A numeric keypad for allowing or denying a user access to a workspace

Abstract

Described is a numeric keypad (1) for allowing or inhibiting access by a user to a workspace, comprising: a contact sheet (11), made of glass and including an interface surface (111), on which are illustrated a plurality of icons (IC), and an engagement surface (112); a supporting unit (13, 15), associated with the engagement surface (112) of the sheet (11 ) and configured to connect with a box constrained to a supporting structure; a control circuit (14), including aann electric circuit; a processor, connected to the electric circuit; a plurality of sensors (141 ), configured for sending to the processor corresponding touch signals, representing a touch of a user in a zone on the sheet (11); a plurality of illuminators (142), connected to the electric circuit and controlled by the processor to switch on and / or off; a wall (143). Each sensor (141) is associated with a corresponding icon (IC). The processor is programmed for deriving the access code in response to the touch, by a user, of a sequence of icons on the keypad (1); accessing a memory; verifying the presence of the access code between control codes, saved in the memory; sending an access signal for controlling the opening of the gate if the access code corresponds to at least one of said control codes.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] A NUMERIC KEYPAD FOR ALLOWING OR DENYING A USER ACCESS TO A WORKSPACE

[0003] Technical field

[0004] This invention relates to a numeric keypad for allowing or inhibiting access by a user through a gate which can be opened electrically in a workspace and a relative method.

[0005] Background art

[0006] In the context of the control of accesses, particularly in accommodation, industrial and service facilities, there are prior art systems which allow the control of the accesses but frequently require the involvement of receiving personnel and one or more electronic keys (magnetic cards), which has a significant unit cost since on board each magnetic card there is, in order to perform its functions, a microprocessor which, combined with a transponder located for each room, acts as access control. The prior art systems have various drawbacks. Firstly, they are unsuitable for the automation of other essential services such as those related to the cleaning of rooms by the housekeeping staff. Moreover, the limitation of the transponder technology emerged firstly with the advent of the COVID 19 pandemic, which revealed the need to eliminate the proximity contact between the receiving operator and the customer. Moreover, this need has been further aggravated following the consequences determined by the scarcity and the high cost of the microprocessors.

[0007] Solutions of keypads and methods for controlling access which are comparable to those described above and which, therefore, have the same drawbacks, are described in documents: DE202006017603U1 and US2020192501 A1.

[0008] Aim of the invention The aim of this invention is to provide a keypad and a method for controlling the accesses which overcome the above-mentioned problems of the prior art.

[0009] Said aim is fully achieved by the keypad and by the method for controlling the accesses according to the invention as characterised in the appended claims.

[0010] According to an aspect of the invention, the invention provides a numeric keypad, preferably configurable, for allowing or denying a user access to a workspace through an electrically openable gate.

[0011] The keypad comprises a contact sheet. The contact sheet is preferably made of glass.

[0012] The contact sheet comprises an interface surface, on which are depicted a plurality of icons each representing a numeral and / or an image. The contact sheet comprises an engagement surface, opposite the interface surface.

[0013] The keypad comprises a supporting assembly. The supporting assembly is associated with the engagement surface of the sheet. The supporting assembly is configured to be connected to a box which is locked to a support structure.

[0014] The keypad comprises a control circuit. The control circuit is supported by the supporting assembly. The control circuit is connectable to an electricity and / or signal power supply present on the box. Preferably, this signal supply follows the KNX protocol (the following link, included here for reference, for the purposes of a sufficient description, clearly explains the According to an embodiment, the control circuit comprises an electric circuit.

[0015] The control circuit comprises a processor, connected to the electric circuit.

[0016] The control circuit comprises a plurality of sensors. The sensors are connected to the electric circuit. The sensors are configured for sending to the processor corresponding touch signals, representing a touch by a user in a zone on the glass aligned, along a normal direction, perpendicular to the sheet, with the corresponding sensor.

[0017] The control circuit comprises a plurality of illuminators. The illuminators are connected to the electric circuit. The illuminators are configured to be switched on and / or off in response to the processor detecting a corresponding user’s touch.

[0018] The control circuit comprises a wall, on which said electric circuit, said processor, said plurality of sensors and said plurality of illuminators are mounted.

[0019] Each sensor is associated with a corresponding numeral and / or image on the keypad. Said association is configurable, that is to say, (re)programmable.

[0020] The processor is programmed to derive an access code responsive to the touch, by a user, of a sequence of icons on the keypad.

[0021] The processor is programmed to access a memory.

[0022] The processor is programmed to verify the presence of the access code among one or more control codes, stored in the memory.

[0023] The processor is programmed to send an access signal to the signal cable in the box, to command the gate to open if the access code matches at least one of said control codes.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the keypad comprises a spacer, preferably flat, interposed, along the normal direction, between the control circuit and the contact sheet. The spacer comprises an inside surface, facing the control circuit. The spacer comprises an outside surface, opposite the inside surface and facing the contact sheet.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the keypad comprises a proximity element. Preferably, the proximity element is positioned outside the wall of the control circuit. The proximity element is electrically connected to the control circuit.

[0026] The control circuit is configured to detect a variation of electrical capacitance between the proximity element and the user, representing a distance of the user from the keypad. According to an embodiment, the processor is configured to receive a threshold value for determining the proximity. Said threshold value can be set between a plurality of values, each corresponding to a corresponding distance of detection of the proximity. The processor compares the electrical capacity detected between the proximity element and the user with the threshold value and, for values which exceed the threshold value, recognises the proximity of the user.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the control circuit is configured to recognise, on the basis of the variation in capacity detected, a touch in a zone of the contact sheet aligned, along the normal direction, with the proximity element, for defining a further touch of the keypad.

[0028] This makes it possible to obtain a further key using the proximity element and, thus, also containing the dimensions of the wall of the control circuit.

[0029] Preferably, the further key represents a bell, and starts a request for entrance of a user inside the workspace by a user outside.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the proximity element projects from the wall of the control circuit in a direction perpendicular to the normal direction. According to an embodiment, the proximity element is a straight lamina. The straight lamina projects from the wall of the control circuit in a direction perpendicular to the normal direction.

[0031] The use of the straight lamina makes it possible to have a larger sensitive surface. Moreover, the use of the lamina projecting from the wall makes it possible to have the sensor and the further key outside the wall, without having to increase the dimensions of the wall, in which the further keys are located. Outside this area, since no circuit can be housed, this description comprises the use of the straight lamina which defines a further sensitive element which is able to perform the bivalent function both of the proximity element and of the further key.

[0032] According to an embodiment, the control circuit comprises an elastic element. The elastic element is connected to the electric circuit for receiving an electric current. The elastic element is configured to apply a contact force along the normal direction on the straight lamina. In this way, the elastic element transfers electric current to the straight lamina. The plastic spacer comprises a perimeter notch. The elastic element and / or at least a part of the straight lamina is positioned inside the perimeter notch.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the wall comprises a first surface, facing the contact sheet, and a second surface, opposite the first surface. Preferably, the illuminators of said plurality are positioned on the first surface of the wall and face towards the contact sheet.

[0034] The flat spacer comprises a plurality of receiving slots. Each receiving slot houses a corresponding illuminator. Each receiving slot has a depth less than the thickness, along the normal direction, of the flat spacer.

[0035] Preferably, the flat spacer comprises a through slot. The control circuit comprises a pushbutton manually activated, positioned on the first surface of the wall of the control circuit. The through slot is aligned, along the normal direction, with the pushbutton manually activated.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the keypad comprises a supporting base. The supporting base is configured to be connected to a box which is in turn locked to an external support structure. The supporting base comprises a control recess. The control recess houses the control circuit.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the keypad comprises a sheet holder plate. The sheet holder plate includes an access hole. The access hole is aligned along the normal direction with the control recess. The sheet holder plate is configured to be glued to the contact sheet.

[0038] Advantageously, the sheet holder plate is connected, in a removable fashion, to said supporting base.

[0039] The sheet holder plate comprises a linear groove. The linear groove is made on a relative surface facing towards the contact sheet. The linear groove is configured to receive the straight lamina.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the sheet holder plate comprises a plurality of connecting teeth. The connecting teeth are positioned along a perimeter edge of the sheet holder plate. The supporting base comprises a plurality of connecting slots. Each connecting slot is configured for coupling with a corresponding connecting tooth. Each connecting slot includes a respective outer flap. The outer flap is configured to deform in response to the thrust along the normal direction exerted by the corresponding connecting tooth.

[0041] The supporting base comprises a plurality of slots. The slots are configured to receive corresponding connecting elements of the box. More specifically, according to an advantageous embodiment, said plurality of slots comprises a first group of slots. Said slots of the first group of slots have a linear extension, configured to receive corresponding connecting elements of a rectangular box.

[0042] Said plurality of slots comprises a second group of slots. Said slots of the second group of slots have a curved extension, configured to receive corresponding connecting elements of a circular or square box.

[0043] Said plurality of slots may comprise both the first and the second group or only one of these groups. Obviously, the embodiment in which both the first and the second groups are present is advantageous because it allows the use of the same keypad in a flexible manner on all the boxes, thus improving production efficiency and standardisation.

[0044] According to an embodiment, the keypad comprises a local memory. According to this embodiment, the processor is programmed to receive, by means of a remote connection, a new control code.

[0045] The processor is programmed to save the new control code in the local memory, in the context of (in addition to, together with, in such a way that they form part of) said one or more control codes.

[0046] The processor is programmed to verify the presence of the access code among said one or more control codes, stored in the local memory.

[0047] It should be noted that, according to a preferred embodiment, the workspace is an accommodation facility, for example a hotel. Moreover, according to a preferred embodiment, the keypad comprises 13 keys. In the context of the keys included in the keypad, the keys allow the room to be cleaned and / or an alarm to be activated and / or the workspace to be opened and / or closed.

[0048] Preferably, the keypad communicates with actuators located in the workspace through a signal cable (which preferably follows the KNX protocol).

[0049] On the basis of the actuators located in the workspace and on the basis of the requirements of the owner of the accommodation facility, the keypad can be configured through a suitable processor program, configured to set the signals to be sent from the keypad to the actuators in response to entering the access code and / or, more generally speaking, to any action performed on the keypad (approach of the user, touching one or more keys).

[0050] According to an embodiment, the keypad comprises a first pair of sides and a second pair of sides. The keypad comprises a first pair of illuminators (linear) and a second pair of illuminators (linear), each pair being associated with the first pair of sides and with the second pair of sides, respectively. Said illuminators allow the keypad to be backlit.

[0051] The processor is configured to control (switch ON / OFF and / or adjust luminous intensity) said first pair of illuminators (linear) and a second pair of illuminators (linear). The processor is configured to control (switch ON / OFF and / or adjust luminous intensity) the first pair of illuminators (linear) independently of second pair of illuminators (linear).

[0052] According to an embodiment, the access code consists of 4 digits or 6 digits.

[0053] The local memory is preferably such as to allow a storage of a number of control codes greater than 500, preferably greater than 800, even more preferably greater than 1000.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the keypad comprises a diffuser layer, configured to allow better diffusion of the light coming from the illuminators. More specifically, said diffuser layer is interposed between the flat spacer and the contact sheet. Preferably, the planar extension of the diffuser layer is equal to the planar extension of the flat spacer.

[0055] According to an aspect of the invention, a unit for activating a workspace is provided. The activation unit comprises a keypad according to one or more of the features described above.

[0056] The activation unit comprises a presence sensor, configured for detecting the presence of a user inside the workspace.

[0057] The activation unit comprises a gate sensor, configured to detect an opening and / or a closing of the gate giving access the workspace.

[0058] The keypad processor is configured to send an inhibit signal, generated for the purpose of denying access to the workspace to one or more users. The inhibit signal is generated in response to the following conditions:

[0059] - detecting an opening of the gate and subsequent detection of the closing of the gate; and

[0060] - absence of a user in the workspace, detected by the presence sensor, for a predetermined time interval.

[0061] According an aspect of the invention, the invention provides a method for controlling the access of a user through a gate which can be opened electrically in a workspace.

[0062] The method comprises a step of deriving the access code in response to the touch, by a user, of a sequence of icons on the keypad.

[0063] The method comprises a step of accessing a memory.

[0064] The method comprises a step of verifying the presence of the access code among one or more control codes, stored in the memory.

[0065] The method comprises a step of sending an access signal to the signal cable in the box, to command the gate to open if the access code matches at least one of said one or more control codes.

[0066] The method comprises a step of receiving a new control code via a remote connection.

[0067] The method comprises a step of saving the new control code to the local memory, in the context of said one or more control codes.

[0068] The method comprises a step of verifying the presence of the access code between said one or more control codes stored in the local memory.

[0069] The method comprises a step of detecting the presence of a user inside the workspace, by means of a presence sensor.

[0070] The method comprises a step of detecting an opening and / or a closing of the gate for accessing the workspace, by means of a gate sensor.

[0071] The method comprises a step of sending an inhibit signal, generated for the purpose of denying access to the workspace to one or more users. The step of sending the inhibit signal is preferably performed in response to the following conditions:

[0072] - detecting an opening of the gate and subsequent detection of the closing of the gate; and

[0073] - absence of a user in the workspace, detected by the presence sensor, for a predetermined time interval.

[0074] Brief description of drawings

[0075] This and other features will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying tables of drawings, in which:

[0076] - Figure 1 is an exploded view of a keypad for controlling accesses;

[0077] - Figure 2 is a schematic cross-section of the keypad of Figure 1 ;

[0078] - Figure 3 is a rear view of the keypad of Figure 1 ;

[0079] - Figure 4 illustrates a detail of Figure 2 representing a straight lamina connected to a control circuit of the keypad of Figure 1 ;

[0080] - Figure 5 illustrates a detail of a connection system between a sheet holder plate and a supporting base.

[0081] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0082] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes a keypad for controlling the access of one or more users inside a workspace, for example a hotel room, a wellness centre or other common space in which to access only having the necessary authorisation. The keypad 1 comprises a contact sheet 11 , made of glass. The contact sheet 11 faces towards the outside to be able to interface with the user. The contact sheet 11 comprises one or more icons IC shown on its surface, in respective positions, and representatives of numbers or images.

[0083] The shape of the keypad 1 may be square, rectangular or circular.

[0084] The contact sheet 11 comprises an interface surface 111 , on which the plurality of icons IC are illustrated.

[0085] The contact sheet 11 comprises an engagement surface 112, opposite the interface surface 111.

[0086] The keypad 1 comprises a two-sided adhesive layer 12 attached, on one side, to the engagement surface 112 of the contact sheet 11 .

[0087] The two-sided adhesive layer 12 comprises a central hole.

[0088] The keypad 1 comprises a light diffuser, designed for diffusing the light coming from a direction perpendicular to the contact plate 11 .

[0089] The keypad 1 comprises a sheet holder plate 13. The sheet holder plate 13 comprises a normal wall 131 , parallel to the contact sheet 11 .

[0090] The sheet holder plate 13 comprises four side walls 132, rising from the normal wall 131 in a normal direction (perpendicular to the contact sheet 11 ) in a direction facing in the opposite direction to the contact sheet 11 .

[0091] The sheet holder plate 13 comprises a central hole 133, made on the normal wall 131. The sheet holder plate 13 comprises a linear groove 134, made on the normal wall, on the surface facing towards the contact sheet 11. The linear groove 134 extends starting from the central hole 133 towards the edge of the normal wall 131 .

[0092] Each side wall 132 of the sheet holder plate 13 comprises an internal facing surface 132A and an external facing surface 132B.

[0093] The sheet holder plate 13 comprises a plurality of connecting slots 135, positioned at the internal facing surface 132A. The connecting slots 135 of said plurality are distributed over the entire perimeter of the sheet holder plate 13, spaced from each other. For this reason, each of said side walls 132 comprises a respective number of connecting slots 135. The connecting slots 135 are spaced from the normal wall 131 .

[0094] The keypad 1 comprises a control circuit 14.

[0095] The control circuit 14 is connectable to an electricity and / or signal power supply present on the box. More specifically, the control circuit is connected to a signal cable present in the box, which allows the signal to be sent, preferably with a KNX protocol.

[0096] The control circuit 14 includes an electric circuit, that is to say, a plurality of tracks which allow the circulation of electric current and electrical signals. The control circuit 14 includes a processor, connected to the electric circuit.

[0097] The control circuit 14 includes a plurality of sensors 141. The plurality of sensors 141 are capacitive sensors. The plurality of sensors 141 is connected to the electric circuit. The plurality of sensors 141 is configured for sending to the processor corresponding touch signals, representing a touch of a user in a zone on the glass aligned, along the normal direction N, with the corresponding sensor 141 .

[0098] The sensors 141 are sensors which measure the variation in the capacity of an ideal capacitor, defined by a plate on the sensor and by the finger of the user. The capacity varies with the variation of the distance between the sensor and the finger of the user, in such a way that, when it reaches a certain threshold, a touch is detected.

[0099] The control circuit 14 includes a plurality of illuminators 142. Said plurality of illuminators 142 is connected to the electric circuit. Each illuminator of said plurality of illuminators 142 is configured to switch on / off in response to the detection, by the processor, of a corresponding touch of a user.

[0100] The illuminators 142, as well as switching on / off at touch, can also be accessed / switched off in response to receiving an external message received via the signal cable.

[0101] The illuminators are preferably LEDs.

[0102] The control circuit 14 includes a wall 143. Said electric circuit, said processor, said plurality of sensors and said plurality of illuminators are supported on the wall 143. Each sensor is associated with a corresponding numeral and / or image on the keypad.

[0103] For this reason, the processor has a memory in which, for each signal received from a sensor 141 of said plurality, is associated a number or a function to be activated. This association is configurable, in the sense that, by means of a configurator, it is possible to vary the number or the function associated with each sensor 141 .

[0104] The control circuit 14 comprises a straight lamina 144. The straight lamina 144 is a proximity element which makes it possible to detect the approach of a user to the keypad 1 , to start, in response to the approach of a user, corresponding functions in the workspace.

[0105] More specifically, the straight lamina 144 is housed inside the linear groove 134.

[0106] The control circuit 14 comprises a spring 145, which is interposed between the plurality of tracks (that is, the electric circuit) and the straight lamina 144. In this way, when the keypad 1 is closed in a pack, the spring 145 guarantees the contact between the straight lamina 144 and the tracks, in such a way that any impacts and movements can be recovered by the extension of the spring 145.

[0107] According to an alternative embodiment, the control circuit comprises an additional straight lamina. The additional straight lamina contributes to defining the proximity element to detect the approach of a user to the keypad 1 .

[0108] More specifically, the additional straight lamina is housed inside an additional linear groove, formed on the sheet holder plate 13.

[0109] Preferably, the additional linear groove is positioned on the opposite side of the hole of the sheet holder plate 13 with respect to that in which the linear groove 134 is positioned.

[0110] The control circuit comprises an additional spring, which is interposed between the plurality of tracks (that is, the electric circuit) and the additional straight lamina. In this way, when the keypad 1 is closed in a pack, the additional spring guarantees the contact between the additional straight lamina and the tracks, in such a way that any impacts and movements can be recovered by the extension of the additional spring.

[0111] It should be noted that, preferably, the straight lamina 144 and the additional straight lamina are connected to the same branch of the electric circuit, thus, both define the proximity element or the further key. However, their cooperation ensures greater sensitivity to the tasks performed.

[0112] According to other embodiments, it is not excluded that each of said straight lamina 144 and additional straight lamina are connected to a respective branch, to define, each, a corresponding key.

[0113] The keypad 1 comprises a supporting base 15.

[0114] The supporting base 15 comprises a supporting seat 151 , on which is positioned the control circuit 14.

[0115] The supporting base 15 comprises a plurality of connecting teeth 152. The supporting base comprises, for each connecting tooth 152, a corresponding flap 152’, on which is positioned the corresponding connecting tooth 152.

[0116] The supporting base 15 comprises, for each connecting tooth, a deformation slot 152”. The flap 152’ is interposed between the respective connecting tooth and the respective deformation slot 152”.

[0117] The flap 152’ is configured to deform in response to the thrust which is transferred from the connecting tooth 152 when the keypad 1 is mounted (due to the effect of a contact of the connecting tooth 152 with the side wall 132 of the sheet holder plate 13).

[0118] Each connecting tooth 152 is made like a wedge having a profile decreasing towards the contact sheet 11 . This allows the contact between the connecting tooth 152 and the side wall 132 of the sheet holder plate 13 to be transformed into a thrust along a direction perpendicular to the normal direction, which determines a corresponding deformation of the flap 152’ and a consequent withdrawal of the connecting tooth 152. Said withdrawal allows the contact on the side wall 132 to be overcome, in such a way that the connecting tooth 152 can be inserted in the connecting slot 135, allowing a constraint between the supporting base 15 and the sheet holder plate 13.

[0119] This type of connection makes it possible to reduce the thickness of the keypad because the supporting base 15 is inserted in the sheet holder plate 13.

[0120] The supporting base 15 comprises a plurality of slots 153. The slots of said plurality of slots 153 pass through the supporting base 15.

[0121] The plurality of slots 153 comprises a first group of slots 153A, having a linear shape, preferably two slots, positioned on opposite sides of the supporting seat 151 .

[0122] The plurality of slots 153 comprises a second group of slots 153B, having a curved shape (for example, an arc of a circle), preferably two or four slots, positioned around the supporting seat 151.

[0123] The keypad 1 comprises a flat spacer 16. The flat spacer 16 is interposed between the contact sheet 11 and the control circuit 14. More specifically, according to a preferred embodiment, the flat extension of the flat spacer 16 is substantially equal to the flat extension of the wall 143 of the control circuit 14, to match exactly the latter.

[0124] The flat spacer comprises an inside surface 161 , facing towards the control circuit 14, and an outside surface 162, opposite the inside surface 161 and facing towards the contact sheet 11 .

[0125] The flat spacer 16 comprises a plurality of receiving slots, each configured to house a corresponding illuminator 142 and, therefore, for this purpose, aligned along the normal direction N with the corresponding illuminator 142. Each receiving slot has a depth less than the thickness, along the normal direction, of the flat spacer 16. In other words, the receiving slot is not a through slot.

[0126] Preferably, the flat spacer 16 comprises a through slot 163. The control circuit 14 comprises a manually activated pushbutton 146, positioned on the wall 143 of the control circuit 14. The through slot 163 is aligned, along the normal direction N, with the pushbutton manually activated 146.

[0127] The keypad 1 is configured to allow or inhibit access of a person in the workspace. In this regard, on the basis of the zone in which the user touches the contact sheet 11 , the processor receives a touch signal, associated with a specific sensor which, in turn, is associated with a number and / or an icon.

[0128] If the touch is performed on an icon, for example the request for cleaning the room or the sound of the bell, the processor is configured to send an alert for cleaning rooms or an activation signal for an audio actuator, which sounds a bell in the room.

[0129] If the touch is performed on the numbers, the processor derives the sequence of numbers which are selected, which may be a sequence of 4 or 6 numbers.

[0130] The processor controls the presence of the combination of numbers (that is, the access code) between one or more control codes which are stored a local memory.

[0131] If the processor verifies the correspondence between the access code and the control codes, it sends a signal to an electric actuator associated with the gate, which opens the gate allowing access in the workspace.

[0132] According to an embodiment, the processor, in response to the correspondence verification with a positive result, sends one or more activation signals, intended for one or more actuators positioned in the workspace, in such a way as to make the workspace usable by the user.

[0133] For example, but without limiting the scope of the invention, said activation signals may be sent to lights, loudspeakers, air conditioning units, heating systems, water pumps for supplying water, actuators for lifting shutters and blinds, actuators for opening or closing curtains or refrigerators positioned in the workspace. This is only an example list of the potential actuators which are activated in response to the check of correspondence between access codes and control codes. When it is necessary to enable the access of a new (or an additional) user to the workspace, an enabling user can send, by means of a remote connection (by means of a remote server) a new control code, uniquely associated with the new (or additional) user. The processor receives said new control code and adds it to the control codes stored in the local memory. At this point, the remote connection is no longer necessary and the keypad 1 is independent in its operation, regardless of the remote connection. This increases the safety, because it prevents bridges in the remote connection where access codes can be stolen. Moreover, it guarantees the operation even in the event of a lack of remote connection. According to an embodiment, the processor, before sending the activation signals, as well as verifying the correspondence of the access code, performs the following checks (which must both occur):

[0134] (a) verification of the fact that the gate was opened and then closed: this verification occurs by means of a specific sensor connected to the keypad 1 which makes it possible to detect the opening and closing of the gate;

[0135] (b) by means of a presence sensor, verification that there is at least one user inside the workspace.

[0136] According to an embodiment, the keypad 1 may also be operated remotely, by means of a remote connection and by means of a remote terminal, which may be a computer, a smartphone or a tablet. The processor receives control signals by means of the remote connection which may be, for example, entering the access code remotely, switching on the LEDs of the keypad 1 , switching on the backlighting of the keypad, selecting the bell, selecting the cleaning request, blocking the opening of the gate or other functions.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A numeric keypad (1 ) for allowing or denying a user access to a workspace through an electrically openable gate, comprising:- a contact sheet (11 ), made of glass and including: an interface surface (111 ), on which are depicted a plurality of icons (IC), each representing a numeral and / or an image; an engagement surface (112), opposite the interface surface (111 );- a supporting assembly (13, 15), associated with the engagement surface (112) of the sheet (11) and configured to be connected to a box which is locked to a support structure;- a control circuit (14), supported by the supporting assembly (13, 15) and connectable to an electrical and / or signal power supply present on the box, the control circuit (14) including: an electric circuit; a processor, connected to the electric circuit; a plurality of sensors (141 ), connected to the electric circuit and configured to send to the processor corresponding touch signals, representing a user's touching a zone on the sheet (11 ) aligned with the corresponding sensor (141 ) along a normal direction (N) perpendicular to the sheet (11 ); a plurality of illuminators (142), connected to the electric circuit and switched on and / or off by command of the processor, a wall (143) on which the electric circuit, the processor, the plurality of sensors (141 ) and the plurality of illuminators (142) are mounted; wherein each sensor (141 ) is associated with a corresponding icon (IC) on the keypad (1 ) and wherein the processor is programmed for:- deriving an access code responsive to the user's touching a sequence of icons on the keypad (1 );- accessing a memory;- verifying the presence of the access code among one or more control codes stored in the memory;- sending an access signal to the signal cable in the box, to command the gate to open if the access code matches at least one of the one or more control codes.

2. The keypad (1 ) according to claim 1 , comprising a flat spacer (16), interposed between the control circuit (14) and the contact sheet (11 ) along the normal direction (N), and comprising an inside surface (161 ), facing the control circuit (14), and an outside surface (162), opposite the inside surface (161 ) and facing the contact sheet (11).

3. The keypad (1 ) according to claim 2, comprising a proximity element (144), outside the wall (143) of the control circuit (14) and electrically connected to the electric circuit, wherein the control circuit (14) is configured to detect a variation in the capacitance between the proximity element (144) and the user, representing a distance of the user from the keypad (1 ).

4. The keypad (1 ) according to claim 3, wherein the control circuit (14) is configured, based on the capacitance variation detected, to recognize a touch in a zone of the contact sheet (11) aligned with the proximity element (144) along the normal direction (N), to define a further key on the keypad (1 ).

5. The keypad (1 ) according to claim 4, wherein the proximity element is a straight lamina (144) jutting from the wall (143) of the electric circuit (14) in a direction perpendicular to the normal direction (N).

6. The keypad (1 ) according to claim 5, wherein the control circuit (14) comprises an elastic element (145), connected to the electric circuit (14) to receive an electrical current and configured to apply a contact force along the normal direction (N) on the straight lamina (144), so as to transfer electrical current to it, and wherein the flat spacer (16) comprises a perimeter indentation for receiving the elastic element (145) and / or at least part of the straight lamina (144).

7. The keypad (1 ) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the wall (143) comprises a first surface, facing the contact sheet (11 ), and asecond surface, opposite the first surface, and wherein the plurality of illuminators (142) are positioned on the first surface (143) and face towards the contact sheet (11 ), and wherein the flat spacer (16) comprises a plurality of receiving slots, each accommodating a corresponding illuminator (142) and less deep than the flat spacer (16) is thick along the normal direction (N).

8. The keypad (1 ) according to claim 7, wherein the flat spacer (16) comprises a through cavity (163) and wherein the control circuit (14) comprises a manual activation button (146), located on the first surface of the wall (143) of the control circuit (14), and wherein the through cavity (163) is aligned with the manual activation button (146) along the normal direction (N).

9. The keypad (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising:- a supporting base (15), configured to be connected to a box, which is in turn locked to an external support structure, and comprising a control hollow (151 ), configured to accommodate the control circuit (14);- a sheet holder plate (13), including an access hole (133), aligned with the control hollow (151 ) along the normal direction (N) and configured to be glued to the contact sheet (11 ), wherein the sheet holder plate (13) is connected removably to the supporting base (15).

10. The keypad (1 ) according to claim 9, wherein the control circuit (14) comprises a straight lamina (144), located outside the wall (143) and configured to detect the proximity of a user to the keypad (1 ) and wherein the sheet holder plate (13) comprises a straight groove (134), formed on a surface of it facing towards the contact sheet (11 ) and configured to accommodate the straight lamina (144).

11. The keypad (1 ) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the sheet holder plate (13) comprises a plurality of connecting slots (135), located along a perimeter edge of the sheet holder plate (13), and wherein the supportingbase (15) comprises a plurality of connecting teeth (152), each configured to be coupled to a corresponding connecting slot (135) and including a respective outer flap (152'), configured to be deformed in response to the thrust applied by the corresponding connecting tooth on the sheet holder plate (13) along the normal direction (N).

12. The keypad (1 ) according to claim 9, 10 or 11 , wherein the supporting base comprises a plurality of sockets (153), configured to receive corresponding connecting elements for connection to the box, and wherein the plurality of sockets (153) comprises:- a first group of sockets (153A), extending straightly and configured to receive corresponding connecting elements of a rectangular box;- a second group of sockets (153B), extending curvedly and configured to receive corresponding connecting elements of a circular or square box.

13. The keypad (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a local memory and wherein the processor is programmed for:- receiving a new control code via a remote connection;- saving the new control code to the local memory, in the context of the one or more control codes;- verifying the presence of the access code among one or more control codes stored in the local memory.

14. A unit for activating workspace, comprising:- a keypad (1) according to any one of the preceding claims;- a presence sensor, configured to detect the presence of a user inside the workspace;- a gate sensor, configured to detect opening and / or closing of the gate giving access to the workspace, wherein the keypad processor is configured to send an inhibit signal generated for the purpose of denying access to the workspace to one or more users, responsive to the following conditions:- detection of gate opening, followed by detection of gate closing; and- absence of a user in the workspace, detected by the presence sensor,for a preset time interval.

15. A method for controlling user access to a workspace through an electrically openable gate, the method comprising the following steps:- providing a numeric keypad (1 ) comprising: a contact sheet (11 ), made of glass and including: an interface surface (111 ), on which are depicted a plurality of icons (IC), each representing a numeral and / or an image; an engagement surface (112), opposite the interface surface (111 ); a supporting assembly (13, 15), associated with the engagement surface (112) of the contact sheet (11 ) and configured to be connected to a box which is locked to a support structure; a control circuit (14), supported by the supporting assembly and connectable to an electrical and / or signal power supply present on the box, the control circuit including: an electric circuit; a processor, connected to the electric circuit; a plurality of sensors (141 ), associated with a corresponding icon on the keypad, connected to the electric circuit and configured to send to the processor corresponding touch signals, representing a user's touching a zone on the contact sheet (11 ) aligned with the corresponding sensor along a normal direction (N) perpendicular to the sheet; a plurality of illuminators (142), connected to the electric circuit and configured to be switched on and / or off in response to the processor detecting a corresponding user's touch, a wall (143) on which the electric circuit, the processor, the plurality of sensors (141 ) and the plurality of illuminators (142) are mounted;- deriving the access code responsive to the user's touching a sequence oficons on the keypad;- accessing a memory;- verifying the presence of the access code among one or more control codes stored in the memory;- sending an access signal to the signal cable in the box, to command the gate to open if the access code matches at least one of the one or more control codes.

16. The method according to claim 15, comprising the following steps:- receiving a new control code via a remote connection;- saving the new control code to the local memory, in the context of the one or more control codes;- verifying the presence of the access code among one or more control codes stored in the local memory.

17. The method according to claim 15 or claim 16, comprising the following steps:- via a presence sensor, detecting the presence of a user inside the workspace;- via a gate sensor, detecting the opening and / or closing of the gate giving access to the workspace,- sending an inhibit signal generated for the purpose of denying access to the workspace to one or more users, responsive to the following conditions:- detection of gate opening, followed by detection of gate closing; and- absence of a user in the workspace, detected by the presence sensor, for a preset time interval.

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