be actuated, the integrated passive transponder 5 can directly assume the role of the passive transponder 8 of the passive identification device 9 in the communication. This operating mode is similar to the one described above, except that the locking authorization of the transponder 5 in the master element 1 is used directly instead of an additional transponder 8.

[0022] In another operating mode not shown, the master element 1 can be used as a programming unit for the electronic locking mechanism 2. In this operating mode, the master element 1 transfers the programming commands for assigning access authorizations from its memory 11 to the memory 24 of the electronic locking mechanism 2. Preferably, in this operating mode, the master element 1 is supplied with electrical energy by the electronic locking mechanism 2.

[0023] Figure 2 shows the interaction of the components of the locking system in the locking operation in the case that the electronic locking mechanism 2 does not have its own, intact energy source 24 and in the case that the electronic locking mechanism 2 has its own, intact energy source 24. The direction of an energy supply is determined analogously to Figure 1a and Figure 1b, indicated by large arrows. The transmission of data or signals is illustrated by dashed arrows. The case with an existing, intact energy source 24 is shown with dashed arrows and the case without an intact energy source 24 is shown with solid arrows. It can be seen that the master element 1 in the electrical circuit 4 has an alternating element 13 and individual modulation and encoder units 15, 18, 19 as well as individual demodulation and decoder units 16, 17, 20. The alternating element 13 has a connection to each modulation and encoder unit 15, 18, 19 as well as to each demodulation and decoder unit 16, 17, 20. On the locking mechanism side, the two outputs of the demodulation and decoder units 16, 17 and the two inputs of the modulation and encoder units 18, 19 are connected to the changeover element 13.On the transponder side, the input of the modulation and encoder unit 15 is connected to the switching element 13, as is the output of the demodulation and decoder unit 20. The switching element also contains a switch 14. The modulation and encoder units 15, 18, 19 modulate and encode an incoming signal at their input, thus ensuring that the subsequent receiver receives the signal in a suitable modulation scheme and furthermore ensuring secure and as efficient data transmission as possible. The demodulation and decoder units 16, 17, 20 receive a signal with the appropriate modulation and encoding at their input and convert it into a signal that is forwarded to the corresponding modulation and encoder units 15, 18, 19 for further modulation and encoding.The modulation and encoder unit 15 has a transponder-side output and thus forwards data either to the integrated transponder 5 or the additional transponder 8. Since these transponders are always passive elements, they receive data in a modulation scheme that is not load modulation. In this exemplary embodiment, the signals from the modulation and encoder unit 15 are ASK-modulated. The demodulation and decoder unit 20 has a transponder-side input and is therefore used to demodulate a load-modulated signal. By actuating the switch 14 in the changeover element 13, the transponder-side units 15, 20 are each connected to one of two possible locking mechanism-side units 16, 17, 18, 19. In this case, one modulation and encoder unit is connected to one demodulation and decoder unit.The demodulation and decoder unit 16 is used when the electronic locking mechanism 2 does not have its own intact power source 24 and receives a signal from it. Thus, this unit 16 must demodulate a load-modulated signal. The demodulation and decoder unit 17, on the other hand, is used when the electronic locking mechanism 2 has its own intact power source 24. In this case, the electronic locking mechanism 2 transmits its signal in ASK modulation, which is demodulated by the unit 17. The modulation and encoder unit 18 is supplied with a signal by the switching element 13 when the electronic locking mechanism does not have its own intact power source 24. Thus, the unit 18 must provide an ASK-modulated signal so that the electronic locking mechanism can be supplied with power during data exchange.

[0024] The modulation and encoder unit 19, however, is used when the electronic locking mechanism 2 has its own intact power source 24. In this case, the electronic locking mechanism 2 provides the power for communication and therefore receives a load modulation provided by the modulation and encoder unit 19. Depending on the operating mode, the transponder-side modulation and encoder unit 15 is connected to one of the locking mechanism-side demodulation and decoder units 16, 17 via the switching element 13, and the transponder-side demodulation and decoder unit 20 is connected to one of the locking mechanism-side modulation and encoder units 18, 19. In the illustrated embodiment, the switch 14 and thus the switching element 13 are in a setting intended to ensure the power supply of the electronic locking mechanism 2 via the master element 1.Furthermore, two transmission paths 6, 7 are shown. The transmission path 6 is arranged between the integrated passive transponder 5 and the electrical circuit 4. Furthermore, the transmission path 6 forms a connection between the interface 10, which is arranged in the master element 1, and the electrical circuit 4. The interface 10 has the antenna 26, which is used for communication with the passive identification means 9. In the embodiment shown, the transmission path 6 is a direct electrical connection, which can be established via cable, for example. The transmission path 7 connects the master element 1 to the electronic locking mechanism 2. In the embodiment shown, the transmission path 7 is implemented using RFID technology. The antennas 21, 25, which are necessary for this RFID-based transmission path, are shown in . Figure 2Not explicitly shown for clarity. Both transmission paths 6 and 7 enable the transmission of data and power. A non-volatile memory 11 is also installed in the master element 1. This can store programming commands or event logs, for example, of locking events.

Claims

1. Electronic locking system comprising at least one electronic locking mechanism (2), a master element (1) having a power supply (3) and an electrical circuit (4), and a passive transponder (5) for actuating the electronic locking mechanism (2), with transmission paths (6, 7) for exchanging data and electrical power being formed in each case between the electrical circuit (4) and the passive transponder (5) and between the electrical circuit (4) and the electronic locking mechanism (2), the passive transponder (5) being integrated in the master element (1), the passive transponder (5) and the electronic locking mechanism (2) being simultaneously supplied with power via the transmission paths, and the electrical circuit (4) functioning as a bidirectional modulation converter which converts an input signal having one modulation scheme into an output signal having a different modulation scheme and thus enables direct communication between the integrated passive transponder (5) and the electronic locking mechanism (2), the electronic locking system comprising at least one additional passive transponder (8) which is arranged in a passive identification element (9), the master element (1) comprising an interface (10) for connection to the additional passive transponder (8), and the electrical circuit (4) enabling direct communication between the additional passive transponder (8) and the locking mechanism (2), characterized in that the master element (1) has two antennas (25, 26) for simultaneously exciting the electronic locking mechanism (2) and the passive identification means (9), wherein, in one operating mode, the integrated passive transponder (8) of the master element (1) is inoperative and the electronic locking mechanism (2) is locked with the data of the passive identification means (9).

2. Electronic locking system according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical circuit (5) is designed as an integrated circuit.

3. Electronic locking system according to either of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the electrical circuit (4) is designed as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

4. Electronic locking system according to either of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the electrical circuit (4) is designed as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).

5. Electronic locking system according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transmission path (6) between the electrical circuit (4) and the integrated passive transponder (5) is based on RFID technology.

6. Electronic locking system according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transmission path (6) between the electrical circuit (4) and the passive transponder (5) is a direct electrical connection.

7. Electronic locking system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission path (7) between the electrical circuit (5) and the locking mechanism (2) is based on RFID technology.

8. Electronic locking system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the master element (1) comprises a non-volatile memory (11) for programming commands.