door, gate or portal with secure hatch to facilitate the receipt of parcels.

FR3152528A1Pending Publication Date: 2025-03-07MAGGIORE JEAN CHARLES
View PDF 4 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
FR2023008983
Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-08-28
Publication Date
2025-03-07

Smart Images

  • Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
    Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

Door (1) comprising at least one opening (1B) with a hatch (5), the opening comprising an actuation system (7) of the hatch configured to achieve its retraction between an open position and a closed position, and an opening (1B.5a) positioned in a lower part (1B.5) of the opening and forming two lateral edges (1B.5b) in the opening, the hatch being a sliding hatch configured to retract into the thickness of the opening between said positions, the two lateral edges (1B.5b) of the opening being formed in the thickness of the opening, and comprising at least one locking device (13) for the hatch with a first portion (13A) positioned on or in the hatch, and a second portion (13B) positioned in one of the lateral edges of the opening opposite the first portion (13A), said portions being complementary so as to be able to partially interlock when the hatch (5) is in the closed position. Figure to be published for the abstract: Figure 2.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Title of the invention: door, gate or portal with secure hatch to facilitate the receipt of parcels. Technical field.

[0001] The present invention relates to a door comprising a movable leaf with a hatch configured to allow the receipt of packages, particularly when the customer is not present in the room adjacent to the door. The invention also relates to a set of ready-to-assemble components configured for manufacturing or modifying the door according to the invention. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing or modifying the door according to the invention, and to a method for actuating the hatch to receive packages.

[0002] The invention relates to the technical field of doors, in particular entrance doors comprising hatches. The invention also relates to the technical field of parcel delivery. State of the art.

[0003] Currently, an increasingly large proportion of business sales are conducted online, thus requiring the shipment of packages to a retailer or directly to customers' homes. When home delivery is chosen, the size of the received package does not always allow it to fit in mailboxes. Furthermore, someone may not always be available to receive the package, making the use of alternative services necessary.

[0004] Doors with access hatches for animal passage are known. These hatches are generally in the form of a flap designed to open with a simple push when an animal passes through. Locking systems, such as latches, can be positioned on the flap to prevent it from opening. Indeed, the absence of a latch can present a safety risk.

[0005] There are also doors incorporating hatches for package delivery. These doors are described in particular in US patent 11,346,150 A1, in which the hatch retracts vertically along the back of the door by means of a rack and pinion mechanism, between an open and a closed position. The hatch can be retracted remotely, for example by the customer, or automatically by the door upon receipt of a scheduled package. However, the hatch can easily be broken into. Furthermore, the rack and pinion mechanism that allows the hatch to retract is bulky and its operation complex.

[0006] The invention aims to overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the aforementioned prior art. More particularly, the invention aims to improve securing a hatch mounted in a door and used for delivering packages in the absence of the customer.

[0007] The invention also aims at the production of assemblies comprising all the elements necessary to manufacture or transform a door according to the invention, which is easy to implement.

[0008] The invention also aims to enable the manufacture or transformation of a door according to the invention in a simple and secure manner.

[0009] Finally, the invention aims to enable the delivery of parcels in the absence of customers, in a secure manner so that the customer retains total control over the opening or closing of the hatch. Presentation of the invention.

[0010] The solution proposed by the invention is a door comprising at least one movable leaf with a hatch configured to allow the receipt of packages when said door is closed, the leaf comprising a hatch actuation system configured to retract the hatch between an open position and a closed position, said retraction being carried out in a vertical direction of movement, and an opening positioned in a lower part of the leaf and forming two lateral edges in the leaf, the opening being obstructed by the hatch when said hatch is in the closed position, the hatch being a sliding pocket door configured to retract into the thickness of the leaf between the open and closed positions, the two lateral edges of the opening being formed within the thickness of the leaf, the leaf further comprising,at least one hatch locking device positioned transversely to the vertical direction of movement, comprising a first portion positioned on or in the hatch, and a second portion positioned in one of the lateral edges of the opening opposite the first portion, said portions being complementary so as to be able to partially interlock when the hatch is in the closed position.

[0011] This door can alternatively be a wicket gate, a gate, or more generally, an opening used to close an opening between an exterior environment and an interior environment (or dwelling). The vertical direction of movement is the direction in which the hatch retracts into the thickness of the door leaf. Advantageously, two locking devices are positioned on each side of the hatch. Preferably, these devices are fixed at least partially to the hatch so as to prevent it from retracting from its closed position to its open position. The locking devices can be triggered simultaneously with the activation of the actuation system.

[0012] The positioning of the opening and the hatch in the lower part of the opening The door's design facilitates package delivery by placing the package directly on the floor and inside the adjacent room. In the open position, the hatch is positioned above the opening. In the closed position, the hatch completely covers the opening. Ideally, the hatch can be configured to offer multiple opening positions to accommodate different package sizes. For example, receiving a large package might require the hatch to be fully opened, while receiving a smaller package might only require a partial opening. The hatch's opening angle can be automatically determined based on the pre-registered package's characteristics or manually selected by the customer upon delivery.

[0013] Advantageously, the side edges at the opening have a sufficient cumulative length to ensure that the door leaf retains its integrity and strength, despite the presence of the opening in its lower part. The side edges also help to hold the hatch in position, particularly when it is retracted between its open and closed positions. Advantageously, the cumulative length of the two side edges is preferably less than 20% of the total length of the door leaf, in order to allow for greater maneuverability when receiving packages. Most preferably, the cumulative length of the side edges is less than 10%.

[0014] Thus, this invention more generally improves ecology and the economy, since it will no longer be necessary to travel to relay points, therefore individuals will produce less greenhouse gas.

[0015] Other advantageous features of the door that is the subject of the invention are listed below. Each of these features may be considered alone or in combination with the notable features defined above. Each of these features contributes, where appropriate, to solving specific technical problems defined further in the description and in which the notable features defined above do not necessarily participate. The latter may, where appropriate, be the subject of one or more divisional patent applications.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, one of the first or second portion of the locking device comprises a fixed element and a movable element, the fixed element being mounted to the hatch or the side edge, and the movable element being configured to insert into the complementary portion of the locking device when the hatch is in the closed position.

[0017] The moving element of the locking device is advantageously actuated when the hatch is closed and inserts itself into the complementary portion of said device. When the hatch is opened, a signal received by this device will allow the hatch to be unlocked by actuating the moving element, so as to separate the two additional sections of the device. Such a device is easy to implement and install, even on doors that are already installed.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first portion of the blocking device comprises the fixed and mobile elements and the second portion of said device is complementary to the mobile element of the first portion.

[0019] This positioning is preferred because the portion comprising the fixed element and the moving element is larger than the complementary portion, an installation in this way will therefore allow the maximum possible amplitude for the opening of the hatch.

[0020] Advantageously, the first portion of the locking device is a cylinder, the fixed element being a cylindrical tube and the moving element a piston configured to extend from and retract within the cylindrical tube. This tube is fixed transversely to the vertical direction of movement, either on or within the hatch. Cylinders are devices known to those skilled in the art, easy to implement, install, and use.

[0021] Advantageously, the second portion of the locking device forms a receptacle configured to receive, when the hatch is closed, the piston of the first portion of said device.

[0022] Alternatively, the second portion may comprise the fixed element and the moving element, the first portion then being configured to receive the moving element of the second portion. The locking device may alternatively be any device known to those skilled in the art that can perform the same function of locking the hatch in the closed position. For example, a latch may be used instead of a cylinder. Preferably, the cylinder is an electric cylinder, as its use is easy to implement and inexpensive. Furthermore, the cylinder can be easily operated remotely. Other types of cylinders, such as hydraulic cylinders, may be considered. A cylinder also provides good resistance against forces exerted to lift the hatch.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the movable opening is formed, when said opening is in the mounting position, by two external and internal walls attached together by uprights, the hatch being mounted in the opening and configured to retract along the vertical movement direction between the opening and closing positions of said hatch and in the middle of said walls.

[0024] Retracting the hatch between the walls of the opening makes it more difficult to remove the hatch (for example, when using a battering ram), as the inner wall retains the hatch within the opening. This therefore improves the security of both the hatch and the opening. All the elements enabling the hatch to function will not be visible from the outside or the inside of the door, making unauthorized access to said elements more difficult, and reducing the risk of break-ins.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower part of the opening comprises a lower end positioned under the opening obstructed by the hatch, said end receiving, at least partially, a lower section of the hatch so as to limit the introduction of objects between said section and the lower end of the opening when the hatch is in the closed position.

[0026] Inserting the lower section of the hatch into the lower end of the door leaf limits the insertion of objects between the hatch and the door leaf, thus reducing the risk of the hatch being unintentionally lifted when it is in the closed position. This improves the hatch's security and reduces the risk of break-ins.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower end of the opening and the lower section of the hatch comprise a hatch closing system formed by at least two modules positioned, respectively, on the hatch and on the opening, said modules being complementary to each other so as to be able to lock the hatch in the closed position.

[0028] The addition of the locking system improves the security of the hatch. Preferably, this locking system is an electromagnet or an electromagnetic lock. The operating power of this type of locking system effectively limits the risk of break-ins.

[0029] Advantageously, the lower part of the opening further comprises at least one device for detecting the presence of an obstacle in the opening of the opening, said device preventing the closure of the hatch when an obstacle is positioned in said opening.

[0030] Advantageously, the detection device is a safety edge. The detection device is a safety device that limits the risk of injury to people who are in the doorway or moving an object through the opening and the door closes suddenly. This device also limits damage to an object being inserted through the opening by preventing the door from closing prematurely. Alternatively, the detection device may be any device known to those skilled in the art that performs the same function, such as, for example, motion detectors or cameras.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the opening further comprises an upper part positioned above the opening and comprising the hatch actuation system, said system being attached to an upper section of the hatch and to an upper end of the opening.

[0032] Positioning the actuation system above the hatch allows said system to exert an additional force on the hatch when it is in the closed position. This force acting on the hatch prevents it from opening, and more specifically makes it more difficult to lift by inserting objects between the hatch and the lower end of the opening.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hatch actuation system is a cylinder comprising at least one cylindrical tube and a piston configured to extend from and retract in said tube along a main longitudinal direction of the cylinder, said direction being parallel to the vertical direction of movement of the hatch so that the cylinder causes the hatch to retract in its vertical direction of movement.

[0034] The actuator is advantageously an electric actuator, but can also be, for example, a hydraulic actuator. The force exerted by the actuators is significant, reinforcing the security of the hatch in the closed position. A force applied by the actuator to the hatch of at least 750 N is preferred. The use of an actuator is also well known to those skilled in the art, and is easy to implement and install.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper end of the opening further comprises a horizontal reinforcement profile attached on the sides to the lateral uprights of the opening, said profile supporting the hatch actuation system so that said system is positioned in the direction of the vertical movement of the hatch.

[0036] The horizontal reinforcement profile makes it possible to reinforce the structure of the opening, in particular in its upper part, and also to support the actuation system, and in particular to support the force required to retract the hatch.

[0037] Advantageously, the horizontal reinforcement profile is a hollow profile receiving part of an electrical system configured to operate the hatch.

[0038] The hollow profile allows for the placement of electrical cables or other wiring necessary for the door's operation within the profile. This limits the number of cables visible in the door and also reduces the risk of damage (intentional or unintentional) to said cables. The hollow profile also limits the increase in the door leaf's mass compared to a door without the access panel.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the door further comprises a control system with at least one recognition device comprising a scanner integrated into the external wall of the door leaf and configured to detect a package and / or a delivery person.

[0040] The control system allows the retraction of the hatch to be supervised; it allows The system also verifies the presence of packages and / or the delivery person. It also allows for control of the hatch's opening and closing. The recognition device can directly scan the package via its barcode, for example, or present a QR code® to the delivery person, who can then scan it with their phone. Optionally, the control system can also monitor the door's operation (including remote opening and / or closing).

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control system further comprises a monitoring system including at least one camera and configured to initialize when the recognition device is activated.

[0042] The monitoring system allows the customer to verify the presence of the delivery person and the package at the door. It also allows verification that only the package is brought into the residence when the customer is absent and secures the door. The monitoring system can also be activated, additionally or alternatively, if movement is detected at the door. This would allow the system to detect the presence of someone other than a delivery person, or possibly an animal, if the hatch is also used for this purpose.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control system further comprises a control unit which actuates the actuation systems, the trapdoor locking devices and at least the recognition device, the control unit being associated with a transmission device configured to receive and transmit signals from and to the control unit.

[0044] The control unit enables the activation of the various systems and devices contained within the door, used in particular to control the retraction of the hatch and to control the operation of the monitoring system and the recognition device. The transmission device allows the control unit to receive and / or transmit signals, sent in particular by the customer's and / or delivery person's telephone, by the server, or by a device associated with the door.

[0045] The invention also relates to a set of ready-to-assemble elements configured to manufacture or transform a door according to the invention, the set comprising the hatch configured to be positioned in the opening of the door leaf, the hatch actuation system configured to be installed in the upper part of said leaf so as to cause the hatch to retract between the closed position and the open position, and at least one device for locking the hatch in the closed position and comprising the first and second portions configured to be mounted respectively on or in the hatch and in one of the lateral edges of the door leaf so that said portions are opposite each other so as to be able to fit together when the hatch is in the closed position.

[0046] The ready-to-assemble kit can be used by companies, particularly in the manufacture of new doors incorporating the aforementioned door features. This kit can also be used and subsequently sold to convert an existing door, such as an entrance door or a hotel door, to accommodate a hatch according to the invention. Various construction materials can be used for manufacturing the door, such as wood, plastic, or metallic materials for reinforcement, for example. Depending on the complexity of installation, these kits may be sold only to professionals and / or to individuals. A kit may optionally include tools for installing the hatch in the door.This kit has the advantage of being usable during the manufacture of the door or later, to modify an existing door, or even one already installed. As this kit includes all the necessary elements for installing the hatch, it is easy to use and install.

[0047] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing or transforming a door according to the invention comprising the following steps: making the opening in the lower part of the door leaf, mounting the hatch actuation system in said leaf, mounting at least one locking device in the lower part of the leaf, and then mounting the hatch in said opening.

[0048] This method can be carried out during the manufacture of the door. Alternatively, this method can be combined with the set of ready-to-assemble components to transform a door already designed and / or installed into a door including a secure hatch. The objective of this method is therefore to obtain a door according to the invention, including a secure hatch. This method of manufacturing and transforming the door is also easy to implement.

[0049] Advantageously, after the opening in the door leaf has been made, the method may include an additional step of mounting the horizontal reinforcing profile in the upper end of said leaf. When this additional step is carried out, the actuation system is then mounted to said profile.

[0050] The invention also relates to a method of actuation of the door hatch according to the invention for receiving a package, the method comprising the following steps.

[0051] Step 1: scanning of the package by the recognition device, and / or scanning of the QR code® displayed by said device by the delivery person's phone.

[0052] Step 2: Sending the client identifier to the server.

[0053] Step 3: The server sends an SMS to the client's phone, and the client verifies the presence of the delivery person and / or the package.

[0054] Step 4: Confirmation by the client to the server that the package is OK.

[0055] Step 5: unlocking and retracting the hatch into the open position for receiving the package.

[0056] This method is particularly well-suited for use with a door according to the invention. For example, a barcode reader can be used to identify the delivered package, both by the control system and by the customer. Thus, the customer and / or the system can determine if the package is indeed the expected package, limiting the risk of intrusion into the residence.

[0057] Sending the customer ID in step 2 can be done via the recognition device or the delivery person's phone, depending on the type of device used. The server then contacts the customer to inform them of the delivery. If the customer wishes, they can request the unlocking of the delivery hatch and authorize its operation. This method, used in combination with the door according to the invention, allows for the secure delivery of packages to the residence, for example, when the customer is not present. It also minimizes the risk of intrusion into the residence during delivery. Advantageously, the delivery person's and / or the customer's phone is a smartphone, and the door according to the invention can be activated by an application on said smartphone.

[0058] Advantageously, when the recognition device includes a QR code® reader, step 1 includes the following substeps: reading the QR code® by the delivery person's phone, displaying the web page by the delivery person's phone, and activating the web page by the delivery person.

[0059] The use of a QR code® reader is easy to implement and use. Such readers are also easy to install and inexpensive. They can be easily integrated into the door and connected to the control system.

[0060] Advantageously, step 5 of unlocking and retracting the hatch is induced by the control unit of the control system.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, step 5 comprises the following substeps: demagnetizing the hatch closing system, retracting the piston in the cylindrical tube of the first portion of the locking device so as to separate the first and second portions of said device, and actuation of the actuation system so as to allow the hatch to be retracted towards the upper part of the opening, said hatch then being in the open position.

[0062] Demagnetizing the hatch locking system allows the hatch to be unlocked and retracted. Retracting each piston within the corresponding cylindrical tube of the locking device(s) separates the first and second portions of said device(s). This separation unlocks the hatch. Finally, actuating the actuation system causes the hatch to retract from its closed position to its open position. The devices of These locking mechanisms are additional security systems that will make it more difficult to attempt to break into the dwelling through the hatch.

[0063] Advantageously, the process may include, in step 3, an additional sub-step of activating the monitoring system so that the customer can check the presence of the delivery person and / or the package.

[0064] This step makes it possible to secure the door by limiting access to the dwelling and allowing visual verification by the customer when the control system includes cameras.

[0065] Preferably, the method includes a final step of closing the hatch after receipt of the package, said step comprising the following substeps.

[0066] First of all, there is an actuation of the actuation system in such a way as to allow the retraction of the hatch into the opening of the opening.

[0067] Then there is a magnetization of the hatch closing system.

[0068] Finally, there is an elongation of the piston from the cylindrical tube towards the second portion of the locking device so that the two portions of said device fit together.

[0069] This additional step describes the closing of the hatch after the package has been delivered. Actuating the actuation system allows the hatch to descend in the vertical direction of movement, from the open position, in which the hatch is positioned in the upper part of the door, to its closed position, in which the hatch is positioned so as to block the opening in the lower part of the door leaf.

[0070] Next, activating and magnetizing the hatch's closing system will ensure that the hatch is correctly positioned within the opening. The magnetization also locks the hatch at the bottom of the door, preventing it from being opened unintentionally by the customer.

[0071] Finally, the extension of the piston in the first portion of the locking device within the second portion of said device allows the hatch to be locked again in the closed position. This device, or these devices, prevent the hatch from being raised if the device is not deactivated by the customer. Thus, this device, or these devices, exert additional resistance on the opening of the hatch, thereby improving its safety. Brief description of the figures.

[0072] Other advantages and features of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the description of a preferred embodiment which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples and in which: - [Fig. 1] is a perspective diagram representing a door with a trapdoor according to the invention. - [Fig.2] is a diagram of a door opening according to the invention comprising the trapdoor. - [Fig.3] shows part of the hatch actuation process, for a delivery. - [Fig. 4] shows the steps in the process of opening and closing the hatch according to the invention. Description of the implementation methods.

[0073] As used here, and unless otherwise indicated, the use of the ordinal adjectives "first," "second," etc., to describe an object simply indicates that different occurrences of similar objects are mentioned and does not imply that the objects thus described must be in any given sequence, whether in time, space, ranking, etc. "X and / or Y" means: X alone or Y alone or X+Y. Generally speaking, it will be appreciated that in the various accompanying drawings, the objects are drawn arbitrarily to facilitate their reading.

[0074] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an open door according to the invention, and Figure 2 shows a leaf of said door. Figures 1 and 2 will be described together.

[0075] A door 1 according to the invention is generally designed to be inserted into a vertical plane such as a wall, and thus serve as a partition between the outside environment and a dwelling. The term "dwelling" will be used in the text of this application but may refer, indiscriminately, to a room, an apartment, a house, or a hotel room, for example. The door 1 comprises a movable leaf IB mounted on a frame IA by means of hinges IC. For safety reasons, at least three, preferably four hinges IC are used to mount the movable leaf IB to the frame IA. Alternatively, other designs allowing the leaf to move in or against the adjacent vertical plane are possible but not shown in these figures, such as, for example, mounting the leaf on rails.

[0076] The movable sash IB advantageously has a hollow structure. It consists of at least two walls, an outer wall 1B.1 and an inner wall 1B.2, joined together by uprights 1B.3. The designation of outer wall 1B.1 and inner wall 1B.2 is defined according to the mounting of the sash IB on the frame IA. Indeed, in the mounting position, the outer wall 1B.1 of the sash IB is oriented towards the exterior environment, and the inner wall 1B.2 is oriented towards the interior of the dwelling. This movable sash IB further includes a locking device 1D for locking the sash to the frame IA of the door 1. This locking device 1D includes a lock, more preferably at least a 3-point lock associated with a handle, said handle being any known handle. of a person skilled in the art. The lock could be, for example, a lock activated by a key or card, an electromagnetic lock, or a lock unlocked using an app, for example. Other types of locking systems known to a person skilled in the art may also be used instead of the aforementioned lock but will not be shown in these figures.

[0077] The door 1 therefore extends vertically and is preferably made of materials known to those skilled in the art, such as metallic materials (like steel, ideal for armor plating) and / or organic materials, such as wood. Alternatively or in addition, other materials may be considered for manufacturing the door, such as mineral materials like glass or composite materials like plywood. The door may also comprise several of these materials, depending on the needs or the customer's wishes, for example. Furthermore, certain areas of the door 1 may have a solid structure that can serve to reinforce it. In particular, the edges of the door leaf 1B of the door 1 located near the jambs 1B.3 may be thicker.

[0078] More specifically, the movable door leaf IB of the door 1 comprises an upper portion 1B.4 with an upper end lB.4a configured to contact the frame IA located above the door leaf IB. The upper end lB.4a of the door leaf IB may optionally include a horizontal reinforcing profile 3 that extends between the jambs 1B.3 of the door leaf and is laterally attached to said jambs. Thus, the profile 3 is oriented transversely to the height of the door 1. This profile 3 is preferably hollow so as to limit the excessive mass of the door leaf IB.

[0079] The movable door leaf IB of the door 1 further comprises a lower portion 1B.5 underlying the upper portion 1B.4, and having an opening 1B.5a over a fraction of the lower portion and within the thickness of the door leaf. This opening 1B.5a allows the formation of two lateral edges 1B.5b within the thickness of the door leaf IB, and more specifically, in the lower portion 1B.5 of the door leaf. Advantageously, the cumulative length of the lateral edges 1B.5b is less than 20% of the total length of the door leaf. More preferably, this length is less than 10%. Advantageously, the opening 1B.5a extends over at least 20%, more preferably at least 35%, of the total height of the door leaf IB, so as to be able to receive large packages. Similarly, the opening lB.5a also allows the formation of a lower end lB.5c in the lower part 1B.5 of the opening IB.The function of this lower end lB.5c will be described later.

[0080] Opening 1 B.5a is configured to be closed, temporarily, by a hatch 5. A sliding pocket door is used to secure the opening (IB). This door is designed to retract into the thickness of the opening, facilitating the receipt of packages (Co) and / or allowing the passage of pets (An), for example. The material chosen for door 5 is similar to that of door 1. Door 5 can be hollow or solid depending on the type of door in which it is to be installed and / or the desired level of security. This hatch 5 retracts along a vertical direction of movement (Dv) substantially parallel to the height of the door 1, it therefore retracts vertically into the thickness of the opening IB, and more particularly between the external wall 1B.1 and internal wall 1B.2 of said opening between a closed position, where the hatch 5 completely blocks access to the opening IB.5a, and an open position, in which the hatch 5 is positioned in the upper part 1B.4 of the opening and freeing access to the housing.Additionally, hatch 5 can have several opening positions depending on the desired degree of opening, a degree that can be determined by the customer or according to the size of the package to be received, for example.

[0081] More specifically, the retraction of the hatch 5 between the closed and open positions and vice versa is achieved by means of an actuation system 7 along the vertical direction of movement (Dv) of said hatch. This actuation system 7 is advantageously positioned in the upper part 1B.4 of the opening IB and is fixed both to the upper end lB.4a of said opening and to an upper section 5A of the hatch 5. Particularly preferred, the actuation system 7 is fixed to the horizontal reinforcing profile 3 positioned in the upper end lB.4a of the opening. The actuation system 7 is therefore positioned in the direction of the vertical movement (Dv) of the hatch 5.

[0082] Particularly advantageously, the actuation system 7 is a cylinder comprising at least one cylindrical tube 7A from which a piston 7B can extend or retract. This cylindrical tube 7A is fixed to the horizontal reinforcing profile 3 and the free end of the piston 7B is fixed to the upper section 5A of the hatch 5. The extension and retraction of the piston 7B is carried out along a principal longitudinal direction (Dp) of the cylinder which is parallel to the vertical direction of movement (Dv) of the hatch 5, so as to effectively allow the hatch 5 to be retracted in said direction.

[0083] The hatch 5 further comprises a lower section 5B which fits into the lower end lB.5c of the opening IB, so as to reduce the possibility of objects being inserted between the lower section 5B of the hatch 5 and the lower end lB.5c of the opening, when said hatch is in the closed position, and thus limit the risk of break-ins. Advantageously, this fit is at least 1 cm, more preferably at least 3 cm. Thus, the lower end lB.5c of The opening IB receives at least partially the lower section 5B of the hatch 5.

[0084] The hatch 5 further has a locking system 9 positioned both in the lower section 5B of the hatch 5 and in the lower end 1B.5c of the opening IB, such that the two modules forming said system are opposite each other. These two modules are therefore complementary to each other so as to be able to lock the hatch 5, and may be, for example, electromagnets or electromagnetic suction cups. Advantageously, the lock forming the locking system 9 is flat and has a closing force of at least 60 kg.

[0085] Advantageously, the lower portion 1B.5 of the opening IB further comprises a device 11 for detecting the presence of an obstacle between the lower section 5B of the hatch 5 and the lower end 1B.5c of the opening. This detection device 11 may, particularly preferably, be a safety edge, but other devices known to those skilled in the art are also conceivable, such as sensors or cameras. The advantage of a safety edge is that this device is simple, easy to use and install, inexpensive, and well known to those skilled in the art. This device is intended to prevent the hatch 5 from closing if there is an obstacle in the opening 1B.5a, which is particularly advantageous if the obstacle is a person who could be injured if the hatch 5 were to close too quickly.

[0086] In order to improve the safety of the hatch 5, at least one locking device 13 for the hatch 5 in the closed position is provided. Preferably, two locking devices are provided on each side of the hatch 5. Each locking device 13 is positioned horizontally with respect to the vertical direction of movement (Dv) of the hatch 5, and comprises a first portion 13A and a second portion 13B.

[0087] The first portion 13A of the locking device 13 is positioned on or in the hatch 5, and preferably comprises a fixed element 13A.1 and a movable element 13A.2. Advantageously, the first portion 13A is a cylinder consisting, on the one hand, of the fixed element 13A.1 forming a cylindrical tube 13A.1, and on the other hand, of the movable element 13A.2 formed by a piston 13A.2. The piston 13A.2 is configured to extend from and retract into the cylindrical tube 13A.1.

[0088] The second portion 13B of the locking device 13 is positioned in the lateral edge 1B.5b of the opening 1B of the door 1 so as to be opposite the first portion 13A, and more particularly, the piston 13A.2 of the first portion 13A. The first and second portions (13A, 13B) are in fact designed to be complementary to each other, so as to be able to fit together at least partially when the hatch 5 is in the closed position. The second portion 13B therefore forms a receptacle configured to receive, when the hatch 5 is closed, the piston 13A.2 of the first portion 13A of the locking device 13.

[0089] Alternatively, the fixed element 13A.1 and the movable element 13A.2 can be mounted in the lateral border 1B.5b and constitute the second portion 13B of the locking device 13, the first portion 13A then forming the receptacle for the piston 13A.2. The other characteristics of the aforementioned devices can also be applied to the cylinders in this case.

[0090] In both cases, the horizontal jacks forming part of the locking devices add two additional locking points to the hatch 5, thereby increasing the security of the door 1 and limiting the risk of break-ins. Preferably, the jacks are made of metallic materials, such as steel or aluminum. Each jack has a thrust of at least 500 N, and more preferably, at least 750 N, thus doubling the force required to lift the hatch 5 if the horizontal jacks are not deactivated by the customer.

[0091] The aforementioned door components can be operated by means of an electrical system connected to the mains electricity supply, but preferably also by means of a battery. This system will notably enable the operation of the various systems and devices necessary for the operation of the hatch according to the invention.

[0092] The invention also relates to a control system 15 for the hatch 5, which will notably determine its opening and closing. Optionally, said system may also control the opening and closing of the door 1.

[0093] Thus, the control system 15 includes a recognition device 15A which may, preferably, include a QR code® reader (acronym for "quick response code"). The recognition device 15A may also include an element for package recognition, such as a barcode reader. This recognition device 15A includes at least one scanner integrated into the outer wall 1B.1 of the opening IB, said scanner being the QR code® reader. If the device includes the QR code® reader, this reader will display a QR code® which will be read by the delivery person's phone, subsequently triggering the transmission of an identifier to the associated server. When the device includes a barcode reader, said reader can directly contact the server after reading the barcode presented, for example, to a package Co ordered by the customer.Another type of reader can be integrated that could recognize, for example, the delivery number of said package.

[0094] The control system 15 further comprises a control unit 15B which may, for example, be in the form of a processor or a computer and which will exercise direct control over all the systems and devices included in said system 15. The control unit 15B is associated with a signal transmission and reception device 15D which will allow exchanges between the control unit 15B, The server and the telephones of delivery personnel and / or customers. Generally, the transmission device 15D can also transmit information to a door control device 1 positioned near the door and performing a function similar to a telephone application, to carry out the same function of opening and closing the hatch 5 and / or door 1. The control system 15 may preferably include a battery 15C that allows the systems and / or devices to be operated in the absence of electrical current. This battery 15C can operate all or part of the systems or devices, depending on their importance.

[0095] Advantageously, the control unit 15B, the battery 15C, and the transmission device 15D are positioned near and inside the door 1 so as not to be accessible from outside the dwelling. In this case, a magnetic connector 15E will allow the connection between the door frame 1A and the door leaf IB, thus enabling contact with the systems and devices in the door 1 when it is closed, and preventing potential damage to the electrical cables at this connection. Alternatively, the battery 15C and the transmission device 15D are positioned in the door leaf IB. This variant is particularly advantageous if the control system 15 must also control the opening of the door 1.

[0096] The control system 15 may also include a monitoring system 15F, which may include cameras or motion detectors, for example. This monitoring system 15F may be activated automatically when the recognition device 15A is activated, or it may be activated by the customer via the application or via the control device. It is controlled by the control unit 15B, which may also transmit and receive data from said system and transmit this data to the customer's receiving device, such as a phone or smartphone application.

[0097] The inner wall 1B.2 of the opening IB may also include, for example, a housing containing controls for accessing the hatch 5 or the monitoring system 15F, for example. This wall 1B.2 may therefore include a control screen. Such a housing is not shown in this figure and may replace, or complement, the telephone application.

[0098] All the components constituting the control system 15, the actuation system 7 of the hatch 5, the locking device 13, and the closing system 9 of the hatch 5 are connected by an electrical system, which links them to the battery 15C of said system and / or to the mains electrical system. If the connection is made to both the mains and the battery, this allows all the components to function whether or not electricity is present.

[0099] It is understood that the horizontal reinforcing profile 3, the hatch 5, the system The actuation 7 of the hatch 5, the locking devices as well as the control system 15, can be sold separately to the door 1, and are particularly suitable for being fitted to pre-existing entrance doors.

[0100] Therefore, the invention also relates to a set of ready-to-assemble elements designed to allow the installation of a hatch in a door opening. This set is described along with the method for manufacturing or modifying a door according to the invention.

[0101] The assembly includes all the elements necessary for mounting a hatch 5 in a door 1. The number of elements in this assembly may vary depending, for example, on the desired cost, the target customer, or the desired options. Thus, this assembly may be more or less complete. It includes at least:

[0102] The hatch 5 with its actuation system 7, as well as at least one locking device 13.

[0103] Thus, as previously mentioned, the hatch 5 is configured to be positioned in the opening 1B.5a of the lower part 1B.5 of the door leaf IB of the door 1. The hatch actuation system 7 is configured to be installed in the upper part 1B.4 of the door leaf so as to cause the hatch 5 to retract between the closed and open positions. Finally, at least one of the hatch 5 locking devices 13 in the closed position is configured to be mounted on or in the hatch and in one of the lateral edges 1B.5b of the door leaf IB. Advantageously, two locking devices 13 are positioned on each side of the hatch 5.

[0104] Advantageously, to improve the safety of the hatch 5, the assembly may also include the horizontal reinforcing profile 3 configured to reinforce the opening IB of the door 1 and support the actuation system 7. The assembly may optionally include the aforementioned control system 15, and more particularly the monitoring system 15F and the control unit 15B for controlling the operation of the hatch 5 and / or the door 1 according to the invention. Finally, the assembly may also include the safety edge and the closing system 9 of the hatch 5. Thus, the assembly may comprise one or more of the aforementioned components, alone or in combination.

[0105] Optionally, the assembly may also include tools for installing said hatch in the opening. Such an assembly is particularly attractive for sale to private individuals, but could also be considered for professionals.

[0106] Advantageously, one of the aforementioned assemblies can be used to mount a hatch in a door, such as an entrance door or a hotel room door, for example, in order to obtain the door according to the invention. The method of fa The modification or transformation of the door according to the invention therefore includes the following steps, the characteristics described in figures 1 and 2 being included in the description of this embodiment.

[0107] First, an initial step is taken to create an opening lB.5a in the lower part 1B.5 of the opening IB. The size of the opening lB.5a is determined according to the size of the ordered hatch 5. It must allow the hatch 5 to be received and held in position within the thickness of the opening IB for the entire duration of its retraction.

[0108] Next, there is a step of mounting the actuation system 7 of the hatch 5 in the opening IB of the door 1. Depending on the presence or absence of the horizontal reinforcement profile 3, said system is either attached to the jamb 1B.3 of the opening IB, or to said profile 3.

[0109] Then there is a step of mounting at least one locking device 13 on or in the hatch 5 and in the lateral edge(s) lB.5b of the opening IB of the door 1. Then, there is an electrical connection between the locking device(s) 13 and the other systems and devices constituting the door 1 according to the invention. This connection is made to the electrical network, and more preferably also to a battery, so as to maintain the operation of the door 1 and the hatch 5 even in the absence of electricity.

[0110] Finally, there is a last step of mounting the hatch 5 in the opening lB.5a made in the opening IB of the door 1. The actuation system 7 of the hatch 5 is fixed to the upper section 5A of said hatch.

[0111] Optionally, there is an additional step of mounting the horizontal reinforcement profile 3 in the upper end lB.4a of the opening IB, depending in particular on the door configuration desired by the customer.

[0112] Optionally, there is an additional step of mounting the control system 15 in door 1. Specifically, cables connecting the control system 15 to the various systems and devices of door 1 are installed. The control unit 15B and the package recognition device 15A are mounted in the opening IB. Optionally, the transmission device 15D associated with the control unit 15B is also installed to allow remote signal transmission, enabling remote control of hatch 5 and / or door 1, for example, using a mobile application. However, manual control of hatch 5 alone, which is less expensive, is also possible. A monitoring system 15F can also be mounted at this stage.

[0113] Optionally, an additional step of installing the safety edge and / or the closing system 9 of the hatch 5 may be provided, between the first step of making the opening lB.5a, and preferably, the step of assembling the hatch 5 in the IB opening.

[0114] Figures 3 and 4 describe a method for actuation of the hatch for a door according to the invention, the hatch being configured to receive a package. The numbering of the door components described in Figures 1 or 2 is repeated in the description of Figures 3 or 4. This method comprises the steps below.

[0115] Step 1: After the delivery person arrives with the Co package, the package can be scanned by the 15A recognition device (if said device includes a barcode reader, for example), and / or the 15A recognition device includes a QR code® reader with a screen configured to display a QR code® (also known as a "Quick Response code"). A package is defined as any product that can be delivered, such as a parcel, groceries, or even letters, for example.

[0116] In the case where the recognition device 15A includes a QR code® reader, step 1 includes the following substeps: • First, the QR code® is read by the delivery person's phone or smartphone, • Displaying the web page on said phone, then • Activation of said page by the delivery person.

[0117] Step 2: after this validation, the phone sends a client identifier to a server, which will verify it.

[0118] Step 3: The server then sends an SMS, text message, email, or other instant message to the customer's phone or smartphone. The customer can then check the presence of the delivery person and / or the package in front of door 1.

[0119] Optionally, this step may include an additional sub-step of activating the 15F monitoring system, with which the customer can check the presence of the delivery person and / or the package in front of door 1.

[0120] Step 4: The customer confirms or denies the presence of the package at the server.

[0121] Step 5: If confirmed, the server sends an unlock authorization and The hatch 5 retracts from its closed position to its open position. The package can then be placed in the compartment by the delivery person. The unlocking and retraction actions of the hatch 5 can be orchestrated by the control unit 15B (designated by the abbreviation "UC" in [Fig. 3]) of the control system 15.

[0122] Optionally, step 5 may include the following substeps: • First, there is demagnetization of the locking system 9 of hatch 5, then • Retraction of the piston 13A.2 in the cylindrical tube 13A.1 of the first portion 13A of the locking device 13, so as to separate the first and second portions (13A, 13B) of said device, and finally • Actuating the actuation system 7 to allow the hatch 5 to retract towards the upper part 1B.4 of the opening IB.

[0123] Once the package has been delivered, the hatch can be closed. The process may then include the following steps. • First, the actuation system 7 is activated in order to allow the retraction of the hatch 5 from its open position to its closed position, so as to block the opening lB.5a of the opening IB. • Then, there is magnetization of the closing system 9 of the hatch 5. • Finally, there is an elongation of the piston 13A.2 of each locking device 13 in the corresponding second portion 13B of each of said devices, so as to lock the hatch 5 in the closed position.

[0124] The arrangement of the various elements and / or means and / or steps of the invention, in the embodiments described above, should not be understood as requiring such an arrangement in all implementations. In any event, it will be understood that various modifications may be made to these elements and / or means and / or steps, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0125] Furthermore, one or more features described only in one embodiment can be combined with one or more other features described only in another embodiment. Similarly, one or more features described only in one embodiment can be generalized to other embodiments, even if this or these features are described only in combination with other features.

[0126] The use of the verb "comprise", "comprendre" or "include" and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those stated in a claim.

Claims

Claims

1. Door (1) comprising at least one movable opening (IB) with a hatch (5) configured to allow the reception of parcels (Co) when said door is closed, the opening (IB) comprising: - an actuation system (7) of the hatch (5) configured to carry out its retraction between an open position and a closed position, said retraction being carried out in a vertical direction of movement (Dv), and - an opening (1B.5a) positioned in a lower part (1B.5) of the opening (IB) and forming two lateral edges (1B.5b) in the opening, the opening being obstructed by the hatch (5) when said hatch is in the closed position, characterized in that: - the hatch (5) is a sliding pocket hatch configured to retract into the thickness of the opening (IB) between the open position and the closed position, - the two lateral edges (lB.5b) of the opening (lB.5a) are arranged in the thickness of the opening, the opening (IB) further comprises at least one locking device (13) of the hatch (5) positioned transversely to the vertical direction of movement (Dv), and comprising a first portion (13A) positioned on or in the hatch (5), and a second portion (13B) positioned in one of the lateral edges (1B.5b) of the opening (IB) opposite the first portion (13A), said portions (13A, 13B) being complementary so as to be able to partially fit into each other when the hatch (5) is in the closed position.

2. Door (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the first or second portions (13A, 13B) of the blocking device (13) comprises a fixed element (13A.1) and a movable element (13A.2), the fixed element being mounted on the hatch (5) or on the side edge (1B.5b), and the movable element being configured to be inserted into the complementary portion (13A, 13B) of the blocking device (13) when the hatch (5) is in the closed position.

3. Door (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first portion (13A) of the locking device (13) comprises the fixed (13A.1) and mobile (13A.2) elements and the second portion (13B) of said device is complementary to the mobile element (13A.2) of the first portion (13A).

4. Door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable opening (IB) is formed, when said opening is in the mounting position, by two external and internal walls (1B.1, 1B.2) attached together by uprights (1B.3), the hatch (5) being mounted in the opening (IB) and configured to retract in the vertical direction of movement (Dv) between the opening and closing positions of said hatch and in the middle of said walls.

5. Door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower part (1B.5) of the opening (IB) comprises a lower end (1B.5c) positioned under the opening (1B.5a) obstructed by the hatch (5), said end receiving, at least partially, a lower section (5B) of the hatch so as to limit the introduction of objects between said section and the lower end (1B.5c) of the opening (IB) when the hatch is in the closed position.

6. Door (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the lower end (1B.5c) of the opening (IB) and the lower section (5B) of the hatch (5) comprise a closing system (9) of the hatch formed by at least two modules positioned, respectively, on the hatch (5) and on the opening (IB), said modules being complementary to each other so as to be able to lock the hatch in the closed position.

7. Door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening (IB) further comprises an upper part (1B.4) positioned above the opening (1B.5a) and comprising the actuating system (7) of the hatch (5), said system being attached to an upper section (5A) of the hatch and to an upper end (1B.4a) of the opening (IB).

8. Door (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the actuating system (7) of the hatch (5) is a cylinder comprising at least one cylindrical tube (7A) and a piston (7B) configured to extend from and retract into said tube in a main longitudinal direction (Dp) of the cylinder, said direction being parallel to the vertical movement direction (Dv) of the hatch (5) so that the cylinder causes the hatch (5) to retract in its vertical movement direction (Dv).

9. Door (1) according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the upper end (1B.4a) of the opening (1B) further comprises a horizontal reinforcement profile (3) attached, on the sides, to the lateral uprights (1B.3) of the opening (IB), said profile supporting the actuation system (7) of the hatch (5) so that said system is positioned in the direction of the vertical movement direction (Dv) of the hatch.

10. Door (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the door further comprises a control system (15) with at least one recognition device (15A) comprising a scanner integrated into the external wall (1B.1) of the opening (IB) of the door (1) and configured to detect a package (Co) and / or a delivery person.

11. Door (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the control system (15) further comprises a monitoring system (15F) comprising at least one camera and configured to initialize upon activation of the recognition device (15A).

12. Door (1) according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the control system (15) further comprises a control unit (15B) which actuates the actuation system (7), the blocking devices (13) of the hatch (5) and at least the recognition device (15A), the control unit (15B) being associated with a transmission device (15D) configured to receive and transmit signals from and to the control unit.

13. Set of ready-to-assemble elements configured to manufacture or transform a door (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, the set comprising: • the hatch (5) configured to be positioned in the opening (1B.5a) of the opening (IB) of the door (1), • the actuation system (7) of the hatch (5) configured to be installed in the upper part (1B.4) of said opening so as to cause the hatch to retract between the closed position and the open position, and • at least one locking device (13) of the hatch (5) in the closed position and comprising the first and second portions (13A, 13B) configured to be mounted respectively on or in the hatch and in one of the lateral edges (1B.5b) of the opening (IB) of the door (1) so that said portions are opposite each other in order to be able to fit into each other when the hatch is in the open position. closing.

14. Method for manufacturing or transforming a door (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12 comprising the following steps: • Production of the opening (1B.5a) in the lower part (1B.5) of the opening (IB) of the door, • Mounting the actuating system (7) of the hatch (5) in said opening, • Mounting at least one blocking device (13) in the lower part of the opening (IB), then • Mounting the hatch (5) in said opening.

15. Method for actuating the hatch (5) of the door (1) according to one of claims 10 to 12 to receive a parcel (Co), the method comprising the following steps: - step 1: scanning of the parcel (Co) by the recognition device (15A), and / or scanning of the QR code® displayed by said device by the delivery person's telephone, - step 2: sending the customer identifier to a server, - step 3: sending an SMS by the server to the customer's telephone, the customer checking the presence of the delivery person and / or the parcel (Co), - step 4: confirmation by the customer to the server that the parcel is OK, then - step 5: unlocking and retracting the hatch (5) into the open position for receiving the parcel (Co).

16. Method for actuating the hatch (5) according to claim 15, characterized in that step 5 comprises the following sub-steps: • Demagnetization of the closing system (9) of the hatch (5), • Retraction of the piston (13A.2) in the cylindrical tube (13A.1) of the first portion (13A) of the locking device (13) so as to separate the first and second portions (13A, 13B) of said device, and • Actuation of the actuation system (7) so as to allow the hatch (5) to be retracted towards the upper part (1B.4) of the opening (IB), said hatch then being in the open position.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Door

    JP1996100580A

  • Smart door with controllable access panel

    US11346150B1

  • Apparatus, System and Method for Delivery of an Item

    US20200308903A1

  • Delivery door

    US9926737B2