Hold-open system

Abstract

Hold-open system for an escape and / or fire protection door or hatch, comprising at least one electromechanical drive component such as a door closer or door drive, a control unit for controlling the drive component, and an electronic assembly connected to the control unit via radio, namely a manual release button (11) which is to be mounted at a mounting location (13) and is protected against tampering by removal from the mounting location (13) by means of a protective device (25, 25', 25"), wherein a light-sensitive sensor (27) is provided which is arranged in relation to the electronic assembly (11) such that the incidence of light on the light-sensitive sensor (27) changes when the electronic assembly (11) is removed from the mounting location (13), and wherein the protective device (25, 25', 25") is designed to generate a tamper signal when the light-sensitive sensor (27) detects a change in the incidence of light.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a hold-open system for an escape and / or fire protection door or hatch, comprising at least one electromechanical drive component such as a door closer or door drive, a control unit for controlling the drive component and an electronic assembly connected to the control unit via radio, namely a manual release button which is to be mounted at an installation location and is protected against sabotage by removal from the installation location by means of a protective device.

[0002] If an electronic assembly is mounted in an accessible location, such as on an interior wall, there is a risk that removing the assembly could sabotage the associated system, which is particularly problematic for security and monitoring systems. Protective devices of this type are designed to detect such acts of sabotage so that countermeasures can be initiated. For example, a hold-open device for an emergency exit door or fire door may have a manual release button mounted on the wall near the door or hatch. This button allows for the manual activation of the relevant safety function in an emergency, such as manually closing a fire door in the event of a fire.

[0003] With existing wiring, the connection between the electronic assembly and the control unit can be monitored by measuring resistance. However, this is not possible if the electronic assembly and the control unit are connected exclusively wirelessly. A tamper switch in the form of a push button could also be provided, which is pressed by a spring when the electronic assembly is mounted. However, the spring must be precisely adapted to the specific design and configuration of the electronic assembly and its surroundings, such as the size and shape of the mounting box, resulting in a wide variety of types.

[0004] DE 100 05 443 A1 discloses an anti-theft system with an object detector that is permanently assigned to the object to be secured, is equipped with theft sensors and / or sabotage sensors and can communicate with a radio station.

[0005] In DE 10 2016 201 089 A1 a method for detecting damage to stationary electrical equipment is disclosed, in which the incidence of light which occurs when an opaque housing is damaged is detected by a light sensor arranged in the housing and reported to a central operating station.

[0006] US Patent 5,878,530 A discloses a remote-controlled door drive with an electric motor and a drive linkage, wherein the shaft of the electric motor can be decoupled from the drive linkage.

[0007] It is an object of the invention to provide a holding system with a protective device of the type mentioned above, which is independent of a cable connection and is particularly flexible in its application.

[0008] The problem is solved by a locking system with the features of claim 1.

[0009] According to the invention, a light-sensitive sensor is provided which is arranged in relation to the electronic assembly in such a way that the incidence of light on the light-sensitive sensor changes when the electronic assembly is removed from the installation location.

[0010] According to the invention, the protective device is configured to generate a sabotage signal, in particular an electrical or electromagnetic signal, when the light-sensitive sensor detects a change in the incident light. The control unit or a separate receiving unit can then initiate security measures, for example, trigger an alarm. In particular, evaluation electronics of the protective device connected to the light-sensitive sensor can be configured to generate the sabotage signal.

[0011] The light-sensitive sensor does not require a spring adapted to the specific application, so that a protective device according to the invention can be used for many different systems. For example, a protective device according to the invention can be used for manual release buttons in shallow device boxes as well as for manual release buttons in deep device boxes. Furthermore, the functionality of the light-sensitive sensor can be provided regardless of whether additional cables are installed in the device box in question or not. It also makes no difference whether the device box is a flush-mounted box or a cavity box.

[0012] In this disclosure, the term "light" refers not only to visible light, but also to electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet and infrared spectral ranges, i.e., UV light and IR light.

[0013] The electronics assembly can be connected to the control unit exclusively via radio, enabling quick, easy and flexible installation.

[0014] To increase the protective effect, the protective device can also include several light-sensitive sensors, each arranged in relation to the electronic assembly in such a way that the incidence of light on the respective light-sensitive sensor changes when the electronic assembly is removed from the installation location.

[0015] The light-sensitive sensor can be positioned relative to the electronic assembly in such a way that, when the electronic assembly is mounted at the installation site, it is located inside the housing containing the electronic assembly. This eliminates the need for a separate housing for the protective device and its connection to the electronic assembly housing. As soon as the housing is opened, for example, during unauthorized disassembly or damage to the electronic assembly, the change in the light incidence on the light-sensitive sensor triggers its response.

[0016] According to a specific embodiment of the invention, the light-sensitive sensor has an electrical resistance that depends on the amount of light incident on a receiver surface of the light-sensitive sensor. This enables the detection of light intensity using particularly simple means.

[0017] The light-sensitive sensor can comprise a phototransistor or a photodiode. This results in a particularly simple and cost-effective design.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light-sensitive sensor is designed as a passive sensor. This means that the generation of the measurement signal can be achieved with the aid of an externally supplied auxiliary energy source. This allows the incident light to be detected even in static or quasi-static conditions.

[0019] An alternative embodiment of the invention provides that the light-sensitive sensor is designed as an active sensor. An active sensor is itself a voltage generator and does not require any externally supplied auxiliary energy. With an active sensor, only a change in the incident light is detectable, which, however, is sufficient for sabotage detection in many practical cases.

[0020] The light-sensitive sensor can be positioned relative to the electronic assembly such that, when the electronic assembly is mounted at its installation location, the sensor is largely shielded from ambient light by the housing containing the assembly. When the electronic assembly is removed from its installation location, ambient light then strikes a receiving surface of the light-sensitive sensor. In this configuration, the protective device does not require its own light source.

[0021] In principle, a light source can be provided that is positioned relative to the electronic assembly in such a way that, when the electronic assembly is mounted at the installation location, the light emitted by the light source strikes a receiver area of ​​the light-sensitive sensor. As soon as the position of the light source relative to the light-sensitive sensor is changed as part of an act of sabotage, the incidence of the light changes and the light-sensitive sensor is triggered. The light source can include at least one light-emitting diode (LED). Depending on the application, the LED can be designed for emission in the visible or infrared spectral range.

[0022] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the receiver surface of the light-sensitive sensor is shielded against direct incidence of the light emitted by the light source.

[0023] The light-sensitive sensor and the light source can be arranged relative to the electronic assembly such that, when the electronic assembly is mounted at the installation location, light emitted by the light source, after reflection from an inner wall of the installation location or from a housing containing the electronic assembly, or from parts of the electronic assembly, strikes the receiver surface. As soon as the section of the housing containing the inner wall is moved or removed, the incidence of the light changes and the light-sensitive sensor is triggered.

[0024] The protective device can be configured to generate a sabotage signal when a change in ambient light detected by the light-sensitive sensor exceeds a certain threshold. As soon as a significant change in lighting conditions is detected, a sabotage report is triggered. By selecting a suitable threshold, it is possible to ensure sufficient sensitivity for sabotage detection while simultaneously minimizing the risk of false alarms.

[0025] The protective device is preferably designed to transmit the generated sabotage signal to the control unit via a radio transmitter of the electronic assembly. This eliminates the need to provide a separate radio transmitter for outputting the sabotage signal. Alternatively, the generated sabotage signal can also be transmitted via cable.

[0026] Preferably, the protective device is designed to query the incident light detected by the light-sensitive sensor at predetermined time intervals. The reading of the light-sensitive sensor is therefore preferably cyclical rather than continuous.

[0027] The protective device can be designed to put the light-sensitive sensor and / or the evaluation electronics associated with it into an energy-saving mode between two successive query processes in order to minimize power consumption.

[0028] Further developments of the invention can also be found in the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying drawings.

[0029] The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the drawings. Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a manual release button of a hold-open system, which is mounted on a wall and is protected against sabotage by removal from the wall by a protective device designed according to a first embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows a manual release button which is protected against sabotage by removal from the wall by a protective device designed according to a second embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 3 shows a manual release button which is secured against sabotage by removal from the wall by a protective device designed according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0030] The in Fig. The manual release button 11 shown in Figure 1 is part of a hold-open system for a fire door (not shown) and serves to enable manual closing of the fire door. The manual release button 11 is mounted on a wall 13. A housing 15 with a first housing component 17 and a second housing component 19 is provided to house the manual release button 11. In the mounted state of the manual release button 11 shown, the first housing component 17 and the second housing component 19 are screwed or otherwise connected to each other. The first housing component 17 can be a standardized device box for flush or cavity mounting, in particular a device box designed according to DIN 49073. Alternatively, the first housing component 17 could be a component associated with the manual release button 11, which is inserted into a separate device box.The second housing component 19 can be a carrier component for a control element (not shown) as well as for electronic components of the manual release button 11. According to an embodiment (not shown), the control element and the electronic components are housed in separate enclosures.

[0031] The manual release button 11 comprises control electronics 21 with a radio signal transmitter 23. The radio signal transmitter 23 can signal to a control unit (not shown) of the hold-open system that the operating element has been activated. The control electronics 21 with the radio signal transmitter 23 can be arranged on or in an insert (not shown) that is permanently connected to the second housing component 19.

[0032] If the manual release button 11 is removed from the wall 13, for example by dismantling or knocking it off, the fire protection function cannot be manually triggered, which is undesirable and may violate official regulations. To detect such acts of sabotage, a protective device 25 in the form of a tamper contact is provided for the manual release button 11. The protective device 25 comprises a light-sensitive sensor 27, which preferably includes a phototransistor or a photodiode. Evaluation electronics 29 of the protective device 25, which are housed in the casing 15, are connected to the light-sensitive sensor 27. The evaluation electronics 29 are also connected to the radio signal transmitter 23.

[0033] As shown, the light-sensitive sensor 27 is arranged inside the housing 15. The housing 15 is preferably opaque so that no light falls on the light-sensitive sensor 27 when the manual release button 11 is mounted. However, when the housing 15 is opened, for example by removing or knocking off the second housing component 19, ambient light reaches the light-sensitive sensor 27, i.e., the incidence of light changes.

[0034] The evaluation electronics 29 are configured to monitor the signal generated by the light-sensitive sensor 27, which represents the incidence of light or changes in the incidence of light. This monitoring is preferably carried out such that the incidence of light or the change in the incidence of light is not continuously, but only at predetermined time intervals. Between the query processes, the light-sensitive sensor 27 and the evaluation electronics 29 are put into an energy-saving mode.

[0035] If the evaluation electronics 29 detects that a change in the incident light, as detected by the light-sensitive sensor 27, has occurred and exceeds a predetermined threshold, it generates an alarm signal in the form of a tamper signal and transmits it to the radio signal transmitter 23. The radio signal transmitter 23 then sends a corresponding radio message to the control unit. Therefore, should an act of sabotage occur, in which the housing components 17 and 19 are separated or the housing 15 is opened in any other way, this will be detected by an increase in the incident light on the light-sensitive sensor 27 and reported to the control unit of the hold-open system. The control unit can then switch to an alarm state. The operator of the hold-open system thus has the opportunity to arrange for the repair or replacement of the sabotaged manual release button 11.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a manual release button 11 of a hold-open device. This is designed similarly to the manual release button 11 described above. However, in addition to the light-sensitive sensor 27, the protective device 25' here includes a light source 33, preferably in the form of a light-emitting diode. This is attached to the second housing component 19 and oriented such that, when the manual release button 11 is mounted, it emits light beams 34 in the direction of the light-sensitive sensor 27. In the embodiment according to Fig. 2 firmly connected to the first housing component 17.

[0037] Removing or knocking off the second housing component 19 from the wall 13 inevitably leads to a decrease in the amount of light reaching the light-sensitive sensor 27. This change also occurs in the embodiment according to Fig. 2 detected by the evaluation electronics 29 and reported as sabotage by means of the radio signal transmitter 23 to the control unit of the locking system.

[0038] The in Fig. The embodiment shown in 3 differs from the one in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the light source 33 of the protective device 25" is arranged in the housing 15 such that, when the manual release button 11 is mounted, the transmitted light rays 34 emitted by the light source 33 strike the light-sensitive sensor 27 after reflection from an inner wall 37 of the second housing component 19. As soon as the second housing component 19 is moved or removed, the incidence of light on the light-sensitive sensor 27 changes because the reflection condition is no longer correct. The light-sensitive sensor 27 is shielded against direct incidence of the transmitted light rays 34 emitted by the light source 33 by a diaphragm element 40.

[0039] The light-sensitive sensor 27 could also be positioned at other locations on the manual release button 11 or in its vicinity such that the incidence of light on its receiver surface changes when the manual release button 11 is removed from the wall 13. For example, the light-sensitive sensor 27 could be positioned so that, when mounted, it is covered by an area of ​​the wall 13.

[0040] The described protective devices 25, 25', 25" can be used not only to protect manual release buttons 11, but also to protect motion detectors, emergency switches and other electronic assemblies that are wirelessly connected to a control unit. Reference symbol list: 11 Electronic assembly / Manual release button 13 Installation location / wall 15 cases 17 first housing component 19 second housing component 21 Control electronics 23 radio signal transmitters 25, 25', 25" protective device 27 light-sensitive sensors 29 Evaluation electronics 33 Light source 34 transmitted light beams 37 Interior wall

Claims

[1] Hold-open system for an escape and / or fire door or hatch, comprising at least one electromechanical drive component such as a door closer or door drive, a control unit for controlling the drive component and an electronic assembly connected to the control unit via radio, namely a manual release button (11) which is to be mounted at a mounting location (13) and is protected against sabotage by removal from the mounting location (13) by means of a protective device (25, 25', 25"), wherein a light-sensitive sensor (27) is provided which is arranged in relation to the electronic assembly (11) such that the incidence of light on the light-sensitive sensor (27) changes when the electronic assembly (11) is removed from the mounting location (13), and wherein the protective device (25, 25', 25") is designed to generate a sabotage signal when the light-sensitive sensor (27) detects a change in the incidence of light. [2] Hold-open device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the light-sensitive sensor (27) is arranged in relation to the electronic assembly (11) such that, when the electronic assembly (11) is mounted at the installation location (13), it is located inside a housing (15) that receives the electronic assembly (11). [3] Hold-open device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the light-sensitive sensor (27) has an electrical resistance which depends on the incidence of light on a receiver surface of the light-sensitive sensor (27). [4] Hold-open device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the light-sensitive sensor (27) comprises a phototransistor or a photodiode. [5] Hold-open device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the light-sensitive sensor (27) is designed as a passive sensor. [6] Hold-open device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that the light-sensitive sensor (27) is designed as an active sensor. [7] Hold-open device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the light-sensitive sensor (27) is arranged in relation to the electronic assembly (11) such that, when the electronic assembly (11) is mounted at the installation location (13), the light-sensitive sensor (27) is largely shielded from ambient light by a housing (15) accommodating the electronic assembly (11), and when the electronic assembly (11) is removed from the installation location (13), ambient light hits a receiver surface of the light-sensitive sensor (27). [8] Hold-open device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a light source (33) is provided which is arranged in such a way in relation to the electronic assembly (11) that, when the electronic assembly (11) is mounted at the installation location (13), light (34) emitted by the light source (33) hits a receiver surface of the light-sensitive sensor (27). [9] Hold-open device according to claim 8, characterized by , that the receiver surface of the light-sensitive sensor (27) is shielded against direct incidence of the light (34) emitted by the light source (33). [10] Hold-open device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by, that the light-sensitive sensor (27) and the light source (33) are arranged in relation to the electronic assembly (11) such that, when the electronic assembly (11) is mounted at the installation location (13), light (34) emitted by the light source (33) hits the receiver surface after reflection from an inner wall of the installation location (13) or from an inner wall (37) of a housing (15) accommodating the electronic assembly (11) or from parts of the electronic assembly (11). [11] Hold-open device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the protective device (25, 25', 25") is designed to generate an electrical or electromagnetic sabotage signal when the light-sensitive sensor (27) detects the change in the incident light. [12] Hold-open device according to claim 11, characterized by, that the protective device (25, 25', 25") is designed to transmit the generated sabotage signal to the control unit by means of a radio signal transmitter (23) of the electronic assembly (11). [13] Hold-open device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the protective device (25, 25', 25") is designed to query the incident light detected by the light-sensitive sensor (27) at predetermined time intervals. [14] Hold-open device according to claim 13, characterized by , that the protective device (25, 25', 25") is designed to put the light-sensitive sensor (27) and / or an evaluation electronics (29) connected to it into an energy-saving mode between two successive query operations.

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