Electronic key, electronic closure system and a method for allowing an access authorization

• US 9,799,154 B2
• Filed: 10/27/2014
• Issued: 10/24/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 04/27/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lock Your World Gmbh & Co. Kg
• Original Assignee: Lock Your World Gmbh & Co. Kg
• Inventors: Engel-Dahan, Manuela, Knobling, Ralf, Meisel, Thilo
• Primary Examiner(s): Garcia, Carlos E
• Application Number:
  US14/524,422
• Publication Number:
  US 20150145647A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,093 Days
• Field of Search: 340 51, 340 52, 340 56, 340 561, 340 564, 340 574
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00634 Power supply for the lock
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00761 with data transmission performed by connected means, e.g. mechanical contacts, plugs, connectors
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00936 for key cabinets
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00182 operated with unidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00571 operated by interacting with a central unit
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/0069 actuated in a predetermined sequence
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00912 for safes, strong-rooms, vaults or the like
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/28 the pass enabling tracking or indicating presence

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic key (32) having at least two contacts (324, 325, 326) for the transmission of data and/or energy to an electronic lock (16). In accordance with the invention, the housing (321) of the electronic key (32) comprises an input device (33) for the entry of an authorization code (36). The invention also relates to an electronic closure system with an electronic key (32) and an electronic lock (16) as well as to a method for secure acquisition of an access authorization or for secure delivery of a key to at least one user (22) by means of an electronic lock (16) and at least one electronic key (32) carried by the user (22).

Claims

1. A method for secure acquisition of an access authorization or for secure delivery of a key for at least one user for opening at least one electronic lock device by at least one electronic key device carried by the user the electronic key device having at least two contacts for the transmission of data and energy to the electronic lock device and, the at least one electronic lock device is provided with at least two contacts for receiving energy and data from said electronic key device, comprising the following method steps:

transmittal of at least one item of information characteristic of the electronic lock device and the user to a central data processing centre that is remote from the electronic lock device by means of a communication device,

examination of the sent information by the central data processing centre,

transmittal of an authorization code to the user by means of the communication device in the case of a positive examination of the information,

entry, of the authorization code into the carried electronic key device,

bringing said electronic key device with its at least two contacts in contact with said at least two contacts of said electronic lock device,

energizing said electronic lock device by said electronic key device and transmitting said authorization code to said electronic lock device for unlocking,

unlocking of the electronic lock device of verification of such authorization code.

2. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the item of information characteristic of the electronic lock device is formed of a number combination or by a bar code.

3. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the item of information characteristic of the user is formed by a letter/number combination and/or a password.

4. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein, before the transmittal of an authorization code to the user, the data processing centre examines the information characteristic of the electronic lock device and the user and in addition examines a time parameter for the place of use and the time of use that is linked to both items of information.

5. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein said electronic lock device is arranged on a closure cap of a tubular key safe from which, after unlocking of the electronic lock device, a physical key for entering at least one further area is removable.

6. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the electronic lock device passes on a current for activating a motor lock that it received from an electrical voltage source in the electronic key device to said motor lock.

7. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the electronic lock device passes on a current for activating a control device that it received from an electrical voltage source of the electronic key device to said control device.

8. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the electronic lock device and/or the electronic key device released thereby sends an item of information to the central data processing centre upon the activation and/or the deactivation thereof.

9. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein a mobile telephone is used as a communication device for the transmittal of the at least one item of information characteristic of the electronic lock device and the user and/or for the reception of the authorization code.

10. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the communication device is provided an application program by means of which the at least one item of information characteristic of the electronic lock device and the user is detectable and by means of which the code is receivable.

11. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the communication device and the electronic key device form a unit.

12. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the authorization code is entered into the electronic key device by the user by means of an input device of said electronic key device.

13. A method in accordance with claim 10, wherein by means of the communication device the authorization code is transmissible to the electronic key device.