Id key

Abstract

To allow users to optionally choose a cover for an ID key from a type that can store a physical key or a cosmetic type that only covers one side of the key, depending on the purpose at the time, and by integrating electronic components in its body and completing its waterproof function, to prevent waterproofing problems when replacing the cover, even if the cover is installed imperfectly.SOLUTION: An ID key comprises: a body 2 in which electronic components 20 having a communication unit and a memory unit, and a battery storage unit for storing a battery 21 are arranged; and a cover removably attached to one side S of the body 2. The cover consists of a key storage type cover 4 that can store a physical key and a plate-shaped cosmetic type cover 5 that does not store a physical key. Either the key storage type cover 4 or the cosmetic type cover 5 can be selected optionally and attached to one side S of the body 2 to be changed and used as a key storage type ID key or a tag type ID key.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ID key used when locking and unlocking a door such as the entrance door of a building.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, due to high security and convenience, ID keys using an electronic ID authentication system have become popular for locking and unlocking the doors of buildings. And, to prevent troubles such as battery depletion of the ID key, an electronic lock remote control that can store a physical key has been proposed so that the physical key can be carried together with the ID key.

[0003] This electronic lock remote control has the advantage that when the emergency key, which is a physical key, is not needed, the emergency key and its storage part can be removed from the main body for use, and the remote control itself can be made compact.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, an ID key equipped with a storage part for a physical key is bulky and heavy as a whole, so there is a problem in carrying it. However, in an emergency where the ID key cannot operate due to battery depletion or the like, there is a need to lock and unlock the door of the lock by means other than the physical key.

[0006] Furthermore, because ID keys contain built-in electronic components such as batteries, electronic circuit boards, and antennas, it is necessary to prevent water from entering the interior. However, with conventional ID keys and the above-mentioned remote controls for electric locks, waterproofing was ensured by the structure of both the main body and the cover that covers it. Therefore, if the user separated the cover from the main body when changing the battery or removing the storage compartment, and then reattached it incorrectly, waterproofing could not be ensured, which could cause a malfunction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problem, the present invention allows the user to freely select an ID key cover depending on the purpose at the time, either a key storage type that can store a physical key, or a decorative type that does not store a physical key and simply covers one side, and allows the user to easily change the cover and use it.

[0008] Furthermore, by concentrating the electronic components in the main body and completing the waterproofing function, there are no waterproofing problems when replacing the cover, even if it is installed imperfectly.

[0009] Specifically, the ID key according to the present invention has the following features: An ID key 1 comprising a communication unit that communicates with a control system that controls a building door, and a storage unit that stores identification information for authentication by the control system, a main body 2(10) in which an electronic component 20 having the communication unit and the storage unit and a battery storage unit for storing a battery 21 are arranged; A cover (4, 5) detachably attached to one side surface S of the main body portion 2 (10); Equipped with The covers (4, 5) are A key storage type cover 4 that can store a physical key 3, and a plate-shaped decorative type cover 5 that does not store the physical key 3, Either the key storage type cover 4 or the decorative type cover 5 can be selected and attached to one side S of the main body 2 (10), making it possible to change the key storage type ID key or the tag type ID key.

[0010] In the ID key according to the present invention, the main body 2 (10) preferably has a waterproof structure so that the electronic components 20 and the battery 21 are not submerged in water.

[0011] In addition, the ID key of the present invention may be configured such that the main body 2 (10) has a battery cover 17 on one side S that can be opened and closed freely for replacing the battery 21, and the key storage type cover 4 and the tag type cover 5 may have a pressing portion 37 on the inner surface facing the one side S for pressing down the battery cover 17.

[0012] Since the main body part containing the electronic components and battery is completely waterproof, it is possible to prevent damage to the ID key due to water seepage even if the cover attached to it is not properly attached. In addition, the waterproof structure creates a sealed structure, making it difficult to access the inside of the main body part 2 (10), which prevents contact with the electronic components 20 and prevents tampering. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, the user can select and change between two types of ID keys, a key storage type and a decorative type, at their discretion simply by replacing the cover, making it possible to use an ID key that suits the user's preferences and ease of use, for example.

[0014] In addition, after starting to use by selecting either one of the two covers, it is also possible to change the usage form by obtaining the other cover later and changing the cover. That is, after selling or purchasing in a state where one cover is selected and attached, the other cover is obtained separately by separate sale or separate purchase, etc., and after removing the original one cover, it is possible to continue using by attaching the other cover.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing the basic usage outline of the key storage type cover and the tag type cover of the key storage type and tag type shared ID key according to the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the key storage type and tag type shared ID key according to the first embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows the state where the key storage type cover is attached, and (b) shows the state where the decorative type cover is attached. [Figure 3] It is a plan view of the key storage type and tag type shared ID key body according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the state where a battery is disposed on an electronic substrate. [Figure 4] It is a plan view of the key storage type and tag type shared ID key according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the state where the electronic substrate and the battery are covered by a lid. [Figure 5] It is a plan view of the key storage type and tag type shared ID key according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the state where a physical key is not inserted into the cover. [Figure 6] It is a plan view of the key storage type and tag type shared ID key according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the state where a physical key is inserted into the cover. [Figure 7] It is a left side view of the ID key of the key storage type and tag type shared ID key according to the first embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows the state where the key storage type cover is attached, and (b) shows the state where the decorative type cover is attached. [Figure 8]It is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 7(a) of the key storage type and tag type shared ID key according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view of the key storage type and tag type shared ID key according to the second embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows the state in which the key is stored, and (b) shows the state when the key is in use. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view of the key storage type and tag type shared ID key according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows the state in which the key is stored, and (b) shows the state when the key is in use.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0017] Fig. 1 is a schematic view showing a basic embodiment of the ID key 1 according to the present invention. On the main body 2 of the ID key 1, a key-attached cover 4 as a key storage type cover capable of storing the physical key 3, or a decorative cover 5 as a plate-shaped decorative type cover that does not store the physical key 3, is shown being attached. That is, the ID key 1 can freely select and use either the key-attached cover 4 or the decorative cover 5 as the cover to be attached to the main body 2 in consideration of the necessity of the key 3.

[0018] In the decorative cover 5, it only covers one side surface S of the main body 2, and the ID key 1 as a function of the main body 2 can be used as a so-called tag type key. Note that this decorative cover 5 may be configured to have good appearance by providing surface processing such as coloring, painting, engraving, or design properties such as pebble finish or embossed surface.

[0019] Hereinafter, the embodiment of the present invention provided with a key-attached cover (a key storage type cover) will be mainly described. Figs. 2 to 8 show the first embodiment of the present invention. The first embodiment includes a keyed cover 30 that covers one side surface S of the main body 10 and allows the key 3 to be removably stored, with the ID key 1 enabling this functionality.

[0020] The main body 10 of the ID key 1 is provided with an electronic component 20 having a communication unit for communicating with a control system that controls the door of a building, and a storage unit for storing authentication information for the control system to authenticate, and a battery housing unit for housing a battery 21 for operating this electronic component 20. Note that the battery 21 is preferably a so-called coin-type battery or button-type battery in terms of size and shape, but other shaped batteries or rechargeable batteries (secondary batteries) etc. are not limited.

[0021] Here, a door control system as a control system in which the use of the ID key 1 is assumed will be described. The door control system includes an electric lock device (electric lock) that automatically locks and unlocks a door that restricts entry and exit to a room electrically, and a reader (reading device) that reads identification information from the ID key 1. The door control system also includes a control unit that controls the electric lock device according to the authentication result of the identification information received by the reader. And as the door control system, the ID key 1, which is a non-contact key storing identification information that is a unique ID, is also included. That is, this door control system is an electric lock system that locks and unlocks the electric lock device of the door by authenticating the identification information of the ID key. Also, as the control system, it can also be applied to an automatic door system that controls the opening and closing of a door (automatic door) provided at the entrance etc. of an apartment building such as a condominium.

[0022] In the electric lock system (control system) described above, the electric lock device is configured with, for example, a locking / unlocking mechanism that moves a deadbolt forward and backward, and a drive unit that drives the mechanism. The deadbolt protrudes from the door edge and advances into the strike of the door frame to lock the door and make it impossible to open, and on the other hand, moves backward to remove from the strike and retract into the door, unlocking the door and making it possible to open it. The electric lock device is connected to a control unit, and receives a control signal from the control unit instructing it to lock or unlock, and the drive unit operates in response to this control signal.

[0023] The ID key 1 has a memory unit that is an electronic component such as an IC chip with a memory area that stores various types of authentication information in a readable / writable manner. In particular, the memory area stores unique identification information such as user information, which is information necessary for authenticating permission to lock and unlock the door. The ID key 1 also has a communication unit that enables contactless communication (short-range wireless communication) with the reader using electromagnetic waves, magnetic field coupling, or electric field coupling, and can send and receive communication signals within a predetermined communication radius (communication range). The ID key 1 is activated in response to a response request signal sent from the reader and sends a response signal containing the identification information to the reader. The ID key 1 may be, for example, a card-shaped storage medium equipped with a passive tag that generates power in response to electromagnetic waves or magnetic field coupling or electric field coupling from a reader, but in this embodiment, it constitutes a so-called remote control key equipped with an active tag that receives power from a built-in battery or other power source. The ID key 1 is not limited to these in shape, size, and weight as long as it can communicate with the reader contactlessly and is easily portable by the user.

[0024] The reader (reading device) is installed on the surface of the door or the surrounding wall, either inside or outside the room. The reader is a transceiver capable of contactless communication with the ID key 1 using electromagnetic waves, magnetic field coupling, or electric field coupling, and can communicate within a predetermined communication radius (communication range). The reader, for example, transmits a response request signal to activate the ID key 1 and can receive a response signal from the ID key 1 in response to the response request signal. For example, the reader transmits a response request signal using electromagnetic waves, magnetic field coupling, or electric field coupling in a predetermined frequency band (e.g., 134 MHz) within a communication radius of 1 to 2 m to correspond to the ID key 1 on the outside or inside of the door. For example, the response request signal is generated as a pulse with a predetermined period, and the reader transmits this pulse with the predetermined period at predetermined time intervals. The reader may transmit the response request signal periodically or in response to a button operation. The reader is connected to a control unit and reads identification information from the response signal received from the ID key 1 and transmits it to the control unit.

[0025] The control unit includes a control unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the overall operation of the door control system, and a memory unit consisting of a storage medium such as a ROM or RAM that stores information necessary for control by this control unit.

[0026] The control unit is configured to include, for example, an authentication unit and an electric lock control unit (door control unit). The authentication unit and the electric lock control unit may be configured as programs stored in the memory unit and executed by the control unit. The memory unit also stores, for example, one or more pieces of authentication information used to authenticate the identification information of the ID key 1.

[0027] The authentication unit compares the identification information of the ID key 1 received by the control unit from the reader with the authentication information stored in the storage unit, and determines whether the identification information can be authenticated as valid.

[0028] The electric lock control unit controls the electric lock device according to the determination result by the authentication unit, and for example, when the identification information is authenticated as valid, transmits a control signal to the electric lock device to unlock the electric lock device. Furthermore, when a predetermined time has elapsed since transmitting the control signal to unlock the electric lock device, the electric lock control unit transmits a control signal to the electric lock device to lock the electric lock device.

[0029] The main body 10 of the ID key 1 includes, within a case 11, electronic components 20 such as the electronic board described above, and a battery 21 for operating the electronic components 20. In this embodiment, the battery 21 is disposed on the electronic board, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0030] One end 12 of the case 11 is semicircular and has a screw hole 13 at the center of its tip, while the other end 14 has a tongue 15 that protrudes in a semicircular shape on one side of the longitudinal centerline (to the right in this embodiment) and is formed into a bottomed box shape with a screw hole 16 at the center of its tip. The other end 14 is also formed lower (thinner) by the height (thickness) of the tongue 32 of the keyed cover 30, which will be described later.

[0031] Reference numeral 22 denotes a waterproof cover plate that fits watertightly into case 11, with electronic component 20 and battery 21 disposed below it. As shown in FIG. 4, this is closed by battery lid 17, which opens and closes when replacing the battery, sealing the inside of main body 10 to provide complete waterproofing. One or both of the periphery of battery lid 17 and main body cover plate 22 are edged with packing (not shown), making the closed state watertight. It is also preferable that a sealant such as a rubber or silicone rubber packing be interposed between the edges of waterproof cover plate 22 and case 11 to maintain watertightness. With this configuration, while battery 21 can be replaced, the interior of case 11 is permanently fitted, making it impossible to easily access, preventing contact with electronic component 20, tampering, and modification.

[0032] In the figure, 18 is a spring placement groove used to lock the key 3, and 19 are two convex rails for placing the key 3. Note that the configuration of the main body 10 is the same for the cosmetic type and Embodiment 2 described later.

[0033] Figures 5 and 6 show a state in which a key-attached cover 30 is attached to one side surface S of the main body 10. Figure 5 shows a state where the key 3 is not inserted, and Figure 6 shows a state where the key 3 is inserted. The key-attached cover 30 has a U-shaped peripheral wall 31 along the shape, size, and outer shape of the case 11. When the key-attached cover 30 is attached onto the case 11, at a position facing the tongue piece 15 of the case 11, a tongue piece 32 protrudes longitudinally from the end bottom surface 33 of the peripheral wall 31 with the same shape and size as the tongue piece 15. Further, screw holes 35 and 36 are respectively formed at positions facing the screw holes 16 and 13 of the case 11 at the tongue piece 32 and the other end portion 34 of the key-attached cover 30, and the case 11 and the key-attached cover 30 are fitted and fastened together through screws 6 and 7. At this time, a rib-shaped protruding frame-like pressing portion 37 provided on the inner surface of the key-attached cover 30 presses the battery cover 17 and the waterproof cover plate 22, so that the battery cover 17 and the waterproof cover plate 22 do not lift from the case 11, and in particular, the battery cover 17 attached to the waterproof cover plate 22 is pressed against the waterproof cover plate 22 to ensure complete waterproofing. Note that the pressing portion 37 is similarly provided on the covers (5, 50, 60) of the cosmetic type and Embodiment 2 described later. And, as shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), the thickness T2 of the state where the cosmetic cover 5 that does not accommodate the key 3 is attached to the case 11 is almost close to the thickness of the main body 10 with respect to the thickness T1 of the state where the above-described key-attached cover 30 is attached to the case 11.

[0034] The key 3 is inserted into a gap formed by the peripheral wall 31 and tongue 32 formed on the inside surface of the keyed cover 30 and the waterproof cover plate 22 of the case 11. As shown in FIG. 8 , the key portion 8 of the key 3 is stored in a storage wall 38 formed inside the keyed cover 30, rests on the convex rail 19 of the waterproof cover plate 22, and is restricted by a locking mechanism R equipped with a spring 39 provided inside the keyed cover 30. That is, a groove 41 of a locking member 40 of the locking mechanism R engages with a convex portion 9 of the key portion 8. The locking member 40 is provided with a lever 42 that penetrates the keyed cover 30 and appears on the surface. By sliding the lever 42 leftward in FIG. 8 with a finger, the locking member 40 also moves leftward against the biasing force of the spring 39, releasing the engagement (restriction) between the groove 41 and the convex portion 9, allowing the key 3 to be removed. Furthermore, when the key 3 is inserted into the gap, the hook portion 43 with an inclined surface of the locking member 40 is pressed against the protrusion 9, causing the spring 39 to contract in conjunction with the key 3. The spring then engages with the protrusion 9 due to the force of the spring 39, automatically locking the key 3. When inserting or removing the key 3, the convex rail 19 reduces the contact area, allowing the key 3 to slide freely, making the operation smoother.

[0035] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, the physical key and its storage cover are integrated and do not separate.

[0036] 9(a) is a perspective view showing the keyed cover 50 attached to the main body 70, i.e., when a physical key 51 is stored. In the keyed cover 50 of this second embodiment, when the key 51 is stored, only the tip of the key 51 is visible from the end 52. The key 51 is provided with a lever 53, and the cover is provided with a slit 54 through which the lever 53 passes. The lever 53 is exposed from the surface of the cover, preferably protruding from the surface, and the lever 53 is slidable along the slit 54. By sliding the lever 53, as shown in Fig. 9(b), the key portion 55 of the physical key 51 can project longitudinally from the end portion 52 of the cover 50, that is, the key 51 can be used. By sliding the lever 53, the key portion 55 slides within the cover 50 and is pushed out or retracted.

[0037] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a modification of the second embodiment. This modification is a configuration example in which the advancement of the key 51 by the above-described sliding is performed by rotation. Fig. 10(a) is a perspective view of a state where the key-equipped cover 60 is attached to the main body portion 70, that is, a state where the physical key 61 is stored. In this modification, when the key 61 is in the stored state, its side edge projects from the side surface 63 of the cover 60. The key 61 is pivotally supported by the cover 60 with a through hole (not shown) in the thickness direction at the proximal end 64, and rotates from the stored state to the protruding state about this pivotal support portion as the center of rotation. In this modification, the rotation angle of the key 61 is 180 degrees, and from the state along the side surface 63 in the stored state, the tip 65 of the key 61 is in the direction where it becomes the extended position of the side surface 63. That is, as shown in Fig. 10(b), the key 61 can be physically used with the tip 65 of the key 61 in the protruding state. In this modification, a biasing mechanism to which a spring or the like is connected to the key 61 is provided within the key-equipped cover 60, so that it has a biasing force in the protruding direction about the pivotal support portion, and a locking mechanism for regulating the biasing force is incorporated (not shown). As a configuration for releasing this locking mechanism, a button 62 as shown in the figure is provided, and by pressing this button 62, the regulation of the stored state of the key 61 is released to activate the biasing mechanism, and the key 61 can be protruded. That is, the physical key 61 can be used by being able to project longitudinally while rotating from the stored state by the button 62 protruding from the surface of the cover 60. In this way, by integrating the physical key with the storage cover, the loss of the physical key can be prevented.

[0038] Furthermore, the key storage type cover is available in both separate key and cover configurations and integrated key and cover configurations, allowing you to select the type that best suits your needs.

[0039] In the first embodiment, the covers 30, 5 and the main body 10 are attached and fixed by screws, but this is not limited to this in all embodiments. For example, they may be fastened together by providing tabs, and any method is acceptable. Similarly, in the first embodiment, the lock mechanism R using the spring 39 is used as the fixing means for the physical key 3, but this method is acceptable in all embodiments. Furthermore, the external shape of the ID key in all embodiments is not limited.

[0040] With the ID key of the present invention configured in this manner, the user of the ID key can select and change between two types of ID key 1, the key storage type or the decorative type, simply by exchanging the key storage type cover 4 and the decorative type cover 5, at their own discretion.This makes it possible to use the ID key 1 according to the user's preferences and usability, for example.

[0041] Furthermore, it is also possible to change the usage pattern by selecting one of the two covers and then obtaining the other cover later, changing the cover. In other words, after selecting and purchasing one cover with it attached, the other cover can be sold or purchased separately, allowing for a usage pattern such as removing the original cover and continuing to use it by attaching the other cover. In addition to the above-mentioned user-selectable change, selection is also possible at the time of purchase, improving the degree of freedom in usage patterns, for example, in situations where two types of covers are prepared from the beginning or one is added later. Furthermore, by adopting a waterproof and sealed structure as the case structure other than the structure for battery replacement, the electronic components inside are protected, reducing the frequency of failure and making it possible to prevent accidental contact with the inside. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 1…ID key 2, 10…main body 3…key 4, 30…cover (cover with key) 5…cover (decoration cover) 17…battery cover 20…electronic component 21…battery 37…pressing part S…one side

Claims

【Claim 1】 An ID key comprising a communication unit that communicates with a control system for controlling a building door, and a storage unit that stores identification information for authentication by the control system, wherein an electronic component having the communication unit and the storage unit, and a battery storage unit for storing a battery are arranged in a main body unit, a cover detachably attached to one side surface of the main body unit, are provided, the cover is a key storage type cover capable of storing a physical key and a plate-shaped decorative type cover that does not store a physical key, either the key storage type cover or the decorative type cover can be arbitrarily selected and attached to one side surface of the main body unit to be used interchangeably as a key storage type ID key or a tag type ID key, characterized by the ID key.

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