Access control device with gyroscopic sensor

Abstract

An access control device (100), intended to control access to a traffic lane, the access control device (100) comprising: - a pivoting access control element (1) configured to pivot in a vertical plane between a closure position, in which the pivoting access control element (1) closes off a traffic lane, and an open position, in which the pivoting access control element (1) allows free access to the traffic lane, - a drive motor (2) configured to pivot the pivoting access control element (1) at least between its closure position and its open position, - a gyroscopic sensor (3) coupled in movement to the pivoting access control element (1) and configured to detect absolute position values of the pivoting access control element (1), and - a controller (4) configured to transmit operating instructions to the drive motor (2) according to the values detected by the gyroscopic sensor (3).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of access control devices for traffic routes, such as roadways, pedestrian walkways, controlled access areas, and secure perimeters. In particular, the present invention concerns an access control device capable of detecting the movement of the pivoting access control element. Access control devices are frequently subjected to vandalism, such as manual lifting of the boom or impact with a vehicle, which can lead to damage or even destruction of the device. It is therefore necessary to provide warning mechanisms to alert a user in the event of a malfunction.Furthermore, following these impacts, it sometimes happens that the pivoting access control element takes an unsafe position or obstructs the flow of traffic in another traffic lane in a dangerous manner, so there is a need to detect the exact position of the pivoting access control element, at all times, and reliably and, if necessary, to automatically return the pivoting access control element to a safe position, for example an open position, while awaiting user intervention when necessary.

[0002] A system already exists for detecting the position of the pivoting access control element using inductive sensors. However, the positioning and adjustment of these sensors are cumbersome. Generally fixed in place on the support of the pivoting access control element, facing a reduction shaft that is integral to and moves with the pivoting access control element, they are subjected to strong and recurring vibrations, particularly due to the pivoting access control element stopping against the end stops (opening or closing stops). This generates micro-displacements of the sensors and potential misalignments, resulting in significant uncertainty in the measurement over time and requiring regular intervention by users.

[0003] EP2728067A describes the use of a gyrometric sensor for detecting the absolute position of the pivoting access control element.

[0004] One of the aims of the present invention is to overcome at least one of these drawbacks. To this end, the present invention provides an access control device, intended to control access to a traffic lane, defined by the characteristics of claim 1.

[0005] In this configuration, the device benefits from a gyroscopic sensor that tracks the movement of the pivoting access control element at every point and without any reduction factor. This limits the risk of measurement errors compared to inductive sensors fixed to the pivot shaft support, or a multi-turn magnetic sensor placed at the end of the motor shaft (asynchronous or brushless). Thus, the measurements are reliable and accurately reflect the movement of the pivoting access control element. The gyroscopic sensor also provides the advantage of absolute position values ​​determined along three perpendicular directions.

[0006] In this document, the term 'automated system' refers to a programmable entity comprising a processor and memory. The input data of the automated system includes absolute position values ​​detected by the gyroscope sensor, while the output data includes, in particular, operating instructions for the drive motor. The memory may contain speed profiles of the pivoting access control element and pre-recorded drive motor actuation programs. According to the invention, the gyroscope sensor of the access control device is configured to detect an acceleration value of the pivoting access control element in at least one direction parallel to the pivot axis of the pivoting access control element. This enables the detection of a frontal impact, which can occur when a vehicle strikes the pivoting access control element head-on to force its way through.

[0007] The term 'acceleration' in this document means positive or negative acceleration, the latter occurring when an object or user limits the travel or speed of the pivoting access control element.

[0008] In the case of a gyroscopic and accelerometer sensor, the input data to the PLC also includes acceleration values.

[0009] Alternatively, the gyroscope sensor is configured to detect an acceleration value of the pivoting access control element in a second direction perpendicular to the pivoting axis of the pivoting access control element. This is relevant when, for example, the pivoting access control element is subjected to a force directed vertically, such as by a user wishing to prevent it from pivoting to the closed position.

[0010] Another possibility is that the gyroscopic sensor is configured to detect an acceleration value of the pivoting access control element in a third direction perpendicular to the second direction and the pivot axis. This corresponds to a force applied in a direction parallel to the extension axis of the pivoting access control element.

[0011] The combination of these three acceleration measurement options is useful because an impact on the pivoting access control element rarely originates from a direction perfectly aligned with a parallel to the pivot axis. Configured in this way, the gyroscopic accelerometer sensor accurately detects six spatial data points of the pivoting access control element and transmits them to the controller, enabling an optimal and precise response. In one configuration, the gyroscopic sensor is set up to continuously detect absolute position values ​​and / or acceleration values ​​of the pivoting access control element in three mutually perpendicular directions.

[0012] In particular, the continuous detection of the absolute position and acceleration values ​​of the pivoting access control element by the gyroscope sensor includes detection at a predetermined frequency, such as every 8 to 13 milliseconds, for example, every 10 milliseconds. This configuration allows for very rapid adjustment or readjustment of the access control device's operation as needed. Detection by this sensor enables the rapid identification of even the slightest malfunction or deviation in the pivot element's travel from the expected range. This contributes to increased user responsiveness when necessary and minimizes damage and downtime of the access control device.

[0013] In practical terms, the gyroscopic sensor is mounted in motion to a pivot shaft on which the pivoting access control element is fixed, the pivot shaft connecting the drive motor to the pivoting access control element.

[0014] According to one arrangement, the gyroscopic sensor is fixed to a cam mounted on the pivot shaft. For the purposes of this document, it is understood that the cam is fixed to the pivot shaft for movement. This arrangement reduces the number of intermediate components between the pivoting access control element and the sensor. It increases long-term reliability and reduces measurement uncertainties.

[0015] Typically, the pivoting access control element and the cam of the present invention are fixed to two opposite end regions of the pivot shaft. This provides access to the pivoting access control element when repair or replacement is required. This arrangement also frees up space on the end region of the pivot shaft, on the side of the pivoting access control element, where numerous devices may need to be located.

[0016] According to one possibility, the access control device includes a user interface configured to exchange information between a user and the controller, said information including the initial position values ​​and the final position values, detected by the gyroscopic sensor and to which the user assigns respectively the opening position of the pivoting access control element and the closing position of the pivoting access control element.

[0017] According to a specific design, the controller is configured to memorize settings such as the initial and final position values ​​for the pivoting access control element, or the speed of the pivoting access control element when reaching these initial and final positions, in order to prevent significant impact on the end stops. This results in a more robust access control system with limited vibration. Typically, the gyroscopic sensor transmits the detected values ​​to the controller via a wired connection, including a robotic cable with a specific connector attached to the controller.

[0018] In one scenario, the controller is configured to calculate a speed profile for the pivoting access control element within a range between the initial and final position values ​​and to transmit operating instructions to the drive motor accordingly. This smooths the acceleration (positive or negative) over a large portion of the range between the stops, thus minimizing jerking.

[0019] According to another arrangement, the automaton is configured: to compare the absolute position values ​​detected and the values ​​in said interval and / or compare detected acceleration values ​​with the calculated velocity profile, and to transmit warning information to the user interface if the result of the comparison shows a difference, the user interface being configured to transmit an audible or visual warning signal to the user.

[0020] Also, any modification of the initial and final position values ​​will be recorded and reported to the user via the user interface.

[0021] The controller is also configured to give instructions to the drive motor according to pre-recorded instructions in memory, including speed ranges and / or the pivoting direction of the pivoting access control element.

[0022] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides an automatic barrier comprising an access control device as previously described, in which the pivoting access control element is a boom. Thus, the pivoting access control element is a boom mounted to pivot between an open position in which the boom extends in a substantially vertical direction and a closed position in which the boom extends in a substantially horizontal direction.

[0023] According to another aspect, the present invention proposes a road blocker, commonly referred to as a 'road blocker' by those skilled in the art. The road blocker comprises an access control device as previously described, wherein the pivoting access control element is a pivoting metal panel configured to withstand the impact of a vehicle traveling at high speed, in particular 80 km / h. The drive shaft of this road blocker is advantageously located horizontally in the ground.

[0024] According to yet another aspect, the present invention proposes a chain barrier comprising an access control device as previously described, a slave shaft having a vertical groove and a master shaft comprising a horizontal rotating shaft and in which the pivoting access control element comprises a chain configured to slide in the vertical groove under the action of tensioning by the horizontal rotating shaft between the open position in which the chain is in a relaxed lower position and the closed position in which the chain is in a tense upper position.

[0025] Other features and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below, of a non-exhaustive example of implementation, made with reference to the attached figures in which: [ Fig. 1 [ ] represents a schematic view illustrating the interactions between constituent elements of the access control device according to one embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 [ ] represents a schematic view illustrating the access control device in the closed position of the pivoting access control element according to a particular embodiment of the invention. Fig. 3 [ ] represents a schematic view illustrating the access control device in which the pivoting access control element is being opened according to the embodiment illustrated in the figure 2 .

[0026] There figure 1 This illustrates the constituent elements of the access control device 100 of the invention and their interactions according to one embodiment of the invention. They comprise a pivoting access control element 1 intended to close or allow access to a traffic lane, a drive motor 2 for the pivoting access control element 1, a gyroscopic sensor 3 fixed in motion to the pivoting access control element 1 and configured to detect absolute position values ​​and acceleration values ​​of the pivoting access control element 1, a controller 4 intended to receive said position values ​​detected by the gyroscopic sensor 3 and to give operating instructions to the drive motor 2. A user interface 5 also allows the communication of information between the controller 4 and the user.

[0027] In concrete terms, the figure 2 illustrates a particular embodiment of the invention in which the access control device 100 is an automatic barrier comprising a pivoting access control element consisting of a rail 1, configured to pivot in a vertical plane between a closing position in which the rail 1 closes a traffic lane ( figure 2 - the rail 1 extends substantially horizontally, it rests against a closing stop) and an open position in which the rail 1 allows free access to the traffic lane and in which the rail 1 extends substantially vertically against an opening stop (not shown). The figure 3 This illustrates, in particular, the beginning of the pivoting stroke of the rail 1 between the closed position and the open position. According to another embodiment not shown, the access control device 100 is a road blocker in which the pivoting access control element 1 is a pivoting metal panel or a chain barrier in which a chain slides.

[0028] Upon initial commissioning of device 100 at a customer site, the absolute position values ​​of the gate 1 in both the closed and open positions can be stored in the memory of the controller 4. For example, when the pivoting access control element 1 is in its initial open position, the user can specify that the absolute position values ​​detected by the gyroscopic sensor 3 should be assigned to the open position to the controller 4 via the user interface 5. Conversely, when the pivoting access control element 1 is in its final closed position, the user can also specify that the absolute position values ​​detected to the open position should be assigned to the controller 4 via the user interface 5. This eliminates the tedious step of manually entering the absolute positions.Next, the automaton 4 calculates or applies, according to pre-recorded speed profiles, commands for the drive motor 2 between the two reference positions.

[0029] As illustrated in figures 2 And 3The drive motor 2 is configured to pivot the pivoting access control element 1 between its two positions, via a horizontally arranged pivot shaft 6 to which the pivoting access control element 1 is fixed. The gyroscopic sensor 3 is fixed in motion to the pivot shaft 6, and thus to the guide rail 1, by means of a cam 7 mounted directly on the pivot shaft 6. As illustrated, the cam 7 and the gyroscopic sensor 3 are positioned on an end region of the pivot shaft 6 opposite to the region to which the guide rail 1 is fixed. This frees up space at the end of the pivot shaft 6 that is not always accessible or is already occupied by robotic cables.

[0030] As shown, the gyroscopic sensor 3 detects absolute position values ​​in three mutually perpendicular directions (x, y, z axes in the figures), including at least one direction parallel (z-axis) to the pivot axis of the slide 1. It also detects acceleration in all three directions, thus enabling the detection of any impact. These values ​​are compiled by the controller 4, which compares the absolute position values ​​detected by the gyroscopic sensor 3 to expected position values ​​within the range between the opening position and the reference position. When a discrepancy is detected, the controller 4 transmits this information to the user interface 5, which in turn provides warning information to the user, for example, via an audible or visual signal.If the rail 1 has been struck and is in a position beyond the interval between its closed position and its open position, the drive motor 2 is also configured to return the rail 1 to a position within said interval according to instructions from the user or pre-recorded in the memory of the PLC 4.

[0031] The gyroscopic sensor 3 is also configured to continuously detect absolute position values, i.e., at a predetermined frequency of approximately every 10 ms, for example. Therefore, at any given moment, the controller 4 receives the absolute position values ​​of the slide 1 and is able to apply speed commands to the motor. For example, it might accelerate the slide 1 as it moves from the closed position to the open position, and then decelerate it as it reaches the optimal absolute position to prevent a collision at the end of its travel when the slide 1 encounters the opening stop. The commands applied by the controller 4 can be derived from calculations or from integrated speed profiles.

[0032] Thus, the present invention makes it possible, in a very reliable manner, to detect at any time the absolute position of the pivoting access control element, to detect an abnormal acceleration, to control an angular velocity and to warn a user of any malfunction in real time.

Claims

1. Access control device (100) for controlling access to a traffic lane, the access control device (100) comprising: - a pivoting access control element (1) configured to pivot in a vertical plane between a blocking position in which the pivoting access control element (1) blocks a traffic lane and an opening position in which the pivoting access control element (1) allows free access to the traffic lane, - a drive motor (2) configured to pivot the pivoting access control element (1) at least between its blocking position and its opening position, - a gyroscopic sensor (3) fixed to the pivoting access control element (1) for movement therewith and configured to detect absolute position values of the pivoting access control element (1), and - a controller (4) configured to transmit operating instructions to the drive motor (2) on the basis of the values detected by the gyroscopic sensor (3), characterized by the gyroscopic sensor (3) being configured to detect an acceleration value of the pivoting access control element (1) at least in a first direction parallel to the pivot axis of the pivoting access control element (1).

2. Access control device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the gyroscopic sensor (3) is configured to continuously detect absolute position values and / or acceleration values of the pivoting access control element (1) in three mutually perpendicular directions.

3. Access control device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the continuous detection of absolute position values and acceleration values of the pivoting access control element (1) by the gyroscopic sensor (3) comprises a detection performed with a determined frequency.

4. Access control device (100) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gyroscopic sensor (3) is mounted fixed to a pivot shaft (6) for movement therewith to which pivot shaft the pivoting access control element (1) is fastened, the pivot shaft (6) connecting the drive motor (2) to the pivoting access control element (1).

5. Access control device (100) according to claim 4, wherein the gyroscopic sensor (3) is fastened to a cam (7) mounted on the pivot shaft (6).

6. Access control device (100) according to claim 5, wherein the pivoting access control element (1) and the cam (7) are fastened to two opposite end regions of the pivot shaft (6).

7. Access control device (100) according to any of claims 1 to 6, which comprises a user interface (5) configured to exchange information between a user and the controller (4), said information comprising initial position values and final position values, detected by the gyroscopic sensor (3) and to which values the user respectively assigns the opening position of the pivoting access control element (1) and the blocking position of the pivoting access control element (1).

8. Access control device (100) according to claim 7, wherein the controller (4) is configured to calculate a speed profile of the pivoting access control element (1) in the interval between the values of the initial position and the final position and to transmit operating instructions to the drive motor (2) accordingly.

9. Access control device (100) according to any of claims 7 to 8, wherein the controller (4) is configured: to compare detected absolute position values with values within said interval and / or to compare detected acceleration values with the calculated speed profile, and to transmit warning information to the user interface (5) if the result of the comparison shows a difference, the user interface (5) being configured to transmit an audible or visual warning signal to the user.

10. Automatic barrier comprising an access control device (100) according to any of the preceding claims and wherein the pivoting access control element (1) is a rail.

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