Electric lock system and lock control device

Abstract

To improve the convenience of thumbturn unlocking operations and prevent interception of key data by third parties. [Solution] The door control device is equipped with a first locking unit and a second locking unit that lock or unlock the opening / closing body, and the communication unit of the lock is installed only on the exterior surface of the opening / closing body. When the authentication unit of either the door control device or the portable key or communication terminal determines whether to unlock the first locking unit based on manual operation from the interior side of the room, the radio wave detection range is assumed, and the radio wave strength threshold for unlocking the thumb turn is set in the memory unit to define an authentication range (A) with strong radio waves and an authentication range (B) with weak radio waves. The authentication range (A) with strong radio waves is considered to be the exterior side, while the authentication range (B) with weak radio waves is considered to be the interior side. When the portable key or communication terminal is within the authentication range (B) with weak radio waves on the interior side, the door control device determines whether to unlock the first locking unit, and the control unit of the door control device controls the second locking unit to follow and unlock in conjunction with the unlocking of the first locking unit, resulting in an electric lock system.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric lock system that communicates necessary authentication information between a portable communication terminal carried by a user, such as a responder (tag, remote control), smartphone, or wearable device, and a reader connected to the communication target (such as a locking device for a specific opening / closing body of a building, a door control device provided on the opening / closing body, or an elevator in a common area), and a lock control device used in the electric lock system. [Background technology]

[0002] First, Patent Document 1 is an invention proposed by the applicant to your office. This Patent Document 1 describes a technology that uses a portable communication terminal 30 (smartphone, feature phone, wearable device, etc.) carried by the user instead of an ID key such as a remote control key or entry key (responsive contactless IC card), and establishes authentication communication within a short-distance communication area of ​​about several meters to several tens of meters, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0003] However, paragraph 0009 of Patent Document 1 points out the following problem: "Furthermore, in short-range wireless communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark), when a communication terminal enters the communication range of a reader, a communication state is automatically established and communication of key data begins. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen security against fraudulent acts, such as installing a reader for intercepting key data near a legitimate reader and impersonating the legitimate reader to intercept key data."

[0004] To overcome the above problems, the invention described in Patent Document 1 involves the reader on the lock control device side (corresponding to the communication unit of the lock) sending a call signal to establish communication with the mobile terminal and signature data created using a private key from its own reader identification information to the mobile terminal. Meanwhile, the mobile terminal obtains the private key and the corresponding public key together with key data, and determines that the reader is a legitimate reader when the signature data obtained by decrypting the signature data sent from the reader using the public key matches the signature data contained in the key data.

[0005] While the above configuration can achieve a high level of security, it has drawbacks, such as increasing the cost of the control application due to the complex authentication steps required. Therefore, there is a need to achieve a high level of security through other configurations and methods.

[0006] Incidentally, paragraph 0036 of Patent Document 1 states, "<Regarding the reader> As shown in Figure 1, the reader 20 comprises an information and communication unit 21, a reader control unit 22, a reader storage unit 23, and a power supply unit 24. The reader 20 is installed near the communication target object used by the user and is a device that outputs a control signal to control the control target object to a predetermined state when the key data from the mobile terminal 10 is successfully authenticated" (the reference numerals are those of Patent Document 1).

[0007] However, Patent Document 1 does not specify where the reader 20 should be installed. Furthermore, it does not provide any specific details regarding "radio wave strength (range of radio wave coverage)" or "configuration for realizing the thumbturn unlocking interlocking function under conditions of varying radio wave strength."

[0008] Next, Patent Document 2 describes an electric lock device (claim 1) comprising: "a plurality of electric locks that electrically lock or unlock the doors of a building; a plurality of thumbturns that manually lock or unlock the corresponding electric locks from the inside of the door; a detection unit that detects whether each of the plurality of thumbturns has been operated; a control unit that, when the detection unit detects operation of the thumbturn, controls the electric locks other than the electric lock operated by the thumbturn to lock or unlock them to the same state as the electric lock operated by the thumbturn; and an authentication unit that, when the detection unit detects operation of the thumbturn, authenticates the person opening or closing the door; and the control unit controls the electric locks other than the electric lock operated by the thumbturn to lock or unlock them to the same state as the electric lock operated by the thumbturn only when authentication by the authentication unit is successful."

[0009] This electric lock device 10 and a responder 300 (a so-called tag) constitute an electric lock system, and the electric lock device 10 has an authentication unit 111. Meanwhile, the responder 300 provides a person's biometric information to the electric lock device 10, and the authentication unit 111 determines whether the person's identifier stored in advance in a storage unit 113 of the processing unit 110 matches the person's biometric information acquired in front of the building door. Furthermore, only if authentication by the authentication unit is successful, the control unit 112 controls electric locks other than the electric lock operated by the thumbturn to lock or unlock them to the same state as the electric lock operated by the thumbturn (the symbols are those of Patent Document 2). Therefore, the invention described in Patent Document 2 differs in configuration and technical concept from the present invention.

[0010] The above patented invention has the problem that the responder 300 (so-called tag) does not have an authentication function, and therefore must be carried in a bag or the like at all times along with the portable communication terminal that almost all users generally carry. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-184875 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6395079 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] In view of the above-mentioned conventional drawbacks, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide convenience in thumb turn unlocking operation and the ability to prevent third parties from intercepting key data by setting an authentication range based on the radio wave detection range (in an environment with varying radio wave strength) and realizing a thumb turn unlocking linkage function when the lock's communication unit is installed only on the outdoor surface of the opening / closing body, taking into consideration the low installation costs of the lock control device and the ease of wiring work for the lock's communication unit (e.g., a reader), and when the door control device is capable of locking or unlocking two or more electric locks.

[0013] In addition, when the portable key or communication terminal is present within the authentication range of weak indoor radio waves, the second lock unit will be linked and unlocked when the user manually operates the thumb turn knob of the first lock unit in the unlock direction. Depending on the embodiment, the authentication range of weak indoor radio waves (B) can be set shorter by newly setting a radio wave strength threshold for unlocking the thumb turn in the memory unit, thereby realizing the thumb turn unlocking linkage function.

[0014] The second object of the present invention is to achieve the first object of convenience in unlocking operations and to prevent third parties from intercepting key data, even when the portable key or communication terminal is within the authentication range of strong radio waves outside the room. Depending on the embodiment, the authentication range of strong radio waves inside the room is preferably within about 1 meter, and preferably within about 50 cm, so that authentication information can be exchanged between terminals.

[0015] A third objective of the present invention is to enable a door control device installed in a building to lock or unlock two or more electric locks, even if the user does not possess a portable key such as a remote key or a responsive entry key (contactless IC card), as long as they possess a portable communication terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] The electric lock system of the present invention is an electric lock system in which authentication information is communicated over a short distance between the communication unit of a portable key or communication terminal carried by a user and the communication unit of a lock of a door control device provided on an opening / closing body of a building, wherein the door control device is provided with a first lock unit and a second lock unit for locking or unlocking the opening / closing body, the communication unit of the lock is installed only on the outdoor surface of the opening / closing body, and the authentication unit of either the door control device or the portable key or communication terminal is at least When determining whether to unlock the first lock unit based on manual operation from the inside of the room, assuming the radio wave detection range, in a radio wave environment where the radio waves are generally strong in the outdoor authentication range (A) based on the outdoor surface of the opening / closing body, while the radio waves are generally weak in the indoor authentication range (B) based on the indoor surface of the opening / closing body, when the portable key or communication terminal is present within the indoor authentication range (B) where the radio waves are weak, the door control device determines whether to unlock the first lock unit, and the control unit of the door control device controls the second lock unit to follow and unlock in conjunction with the unlocking of the first lock unit.

[0017] Furthermore, the lock control device of the present invention is a lock control device used in an electric lock system that communicates authentication information over short distances between a communication unit of a portable key or communication terminal held by a user and a communication unit of a lock of a door control device equipped on the opening / closing body of a building, wherein the door control device comprises a first lock unit and a second lock unit for locking or unlocking the opening / closing body, the communication unit of the lock is installed only on the exterior side of the opening / closing body, and when the authentication unit of either the door control device or the portable key or communication terminal determines that unlocking is based on manual operation from the interior side of at least the first lock unit, Based on the radio wave detection range, a radio wave strength threshold for unlocking the thumbturn is set in the memory unit to define a strong radio wave authentication range (A) and a weak radio wave authentication range (B), respectively. The strong radio wave authentication range (A) is considered to be the outside, while the weak radio wave authentication range (B) is considered to be the inside. When the portable key or communication terminal is within the weak radio wave authentication range (B) on the inside, the first lock unit is unlocked, and the control unit of the door control device controls the second lock unit to unlock in conjunction with the unlocking of the first lock unit.

[0018] In either the first embodiment of the present invention (based on the presence of the opening / closing body and the installation position of the reader) or the second embodiment (based on the radio wave intensity threshold), the authentication range (B) of weak radio waves on the indoor side is shortened by newly providing a radio wave intensity threshold in the memory unit for thumbturn unlocking, regardless of whether it is the indoor or outdoor side of the opening / closing body, thereby realizing the thumbturn unlocking interlocking function. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] In this invention, considering factors such as the low cost of installing the lock control device and the ease of wiring the lock's communication unit (e.g., reader), the lock's communication unit is installed only on the exterior surface of the opening / closing body, and the door control device can lock or unlock two or more electric locks, the thumbturn unlocking interlocking function can be realized in environments with varying radio wave strength, thereby providing convenience for thumbturn unlocking operations and preventing interception of key data by third parties. In the embodiment, the weak radio wave authentication range (B) on the interior side is shortened by newly setting a radio wave strength threshold in the memory unit for thumbturn unlocking, thereby enabling the exchange of authentication information between terminals within, for example, preferably within about 1 m, and more preferably within about 50 cm. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] 1 to 9 are explanatory views of a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of an electric lock system X using the lock control device of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a portable communication terminal 30. [Figure 3] 1 is a view of an opening / closing body 40 to which a lock control device is applied, as seen from inside a room. [Figure 4] 1 is a view of an opening / closing body 40 to which a lock control device is applied, as seen from outside the room. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the two-step authentication process (connection authentication and completion of authentication information authentication) between a portable communication terminal (e.g., a smartphone) 30 and a lock control device 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory diagram including a case where a user approaches the opening / closing body 40 and performs a manual unlocking operation on one of the thumb turns. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing main functions of the lock communication unit 5 and the communication unit 31 of the portable communication terminal 30 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electric lock system of the first embodiment. [Figure 9]This is a schematic diagram comparing the authentication range B, where the radio waves are weak, with the authentication range A, where the radio waves are strong on the outside, based on the radio wave detection range. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, an electric lock system using a lock control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. However, the configuration described below is merely one example of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications can be made depending on the design, etc., as long as they do not depart from the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0022] The applicant is developing an electric lock system in which, instead of a portable key such as a remote key or entry key (responsive contactless IC card), the user uses a portable communication terminal (smartphone, feature phone, wearable device, etc.) 30 that they possess themselves to establish authentication communication corresponding to the first stage within a short-range communication area of ​​a few meters to tens of meters, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). Then, for example, the authentication unit 34 of the portable communication terminal 30 completes the second stage, "determination of authentication information." After that, if the first electric lock 6 of the first lock unit 3 is locked or unlocked, the control unit 2a of the door control device 1 controls the second electric lock 7 of the second lock unit 4 in conjunction with the first electric lock 6 to be locked or unlocked. The first embodiment of the present invention is based on the technical idea of ​​realizing, for example, an unlocking interlocking function (unlocking tracking function) from the inside of a door control device equipped with multiple electric locks, within approximately 1 meter, when the authentication information storage medium is either a portable key or a portable communication terminal, and the radio wave detection range is such that, for example, the radio waves in the outdoor authentication range (A) relative to the outdoor surface of the opening / closing body are generally strong, while the radio waves in the indoor authentication range (B) relative to the indoor surface of the opening / closing body are generally weak, based on the radio wave environment.

[0023] Furthermore, the second embodiment of the present invention does not use the installation position of the opening / closing body or reader as an obstacle as a reference, but rather, for example, based on the radio wave detection range, a radio wave strength threshold when the thumbturn is unlocked is set in the memory unit to define a strong radio wave authentication range (A) and a weak radio wave authentication range (B), respectively, the strong radio wave authentication range (A) is considered to be the outside, and the weak radio wave authentication range (B) is considered to be the inside, and when the portable key or communication terminal is within the weak radio wave authentication range (B) on the inside, the unlocking of the first lock unit is determined, and the control unit of the door control device controls the second lock unit to follow suit and unlock in conjunction with the unlocking of the first lock unit. Even with this configuration, the second embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment.

[0024] In the embodiment, the portable communication terminal 30 has an authentication unit 34, but the design may be modified to provide an authentication unit, for example, on the lock control device 1 side (preferably, the communication unit of the lock has an authentication function 5, and desirably, the information processing unit 2 has an authentication function).

[0025] First, Figure 1 is a block diagram of an electric lock system X using the lock control device 1 of the first embodiment. Note that the well-known and conventional technologies of the information processing unit 2 of the lock control device 1 are the same as those of a portable communication terminal 30, for example, so here we will briefly explain the details of the information processing unit 2 of the lock control device 1, and refer to the explanation of the communication terminal for well-known technologies.

[0026] In Figure 1, the electric lock system X comprises a lock control device 1 having an information processing unit 2, and a portable communication terminal 30 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "communication terminal") that can communicate with the lock control device 1 over a short distance of, for example, 3 meters outdoors to 50 centimeters indoors (within the detection range where wireless communication is possible) based on a threshold value (for example, a numerical value such as 1, 2, or 3) of the lock's communication unit (e.g., reader) 5 provided on the opening / closing body 40.

[0027] The above threshold value is determined by newly setting a radio wave strength threshold in the memory unit for unlocking the thumb turn, at least for the authentication range (B) inside the room where the radio waves are weak. This authentication range (B) where the radio waves are weak is intended to realize the thumb turn unlocking linkage function at a very short distance, for example, within approximately 1 m, preferably within 50 cm.

[0028] In the embodiment, assuming a detection range of radio waves both indoors and outdoors, even if the strength of the wireless radio waves inside the room is weak, when the portable key or communication terminal 30 is within the authentication range (A) of the weak radio waves inside the room, the authentication unit of either the door control device 1 or the portable key or communication terminal 30 determines to unlock the first lock unit 3, and the control unit 2a controls the second lock unit 4 to follow and unlock in conjunction with the unlocking of the first lock unit 3. Note that the radio wave detection range (distance of travel) does not coincide with the authentication range (B) for weak radio waves inside the room or the authentication range (A) for strong radio waves outside the room. The authentication range (B) for weak radio waves inside the room can be specified to be shorter by, for example, setting a new radio wave strength threshold in the memory unit when unlocking the thumbturn. This allows the thumbturn unlocking interlocking function to be realized within a very narrow range. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the authentication range (B) for weak radio waves inside the room is compared to the range (A) for strong radio waves outside the room. For example, if the authentication range (B) for weak radio waves inside the room is within about 50 cm, while the range (A) for strong radio waves outside the room is about 3 m, the radio wave strength threshold for unlocking the thumbturn can be specified and set to be shorter by setting a new radio wave strength threshold in the memory unit when unlocking the thumbturn. This allows the authentication range (B) for weak radio waves to be realized within, for example, about 1 meter.

[0029] The lock control device 1 includes a first lock unit 3 and a second lock unit 4 that lock or unlock an opening / closing body 40 that opens and closes the entrance to a building such as a detached house or an apartment building, using a locking piece such as a latch bolt, deadbolt, or autolock. Although there is only one second lock unit 4 in Fig. 1, there may be two or more second lock units 4.

[0030] However, the first locking section 3 has a first electric lock 6 for moving the first locking piece 20 forward and backward, while the second locking section 4 has a second electric lock 7 for moving the second locking piece 20A forward and backward (see Figure 3). Furthermore, an opening / closing sensor (e.g., a magnetic sensor) 14 for detecting the opening / closing state of the opening / closing body 2 is provided at an appropriate location on the lock box.

[0031] The electric lock system X consists of a lock control device 1 and a communication terminal 30 for initiating authentication operations with an information processing unit 2 via a communication unit 5 having a data controller (e.g., a reader). In a preferred embodiment, a pairing operation is performed between the communication unit 5 of the lock and the communication unit 32 of the communication terminal 30 to ensure security.

[0032] In addition, when authentication is initiated between the communication terminal 30 and the lock control device 1 via the communication units 5 and 32 of both terminals, the communication terminal 30 is designated as the slave (peripheral) terminal, and the lock control device 1 is designated as the master (central) terminal, and bidirectional data communication (verification of each other's authentication information) is performed. For this purpose, the data controller of the lock's communication unit 5 preferably uses a reader that processes data efficiently.

[0033] As is a well-known technology, in this embodiment, various types of data are communicated between terminals 1 and 30 using short-range wireless communication. Therefore, various short-range wireless devices, such as modules that enable wireless communication over distances of several meters to several 3 meters, including Bluetooth®, are also provided. The specifications of the short-range wireless communication do not matter, including passive type, active type, or semi-active type (activated active type) which combines both passive and active types.

[0034] In the above-described electric lock system X, the control unit of the information processing unit 2 of the lock control device 1 executes the interlocking control based on either a detection signal from the detection means 10 or driveable information that allows the driving of the second lock unit 4 obtained from the driveable instruction information transmission unit of the communication terminal 30, depending on the form of the "control application" which includes a control program.

[0035] Furthermore, to explain the configuration of the lock control device 1, the first lock section 3 is provided on the outdoor side of the opening / closing body 40 and includes a cylinder lock in which the inner cylinder rotates relative to the outer cylinder body by the operating force of a mechanical key, and a thumbturn lock provided on the indoor side of the opening / closing body 40 and rotated in the locking / unlocking direction by a thumbturn knob. Here, for convenience, the mechanical key having the knob portion and blade and the thumbturn knob having the thumbturn shaft are referred to as the "first operating means." Therefore, the mechanical key and thumbturn knob used in the second lock section 4 are referred to as the "second operating means."

[0036] In this embodiment, a first detection means 10 is provided on the side of the first lock section 3. This first detection means 10 detects whether the first electric lock 6 is in a locked or unlocked state based on the operating force of the first operating means 8. Corresponding to the first detection means 10, a second detection means 11 is provided on the side of the second lock section 4. The second detection means 11 detects whether the second electric lock 7 is in a locked or unlocked state based on the operating force of the second operating means 9. Preferably, one or more indicators are provided, such as a first display means 12 that shows the lock state of the first electric lock 6 to the outside and a second display means 13 that shows the lock state of the second electric lock 7 to the outside. The first display means 12 and the second display means 13 are, for example, operation indicator lamps such as LEDs that can be identified by color.

[0037] Furthermore, it is equipped with an opening / closing sensor 14 for the opening / closing mechanism and a power supply unit 15. The configuration of the lock part of the locking / unlocking device, such as the lock case, thumbturn lock, cylinder lock, and operating handle, will be described later. The information processing unit 2 includes a calculation unit, a control unit, a storage unit, a timing unit, and the like. The functions of the information processing unit 2 can be briefly described as including calculation, control, storage, and timing. The control unit 2a controls the communication unit 5, the first lock unit 3, and the second lock unit 4 of the lock. It also acquires open / close signals from the open / close sensor 14 and controls the lighting and flashing states of the first display means 12 and the second display means. The storage unit 2b stores authentication information that is substantially the same as the authentication information stored in the storage unit 33 of the portable communication terminal 30. The authentication information is described in the section on the storage unit 33 of the communication terminal 30 and is omitted here.

[0038] Next, Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the portable communication terminal 30. The communication terminal 30 has, as its main functions, a communication unit 31 (hereinafter simply referred to as "communication unit") capable of transmitting and receiving information within a short-range communication area with the communication unit (e.g., reader) 5 of the lock control device 1 mentioned above, a control unit 32 (hereinafter simply referred to as "control unit") of the communication terminal, a storage unit 33 (hereinafter simply referred to as "storage unit") of the communication terminal, and an authentication unit 34. It also has a timing unit, display unit, operation unit, power supply unit, and various touch panel switches, but these are well-known technologies so detailed explanations are omitted.

[0039] As described above, when the first stage of authentication is initiated between the portable communication terminal 30 and the lock control device 1 via their respective communication units 5 and 31, the communication unit 31 acts as the slave (peripheral) terminal and the lock control device 1 as the master (central) terminal, performing bidirectional data communication.

[0040] The control unit 32 is composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) equipped with these functions. The control unit 32 executes various control programs stored in the storage unit 33 and controls the operation of each part according to the processing sequence of the control application stored in the storage unit 32.

[0041] In this embodiment, the memory unit 32 stores multiple pieces of authentication information for identifying the lock control device 1. Specific examples of "authentication information" as identification information include the serial number and location information of the reader, the serial number and location information of the electric lock, the user ID, and information for identifying the building or dwelling unit. In a preferred embodiment, multiple identifiers are appropriately combined.

[0042] The control unit 32 processes the actions taken when the control application is activated. This includes receiving periodic call signals (advertisement signals) from the lock's communication unit (e.g., reader) 5 so that short-range wireless communication can be performed with the lock, and performing, for example, "BEL connection authentication" to carry out the first stage of authentication. Then, there is a process of sending a response signal (BEL connection authentication) to the call signal from the lock's communication unit 5 to the lock control device 1 to establish a communication state with the lock's communication unit 5, a process of receiving lock authentication information stored in the lock's memory unit 2b from the lock's communication unit 5 after the communication state is established and verifying (determining) the data in the authentication unit 34, and preferably a process of sending authentication establishment information to the lock control device 1 if the authentication in the authentication unit 34 is positive (authentication information matches), and further, in order to prevent unauthorized unlocking, a process of sending to the lock control device 1 drive enable information that allows the second lock unit 4 to be driven based on the operating force of an operating member such as a thumb turn when detection information from the first detection means 10 (for example, information that the first lock unit 3 has entered a locked or unlocked state) is received from the lock control device 1, or a process of sending operable instruction information that allows activation as a trigger for the first lock unit 3 or the second lock unit. The control application is configured to periodically receive a call signal (advertisement signal) from the communication unit 5 of the lock, but it may also be configured to run continuously in the background or to be launched each time the user uses it.

[0043] As described above, the lock control device 1 performs the interlocking control based on either the detection signal from the first detection means 10 or the driveable information obtained from the communication unit (driveable instruction information transmission unit) of the communication terminal 30 that permits the operation of an operating member such as a thumbturn.

[0044] Next, Fig. 3 is a view of an opening / closing body 40 to which a lock control device is applied, as seen from inside the room. Fig. 4 is a view of an opening / closing body to which a lock control device is applied, as seen from outside the room. A push-pull lock, an example of a lock, will be described with reference to these figures. Push-pull locks are described in detail in paragraphs 0015 to 0021 of Patent Document 1, along with Figs. 2 to 4. However, as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-311173, this is an old technology, and its specific configuration is a well-known technology that has been improved in various ways by various companies. Therefore, here, the main configuration will be briefly described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4.

[0045] First, in Figure 3, 20 is the deadbolt of the upper thumbturn lock (motor lock), while 20A is the deadbolt of the lower thumbturn lock. The lower thumbturn lock has an unlocking follow-up function, for example, when the upper thumbturn lock (motor lock) is rotated in the unlocking direction electrically or manually. Therefore, when the upper deadbolt 20 retracts into the upper lock case 21 to unlock, the lower deadbolt 20A also automatically retracts into the lower lock case 21A to unlock. 22 is the upper thumbturn knob, while 22A is the lower thumbturn knob. 23 is a push-type inner handle located vertically between the upper and lower thumbturn knobs. 28 is a latch member (e.g., a reverse latch).

[0046] In Figure 4, 25 is an upper cylinder lock, while 25A is a lower cylinder lock, and the ends of these cylinder locks are covered by case lock covers 26, 26A that protrude from the exterior surface of the opening / closing body 40. The upper cover 26 is provided with one or more operation indicator lamps 12, 13. 27 is a pull-type external handle located vertically between the upper and lower covers 26, 26A.

[0047] The door lock with the above configuration is an example and is not limited to this configuration. For example, although separate lock cases are provided at the top and bottom, there may be only one. In other words, regardless of the number of lock cases, as long as the door lock has two or more lock sections, when, for example, the thumb turn knob on the interior side of the door is moved from a horizontal position to a vertical position to retract the upper deadbolt 20 of the upper first lock section 3 and unlock it, the lower deadbolt 20A of the lower second lock section 4 retracts in conjunction (herein referred to as the "unlocking follow-up function"). The handle may also be a lever handle.

[0048] Next, Fig. 5 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the two-stage authentication operation (connection authentication and authentication information authentication completion) between the communication terminal (e.g., smartphone) 30 and the lock control device 1. Fig. 6 is a schematic explanatory diagram including a case in which the user approaches the opening / closing body 40 and manually unlocks the first electric lock 6 of the first lock unit 3 by, for example, turning the upper first thumb turn knob 22 in the unlocking direction. In this embodiment, when the first electric lock 6 enters the unlocked state, the second electric lock 7 of the second lock unit 4 of the lock control device 1 can be unlocked after a predetermined condition (smartphone app authentication completion on the communication terminal) is satisfied. In this sense, the completion of authentication of the communication terminal 30 triggers the activation of the second lock unit 4.

[0049] First, in Figure 5, the left side is the "lock control device 1" and the right side is the "communication terminal 30." (1) The communication unit 5 of the lock in the lock control device 1 periodically transmits an advertising signal. (2) The communication unit 31 of the communication terminal 30 waits to receive the advertising signal. The explanation of the horizontal track shape in (3) indicates that the communication unit 31 of the communication terminal 30 receives the advertising signal, and then a so-called BLE connection is established via wireless communication using the Bluetooth (registered trademark) method.

[0050] In addition, this first stage of authentication is the start of BLE connection authentication for the authentication operation shown in the horizontal track shape of (4) below. (4) The authentication information transmission unit (see Figure 7) of the lock control device 1 transmits authentication information from the lock side, and the communication terminal 30 receives the authentication information from the lock side with the authentication information receiving unit and enters the authentication operation in the authentication unit 34 to determine whether it matches the authentication information stored in the storage unit 33. In this authentication operation, authentication is completed before the first thumbturn knob 22 (upper operating member in the embodiment) of the first lock part 3 of the lock control device 1 is manually operated by the user (it is presumed or judged that the user is within the operating range). (5) When the lock is unlocked based on the manual operation of the first thumbturn knob 22 of the first lock part 3, the thumbturn operation information transmission unit transmits the first thumbturn operation information to the communication terminal 30. (6) The thumbturn operation information is received by the thumbturn operation information receiving unit. (7) The communication terminal 30 transmits information that the second lock unit 4 is drivable from the drivable information transmission unit to the lock control device 1. This transmission of drivable information only conveys the operation or drivable information to the lock control device 1. Therefore, the interlocking of the second electric lock 7 in (8), for example, the unlocking action, is determined by the lock control device 1 itself.

[0051] Next, in Figure 6, (a) shows the case where the user is indoors and, hypothetically, is about to go out and is facing the indoor side of the front door 40 with the smartphone 30. At this stage, for example, if the lock's communication unit (e.g., reader) 5 is installed on the outdoor side of the front door 40, the front door 40 becomes an obstacle when using the "threshold" for radio wave strength as a reference. Therefore, the short distance at which communication is possible between the reader 5 and the communication terminal 30 is narrower than the outside area, for example, "about 50 centimeters," and is also outside the BEL connection range. In other words, the communication terminal 30 cannot communicate with the reader 5. (b) shows the case where the user approaches the indoor side of the front door 40 and enters the area where communication is possible. At this stage, since it is within the area where communication is possible, the smartphone 30 is within the BEL connection range. (c) shows that the user is within the range where the first thumbturn knob 22 of the first lock unit 3 can be manually operated. Therefore, (d) shows that the user has manually operated the first thumbturn knob 22 in the unlocking direction. For details on the authentication range both indoors and outdoors, please refer to Figure 9.

[0052] As is clear from the above description, in this embodiment, the communication terminal (e.g., smartphone) 30, rather than the lock control device 1, makes a definitive judgment regarding "authentication complete" and "timing for unlocking the second electric lock 7." Of course, depending on the embodiment, the communication terminal 30 may be notified of the completion of authentication. In such an embodiment, the lock control device 1 unlocks the second electric lock 7 in response to the notification from the communication terminal 30.

[0053] Next, Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the main functions of the lock communication unit 5 of the lock control device 1 and the communication unit 31 of the communication terminal 30. In this embodiment, the lock control device 1 has a thumbturn operation information transmission unit that transmits first thumbturn operation information to the communication terminal 30 when the first lock unit 3 is unlocked based on manual operation of the first thumbturn knob 22, and a driveable information receiving unit that receives driveable information from the communication terminal that allows the second lock unit 4 to be driven. Therefore, on the condition that the driveable information receiving unit has received the driveable information, the control unit 2a of the lock control device 1 interlocks and controls the second electric lock 7 of the second lock unit 4 to be unlocked in correspondence with the first electric lock 6. Therefore, the communication unit 5 of the lock of the lock control device 1 and the communication unit 31 of the communication terminal 30 are compared as shown in FIG.

[0054] Next, Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electric lock system of the first embodiment. In Fig. 8, it is assumed that pairing has been completed between the lock control device 1 and the communication terminal (between terminals). Hereinafter, Step 1, Step 2, Step 3, etc. will be abbreviated to "S1, S2, S3, etc." Also, the smartphone 30 may be abbreviated to "smartphone 30."

[0055] Now, S1 determines whether the smartphone 30 has received an advertising signal from the lock control device 1. If the answer is YES, proceed to S2. S2 determines whether a BLE connection has been established between the lock communication unit 5 of the lock control device 1 and the communication unit 31 of the communication terminal 30. If the connection has not been established, return to S1; if the connection has been established, proceed to S3. Since the BLE connection has been established, S3 starts BLE connection authentication to perform authentication operations. S4 receives authentication information from the lock communication unit 5, starts authentication operations on the smartphone 30, and determines whether the first lock unit (e.g., the first electric lock) is within an operable range. In this embodiment, by receiving the authentication information from the lock, it is determined that the user is within an operable range (communication area) of the first lock unit 3. If the answer is NO, return to S3; if the answer is YES, proceed to the next step.

[0056] S5 determines whether the smartphone 30 has received operation information for operating the first thumb turn knob 22 from the lock communication unit 5 of the lock control device 1. If NO, return to S4, while if YES, proceed to the next step. S6 sends drive capability information from the communication unit 31 of the smartphone 30 to the lock control device 1. S7 is when the lock control device 1 receives the drive capability information.

[0057] In S8, conditional on receiving the driveable information, the control unit 2a of the lock control device 1 controls, for example, the unlocking tracking function of the second electric lock. In S9, the control unit 2a has linked the second electric lock 7 of the second lock unit 4 to the unlocked state corresponding to the first electric lock 6, and the lock is unlocked. The same steps apply to the locking state. That is, if the first electric lock 6 is locked, the second electric lock 7 of the second lock unit 4 is also locked. Furthermore, after taking into account the transmission of the detection signal from the first detection means 10 and the fact that the detection signal has been received, the lock control device 1 may also perform the unlocking of the second electric lock 7 based on the notification from the communication terminal 30.

[0058] Finally, Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the difference between the authentication range A on the outdoor side and the authentication range B on the indoor side. Specifically, Figure 9 assumes that the radio wave detection range (range: for example, 20m from the outdoor side relative to the outdoor side surface of the door, and approximately 3m from the indoor side relative to the indoor side surface), and preferably, in order to realize the thumbturn unlocking linked function from the indoor side, if a new radio wave strength threshold for thumbturn unlocking is added to the memory unit, the authentication range (B) for weak radio waves is within approximately 1m, and the authentication range A for strong radio waves on the outdoor side is approximately 3m. When a new radio wave strength threshold is added to the memory unit, it is not necessarily required to use the installation position of the opener or reader as a reference.

[0059] In Figure 9, the lock's communication unit (reader) 5 is integrally installed near the upper handle 27, close to the free end of the outdoor surface 40a of the opening / closing body 40, or inside the upper case 26, or at the upper end of the upper case 26. Considering ease of installation and aesthetic design, it is desirable to form the upper case 26 in a vertically elongated shape and install the reader in the upper case 26.

[0060] Furthermore, with regard to the threshold for radio wave strength, consideration should be given not only to the convenience of the unlocking operation but also to the problem with Patent Document 1 (illegal acts such as intercepting key data). Therefore, a specific threshold for radio waves is set in the memory unit of the lock's communication unit (reader) 5 or the memory unit 2b of the information processing unit 2, and based on this threshold, the outdoor authentication range A for the lock control device 1 and the portable key or communication terminal 30 when the user returns home is set to a short distance of approximately 3 m or less from the outdoor surface 40a of the opening / closing body 40, while the indoor authentication range B for the lock control device 1 and the portable key or communication terminal 30 when the user leaves the house is set to approximately half or less of the outdoor authentication range A due to the opening / closing body acting as an obstacle (within approximately 1.5 m, preferably within approximately 1 m, and desirably within approximately 50 m from the indoor surface 40b of the opening / closing body 40). The outdoor authentication range A and the indoor authentication range B are values ​​for the data measurement environment in a model room, and the present invention is not limited to these values.

[0061] Furthermore, if the lock communication unit (reader) 5 on the lock control device 1 side is attached to the opening / closing body 40 or to a wall near the entrance to the building, the opening / closing body 40 will act as an obstacle, and it is assumed that the authentication range on the outside of the room will be different from that on the inside of the room. [Industrial Applicability]

[0062] The present invention is applicable to the industries of electric lock systems and lock control devices used in the electric lock systems. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] X...electric lock system, A...Outdoor authentication range, B…Indoor authentication range, 1...lock control device, 2...information processing section, 3...First tablet part, 4...Second tablet part, 5...Lock communication unit, 6...First electric lock, 7...Second electric lock, 8(22)...first operating means, 9(22A)...Second operating means, 10...First detection means, 11...Second detection means, 12...first display means, 13...second display means, 22... The first thumb turn knob, 30... Portable communication terminals, 31... Communications Department, 32... Control unit, 33...Storage section, 34…Authentication Department, 40...Opening / closing mechanism, 40a...The exterior side 40a.

Claims

1. An electric lock system that communicates authentication information over short distances between the communication unit of a user's portable key or communication terminal and the communication unit of a lock on a door control device installed in the building's opening and closing mechanism, The door control device comprises a first lock unit and a second lock unit for locking or unlocking the opening / closing body, the communication unit of the lock is installed only on the outdoor side of the opening / closing body, and when the authentication unit of the door control device or a portable key or communication terminal determines that the first lock unit is unlocked based on manual operation from the indoor side, the electric lock system provides that, based on the radio wave detection range, the radio waves in the outdoor authentication range (A) relative to the outdoor side of the opening / closing body are generally strong, while the radio waves in the indoor authentication range (B) relative to the indoor side of the opening / closing body are generally weak, and when the portable key or communication terminal is within the indoor authentication range (B) where the radio waves are weak, the control unit of the door control device determines that the first lock unit is unlocked, and controls the second lock unit to follow suit and unlock in conjunction with the unlocking of the first lock unit.

2. An electric lock system according to claim 1, wherein when the portable key or communication terminal is within the strong authentication range (A) of the outdoor radio waves, the authentication unit of either the door control device or the portable key or communication terminal determines whether to unlock the first lock unit, and the control unit of the door control device controls the second lock unit to unlock in conjunction with the unlocking of the first lock unit.

3. A lock control device used in an electric lock system that communicates authentication information over short distances between a communication unit of a portable key or communication terminal held by a user and a communication unit of a lock on a door control device equipped on a building's opening / closing body, wherein the door control device comprises a first lock unit and a second lock unit for locking or unlocking the opening / closing body, the communication unit of the lock is installed only on the exterior surface of the opening / closing body, and when the authentication unit of either the door control device or the portable key or communication terminal determines to unlock the first lock unit based on manual operation from the interior side, the lock control device determines to unlock the first lock unit when, based on the detection range of radio waves, the radio waves in the exterior authentication range (A) relative to the exterior surface of the opening / closing body are generally strong, and the radio waves in the interior authentication range (B) relative to the interior surface of the opening / closing body are generally weak, and the portable key or communication terminal is within the interior authentication range (B) where the radio waves are weak, the control unit of the door control device controls the second lock unit to follow suit and unlock in conjunction with the unlocking of the first lock unit.

4. A lock control device used in the electric lock system of claim 3, wherein the authentication range (B) of weak radio waves on the indoor side is set to be shorter regardless of whether it is the indoor or outdoor side of the opening / closing body, by newly providing a radio wave strength threshold in the memory unit for thumbturn unlocking, thereby realizing a thumbturn unlocking interlocking function.

5. An electric lock system that communicates authentication information over short distances between the communication unit of a user's portable key or communication terminal and the communication unit of a lock on a door control device installed in the building's opening and closing mechanism, The door control device is equipped with a first lock unit and a second lock unit that lock or unlock the opening / closing body, and the communication unit of the lock is installed only on the outside surface of the opening / closing body.When an authentication unit of either the door control device or a portable key or a communication terminal determines unlocking based on manual operation from the inside of the room, the door control device sets a radio wave strength threshold for unlocking the thumb turn in a memory unit based on the radio wave detection range, and defines an authentication range (A) with strong radio waves and an authentication range (B) with weak radio waves.The authentication range (A) with strong radio waves is considered to be the outside of the room, while the authentication range (B) with weak radio waves is considered to be the inside of the room.When the portable key or communication terminal is within the authentication range (B) with weak radio waves on the inside of the room, the door control device determines to unlock the first lock unit, and the control unit of the door control device controls the second lock unit to follow and unlock in conjunction with the unlocking of the first lock unit.This is an electric lock system.

6. In the electric lock system of claim 5, when the portable key or communication terminal is present within the authentication range (A) where radio waves are strong outside the room, the authentication unit of either the door control device or the portable key or communication terminal determines the unlocking of the first lock unit, and the control unit of the door control device controls the second lock unit to follow and unlock in conjunction with the unlocking of the first lock unit.

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