Electronic lock system

Abstract

To provide an electronic lock system whose unintended locking can be grasped afterward.SOLUTION: The electronic lock system 1A includes an operation device 2 and an electronic lock 3. The operation device 2 includes a device control unit 23 that generates an unlock signal and an identification ID for identifying the operation device 2, and a first communication antenna 22 that transmits the unlock signal and the identification ID. The electronic lock 3 includes an electromotive unit that generates drive power, a second communication antenna 41 to which the drive power is supplied and which receives the unlock signal and the identification ID, an actuator 37 to which the drive power is supplied and which can unlock the lock, a lock control unit 42 that causes the actuator 37 to unlock the lock based on the unlock signal when the drive power is supplied and a master identification ID stored in advance matches the identification ID of the operation device 2 acquired via the second communication antenna 41, and a memory 44 that stores a lock log of the lock.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic lock system. [Background technology]

[0002] In environments where power sources are secured, such as automobiles and homes, electronic locks are becoming more and more popular in place of conventional physical locks. Electronic locks control locking and unlocking by verifying electronic information, reducing the risk of lock-picking that is present in conventional physical locks.

[0003] On the other hand, when an electronic lock is used outdoors or attached to a transported object, it is necessary to incorporate a battery in the electronic lock, and there is a risk that the battery will run out and the lock will become unusable. As a means of avoiding the battery running out of an electronic lock, Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic lock that is powered by electromagnetic waves output from an external mobile terminal, compares authentication information received from the mobile terminal with pre-stored authentication information, and generates an unlocking signal if the information matches, and an unlocking device that is powered by the mobile terminal and unlocks the lock in response to the unlocking signal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-94123 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the electronic lock disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not record a log when the unlocking device locks the lock. Therefore, if authentication information is intercepted and the lock is illegally unlocked, and then the lock is relocked, there is a problem that the fact that the lock has been unlocked cannot be known.

[0006] For example, as shown in Fig. 20, when a security company collects a customer's cash C etc. in cash bag B, a security guard from the security company would normally hand the unlocked electronic lock L and empty cash bag B to the customer, and the customer would put cash C etc. into cash bag B and then lock electronic lock L. The security guard would then collect the locked cash bag B. However, if the customer fraudulently unlocked electronic lock L and took out cash C etc., and then locked electronic lock L again, the security company would not be able to detect the fraudulent unlocking and relocking of electronic lock L, and so there was a risk that the security company would be suspected of fraud.

[0007] Therefore, a technical problem arises that must be solved in order to detect unintentional locking of an electronic lock after the fact, and an object of the present invention is to solve this problem. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the electronic lock system of the present invention is an electronic lock system comprising an operating device and a battery-less electronic lock that unlocks a lock based on an unlocking signal emitted from the operating device, wherein the operating device comprises a device control unit that emits the unlocking signal and an identification ID that identifies the operating device, and a first communication antenna that transmits the unlocking signal and the identification ID, and the battery-less electronic lock comprises an electromotive unit that generates driving power, a second communication antenna that receives the unlocking signal and the identification ID when the driving power is supplied, an unlocking mechanism that is capable of unlocking the lock when the driving power is supplied, a lock control unit that causes the unlocking mechanism to unlock the lock based on the unlocking signal when the driving power is supplied and a pre-stored master identification ID matches the identification ID acquired via the second communication antenna, and a memory unit that stores log information including a locking log of the lock. Effect of the Invention

[0009] The present invention makes it possible to detect unintentional locking of an electronic lock after the fact. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of an electronic lock system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of an electronic lock system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing how a battery-less electronic lock is unlocked. [Figure 4] 11 is a flowchart showing the steps for unlocking a battery-less electronic lock using an electronic lock system, from when the operating device starts transmitting power to when the operating device and the battery-less electronic lock are connected to each other. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flowchart showing the steps for unlocking a battery-less electronic lock using an electronic lock system, from when an operating device and the battery-less electronic lock are connected to each other until the battery-less electronic lock is unlocked. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing how a battery-less electronic lock is locked. [Figure 7] 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure for locking a battery-less electronic lock using an electronic lock system, from when an operating device and the battery-less electronic lock are connected to each other until the battery-less electronic lock is locked. [Figure 8] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of an electronic lock system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing how a battery-less electronic lock is locked. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart showing the steps for locking a battery-less electronic lock using an electronic lock system, from when the operating device starts transmitting power to when the shackle is pushed in and the operating device and the battery-less electronic lock are connected. [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart showing the steps of unlocking a battery-less electronic lock using an electronic lock system, from when an operating device and the battery-less electronic lock are connected to each other until the operating device notifies the user that locking has been completed. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of an electronic lock system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Schematic diagram showing the electricity generating mechanism of a battery-less electronic lock. [Figure 14] 11 is a flowchart showing the steps for unlocking a battery-less electronic lock using an electronic lock system, from the step of pressing in the generator lever while the operating device has started transmitting power until the operating device and the battery-less electronic lock are connected. [Figure 15] 11 is a flowchart showing the steps for unlocking a battery-less electronic lock using an electronic lock system, from when an operating device and the battery-less electronic lock are connected to each other until the battery-less electronic lock is unlocked. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an electronic lock and an operating device according to a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 17] 17 is a diagram showing the electronic lock of FIG. 16 fitted into the operation device, as viewed from the front side of the operation device. [Figure 18] 17A to 17C are front, rear and bottom views showing the operation device of FIG. 16. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an electronic lock and an operating device according to a modified example of the present invention, the diagram showing a state in which a part of the electronic lock is housed in the operating device, as viewed from the front side of the operating device. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a procedure for collecting cash using a cash bag equipped with an electronic lock. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] An electronic lock system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, when the number, value, amount, range, etc. of components are mentioned, the number is not limited to the specific number, and may be more or less than the specific number, unless otherwise specified or when it is clearly limited to a specific number in principle.

[0012] In addition, when referring to the shape or positional relationship of components, etc., this includes things that are substantially similar or approximate to those shapes, etc., unless otherwise specified or considered to be clearly different in principle.

[0013] In addition, the drawings may exaggerate characteristic parts to make the features easier to understand, and the dimensional ratios of the components may not be the same as the actual ones. In addition, in cross-sectional views, hatching of some components may be omitted to make the cross-sectional structure of the components easier to understand.

[0014] <First embodiment> An electronic lock system 1A according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of the electronic lock system 1A. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the electronic lock system 1A. Note that solid lines in FIG. 1 indicate the flow of signals, etc., and dashed lines in FIG. 1 indicate the flow of power, etc. The electronic lock system 1A comprises an operating device 2 and a battery-less electronic lock (hereinafter simply referred to as "electronic lock 3").

[0015] The operation device 2 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer equipped with a display device and an input device as a user interface, a communication interface, a memory, a processor, a timing mechanism, etc. The operation device 2 includes a power transmission antenna 21, a first communication antenna 22, and a device control unit 23.

[0016] The power transmitting antenna 21 is a coil antenna that radiates electromagnetic waves for wireless power supply. The electromagnetic waves are transmitted by a radio wave method or an electromagnetic induction method.

[0017] The device control unit 23 controls the operation of the operating device 2. The device control unit 23 issues various signals used to operate the electronic lock 3 and an identification ID for identifying the operating device 2, which are transmitted via the first communication antenna 22. The device control unit 23 also collates the identification ID of the electronic lock 3 received via the first communication antenna 22 and diagnoses abnormalities in the electronic lock 3. The identification ID of the device control unit 23, a master identification ID used to collate the identification ID of the electronic lock 3, and various data used to diagnose abnormalities in the electronic lock 3 are stored in the memory 24. The memory 24 stores application programs for realizing the processing of the operating device 2.

[0018] The notification unit 25 notifies the user of the device control unit 23 of an alarm by a voice message, a text message, or light emission. The battery 26 supplies driving power to the components of the operation device 2. The notification unit 25 also functions when the device control unit 23 notifies the central monitoring system 5 of information such as the normality or abnormality of the electronic lock 3 or the usage history via the network 6 described later.

[0019] The electronic lock 3 is an electronic padlock that includes a lock body 31 and a shackle 32. The shackle 32 is U-shaped and is incorporated into the lock body 31 so as to be movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The base end of the shackle 32 is biased from the inside to the outside of the lock body 31 by a first coil spring 33. The tip of the shackle 32 is located inside the lock body 31 in the locked position, and is located outside the lock body 31 in the unlocked position. The shackle 32 in the locked position is restricted from jumping out by a pin 34. A second coil spring 35 is provided on the base end side of the pin 34 to bias the pin 34 toward the tip side.

[0020] The electronic lock 3 includes an actuator 37 as an unlocking mechanism. The actuator 37 is a solenoid that moves the pin 34, which can be engaged with the notch 36 of the shackle 32, forward and backward perpendicularly to the moving direction of the shackle 32 (the vertical direction on the paper surface of FIG. 1). The actuator 37 is driven by an unlocking signal sent from a lock control unit 42 described later, and moves the pin 34 away from the notch 36 against the biasing force of the second coil spring 35. This unlocks the electronic lock 3, and the shackle 32 can be moved to the unlocked position by the first coil spring 33. When the unlocking signal sent from the lock control unit 42 stops, the actuator 37 is turned off, and the pin 34 is biased toward the tip side by the biasing force of the second coil spring 35. When the shackle 32 moves to the locked position in this state, the electronic lock 3 is locked.

[0021] The locking sensor 38 detects that the shackle 32 is in the locked position. When the locking sensor 38 transitions from a state where it does not detect the shackle 32 to a state where it detects the shackle 32, in other words, when the shackle 32 moves from the unlocked position to the locked position, the lock control unit 42 considers that the electronic lock 3 is locked, and stores the locking (locking log) in the log information in the memory 44. When the locking sensor 38 transitions from a state where it detects the shackle 32 to a state where it does not detect the shackle 32, in other words, when the shackle 32 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, the lock control unit 42 considers that the electronic lock 3 is unlocked, and stores the locking (unlocking log) in the log information in the memory 44. The unlocking sensor 39 detects whether the pin 34 is engaged with the notch 36. The unlocking sensor 39 can be omitted as appropriate.

[0022] The unlocking mechanism may be a motor or the like that moves the pin 34 forward and backward. When a motor is used as the unlocking mechanism, the motor drives the pin 34 to retract from the notch 36 in response to an unlock signal from the lock control unit 42, and drives the pin 34 to engage with the notch 36 in response to a lock signal from the lock control unit 42.

[0023] The electronic lock 3 includes a power receiving antenna 40 as a power generating unit, a second communication antenna 41, and a lock control unit .

[0024] The power receiving antenna 40 receives electromagnetic waves transmitted from the power transmitting antenna 21 of the operating device 2 and generates power to drive the electronic lock 3. The capacitor 43 accumulates the drive power generated by the power receiving antenna 40 and stably holds the drive power. The drive power is supplied from the capacitor 43 to each component of the electronic lock 3.

[0025] The lock control unit 42 controls the operation of the electronic lock 3. The lock control unit 42 checks the identification ID of the operation device 2 received via the second communication antenna 41, and controls the operation of the actuator 37 based on various signals emitted from within the electronic lock 3. The lock control unit 42 also issues an identification ID for identifying the electronic lock 3, which is transmitted via the second communication antenna 41. The master identification ID used to check the identification ID of the device control unit 23 of the operation device 2, the identification ID of the electronic lock 3, and status information indicating the status of the electronic lock 3 (unique information such as ID, the time from the start of power supply until the electronic lock 3 is started, the power storage performance, the voltage, the unlocking sensor information, the locking sensor information, the function information of the actuator 37, the log information, the total number of operations, the life expectancy prediction of the capacitor 43, the number of operations / operating time / current consumption of the actuator 37, the date and time of the occurrence of an abnormality and its contents, etc.) are stored in the memory 44. The log information stored in the memory 44 also includes at least the locking log of the electronic lock 3.

[0026] The second communication antenna 41 receives various signals and an identification ID transmitted from the first communication antenna 22 of the operating device 2. In addition, the second communication antenna 41 transmits the identification ID of the electronic lock 3 and log information of the electronic lock 3 to the first communication antenna 22. The frequency F2 of the signals etc. communicated between the first communication antenna 22 and the second communication antenna 41 is preferably set to be different from the frequency F1 of the electromagnetic waves radiated by the power transmitting antenna 21 in order to improve security.

[0027] Furthermore, when one electronic lock 3 accepts operations from multiple operation devices 2, from the viewpoint of security, the frequency F2 of signals or the like may be set to a different value for each operation device 2, or the identification ID of the operation device 2 may be changed. Alternatively, the multiple operation devices 2 may be allocated to at least two or more groups, and the frequency F2 of signals or the like may be set to a different value for each group, or the identification ID of the operation device 2 may be changed.

[0028] The operation device 2 is communicably connected to a central monitoring system 5 via a network 6. The central monitoring system 5 is, for example, a server or a personal computer. The network 6 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0029] Next, a procedure for unlocking the electronic lock 3 using the electronic lock system 1A will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0030] First, to unlock the electronic lock 3 in the locked state as shown in Fig. 3(a), an unlocking application stored in the operation device 2 is started and power supply is started (step S10). Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the unlocking application will be simply referred to as the "application".

[0031] Specifically, when a user of the operation device 2 starts an application, the power transmitting antenna 21 emits electromagnetic waves for power supply. In order to wirelessly supply power from the power transmitting antenna 21 to the power receiving antenna 40, it is necessary to bring the operation device 2 close to the electronic lock 3. Therefore, before the start of power transmission by the power transmitting antenna 21 or in parallel with power transmission by the power transmitting antenna 21, a text message urging the user to bring the operation device 2 close to the electronic lock 3 may be displayed on a display (not shown) of the operation device 2, or a similar voice message may be issued from a speaker (not shown) of the operation device 2.

[0032] Next, the power receiving antenna 40 receives the electromagnetic waves radiated from the power transmitting antenna 21 to generate driving power, and the driving power is stored in the capacitor 43 (step S11). Note that wireless power supply from the power transmitting antenna 21 to the power receiving antenna 40 is performed continuously until the operating device 2 ends the application.

[0033] When the driving power stored in the capacitor 43 is stably supplied to the devices in the electronic lock 3, the electronic lock 3 is activated (step S12). Then, the lock control unit 42 issues Advertise data, and the second communication antenna 41 transmits the Advertise data (step S13). The Advertise data includes the identification ID of the electronic lock 3.

[0034] If the operating device 2 does not receive Advertise data within a specified time after starting power supply (No in step S14), the notification unit 25 notifies the central monitoring system 5 of the time-up (step S15) and terminates the application, indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the unlocking operation of the electronic lock 3 (step S16).

[0035] If the operating device 2 receives Advertise data via the first communication antenna 22 within a specified time (Yes in step S14), the device control unit 23 compares the identification ID of the electronic lock 3 contained in the Advertise data with the master identification ID indicating the identification ID of the electronic lock 3 to be operated, which is stored in the memory 24 (step S17).

[0036] If the identification ID of the electronic lock 3 and the master identification ID do not match (No in step S17), the notification unit 25 notifies the central monitoring system 5 that the identification ID of the electronic lock 3 is not applicable along with time information (step S18), and terminates the application (step S16).

[0037] If the identification ID of the electronic lock 3 matches the master identification ID (Yes in step S17), the device control unit 23 issues a connection request to establish a communication connection between the operation device 2 and the electronic lock 3, and the first communication antenna 22 transmits the connection request (step S19). Note that the connection request includes the identification ID of the operation device 2 and time information when the operation device 2 issues the connection request.

[0038] When the electronic lock 3 receives a connection request via the second communication antenna 41 (step S20), the lock control unit 42 compares the identification ID of the operating device 2 contained in the connection request with the master identification ID indicating the identification ID of the operating device 2 that is the source of operation and stored in the memory 44 (step S21).

[0039] If the identification ID of the operating device 2 and the master identification ID do not match (No in step S21), the lock control unit 42 issues a connection refusal with the operating device 2 and transmits it to the operating device 2 via the second communication antenna 41, and then the electronic lock 3 shuts down (step S22).

[0040] If the identification ID of the operation device 2 matches the master identification ID (Yes in step S21), the lock control unit 42 issues a connection permission to the operation device 2 and transmits it to the operation device 2 via the second communication antenna 41 (step S23). At this time, the connection permission includes time information when the operation device 2 issued the connection request.

[0041] If the operating device 2 does not receive a connection yes / no within a specified time after sending a connection request (No in step S24), the notification unit 25 notifies the central monitoring system 5 of the time-out (step S25) and terminates the application, assuming that an abnormality has occurred in the unlocking operation of the electronic lock 3 (step S16).

[0042] If the operating device 2 receives a connection permission / rejection from the electronic lock 3 via the first communication antenna 22 within a predetermined time after sending a connection request (Yes in step S24), and the connection is rejected by the electronic lock 3 (No in step S26), the notification unit 25 notifies the central monitoring system 5 that the connection has been rejected by the electronic lock 3 (step S27) and terminates the application (step S16).

[0043] On the other hand, when the connection is permitted by the electronic lock 3 (Yes in step S26), the operation device 2 and the electronic lock 3 are connected (step S28).

[0044] Next, the device control unit 23 issues a status information request, and the first communication antenna 22 transmits the status information request (step S29).

[0045] When the electronic lock 3 receives the status information request via the second communication antenna 41 (step S30), the lock control unit 42 transmits the status information of the electronic lock 3 stored in the memory 44 to the operation device 2 via the second communication antenna 41 (step S31). At this time, the status information includes log information including the previous locking log, time information when the operation device 2 issued the status information request, and the like.

[0046] If the operating device 2 does not receive status information from the electronic lock 3 via the first communication antenna 22 within a specified time after sending a status information request (No in step S32), the notification unit 25 notifies the central monitoring system 5 of the time-out (step S33) and terminates the application, indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the unlocking operation of the electronic lock 3 (step S34).

[0047] On the other hand, if the operating device 2 receives status information from the electronic lock 3 via the first communication antenna 22 within a specified time after sending the status information request (Yes in step S32), the operating device 2 compares the current status information of the electronic lock 3 sent from the operating device 2 with the status information stored in the memory 24 when the electronic lock 3 is normal, and performs an abnormality diagnosis to determine whether the status of the electronic lock 3 is normal or not (step S35).

[0048] When the operation device 2 determines that the electronic lock 3 is in an abnormal state (No in step S35), the notification unit 25 notifies the central monitoring system 5 of the abnormal state of the electronic lock 3 (step S36) and ends the application (step S34). A case where the electronic lock 3 is in an abnormal state may be, for example, a case where the log information of the electronic lock 3 includes an unintended locking log.

[0049] On the other hand, if the operating device 2 determines that the electronic lock 3 is in a normal state (Yes in step S35), the device control unit 23 issues an unlock signal, and the first communication antenna 22 transmits the unlock signal (step S37).

[0050] When the electronic lock 3 receives an unlocking signal via the second communication antenna 41 (step S38), as shown in Figure 3(b), the lock control unit 42 activates the actuator 37 to move the pin 34 out of the notch 36, thereby unlocking the electronic lock 3 (step S39).

[0051] Then, when the shackle 32 is biased toward the unlocked position by the biasing force of the first coil spring 33 and the lock sensor 38 detects that the shackle 32 is not in the locked position, the lock sensor 38 sends an unlock detection signal to the lock control unit 42, and the lock control unit 42 turns off the actuator 37. In addition, the lock control unit 42 determines that the electronic lock 3 has been unlocked because the lock sensor 38 detects that the shackle 32 is not in the locked position, and stores the unlocking of the lock (unlocking log) in the log information of the memory 44. Thereafter, the lock control unit 42 transmits unlocking information indicating that the lock has been unlocked to the operating device 2 via the second communication antenna 41 (step S40).

[0052] If the operation device 2 does not receive the unlocking information within a predetermined time after transmitting the unlocking signal (No in step S41), the notification unit 25 notifies the central monitoring system 5 of the time-up (step S42) and terminates the application as an abnormality has occurred in the unlocking operation of the electronic lock 3 (step S34). This allows the central monitoring system 5 to be promptly notified of the malfunction of the unlocking operation of the electronic lock 3.

[0053] On the other hand, if the operating device 2 receives the unlocking information within a predetermined time after sending the unlocking signal (Yes in step S41), the operating device 2 notifies the central monitoring system 5 that the unlocking of the electronic lock 3 has been completed (step S43).

[0054] Next, in order to cut off the communication connection between the operation device 2 and the electronic lock 3, the device control unit 23 issues a connection termination request, and the first communication antenna 22 transmits the connection termination request (step S44). Note that the connection termination request includes time information at which the operation device 2 issues the connection termination request.

[0055] When the electronic lock 3 receives the connection termination request via the second communication antenna 41 (step S45), the lock control unit 42 terminates the connection with the operation device 2, and after transmitting a connection termination to the operation device 2 via the second communication antenna 41, the lock control unit 42 shuts down the electronic lock 3 (step S46). The connection termination transmitted to the operation device 2 includes time information when the operation device 2 issued the connection termination request.

[0056] If the operating device 2 does not receive a connection termination request via the first communication antenna 22 within a specified time after sending the connection termination request (No in step S47), the notification unit 25 notifies the central monitoring system 5 of the time-out (step S48) and terminates the application, assuming that an abnormality has occurred in the unlocking operation of the electronic lock 3 (step S34).

[0057] On the other hand, if the operating device 2 receives a connection termination from the electronic lock 3 via the first communication antenna 22 within a specified time after sending the connection termination (Yes in step S47), the operating device 2 terminates the application, assuming that unlocking of the electronic lock 3 has been completed successfully (step S49).

[0058] Next, the procedure for locking the electronic lock 3 using the electronic lock system 1A will be described with reference to Figures 3, 6, and 7. The procedure up to establishing a communication connection between the operating device 2 and the electronic lock 3 is similar to the procedure for unlocking the electronic lock 3 described above (steps S10 to S28 shown in Figure 4), so a duplicated explanation will be omitted, but the difference is that the application launched in this procedure is a locking application. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the locking application will be simply referred to as the "application".

[0059] When locking the electronic lock 3 in an unlocked state as shown in Figure 6 (a), after the operating device 2 and the electronic lock 3 are connected, the device control unit 23 issues a status information request, and the first communication antenna 22 transmits the status information request (step S50).

[0060] When the electronic lock 3 receives a status information request via the second communication antenna 41 (step S51), the lock control unit 42 transmits the status information of the electronic lock 3 stored in the memory 44 to the operation device 2 via the second communication antenna 41 (step S52). At this time, the status information includes time information when the operation device 2 issues the status information request, and may also include log information including the previous unlocking log.

[0061] If the operating device 2 does not receive status information from the electronic lock 3 via the first communication antenna 22 within a specified time after sending a status information request (No in step S53), the notification unit 25 notifies the central monitoring system 5 of the time-out (step S54) and terminates the application, indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the locking operation of the electronic lock 3 (step S55).

[0062] On the other hand, if the operating device 2 receives status information from the electronic lock 3 via the first communication antenna 22 within a specified time after sending the status information request (Yes in step S53), the operating device 2 compares the current status information of the electronic lock 3 sent from the operating device 2 with the status information stored in the memory 24 when the electronic lock 3 is normal, and performs an abnormality diagnosis to determine whether the status of the electronic lock 3 is normal or not (step S56).

[0063] When the operation device 2 determines that the electronic lock 3 is in an abnormal state (No in step S56), the notification unit 25 notifies the central monitoring system 5 of the abnormal state of the electronic lock 3 (step S57) and ends the application (step S55). A case where the electronic lock 3 is in an abnormal state may be, for example, a case where the log information of the electronic lock 3 includes an unintended unlocking log.

[0064] On the other hand, if the operation device 2 determines that the electronic lock 3 is in a normal state (Yes in step S56), the device control unit 23 issues a locking signal, and the first communication antenna 22 transmits the locking signal (step S58). Note that, during the period from when the first communication antenna 22 transmits the state information request in step S50 until when the device control unit 23 issues the locking signal and the first communication antenna 22 transmits the locking signal in step S58, for example, the notification unit 25 may issue a voice message such as "Please lock the electronic lock", a text message, or emit light to the user of the operation device 2.

[0065] When the electronic lock 3 receives a locking signal via the second communication antenna 41 (step S59), the shackle 32 is pushed from the unlocked position to the locked position against the biasing force of the first coil spring 33 by an external force input from the outside, and the pin 34 biased toward the tip side by the second coil spring 35 with the actuator 37 off engages with the notch 36 of the shackle 32, and the electronic lock 3 is locked (step S60). The locking sensor 38 detects that the shackle 32 is located at the locking position, i.e., that the shackle 32 has moved from the unlocked position to the locked position. The electronic lock 3 is deemed to be locked, and the locking (locking log) is stored in the log information of the memory 44. After that, the lock control unit 42 transmits locking information indicating that the lock has been locked to the operating device 2 via the second communication antenna 41 (step S61).

[0066] As shown in Fig. 6(c), when the tip of the shackle 32 moves into the lock body 31 and the shackle 32 is located near the locked position, the pin 34 is not engaged with the notch 36 and the electronic lock 3 is still in an unlocked state. In such an unlocked state, in order to prevent the lock sensor 38 from erroneously detecting that the shackle 32 is located in the locked position, an unlock sensor 39 that detects whether the pin 34 is engaged with the notch 36 is used in addition to the lock sensor 38, thereby making it possible to accurately detect whether the electronic lock 3 is locked. Furthermore, a sensor that detects the position or state of the pin 34 may be further provided, but even if this sensor is provided, lock information indicating that the lock is locked is not transmitted to the operation device 2 in the state shown in Fig. 6(c).

[0067] If the operation device 2 does not receive locking information within a predetermined time after transmitting the locking signal (No in step S62), the notification unit 25 notifies the central monitoring system 5 of the time-up (step S63) and terminates the application, assuming that an abnormality has occurred in the locking operation of the electronic lock 3 (step S55). This allows the central monitoring system 5 to be promptly notified of a malfunction in the locking operation of the electronic lock 3.

[0068] On the other hand, if the operating device 2 receives locking information within a predetermined time after sending the locking signal (Yes in step S62), the notification unit 25 notifies the central monitoring system 5 that locking of the electronic lock 3 has been completed (step S64).

[0069] Next, in order to cut off the communication connection between the operation device 2 and the electronic lock 3, the device control unit 23 issues a connection termination request, and the first communication antenna 22 transmits the connection termination request (step S65). Note that the connection termination request includes time information at which the operation device 2 issues the connection termination request.

[0070] When the electronic lock 3 receives the connection termination request via the second communication antenna 41 (step S66), the lock control unit 42 terminates the connection with the operation device 2 and transmits a connection termination to the operation device 2 via the second communication antenna 41, and then the lock control unit 42 shuts down the electronic lock 3 (step S67). Note that the connection termination transmitted to the operation device 2 includes time information when the operation device 2 issued the connection termination request.

[0071] If the operating device 2 does not receive a connection termination request via the first communication antenna 22 within a specified time after sending the connection termination request (No in step S68), the notification unit 25 notifies the central monitoring system 5 of the time-out (step S69) and terminates the application, indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the locking operation of the electronic lock 3 (step S55).

[0072] On the other hand, if the operating device 2 receives a connection termination from the electronic lock 3 via the first communication antenna 22 within a specified time after sending the connection termination (Yes in step S68), the operating device 2 determines that locking of the electronic lock 3 has been completed successfully and terminates the application (step S70).

[0073] In this way, the electronic lock system 1A of this embodiment is an electronic lock system 1A that includes an operating device 2 and an electronic lock 3 that unlocks the lock based on an unlocking signal issued from the operating device 2, in which the operating device 2 includes a device control unit 23 that issues the unlocking signal and an identification ID that identifies the operating device 2, and a first communication antenna 22 that transmits the unlocking signal and the identification ID, and the electronic lock 3 includes an electromotive unit that generates driving power, a second communication antenna 41 that is supplied with driving power and receives the unlocking signal and the identification ID, an actuator 37 that can unlock the lock when supplied with driving power, a lock control unit 42 that is supplied with driving power and causes the actuator 37 to unlock the lock based on the unlocking signal when a pre-stored master identification ID matches the identification ID of the operating device 2 acquired via the second communication antenna 41, and a memory 44 that stores log information including a locking log.

[0074] With this configuration, the locking log is stored in memory 44, so that even if the electronic lock 3 is illegally unlocked and then relocked, the unintentional locking of the electronic lock 3 can be detected after the fact.

[0075] In addition, the electronic lock system 1A of this embodiment is a padlock in which the electronic lock 3 is equipped with a lock body 31 and a shackle 32 incorporated into the lock body 31 so as to be freely movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and the electronic lock 3 further includes a locking sensor 38 capable of detecting when the shackle 32 is positioned in the locked position, and the lock control unit 42 is configured to store in the log information in the memory 44 that the lock has been locked when the locking sensor 38 transitions from a state in which it does not detect the shackle 32 to a state in which it detects the shackle 32.

[0076] With this configuration, when the lock sensor 38 detects that the shackle 32 has been moved to the locked position, a lock log is stored in the memory 44, making it possible to detect all unintentional locking of the electronic lock 3.

[0077] In addition, the electronic lock system 1A of this embodiment is configured such that the operating device 2 further includes a power transmitting antenna 21 that emits electromagnetic waves for power supply set at a frequency F1 different from the frequency F2 of the unlocking signal and the identification ID, and the power generating unit is a power receiving antenna 40 that receives the electromagnetic waves and generates driving power.

[0078] This configuration allows a stable supply of driving power to the electronic lock 3 and also prevents hacking of the unlocking signal, etc., ensuring high security.

[0079] <Second embodiment> Next, an electronic lock system 1B according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of the electronic lock system 1B. Note that the electronic lock system 1B according to this embodiment differs from the electronic lock system 1A in that it has a first piezoelectric element 45, and other configurations are common to the electronic lock system 1A, so the common configurations are given the same reference numerals and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0080] The electronic lock system 1B includes a first piezoelectric element 45 provided at a position that can be contacted when the shackle 32 is in the locked position.

[0081] Next, the procedure for locking the electronic lock 3 using the electronic lock system 1B will be described with reference to Figures 9, 10, and 11. The procedure for unlocking the electronic lock 3 in the electronic lock system 1B is similar to the procedure in the first embodiment described above (steps S10 to S49 shown in Figures 4 and 5).

[0082] 9(a) , the operation device 2 starts a locking application and waits in standby mode (step S100). Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the locking application will be simply referred to as the "application."

[0083] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9(b), when an external force is applied from the outside and the shackle 32 is pushed from the unlocked position to the locked position against the biasing force of the first coil spring 33, the actuator 37 is turned off and the pin 34 biased toward the tip side by the second coil spring 35 engages with the notch 36 of the shackle 32, and the electronic lock 3 is locked (step S101).

[0084] At this time, the first piezoelectric element 45 comes into contact with the shackle 32 to generate driving power, which is then stored in the capacitor 43 (step S102). When the driving power stored in the capacitor 43 is stably supplied to each part of the electronic lock 3, the electronic lock 3 is activated (step S103).

[0085] Furthermore, when the lock sensor 38 detects that the shackle 32 is located at the locking position, i.e., that the shackle 32 has moved from the unlocked position to the locked position, it is determined that the electronic lock 3 is locked, and the locking (locking log) is stored in the log information in the memory 44, and the status information of the electronic lock 3 at that time is collected and recorded in the memory 44 (step S104). Then, the lock control unit 42 issues Advertise data, and the second communication antenna 41 transmits the Advertise data (step S105). The Advertise data includes the identification ID of the electronic lock 3.

[0086] When the operating device 2 receives Advertise data via the first communication antenna 22 (step S106), the device control unit 23 compares the identification ID of the electronic lock 3 contained in the Advertise data with the master identification ID indicating the identification ID of the electronic lock 3 to be operated, which is stored in the memory 24 (step S107).

[0087] If the identification ID of the electronic lock 3 and the master identification ID do not match (No in step S107), the notification unit 25 notifies the central monitoring system 5 that the identification ID of the electronic lock 3 is not applicable along with time information (step S108), and terminates the application (step S109).

[0088] If the identification ID of the electronic lock 3 matches the master identification ID (Yes in step S107), the device control unit 23 issues a connection request to establish a communication connection between the operation device 2 and the electronic lock 3, and the first communication antenna 22 transmits the connection request (step S110). Note that the connection request includes the identification ID of the operation device 2 and time information when the operation device 2 issues the connection request.

[0089] When the electronic lock 3 receives a connection request via the second communication antenna 41 (step S111), the lock control unit 42 compares the identification ID of the operating device 2 contained in the connection request with the master identification ID indicating the identification ID of the operating device 2 that is the source of operation and stored in the memory 44 (step S112).

[0090] If the identification ID of the operating device 2 and the master identification ID do not match (No in step S112), the lock control unit 42 issues a connection refusal with the operating device 2 and transmits it to the operating device 2 via the second communication antenna 41, after which the electronic lock 3 shuts down (step S114).

[0091] If the identification ID of the operation device 2 matches the master identification ID (Yes in step S112), the lock control unit 42 issues a connection permission to the operation device 2 and transmits it to the operation device 2 via the second communication antenna 41 (step S115). At this time, the connection permission includes time information when the operation device 2 issued the connection request.

[0092] If the operating device 2 does not receive a connection yes / no within a specified time after sending a connection request (No in step S115), the notification unit 25 notifies the central monitoring system 5 of the time-out (step S116) and terminates the application, assuming that an abnormality has occurred in the locking operation of the electronic lock 3 (step S109).

[0093] If the operating device 2 receives a connection permission / rejection from the electronic lock 3 via the first communication antenna 22 within a predetermined time after sending a connection request (Yes in step S115), and the connection is rejected by the electronic lock 3 (No in step S117), the notification unit 25 notifies the central monitoring system 5 that the connection has been rejected by the electronic lock 3 (step S118) and terminates the application (step S109).

[0094] On the other hand, when the connection is permitted by the electronic lock 3 (Yes in step S117), the operation device 2 and the electronic lock 3 are connected (step S119).

[0095] Next, the device control unit 23 issues a status information request, and the first communication antenna 22 transmits the status information request (step S120).

[0096] When the electronic lock 3 receives the status information request via the second communication antenna 41 (step S121), the lock control unit 42 transmits the status information of the electronic lock 3 stored in the memory 44 to the operation device 2 via the second communication antenna 41 (step S122). At this time, the status information includes the status information of the electronic lock 3 collected in step S104, the time information when the operation device 2 issued the status information request, and the like.

[0097] If the operating device 2 does not receive status information from the electronic lock 3 via the first communication antenna 22 within a specified time after sending a status information request (No in step S123), the notification unit 25 notifies the central monitoring system 5 of the time-out (step S124) and terminates the application, indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the locking operation of the electronic lock 3 (step S125).

[0098] On the other hand, if the operating device 2 receives status information from the electronic lock 3 via the first communication antenna 22 within a predetermined time after sending the status information request (Yes in step S123), the operating device 2 compares the current status information of the electronic lock 3 sent from the operating device 2 with the status information stored in the memory 24 when the electronic lock 3 is normal, and performs an abnormality diagnosis to determine whether the status of the electronic lock 3 is normal or not (step S126).

[0099] When the operation device 2 determines that the electronic lock 3 is in an abnormal state (No in step S126), the notification unit 25 notifies the central monitoring system 5 of the abnormal state of the electronic lock 3 (step S127) and ends the application (step S125). A case where the electronic lock 3 is in an abnormal state may be, for example, a case where the log information of the electronic lock 3 includes an unintended locking log.

[0100] On the other hand, if the operating device 2 determines that the electronic lock 3 is in a normal state (Yes in step S126), the notification unit 25 notifies the central monitoring system 5 that the locking of the electronic lock 3 has been completed (step S128).

[0101] Next, in order to cut off the communication connection between the operation device 2 and the electronic lock 3, the device control unit 23 issues a connection termination request, and the first communication antenna 22 transmits the connection termination request (step S129). Note that the connection termination request includes time information when the operation device 2 issues the connection termination request.

[0102] When the electronic lock 3 receives the connection termination request via the second communication antenna 41 (step S130), the lock control unit 42 terminates the connection with the operation device 2 and transmits a connection termination to the operation device 2 via the second communication antenna 41, and then the lock control unit 42 shuts down the electronic lock 3 (step S131). Note that the connection termination transmitted to the operation device 2 includes time information when the operation device 2 issued the connection termination request.

[0103] If the operating device 2 does not receive a connection termination request via the first communication antenna 22 within a specified time after sending the connection termination request (No in step S132), the notification unit 25 notifies the central monitoring system 5 of the time-out (step S133) and terminates the application, indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the locking operation of the electronic lock 3 (step S125).

[0104] On the other hand, if the operating device 2 receives a connection termination from the electronic lock 3 via the first communication antenna 22 within a specified time after sending the connection termination (Yes in step S132), the operating device 2 determines that locking of the electronic lock 3 has been completed successfully and terminates the application (step S134).

[0105] In this way, the electronic lock system 1B according to this embodiment is an electronic lock system 1B including an operating device 2 and an electronic lock 3 that unlocks the lock based on an unlocking signal issued from the operating device 2. The operating device 2 includes a device control unit 23 that issues the unlocking signal and an identification ID that identifies the operating device 2, and a first communication antenna 22 that transmits the unlocking signal and the identification ID. The electronic lock 3 includes an electromotive unit that generates driving power, a second communication antenna 41 that is supplied with driving power and receives the unlocking signal and the identification ID, and an actuator that is supplied with driving power and can unlock the lock. 37, a lock control unit 42 which causes the actuator 37 to unlock the lock based on an unlocking signal when driving power is supplied and a pre-stored master identification ID matches the identification ID of the operating device 2 acquired via the second communication antenna 41, and a memory 44 which stores log information including a locking log, and the electronic lock 3 further includes a first piezoelectric element 45 which is in contact with the shackle 32 when the shackle 32 reaches the locked position and can generate electricity, and the lock control unit 42 is configured to store in the log information in the memory 44 that the lock has been locked when the first piezoelectric element 45 generates electricity.

[0106] With this configuration, compared to the case where the locking sensor 38, which operates by being supplied with the above-mentioned driving power, is used to detect that the shackle 32 has moved to the locked position and record a locking log, when the shackle 32 moves to the locked position, the first piezoelectric element 45 generates driving power and the lock control unit 42 records the locking log, so that the locking log can be recorded with a simple configuration that does not require wireless power supply.

[0107] <Third embodiment> Next, an electronic lock system 1C according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of the electronic lock system 1C. Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an electromotive mechanism 46 of the electronic lock system 1C. Note that the electronic lock system 1C according to this embodiment differs from the electronic lock system 1B in that it generates driving power using a second piezoelectric element 47 instead of wireless power supply, and other configurations are common to the electronic lock system 1B, so the common configurations are given the same reference numerals and duplicated explanations are omitted.

[0108] The electronic lock system 1C includes an electromotive mechanism 46 as an electromotive unit that generates driving power in the electronic lock 3 in the locked state.

[0109] As shown in Fig. 13(a), the electromotive mechanism 46 includes a second piezoelectric element 47, a lever 48, and a support member 49. A latch pin 48a provided on the side of the lever 48 is engaged with a latch 49a formed on the tip of the support member 49 during standby. The lever 48 is configured to be swingable around a rotation shaft 48b, and is biased by a spring 48c to a vertical position. The support member 49 is configured to be swingable around the rotation shaft 49b, and is biased by a spring 49c to a horizontal position.

[0110] Next, the procedure for unlocking the electronic lock 3 using the electronic lock system 1C will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. The procedure for locking the electronic lock 3 in the electronic lock system 1C is similar to the procedure in the second embodiment described above (steps S100 to S134 shown in Figures 10 and 11).

[0111] First, to unlock the electronic lock 3 in the locked state as shown in Fig. 13(a), the user of the operation device 2 starts an unlocking application stored in the operation device 2 (step S200). Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the unlocking application will be simply referred to as "application". At this time, a text message urging the user to press the lever 48 of the electromotive mechanism 46 to generate driving power may be displayed on a display (not shown) of the operation device 2, or a similar voice message may be issued from a speaker (not shown).

[0112] When the user of the operating device 2 pushes in the lever 48 (step S201), as shown in FIG. 13(b), the latch pin 48a comes off the latch 49a, the lever 48 swings around the rotation shaft 48b, and the lower end of the lever 48 comes into contact with the second piezoelectric element 47, causing the second piezoelectric element 47 to generate driving power. The driving power generated by the second piezoelectric element 47 is stored in the capacitor 43 (step S202). When the driving power stored in the capacitor 43 is stably supplied to each device in the electronic lock 3, the electronic lock 3 is activated (step S203).

[0113] Then, the lock control unit 42 issues Advertise data, and the second communication antenna 41 transmits the Advertise data (step S204). The Advertise data includes the identification ID of the electronic lock 3.

[0114] If the operating device 2 does not receive Advertise data within a specified time after launching the application (No in step S205), the notification unit 25 notifies the central monitoring system 5 of the time-up (step S206) and terminates the application, indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the unlocking operation of the electronic lock 3 (step S207).

[0115] If the operating device 2 receives Advertise data via the first communication antenna 22 within a specified time (Yes in step S205), the device control unit 23 compares the identification ID of the electronic lock 3 contained in the Advertise data with the master identification ID indicating the identification ID of the electronic lock 3 to be operated, which is stored in the memory 24 (step S208).

[0116] If the identification ID of the electronic lock 3 and the master identification ID do not match (No in step S208), the notification unit 25 notifies the central monitoring system 5 that the identification ID of the electronic lock 3 is not applicable along with time information (step S209), and terminates the application (step S207).

[0117] If the identification ID of the electronic lock 3 matches the master identification ID (Yes in step S208), the device control unit 23 issues a connection request to establish a communication connection between the operation device 2 and the electronic lock 3, and the first communication antenna 22 transmits the connection request (step S210). Note that the connection request includes the identification ID of the operation device 2 and time information when the operation device 2 issues the connection request.

[0118] When the electronic lock 3 receives a connection request via the second communication antenna 41 (step S211), the lock control unit 42 compares the identification ID of the operating device 2 contained in the connection request with the master identification ID indicating the identification ID of the operating device 2 that is the source of operation stored in the memory 44 (step S212).

[0119] If the identification ID of the operating device 2 and the master identification ID do not match (No in step S212), the lock control unit 42 issues a connection refusal with the operating device 2 and transmits it to the operating device 2 via the second communication antenna 41, and then the electronic lock 3 shuts down (step S213).

[0120] If the identification ID of the operation device 2 matches the master identification ID (No in step S212), the lock control unit 42 issues a connection permission to the operation device 2 and transmits it to the operation device 2 via the second communication antenna 41 (step S214). At this time, the connection permission includes time information when the operation device 2 issued the connection request.

[0121] If the operating device 2 does not receive a connection yes / no within a specified time after sending a connection request (No in step S215), the notification unit 25 notifies the central monitoring system 5 of the time-out (step S216) and terminates the application, assuming that an abnormality has occurred in the unlocking operation of the electronic lock 3 (step S207).

[0122] If the operating device 2 receives a connection permission / rejection from the electronic lock 3 via the first communication antenna 22 within a predetermined time after sending a connection request (Yes in step S215), and the connection is rejected by the electronic lock 3 (No in step S217), the notification unit 25 notifies the central monitoring system 5 that the connection has been rejected by the electronic lock 3 (step S218) and terminates the application (step S207).

[0123] On the other hand, when the connection is permitted by the electronic lock 3 (Yes in step S217), the operation device 2 and the electronic lock 3 are connected (step S219).

[0124] Next, the device control unit 23 issues a status information request, and the first communication antenna 22 transmits the status information request (step S220).

[0125] When the electronic lock 3 receives the status information request via the second communication antenna 41 (step S221), the lock control unit 42 transmits the status information of the electronic lock 3 stored in the memory 44 to the operation device 2 via the second communication antenna 41 (step S222). At this time, the status information includes log information including the previous locking log, time information when the operation device 2 issued the status information request, and the like.

[0126] If the operating device 2 does not receive status information from the electronic lock 3 via the first communication antenna 22 within a specified time after sending a status information request (No in step S223), the notification unit 25 notifies the central monitoring system 5 of the time-out (step S224) and terminates the application, indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the unlocking operation of the electronic lock 3 (step S225).

[0127] On the other hand, if the operating device 2 receives status information from the electronic lock 3 via the first communication antenna 22 within a specified time after sending the status information request (Yes in step S223), the operating device 2 compares the current status information of the electronic lock 3 sent from the operating device 2 with the status information stored in the memory 24 when the electronic lock 3 is normal, and performs an abnormality diagnosis to determine whether the status of the electronic lock 3 is normal or not (step S226).

[0128] When the operation device 2 determines that the electronic lock 3 is in an abnormal state (No in step S226), the notification unit 25 notifies the central monitoring system 5 of the abnormal state of the electronic lock 3 (step S227) and ends the application (step S225). A case where the electronic lock 3 is in an abnormal state may be, for example, a case where the log information of the electronic lock 3 includes an unintended locking log.

[0129] On the other hand, if the operating device 2 determines that the electronic lock 3 is in a normal state (Yes in step S226), the device control unit 23 issues an unlock signal, and the first communication antenna 22 transmits the unlock signal (step S228).

[0130] When the electronic lock 3 receives an unlock signal via the second communication antenna 41 (step S229), the lock control unit 42 activates the actuator 37 to move the pin 34 out of the notch 36, thereby unlocking the electronic lock 3 (step S230). When the shackle 32 is biased toward the unlocked position by the biasing force of the first coil spring 33 and the lock sensor 38 detects that the shackle 32 is not in the locked position, the lock sensor 38 sends an unlock detection signal to the lock control unit 42, and the lock control unit 42 turns off the actuator 37. In addition, the lock control unit 42 determines that the electronic lock 3 has been unlocked because the lock sensor 38 detects that the shackle 32 is not in the locked position, and stores the unlocking of the lock (unlocking log) in the log information in the memory 44. Thereafter, the lock control unit 42 transmits unlocking information indicating that the lock has been unlocked to the operating device 2 via the second communication antenna 41 (step S231).

[0131] If the operation device 2 does not receive the unlocking information within a predetermined time after transmitting the unlocking signal (No in step S232), the notification unit 25 notifies the central monitoring system 5 of the time-up (step S233) and terminates the application as an abnormality has occurred in the unlocking operation of the electronic lock 3 (step S225). This allows the central monitoring system 5 to be promptly notified of the malfunction of the unlocking operation of the electronic lock 3.

[0132] On the other hand, if the operation device 2 receives the unlocking information within a predetermined time after sending the unlocking signal (Yes in step S232), the operation device 2 notifies the central monitoring system 5 that the unlocking of the electronic lock 3 has been completed (step S234).

[0133] Next, in order to cut off the communication connection between the operation device 2 and the electronic lock 3, the device control unit 23 issues a connection termination request, and the first communication antenna 22 transmits the connection termination request (step S235). Note that the connection termination request includes time information when the operation device 2 issues the connection termination request.

[0134] When the electronic lock 3 receives the connection termination request via the second communication antenna 41 (step S236), the lock control unit 42 terminates the connection with the operation device 2 and transmits a connection termination to the operation device 2 via the second communication antenna 41, and then the lock control unit 42 shuts down the electronic lock 3 (step S237). Note that the connection termination transmitted to the operation device 2 includes time information when the operation device 2 issued the connection termination request.

[0135] If the operating device 2 does not receive a connection termination signal via the first communication antenna 22 within a specified time after sending a connection termination request (No in step S238), the notification unit 25 notifies the central monitoring system 5 of the time-up (step S239) and terminates the application, indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the unlocking operation of the electronic lock 3 (step S225).

[0136] On the other hand, if the operating device 2 receives a connection termination from the electronic lock 3 via the first communication antenna 22 within a specified time after sending the connection termination (Yes in step S238), the operating device 2 terminates the application, assuming that unlocking of the electronic lock 3 has been completed successfully (step S240).

[0137] In this manner, the electronic lock system 1C according to the present embodiment is an electronic lock system 1C including an operating device 2 and an electronic lock 3 that unlocks the lock based on an unlocking signal issued from the operating device 2. The operating device 2 includes a device control unit 23 that issues the unlocking signal and an identification ID that identifies the operating device 2, and a first communication antenna 22 that transmits the unlocking signal and the identification ID. The electronic lock 3 includes an electromotive unit that generates driving power, and a second communication antenna 41 that is supplied with driving power and receives the unlocking signal and the identification ID. The electronic lock 3 includes an actuator 37 capable of unlocking the lock when supplied with driving power, a lock control unit 42 which, when supplied with driving power, causes the actuator 37 to unlock the lock based on an unlocking signal when a pre-stored master identification ID matches the identification ID of the operating device 2 acquired via a second communication antenna 41, and a memory 44 which stores log information including a locking log, and the electromotive unit is a second piezoelectric element 47 which generates driving power based on an external force input from the outside when the electronic lock 3 is in standby mode.

[0138] With this configuration, compared to the case where the electronic lock 3 is activated using the above-mentioned wireless power supply, the second piezoelectric element 47 generates driving power based on an external force, making it possible to activate the electronic lock 3 with a simple configuration that does not require wireless power supply.

[0139] <Modification> Next, modifications of the above-described embodiments will be described.

[0140] The device control unit 23 of the operating device 2 has a function of receiving information from the central monitoring system 5, and makes it possible to change or update the master identification ID stored in the memory 24 of the operating device 2 and used to match the identification ID of the electronic lock 3, and the electronic locks 3 to be unlocked and locked may be changed, added or removed as necessary.

[0141] The electronic lock 3 may be provided with a measuring unit that measures the radio field intensity of the electromagnetic waves received by the power receiving antenna 40. The measuring unit measures the radio field intensity of the electromagnetic waves when the lock is unlocked and when the lock is locked based on the voltage value of the driving power generated by the power receiving antenna 40 from the electromagnetic waves a predetermined time after the activation of the electronic lock 3, or the voltage fluctuation value of the driving power generated by the power receiving antenna 40 from the electromagnetic waves from the activation of the electronic lock 3 a predetermined time after the activation of the electronic lock 3.

[0142] The lock control unit 42 compares the electromagnetic wave intensity when the lock is unlocked and when the lock is locked, and determines whether the lock is unlocked and locked by the same operation device 2. Specifically, if there is a variation within a predetermined threshold in the radio wave intensity when the lock is unlocked and when the lock is locked, the lock control unit 42 can determine that the operation device 2 that unlocked and locked the lock is the same, and if there is a variation equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold in the radio wave intensity when the lock is unlocked and when the lock is locked, the lock control unit 42 can determine that the operation device 2 that unlocked and locked the lock was different.

[0143] The operation device 2 may be provided with a position information acquisition unit that acquires position information of the operation device 2. The position information acquisition unit is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) that measures the position of the operation device 2. The operation device 2 transmits the position information of the operation device 2 acquired by the position information acquisition unit via the first communication antenna 22.

[0144] The lock control unit 42 judges whether the position information of the operating device 2 received via the second communication antenna 41 is within the allowable position range of the operating device 2 pre-stored in the memory 44. If the position information of the operating device 2 is within the allowable position range, the operating device 2 and the electronic lock 3 are determined to be located in appropriate locations, and the lock control unit 42 drives the actuator 37 based on an unlocking signal from the operating device 2. On the other hand, if the position information of the operating device 2 is outside the allowable position range, the operating device 2 and the electronic lock 3 are determined to be not located in appropriate locations, and the lock control unit 42 does not accept the unlocking signal from the operating device 2. Note that if the electronic lock 3 is expected to be unlocked in multiple locations, multiple allowable position ranges of the operating device 2 stored in the memory 44 may be set.

[0145] The operating device 2 may be provided with a beacon information acquisition unit that acquires beacon information indicating that the operating device 2 is located within a predetermined range. The operating device 2 transmits the beacon information of the operating device 2 acquired by the beacon information acquisition unit via the first communication antenna 22.

[0146] The lock control unit 42 judges whether the beacon information of the operating device 2 received via the second communication antenna 41 is within the allowable position range of the operating device 2 stored in advance in the memory 44. If the beacon information of the operating device 2 is within the allowable position range, the operating device 2 and the electronic lock 3 are determined to be located in appropriate locations, and the lock control unit 42 drives the actuator 37 based on an unlocking signal from the operating device 2. On the other hand, if the beacon information of the operating device 2 is outside the allowable position range, the operating device 2 and the electronic lock 3 are determined to be not located in appropriate locations, and the lock control unit 42 does not accept the unlocking signal from the operating device 2. Note that if the electronic lock 3 is expected to be unlocked in multiple locations, multiple allowable position ranges of the operating device 2 may be set.

[0147] In addition, when establishing a communication connection between the operating device 2 and the electronic lock 3, instead of the electronic lock 3 sending an Advertise signal including an identification ID, a barcode or two-dimensional barcode indicating the identification ID attached to the electronic lock 3 may be read by a reader (not shown) of the operating device 2.

[0148] In addition, since the operation device 2 has a bio-authentication function such as face authentication, fingerprint authentication, or vein authentication, it is possible to prevent anyone other than a pre-registered user from operating the operation device 2 to lock or unlock the electronic lock 3.

[0149] Furthermore, the operation device 2 may be a dedicated device as shown in Fig. 16 and Fig. 17, instead of a general-purpose device such as a smartphone. The operation device 2 shown in Fig. 16 and Fig. 17 can hold the electronic lock 3 in a position suitable for power supply and communication with the operation device 2 by fitting the electronic lock 3 into a substantially rectangular housing 27.

[0150] 16 and 17, reference numeral 7 denotes a metal reinforcing plate affixed to the side of a plastic lock body 31. The electronic lock 3 is fitted into the operation device 2 with the reinforcing plate 7 facing outward and not facing the operation device 2 so that the reinforcing plate 7 does not impede power supply and communication between the operation device 2 and the electronic lock 3. If the lock body 31 has sufficient durability, the reinforcing plate 7 can be omitted.

[0151] 18, a first recess 28a is formed on a front surface 27a of the housing 27 in a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view and capable of accommodating the lock body 31, and a second recess 28b is formed on a back surface 27b of the housing 27 in a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view and capable of accommodating the lock body 31. That is, the operating device 2 can accommodate the electronic lock 3 on either the front or back side.

[0152] The first and second recesses 28a, 28b have an opening 28c at the top that can receive the lock body 31 from above, and are formed so as to be able to abut against three sides of the lock body 31 where the shackle 32 is not formed. When the electronic lock 3 is fitted into the first recess 28a or the second recess 28b, the power transmitting coil 21 and the power receiving antenna 40 are maintained in a positional relationship and distance suitable for power supply, and the first communication antenna 22 and the second communication antenna 41 are maintained in a positional relationship and distance suitable for communication.

[0153] The depth of the first and second recesses 28a, 28b can be changed arbitrarily in consideration of the accessibility to the electronic lock 3 when the electronic lock 3 is locked to the object to be locked.

[0154] Furthermore, by providing a magnet or a magnetic body that generates a magnetic force that attracts each other at a position where the operation device 2 and the electronic lock 3 face each other with the electronic lock 3 fitted in the first recess 28a or the second recess 28b, the positioning of the electronic lock 3 relative to the operation device 2 may be supported by magnetic force. Note that, if power supply to the electronic lock 3 and communication between the operation device 2 and the electronic lock 3 can be sufficiently performed, the first and second recesses 28a, 28b for easily positioning the electronic lock 3 relative to the operation device 2 may be omitted.

[0155] Two operation buttons 29a are provided on a surface 27a of the housing 27, and two slide buttons 29b are provided on a bottom surface 27c of the housing 27. A user of the operation device 2 inputs, for example, selection, confirmation, or cancellation of a process to be executed by the operation device 2 via the operation buttons 29a or the slide buttons 29b.

[0156] Two LED lights 29c are provided on the surface 27a of the housing 27. The LED light 29c functions as a notification light whose light emission mode changes depending on the content of the process executed by the operation device 2 (for example, when the operation device 2 is started, a notification of the remaining battery level of the operation device 2, a notification of the power supply state, a notification of the communication state, a notification of the completion of registration of the electronic lock 3 in the operation device 2 or an error notification, a notification of the completion of unlocking the electronic lock 3 or an error notification, etc.). Note that the operation device 2 may be provided with a vibration mechanism that vibrates depending on the content of the process executed by the operation device 2, in addition to the LED light 29c.

[0157] Furthermore, a USB terminal 29d is provided between two slide buttons 29b on the bottom surface 27c of the housing 27. By connecting the operation device 2 to a personal computer or the like via a USB cable (not shown) inserted into the USB terminal 29d, it is possible to change settings of the operation device 2 via the personal computer or the like, to supply power to the battery 26, and to store log information of the operation device 2 in the personal computer or the like.

[0158] In addition, the operating device 2 is not limited to a form in which the first and second recesses 28a, 28b abut against the three sides of the lock body 31, and may be, for example, a notch that accommodates almost two of the three sides of the lock body 31 on which the shackle 32 is not formed, as shown in Figure 19.

[0159] Furthermore, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications, the electronic lock 3 has been described as a padlock including the lock body 31 and the shackle 32 incorporated into the lock body 31 so as to be movable between the locked position and the unlocked position, but the form of the electronic lock 3 is not limited to a padlock, and any locking mechanism including a locked body and a locking member incorporated into the locked body so as to be movable between the locked position and the unlocked position may be used, and instead of a curved locking member such as a shackle, a sliding locking member that moves linearly or a rotating locking member that moves in a rotational manner may be used. The present invention can also be applied to door keys, bicycle keys, locker keys, etc., for example.

[0160] Furthermore, the present invention can be modified in various ways other than those described above without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention naturally includes such modified versions. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0161] 1A, 1B, 1C: Electronic lock system 2: operation device, 21: power transmission antenna, 22: first communication antenna, 23: device control unit, 24: memory, 25: notification unit, 26: battery, 27: housing, 27a: front surface (of housing), 27b: back surface (of housing), 28a: first recess, 28b: second recess, 28c: opening, 29a: operation button, 29b: slide button, 29c: LED light, 29d: USB terminal 3: electronic lock, 31: lock body, 32: shackle, 33: first coil spring, 34: pin, 35: second coil spring, 36: notch, 37: actuator, 38: lock sensor, 39: unlock sensor, 40: power receiving antenna, 41: second communication antenna, 42: lock control unit, 43: capacitor, 44: memory (storage unit), 45: first piezoelectric element, 46: electromotive mechanism, 47: second piezoelectric element, 48: lever, 48a: latch pin, 48b: (lever) rotating shaft, 48c: (lever) spring, 49: support member, 49a: latch, 49b: (support member) rotating shaft, 49c: (support member) spring 5: Central monitoring system 6: Network

Claims

1. An electronic lock system including an operating device and a battery-less electronic lock that unlocks a lock based on an unlocking signal sent from the operating device, The operation device is A device control unit that issues the unlock signal and an identification ID that identifies the operating device; a first communication antenna for transmitting the unlock signal and the identification ID; Equipped with The battery-less electronic lock is An electromotive unit that generates driving power; a second communication antenna that is supplied with the driving power and receives the unlock signal and the identification ID; an unlocking mechanism that is supplied with the driving power and is capable of unlocking the lock; a lock control unit that causes the unlocking mechanism to unlock the lock based on the unlock signal when the driving power is supplied and a pre-stored master identification ID matches the identification ID acquired via the second communication antenna; A storage unit for storing log information including a locking log of the lock; An electronic lock system comprising:

2. The battery-less electronic lock is a padlock including a lock body and a shackle that is incorporated in the lock body so as to be movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, The battery-less electronic lock further includes a lock sensor capable of detecting that the shackle is in the locked position, The electronic lock system according to claim 1, characterized in that the lock control unit stores in the log information of the memory unit that the lock has been locked when the lock sensor transitions from a state in which it does not detect the shackle to a state in which it detects the shackle.

3. The battery-less electronic lock is a padlock including a lock body and a shackle that is incorporated in the lock body so as to be movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, The battery-less electronic lock further includes a piezoelectric element capable of generating electricity when the shackle comes into contact with the piezoelectric element when the shackle reaches the locked position.

2. The electronic lock system according to claim 1, wherein the lock control unit stores in the log information of the memory unit that the lock has been locked when the piezoelectric element generates power.

4. The second communication antenna transmits the log information; The electronic lock system according to claim 1 , wherein the first communication antenna receives the log information.

5. The operation device further includes a power transmission antenna that emits an electromagnetic wave for power supply set to a frequency different from a frequency of the unlocking signal and the identification ID, The electronic lock system according to claim 1, wherein the power generating unit is a power receiving antenna that receives the electromagnetic waves and generates the driving power.

6. The electronic lock system according to claim 1, characterized in that the electromotive unit is a piezoelectric element that generates the driving power based on an external force input from outside when the battery-less electronic lock is in standby mode.

7. 2. The electronic lock system according to claim 1, wherein the log information includes an unlocking log of the lock.

8. The lock control unit issues unlock information indicating that the lock has been unlocked, The second communication antenna transmits the unlocking information, The first communication antenna receives the unlocking information, The electronic lock system described in claim 1, characterized in that the operating device further has a notification unit that notifies an alarm if the unlocking information is not received via the first communication antenna within a predetermined time after issuing the unlocking signal.

9. The device control unit issues a locking signal to lock the lock that is in an unlocked state, the first communication antenna transmits the locking signal; the second communication antenna receives the locking signal; The unlocking mechanism is configured to be able to lock the lock in an unlocked state, 2. The electronic lock system according to claim 1, wherein the lock control unit causes the unlocking mechanism to lock the lock based on the lock signal.

10. The operation device further includes a power transmission antenna that radiates an electromagnetic wave for power supply, The battery-less electronic lock further includes a measurement unit for measuring the radio field intensity of the electromagnetic wave, the electromotive unit is a power receiving antenna that receives the electromagnetic waves and generates the driving power, The electronic lock system according to claim 9, characterized in that the lock control unit compares the radio wave strength measured by the measurement unit when the lock is unlocked and when it is locked to determine whether the operating device is the same or not.

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