Mechanical/electronic key

(42) Date of commencement of the patent: 15.10.1989 (45) Date of issue: 10. 5.1990 (30) Priority:

15th 3.1984 CH 1304/84 claims.

(54) KEYS, PREFERRED FLAT WRENCH (57) Oer Flat key made of metal, with recesses arranged in the key shank for receiving radially displaceable tumbler pins located in the lock rotor, for use as a mechanical key outside and as a mechanical / electronic key within a locking device with additional electronic means arranged in the lock cylinder, characterized by in that a housing (2A, 2B, 2) fixedly connected to the key shank (1) 20, 21) for receiving an electronic assembly (5), wherein the housing also finds use as a key crop (2). The housing (2A, 2B, 20, 12) on the housing side to the key shank (1) has a connecting part (12) for receiving electrical contacts (4) between Reide (2) and key shank (1).

CQ

AT 390 470 (73) Patent owner:

BAUER AG

CH-8620 WETZIKON / ZH (CH).

<img file="AT390470B_D0001.tif" />

WR 0078010

No. 390 470

The invention relates to an electronic-mechanical flat key made of metal, arranged in the key shank depressions for receiving located in the lock rotor radially displaceable tumbler pins for use as a mechanical key outside and as a mechanical / electronic key within a locking device with additional, arranged in the lock cylinder electronic means ,

Keys with mechanical and non-mechanical closing and opening codes have been the subject of constant effort since the advent of miniaturized electronic means compared to tube technology. However, the inherent constraints of this problem are so diametrically opposed that the inevitable compromises usually lead, not to say forcefully, a solution that has been finally chosen, away from the intended goal

There are, for example. non-electronic but electronic sensing means affecting keys; these are usually made of metal, with a magnetomechanical device making such keys electronically readable. Such keys have, for example. a round beard profile, on the periphery of which magnetic sections, or at least sections of alternating permeability, are accommodated. Thus, such keys are electronically scanned by a rotary closing movement. Examples thereof are described in the two German Offenlegungsschriften Nos. 32O5'586 and 32'45'681; however, these are neither flat nor electronic keys.

For example, shows. DE-OS 32'45'681 a key with combined mechanical and non-mechanical, magnetic encoding, which non-mechanical coding in the form of an annular data carrier is configured. The inventor of the key described therein refers to German Auslegeschrift 23'25'566, which describes a flat key with non-mechanical and mechanical coding. From this document, however, it is not clear how this encoding is designed and how it is also feasible. Only the hint that the key on the key back carries the magnetic key secret, lets the expert suspect that it may be distributed on the key bit length magnetic embedding could act; or it's not really a code but only a magnetic point on the back of the key, on the other hand sees the inventor of the aforementioned DE-OS 32'45'681 disadvantages, to equip a flat key with non-mechanical codes, especially because of that, because comparatively little code variations can be accommodated. In fact, a flat key does not offer much space to accommodate anything other than the intended mechanical coding. The primary reason for this is that the flat keys are generally key miniaturization products, with all the superfluous ones being physically evacuated. Such flat keys have finally become the de facto standard in their field and thus experience a still increasing in numbers today. The compulsion to bring in yet further elements in such a shape-optimized key, fails now just the result of decades of effort, namely to accommodate as much of mechanical coding as possible in the limited space of an elegant, flat and pocket-appropriate key.

On the one hand, in order to realize useful results in the combination of mechanical and electrical coding possibilities on one and the same key, for example. leave the flat key shape, as is the case here discussed DE-OS 32 * 45 * 681 and this is also essential to the invention, or it is on the other hand completely dispensed with the mechanical coding, but, as a substitute, a rather lush electronic equipment chosen, then at the same time a new key shape entails, which thus formed keys in connection with existing standard cylinder locks can not be used.

Such a solution electronically equipped has become known in the following American patent specification. The US-PS 4'297'569 describes a purely electronic key without mechanical coding, in which key-like shape an integrated circuit was molded with plastic. This key has no mechanical coding, it is also not an actual key in the conventional sense, it has only a form approximating a key. As stated, it consists of a plastic chip-coated DIL-category semiconductor chip with 2 x 8 contact rows (a beetle), the contact rows being used as key contacts. The chip is embedded in the key bit, the Reide is just formed so far that the key can still be properly manipulated by a hand in average size. However, this key is far removed from the standard dimensions of a flat key in its dimensions; it is as thick as the pouring of a commercial DIL chip requires. This thickness finally gives the electronic key its necessary stability

It is therefore an object of the invention to create a flat key with mechanical and electronic coding, which, along with its dimensions corresponding to the flat key standard, has a comparatively complicated electronics and is also designed so that he is capable of exchanging data between the key and the associated cylinder, this flat key being a reversible key in a special embodiment. not be a lock cylinder belonging to an electronic-mechanical closing device, which requires that this key has the standard dimensions for mechanical coding; he should of course also have the necessary sufficient mechanical strength conventional flat key.

-2Nr. 390 470

It is therefore evident that in flat keys of conventional standard size neither sufficient magneto-mechanical nor electronic means can be accommodated with known measures for security purposes, especially not when the flat key for reasons of stability should also be made of metal, because this is still special insulation problems with which, for example, the solution according to US-PS 4'297'569 does not have to deal with.

The task is solved by by the flat key of the type mentioned above not as a key, but designed as a housing for electronic assemblies and in an extension of the key shaft to Reide and / or in the Reide itself at least one recess for receiving an electronic circuit and in the area between the key shaft and Reide on at least one narrow side, is provided with the arranged in the recess arranged electronic circuit contact row.

Various embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. So are, for example. in a particular embodiment, the integrated circuit and the row of contacts on a printed circuit board are connected to a self-contained assembly, the elements interconnected via the printed circuit, the integrated circuit and spaced apart contact row (s) being separate from the housing in keyed form, as a separate assembly Key body on the electronic functionality can be checked before assembly to the finished key.

Another particular embodiment provides a modular divisible crenellated corn consisting of a key shaft connected to and removable from the key part.

Further embodiments derived from these particular embodiments are defined in additional dependent claims.

With reference to the figures listed below, the invention will now be discussed in detail.

Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of the key according to the invention in one of the practiced embodiments;

Fig. 2 shows a first housing basic shape with one-piece crenel for the electronic assembly shown in Figure 1;

Fig. 3 shows a second housing basic shape with two-part crenellated for the electronic assembly shown in Figure 1;

Fig. 4 shows a derived from the basic shape housing shape with two-part crenel, wherein the removable part is designed as a module part;

Fig. 5 shows another embodiment derived from the form shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of the electronic assembly, as it can be used as such in the housing;

Fig. 7 shows another embodiment of the electronic assembly;

Fig. 8 shows a further embodiment of the electronic module.

Fig. 9 shows a further housing form with a Reidenöffnung.

In the graphic representation of FIG. 1 an attempt is made to illustrate an embodiment in which one should not only be able to read off the features of the invention, but also the idea of ​​the invention. It is safe against the feeling and the pursuit of the expert of his field, his sophisticated product, the key therefore only to see or even use as housing for a new and additional element. The key is visibly disassembled into new, foreign-key components, and only when reassembled does a flat key of the original shape result. So it is not the case, as superficially might seem, that one simply erodes an existing key as much as possible and supplies it to the electronic components; on the contrary, it becomes part of a standardized flat-key form of its genus Housing created that accommodates electronics, can be closed and in this state, a mechanical electronic flat-key, as shown in FIG. 1 is a reversible key.

The reversible key shown shows the key elements typical of such a key, the key shank (1) with the recesses (3) for the mechanical coding, the key crest (2), which is the key grip, and a connecting part (12) specially designed for this key, that is, from (1) and (2), which, without emphasizing it, is always present in a rudimentary fashion. In this case, the connecting part between Reide and shaft is pronounced extended and shaped for fitting the contact spider (4). The contact spider (4) with the individual contacts, is arranged in an assembly (5) for the electronic coding, which assembly consists essentially of a printed circuit board (8) with the conductor tracks (8A), the contact spider (4) and electronic components, here a integrated circuit, a chip, and possibly further contacts (7A) consists. In the functional design of the assembly (5) one is quite free, even spatially, since within a certain frame the thickness of the Reide can be changed without significantly changing the typical image of the key. For better illustration, the IC chip (9) (actually wrong) is located on the top of the PCB. The embodiment as used is shown in FIG. 6th

This assembly (5) can be inserted into the prepared housing, so to speak, which has the following recesses provided: a recess (6A) in the connection part (12) for receiving the contact spider (4), a recess (6B) in the front part Reidenteil, ie the Key shank nearest part, for performing a part of the circuit board (8), a recess (6C) in the front half of the Reid, to

-3Nr. 390 470

Picking up the remaining part of the assembly (5). The naturally required covers, one below and one above are shown in Fig., Which represents a housing alone.

The Reide (2) consists in Fig. 1 of a part (2A) integral with the key shank (1) and a removable modular part (2B). The modular Reidenteil (2B) can be configured manifold. In the illustration of FIG. 1 it has a further recess (6D), in which a power source in the form of a battery (10) is sinkable, which in turn communicates with the contacts (7B) Thus, the module part (2B) of the Reide (2) represents a power supply part of the assembly (5), the key energized to the fixed part of the reed (2A) via the contact pairing (7A / 7B) How to attach the module part to the Reide, a professional measure in the field of precision engineering, will not be discussed here.

The division of the crayon (2) into a fixed part (2A) and a module part (2B) is a special embodiment that allows, for example, to customize the key by inserting numbers, license plates, etc., the key with other, even interchangeable Functionally expand functional elements to use the key in the basic function as any advertising medium, the individual Werbesignet is mounted or mounted on the module part, etc.

Figures 2, 3 and 4 show various housing shapes; Figures 5A to 5D show a number of different modular parts.

The simplest embodiment of a housing shape is shown in Figure 2 from above and in section (AA) seen from the side. Subsequent to the key shank (1), which of course does not yet carry the mechanical coding during manufacture, the usual key stop (11) is arranged; then follows the connecting part (12) with the first recess (6A), in which the contact spider (4) can be inserted. The subsequent recess (6B) is applied as a flat channel for receiving the printed circuit board (8) of the assembly (5), which finally opens into the recess (6C), which here occupies most of the Reide (2), in which then the electronic components, eg. the chip (9) should find place (s). This recess (6C) breaks the Reide (2) in its entire thickness, that is, to close the housing one needs two covers, a lower cover (21) for the recess (6C) and a correspondingly shaped upper cover (20) for concurrently closing the recesses (6A), (6B), (6C). The actual details of how the covers are put on or used are not shown here; the well-known measures of precision engineering offer various possibilities here. Usually, it can be assumed that the housing is closed once and not reopened. This is, for example. then the case when an electronic assembly (5) according to FIG. 1 is used, in which the contact pins (4) is permanently connected to the central part (12). Then it is only badly possible, the electronics, for example. replace in case of repair. If value is placed on the most cost-effective design, it is recommended that the covers be pressed in as a permanent connection and additionally bonded.

The key / housing blank is easy to manufacture in this type, namely by punching. This also applies to the covers. The blank are then milled on the key shank the recesses (3) for the mechanical coding; the fitting of the electronic module is executed last. Usually, the electronics of the assembly are, in a sense, neutral, they are programmed custom before use. This is not the case with mechanical coding, which is not a fleeting, easily replaceable one. Therefore, it is advisable to set the mechanical coding hierarchically as low as possible, so that as many keys of a group of organizations are mechanically the same, but electrically different.

FIG. 3 shows in a modification of the housing form of FIG. 2 such, whose recess (6C) in the key crop (2) does not extend over the entire Reidendicke. She is just sunk so deep that on the one hand finds the assembly space and on the other hand, a housing bottom (30) is maintained. This avoids the manipulation with the lower cover (21), the key consists so only of housing, electronic module and cover. This housing is also produced by punching technology. Inner edges and deductions need not be as pronounced as this example. can be achieved by milling.

This housing shape, ie housing part with cover and subassembly to be accommodated therein brings great advantages. As soon as one, according to the inventive idea, has detached himself from thinking of a key and instead understands it as a case, with a key shaft attached to it like a handle, one suddenly has free access to the stylistic elements of similar ideas Housings such as. Bracelet watch cases and their technology of closure options. It is clear that even for economic reasons these local solutions can not or only rarely be taken over tel quel, but in the necessary adaptation the measures known there can be quite transferable.

An example of such a housing is shown partly in FIG. 4, in which a one-sided thickened housing with prism-like bevels on the edges of a wristwatch reminds. Namely, with this measure, the one-sided thickening, one gives free space enough in the Reidenausnehmung (6C) to accommodate electronic assemblies for the highest demands therein. Also in the recess (6B) is enough space to create between the contact contact (4) and the assembly (5) releasable contacts, so that the assembly can be replaced for themselves. So it is not on pronounced

-4Nr. 390 470

Safety matters, it is irrelevant that the lid (20) can be removed as in a wristwatch. Since removing the cover and manipulating the assembly at best causes the key to malfunction, the key owner is probably as little interested in opening his complicated key as he does not in his wristwatch. However, if it should be important to have an inextricable closure, one can use the same techniques as in the embodiments of the preceding figures.

FIG. 4 further shows the in Fig. 1 already discussed embodiment with the split reide, namely in a fixed part (2A) and a modular part (2B). This advanced housing technology allows element replacement without interfering with the interior of the housing. The module part (2B) is intended as a relatively easily interchangeable carrier of functional elements or markings. Functional elements would be power sources, additional modules, etc., characteristics would be room numbers for hotel keys, company names or single-carved diamonds as a giveaway etc. This module part is then inserted by plugging in with clip or pen or Screw fastening fixed to the stationary Reidenteil (2A).

In all shown Fig. 1 to 4 is reversible key, so the contact spider (4) is designed so that it encompasses both narrow sides of the connecting part as it were. Of course, this is not to be considered mandatory. A beard key, which is naturally not a reversible key, can be configured with the same housing technology, wherein the contacts of a one-sided contact spider are arranged only at the transition part of the key back. (Bern, maybe give an example here in a figure).

The in Fig. 1 shown assembly (5) consists, as already described, of a printed circuit board as a carrier and connecting element of the electronic components and contacting the outside world contact spider. It is in the embodiment as used in FIG. 6 Advantageously, one selects for this embodiment, a flexible printed circuit board (8) with corresponding insulating coatings. The electronic module (9) is a DIL IC with 16 legs. The printed conductors (8A) are produced from the coating of the flexprint by known etching methods. The contact spider (4) is produced by means of stamping technology; the necessary connecting web (45) is left during the storage and installation of the assembly in the housing as a shorting bar on the contact spider, so it protects the IC contacted against the effects of static electricity. It has also proved unnecessary to insulate the housing interior when the assembly as such is sufficiently insulated.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the electronic module. The contact spider (4), here with 4 contacts, is configured as described above. The electronic component (9) is a silicon wafer with the integrated circuit, a chip. This chip is bonded with contact wires directly to the spider. Between the chip and the spider, a lacquer layer can be used for mechanical damping and electrical insulation. The spider is inserted as normal in the housing, except that the chip (9) is housed in the recess (6A). The other recesses may optionally be used for other purposes or omitted.

FIG. 8th finally shows an electronic assembly that can be designed very universal. On a substrate (S), this may be a ceramic chip or a rigid or flexible circuit board of the appropriate size, of course, one, two, three or more ICs are directly bonded. In this example, there are three ICs in contact with each other and externally. Logically, Fig. 8th merely a fantasy circuit designed for illustration; but it should be shown here that in reality without further example. the IC2 may be an 8-bit processor and the other two IC1 and IC3 its peripherals exchanging data via the circuit board (9A). The size of such a processor assembly is far within the framework in which electronic components can be accommodated in a key with the aid of the discussed housing technology. The electronic assembly shown in Figure 8 is still without contact spider (4). This is soldered to the part, which is designated (40) and housed the finished assembly in its housing.

FIG. 9 Finally, shows a housing form for the electronic / mechanical key, which has a breakthrough as Reze opening (25) in the Reide. This opening is used for hanging or hanging the key, eg. to a keychain. The housing is made in four parts: by a first part, the key shank (1) and an adjoining part with the recesses (6A), (6B) and (6C) for receiving the electrical parts; through a second part, as a cover (20) for the recesses (6A), (6B) is used; and by a third and fourth part, the part as a kind of two-shell cover (20A / 20B) on the one hand partially receive the first part with the key shank (1) and on the other hand form the key row (2) with the suspension opening (25). The mounting of the individual parts to a finished key happens, for example. by squeezing. The relatively large Klemmpassungen provide the necessary support. Additional metal bonds can still be applied. Also, the clamshell Reidenteil may consist of an impact-resistant plastic, which is connected in a known manner to a Reideneinheit.

-5Nr. 390 470