Access control gate, access control system and method of operating access control system

Abstract

An access control gate (1) for controlling the flow of people within a building comprises at least one bar (2a, 2b) having a first end and a second end, and access control means (3a, 3b) configured to control access through the access control gate (1). A first end of the lever (2a, 2b) is configured to be connected to a ceiling (4) of a building, and the access control gate (1) is configured to be movable between at least a first position and a second position wherein at least one of said positions is an operating position and the other is an operating position or a storage position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an access control gate and an access control system comprising an access control gate as defined in claim 1. The invention also relates to a method of operating an access control system as defined in a further independent claim. Background Art

[0002] Access control gates, also known as turnstiles, are often an important part of controlling the flow of people in various buildings. Turnstiles are used, for example, in office buildings, hospitals, educational facilities, hotels, airports, and other transportation centers. They prevent unauthorized access and are used to guide and monitor the flow of people.

[0003] Turnstiles are typically provided with a rotatable tripod or with one or two rotating blade elements or arms to prevent unauthorized persons from passing. Some access control gates do not include any physical barriers to prevent unauthorized persons from passing, but the passage or approach of unauthorized persons can trigger an alarm.

[0004] Turnstiles may include different access control devices for determining whether a person is authorized to pass. Turnstiles may also be provided with different security features, such as for preventing walking and crawling under the gate and for detecting children and luggage.

[0005] Many existing turnstile solutions have a large footprint. This is problematic in many locations, such as high-rise buildings, where lobby space can be very valuable. Turnstiles with slender rods are also known. The typical way to attach such rods to the floor is to place a sturdy steel tube in the concrete casting of the floor. This attachment solution has several disadvantages. For example, the steel tube needs to be installed in the early stages of construction work, and because it extends above the finished floor level, it becomes an obstruction during construction and any subsequent building renovations. Furthermore, the installation tubes for all cabling, or at least for cabling for access control gates, need to be installed at an early stage. Furthermore, access control systems based on rods attached to the floor are very inflexible. Once the position of the access control gate has been determined, moving the gate is virtually impossible, or at least requires extensive work. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved access control gate for controlling the flow of people in a building. The features of the access control gate according to the invention are presented in claim 1. Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved access control system. A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for operating an access control system.

[0007] An access control gate according to the present invention includes at least one rod having a first end and a second end, and an access control device configured to control access through the access control gate. The first end of the rod is configured to be attached to a ceiling of a building, and the access control gate is configured to be movable between at least a first position and a second position, wherein at least one of the positions is an operational position and the other position is an operational position or a storage position.

[0008] The access control gate according to the present invention provides increased flexibility both during construction work on a building and during its use. By attaching its rod to the ceiling, the gate's exact location can be determined at a later stage in the construction process. There's no need to provide floor fixing points, and the gate can therefore be moved more easily between different locations. This allows the gate to be taken out of service when not needed, allowing for uninterrupted pedestrian flow. Alternatively or additionally, the gate can be moved between two or more different operating positions, for example, depending on whether more space is required in a restricted-access area or a free-access area.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the rod is configured to be releasably attached to the ceiling. The releasable attachment allows the access control gate to be removed from the operating position and moved to another operating position or a storage position.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first end of the rod includes a quick release feature that is configured to cooperate with a quick release feature disposed in the ceiling to attach the rod to the ceiling. The quick release feature allows for rapid installation and removal of the access control gate. The quick release feature can be operated without tools.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the access control gate is configured to be attachable to a power supply device arranged in the ceiling. By supplying power to the access control gate via the ceiling, there is no need to install cables in the floor. However, the access control gate can also be battery-powered, particularly if the access control gate has low power requirements, is regularly moved between an operating position and a storage position that allows battery charging, and / or is provided with replaceable batteries.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the rod is configured to have an operating position, in which the rod is substantially vertical, and a storage position, in which at least a portion of the rod is non-vertical. The non-vertical position may be a substantially horizontal position. Thus, the access control gate does not need to be removed from the ceiling to move it to the storage position; instead, it can be simply rotated about a pivot point to release the floor surface. When a smooth flow of people is desired, the access control gate can be moved to the storage position. The storage position can also facilitate cleaning of the floor.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an access control gate includes an actuator for moving a rod, or a portion of a rod, between an operating position and a storage position. The actuator may include, for example, a motor or a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. The actuator allows a single operator to move the access control gate, and even to move several rods simultaneously.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first end of the rod is movably attached to a support rail installed in the ceiling for moving the access control gate between the at least first position and the second position. The support rail allows the access control gate to be easily moved between different operating positions and / or between the operating position and the storage position.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the access control gate includes a motor for moving the rod along the support rail. The motor allows a single operator to easily move the access control gate. However, the access control gate can be moved even without a motor, or the motor can be arranged in the ceiling.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the access control device includes a barrier element that is movable relative to a rod to prevent and allow access through the access control gate. The barrier element is not required, but the access control device can be configured to indicate whether access is permitted or denied through visual and / or audio signals. The access control gate can also be configured to only count and / or identify people passing through the access control gate.

[0017] The access control system according to the invention comprises one or more access control gates as defined above.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the invention, the access control system comprises a support rail mounted in the ceiling for moving at least one access control gate between said at least first position and second position.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the invention, the access control system comprises a motor for moving at least one access control gate along a support rail.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the invention, an access control system comprises an actuator for moving at least one rod or a portion of a rod of at least one access control gate between a substantially vertical operating position and a non-vertical storage position.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the invention, the access control system comprises a quick release device attached to the ceiling and configured to cooperate with a corresponding quick release device of at least one pole for attachment and detachment of the pole.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the invention, the access control system comprises a quick release device attached to the ceiling in at least the first position and the second position for receiving the access control gate into at least two different operating positions.

[0023] The method of operating the access control system defined above comprises the following steps:

[0024] - using the access control system in a first mode, wherein an access control gate of the system is arranged in a first operating position in the building, and

[0025] - Using the access control system mode in a second mode, wherein the access control gate is removed from the first operating position and moved to a second operating position or storage position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 shows a set of access control gates according to an embodiment of the present invention in an operating position,

[0028] Figure 2 Shown for Figure 1 Access control gate attachment device,

[0029] Figure 3 A set of access control gates according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in an operating position,

[0030] Figure 4 Shown Figure 3 a set of access control gates, some of which are in storage locations,

[0031] Figure 5 A set of access control gates according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in an operating position,

[0032] Figure 6 Shown in storage position Figure 5 access control gate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Figure 1 A set of three access control gates 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The term "access control gate" herein refers to a gate that can be used to control and / or monitor the entry of people from one room or area to another room or area or to control the flow of people. The access control gate 1 can also be called a turnstile or an access control device. Figure 1In the embodiment, the group of access control gates 1 forms an access control system. The access control system may include one or two access control gates 1 or more than three access control gates 1. The access control system may include two or more groups of access control gates 1.

[0034] Access control gates can be used, for example, in office buildings; hotels; medical facilities; exhibition halls, concert halls, museums or other cultural facilities; airports, train stations, subway stations, bus terminals or other transit centers; educational facilities or multi-purpose buildings.

[0035] The access control gate 1 includes an access control device configured to control access through the access control gate 1. In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the access control device includes barrier elements 3a and 3b for preventing unauthorized persons from passing through. However, the term "access control gate" is used herein to also encompass access control gates that do not include any barrier elements. Such gates can detect and potentially identify persons approaching or passing through the gate. If the person is unauthorized to pass through the gate, access denial can be indicated by visual or audible signals, or both. Access denial can be indicated using a device integrated into the gate. The gate can be provided with a display, light, or other visual indicator to indicate whether access is denied or permitted. Alternatively or additionally, the gate can be provided with a speaker to provide an audible signal indicating whether access is denied or permitted. Instead of, or in addition to, providing the gate with a device indicating whether access is denied or permitted, a separate device in communication with the gate can be used to indicate whether access is denied or permitted. For example, a separate display, light, or speaker can be positioned near the gate. Alternatively or additionally, the gate may communicate with a remotely located device. For example, the gate may communicate with a display or other device located in a control room.

[0036] Access control gates without physical barrier elements may also be used, for example, to monitor people passing through the gate. Such monitoring may include identifying people passing through the gate and / or counting the number of people passing through the gate.

[0037] In the embodiment of the accompanying drawings, each access control gate 1 includes two rods 2a, 2b and a barrier element 3a, 3b attached to each rod 2a, 2b. However, the access control gate 1 may also include a single rod and a single barrier element attached to the rod. Such access control gates can be used in narrow corridors, for example. In addition, in a group of access control gates, each access control gate 1 may include a rod and a barrier element. In such a group, the barrier element may be between the rods of two adjacent access control gates. At the end of the group of access control gates, the barrier element may be located between a wall or other fixed structure and the rod of the corresponding access control gate. Each access control gate 1 may also include more than two rods 2a, 2b.

[0038] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the barrier elements 3a, 3b are plate elements made of polycarbonate. The plate elements can also be made of some other plastic material. Alternatively, they can be made of tempered and / or laminated glass. Instead of plate elements, the barrier elements 3a, 3b can be frames, for example, made of tubular components. The barrier elements 3a, 3b can also have the shape of a boom or arm. In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the axis of rotation of the barrier elements 3a, 3b is vertical. However, the axis of rotation of the barrier elements 3a, 3b can also be parallel to the direction of passage of the access control gate 1, particularly if the barrier elements are booms or arms. The barrier elements 3a, 3b can also be tripods, with their axis of rotation horizontal and transverse to the direction of passage of the access control gate 1. The barrier elements can also be attached to the poles 2a, 2b at two or more points. The barrier elements can be retractable and foldable.

[0039] In the embodiment of the figures, the upper edges of the barrier elements 3a, 3b are at a height of approximately 1100 mm. The upper edges of the barrier elements 3a, 3b can be arranged at a height of 800-1200 mm from the floor. However, the barrier elements 3a, 3b can also extend higher.

[0040] The access control gate provided with the barrier element can be normally open or normally closed. When it is determined that the person at the gate is authorized to pass through the gate, the normally closed access control gate opens. If it is determined that the person is not authorized to pass through the gate, the normally open access control gate closes.

[0041] The access control gate may be provided with different sensors and devices for different purposes, such as for determining whether a person is authorized to pass through the gate and for ensuring safety and security. The access control gate may be provided with a reader for reading an identification tag to determine whether a person is authorized to pass through the gate. The reader may be, for example, a barcode reader, a QR code reader, an NFC reader, or an RFID reader. Alternatively or additionally, the access control gate may include a device for biometric identification of a person. The access control gate may include, for example, a fingerprint scanner, an iris scanner, or a device for facial recognition.

[0042] Each rod 2a, 2b of the access control gate 1 has a first end and a second end. The first end is in the operating position of the access control gate 1, which is the upper end, and the second end is the lower end of the access control gate 1. In the operating position of the access control gate 1, the rods 2a, 2b are substantially vertical. The first end of the rods 2a, 2b is configured to be attached to the ceiling 4 of the building in which the access control gate 1 is used.

[0043] In the embodiment of the accompanying drawings, in the operating position of the access control gate 1, the second ends of the rods 2a, 2b extend to the floor 7. The rods 2a, 2b can be configured so that the floor 7 bears at least a portion of the vertical load of the access control gate 1. However, this is not required, and the vertical load can be borne solely by the ceiling 4. The lower ends of the rods 2a, 2b do not need to extend to the floor 7, but the lower ends of the rods 2a, 2b can be at a distance from the floor 7 in the operating position of the access control gate 1. The rods 2a, 2b can also be provided with a cover element that contacts the floor 7 but does not bear a significant vertical load. If the access control gate 1 is configured so that the floor 7 also bears a portion of the vertical load, the floor 7 does not need to be provided with attachment means for the lower ends of the rods 2a, 2b, and the lower ends of the rods 2a, 2b can be placed directly against the floor surface. The length of each rod 2a, 2b can be adjustable. For example, the rods 2a, 2b can have a telescopic structure.

[0044] The access control gate 1 is configured to be movable between at least a first position and a second position. At least one of the positions is an operational position. The other position may be an operational position or a storage position. The term "operational position" refers to a position in which the access control gate 1 can be used to control access through the gate 1.

[0045] The access control gate 1 can have two or more operating positions and / or two or more storage positions. The different positions can be positions where the entire access control gate 1 is located. However, the different positions can also be different rotational positions of the rods 2a, 2b or parts of the rods 2a, 2b. Thus, while the access control gate 1 is moved from one position to another, a portion of the access control gate 1 can remain stationary.

[0046] The access control gate 1 can be configured to be attached to a power supply device arranged in the ceiling 4. However, this is not required. The access control gate 1 need not include any electrical components, or the access control gate 1 can be provided with a battery to power the electrical components of the access control gate 1. Although it is beneficial to arrange the power supply device in the ceiling 4, the power supply device can also be arranged in the floor 7.

[0047] The access control gate 1 may be provided with a plug and socket type connector for connecting the access control gate 1 to a power supply device.

[0048] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment of the present invention, the rods 2a, 2b are configured to be releasably attached to the ceiling 4. The upper end of each rod 2a, 2b includes a quick release device that is configured to cooperate with a quick release device 5 arranged in the ceiling 4 to attach the rods 2a, 2b to the ceiling 4.

[0049] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment of the present invention, the second position of the access control gate 1 is a storage position, in which the rods 2a, 2b are separated from the ceiling 4, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown. The access control gate 1 can thus be stored in a storage room. However, the second position can also be another operating position. The ceiling 4 can thus be provided with a Figure 2 A similar quick release device 5 is provided which will allow the access control gate 1 to be moved to another position.

[0050] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The access control gate 1 is similar to Figure 1 and Figure 2 However, the upper ends of the rods 2a, 2b are not attached to the ceiling 4 by quick release means. Instead, the ceiling 4 is provided with a support rail 6. The upper ends of the rods 2a, 2b are movably attached to the support rail 6. Figure 3 In , all three access control gates 1 are in the operating position. Figure 4 In the embodiment, one of the access control gates 1 is in the operating position, but the other two access control gates 1 have been moved to the storage position. In the storage position, the rods 2a, 2b of the access control gates 1 are arranged close to each other adjacent to the wall.

[0051] The access control gate 1 can be moved manually along the support rail 6. Alternatively, each rod 2a, 2b may comprise a motor for moving the rod 2a, 2b along the support rail 6. Alternatively, one or more motors may be arranged in the ceiling 4. The access control system may comprise suitable force transmission means arranged between the motor and the rod 2a, 2b. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the support rail 6 is straight. However, the support rail 4 may also have some other shape. It can be configured to allow the access control gate 1 to be moved between different spaces in a building.

[0052] Can be combined Figure 1-4 Thus, the upper ends of the rods 2a, 2b can be releasably attached to the support rail 6, for example by means of quick release means. This will allow two or more operating and / or storage positions of the access control gate 1. For example, the access control gate 1 can have a storage position at the end of the rail 6, such as Figure 4 As shown, and another storage position where the rods 2a, 2b are separated from the track 6. In addition, a building can be provided with similar support tracks at different locations to allow the same access control gate 1 to be used in two alternative positions.

[0053] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 5 and 6 In the embodiment, the access control gate 1 is similar to Figures 1 to 4 Access control gate 1. However, in Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the embodiment of the present invention, the upper ends of the rods 2a, 2b are attached to the ceiling 4 so that the rods 2a, 2b can be Figure 5 The operating position and Figure 6 The rods 2a, 2b are rotatably movable between the operating position and the storage position. In the operating position, the rods 2a, 2b are substantially vertical. In the storage position, the rods 2a, 2b are substantially horizontal. A pivot point exists between the ceiling 4 and the upper end of each rod 2a, 2b. Each rod 2a, 2b is pivotable about a corresponding pivot point. The axis of rotation of the rods 2a, 2b is substantially horizontal.

[0054] The access control system may include one or more actuators for moving the levers 2a, 2b between the operating position and the stored position. The actuators may include, for example, one or more motors, pneumatic cylinders, or hydraulic cylinders. Alternatively, the levers 2a, 2b may be manually moved between the operating position and the stored position. The levers 2a, 2b may also be spring-biased to the stored position. The access control system may include locking means for locking the levers 2a, 2b in the stored position and / or the operating position.

[0055] Instead of making the entire rod 2a, 2b pivotable about the hinge, only a portion of the rod 2a, 2b can be pivoted. Thus, the rod 2a, 2b can comprise two or more parts, and the uppermost part can also remain upright in the storage position. Thus, the rod 2a, 2b can be folded in the storage position.

[0056] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The features of the embodiments of can be combined with the features of other embodiments. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The access control gates 1 may be pivotable and attached to the support rails 6 and / or they may be releasably attached to the ceiling 4 .

[0057] The method according to the invention comprises the steps of using the access control system in a first mode, wherein the access control gate 1 of the system is arranged in a first operating position in a building, and using the access control system in a second mode, wherein the access control gate 1 is removed from the first operating position and moved to a second operating position or storage position.

[0058] The ability to use access control gate 1 in both the operating and storage positions offers numerous benefits. Even when open, access control gate 1 slows down the flow of people. By moving access control gate 1 to the storage position, a smoother flow of people is facilitated. For example, at a concert or similar event, access control gate 1 might only be needed before the performance. During the performance, access control gate 1 can be moved to the storage position, allowing unimpeded exit from the venue.

[0059] In an exhibition hall, different spatial arrangements may be required depending on the exhibition. If the access control system allows different operating positions of the access control gate 1, the access control gate 1 can be positioned in an optimal manner for each event.

[0060] The storage position also facilitates cleaning of the floor. By moving the access control gate into the storage position, the floor can be easily cleaned using a floor cleaning machine.

[0061] It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but may be varied within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An access control gate (1) for controlling the flow of people in a building, the access control gate (1) comprising: - at least one rod (2a, 2b) having a first end and a second end, and - an access control device (3a, 3b) configured to control access through the access control gate (1), wherein the first end of the rod (2a, 2b) is configured to be attached to a ceiling (4) of a building, and the access control gate (1) is configured to be movable between at least a first position and a second position, wherein at least one of the positions is an operating position and the other position is an operating position or a storage position.

2. The access control gate (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The rods (2a, 2b) are configured to be releasably attached to a ceiling (4).

3. The access control gate (1) according to claim 2, wherein: The first end of the rod (2a, 2b) comprises a quick release device configured to cooperate with a quick release device (5) arranged in the ceiling (4) to attach the rod (2a, 2b) to the ceiling (4).

4. Access control gate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The access control gate (1) is configured to be attachable to a power supply device arranged in a ceiling (4).

5. Access control gate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The rods (2a, 2b) are configured to have an operating position in which the rods (2a, 2b) are substantially vertical and a storage position in which at least a portion of the rods (2a, 2b) are non-vertical.

6. The access control gate (1) according to claim 5, wherein: An access control gate (1) comprises an actuator for moving a lever (2a, 2b) or a portion of a lever (2a, 2b) between an operating position and a storage position.

7. Access control gate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein A first end of the rod (2a, 2b) is movably attached to a support track (6) mounted on a ceiling (4) for moving the access control gate (1) between the at least first and second positions.

8. The access control gate (1) according to claim 7, wherein: The access control gate (1) comprises a motor for moving the rods (2a, 2b) along the support track (6).

9. Access control gate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The access control device comprises a barrier element (3a, 3b) movable relative to the rods (2a, 2b) to prevent and allow persons to pass through the access control gate (1).

10. An access control system comprising one or more access control gates (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. The access control system according to claim 10, wherein: The access control system comprises a support rail (6) mounted on a ceiling (4) for moving at least one access control gate (1) between the at least first position and the second position.

12. The access control system according to claim 11, wherein: The access control system comprises a motor for moving at least one access control gate (1) along the support rail (6).

13. The access control system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The access control system comprises an actuator for moving at least one rod (2a, 2b) or a portion of a rod (2a, 2b) of at least one access control gate (1) between a substantially vertical operating position and a non-vertical storage position.

14. The access control system according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein: The access control system comprises a quick release device (5) mounted on a ceiling (4), the quick release device being configured to cooperate with a corresponding quick release device of at least one rod (2a, 2b) to enable attachment and detachment of the rod (2a, 2b).

15. The access control system according to claim 14, wherein: The access control system comprises a quick release device (5) attached to the ceiling (4) at least in the first position and the second position for receiving the access control gate (1) into at least two different operating positions.

16. A method of operating an access control system according to any one of claims 10 to 16, the method comprising the steps of: - using the access control system in a first mode, wherein the access control gate (1) of the system is arranged in a first operating position within a building; - using the access control system in a second mode, wherein the access control gate (1) is removed from the first operating position and moved to a second operating position or storage position.

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