Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
2~7~
IDENTIFICATION CA MIE~ F~R A LOCKDNG SYSTEM
The invention is in the field of sec~ity technology and relates to an iden-
tification carrier for a locking system in accordance with the independent
claIms.
The purpose of a locking system is to prevent entry for unauthorized persons,
but allow entry for authorized persons. For this purpose it must be e~ui-
pped for two functions, namely an identification function for differenti-
ating authorized from unauthorized persons, and a blw k~lg function in order
to give free entry to authorized persons, but mechanically block entry to
unauthorize1 persons. Unlike in the ca~se o~ a locking means, which performs
the blocking function, a locking system has a much more complex function,
particularly with regards to information manag~ment and transmission.
Whereas the identification function is that of infoDmation transmission and
consequently requires no energy and corresponding means, the blocXing
function must be performed mechanically and consequéntly requires greater
ooerating energy levels and other means differing from the first unction.
A simple locking device is e.g. a lock cylinder with a key in conjunction
with the lock of e.g. a door. The key can pe~rform both functions, on the
one hand supplying as the identification carrier the identification features
for the identification function and cn the other it serves as a force
transmission means making it possible to utilize the operator's force for
the blocking function. On the key can be provided "mechanical" identific-
ation features, which make it possible to cancel out the blocking function
by the force of the qperator. Such a key with electronic additional func-
tions can be incor,oorated into a system, but further characteristics would
be desirable.
In the modern very safety conscious age, the key with its mechanical identi-
fication features is no longer considered adequate fo~ several reasons, e.g.
bec~use it can relatively easily be copied, because its action on the loc-
king system is time-invariant, because no action is possible by the locking
system on the key, because a minor change to the system leads to signifi-
cant consequences, etc. Such disadvantages of a conventional key are
avoided with more modern identification carriers having non~mechanical
identification features. The latter e.g. comprise magnetically or electri-
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cally stored info~lation, which can be rea~ c~t by a corresponding reader
(passive), or the response of a so-called identification chip to its acti-
vation by a corresponding electronic circuit (active).
Locking systems with such identification carriers having non~lechanicalS identification features are known, the i~entification carrier mostly only
fùlfilling an identification function, because it is not and cannot be
mechanically loaded. However, for the blocking function it is necessary to
provide a mechanically acting device, which blocks or unblocks a purely
mechanical obstacle controlled by the identification function. As a func-
tion of whether this mechanical obstacle is a blocking means for a bolt ora complete dcor, the cperator requires that it mcves the bolt and opens the
door, that it opens the door, or that it si~ply enters. The blocking func-
tion device must be designed as a function of this and supplied wi~h an
energy quantity which in all cases is significantly higher than that
necessary for the identification function.
The blocking function device becomes simpler and less energy intensive if,
as with the conventional pair constituted by the lock and the key, the force
of the operator is used for part of the blocking/unblocking function, e.g.
in that he moves a bolt and opens the door himself. With an identification
carrier which only fulfils an identification function, the difficult always
arises that the operator with a first movement trips the identification func~
tion and then in a closely confined period of time with a second movement
must perfonm part of the blocking function. Thus, he must e.g. insert a
card in a reader and then within a few seconds press a latch unblocked by
the identification and cpen the door. The time allowed between the two
movements is kept very short for security reasons. The brevity of the time
and the coordination of the two mcvements require relati~ely high concentra-
tion on the part of an accustomed user and a corplicated information in the
case of an unaccustcmed user, which often leads to problems e.g~ ~n the case
of hotel keys.
The problem of the invention is to provide an identification carrier, which
can carry mechanical and~or non-mech2nical identification features and which
is constructed in such a way that the two afor~mentioned types of identifi-
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cation features can be used separate fran one another for different security
functions and can be ccntbined in a randan manner.
This problem is solved by the invention defined in the independent claims.
The invention relates to an i~entification carrier, which has a mechanical
S cperating or Xey part for transmitting cperating forces and cptionally pro-
vided with a mechanical locking code, and an attachable information carrier,
here~tafter referred to as attachment part for short, e.g. for receiving an
electronic function for transmitting information or all additional, neces-
sary information, so as to regulate the author' ation, the two parts ccnsti-
tuted by the operating part (mechanical key part) and attachable identifi-
cation part, cart be detached fran one another by a corresponding design, so
that they can be separately or jo~ttly used for an intended function at~d can
also be randanly canbined. h*ten combine~ to fonn ctn identificaticn carrier,
they in each case fulfil a predete~nined system function.
The mechanical cperating part, in the following embodintent in the form of a
key part, is constntcte~ in such a way that with the aid thereof a lock
cylinder can be operated and cc~t be cor~tected to the attachment part, which
can e.g. be an electronic key part, by means of a standardized connecting
element. ~t the fo~m of a key part it can also carry the cc~tventional
mechanical identification featLtres, e.g. locking code depressions.
An electronic key part realized e.g. by means of the attachment part is
cc,nstructed in such a way that as the attac~nent part with associated elec-
tronic means it can be associated with the or a mechanical key part, so that
~he identification carrier for non-motor-assisted locking devices beccmes an
easily handlable force transmission means with the desire~1 integrated, mech-
anical and/or non~mechanical identification features.
The mechanical cperating parts, particularly key parts, can also be foreign
to the systen and can be extended by means of the matching connecting ele-
ment with an attachable information part so as to form an extended system-
integrated or system-generating identification carrier.
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If the inventive identification carrier carries mechanical and non~mechanical
identification features, in which the operating part represents a key part
with a key stop, when inserted in the correspond mg lock cylinder as a
result of the exact positioning of the operating part, which in turn carries
S the attachment part precisely positioned relative to the lock cylinder, itis possible Eor a correspond mg reader to read the non-mechanical identifi-
cation features and the mechanical identi~ication features (lock cylinder
ccde~ mechanically free the turnin~ of the ~ey. Following a complete
release and the subseguent turning of the key, the force of the operator is
used for the mcvement of an e.g. mechanical bolt, the mechanical key part
serving as the force-transmitting means.
The inventive identificaticn carrier can be equipped with combined mechan-
ical and non~mechanical identification features, the equipping of the lock
cylinder and the area round it dete~mining which of the features are
necessary for the identification function. The identification carrier (as a
key) may only be equ~pped with one of the identification feature types.
However, the lack of the non-mechanical features (pattern of holes) in one
case or the lack of the electronic features in the other must not lead to
any functional deterioration, if such possibilities are provided or defined
in the system with which this identification carrier is associated. The
subsequently described variation possibilities not only make it possible to
use the inventive identification carrier for different security functions,
which need not necessarily be locking functions, but they also make it more
difficult as a result of the uncertainty in evaluating the valid locking
and~or identification functions to copy such an identification carrier in an
unauthorized manner.
The cperating part is made fr3n a tough material allcwing the force trans-
mission from the user to the locking device, e.g. a me-tal body, which is
oorrespondingly worked as a key blank. It is e.g. provided with mechanical
identification features, which are produced ~y a milling process. The
identification part in the fo~m of an attachment part primarily serves as a
fastening means Eor the carrier of non-mechanical identification features
and other parts necessary for identification pulposes (e.g. electronic parts
such as chips, capacitors, etc.). It is e.g. made from plastic and by
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different colcurs and/or shapes can be used as a directly vis~ble differen-
tiating feature of different identification carriers or carrier groups.
With an operating part it is also possible to associate more than one a~tach-
able identification part, e.g. one on each side of the cper~ting part. With
respect to the detachable co~nection, they can be provided with encoding
elements and with each attachnent part is not only associated a spec~fic
operating part, but also a specific position thereon (one or other si~e in
the case of two attachment parts).
The invention is described in greater detail hereinafter relative to non-
limitative embodiments of the inventive identification c2~rier, but indivi-
dual variants, such as e.g. more than one attachment part pex operating part
are merely descr~bed, but not shown in the dr2~ings. In the dr2~ings shcw:
Fig. 1 A plan view of an ex~mplified embodiment of the inventive
identification carrier.
Fig. ~ A section through the identification carrier according to fig. 1
~section line II).
Fig. 3 A section through the identification carrier according to fig. 1
(section line III).
Fig. 4 A section through the iden~ification carrier according to fig. 3
(section line IV).
Fig. The operating part of the identi~ication carrier, as presented
for further processing as a key blank.
Fig. 6 Examples of the encoding of a self-closure between the attach-
ment part and the operating part in the fo~m of sections Vl.
Fig. 7 A further embcdiment seen fron belcw shcwing an attachment part,
which is inserted with two pin clips in the operating part, the
encod mg of the self-closure resulting from the size and spacing
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of the passages.
Fig. ~ The embcdiment of fig. 7 in section B-~, seen frcm ~he si~e.
Fi~. 9 An operating part according to the embodiment of fig. 7 showing
a dia~ra~ of the encod mg of the self-closure bet~een the
S attachnent part and the operating part.
Figs. 1 to 4 show an exemplified embodiment of an inventive identification
carrier. It comprises a mechanical operating p æt 1, here in the form of a
Xey part with or without mechanical key codin~ and an attachable identifi-
cation part 2, here In the form of an attachment part with electronic
i~entification featuresJ The ke~ part 1 has a shanX 11 with a first stop 13
and a seat 12 as a connectin~ element between the two parts l and 2 with a
second stcp 14 for the at~achnent and positioning of the attachment part 2.
The shank ll can, but need not, have mechanical identification features in
the fonm of a ccding pattern with milled out points on its narrow anl/or wide
side. It is mainly use1 for transmit~ing an operating force. Between the
shank 11 and the seat 12 is crmed a first stcp 13 used in the lock cylir~er
for the precise, axial positioning of the shank ll. The seat 12 constibutes
an extension of the shank 11. This part is so widened by the fitted
attachment part 2, that there is an easy-to-handle grip and consequently an
easi7y handlable, key-like identification carrier, putting the manual oper-
ation of a locking device. The attachment part 2 strikes against the secon~
stcp 14, so that with respect to the first stop 13 it is located in a
precisely defin~d position and can therefore be brought into a precisely
fixed posi~ion with respect to a reader e.g. located in the lock area.
The seat 12 and the attachment part 2 are constructed in such a way thatthey can be interconnected in interlocking, but detachable manner twith or
without the destruction of an additional security element, e.g. a seal, lead
seal, etc.). In the represented embodiment the seat 12 is ccnstructe~ as an
extension of the shank 11 widened around the first stop 13 and whose longi-
tudinal edges are parallel to the longi~udinal edges of the shank 11 andwhose narrow sides are constructed in step-like manner, so that one wide
side of the seat 12 has a width co~responding to the sh~nk 11, whereas the
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cpposite wide side of the seat is wider by the total width of the stop 13.
In this fonm the c~erating part constitutes a key bkank, which can be use~
with three different functions ~see diagrcm hereinafter). Thus, key blanks
can be kept in stock and through the shank can belong to another locking
system, but as a result of the standardized connecting element 12 it is
still possible ~o use the same attachment parts, which also cooperate with
another locking system. Besides its function as an operating element the
key part also has the function of a mechanical interface (intenmediate or
cYdaptm g piece).
The attachment part 2 is e.g. shaped frcm a slightly elastic plastic and in
the represented embcdiment is constituted by an attachment bcdy 21, which
forms a closed space and holding elements 22.1 and 22.2 shaped onto both
sides thereof an~ which are shaped m such a way that they closely embrace
the end of the seat 12 of the reception part 1 and are elastically tensioned
so that this tension ensures an adequate fixing of the attach~ent part 2 to
its seat 12. In the second embodiment additional security ele~ents æe used
with which it is possible to detect an e.g. unauthori~ed replacement of the
attachable identification carrier.
The closed space of the attachment bcdy 21 contains the parts necessary for
the non-mechanical identification features. In the represente1 embcdi~ent
they are in the fonm of an identification chip 23, an energy storage ele~ent,
e.g. a cc~pacitor 24 and an "antenna~, e.g. in the foLm o~ an electric coil
25 directly wc~nd onto a ferrite core. The three electronic components are
advantageously prefitted and electrically interconnected together with a
print or carrier a~d are mGunted in the fonm of a partly finished article
in the attachment part 2. Thus, the attachable identification carrier has
become an electronic key part, which can be produced, stored, progrc~mmed and
eva~uated in a separate operation. If the electronic key part is only use
for checking the person and the mechanical key part (besides its function as
an cperating element and interme~iate part) only ~ulfils a locking function,
in the case of a periodic interchange there can be an uninterrupted check
with uninterrupted operability. The locking function remains permanently in
the possession of the person allocated the identification carrier and a
check can still take place in the form of an evaluation ~nd programming.
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Obviously the locking function can be distributed w er both parts, e.g. the
mechanical locking f~mction in a permanent manner and on which is super-
m ~osed a tine or data windcw locking function by means of the attachment
part~
The operating part 1 which performs several functions, namely the transmis-
sion o the qperating forces to the locking device, that of an nintenm~diary~
transfer part between a specific locking device and its standard, an attach-
able identification part and its standar~ and as a carrier for the attach-
able identification part. m e cperating part 1 can also carry a code for
diffelent att~chnent parts~ which can be correlated with the operatin~ partshank 11. For example the operating part shank 11 is designed for the
standard of a specific locking device and the identification carrier of the
latter is constituted by a specific, attachable identification part (by
progranm m g, coding, etc.), so that no identificatio~ part of another group
can be connected to said cperating part and for thi purpose an encod mg o~
the detachable connection is prov;~ed.
Figs. 5 and 6 show a mechanical key part as a so-called key blank with the
essential features 11, 12, 13 and 14, the stops 13, 14 for the adequate
position~g o~ the key part in the lock cylinder on the one hand and an
attachment part on the other, and the "adapting elements" 11, the shank for
the locking device and the seat for the attachment part. Fig. 6 shows a
number of possible profiles in cross-section as to the way in which the
attachment Fart 2 can be encoded ensuring that only this type and not scme
other can be fixed to the seat 12. As wi~l be shcwn hereinafter the way in
which the conbination is mechanically dissolved and reestablished on the one
hanl for the coding and cn the other for the mechanical fixing is s~lbject to
such numerous variations that all of these cannot be described here.
However, it is sufficient to have given the principle for the design of the
connecting elements/coding elements between the parts 1 and 2.
The variability is that the attachment parts, which e.g. carry the system
information are separately prepared, engaged at another time on a mechanical
key part or can be generally interchanged, Thus, there is e.g. a group with
mechanical key parts, which have a common mechanical ccde for open m g a door
9 ~ ~ 7 ,~
with the corresponding lock cylinder. On one of the mechanical key parts
can be engaged a preprogrammed attachment part, which e.g. carries addit-
ional information for checXing presence, so that authorization can be
checked m a tlme-base~ manner. Together with the presence check the num~er
S of locking manipulations, etc. can be established. This n~kes it possible
to pro~uce shift change, overtime, zonal and similar keys. With a system-
based person identification, it is possible to e.g. periodically interchange
the attachment part. The attachment part carry mg the information is
remaved and a new-programmed attachment part fitted. This can be carried
~0 out by the ~entification carrier cperator, or by an inspection station. Asthe attachment part interchanges and receives infoLmation concerning the
transmission/reception mcde, no sensitive parts like contacts are involved
in such an interchange and it can therefore be very simple.
The mechanical key part and the electronic attachment part together foLm a
two-part unit. The mechanical key part is designed for receiving cm attach-
ment part ar~ has the function of mech~nical force transfer and non-
electrical, mechanical unblocking, whilst the electronic attachment part is
constructed for fixiny to the mechanical key part and fulfils the non-
mechanical functions (mainly in~o~mation transmission a~d identification).
The standard key shape is retained, because it best permits the "mechanical
cpeningn, unlike in the case of plastic cards, where additional aids are
re~uired for opening a lock. Hcwever, the identifica~ion carrier has little
in common with a key or even an electronic/mechanical key, because with such
keys the variability reguired by a complex system cannot be provided.
The presently proposed solution still has advantages in the direction ofconventional use. For example the attachment part can, but need not contain
electronics. m e mechanical key part can, but need not have a mechanical
coding. Thus, identification carriers (e.g. for a certain tine) can be
"downgraded" to keys, but without being removed fmm the system, or identi-
fication carriers can be used as purely electronic keys or neutralized assuch. This lea~s to four possibilities, three R which can be used for
direct ~nployment and one ~temporarily) free frcm systam info~nation, e.g.
if a specific quantity is system-caused, can be used as a reserve and
subsequent identification. These four possibilities are given below in the
foDm of a table:
Electronic attachmentMechanical cperating Function of
part part ccmbination
X X el/mech. ID carrier
X 0 el. ID carrier
o x mech. ID carrier
O O zero info. ID c~rrier
Figs. 7, 8 and 9 show a further embodiment of the identification carrier
according to the invention. The cperating part 1 once again in the form of
a mechanical key part is, unlike the previcusly discussed ambcdiment, in the
form of a conventional key with a grip, a shank 11 and a first stcp 13. In
place of the second stop 14 for positioning the attachment part 2, it has
two coded insertion cpen mgs 14', through which can be passed two fixing
pins 15 of the attachment part 2. Thus, the attachment part 2 is in a
defined position with respect to the first stop 13, as with the stop 14 in
the first embodiment. The elaments 14' and 15 of this embcdiment fulfil
the same function as elements 12 and 22 in the first embodiment. This
example clearly illustrates what has been state hereinbefore regarling the
numerous possibilities ~or designing the connecting elements, whilst
incorporating encoding elements.
The attachment part 2 is e.g. shaped or moulded frnn plastic and camprises
an attachment bcdy 21, which forms a closed space and two hoJding or fast-
ening elements 15 shaped thereon and which are moulded in such a way that
they can be passed through insertion openings 14' in the mechanical key part
l. This most advantageously takes place by a resilient sn~p connection or
claTping CGnnection, which ensures the necessary reciprocal hoLd of the two
parts l and 2.
Fig. 9 shcws an exanple as to how an encoding pattern can be providel on the
relatively large surface available, so that a large number of groups of
attachable identi~ication parts can be associated with the cperating partl
A reference opening R is associated with the insertion cpenings 14' with the
stcps. In this form the cperating part corresponds to a basic encoding
arrangement. On two vertically aligned axes are provi~ed a main grcup H and
a subyroup U of utili~able positions for a mculdable or subsequently ittable
ooding pin or pins on the attachable identification part, This e.g. corres-
S ponds to a portable system. The reference opening can either be moved onthe axes or it can be moved together with the axes. A once n~de group of
attachable i~entification carriers on the axes can be retained, even if
there is a variation in the reference cpening position for any reason. This
example shcws the encoding depth to which SU~l a si~ple measure on the oper-
1~ atiny part and attachable identificati~n part can e~tend, as a result of therelatively large amount of space available on the key-sh2~oed cperating part,
ooTpared with the embo iment according to figs. 1 to 6. The encoding
arrangements can be such that by removing e.gO a snap connection, the ccnnec-
tion between the operating part anl the i~entification part is no longer
reliably ensured.
As a rule the two functional parts do not have to be securad a~ainst
unauthorized separation, because normally the identiication carrier does
not function with one or other part. It is optionally pcssible to pnovide
security of the connection o~ these two elements against unauthorized
disassembly. It may occur that it is wished to prevent unnoticed inter-
change o~ attachment parts 2 on other mechanical key parts 1. In this case
the second e~bodiment is particularly appropriate, because tAe fastening
part designed as a resi~ient clip can be a~ditionally "lead sealed~ into the
passage opening 14'. Although this does nGt ensure that no unauthor~ ed
interchange can take place, such an interchange or replacenent wou~d be
noticed, because it would be necessary to damage the seal or lead seal 15.
The closed space of the attach~ent body 21 contains the parts necessary for
non~mechanical identification features. In the represented embodiment tAis
is constitutel by an identification chip 23, an energy storage means e.g~
in the form of a capacitor 24 and an ~antennan, e.g. in the foLm of an
electric coil 25. These three electronic components are advantageously
prefitted together on a print or carrier and electrically interconnected and
are mounted in the attachment part as a partly finished article.
