Electric lock device

Abstract

To reduce possibility of an erroneous operation and to improve operability in an auto lock temporary halting control for an electronic lock device.SOLUTION: An electronic lock device 1 has a control unit 13 which changes its control from auto lock control to auto lock temporary halting control if, based on an input from a potention sensor 15, it is detected that within a set time Tset_a, an operation knob 7 is brought from its locked position to its unlocked position and then to its locked position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric lock device.

Background Art

[0002] In a retrofit electronic lock device attached to an existing door of a building, auto-lock control for preventing forgetting to lock is executed. That is, after the electronic lock device is unlocked from being locked, when a certain period of time has elapsed, or when the door changes from the open state to the closed state, the electronic lock device automatically locks. However, when going out for a short time for daily work such as taking out the trash, the indoor thumb turn is often operated without bringing a key (not limited to a cylinder lock, including a portable device and a smartphone), the electronic lock device is manually unlocked, the door is opened and one goes out. In that case, if the door is simply closed, as a result of the auto-lock control, one may be locked out outdoors.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic lock device capable of temporarily stopping auto-lock control when necessary, such as when going out for a short time. Specifically, to temporarily stop the auto-lock control, it is necessary to operate the operation knob to the unlocked position a plurality of times within a certain period of time.

[0004] The auto-lock temporary stop control in the electronic lock device of Patent Document 1 has the following problems. First, in this electronic lock device, in order to perform the auto-lock temporary stop control, it is necessary to operate the operation knob to the unlocked position a plurality of times. On the other hand, when the operation knob is operated to the locked position after the auto-lock temporary stop control, the auto-lock control is switched. Therefore, even if the operation knob is operated a plurality of times between the locked position and the unlocked position for the auto-lock temporary stop control, if the operation knob accidentally ends up in the locked position at the end, the switch to the auto-lock temporary stop control is not made. That is, the switch to the auto-lock temporary stop control may not be executed due to an incorrect operation contrary to the original intention of the user. Second, in order to operate the operation knob to the unlocked position a plurality of times within a certain period of time for the auto-lock temporary stop control, the user needs to remember how many times the knob has been operated. In this regard, a complicated operation is required.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to reduce the possibility of incorrect operation and improve the operability in the auto-lock temporary stop control of an electronic lock device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention includes a main body attached to a door having a locking and unlocking unit for switching between locking and unlocking operations, a connecting unit mechanically connected to the locking and unlocking unit, provided on the main body, operating integrally with the connecting unit, a locking position for locking the door to the locking and unlocking unit via the connecting unit, a manual operation unit manually operable to an unlocking position for unlocking the door to the locking and unlocking unit via the connecting unit, a position detection unit for detecting whether the manual operation unit is located at either the locking position or the unlocking position, a drive unit for driving the connecting unit to lock and unlock the door to the locking and unlocking unit, and when it is detected that the locking and unlocking unit has changed from the locking position to the unlocking position by the position detection unit and continues for a predetermined time, an auto-lock control for driving the connecting unit by the drive unit to lock the door to the locking and unlocking unit, and a control unit capable of executing an auto-lock temporary stop control for temporarily stopping the auto-lock control. The control unit provides an electronic lock device that switches from the auto-lock control to the auto-lock temporary stop control when it detects, based on an input from the position detection unit, that the manual operation unit has been operated from the locking position to the unlocking position within a first set time and then operated back to the locking position.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention includes a main body attached to a door having a locking and unlocking unit for switching between locking and unlocking operations, a connecting unit mechanically connected to the locking and unlocking unit, a connecting unit provided on the main body, operating integrally with the connecting unit, and locking the door to the locking and unlocking unit via the connecting unit. A manual operation unit that is manually operable to a locking position, an unlocking position for unlocking the door to the locking and unlocking unit via the connecting unit, and a neutral position between the locking position and the unlocking position; a position detection unit that detects which of the locking position, the unlocking position, and the neutral position the manual operation unit is in; a drive unit that drives the connecting unit to lock and unlock the door to the locking and unlocking unit; and when it is detected that the locking and unlocking unit has changed from the locked position to the unlocked position by the position detection unit and continues for a predetermined time, the drive unit drives the connecting unit to lock the door to the locking and unlocking unit. An electronic lock device including an auto-lock control and a control unit capable of executing an auto-lock pause control for pausing the auto-lock control, wherein the control unit is configured to detect that the manual operation unit has been operated from the locking position to the neutral position within a second set time and then again to the locking position based on an input from the position detection unit. When detected, the auto-lock control is switched to the auto-lock pause control.

[0009] According to the first aspect of the present invention, by operating the manual operation unit from the locked position to the unlocked position within a certain time (within the first set time) and then again to the locked position, the auto-lock control can be switched to the auto-lock pause control. Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, by operating the manual operation unit from the locked position to the neutral position within a certain time (within the second set time) and then again to the locked position, the auto-lock control can be switched to the auto-lock pause control.

[0010] Within a certain period of time, just by returning the manual operation part, which is set to a position different from the position at the start of the operation for switching to the auto-lock temporary stop control (i.e., the unlocking position in the first mode and the neutral position in the second mode) from the locking position, back to the original locking position, the control can be switched to the auto-lock temporary stop control. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from operating the manual operation part further against the original intention, thereby preventing the switching to the auto-lock temporary stop control. That is, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the user accidentally operates the manual operation part against the original intention.

[0011] For both the first and second modes, just by operating the manual operation part twice, the control can be switched from the auto-lock control to the auto-lock temporary stop control. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to remember the number of operations of the manual operation part three times or more. In this regard, for both the first and second modes, the operability of the operation of the manual operation part required for switching to the auto-lock temporary stop control can be improved.

[0012] A third aspect of the present invention includes a main body attached to a door having a locking and unlocking unit for a switching operation between locking and unlocking, a connecting unit mechanically connected to the locking and unlocking unit, provided on the main body, operating integrally with the connecting unit, a locking position for locking the door to the locking and unlocking unit via the connecting unit, an unlocking position for unlocking the door to the locking and unlocking unit via the connecting unit, a manual operation unit manually operable to a neutral position between the locking position and the unlocking position, a position detection unit for detecting which of the locking position, the unlocking position, and the neutral position the manual operation unit is in, a drive unit for driving the connecting unit to lock and unlock the door to the locking and unlocking unit, auto-lock control for driving the connecting unit by the drive unit to lock the door to the locking and unlocking unit when it is detected that the locking and unlocking unit has changed from the locking position to the unlocking position and continues for a predetermined time, and an auto-lock pause control for temporarily pausing the auto-lock control. The control unit is configured to switch from the auto-lock control to the auto-lock pause control when it is detected, based on an input from the position detection unit, that the manual operation unit has been operated from the unlocking position to the neutral position and maintained at the neutral position for a fifth set time or more. An electronic lock device is provided.

[0013] A fourth aspect of the present invention includes a main body attached to a door having a locking and unlocking unit for a switching operation between locking and unlocking, a connecting unit mechanically connected to the locking and unlocking unit, provided on the main body, operating integrally with the connecting unit, a locking position for locking the door to the locking and unlocking unit via the connecting unit, an unlocking position for unlocking the door to the locking and unlocking unit via the connecting unit, a manual operation unit manually operable to a neutral position between the locking position and the unlocking position, a position detection unit for detecting which of the locking position, the unlocking position, and the neutral position the manual operation unit is in, a driving unit for driving the connecting unit to lock and unlock the door to the locking and unlocking unit, an auto-lock control for driving the connecting unit by the driving unit to lock the door to the locking and unlocking unit when it is detected that the locking and unlocking unit has changed from the locking position to the unlocking position and continues for a predetermined time, and a control unit capable of executing an auto-lock pause control for temporarily pausing the auto-lock control. The control unit switches from the auto-lock control to the auto-lock pause control when it detects, based on an input from the position detection unit, that the manual operation unit has been operated from the locking position to the neutral position and maintained at the neutral position for a sixth set time or longer, providing an electronic lock device.

[0014] According to a third aspect of the present invention, by operating the manual operation unit from the unlocking position to the neutral position and holding it for a certain time (fifth set time), it is possible to switch from the auto-lock control to the auto-lock pause control. Further, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, by operating the manual operation unit from the locking position to the neutral position and holding it for a certain time (fifth set time), it is possible to switch from the auto-lock control to the auto-lock pause control.

[0015] From the position at the start of the operation for switching to the auto-lock temporary stop control (the unlocking position in the third aspect and the locking position in the fourth aspect), by simply holding the manual operation part in the neutral position for a certain period of time, it can be switched by the auto-lock temporary stop control. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from operating the manual operation part further against the original intention, thereby preventing the switching to the auto-lock temporary stop control. That is, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the user accidentally operates the manual operation part against the original intention.

[0016] For both the third and fourth aspects, by simply operating the manual operation part once, it is possible to switch from the auto-lock control to the auto-lock temporary stop control, so there is no need for the user to remember the number of operations of the manual operation part. In this regard, for both the third and fourth aspects, the operability of the operation of the manual operation part required for switching to the auto-lock temporary stop control can be improved.

[0017] A fifth aspect of the present invention includes a main body attached to a door having a locking and unlocking unit for switching between locking and unlocking operations, a connecting unit mechanically connected to the locking and unlocking unit, provided on the main body, operating integrally with the connecting unit, a locking position for locking the door to the locking and unlocking unit via the connecting unit, an unlocking position for unlocking the door to the locking and unlocking unit via the connecting unit, a manual operation unit manually operable between the locking position, the unlocking position, and a neutral position therebetween, a position detection unit for detecting which of the locking position, the unlocking position, and the neutral position the manual operation unit is in, a driving unit for driving the connecting unit to lock and unlock the door to the locking and unlocking unit, and when it is detected that the locking and unlocking unit has changed from the locking position to the unlocking position by the position detection unit and continues for a predetermined time, an auto-lock control for driving the connecting unit by the driving unit to lock the door to the locking and unlocking unit, and a control unit capable of executing an auto-lock pause control for temporarily pausing the auto-lock control. The control unit, based on an input from the position detection unit, detects that the manual operation unit has been operated from the locking position to the neutral position, maintained at the neutral position for a sixth set time or more, and operated to the unlocking position within a seventh set time, and switches from the auto-lock control to the auto-lock pause control, providing an electronic lock device.

[0018] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, by operating the manual operation unit from the unlocking position to the neutral position, holding it for a certain time (sixth set time), and operating it to the unlocking position within the seventh set time, it is possible to switch from the auto-lock control to the auto-lock pause control. Thereby, since it is possible to switch from the auto-lock control to the auto-lock pause control by a simple operation of once stopping the operation during the unlocking operation, the operability of the operation of the manual operation unit required for switching to the auto-lock pause control can be improved.

Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the electronic lock device of the present invention, regarding the auto-lock pause control, the possibility of misoperation can be reduced and the operability can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7A

Figure 7B

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11A

Figure 11B

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18A

Figure 18B

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows an electronic lock device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, this electronic lock device 1 is used by being retrofitted to a door 2.

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the door 2 includes a latch 2a and a deadbolt 2b that can be accommodated in the accommodating portions 3a and 3b of the door frame 3.

[0024] The latch 2a is operated by door handles 2c and 2d provided on the indoor side and the outdoor side of the door 2, respectively. When the door handles 2c and 2d shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are not being operated, the latch 2a is housed in the housing portion 3a of the door 2. When the door handles 2c and 2d are rotated from the positions shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, they can be stored inside the door 2 and will protrude from the housing portion 3a in response to the opening operation of the door 2.

[0025] The deadbolt 2b is operated by a thumb turn 2e (locking and unlocking portion) on the indoor side and a cylinder 2f on the outdoor side. The cylinder 2f is operated by a key (not shown). The cylinder 2f may be other than a so-called tumbler lock that can be operated by a mechanical conventional metal key. Instead of a metal key, for example, a magnetic or electric locking device that can be operated by inputting a password using a mobile device, smartphone, card key, or numeric keypad operation may be employed. Instead of the thumb turn 2e, a button, switch, lever, etc. may be employed.

[0026] When the thumb turn 2e is in the rotational angle position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the deadbolt 2b is housed in the housing portion 3b, and the door 2 will remain closed (locked) even if the door handles 2c and 2d are operated. On the other hand, when the thumb turn 2e is operated and rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise from the rotational angle position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the deadbolt 2b is retracted into the door 2 and disengages from the housing portion 3b, and the door 2 can be opened from the closed state by operating the door handles 2c and 2d (unlocked). That is, by rotating the thumb turn 2e, the locking and unlocking of the door 2 can be switched. Similarly, by rotating the cylinder 2f with a cylinder lock, the locking and unlocking of the door 2 can be switched.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the electronic locking device 1 includes a casing 5 (main body) attached to the indoor side of the door 2. The casing 5 includes a pedestal portion 5a whose base end is fixed to the door 2 by means such as adhesion or screwing so as to protrude from the door 2, and an operation portion 5b provided at the tip of the pedestal portion 5a, positioned at a distance from the door 2, and extending along the door 2.

[0028] The electronic lock device 1 includes a thumb turn holder 6 (connection part) that extends from the operation part 5b of the casing 5 toward the door 2 and is mechanically connected to the thumb turn 2e. Instead of the thumb turn holder 6, a holder connected to the thumb turn 2e rotation axis that can be accessed by removing the thumb turn 2e from the door 2 may be adopted.

[0029] A rotary operation knob 7 is provided on the operation part 5b of the casing 5. Referring also to FIG. 4, a motor 11 and a gear train 12 are accommodated in the casing 5. The combination of the operation knob 7 and the gear train 12 constitutes the manual operation part in the present invention, and the combination of the motor 11 and the gear train 12 constitutes the drive part.

[0030] The operation knob 7 rotates integrally with the thumb turn holder 6 via the gear train 12. Referring to FIG. 5, the operation knob 7 can be set to the "unlock position", the "lock position", and the "neutral position" by being rotated manually by the user. When the operation knob 7 is rotated to the "unlock position", the thumb turn holder 6, and thus the thumb turn 2e also rotates integrally, and the deadbolt 2b comes out of the accommodation part 3b and the door 2 is unlocked. Also, when the operation knob 7 is rotated to the "lock position", the thumb turn holder 6, and thus the thumb turn holder 6 also rotates integrally, and the deadbolt 2b is accommodated in the accommodation part 3b and the door 2 is locked. While rotating between the "unlock position" and the "lock position", the operation knob 7 passes through the "neutral position". In this way, the operation knob 7 locks and unlocks the door 2 to the thumb turn 2e via the thumb turn holder 6 by manual operation.

[0031] The rotation of the motor 11 is transmitted to the thumb turn holder 6 via the gear train 12. That is, the motor 11 rotates and drives the thumb turn holder 6 via the gear train 12 to lock and unlock the door 2 to the thumb turn 2e.

[0032] The rotation of the motor 11 is transmitted to the operation knob 7 via the gear train 12. When the motor 11 rotates in the direction in which the operation knob 7 rotates to the "unlocking position", the cam turn holder 6, and thus the cam turn 2e, rotates, causing the dead bolt 2b to withdraw from the housing portion 3b and unlocking the door 2. Also, when the motor 11 rotates in the direction in which the operation knob 7 rotates to the "locking position", the cam turn holder 6, and thus the cam turn, rotates, causing the dead bolt 2b to be housed in the housing portion 3b and locking the door 2.

[0033] The gear train 12 is provided with a clutch mechanism (not shown). By this clutch mechanism, the rotation of the motor 11 is transmitted to the operation knob 7, but the manual rotation of the operation knob 7 is not transmitted to the motor 11.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 4, inside the casing 5, there are provided a control unit 13 and three types of switches, namely a manual rotation switch 14, a potentiometer sensor 15 (position detection unit), and a magnetic sensor 16. Also, an LED light 17 (display unit by visual display) is provided on the operation portion 5b of the casing 5, and a buzzer 18 (display unit by sound) is housed inside the casing 5.

[0035] The control unit 13 controls the motor 11, the LED light 17, and the buzzer 18 based on inputs from the manual rotation switch 14, the potentiometer sensor 15, and the magnetic sensor 16. The control unit 13 includes an arithmetic unit 21, an input / output unit 22, a storage unit 23, and a timer 24. The arithmetic unit 21 performs arithmetic operations based on inputs from the manual rotation switch 14, the potentiometer sensor 15, and the magnetic sensor 16 input via the input / output unit 22 while referring to the storage unit 23 and the timer 24, and outputs commands to the motor 11, the LED light 17, and the buzzer 18 via the input / output unit 22. In particular, the control unit 13 outputs a command to operate the motor 11 in a rotation direction and for a rotation time such that the operation knob 7 reaches the "unlocking position" or the "locking position". The control unit 13 is constructed by hardware such as a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM, and software installed thereon.

[0036] The manual rotation switch 14 detects the manual rotation of the operation knob 7. When this detection signal is input, the control unit 13 is activated regarding the auto-lock temporary stop control described later during manual operation.

[0037] The potentiometer sensor 15 detects the rotational angle position of the operation knob 7. The control unit 13 detects the rotational angle position based on the analog voltage signal input from the potentiometer sensor 15, and determines whether the operation knob 7 is in the "unlock position", "lock position", or "neutral position". In other words, the potentiometer sensor 15 detects whether the operation knob 7 is located in the "unlock position", "lock position", or "neutral position".

[0038] The magnetic sensor 16 detects the magnetic force from the magnet installed on the door frame 3 of the door 2. Based on the input from the magnetic sensor 16 that changes according to the open / closed state of the door 2, the control unit 13 determines whether the door 2 is in the closed state.

[0039] The control unit 13 can execute auto-lock control. In the auto-lock control, the control unit 13 detects that the door 2 has shifted from the open state to the closed state based on the input from the magnetic sensor 16, and that the closed state of the door 2 has continued for a predetermined time, and when the operation knob 7 is in the "unlock position" (when the door 2 is unlocked) based on the input of the potentiometer sensor 15, or when it is detected that the operation knob 7 has been displaced from the "unlock position" to the "lock position" based on the input of the potentiometer sensor 15, but the input from the magnetic sensor 16 has not been displaced while the door is in the closed state and it is detected that this has continued for a predetermined time, the motor 11 is rotated in the direction in which the operation knob 7 becomes the "lock position". As a result, the cam turn 2e rotates via the cam turn holder 6, the dead bolt 2b protrudes from the door 2 and is housed in the housing portion 3b, and the door 2 is locked.

[0040] In addition, the control unit 13 is capable of executing autolock pause control for temporarily pausing the autolock control. In the autolock pause control, even if the closed state of the door 2 continues for a predetermined time, the control unit 13 does not execute locking by the motor 11.

[0041] The switching from the autolock control to the autolock pause control is executed by the user performing a predetermined operation on the operation knob 7. FIG. 6 shows an overview of the operation of the operation knob 7 for switching from the autolock control to the autolock pause control in the present embodiment. That is, when the operation knob 7 is operated from the "locked position" to the "unlocked position" within a set time Tset_a (first set time) and then operated back to the "locked position", the autolock control is switched to the autolock pause control.

[0042] With reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the control related to the autolock pause control executed by the control unit 13 in the present embodiment will be described.

[0043] In step S1, the operation knob 7 is in the "locking position", and in step S2, it is determined whether the operation knob 7 is operated and the manual rotation switch 14 is turned on (or whether it has deviated from the "locking position"). When the manual rotation switch 14 is turned on (or it is detected that it has deviated from the "locking position"), the timer 24 is started in step S3. If it is detected in step S5 that the operation knob 7 has reached the "unlocking position" before the time measured by the timer 24 reaches the set time Tset_a, the timer continues as it is. If it is not detected that the operation knob 7 has reached the "unlocking position" before the time measured by the timer 24 reaches the set time Tset_a, the process returns to step S1. Further, in steps S6 and S7, if it is not detected that the operation knob 7 has returned to the "locking position" before the time measured by the timer 24 reaches the set time Tset_a, the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, in steps S6 and S7, if it is detected that the operation knob 7 has returned to the "locking position" within the set time Tset_a, in step S8, the auto-lock control is switched to the auto-lock temporary stop control. At the time of this switch, the user is notified of the switch by at least one of the sound by driving the buzzer 18 and the visual display by driving the LED light 17. Also, in steps S9 and S10, after clearing the timer 24 once, the timer 24 is started again.

[0044] Next, in step S11, if the time measured by the timer 24 is less than the set time Tset_b (the third set time), the process proceeds to step S12. If it is detected in step S12 that the operation knob 7 is in the "unlocking position", that is, if the operation knob 7 is operated from the "locking position" to the "unlocking position" by the user, the process proceeds to step S14 to maintain the auto-lock temporary stop control, and the timer 24 is cleared in step S15. If it is not detected in step S12 that the operation knob 7 is in the "unlocking position", the process returns to step S11.

[0045] On the one hand, in step S11, if the time measured by timer 24 is equal to or greater than the set time Tset_b (the third set time), the process proceeds to step S13. In step S13, motor 11 operates. Motor 11 rotates the operation knob 11 from the "locking position" to the "unlocking position", and unlocks door 2 on the cam turn 2e via the cam turn holder 6. Thereafter, the process proceeds to steps S14 and S15.

[0046] The control in steps S11 to S15 is generally as follows. First, when the set time Tset_b (the third set time) has elapsed since the switch from autolock control to autolock pause control, motor 11 drives the cam turn holder 6 to unlock door 2 on the cam turn 2e, and sets the operation knob 7 to the "unlocking position" while continuing the autolock pause control. On the other hand, even if it is detected based on the input from the potentiometer sensor 15 that the operation knob 7 has been operated from the "locking position" to the "unlocking position" before the set time Tset_b (the third set time) is reached since the switch from autolock control to autolock pause control, the autolock pause control is continued.

[0047] Next, if it is detected in step S16 that the operation knob 7 is in the "locking position", that is, if it is detected that the user has operated the operation knob 7 from the "unlocking position" to the "locking position", the timer 24 starts in step S17. If it is detected before the time measured by the timer 24 reaches the set time Tset_c (the fourth set time), as in steps S18 and S19, that the operation knob 7 is not in the "locking position", that is, if it is detected that the user has operated the operation knob 7 from the "locking position", the process returns to step S16. On the other hand, when the time measured by the timer 24 becomes equal to or greater than the set time Tset_c (the fourth set time), the control switches from autolock pause control to autolock control in step S20. At the time of this switch, the user is notified of the switch by at least one of the sound generated by driving the buzzer 18 and the visual display generated by driving the LED light 17. Thereafter, after clearing the timer 24 in step S19, the process returns to step S1.

[0048] The control in steps S16 to S20 is as follows. That is, during the execution of the autolock temporary stop control, when it is detected based on the input from the potentiometer sensor 15 that the operation knob 7 is in the "locking position" for a set time Tset_c (the fourth set time) or more, the control is switched from the autolock temporary stop control to the autolock control.

[0049] FIG. 8 shows an example of the operation related to the autolock temporary stop control of the electronic lock device 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0050] From time t0 to before time t1, the operation knob 7 is in the "locking position", but at time t1, the operation knob 7 is operated by the user from the "locking position" to the "unlocking position", and further at time t2, it is operated from the "unlocking position" back to the "locking position". If the time from time t2 (operation to the "unlocking position") to time t2 (operation to the "locking position") is within the set time Tset_a (the first set time), the control is switched from the autolock control to the autolock temporary stop control at time t2. At time t3 when the set time Tset_b (the third set time) has elapsed from time t2, the motor 11 rotates the operation knob 7 and the cam turn 2e from the "locking position" to the "unlocking position".

[0051] Thereafter, when the operation knob 7 is operated by the user from the "unlocking position" to the "locking position" at time t4, the control is switched from the autolock temporary stop control to the autolock control at time t5 when the set time Tsee_c (the fourth set time) is reached.

[0052] FIG. 9 shows another example of the operation related to the autolock temporary stop control of the electronic lock device 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0053] In this example, by operating the operation knob 7 of the user, after switching from the auto-lock control to the auto-lock pause control at time t2, the operation knob 7 is operated by the user from the "locked position" to the "unlocked position" at time t3 within the set time Tset_b (the third set time), but the auto-lock pause control is maintained. The other parts (times t0 to t2, t4 to t5) of the example in FIG. 9 are the same as those of the example in FIG. 8 described above.

[0054] According to the electronic lock device 1 of the present embodiment, by operating the operation knob 7 from the "locked position" to the "unlocked position" within a certain time (within the set time Tset_a) and then operating it back to the "locked position" again, it is possible to switch from the auto-lock control to the auto-lock pause control. By simply returning the operation knob 7, which is the position at the start of the operation for switching to the auto-lock pause control within a certain time (within the set time Tset_a), that is, from the "locked position" to the "unlocked position", back to its original "locked position", it can be switched to the auto-lock pause control. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from operating the operation knob 7 further against the original intention, thereby preventing the switching to the auto-lock pause control from not being made. That is, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the user accidentally operates the operation knob 7 against the original intention.

[0055] Since it is possible to switch from the auto-lock control to the auto-lock pause control by simply operating the operation knob 7 twice, it is not necessary for the user to remember the number of operations of the operation knob 7 three times or more. In this regard, the operability of the operation of the operation knob 7 required for switching to the auto-lock pause control can be improved.

[0056] Hereinafter, the second to fifth embodiments of the present invention will be described. These embodiments differ only in the control executed by the control unit 13. Therefore, the configuration of the electronic lock device 1 of these embodiments is the same as that of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements as those of the first embodiment.

[0057] (Second Embodiment) Figure 10 shows an overview of the operation of the operation knob 7 for switching from autolock control to autolock temporary stop control in the second embodiment. That is, when the operation knob 7 is operated from the "locking position" to the "neutral position" within the set time Tset_a (second set time) and then operated back to the "locking position", the autolock control is switched to the autolock temporary stop control.

[0058] The control related to the autolock temporary stop control executed by the control unit 13 in this embodiment, shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, is the same as that in the first embodiment (FIGS. 7A and 7B), except that it is determined in step S5 whether the operation knob 7 is in the "neutral position".

[0059] According to the electronic lock device 1 of this embodiment, in step S2, it is determined whether the operation knob 7 is operated and the manual rotation switch 14 is turned on (or whether it has deviated from the "locking position"). Then, when the manual rotation switch 14 is turned on (or it is detected that it has deviated from the "locking position"), the timer 24 is started in step S3. If it is detected in step S5 that the operation knob 7 has become in the "neutral position" before the time measured by the timer 24 reaches the set time Tset_a, the timer continues as it is. And if it is not detected that the operation knob 7 is set to the "neutral position and then from the "neutral position" to the "locking position" before the time measured by the timer 24 reaches the set time Tset_a, the process returns to step S1. That is, within a certain time (within the set time Tset_a), just by returning the operation knob 7 that has been set from the "locking position" to the "neutral position" back to the original "locking position", the autolock temporary stop control can be switched, so it is possible to reduce the possibility that the user accidentally operates the operation knob 7 against the original intention.

[0060] Also, since the autolock control can be switched to the autolock temporary stop control just by operating the operation knob 7 twice, the operability of the operation of the operation knob 7 required for switching to the autolock temporary stop control can be improved.

[0061] (Third Embodiment) Figure 12 shows an overview of the operation of the operation knob 7 for switching from auto-lock control to auto-lock temporary stop control in the third embodiment. That is, when the operation knob 7 is operated from the "unlock position" to the "neutral position" and maintained at the "neutral position" for a set time Tset_d (the fifth set time), the auto-lock control is switched to the auto-lock temporary stop control.

[0062] Referring to Figure 13, the control related to the auto-lock temporary stop control executed by the control unit 13 in this embodiment will be described.

[0063] When it is detected in step S21 that the operation knob 7 is in the "unlock position" and in step S22 that the operation knob 7 is in the "neutral position", that is, when the operation knob 7 is operated from the "unlock position" to the "neutral position" by the user, the timer 24 starts in step S23. Then, in steps S24 and S25, if it is detected that the operation knob 7 has been operated to a position other than the "neutral position" (the "unlock position" or the "lock position") before the time measured by the timer 24 reaches the set time Tset_d (the fifth set time), that is, if the operation knob 7 is operated to a position other than the "neutral position" by the user, the process returns to step S21. On the other hand, in steps S24 and S25, when the time measured by the timer 24 becomes equal to or greater than the set time Tset_d (the fifth set time), that is, when it is detected that the operation knob 7 has been maintained at the "neutral position" for the set time Tset_d (the fifth set time) or more, the auto-lock control is switched to the auto-lock temporary stop control in step S26. At the time of this switching, the user is notified of the switching by at least one of the sound generated by driving the buzzer 18 and the visual display generated by driving the LED light 17. Also, in step S27, the timer 24 is cleared.

[0064] Next, in step S28, if the position of the operation knob 7 is the "unlock position", that is, if it is detected that the operation knob 7 has been operated to the "unlock position" by the user, the auto-lock temporary stop control is maintained in step S29, and the process returns to step S28. On the other hand, in step S28, if the position of the operation knob 7 is the "lock position", that is, if it is detected that the operation knob 7 has been operated to the "lock position" by the user, the control is switched from the auto-lock temporary stop control to the auto-lock control in step S30, and the process returns to step S21. At the time of switching, the user is notified of the switching by at least one of the sound generated by driving the buzzer 18 and the visual display generated by driving the LED light 17.

[0065] Instead of the control from step S28 to step S30, the control from step S14 to step S18 of the first embodiment (FIG. 7B) may be adopted. This also applies to the fourth embodiment described later. Further, instead of the control from step S14 to step S18 of the first and second embodiments, the control from step S28 to step S30 of the present embodiment may be adopted.

[0066] FIG. 14 shows an example of an operation related to the auto-lock temporary stop control of the electronic lock device 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0067] From time t0 to before time t1, the operation knob 7 is in the "unlock position", but at time t1, the operation knob 7 is operated from the "unlock position" to the "neutral position" by the user. At time t2 when the set time Tset_d (the fifth set time) has elapsed since the operation knob 7 became the "neutral position", the control is switched from the auto-lock control to the auto-lock temporary stop control. Thereafter, even if the operation knob 7 is operated from the "neutral position" to the "release position" by the user at time t3, the auto-lock temporary stop control is performed. When the operation knob 7 is operated from the "release position" to the "lock position" by the user at time t3, the control is switched from the auto-lock temporary stop control to the auto-lock control.

[0068] According to the electronic locking device 1 of the present embodiment, by operating the operation knob 7 from the "unlock position" to the "neutral position" and holding it for a certain period of time (set time Tset_d), it is possible to switch from the auto-lock control to the auto-lock temporary stop control. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from operating the operation knob 7 further against the original intention, thereby preventing the switching to the auto-lock temporary stop control. That is, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the user accidentally operates the manual operation unit against the original intention.

[0069] Since the auto-lock control can be switched to the auto-lock temporary stop control by operating the operation knob 7 only once, it is not necessary for the user to remember the number of operations of the operation knob 7. In this regard, the operability of the operation of the operation knob 7 required for switching to the auto-lock temporary stop control can be improved.

[0070] (Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 15 shows an overview of the operation of the operation knob 7 for switching from the auto-lock control to the auto-lock temporary stop control in the fourth embodiment. That is, when the operation knob 7 is operated from the "lock position" to the "neutral position" and maintained at the "neutral position" for the set time Tset_d (the sixth set time), the auto-lock control is switched to the auto-lock temporary stop control.

[0071] The control related to the auto-lock temporary stop control executed by the control unit 13 in the present embodiment shown in FIG. 16 is the same as that in the third embodiment (FIG. 13), except that it is determined in step S21 whether the operation knob 7 is in the "lock position".

[0072] According to the electronic locking device 1 of the present embodiment, by operating the operation knob 7 from the "lock position" to the "neutral position" and holding it for a certain period of time (set time Tset_d), the auto-lock control can be switched to the auto-lock temporary stop control. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the user accidentally operates the operation knob 7 against the original intention.

[0073] By simply operating the operation knob 7 once, it is possible to switch from the auto-lock control to the auto-lock temporary stop control, thus improving the operability of the operation of the operation knob 7 required for switching to the auto-lock temporary stop control.

[0074] (Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 17 shows an overview of the operation of the operation knob 7 for switching from the auto-lock control to the auto-lock temporary stop control in the fifth embodiment. That is, when the operation knob 7 is operated from the "locking position" to the "neutral position" and maintained at the "neutral position" for a set time Tset_e (the sixth set time), for example, 1 second, and then operated from the "neutral position" to the "unlocking position" within a set time Tset_f (the seventh set time), for example, 10 seconds, the auto-lock control is switched to the auto-lock temporary stop control.

[0075] With reference to FIGS. 18A and 18B, the control related to the auto-lock temporary stop control executed by the control unit 13 in the present embodiment will be described.

[0076] When it is detected in step S41 that the operation knob 7 is in the "locking position" and in step S42 that the operation knob 7 is in the "neutral position", that is, when the operation knob 7 is operated from the "locking position" to the "neutral position" by the user, the timer 24 starts in step S43 and the LED light 17 lights up to notify the user that the state has become indefinite (the LED light 17 goes out after, for example, 1 second has elapsed, and at that time, the buzzer 18 is driven). The timing by the timer 24 continues as it is.

[0077] Next, in steps S44 and S45, if it is detected that the operation knob 7 has been operated to a position other than the "neutral position" (the "unlock position" or the "lock position") before the time measured by the timer 24 reaches the set time Tset_e (the sixth set time), that is, if the operation knob 7 is operated by the user to a position other than the "neutral position", the process returns to step S41. On the other hand, in steps S44 and S45, when the time measured by the timer 24 becomes equal to or greater than the set time Tset_e (the sixth set time), that is, when it is detected that the operation knob 7 has been maintained at the "neutral position" for the set time Tset_e (the sixth set time) or more, the process proceeds to step S46. In step S46, the timer 24 is once cleared and the timing is stopped. Also, in step S47, in order to prompt the user to operate the operation knob 7 from the "neutral position" to the "unlock position", the LED light 17 is turned off and the buzzer 18 is driven for, for example, 1 second. Further, in step S48, the timer 24 starts and the timing begins.

[0078] In steps S49 and S50, if the operation knob 7 is not operated from the "neutral position" to the "release position" within the time measured by the timer 24 that is within the set time Tset_f (the seventh set time), the process returns to step S41. On the other hand, in steps S49 and S50, when the operation knob 7 is operated from the "neutral position" to the "release position" within the time measured by the timer 24 that is within the set time Tset_f (the seventh set time), the process proceeds to steps S51 and S52. In step S52, the control is switched from the auto-lock temporary stop control to the auto-lock control, and in step S51, in order to notify the user that the auto-lock temporary stop has started, the LED light 17 is turned on and the buzzer 18 is driven for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds).

[0079] The control of steps S51 to S54 is the same as the control of steps S27 to 30 in the third embodiment (FIG. 13). Also, instead of the control of steps S50 to S54, the control of steps S14 to 18 in the first embodiment (FIG. 7B) may be adopted. Further, the timer 24 may measure the set time Tset_f (seventh set time) without stopping the measurement when the set time Tset_e (sixth set time) or more has elapsed.

[0080] Regarding the operation position of the operation knob 7, it may be detected by either the manual rotation switch 14 or the potentiometer sensor 15, and the start timing of the timer start can be set as appropriate. That is, the operation knob 7 may be operated within a predetermined time in each embodiment. Further, the operation knob 7 does not have to be of the rotation type, and may be of the push type or the lever type, and a display unit for displaying the operation position of the operation knob 7 may be provided on the casing 5.

[0081] In an embodiment where the operation knob 7 is operated to the "neutral position", if the operation knob 7 continues to be held in the neutral position, a warning to prompt attention may be given by at least one of the sound by driving the buzzer 18 and the visual display by driving the LED light 17. Further, the operation knob 7 may be forcibly rotated from the "neutral position" to the "unlock position" or the "lock position" by the motor 11.

Explanation of Signs

[0082] 1 Electronic lock device 2 Door 3 Door frame 3a, 3b Accommodation part 2a Latch 2b Deadbolt 2c, 2d Door handle 2e Thumbturn 2f Cylinder 5 Casing 5a Pedestal part 5b Operation part 6 Thumbturn holder 7 Operation knob 11 Motor 12 Gear train 13 Control unit 14 Manual rotation switch 15 Potentiometer sensor 16 Magnetic sensor 17 LED light 18 Buzzer 21 Arithmetic unit 22 Input / output unit 23 Memory unit 24 Timer

Claims

1. A main body attached to a door having a locking and unlocking unit for switching between locking and unlocking operations, a connecting part mechanically connected to the locking and unlocking unit, a manual operation part provided on the main body, operating integrally with the connecting part, and manually operable to a locking position for locking the door to the locking and unlocking unit via the connecting part and an unlocking position for unlocking the door to the locking and unlocking unit via the connecting part, a position detection part for detecting whether the manual operation part is located at the locking position or the unlocking position, a driving part for driving the connecting part to lock and unlock the door to the locking and unlocking unit, a control part capable of executing an auto-lock control for driving the connecting part by the driving part to lock the door to the locking and unlocking unit when it is detected that the locking and unlocking unit has changed from the locking position to the unlocking position by the position detection part and continues for a predetermined time, and an auto-lock pause control for temporarily pausing the auto-lock control, The control part switches from the auto-lock control to the auto-lock pause control when it detects, based on an input from the position detection part, that the manual operation part has been operated from the locking position to the unlocking position within a first set time and then operated back to the locking position. An electronic lock device.

2. A main body attached to a door having a locking and unlocking unit for switching between locking and unlocking operations, a connecting part mechanically connected to the locking and unlocking unit, a manual operation part provided on the main body, operating integrally with the connecting part, and manually operable to a locking position for locking the door to the locking and unlocking unit via the connecting part, an unlocking position for unlocking the door to the locking and unlocking unit via the connecting part, and a neutral position between the locking position and the unlocking position, a position detection part for detecting whether the manual operation part is located at the locking position, the unlocking position, or the neutral position, a driving part for driving the connecting part to lock and unlock the door to the locking and unlocking unit, a control part capable of executing an auto-lock control for driving the connecting part by the driving part to lock the door to the locking and unlocking unit when it is detected that the locking and unlocking unit has changed from the locking position to the unlocking position by the position detection part and continues for a predetermined time, and an auto-lock pause control for temporarily pausing the auto-lock control, The control unit, based on the input from the position detection unit, when detecting that the manual operation unit is operated from the locking position to the neutral position within a second set time and then operated back to the locking position, switches from the auto-lock control to the auto-lock temporary stop control, an electronic lock device.

3. When a third set time elapses after the control unit switches from the auto-lock control to the auto-lock temporary stop control, the drive unit drives the connection part to unlock the door at the locking and unlocking part, and sets the manual operation unit as the unlocking position, and continues the auto-lock temporary stop control, the electronic lock device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Even if the control unit detects, based on the input from the position detection unit, that the manual operation unit is operated from the locking position to the unlocking position before the third set time is reached after the control unit switches from the auto-lock control to the auto-lock temporary stop control, the electronic lock device according to claim 3 continues the auto-lock temporary stop control.

5. When the control unit is executing the auto-lock temporary stop control and detects, based on the input from the position detection unit, that the manual operation unit is at the locking position for a fourth set time or more, the control unit switches from the auto-lock temporary stop control to the auto-lock control, the electronic lock device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A main body attached to a door having a locking and unlocking part for switching between locking and unlocking operations, A connection part mechanically connected to the locking and unlocking part, A manual operation part provided on the main body, operating integrally with the connection part, capable of being manually operated to a locking position for locking the door at the locking and unlocking part via the connection part, an unlocking position for unlocking the door at the locking and unlocking part via the connection part, and a neutral position between the locking position and the unlocking position, A position detection unit for detecting whether the manual operation unit is located at any of the locking position, the unlocking position, and the neutral position, A drive unit for driving the connection part to lock and unlock the door at the locking and unlocking part, An auto-lock control for driving the connection part by the drive unit to lock the door at the locking and unlocking part when a predetermined time continues after it is detected by the position detection unit that the locking and unlocking part has changed from the locking position to the unlocking position, and a control unit capable of executing an auto-lock temporary stop control for temporarily stopping the auto-lock control. When the control unit detects, based on the input from the position detection unit, that the manual operation unit has been operated from the unlocking position to the neutral position and has been maintained at the neutral position for a fifth set time or longer, the control unit switches from the auto-lock control to the auto-lock pause control. An electronic lock device.

7. A main body attached to a door provided with a locking and unlocking unit for switching between locking and unlocking operations, A connecting portion mechanically connected to the locking and unlocking portion, Provided on the main body, operating integrally with the connecting portion, a locking position for locking the door to the locking and unlocking portion via the connecting portion, an unlocking position for unlocking the door to the locking and unlocking portion via the connecting portion, and a manual operation unit that can be manually operated to a neutral position between the locking position and the unlocking position, A position detection unit that detects whether the manual operation unit is located at any of the locking position, the unlocking position, and the neutral position, A drive unit that drives the connecting portion to lock and unlock the door to the locking and unlocking portion, When it is detected by the position detection unit that the locking and unlocking unit has changed from the locking position to the unlocking position and continues for a predetermined time, an auto-lock control for driving the connecting portion by the drive unit to lock the door to the locking and unlocking portion and an auto-lock pause control for temporarily stopping the auto-lock control. And a control unit capable of executing, When the control unit detects, based on the input from the position detection unit, that the manual operation unit has been operated from the locking position to the neutral position and has been maintained at the neutral position for a sixth set time or longer, the control unit switches from the auto-lock control to the auto-lock pause control. An electronic lock device.

8. After the control unit switches from the auto-lock control to the auto-lock pause control, when it detects, based on the input from the position detection unit, that the manual operation unit has been operated to the locking position, it switches from the auto-lock pause control to the auto-lock control. On the other hand, when it detects, based on the input from the position detection unit, that the manual operation unit has been operated to the unlocking position, the electronic lock device according to claim 6 or 7, which continues the auto-lock pause control.

9. A main body attached to a door provided with a locking and unlocking unit for switching between locking and unlocking operations, A connecting portion mechanically connected to the locking and unlocking portion, Provided on the main body, it operates integrally with the connecting portion, and has a locking position for locking the door to the locking and unlocking portion via the connecting portion, an unlocking position for unlocking the door to the locking and unlocking portion via the connecting portion, and a manual operation portion that can be manually operated to a neutral position between the locking position and the unlocking position. A position detection portion that detects whether the manual operation portion is located at any of the locking position, the unlocking position, and the neutral position. A drive portion that drives the connecting portion to lock and unlock the door to the locking and unlocking portion. When it is detected by the position detection portion that the locking and unlocking portion has changed from the locking position to the unlocking position and continues for a predetermined time, an auto-lock control for driving the connecting portion by the drive portion to lock the door to the locking and unlocking portion, and a control portion capable of executing an auto-lock temporary stop control for temporarily stopping the auto-lock control. Based on the input from the position detection portion, when the control portion detects that the manual operation portion is operated from the locking position to the neutral position, maintained at the neutral position for a sixth set time or more, and operated to the unlocking position within a seventh set time, it switches from the auto-lock control to the auto-lock temporary stop control. An electronic lock device.

10. Further provided with a notification portion that notifies the user of the change by at least one of sound and visual display. The control portion drives the notification portion when switching from the auto-lock control to the auto-lock temporary stop control. The electronic lock device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images