Passageway

Abstract

The invention relates to a passageway system for establishing a selectively lockable passageway, comprising a locking element that can be moved into a locking position in which the passageway is blocked and into a release position in which the passageway is released so that it can be traversed by a person, a drive device for moving the locking element from the locking position to the release position, and a control device for controlling the drive device. An energy storage device is integrated into this passageway system to operate the drive device, controlled by the control device, in a temporarily energy-autonomous manner.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a passageway system for providing a passageway that can be selectively blocked and opened by a barrier structure. The barrier structure is formed, for example, by a movable component, in particular a pivotable wing, a rod, or a flap. The movement of the barrier structure can be accomplished by a drive device or by forces exerted on it by a person intending to cross the passageway. The selection process that triggers the opening or closing of the passageway can be carried out using an electronic detection device, for example, a scanning device, which is integrated into the passageway system on the access side.

[0002] From DE 10 2020 110 695 A1, a passageway of the type mentioned above is known, in which the barrier structure is formed by two swing door leaves. The passageway comprises a first and a second side wall which are spaced apart from each other, leaving the passageway running between the side walls. The two swing door leaves are located in the center of the passageway with respect to its longitudinal extent; they are movably connected to the side walls and can each be moved by motor into a release position and a locking position.

[0003] A passageway system is also known from EP 2 687 664 A1. This system comprises a railing device for the lateral boundary of a walkway. The passageway system includes a pivoting leaf that can be pivoted about a vertically oriented axis positioned laterally to the passageway and can be moved into a locking and a release position.

[0004] Access control systems of the type described above are widely used for managing access to restricted areas. These systems are securely mounted and wired at their installation location, either at the entrance to the restricted area or at an exit point.

[0005] From EP 3 705 681 A1, CN112034529 A and DE 20 2005 007505 U1, through-systems are known in which an energy storage device is integrated into the through-system.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of creating solutions that make it possible to install through-systems in a system-technically advantageous manner at a site with a time-limited need for control.

[0007] The above-mentioned problem is solved according to the invention by a passageway system for establishing a selectively lockable passageway, comprising: a locking element that can be moved into a locking position in which the passage is blocked and into a release position in which the passage is released, so that it can be traversed by a person; a drive device for moving the locking element from the locking position to the release position and a control device for controlling the drive device; wherein an energy storage device is integrated into the passage system for handling the operation of the drive device controlled by the control device in a temporarily energy-autonomous manner.

[0008] This advantageously allows the access control system to be set up at a location as a ready-to-use module, without the need for professional installation. The system can be made operational for short-term use simply by setting it up in access areas. This opens up expanded product application possibilities as well as sales and rental concepts by providing a fully functional, ready-to-use solution. The access control system designed according to the invention can, in particular, handle complete access and egress management at events. This results in reduced setup and dismantling costs for the user or event organizer. The access control system is a quick-change system, enabling rapid relocation of the units.The passageway system includes a base plate, so that no ground stabilization of the systems is required and the system is installed sufficiently stable simply by placing it on the ground.

[0009] The through-connection system according to the invention is preferably designed such that at least one component is spatially configured to form a receiving space for the energy storage device. The energy storage device is preferably housed in such a way that it is visually inconspicuous from the outside. Furthermore, the housing is preferably designed to provide sufficient protection against moisture, particularly external weathering.

[0010] According to the invention, the passageway system is designed such that the energy storage device is integrated into a base plate of the passageway system. This base plate can be provided with receiving zones and electrical contact or coupling structures for several, preferably identical and interchangeable, energy storage devices, so that the number of energy storage devices can be adjusted to the expected operating time and number of opening cycles.

[0011] In combination with integrating the energy storage device into the base plate, it is also possible to integrate the energy storage device into or connect it to a side panel of the passageway. Furthermore, the energy storage device can also be integrated into a frame, railing, or post structure of the passageway, preferably in a way that allows for easy replacement, and in particular, removal without tools.

[0012] According to a particular aspect of the present invention, the through-connection system is preferably designed in such a way that the energy storage device is detachably integrated into the through-connection system. This detachable integration is preferably accomplished in such a way that the energy storage device can be inserted into or removed from the through-connection system in the manner of a cartridge or an interchangeable module.

[0013] According to a further particular aspect of the present invention, the energy storage device is designed as an energy-rechargeable battery device. This battery device can preferably be charged in its removed state, as well as preferably in its inserted state within the through-connection system. The battery device can, in particular, be designed in the form of a block-like battery module comprising contact sections that, when the energy storage device is integrated into the through-connection system, make correct circuit-related contact with contacts provided therein.

[0014] According to a further aspect of the present invention, it is advantageously possible to integrate an inverter or a voltage converter into the through-connection system, so that with a low output voltage of the energy storage device the voltage level for conventional and standard voltage supply electrical components of the through-connection system is provided in the through-connection system.

[0015] The control unit is preferably designed as an electronic control unit and is also supplied with power via the energy storage device. The control unit can comprise a computer system, and in particular a point-of-sale system, which can autonomously perform access control by referring to data or programs stored therein, or to completed payment transactions. Preferably, and according to a further particular aspect of the present invention, the control unit comprises an interface for handling data transfer wirelessly. This interface is preferably an interface for handling bidirectional signal transfer via electromagnetic or optical means, in particular a so-called WLAN or Bluetooth interface. The control unit is preferably designed such that functions of the gateway system can be controlled via this interface.The control device is preferably designed in such a way that a high level of tamper protection is ensured with regard to the execution of its functions via the interface.

[0016] The control unit can be designed as a module that can be inserted into the through-line system. The assembly supporting the control unit can advantageously also include the reading device, in particular the scanner, and a display device. The control unit can also include a power stage that provides the operating voltage for the drive device in a controlled manner.

[0017] According to a further particular aspect of the present invention, locking devices are provided to secure the energy storage device in the through-connection system. These locking devices can be designed in the form of mechanical locks, such that removing the energy storage device requires a corresponding mechanical key. Alternatively, or in combination with this measure, it is also possible to provide locking mechanisms in the through-connection system that can be brought into a state in which the energy storage device can be removed electronically, after processing an authorization query.For example, a data record can be read via the scanner, qualifying the provider of this data record or of the data carrier providing it as an authorized person or administrator, and thus temporarily releasing the lock on the energy storage device in the through-connection system. To remove the energy storage device, a locking element is moved from a locked position electromechanically, thereby releasing the energy storage device for removal from the through-connection system.

[0018] This allows for influence on internal system processes via the interfaces provided for querying access authorization. These internal processes include, in particular, mechanical locking and / or unlocking operations. Besides influencing the release of the battery unit and, if applicable, the control unit or the reader, interlocks can also be operated that, for example, need to be opened and closed for the assembly and disassembly of the system. Specifically, the connection between the side panels and the base plate can be selectively released and selectively locked by an electromechanical connection device, with this locking and unlocking being triggered by a signal input, particularly via the standard interface, i.e., the reader of the access control system.

[0019] According to a particular aspect of the present invention, the control unit is designed such that it can acquire and transmit data that provides information about the state of charge of the energy storage device. This makes it possible, in the event of an impending depletion of the energy storage device's charge, to wirelessly transmit this information to a service area, where measures can be taken to replace the energy storage device within a sufficiently reliable remaining operating period.

[0020] The control unit can be designed to adjust the operation of the passageway system based on the charge level of the energy storage device, ensuring a sufficiently long remaining operating time. The control unit can terminate a full-function mode and initiate an energy-saving mode in which energy consumption is reduced. This can be achieved, for example, by switching off or operating at reduced power any lights in the passageway system. In an emergency operating mode, the passageway system can be operated in such a way that only the control unit is active, and the locking element blocking passage is only temporarily unlocked, possibly with a reverse drive of the locking element back into the locked position.In this emergency operating mode, it is possible to operate the drive unit of the locking element in a generator-like or recuperative manner and to temporarily store the energy thus gained in the system, in particular with a storage device in the form of a gold-cap storage unit.

[0021] The control unit is preferably coupled to the energy storage unit in such a way that the control unit can be operated in a standby mode, which only switches to an operating mode when a user is present in the transit system. The circuit design can be implemented such that the inverter only becomes active when the normal operating mode is activated.

[0022] The energy storage device can be designed in the form of a portable and manually handled module, it can represent a block-like overall structure, or it can be realized in the form of a cartridge or a cylindrical, non-circular, polygonal, and prism-like structure in cross-section.

[0023] The passageway can be designed in such a way that existing spaces, for example those created for aesthetic reasons, are used to accommodate the energy storage device. Such spaces can be found, in particular, within cladding, hollow profiles, posts, and floor slabs.

[0024] The energy storage device is preferably equipped with contact structures that engage with complementary counterparts when inserted into the through-connection system. Connections may also be provided for manually coordinated connection of a potentially internally wired plug structure to the energy storage device.

[0025] The electronic control unit and the energy storage unit are preferably designed as easy-to-handle modules that can be easily inserted into pre-installed recesses in the through-line system. This allows these sensitive or valuable components to be removed from the system during periods of non-operation. A selection of energy storage units and / or control and / or reading units with different functional characteristics can also be provided.

[0026] The through-system then consists of a basic unit which can be equipped with a scanner and an energy storage unit as required.

[0027] It is possible to design the transit system so that the energy storage unit can optionally be replaced by a power supply unit. This allows the energy storage unit to be swapped for a power supply unit if a wired power supply is available at the installation site. Furthermore, it is also possible to include a power supply unit in parallel with the energy storage unit in the transit system. This power supply unit can then be connected as needed and, in this configuration, can preferably also recharge the energy storage unit. This concept allows the transit system to be operated both on mains power and temporarily autonomously.

[0028] Further details and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the drawing. It shows: Figure 1 is a simplified schematic representation to explain the structure of a through-connection system according to the invention. Figure 2 is a simplified representation to illustrate the structure of an insert module for a mobile and self-sufficiently operable through-connection system.

[0029] The representation according Figure 1Figure 1 shows a passage system for establishing a selectively lockable passageway P, with a locking element B1, B2, which can be moved into a locking position shown here, in which the passageway P is blocked, and which can be moved into a release position, in which the passageway P is released so that it can be traversed by a person. The passage system further comprises a drive unit M1, M2 for moving the locking element B1, B2 from the locking position to the release position, and a control unit C for controlling the drive unit M1, M2.

[0030] The passage system shown here is characterized by the fact that an energy storage device PS is integrated into the base plate, for handling the operation of the drive device M1, M2 controlled by the control device C in a temporarily energy-autonomous manner.

[0031] In the embodiment shown here, an energy storage device PS is integrated into a side wall W of the passage system and uses the interior space of a frame structure 1, which forms part of the side wall W.

[0032] The energy storage device PS is detachably integrated into the passageway system, allowing it to be inserted into and removed from the system. In the illustrated embodiment, the energy storage device is detachably inserted from above into the side panel of a vertically oriented section of the frame structure. To remove the energy storage device PS, it can be lifted upwards out of the frame structure 1 using a handle 2.

[0033] The energy storage device PS is designed here as a rechargeable battery unit and is shaped like a flat, cuboid block structure. The energy storage device includes contact elements (not shown here) which automatically connect to corresponding contacts provided in the through-connection system when the energy storage device PS is inserted there.

[0034] In this embodiment, the electronic control unit C is also designed as a module that can be inserted into the through-passage system. In this embodiment, an upper cavity area extending within the frame structure 1 in the upper region of the side panel W serves as the receiving space for the control unit C.

[0035] The energy storage unit PS and the control unit C are connected via terminal contacts provided in the through-connection system after being inserted into the system. It is also possible to provide contacts on the energy storage unit PS and the control unit C that allow for direct circuit coupling of these components.

[0036] The through-connection system shown here comprises an inverter DAC and a circuit breaker S. The inverter DAC can be activated via the control unit C and operated in a standby mode. The control unit C can also be operated in a standby mode; the power supply for this is provided here, by way of example, by directly accessing an output of the energy storage unit PS, bypassing the inverter.

[0037] The control unit C is designed as an electronic control unit and is powered by the energy storage unit PS. The control unit C includes a scanner for handling authorization checks. Furthermore, the control unit C includes an interface WL for wireless data transfer.

[0038] This WL interface enables parts of the access control process to be wirelessly transmitted to a receiving point, or other information from the gateway system to be sent and / or received. The control unit C can be configured to autonomously perform an access authorization check based on information stored there and to control the drive units M1 and M2 accordingly. Other operating data and signals can be transmitted via the WL interface, in particular statistical data or data relating to the energy status of the gateway system, especially the charge level of the energy storage unit PS.

[0039] The passageway system also includes light sources L1, L2, and L3. Their control is also handled by the control unit C, particularly by utilizing signals received and evaluated or processed via the interface unit WL. The control of light sources L1, L2, and L3 also takes into account the energy status of the energy storage unit PS. These light sources can generate light in defined colors. For example, when accessing the passageway, user guidance to the reading device can be supported by the light sources. If access authorization is verified, the area of ​​the barrier can be illuminated with green light. If an unauthorized access attempt is detected, e.g., crossing a section of the passageway without verified authorization, the barrier can be illuminated with red light.

[0040] The gateway system according to the invention is suitable as an easily installed mobile entry and exit system. It features a temporarily self-sufficient integrated power supply and a wireless data connection. It enables automated gateway control based on evaluation procedures processed in the local control unit, as well as remote activation initiated from another location. Special functions can be handled and coordinated via the integrated data connection, particularly those related to changes in the energy state of the energy storage device that occur during the operation of the gateway system.

[0041] The energy storage unit C is mechanically or electronically secured against unauthorized removal. Both the energy storage unit PS and the electronic control unit C are designed as modules that can be easily integrated into the through-connection system and are therefore interchangeable.

[0042] The pedestrian walkway can be transported to the installation site as a fully pre-assembled unit and immediately put into operation wirelessly. It can also be assembled from main components, in particular a base structure (GP) and attached side panels (W) or railing elements (1).

[0043] The functionality of the passageway system according to the invention can be described by way of example as follows: To manage access control for a concert, passageways according to the invention can be set up outdoors at short notice on the day of the event in an access area. For this purpose, floor panels (GP) are joined together on a sufficiently level surface, so that a threshold strip extending transversely to the passageway area is formed. A corresponding number of side panels are placed successively on these floor panels, defining walkway aisles that can each be closed off by locking elements. The locking elements can be designed, in particular, as double door leaves or as single-sided locking arms.

[0044] The side panels form plug-in slots. Energy storage devices in the form of fully charged battery modules are inserted into these slots. The electronic control units C are also plugged into the side panels. These control units C are already functionally configured and tested via their WLAN interfaces. A router, for example a laptop, is set up in the vicinity of the temporarily installed passageway system to communicate with the individual control units of the passageway system.

[0045] At the start of the event, persons passing through the access control system provide data to the respective scanning or reading device of control unit C via their mobile phones, admission tickets, or keycode carriers. This data forms the basis for an access control check. If control unit C determines that a release criterion has been met, it activates the inverter DAC and the circuit breaker S, and the blocking element B2 is moved into a release position according to the drive unit's instructions.

[0046] During the successive passage of people through the passageway, the energy status of each energy storage unit (PS) is monitored. If the charge level falls below a defined threshold, a signal is output via the interface unit (WL). The remaining operating time is then estimated. Within or after this time has elapsed, the energy storage unit is removed and replaced with a PS with sufficient energy reserves. The PS is designed to ensure several hours of full-load operation thanks to its stored energy capacity.

[0047] The passageway system can be operated in an emergency mode in which energy consumption is reduced to the operation of the control unit and selective unlocking of the locking element. The user then pivots the locking element open to allow passage through the passageway after unlocking. Resetting is achieved either by a motor or by other return mechanisms, such as spring mechanisms.

[0048] After use, it can be easily dismantled. The system can be operated wirelessly and autonomously.

[0049] The representation according Figure 2This highly simplified and purely exemplary illustration depicts the structure of an MD insert module for a self-sufficiently operated through-line system. This module comprises a support structure 3 designed as a slide-in unit, to which the control unit C and the inverter DAC are mounted. Two energy storage units PS are inserted and secured into this support structure 3. The MD insert module, thus prepared, can be inserted into a receiving space in a side panel W from above or from the front, or it can form a self-contained housing structure that can be attached to the side panel W. Electrical contact structures 4 are provided on the insert module, which are correctly connected to the through-line system immediately upon connection of the MD insert module. This connection can be limited to the drive of the drive unit M1, M2 and, if applicable, any existing lighting.All other electrical functions can be advantageously implemented in the MD deployment module.

[0050] In the embodiment shown here, the insert module is inserted vertically into the frame of the cheek W. It can also be inserted horizontally. The control unit C comprises a scanner and a display. Furthermore, the control unit C has an interface for wireless data communication.

[0051] The MD module can be designed to allow connection to an external power supply. The DAC inverter can function as a power supply unit, or the module itself or a lower base unit integrated into the through-installation can also contain a power supply unit.

[0052] According to a further aspect of the present invention, it is possible to combine the through-transit system with a payment system, in particular a point-of-sale terminal. This point-of-sale terminal is also designed, according to a particular aspect of the present invention, to operate in a temporarily energy-autonomous manner. For this purpose, an energy storage device can be integrated into the point-of-sale terminal to power its operation by drawing on the energy storage device. The point-of-sale terminal and the through-transit system can be wirelessly coupled. It is also possible to arrange the point-of-sale terminal and the through-transit system in close proximity and connect them via cable. The energy storage device housed in the through-transit system or the point-of-sale terminal according to the invention can be used to power the operation of the through-transit system and / or the point-of-sale terminal.Both systems can thus access one or both of their integrated energy storage devices. This enables temporarily energy-autonomous operation of a point-of-sale terminal and a gateway system, particularly a gate. A main control unit can be housed in the point-of-sale terminal. The reader at the gateway system then only provides the data from a scanned information carrier, especially tickets, and sends it to the point-of-sale terminal; the release is initiated by the point-of-sale terminal. With this configuration, it is possible to track a user's movements and, for example, to bring the gateway system into a release state without requiring the ticket to be scanned again, if it is reliably established that the user has completed a valid payment transaction.

Claims

1. A passage system for setting up a selectively blockable passageway, comprising: - a blocking element, which can be brought into a blocking position, in which the passageway is blocked, and can be brought into a release position, in which the passageway is released, so that it is passable by a person; - a drive device for moving the blocking element from the blocking position into the release position, and - a control device for actuating the drive device; - wherein an energy storage device is incorporated into the passage system for handling the operation of the drive device controlled by the control device in a temporarily energetically autonomous manner, characterized in that the energy storage device is incorporated into a baseplate.

2. The passage system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the energy storage device is incorporated into a side panel.

3. The passage system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the energy storage device is incorporated into a frame structure or railing structure.

4. The passage system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the energy storage device is incorporated into a pillar structure.

5. The passage system as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the energy storage device is detachably incorporated into the passage system.

6. The passage system as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the energy storage device is formed by a battery device.

7. The passage system as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that an inverter is incorporated into the passage system.

8. The passage system as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the control device is designed as an electronic control device and is supplied with voltage via the energy storage device.

9. The passage system as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the control device comprises an interface for handling a data transfer wirelessly.

Images