Gate system for shape-selective passage of objects

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a gate system that is capable of recognizing the shape of an object, for example a car, and creating a passage opening adapted to the shape of the object.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention is directed to a gate system that is capable of recognizing the shape of an object, for example a car, and creating a passage opening adapted to the shape of the object. [Background technology]

[0002] To gain access to a secured area, such as a building or facility, a barrier is usually provided in the form of a single gate bar that simply prevents plain crossing. However, many objects can easily pass through such bars, provided they are not too large for the passage. For example, a human can easily overcome such a bar by climbing over the barrier. Furthermore, door systems, such as garage doors, are useful for preventing access to a locked building or facility, since an open door simply allows unauthorised entry.

[0003] However, door systems are configured to open a wide space that is much larger than the passing object. Also, such systems usually remain open for a fairly long time to give the vehicle driver enough time to drive through the opening. In such a situation, when the vehicle is passing through the open door of the building, it is easy for criminals to also hide behind the car and pass through the gate or door in the access area. The vehicle driver who thinks that the gate system is providing security may be easily attacked by the intruder after trespassing into a quiet area, e.g., a private environment.

[0004] CN Utility Model No. 209543444 shows a gate system that is supposed to adapt to the width of the car to minimize the gap between the vehicle and the wall. However, this system also relies on a bar gate, which, as mentioned above, is easily trespassed. US Patent No. 9689189 shows a passage area that can be closed by a telescopic bar. Such a system does not show any ability to adapt such a telescopic bar to the shape of the passing object. Such a system only sufficiently opens and closes the passage area. CN Patent Publication No. 108978380 shows a gate system for preventing red light ignoring in urban traffic. Also, such a system is not configured to adapt to the shape of the passing object. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a gate system which minimizes the possibility of an intruder gaining access to an area secured by the gate system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention therefore relates to a gate system for accessing a building or facility through a passage area, comprising a number of movable means arranged in the passage area and in a first position not allowing passage, characterized in that the means are capable of assuming a second position in which they open the gate to a predetermined value, preferably a minimum value, without contacting the object, by adapting the distance corresponding to the shape of the passing object.

[0007] Such a system creates only a minimal passage opening for the object to pass through, while leaving virtually no additional space open for the intruder. The system is also configured to close quickly after the object has passed, to minimize the possibility of unauthorized entry. The system is configured and adapted to create an opening that only roughly resembles the shape of the passing object. The system is thereby configured to shape the opening with a width and height corresponding to the passing object. The sensor is configured to detect the shape of the car, and in response to this shape the movable means takes a second position with a distance to the passing object, without contacting the passing object. In this case, the difference between the first position and the second position is related to the shape of the passing object, in addition to a predetermined, preferably minimum, distance between the movable object and the passing object, in particular in width and height. The opening is thereby smaller than the entire passing area provided by the underside, the ceiling, the left side and the right side. The system described herein is thereby different from existing systems that completely open and close the passage area. The system described herein can therefore provide an adaptability to the passing object in terms of height and width. The first position of the movable means described herein is the innermost position of the passage area and is intended to prevent the passage of objects.

[0008] The movable means provided in the passage area may be formed in different forms, for example by sectors, bars, plates, folding grids, air cushions or solid curtains, although flexible. Such means as part of the gate system according to the invention may be designed in particular for the passage of motor vehicles, in particular cars and motorcycles. However, the gate system may also be used for humans or animals. In a particular embodiment, the movable means is formed by a bar or plate, in particular a divided plate with sub-plates. Such a plate may be designed to be flexible in terms of length adjustment in the direction of the passing object, by being divided into sub-plates along the width of the plate. A plate in the sense of the invention may also mean that a plate in the form of a sub-plate is also longitudinally flexible, by connecting smaller plates together by connecting means, for example hinge bolts or the like. A plate in the sense of the invention is longitudinally flexible. The plate may furthermore have a simple solid board, which is not divided or is longitudinally flexible. In a particular embodiment, it may be chosen to use two types of movable means in the gate system. From the side a bar or plate is used for the movable means, from the ceiling or below a different kind of means may be used. One embodiment may comprise an unwinding shutter in the form of a flexible plate from the ceiling and a plate with a bar or subplate from the side.

[0009] The gate system defined herein relies on the use of sensors that recognize the shape of a passing object and transmit data to the movable means, thereby adapting the position of the movable means to a predefined distance, preferably a minimum distance, relative to the object that is allowed to pass. Such sensors may be located directly on the movable means, but may also be located in the passage area, alone or in combination with sensors provided on the movable means.

[0010] The movable means may be located on each of the four possible sides, meaning the bottom, the ceiling, the left side and the right side. If the passage area is somehow rounded or does not have a shape with the usual four sides (for example an arch), the movable means may be integrated into the structure of the passage at least in the section facing both sides of the vehicle and the ceiling area. In one embodiment, the movable means are attached to three sides, preferably the ceiling, the left side and the right side. In another embodiment, the movable means are located only on the left and right sides. In another embodiment, the movable means are located only on the ceiling. If the means are located on the ceiling or on the sides, it is possible to provide a system in which the height of the opening can be adapted to the height of the passing object. This also applies to another possible embodiment, a system in which the movable means are provided from the ceiling and from the bottom side. A system in which the means are provided only from the bottom side cannot provide height control, because to form the opening for passage, it is necessary to remove or retract the bottom means almost completely, leaving the ceiling area completely free. This allows the gate system to provide the advantages of height adaptation and minimization of the space above the passing object.

[0011] As mentioned above, the movable means is intended to maintain a predetermined distance, preferably a minimum distance, from the passing object. In particular, the means is located in the second position so that a human or larger object cannot trespass between the movable means and the passing object. In one embodiment, the distance between the passing object and the tip of the movable means is only a few centimeters, in particular less than 20 cm, preferably less than 10 cm, most preferably less than 5 cm. The system is further configured and adapted to position the movable means at a distance relative to the object that corresponds to the shape of the passing object. Thereby, depending on the movable means, the end of this movable means does not form a straight line parallel to the boundary of the passage area, but forms a line similar to the shape of the cross section of the passing object. The skilled person will understand that the movable means can roughly resemble the cross section of the passing object, but not in detail, given by the predetermined distance from the movable means.

[0012] The gate system is also intended to prevent the passage of objects the size of a human or larger when the movable means is in the first position. Depending on the nature of the means, the space between the means must not allow a head to be thrust through the opening. If bars are used as the movable means, the distance between the bars is less than 20cm, preferably less than 10cm. Preferably, the density of the bars is 8 bars per m, more preferably 10 bars per m, most preferably more than 12 bars per m.

[0013] The gate system may further comprise a transmitting unit and a receiving unit for remotely activating the gate system. Such a unit may be configured as a remote control. Another way to perform the automatic opening of the gate system may be achieved by a memory function that can store the shape of a previously passed object and adapt the second position of the bar according to the shape of the previously passed object. Such a function may be supported by a license plate recognition tool.

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention, the movable means are bars attached or integrated on at least two sides of the passage area. It is also possible that these bars are simply located on the ceiling.

[0015] As mentioned above, the gate system defined herein relies on the use of sensors that recognize the shape of the passing object and transmit data to the movable means, thereby adapting the position of the movable means to the minimum distance to the object that is allowed to pass. In one embodiment, each movable means, e.g. each bar or plate, has at least one distance sensor in its tip region closest to the passing object for measuring the distance to the passing object. It is also possible that the movable means, e.g. each bar or plate, does not support a distance sensor and the distance sensing is performed at different positions. If the distance sensor is located in the tip region of the movable means, closest to the passing object, it may be configured to measure the distance in the extension direction of the means. This applies in particular to the embodiment in which a bar deflectable plate is used as the movable means. The distance sensor may be located in the tip region, directed towards the passing object, deviating from the extension direction of the bar. Furthermore, the distance sensor may be located in the tip region, directed towards the passing object, and the measurement may be performed in the extension direction of the bar and in a direction deviating from the extension direction of the bar.

[0016] In one embodiment, the moving means is configured as a telescopic bar, which has the advantage that it can be used to cover long distances in the passage area, but only requires little or no space inside the side wall or ceiling for its installation. Therefore, using a telescopic bar as the moving means is preferred, since it only requires providing a minimum of space in the passage area and the surrounding structures.

[0017] The bars, in particular the telescopic bars, which are located on the same side wall or ceiling, are arranged parallel to one another and the distance between them can be adapted such that when the bars are in the first position, passage, in particular unauthorised entry, is not possible.

[0018] As mentioned above, the sensor may be located in the movable means, but may also be located in the passage area, alone or in combination with a sensor provided in the movable means. In one embodiment of the gate system defined herein, the system further comprises distance sensors in front of and behind the movable means, e.g. a bar, preferably a telescopic bar or a deflectable plate, in the direction of the passage of the object, for pre-evaluating the dimensions of the passing object and triggering the movement of the means to a second position. In one embodiment, such distance sensors, preferably several sensors, are integrated in one plane in the side walls and ceiling as an assembly for evaluating the shape of the passing object from three sides. This makes it possible to scan the shape of the object in width and height and to facilitate the adaptation of the opening to the shape of the object. Furthermore, more than one assembly of sensors may be mounted in more than one plane parallel to the plane of the movable means. In this way, the three-dimensional shape can be measured and the movable means can be adapted to the passing object accordingly.

[0019] The system may be operable to be activated when an object approaches the passage area. The object will enter a plane equipped with distance measuring sensors. The dimensions of the object will be transmitted to the gate system and the opening will be adapted to the shape of the object so that the movable means adapts the second position depending on the shape of the object. An optional sensor provided on the movable means may assist in maintaining the distance of the means to the object. Once the object has passed the passage area, the movable means returns to the first position and the passage area is closed again. During the passage, the second position will be adapted to the shape of the object by information provided by the sensor provided on the movable means or by sensors ahead and optionally behind the passage area.

[0020] The system described herein may be configured such that the lateral (width) and height control regimes are spaced apart from each other in the direction of passage and therefore perpendicular to the plane of the passage area. The height control is passed first and then the lateral control or vice versa. The distance between these two regimes must not be large enough to allow unauthorized entry. Both regimes can provide a complete closure of the passage area in a first position and then a second position allowing the passage of the passing object. This provides a high level of security, since two completely closed gates can be provided in the passage area. In one embodiment, the height control can first be provided by movable means integrated into the ceiling. Such movable means can be combined with a normal garage door system, for example a simple door or a rollable curtain, as long as such a system can be adapted to a position corresponding to the height of the passing object. The movable means for the lateral control are provided in front or behind the movable means for the height control. These movable means can be provided from the left and right side or from the bottom or both. The movable means from below may be provided with rotatable or pivotable sub-means capable of adapting the lateral distance to the passing object, which may be integrated into the movable means used above in order to also adapt it to the height of the passing object.

[0021] The above-mentioned systems are configured to be stationary and integrated into a structure. However, the system may also be configured to move from a starting position in front of a passing object to a terminal position behind the passed object. In such a system, a passage area with movable means passes around the object, which does not move while the system passes around it.

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention as well as further features and advantages of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention in which a bar, in particular a telescopic bar, is used as the moving means and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 1B] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention in which a bar, in particular a telescopic bar, is used as the moving means and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 1C] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention in which a bar, in particular a telescopic bar, is used as the moving means and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 1D] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention in which a bar, in particular a telescopic bar, is used as the moving means and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 1E] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention in which a bar, in particular a telescopic bar, is used as the moving means and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the invention in which a bar is used as the moving means and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the invention in which a bar is used as the moving means and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the invention in which a bar is used as the moving means and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the invention in which a bar is used as the moving means and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 2E] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the invention in which a bar is used as the moving means and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 3A] 3A-3C are schematic diagrams of another embodiment of the invention in which plates in different embodiments are used as the moving means and vehicles are used as the passing objects. [Figure 3B] 3A-3C are schematic diagrams of another embodiment of the invention in which plates in different embodiments are used as the moving means and vehicles are used as the passing objects. [Figure 3C]3A-3C are schematic diagrams of another embodiment of the invention in which plates in different embodiments are used as the moving means and vehicles are used as the passing objects. [Figure 3D] 3A-3C are schematic diagrams of another embodiment of the invention in which plates in different embodiments are used as the moving means and vehicles are used as the passing objects. [Figure 3E] 3A-3C are schematic diagrams of another embodiment of the invention in which plates in different embodiments are used as the moving means and vehicles are used as the passing objects. [Figure 3F] 3A-3C are schematic diagrams of another embodiment of the invention in which plates in different embodiments are used as the moving means and vehicles are used as the passing objects. [Figure 3G] 3A-3C are schematic diagrams of another embodiment of the invention in which plates in different embodiments are used as the moving means and vehicles are used as the passing objects. [Figure 3H] 3A-3C are schematic diagrams of another embodiment of the invention in which plates in different embodiments are used as the moving means and vehicles are used as the passing objects. [Figure 3I] 3A-3C are schematic diagrams of another embodiment of the invention in which plates in different embodiments are used as the moving means and vehicles are used as the passing objects. [Figure 3J] 3A-3C are schematic diagrams of another embodiment of the invention in which plates in different embodiments are used as the moving means and vehicles are used as the passing objects. [Figure 3K] 3A-3C are schematic diagrams of another embodiment of the invention in which plates in different embodiments are used as the moving means and vehicles are used as the passing objects. [Figure 3L] 3A-3C are schematic diagrams of another embodiment of the invention in which plates in different embodiments are used as the moving means and vehicles are used as the passing objects. [Figure 3M] 3A-3C are schematic diagrams of another embodiment of the invention in which plates in different embodiments are used as the moving means and vehicles are used as the passing objects. [Figure 4A]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the invention in which an air cushion is used as the moving means and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the invention in which an air cushion is used as the moving means and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 4C] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the invention in which an air cushion is used as the moving means and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 4D] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the invention in which an air cushion is used as the moving means and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 4E] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the invention in which an air cushion is used as the moving means and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the invention in which a group of folding grids is used as the moving means and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 5B] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the invention in which a group of folding grids is used as the moving means and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the invention in which a sector is used as the moving means and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 6B] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the invention in which a sector is used as the moving means and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 6C] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the invention in which a sector is used as the moving means and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 6D] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the invention in which a sector is used as the moving means and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 6E] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the invention in which a sector is used as the moving means and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the invention in which a bar is used as the movable means located on the ceiling and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 7B] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the invention in which a bar is used as the movable means located on the ceiling and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 7C] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the invention in which a bar is used as the movable means located on the ceiling and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 8A] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the invention in which a bar is used as the movable means located on the ceiling and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 8B] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the invention in which a bar is used as the movable means located on the ceiling and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 8C] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the invention in which a bar is used as the movable means located on the ceiling and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 9A] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the invention in which a bar is used as the movable means located on the ceiling and the base and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 9B] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the invention in which a bar is used as the movable means located on the ceiling and the base and a vehicle is used as the passing object. [Figure 10A] 13A-13C are schematic diagrams of distance sensing from above and below at the distal tip of an example telescopic bar for a movable means. [Figure 10B] 13A-13C are schematic diagrams of distance sensing from above and below at the distal tip of an example telescopic bar for a movable means. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of distance sensing that can function both inside and outside the passage area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] In Fig. 1A-1E an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The system comprises a left telescopic bar (10a-10n) and a right telescopic bar (11a-11n). In Fig. 1A, where a not very tall car is passing through the passage area, the lower bars (10a-10i, 11a-11i) are only pulled to the side as much as is necessary to allow the passage of the vehicle 1. The upper bars (10j-10n, 11j-11n) remain in the first position, thus providing the possibility of an adaptable upper limit according to the height of the object. Thus, if a car of a considerable height is passing through the passage area, all the bars 10a-10n, 11a-11n are in the second position, as required, as shown in Fig. 1B, realizing a contoured passage. For example, the bars 10i, 10j, 11i, 11j are in a very retracted position to allow the side mirrors to have the same distance to the bars as the remaining lateral parts of the car. In figures 1C-1E plan views are shown. In figure 1C the system is shown during the passage of an object, in this embodiment a car, through the passage area without leaving much space between the bar and the object for an unauthorized passage. In figure 1D the system is shown after the passage of the object. It can be seen that the system will close immediately after the object has passed through the passage area, thus avoiding a longer opening of the passage area which would provide a covert opportunity for an unauthorized passage. For completeness, in figure 1E it is shown that the system also envisages providing a mode in which the passage area is completely open. Such a mode would probably have to be adopted in case of an emergency.

[0025] In figures 2A-2E, another embodiment of the invention is shown. In this embodiment, the movable means are bars 20a-20n, 21a-21n. These bars 20,21 have a different function than the telescopic bars 10,11, but have the same effect for shape-selective passages. As can be seen from figures 2A and 2B, the bars 20,21 may be used to provide a height adapted to the passage and a passage adapted to the shape of the passing objects, also in this embodiment in the form of low and high vehicles. As shown in figure 2C, the bars 20,21 are attached to a connecting bar 22. This connecting bar 22 forms an angle α with the bars 20;21. The angle α increases accordingly when the bar 20;21 is moved away from the passing objects. Furthermore, the connecting bar 22 is attached at one end to the bars 20;21 and at the other end to a track formed in the side wall of the passage area. To provide a larger lateral space for the passing object, the attachment points 23;24 for the bars are moved accordingly farther apart and the connection points 25 of the connecting bars are moved away from each other. After the object has passed, the bars 20,21 can be closed again by moving the connection points 23;24 again towards the respective stable connection points 25, returning the bars 20,21 to their first position. This is shown in Fig. 2D. The embodiment of Fig. 2 can also be adapted so that the entire passage area is open, for example in case of an emergency, as shown in Fig. 2E.

[0026] In figures 3A-3E another embodiment of the invention is shown. In this embodiment, the adapted passage is provided not by means of bars but by means of movable means in the form of plates 30, 31, 32. Plates 30, 31 are used to adapt the width of the passage area, whereas plate 32 is attached to the ceiling and is used to adapt the height of the passage area. As can be seen in figures 3A and 3B, plates 30-32 may be used to provide an adapted passage for objects. For example, as shown in figure 3B, when a tall object is passing through the passage area, the upper plate 32 is almost completely retracted. Figure 3C provides a top view of this embodiment. When an object is passing through the passage area, the lateral plates 30, 31 are retracted separately from each other to provide a lateral (and not shown in height) adapted passage. After the object has passed through the area, all plates return to the first position and the passage area is closed again. An embodiment with plates as movable means may also be provided such that the passage area is completely open (figure 3E). The retraction of the plates 30, 31, 32 may be achieved by different means. As shown by Fig. 3C, the plates may be pivoted from the passage area to the side and to the ceiling. The plates 30, 31, 32 may also be integrated into the structure and retracted in a direction away from the passage area parallel to the passage plane. Also, in particular from the ceiling, the plates 30, 31, 32 may be provided in the form of rollable curtains or roller shutters moving on lateral tracks and on ceiling tracks and on lower tracks spaced apart from each other in the passage direction.

[0027] The plates 30, 31, 32 may be individually divided into sub-plates 30a-30h, 31a-31h, 32a-32h (FIGS. 3F and 3G) that may be individually retracted to adapt to the shape of the passing object. The degree of division of the plates 30; 31; 32 may be freely selected. The plates 30; 31; 32 may be divided only once to form two sub-plates. However, the degree of division of the plates may be sufficiently high. As an example, in FIG. 3F, it is chosen to divide the plates 30, 31, 32 into eight sub-plates. In FIG. 3F, a low car is passing through the passage area. The movable means 32a-32h on the ceiling side take a second position with a low degree of retraction. The movable means 30a-30e, 31a-31e provided on the sides take their position to the shape of the passing object. The upper lateral movable means 30f-30h, 31f-31h may be fully retracted to move away from the ceiling means 32. In a related embodiment, the one means 32 and the means 30, 31 are moved away from each other in the passing direction, and the means 32 and the upper lateral means 30, 31 overlap each other in the passing direction. It may be an option that the ceiling means 32 is mainly retracted in its second position, and the upper lateral means 30f-30h, 31f-31h take their second position in the shape of the passing object, as shown in Fig. 3G.

[0028] In figures 3H and 3I a more detailed embodiment of figures 3F and 3G is shown. In this embodiment the movable means are plates divided over the length of each movable means and therefore in their longitudinal direction. Thereby the plates 30, 31, 32 and of course the sub-plates 30a-30h, 31a-31h, 32a-32h form a series or row of smaller plates 35 (see figures 3K-3M). Such smaller plates 35 may thus be directly adjacent to each other. Also, a certain distance may be provided between two smaller plates 35. In figure 3K such a distance is indicated by a white space between two grey elements 35. In figures 3H and 3I the movable means 30a-30h, 31a-31h are adapted as described above to the shape of the passing object. In this embodiment too it may be chosen to have a distance between the means 32 from the ceiling and these lateral means 30, 31. In Fig. 3J the system is shown in the closed state. It is shown that the ceiling means remain retracted in the same plane as the side means 30, 31. It is also possible that the ceiling means 32 is spaced away from the side means 30, 31 as shown here and is also completely closed, thereby forming a closed second gate in front or behind the plane of the means 30, 31. In the closed position, there may be a space between the small plates 35. Also, as mentioned above, there may be no space between the small plates 35, so that the closed gate looks more like a garage door. If there is a space between the small plates 35, the distance is preferably selected so that no unauthorized entry is possible. In one embodiment, the distance between the small plates is less than 20 cm, preferably less than 10 cm.

[0029] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3K-3M, the plates 30, 31, 32 may be configured to be deflectable in the longitudinal direction. Such deflectability may be introduced by deflection means 34, for example hinges, flexible joints or the like. In addition to pivoting the mobile means out of the plane of the passage area, the retraction of the mobile means can be achieved by retracting it around deflection pulleys or tracks 33 provided on the underside or on the ceiling or both. A technical advantage of this embodiment of the invention is that it is a system that does not require much additional space in the extension of the passage area, so that it can be integrated into existing buildings or passage areas, but along the passage direction of the passing objects, without requiring additional space that would reach adjacent buildings or objects. Figure 3K shows a track 33 that extends around the corner, and the mobile means 30, 31 follow such a guideway. The track 33 may be provided on the underside, but also on the ceiling, as shown in Figure 3L. Such an illustrated ceiling track is positioned above the passing objects. In Fig. 3K, the system with plates 30, 31 is shown in a closed state.

[0030] The sub-plates 30a-30g, 31a-31g, 32a-32g may be configured to simply be placed close to each other, with or without a space between each sub-plate. The sub-plates 30a-30g, 31a-31g, 32a-32g may also be configured such that some or all of the sub-plates are stacked and connected to each other, for example in a form-fitting or form-locking manner. Such a form-fitting connection can be achieved, for example, by male-shaped and female-shaped cross-sections. In all embodiments with sub-plates, each sub-plate remains movable relative to each other, thereby ensuring an individual retraction to adapt the second position corresponding to the shape of the passing object. In embodiments in which the movable means are integrated at least on one side of the passage area, the bottom of the plates 30 and / or 31 or the sub-plates 30a and / or 31a may have means for supporting sliding on a foundation, for example on a track or rail or wheels or roll-integrated balls. In such an embodiment, the means for supporting sliding not only facilitates easy retraction of the lowermost movable means, but also supports the majority of the weight of all the movable means.

[0031] The deflection pulleys according to the embodiments described herein may be in the form of rolls, wheels or round bars. Furthermore, as already mentioned above, the track 33 may all be effective means for providing deflection capability.

[0032] A further embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 4A-4E. In this embodiment, the movable means are configured and implemented as air cushions 40, 41, 42. The air cushions 40, 41, 42 are provided with ridges a, b, c, which stretch a cushioning material 44 stretched over the ridges a, b, c. Additional ventilators mounted on the side walls may be used to inflate the air cushions 40, 41, 42. With the air cushions 42, this embodiment may also have an adaptable height, as can be seen from a comparison of Figures 4A and 4B. Figure 4C provides a plan view of an object passing through the contoured passage area, and the system may be quickly closed after the object has passed through the passage area, as shown in Figure 4D. The embodiment with the air cushions 40-42 may also be provided so that the passage area is completely empty, as shown in Figure 4E.

[0033] 5A and 5B show a further embodiment of the gate system described herein. A group of folding lattices (50a-50g, 15a-15g) is used as a movable means for adapting the width and height of the passage area. When a low object is passing, a group of folding lattices 50f-50g, 51f-51g remains closed, while another group of folding lattices 50a-50e, 51a-51e is adapted to the shape of the passing object. When a high object is passing, the entire group of folding lattices 50a-50g, 51a-51g takes a position adapted to the shape of the passing object.

[0034] In an alternative approach, the movable means may be configured as sectors 60, 61, 62, 63, as shown in Figures 6A-6D. The height and width of the passage area may be adapted to the level of deployment of the sectors, as shown by a comparison of Figures 6A and 6B. Furthermore, this embodiment envisages the inclusion of a sector 64 (not specifically shown) located at the bottom of the passage area in addition to the sectors 60, 61, 62, 63, in order to prevent small free passages of vehicles that get stuck in the areas between the sectors when fully deployed. Together with the sector 64 (not specifically shown) at the centre bottom of the passage area, an opening is formed that is narrow enough that an intruder cannot break in. In Figures 6C-6E an alternative approach with sectors is shown. In Figures 6C-6E the sectors themselves are movable within the passage area. 6C-6E show an increased number of sectors as movable means 64-67 on the sides and on the ceiling, and sectors may also be provided at any suitable effective height. As shown in Fig. 6E, the system may be adapted to close off an entire passage area against unauthorised entry.

[0035] In figures 7A-7C and 8A-8C, a particular embodiment of the invention described herein is shown. The gate system shown in figures 7A-7C and 8A-8C is based on a purely vertically movable means, which is shown in the figures as a bar, for example. In figures 7A-7C, the gate system has sufficient space in the ceiling area. In such an area, the movable means 70a-70r may have a length corresponding to the height of the passage area. Such a passage area may be recessed in the building, as shown in figure 7C, in order to provide the required sufficient space in the ceiling area. An alternative embodiment is shown in figures 8A-8C, where the movable means 80a-80r are configured as telescopic bars, which do not require as much space in the ceiling area as a normal bar. As can be seen from figures 7A-7B and 8A-8B, the embodiment with purely vertically movable means may be used to provide a passage area that is adaptable in height and width. As shown in Fig. 8C, the gate system, which does not require much space in the ceiling area, may be constructed directly in the entrance area of ​​the building. It is also possible to assemble the vertically movable means by means of movable means from the ceiling and movable means built into the foundation. Also, the combination of the ceiling means and the foundation means can provide an adaptable height. As shown in Fig. 9A-9B, the combination of the lower means 91a-91r and the ceiling means 90a-90r can provide an adaptable height. In Fig. 9A, the lower means below the passing object are moved into the foundation, while the elements of the ceiling means are lowered near the top surface of the object, which simply provides a space for the passing object and an obstacle to others. In the case of a high object, in order to pass through the passage area, the ceiling means are lowered only slightly, if at all, near the top surface of the passing object, as shown in Fig. 9B.

[0036] In Fig. 10A, a distance is shown that can work in both directions and therefore for example for objects that intend to enter or leave a building. The object is sensed at a distance to the passage area by a sensor 102 located at the tip of the movable means 100, 101, and the shape of the object is identified and recorded. Then, when the object is approaching the passage area and permission is given to the object, the movable means 100, 101 will assume a position that creates an opening that can allow the object to pass while preventing unauthorized entry. Fig. 10B gives an insight into how distance sensing from the movable means works. Based on the tip of the movable means, in this figure an extensible bar, the distance from the passing object is measured. The distance between the tip of the movable means and the passing object will be adapted to be constant depending on the shape of the object.

[0037] In figure 11 an alternative sensing is shown where sensing means 111 are positioned in an upper position before and after the passage area. The shape of the object is captured and once permission is given, the gate system will provide an opening adapted to the shape of the object by moving the movable means 110 accordingly.

Claims

1. 1. A gate system for providing access to a building or facility through a passageway area, comprising: the gate system includes a plurality of movable means in a first position that does not allow passage in the passage area; A gate system characterized in that the movable means can take a second position in which the gate opens to a predetermined value without coming into contact with the passing object by adapting to a distance corresponding to the shape of the passing object.

2. The gate system is configured to define an opening with a width and height corresponding to the object passing through. The gate system according to claim 1 .

3. The movable means are located on both sides of the passage area or on the ceiling of the passage area. The gate system according to claim 1 .

4. each movable means has at least one distance sensor in its tip region for measuring the distance to a passing object; The gate system according to claim 3.

5. The distance sensor is located at the tip of the movable means so as to measure the distance in the extending direction of the bar. The gate system according to claim 4.

6. a distance sensor is located in the tip region and directed towards the passing object, deviating from the extension direction of the movable means; The gate system according to claim 4.

7. The movable means is an elastic bar or a plate with or without a subplate; The gate system according to claim 3.

8. The moving means are built into the side walls and ceiling. The gate system according to claim 1 .

9. The movable means located on the side wall and the ceiling are spaced apart from each other in the direction of passage. The gate system according to claim 8.

10. The movable means is provided from the ceiling and the bottom side. The gate system according to claim 1 .

11. The gate system further includes distance sensors ahead and behind the movable means for pre-evaluating the size of the passing object and triggering the movement of the movable means to the second position. The gate system according to claim 1 .

12. The gate system further comprises a transmitting unit and a receiving unit for remotely operating the gate system. The gate system according to claim 1 .

13. the transmitting unit is a remote control; The gate system according to claim 12.

14. The gate system further includes a memory function that stores the shape of an object that has been passed through in advance and adjusts the second position of the bar in accordance with the shape of the object that has been passed through in advance. The gate system according to claim 1 .

15. the gate system is movable and configured to move from a starting position in front of the passing object to a terminal position behind the passed object. The gate system according to claim 1 .

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