Key box and key management system

Abstract

To store log information associated with all keys taken in and out of a key box even when no external power supply is available for the key box.SOLUTION: A key box 20 which stores a predetermined key inside, and is unlocked through power supply from a digital key and authentication by communication with the digital key comprises: an authentication part 30 which is powered from the digital key to operate and performs the authentication through the communication with the digital key; a timer part 36 which generates time information; a power supply part 38 which supplies electric power to not the authentication part 30, but the timer part 36; and a storage part 40 which stores log information, wherein the log information stored in the storage part 40 includes log information having time information imparted to a result of authentication performed by the authentication part 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a key box that stores keys used in facilities, etc., and allows keys to be taken out and put back in by unlocking and locking the lock through authentication using a digital key, and to a key management system that is equipped with the digital key and the key box. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, when managers or other personnel carry keys used at facilities, there is a risk of the keys being lost. To address this issue, a key management system has been adopted in which a key box is installed on-site to centrally manage all keys, and managers or other personnel can retrieve keys from the key box and use them as needed.

[0003] Furthermore, conventional key boxes use a digital key to ensure that only specific individuals can use the key. For example, when authentication key information individually set in the digital key matches authentication key information pre-registered in the key box, the key box is unlocked and an administrator or the like can access the stored keys.

[0004] In addition, an external power source to operate the key box, such as for authentication and locking / unlocking operations, is also installed in the facility, etc., but in cases where the installation location is an existing building or other such place where it is difficult to secure space for an external power source and its wiring cables, there are also known key boxes that do not require an external power source and can be powered by an internal power source such as a battery or by power supplied from a digital key.

[0005] In addition, conventional digital keys are equipped with a memory (storage unit) that stores information about when the lock on the key box is unlocked, making it possible to check the history of unlocking operations. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-075218 [Patent Document 2] JP 2010-196256 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2019-183612 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Incidentally, in the case of key boxes in a key management system, the users may be multiple companies or businesses, and there is a demand to leave log information so that it is possible to know who took a key out of the key box and when, and who returned the key to the key box and when.

[0008] As mentioned above, some digital keys store information about when a lock has been unlocked (log information), but the log information stored in each digital key is only the log information for the lock unlocking performed by that key, and log information about all the keys inserted and removed from the key box is not stored in one place, so in order to know when all the keys have been inserted and removed from the key box, it is necessary to collect the information for each individual digital key, which takes time and effort to check the log information.In addition, since the administrator of the key box and the user of the digital key are different people, it is even more difficult for the administrator of the key box to collect the information for each digital key.

[0009] Therefore, in order to store log information regarding all key insertions and removals from the key box, it becomes necessary for the key box to store the log information itself. However, in order to store log information including the chronological order, the key box must be equipped with a clock function and the clock function must be kept running.

[0010] In facilities where an external power source and a place to install it can be easily secured, there is no problem in maintaining the clock function of the key box by supplying power from an external power source. However, in the case of a key box that is powered by an internal power source such as a battery, a power source is required to operate functions other than the clock function, which shortens the lifespan of the key box. In the case of a key box that is powered by a digital key, the clock function cannot be operated when power is not supplied from the digital key, so there are challenges with storing log information in a key box where an external power source cannot be secured.

[0011] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a key box and a key management system that are capable of storing log information regarding all key insertions and removals from the key box, even in a key box where an external power source cannot be secured. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] (Key box) The present invention is a key box that stores a specific key inside and unlocks the lock based on power supply from a digital key and authentication through communication with the digital key, an authentication unit that operates by receiving power from the digital key and performs authentication based on communication with the digital key; A clock unit that generates time information; a power supply unit that does not supply power to the authentication unit but supplies power to the clock unit; A storage unit that stores log information; Equipped with The log information stored in the storage unit includes log information in which time information is added to the result of authentication performed by the authentication unit.

[0013] (Log information of authentication results performed by the authentication unit) Log information regarding the result of authentication performed by the authentication unit includes time information, as well as predetermined authentication key information received from the digital key at the time of authentication and whether the authentication was successful or not.

[0014] (Key sensor part) Furthermore, the key sensor unit is powered by the digital key and detects whether or not a key is stored inside. When a change occurs in the detection result by the key sensor unit, log information in which time information is added to the detection result by the key sensor unit is stored in the storage unit.

[0015] (Display) The vehicle further includes a display unit that operates by receiving power from the digital key and identifiably displays whether or not a key is present as detected by the key sensor unit.

[0016] (Power supply status display) The display unit further identifiably displays the power supply state from the digital key.

[0017] (Display authentication results) The display unit further displays the authentication result by the authentication unit in an identifiable manner.

[0018] (Operation when power is supplied from a device that is not authenticated by the authentication unit but is capable of supplying power) The display unit identifiably displays the presence or absence of a key detected by the key sensor unit when power is supplied from a predetermined device that is not authenticated by the authentication unit but is capable of supplying power to the key box.

[0019] (Lock control unit and power storage unit) Furthermore, a lock control unit that operates by receiving power from the digital key and locks and unlocks the lock; a power storage unit that stores power supplied from the digital key; Equipped with The lock control unit can operate using the power stored in the power storage unit when not receiving power from the digital key.

[0020] (Key Management System) The present invention provides a key management system including a key box and a digital key, The digital key is a power supply unit for supplying power to the key box; an authentication key providing unit that transmits predetermined authentication key information when performing authentication to unlock the key box; Equipped with The key box is an authentication unit that operates by receiving power from a power supply unit of the digital key and performs authentication based on authentication key information received from an authentication key providing unit of the digital key; a lock control unit that operates by receiving power from a power supply unit of the digital key and unlocks the lock when authentication is successful in the authentication unit; A clock unit that generates time information; a power supply unit that does not supply power to the authentication unit and the lock control unit, but supplies power to the clock unit; A storage unit that stores log information; Equipped with The log information stored in the storage unit of the key box is characterized by including log information in which time information is added to the result of authentication performed by the authentication unit. Effect of the Invention

[0021] (Lock box effect) The present invention is a key box that stores a specified key inside and unlocks the lock based on power supply from a digital key and authentication through communication with the digital key. The key box is equipped with an authentication unit that operates with power supply from the digital key and performs authentication based on communication with the digital key, a clock unit that generates time information, a power supply unit that does not supply power to the authentication unit but supplies power to the clock unit, and a memory unit that stores log information.The log information stored in the memory unit includes log information in which time information has been added to the authentication result performed by the authentication unit, making it possible to store log information regarding all key insertions and removals from the key box in one place in the key box.

[0022] In addition, the authentication operation in the key box and the lock unlocking operation based on the authentication are performed using power supplied from the digital key, and the power supply unit (internal power supply) of the key box is intended to operate the clock unit, so the power consumed by the power supply unit can be kept to a minimum and it is possible to store log information regarding all key insertions and removals from the key box for long periods of time.

[0023] In addition, since no external power source is required, the lock box can be installed anywhere.

[0024] (Effect of log information of authentication results performed by the authentication unit) The log information regarding the authentication result performed by the authentication unit includes, in addition to time information, specified authentication key information received from the digital key at the time of authentication and whether the authentication was successful or not. Therefore, not only log information regarding successful authentication but also log information regarding digital keys for which authentication failed is kept, making it possible to keep more detailed log information.

[0025] (Effect of key sensor) Furthermore, it is equipped with a key sensor unit that operates by receiving power from the digital key and detects whether or not a key is stored inside. When there is a change in the detection result by the key sensor unit, log information with time information added to the detection result by the key sensor unit is stored in the memory unit. This means that the timing when the key is inserted or removed is also recorded as log information, making it possible to record more detailed log information.

[0026] (Display effect) Furthermore, the key box is provided with a display unit that operates by receiving power from the digital key and identifiably displays whether or not a key is present as detected by the key sensor unit. This enables the user to know whether or not a key is present before unlocking the key box, even if the inside of the key box is not visible from the outside.

[0027] (Effect of displaying power supply status) The display unit is further adapted to identifiably display the power supply status from the digital key, making it possible to easily check whether power is being supplied correctly from the digital key.

[0028] (Effect of displaying authentication results) The display unit is further adapted to identifiably display the result of authentication by the authentication unit, making it possible to easily check whether the authentication has succeeded or failed.

[0029] (Effect of operation when power is supplied from a device that is not authenticated by the authentication unit but is capable of supplying power) When the display unit receives power from a specified device that is not authenticated by the authentication unit but is capable of supplying power to the key box, the display unit is configured to identifiably display the presence or absence of a key detected by the key sensor unit, thereby making it possible to check whether or not a key is present as long as power is being supplied, regardless of the authentication required to unlock the lock.

[0030] (Effects of the lock control unit and the power storage unit) Furthermore, the device is equipped with a lock control unit that operates using power supplied from the digital key and locks and unlocks the lock, and a power storage unit that stores power using power supplied from the digital key.When the lock control unit is not receiving power from the digital key, it can operate using power stored in the power storage unit.This makes it possible to lock the lock even if power supply from the digital key is stopped before the lock is locked, and prevents the lock from being forgotten to be locked.

[0031] (Effects of key management system) The effects of the invention relating to the key management system are similar to those of the invention relating to the key box described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a key management system with a digital key and a key box. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the functional configuration of a digital key. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the functional configuration of a key box. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an authentication operation in the form of a flowchart. [Diagram 5] 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a flow chart of unlocking and locking operations of a box lock; FIG. [Figure 6] 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the functional configuration of a key box to which a power storage unit is added; FIG. [Figure 7]1 is an explanatory diagram showing a lock receiving portion of a box lock that allows locking regardless of the operating state of a lock control portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a key box and a key management system according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0034] [Basic Concept of the Embodiment] First, a basic concept of the embodiment will be described The embodiment generally relates to a key management system including a key box and a digital key for unlocking the key box and a lock on the key box.

[0035] Here, the "key box" refers to a device that stores a specified key inside and unlocks the lock based on power supply from a digital key and authentication through communication with the digital key; in other words, it does not require a separate external power source or wiring cable from an external power source to operate the key box.

[0036] The key box is electrically connected to the digital key to receive power from the digital key and to communicate during authentication, but this connection may be wired or wireless. In other words, when the key box and the digital key are connected, the digital key can supply power to the key box, and they can communicate with each other for authentication. The number of keys that can be stored inside is arbitrary, and one or multiple keys can be stored in the key box.

[0037] Furthermore, like conventional digital keys and key boxes, the digital key of the embodiment comprises a power supply unit that supplies power to the key box, and an authentication key providing unit that transmits specified authentication key information during authentication to unlock the key box. The key box of the embodiment comprises an authentication unit that operates with power from the digital key's power supply unit and performs authentication based on the authentication key information received from the digital key's authentication unit, and a lock control unit that operates with power from the digital key's power supply unit and unlocks the lock when authentication is successful by the authentication unit.

[0038] Also, any authentication method may be used that uses authentication key information to unlock the key box, but examples include an authentication method in which the authentication key information sent from the digital key is predetermined information consisting of a property code, an owner company code, a device number, etc. that enable the digital key to be individually identified, authentication key information that determines whether authentication is successful is stored in advance on the key box side, and during authentication, the key box compares the authentication key information stored therein with the authentication key information sent from the digital key, and if the authentication key information matches, the authentication is successful and the lock is unlocked, and if the authentication key information does not match, the authentication is unsuccessful and the lock is not unlocked. Also, the authentication key information (authentication key information that determines authentication is successful) stored in the key box does not have to be one, and multiple pieces of authentication key information may be stored.

[0039] In the key box of the embodiment, the key box is equipped with a clock unit that generates time information to store log information regarding all key insertions and removals from the key box, a power supply unit that supplies power to the clock unit but does not supply power to the authentication unit and lock control unit, and a memory unit that stores log information, and is characterized in that the log information stored in the memory unit includes log information in which time information has been added to the authentication result performed by the authentication unit.

[0040] Here, the "time information" generated by the clock unit is added to the log information to enable the log information to be stored in chronological order, and includes, for example, time information indicating the actual date and time (hours, minutes, and seconds). The "power supply unit" is a power source provided in the key box for operating the clock unit, and is not used to operate other functions such as the authentication operation performed by the key box or the unlocking operation. The log information is stored in the storage unit, but this does not prevent other information from being stored in the storage unit. For example, in the authentication method described above, authentication key information that is deemed to be a successful authentication is stored in advance on the key box side, but the authentication key information may be stored in the same storage unit as the log information.

[0041] In addition, the authentication result performed by the authentication unit that is stored as log information is not limited to successful authentication but also includes failed authentication, and the log information regarding the authentication result performed by the authentication unit includes, in addition to time information, for example, specified authentication key information received from the digital key at the time of authentication and the success or failure of the authentication (successful authentication or failed authentication).

[0042] The key box further includes a key sensor unit that operates by receiving power from the digital key and detects whether or not a key is stored inside, and when there is a change in the detection result by the key sensor unit, log information with time information added to the detection result by the key sensor unit is stored in the memory unit.

[0043] Here, the "key sensor unit", like the authentication unit and lock control unit, operates by receiving power from the digital key. In addition, the method of detecting the presence or absence of a key (whether the key has been taken out or not) is arbitrary, but includes a method of detecting the presence or absence of a key by capturing the change in the weight of the key using a known weight sensor. In addition, "when there is a change in the detection result by the key sensor unit" includes not only when the key is taken out (when there is a change from key present to key absent), but also when the key is returned (when there is a change from key absent to key present), that is, the log information includes the cases where both the time when the key is taken out and the time when the key is returned are stored as log information.

[0044] Furthermore, when there are multiple keys stored in the key box, the presence or absence of each key is detected, and the log information is also stored so that the keys can be identified.

[0045] The key box further includes a display unit that operates by receiving power from the digital key and identifiably displays the presence or absence of a key detected by the key sensor unit.

[0046] Here, the "display unit" can be any display that can be performed by powering the digital key, such as an indicator light using an LED that shows whether the key is present or not in different display modes. Note that as long as it is possible to distinguish whether the key is present or not, it can also be anything that turns off the light (no display) when the key is absent.

[0047] The "display unit" also identifiably displays the power supply status from the digital key and the authentication result by the authentication unit (authentication success, authentication failure, etc.).

[0048] Furthermore, when the display unit receives power from a specific device that is not authenticated by the authentication unit but can supply power to the key box, the display unit identifiably displays the presence or absence of a key detected by the key sensor unit. Here, the "device not authenticated by the authentication unit" is not limited to a digital key that fails to be authenticated (having authentication key information different from the authentication key information stored in the key box), but also includes a concept that includes any device other than a digital key that does not function as an authentication key provider but has a function as a power supplier.

[0049] The lock control unit may also be provided with a power storage unit that stores power supplied from the digital key, and the lock control unit may be operable using the power stored in the power storage unit when not receiving power from the digital key.

[0050] A specific embodiment will be described below. In the embodiment, the case will be described where "three keys are stored in the key box", "the electrical connection between the key box and the digital key" is "a wired connection via USB", and "authentication key information" is "information consisting of a property code, an owner company code, and a device number".

[0051] [Specific details of the embodiment] The key management system including the digital key and the key box according to the embodiment will be described in detail as follows. a. Overview of the key management system b. Functional configuration of the digital key c. Functional configuration of the key box d. Authentication operation using authentication key information e. Box lock unlocking and locking operations f. Measures to prevent forgetting to close the door f1.Addition of power storage unit f2. Locking the box lock independent of the lock control unit g. Modifications of the present invention

[0052] [a. Overview of key management system] First, an overview of the key management system will be described. In this explanation, reference will be made to Fig. 1, which shows a schematic diagram of a key management system equipped with a digital key and a key box. Fig. 1 (A) shows the state in which the box lock of the key box is locked, and Fig. 1 (B) shows the state in which the box lock of the key box is unlocked.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 1, the key management system includes a digital key 10 and a key box 20. The housing of the key box 20 is mainly composed of a main body 2010 and a door 2020. Three keys 26 (key A, key B, key C) are stored inside the main body 2010 by being hung individually on hooks. Although not shown, a weight sensor that functions as a key sensor unit is provided for each hook, so that a state in which the key 26 is hung on the hook (key present) and a state in which the key 26 is removed from the hook (key absent) can be detected from a change in weight.

[0054] A device connection section 2030 which serves as a USB connector is provided on the surface of the door section 2020. By connecting the digital key 10 to the device connection section 2030, the key box 20 and the digital key 10 are electrically connected, enabling power to be supplied from the digital key 10 to the key box 20 and communication between the digital key 10 and the key box 20.

[0055] In addition, a display unit 22 is provided on the surface of the door unit 2020, and the display unit 22 is provided with a total of four indicator lights: three key indicator lights 2210 corresponding to each of the three keys 26 stored inside the main body unit 2010, which identifiably display whether a key is present or not detected by the key sensor unit, and a power supply / authentication indicator light 2220 which identifiably displays the state in which the digital key 10 is connected to the device connection unit 2030 and is being supplied with power from the digital key 10 (power supply state), and the authentication result performed in the key box 20.

[0056] The display mode of the indicator lamps is arbitrary, but for example, the key indicator lamp 2210 lights up green when the key is present and turns off when the key is not present, and the power supply / authentication indicator lamp 2220 lights up red when the power is supplied, lights up green when authentication is successful, and flashes red when authentication is unsuccessful. The power supply / authentication indicator lamp 2220 may be provided in the display unit 22 separately as a power supply indicator lamp and an authentication indicator lamp.

[0057] Also, a box lock 24 is provided on the back surface of the door section 2020, and normally, the box lock 24 protrudes a locking piece 2410 as shown by the dotted line in Fig. 1(B) and locks into a lock receiving section on the main body section 2020 side (not shown), thereby closing the door section 2020 as shown in Fig. 1(A). When authentication is successful in the key box 20, the locking piece 2410 of the box lock 24 is released from the lock receiving section, thereby unlocking the door section 2020, as shown in Fig. 1(B). Note that the structure of the box lock 24 and its lock receiving section shown here is merely an example, and any structure may be used.

[0058] A log device 28 is provided inside the main body 2020. The log device 28 is a device including at least a storage unit for storing log information in the key box 20, a clock unit for generating time information to be added to the log information, and a power supply unit (internal power supply) for operating the clock unit.

[0059] [b. Functional configuration of digital key] Next, the functional configuration of the digital key will be described. In this description, reference will be made to Fig. 2, which shows the functional configuration of the digital key. In Fig. 2, the flow of power is indicated by a solid line, and the flow of signals is indicated by a dotted line.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 2, the digital key 10 includes, as its main functions, a power supply unit 12, an authentication key providing unit 14, and a storage unit 16.

[0061] The power supply unit 12 is an internal power source such as a battery provided in the digital key 10, and operates the authentication key providing unit 14, and supplies power to the key box 20 when connected to the key box 20 via the device connection unit 1010, which is a USB connector.

[0062] When power is supplied to the key box 20 by the power supply unit 12 and an authentication operation is performed in the key box 20, the authentication key providing unit 14 reads out the authentication key information required for authentication from the memory unit 16 and transmits it to the key box 20.

[0063] Here, the type of information to be used as the authentication key information is arbitrary, but in the embodiment, the information is composed of, for example, a property code, a possessing company code, and a device number. The property code is information indicating a building in which a key management system is built, such as "Building A," the possessing company code is information indicating a company that possesses a digital key, such as "Company A," and the device number is information indicating a digital key, such as "0001," in which a different number is assigned to each digital key, and the authentication key information composed of these three pieces of information is different for each digital key.

[0064] In addition to the authentication key information described above, the memory unit 16 also stores, for example, log information, and the authentication key providing unit 14 acquires the authentication result (authentication success or authentication failure) performed on the key box 20 side and stores it as log information.

[0065] Furthermore, the authentication key providing unit 14 may obtain time information generated by a clock unit provided on the key box 20 side according to the authentication result, or the digital key 10 may be equipped with a clock unit similar to that on the key box 20 side, so that the log information with added time information can be stored in the storage unit 16. Furthermore, if there are multiple key boxes 20, a different "key box number" may be assigned to each key box 20, and the "key box number" may be obtained according to the authentication result and added to the log information, so that the connected key box 20 can be identified from the log information.

[0066] Furthermore, when checking the log information stored in the memory unit 16 or when setting (changing) the authentication key information, this is done by connecting the device connection unit 1010 to a USB port of an external device such as a PC.

[0067] [c. Functional configuration of the key box] Next, the functional configuration of the key box will be described. In this description, reference will be made to Fig. 3, which shows the functional configuration of the key box. In Fig. 3, as in Fig. 2, the flow of power is indicated by a solid line, and the flow of signals is indicated by a dotted line.

[0068] 3, the key box 20 has, as its main functions, a display unit 22, an authentication unit 30, a lock control unit 32, a key sensor unit 34, a clock unit 36, a power supply unit 38, and a memory unit 40. The clock unit 36, the power supply unit 38, and the memory unit 40 are integrated into a log device 28.

[0069] The authentication unit 30 operates by receiving power from the power supply unit 12 of the digital key 10 , and performs authentication based on authentication key information transmitted from the authentication key providing unit 14 of the digital key 10 connected via the device connection unit 2030 .

[0070] Here, the authentication method using the authentication key information is arbitrary, but in an embodiment, for example, one or more pieces of authentication key information that indicate successful authentication are stored in advance in the memory unit 40, and when authentication key information is received from the authentication key providing unit 14 of the digital key 10, the received authentication key information is compared with the authentication key information stored in the memory unit 40, and if the received authentication key information matches any of the authentication key information stored in the memory unit 40, the authentication is considered to be successful, and if the received authentication key information does not match any of the authentication key information stored in the memory unit 40, the authentication is considered to be unsuccessful.

[0071] The lock control unit 32 operates by receiving power from the power supply unit 12 of the digital key 10, and controls the unlocking and locking of the box lock 24. When authentication is successful at the authentication unit 30, the lock control unit 32 unlocks the box lock 24, making it possible to open the door unit 2020 and to access the key 26 stored inside. When the door unit 2020 is closed, the lock control unit 32 detects that the door unit 2020 is closed and locks the box lock 24. To detect that the door unit 2020 is closed, for example, a known door sensor or the like is provided in the key box 20.

[0072] The key sensor unit 34 operates by receiving power from the power supply unit 12 of the digital key 10, and as described above, detects whether each key 26 is present or absent from the change in weight of the key using a weight sensor.

[0073] The display unit 22 operates by receiving power from the power supply unit 12 of the digital key 10, and, as described above, the three key indicator lights 2210 identifiably display whether or not each key 26 is keyed, and the power supply / authentication indicator light 2220 identifiably displays the power supply status from the digital key 10 and the authentication result in the authentication unit 30.

[0074] In addition to the authentication key information described above, the memory unit 40 also stores, for example, log information, and stores the authentication result (authentication successful or unsuccessful) performed by the authentication unit 30 and the detection result (key present or key absent) by the key sensor unit 34 as log information.

[0075] Here, the detection result by the key sensor unit 34 is stored as log information in order to accurately grasp whether the key 26 has been inserted or removed. For example, even if the authentication unit 30 is successful in authentication and the lock control unit 32 unlocks the box lock 24, it is possible that the box lock 24 will be locked again without the key 26 being inserted or removed. Therefore, authentication and the insertion or removal of the key 26 are not necessarily linked, and it is desirable to store both information related to authentication (unlocking of the lock following authentication) and information related to the insertion or removal of the key 26 as log information. For this reason, the key sensor unit 34 stores the detection result as log information in the memory unit 40 when the detection result changes from keyed to keyless, or from keyless to keyed.

[0076] The clock unit 36 ​​generates time information in order to add time information to the log information stored in the storage unit 40 described above. The time information generated by the clock unit 36 ​​is arbitrary as long as it can be confirmed in chronological order when the log information is confirmed, but for example, "AA year BB month CC day xx hour yy minute zz second (AA / BB / CC xx:yy:zz)" indicating the same as the actual date and time can be added to the log information. In addition, the clock unit 36 ​​may have a GPS function to calibrate the time in order to make the time accurate. Also, the GPS function may be operated only when power is supplied from the digital key to configure the time.

[0077] Furthermore, since the clock unit 36 ​​needs to be operating at all times in order to function as such, it does not operate by receiving power from the power supply unit 12 of the digital key 10, but by receiving power from a power supply unit 38 that is separately provided in the key box 20. Furthermore, since the power supply unit 38 supplies power only to the clock unit 36, it does not need to be a large-capacity power supply, and even a low-capacity power supply can supply power to the clock unit 36 ​​for a long period of time.

[0078] Furthermore, if there are multiple key boxes 20, the storage unit 40 may store a different "key box number" for each key box 20.

[0079] Furthermore, when checking the log information stored in the storage unit 40 or when setting (changing) the authentication key information to be checked during authentication, this is done by connecting a USB port of an external device such as a PC to the device connection unit 2030 with a USB cable or the like. The storage unit 40 may be a storage medium such as an SD card that is detachable from the key box 20, and the log information may be checked or the authentication key information may be set by removing the storage unit 40 as a detachable storage medium from the key box 20 and attaching it to an external device such as a PC.

[0080] [d. Authentication operation using authentication key information] Next, an authentication operation using the authentication key information will be described with reference to Fig. 4 which shows a flow chart of an example of the authentication operation.

[0081] By connecting the digital key 10 to the key box 20, power begins to be supplied from the power supply unit 12 of the digital key 10 to the key box 20, and the display unit 22, authentication unit 30, lock control unit 32, and key sensor unit 34 of the key box 20, which have received power from the power supply unit 12 of the digital key 10, begin operating (steps S1, S2).

[0082] The display unit 22 of the key box 20 displays the key status detected by the key sensor unit 34 using the key indicator light 2210, and also displays the power supply status using the power supply / authentication indicator light 2220. The authentication unit 30 of the key box 20 sends an operation start signal to the authentication key providing unit 14 of the digital key 10 to notify it that operation has started (steps S3, S4).

[0083] When the authentication key providing unit 14 of the digital key 10 receives an operation start signal from the authentication unit 30 of the key box 20, it reads the authentication key information from the memory unit 16 and transmits the authentication key information to the authentication unit 30 of the key box 20 (steps S5, S6).

[0084] The authentication unit 30 of the key box 20 compares the authentication key information received from the authentication key providing unit 14 of the digital key 10 with the authentication key information stored in the memory unit 40, and when either the authentication key information received from the authentication key providing unit 14 of the digital key 10 matches the authentication key information stored in the memory unit 40, the authentication is deemed successful, and the display unit 22 of the key box 20 displays the fact that the authentication was successful using the power supply / authentication indicator light 2220 (steps S7 to S10).

[0085] On the other hand, when the authentication key information received from the authentication key providing unit 14 of the digital key 10 does not match any of the authentication key information stored in the memory unit 40, the authentication unit 30 of the key box 20 determines that the authentication has failed, and the display unit 22 of the key box 20 displays the authentication failure using the power supply / authentication indicator light 2220 (steps S7, S8, S11, S12).

[0086] After authentication, the authentication unit 30 of the key box 20 transmits the authentication result to the authentication key providing unit 14 of the digital key 10 and stores the authentication result together with the time information generated by the clock unit 36 ​​and the received authentication key information (information for identifying the connected digital key 10) as log information in the memory unit 40 (steps S13, S14).

[0087] The authentication key providing unit 14 of the digital key 10 receives the authentication result from the authentication unit 30 of the key box 20, and stores it as log information in the storage unit 16 (steps S15, S16).

[0088] If authentication fails, the authentication unit 30 of the key box 20 returns to before step S3 after step S14, and repeats re-authentication as long as the digital key 10 remains connected, and if authentication is successful, proceeds to the "box lock unlocking and locking operations" described below. Also, because the display unit 22, authentication unit 30, lock control unit 32, and key sensor unit 34 of the key box 20 operate using power supplied from the power supply unit 12 of the digital key 10, when the connection with the digital key 10 is unlocked, those operations will stop even if they were in the middle of operating.

[0089] [e. Box lock unlocking and locking operations] Next, the unlocking and locking operations of the box lock will be described. In this description, reference will be made to Fig. 5, which shows an example of the unlocking and locking operations of the box lock in the form of a flowchart. The flowchart in Fig. 5 is a continuation of step S14 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 4 when authentication is successful (steps S7 to S10).

[0090] When authentication is successful by the authentication unit 30, the lock control unit 32 unlocks the box lock 24 and opens the door unit 2020, thereby enabling access to the key 26 stored inside the main body unit 2010 (step S17).

[0091] When the box lock 24 is in an unlocked state, the key 26 can be inserted or removed, which may cause a change in the detection result by the key sensor unit 34, and when the key sensor unit 34 detects a change in the detection result (a change from keyed to keyless, or from keyless to keyed), the new key state detected by the key sensor unit 34 is displayed by the key indicator light 2210, and the detection result is stored in the storage unit 40 as log information together with time information generated by the clock unit 36 ​​(steps S18 to S20). Note that when there is no change in the detection result by the key sensor unit 34 (when the key 26 is not inserted or removed), there is no change in the display mode by the display unit 22, and no log information is stored.

[0092] When the lock control unit 32 detects that the door unit 2020 is closed using a door sensor or the like, it locks the box lock 24 and again prohibits access to the key 26 stored inside the main body unit 2010 (steps S21, S22).

[0093] [f. Measures to prevent forgetting to close the door] Next, a countermeasure against forgetting to close the door of the key box will be described.

[0094] As described above, the lock control unit 32 of the key box 20 operates by receiving power from the power supply unit 12 of the digital key 10, and controls the unlocking and locking of the box lock 24. When unlocking the box lock 24, authentication using authentication key information by the authentication unit 30 is required before the lock control unit 32 can unlock the box lock 24, so the digital key 10 is basically connected to the key box 20.

[0095] On the other hand, when locking the box lock 24, authentication by the authentication unit 30 is not required, so it is possible that the digital key 10 has already been removed from the key box 20. In this case, the lock control unit 32 will not be able to operate, and even if the door unit 2020 is closed, the lock control unit 32 will not lock it, which could result in the door unit 2020 of the key box 20 being forgotten to be closed.

[0096] Therefore, there are, for example, the following two methods as measures to enable the box lock 24 to be locked and prevent the door portion 2020 of the key box 20 from being left closed even if the digital key 10 has already been removed from the key box 20 when the box lock 24 is locked.

[0097] (f1. Addition of power storage unit) First, one countermeasure is to add a power storage unit 42 to the key box 20, as shown in FIG.

[0098] The power storage unit 42 charges while the digital key 10 is connected to the key box 20, i.e., while it is receiving power from the power supply unit 12 of the digital key 10, and supplies the stored power to the lock control unit 32 when the digital key 10 is removed from the key box 20.

[0099] As a result, even if the digital key 10 has already been removed from the key box 20 when the box lock 24 is locked, the lock control unit 32 can operate using the power storage unit 42, and locks the box lock 24 when the door unit 2020 is closed, thereby preventing the door unit 2020 of the key box 20 from being left unclosed.

[0100] (f2. Locking the box lock independent of the lock control unit) Another countermeasure is to configure the lock receiving portion of the box lock on the main body side as shown in Fig. 7 so that the box lock can be locked regardless of the operating state of the lock control unit 32. Fig. 7(A) shows a case where the door is closed and the box lock 24 is in a locked state, and Fig. 7(B) shows a case where the door is open and the box lock 24 is in an unlocked state. Although not shown, the box lock 24 is configured to fit the lock receiving portion shown in Fig. 7.

[0101] The lock receiving portion of the box lock 24 shown in FIG. 7 includes a lock receiving portion 50, a door interference protrusion 52, and a door interlocking protrusion .

[0102] The locking receiving portion 50 is provided rotatably between a position shown in Fig. 7(A) (closed position) and a position shown in Fig. 7(B) (open position), and is biased by a spring or the like so as to be located at the closed position. In addition, in the closed position, the box lock 24 is locked by, for example, pinching a locking piece of the box lock 24 between the locking receiving portion 50 and the wall surface of the main body 2010. When the digital key 10 is connected to the key box 20 and authentication is successful at the authentication unit 30, the lock control unit 32 biases the locking receiving portion 50 clockwise with a force exceeding the spring force, thereby moving the locking receiving portion 50 from the closed position to the open position and unlocking the box lock 24.

[0103] As shown in Fig. 7(A), the door interference protrusion 52 is in a state of being pressed in by the back surface of the door part 2020 when the door part 2020 is closed, and as shown in Fig. 7(B), when the door part 2020 is opened, the pressing by the back surface of the door part 2020 is released and the door interlocking protrusion 54 is in a state of protruding from the wall surface of the main body part 2010 by a predetermined amount, and the door interlocking protrusion 54 is also interlocked with the door interference protrusion 52. The door interlocking protrusion 54 is in a state of protruding from the wall surface of the main body part 2010 when the door part 2020 is open, and thereby supports the lock receiving part 50 in the open position in that position.

[0104] Here, in order for the door section 2020 to be closed from an open state and for the box lock 24 to be locked, it is necessary for the door interlocking protrusion 54 to be pushed in and for the clockwise force applied by the lock control section 32 to be released. The door interlocking protrusion 54 to be pushed in is achieved by closing the door section 2020, and the clockwise force applied by the lock control section 32 to be released is achieved by the lock control section 32 changing control or ceasing to operate. Therefore, even if the digital key 10 has already been removed from the key box 20, the box lock 24 is locked when the door section 2020 is closed, and it is possible to prevent the door section 2020 of the key box 20 from being left unclosed.

[0105] [g. Modifications of the present invention] Modifications of the key management system according to the present invention will now be described In addition to the above embodiment, the key management system of the present invention includes the following modifications.

[0106] (Key Management System) In the above embodiment, the key management system has been described as having one key box, but there may be multiple key boxes. The electrical connection between the key box and the digital key is not limited to a wired connection via USB, and may be another connection method, either wired or wireless. The number of keys stored in the key box is also arbitrary.

[0107] (Check the log) In addition, in the above embodiment, it is possible to check logs and set authentication key information by connecting the digital key and key box to an external device such as a PC, but for safety reasons, it may be possible to require separate authentication when checking logs or setting authentication key information.

[0108] (others) Furthermore, the present invention includes appropriate modifications that do not impair the objects and advantages of the present invention, and is not limited to the numerical values ​​shown in the above embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 10: Digital key 1010: Device connection part 12: Power supply section 14: Authentication key provider 16: Storage part 20: Key box 2010: Main body 2020: Door section 2030: Device connection part 22: Display section 2210: Key indicator light 2220: Power supply and authentication indicator 24: Box lock 2410: Locking piece 26:Key 28: Log device 30: Authentication section 32: Lock control unit 34: Key sensor unit 36: Clock section 38: Power supply section 40: Storage part 42: Power storage unit 50: Locking receiving part 52: Door interference protrusion 54: Door interlocking protrusion

Claims

1. A key box that stores a specific key inside and unlocks the lock based on power supply from a digital key and authentication through communication with the digital key, an authentication unit that operates by receiving power from the digital key and performs authentication based on communication with the digital key; A clock unit that generates time information; a power supply unit that does not supply power to the authentication unit and supplies power to the clock unit; A storage unit that stores log information; Equipped with 2. A key box according to claim 1, wherein the log information stored in the memory unit includes log information in which the time information is added to the authentication result performed by the authentication unit.

2. 2. The key box of claim 1, A key box characterized in that log information regarding the authentication result performed by the authentication unit includes, in addition to the time information, predetermined authentication key information received from the digital key at the time of authentication and the authentication result.

3. 2. The key box of claim 1, further comprising: a key sensor unit that is powered by the digital key and detects whether or not a key is stored therein; A key box characterized in that, when there is a change in the detection result by the key sensor unit, log information in which the detection result by the key sensor unit is assigned time information is stored in the memory unit.

4. 4. The key box of claim 3, further comprising: A key box comprising a display unit that operates by receiving power from the digital key and identifiably displays whether or not a key is present when detected by the key sensor unit.

5. 5. The key box of claim 4, The key box according to claim 1, wherein the display unit further displays a power supply state from the digital key in an identifiable manner.

6. 5. The key box of claim 4, The key box according to claim 1, wherein the display unit further displays a result of authentication by the authentication unit in an identifiable manner.

7. 5. The key box of claim 4, The display unit is configured to identifiably display the presence or absence of a key detected by the key sensor unit when the display unit receives power from a specified device that is not authenticated by the authentication unit but is capable of supplying power to the key box.

8. 2. The key box of claim 1, a lock control unit that operates by receiving power from the digital key and locks and unlocks the lock; a power storage unit configured to store power supplied from the digital key; Equipped with The key box is characterized in that the lock control unit is operable using power stored in the power storage unit when not receiving power from the digital key.

9. A key management system including a key box and a digital key, The digital key is A power supply unit that supplies power to the key box; an authentication key providing unit that transmits predetermined authentication key information when performing authentication for unlocking the lock box; Equipped with The key box includes: an authentication unit that operates by receiving power from the power supply unit of the digital key and performs authentication based on the authentication key information received from the authentication key provision unit of the digital key; a lock control unit that operates by receiving power from the power supply unit of the digital key and unlocks a lock when authentication is successful in the authentication unit; A clock unit that generates time information; a power supply unit that does not supply power to the authentication unit and the lock control unit, but supplies power to the clock unit; A storage unit that stores log information; Equipped with A key management system characterized in that the log information stored in the memory unit of the key box includes log information in which time information is added to the authentication result performed by the authentication unit.

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