Unlocking systems, locking / unlocking units, and how to operate unlocking systems

Abstract

The present invention relates to an unlocking system (1) for unlocking, protecting, etc. an opening of a door or gate (72), comprising at least one power control device (5, 6) provided between a power supply network (R) and a load (M) to which power is supplied, an actuator (22) and an unlocking unit (2) having an operation unit (21), the actuator (22) comprising a body (221) for fixing to the door or gate (72) and an engagement member (222), the operation unit (21) being fixable to a frame (71) corresponding to an opening (74) to be closed by the door or gate (72), and a front The present invention relates to an unlocking system (1), the operation unit (21) comprising a storage (211) having a shutoff member (215) and a logic control unit (213), the shutoff member (215) being engageable with the engagement member (222) when the door or gate (72) is closed, the logic control unit (213) being configured or configurable to control the operation of the at least one power control device (5, 6) to shut off the power supply to the load (M), to activate the shutoff member (215) and to release the engagement member (222) after a predefined or predefinable time interval. The present invention also relates to an unlocking unit (2) and an unlocking method.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an unlocking system, a locking / unlocking unit and a method for operating an unlocking system.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to an unlocking system specifically designed and manufactured to control operator access to industrial plants, but which can be used in a variety of applications where operators need to be protected from the dangers of approaching dangerous areas such as radiation sources or chemical reaction areas.

[0003] The following description will be directed to the purpose of access protection for industrial plants and machines, but it is of course not limited to this particular application. [Background technology]

[0004] Industrial machines are known that require a shutdown only when the danger to the operator has ceased. These machines are therefore only accessible to the operator after a certain time has elapsed, generally chosen to allow the machine to come to a complete stop. This is required, for example, due to mechanical inertia (flywheels, centrifuges, etc.) or physical variables (temperature, pressure drop, switching off of a radiation source, etc.).

[0005] A machine's safety stop time can be variable or fixed. In machines or systems generally using fixed stop times, conventional control circuits or systems are configured such that a stop signal (generated by a button) releases devices (e.g. contactors or modules and contactors or relays) that keep power flowing to the hazardous parts of the machine, and only after a certain time interval has elapsed, a safety timer (timed module) generates a signal to unlock a door (i.e. a locking switch).

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, it is necessary to introduce a system for detecting the stop signal and timing within the locking switch.

[0007] However, electromechanical lockout switches are typically integral, expensive, and often lack safety feedback.

[0008] Regarding cost, as mentioned above, it is generally necessary to insert a safety timer into the switch of the electromechanical lock, which often does not provide any economic merit because the entire circuit needs to be redesigned taking into account the overall dimensions.

[0009] Typically, in the absence of feedback, a common requirement is that the control system must only be able to initiate the timing process after it has confirmed that the machine or plant has actually begun the shutdown process. So activating a timer with the same button that initiates the stop step is not sufficient; a feedback signal from the contactor indicating that power has been disconnected is required. Otherwise there is a risk that timing will begin before the machine has begun the stop step.

[0010] This not only requires a safe timing system, but also a system to detect when the machine stop step has been initiated, and achieving these objectives with electromechanical systems would result in very complex systems.

[0011] Furthermore, prior art security systems utilize a bolt as a key having a specific shaped engagement member such that when the engagement member is replaced, the new engagement member cannot engage and close the mechanical gate or guard door.

[0012] However, as such systems are primarily mechanical, they are often easily modified or adapted, which means that in some cases, as has been the case in the past, the safety systems, and in particular the closure engagement members, have been modified to allow the opening and closing of guard doors or gates in an unsafe manner and thus be controlled as normal. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to propose a release system that can avoid the limitations of the prior art.

[0014] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a blocking unit with on-board electronics, which is also suitable for installation in small machines or plants.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to introduce a delay system inside the switch.

[0016] The invention also aims to propose a unit that cannot be tampered with and / or that, if tampering is attempted, restricts access by preventing the operation and start-up of the machine or system while making it impossible to close the gate or door.

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention aims to propose a method for operating the unlocking unit described above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0018] That is, an object of the present invention is to provide an unlocking system as set forth in claim 1.

[0019] Preferred embodiments are defined by the dependent claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] The invention will now be described in detail based on preferred embodiments, given by way of example and not of limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an unlocking unit employed in the device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a protective cabin of a working plant with the doors closed, in which the unlocking system according to the invention is employed. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a protective cabin of a working plant with the door open, in which the unlocking system according to the invention is employed. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows an example of a door of a safety cabin in which the unlocking system according to the present invention is adopted. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows FIG. 4 in detail. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of the release unit of the unlocking system according to the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view of the release unit of the unlocking system according to the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view of the unlocking unit of the unlocking system according to the present invention with the actuator separated from the operating unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view of the operation unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the operation unit of FIG. 9 taken along line AA. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] In each figure, similar parts are designated with the same reference numerals.

[0022] The accompanying figure 1 shows an unlocking system 1 according to the invention.

[0023] The unlocking system 1 mainly comprises an unlocking unit 2, a start switch 3, a stop switch 4, at least a first contactor 5 (or generally a power control device) connected to a power supply network R, and a second contactor 6 (or generally a power control device) connected to a machine or plant M.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first contactor 5 and / or the second contactor 6 may be replaced by other electronic switching devices, such as OSSD devices (Output Signal Switching Devices), which have the advantage that they can be placed inside the operating unit 21, i.e. a non-contact protection device that can be connected to a control system and perform electrical switching.

[0025] The unlocking unit 2 includes an operation unit 21 and an actuator or bolt 22 that is detachably engageable with the operation unit 21 .

[0026] The operating unit 21 has a housing or containment body 211, which can be fixed to a frame (not shown in FIG. 1 ) at the closure of an opening, gate or door, which is controlled or unlocked as required to allow user access to the machine or system M. The containment case 211 has an opening 212, the function of which will be explained in more detail below, in which an electromechanical bolt or, in general, a blocking member 215 is correspondingly arranged.

[0027] The operational unit 21 further comprises a logic control unit 213 with an integrated programmable solid-state timer.

[0028] The control logic unit 213 is electronic and suitably programmable as described above. In particular, the control logic unit 213 can be a microprocessor, a PLC (Programmable Logic Control), a microcontroller or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or the like.

[0029] The control logic unit 213 can be housed inside the housing 211 .

[0030] In detail, the operation unit 21 includes a housing case 211 in which a blocking member 215 and a logic control unit 213 are housed.

[0031] Furthermore, the drive unit 21 comprises an actuator 214, preferably an electromagnet, and a solid-state device such as a Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET) or an Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) for controlling a cut-off device 215. The actuator 214 is connected and controlled by a control logic unit 213.

[0032] Finally, a Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) reader 216 is placed in the opening 212, the function of which will be specified below.

[0033] The start switch 3 and the stop switch 4 are electrically connected to corresponding inputs of the operating unit 21, i.e. the start switch 3 and the stop switch 4 are functionally connected to the logic control unit 213. The start switch 3 and the stop switch 4 each comprise a switch or a contact unit for a switch, respectively indicated with the reference numbers 31 and 41, and a button, respectively indicated with the reference numbers 32 and 42, for controlling the switches 31 and 41.

[0034] The actuator 22 comprises a body 221 and an engagement member 222 fixed to the body 221. An RFID tag 223 is arranged within the body 221. The tag 223 is programmable and can be uniquely, i.e. associated with the bolt 22. This means that if the bolt is changed or replaced, it will no longer be able to functionally communicate with the RF reader 216, and thus the gate cannot be locked by the blocking member 215 and the plant cannot be started up.

[0035] In some embodiments, the locations of the tag 223 and its associated antenna may be reversed. Additionally, in other embodiments, the tag 223 may be replaced by a common electronic communication or transceiver and identification device, such as a magnetic or electromagnetic, optical, Hall effect type sensor, or the like.

[0036] The actuator 22, in particular the body 221, can be fixed to the gate or door of an opening, which is generally closed on a frame. The actuator 22 can take a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the engagement member 222 is inserted into the opening 212 and engages with the blocking member 215 upon operation, and the tag 223 is placed in the RFID reader so that it can be read. In the open position, it is withdrawn from the opening 212 or is not inserted into the opening 212.

[0037] At least one first contactor 5 has as its input the network R and an AC or DC controlled power source C, while a second contactor 6 has as its input the output of the first contactor 5 and as its output the machine or system M to be powered.

[0038] The power supply is not limited to the three-phase type shown in the present embodiment, but may be, for example, a different type of power supply, and in any case, other types of power supplies are also conceivable to which the present invention can be applied.

[0039] Naturally, each contactor 5, 6 has a winding, indicated by reference numerals 51, 61 respectively, a group of energy switches for switching the power supplies, indicated by reference numerals 52, 62 respectively, and two control switches for switching the control power supplies C for the first contactor 5 and the second contactor 6, indicated by reference numerals 53, 63 respectively.

[0040] The windings 51 , 61 of the first contactor 5 and the second contactor 6 are connected to an output terminal 217 of the logic control unit 213 of the operation unit 21 .

[0041] The switch 63 is also connected via a feedback terminal 218 to the control logic unit 213 of the drive unit 21 as a feedback signal.

[0042] The unlocking system 1 operates as follows.

[0043] When the machine or system M needs to be started, the user can press the button 32 to close the switch 31 of the start switch 3. In this case, only when the engaging member 222 is inserted into the opening 212, i.e. when the gate or door is in the closed position, the RFID reader 216 verifies that the tag 223 is the correct one, and if the tag 223 is recognised, an activation signal is provided to the logic unit control 213, which allows the blocking member 215 to be operated by the actuator 214 to block the engaging member 222.

[0044] Only in this case can the machine or plant M (i.e. the load) be put into operation, and for this purpose the control logic unit 213 sends an activation signal via the output terminal 217 to the windings 51, 61 of the first contactor 5 and the second contactor 6. Then the first group 52 and the second group 62 of energy switches for switching the power supply and the two control switches 53, 63 are closed. The feedback signal thus generated is received by the control logic device 213 via the feedback terminal 218, and the information is obtained that the machine or system M is actually powered.

[0045] When it is necessary to stop the machine or system M and open the door or gate on which the actuator 22 is installed to allow a user access, the user presses the button 42 of the stop switch 4 of the switch 41 .

[0046] The control logic unit 213 immediately switches off the safety output via terminal 217 and interrupts the power to the windings 51, 61 of the first and second remote switches 5, 6 respectively. This opens the first and second energy switch groups 52, 62, interrupting the power supply to the device and plant M, and also opens the two control switches 53, 63, allowing the control logic unit to detect the relevant signal on the feedback terminal 218.

[0047] The logic control unit 213 therefore starts a timer specially programmed to allow the shutdown of the equipment or plant M.

[0048] In some embodiments, the internal and integrated timing within the control logic unit 213 is programmable at the software level directly in the control logic unit 213 itself. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the timing may be adjusted by timers (not shown) or dip switches (not shown) present in the drive unit 21.

[0049] In another embodiment, the timing can also be adjusted externally, in particular by providing radio frequency receiving means (Bluetooth®) connected to the logic control unit 213 and integrated in the operating unit 21. In this way, the unlocking timer of the actuator 22 can be adjusted by an external terminal, for example a smartphone.

[0050] As yet another alternative, the timing may be specific to each tag 223 (i.e. any universal communication device system) that is uniquely associated with the actuator 22 used. In other words, the tag 223 is different depending on the actuator (or bolt) 22 used, has a specific timing associated with it, and is read by the RFID reader 216 and thus the control logic unit 213.

[0051] Only after a certain time interval has elapsed, the logic control unit 213 operates the blocking member 215 via the actuator 214 to release the engaging member 222, allowing the user to open the door gate and access the equipment or plant M.

[0052] 2 to 5 show an embodiment of an unlocking system 1 according to the present invention and its installation in a specific application.

[0053] 2 and 3 show a protected cabin 7 consisting of a frame 71 and a door 72 hinged to the frame 71 for opening and closing a gap or doorway 73. Inside the protected cabin 7 is placed a powered plant M, shown generally as a robot.

[0054] In order for the user to enter the protective cabin and gain access to the robot (powered system M), the door 72 must be opened.

[0055] The locking unit 2 is installed between the door 72 and the frame 71. That is, the drive unit 21 is disposed on the frame 71, and the actuator 22 is disposed on the door 72.

[0056] 4 and 5 show in detail the arrangement of the operation unit 21 and the actuator 22. In particular, the operation unit 21 is shown disposed on the jamb of the frame 71. In particular, the operation unit is fixed to the frame 71 by a screw.

[0057] As an alternative configuration, the actuator 22 is integrated into a handle 74 installed on the door corresponding to the operating unit 21, so that the engagement member 222 fits into the opening 212 when the door is closed.

[0058] Operation of the unlocking system 1 according to the present invention as described above releases the actuator 22 and, if necessary, opens the door 72, allowing a user or a maintenance technician to enter the protected cabin 7 and gain physical access to the system M in full safety.

[0059] Next, Figs. 6 to 10 show the unlocking unit 2 in more detail, and as described above, the unlocking unit includes the operation unit 21 and the actuator 22.

[0060] FIG. 10 shows a cross section of the operating unit 21, clearly showing the blocking member 215, which is a pin that is moved by the power supply of the electromagnet 219 during testing.

[0061] Furthermore, the electronic board 8 on which the control logic unit 213 is mounted is arranged on a side of the housing 211 .

[0062] Effect of the Invention An advantage of the present invention is that it prevents tampering with the bolt.

[0063] Another advantage of the present invention is that it is very compact and therefore low cost.

[0064] Another advantage of the present invention is that the safety timing is programmable.

[0065] The present invention has been described in accordance with preferred embodiments thereof, for purposes of illustration and not limitation, but it is to be understood that modifications and / or changes may be introduced by those skilled in the art without departing from the relevant scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An unlocking system (1) for unlocking, protecting, etc. an opening of a door or gate (72), comprising: at least one power control device (5, 6) arranged between the power supply network (R) and a load (M) to be powered; An unlocking unit (2) having an actuator (22) and an operation unit (21), The actuator (22) a body (221) for fixing to said door or gate (72); and an engagement member (222), the operating unit (21) is fixable to a frame (71) in correspondence with an opening (74) closed by the door or gate (72); The operation unit (21) comprises a storage section (211) having a blocking member (215) and a logic control unit (213); the blocking member (215) is engageable with the engagement member (222) when the door or gate (72) is closed; the logic control unit (213) is configured or configurable to control the operation of the at least one power control device (5, 6) to interrupt the power supply to the load (M), to activate the interrupting member (215) and to release the engaging member (222) after a predefined or predefinable time interval; Unlocking system (1).

2. The logic control unit (213) is connected to the blocking member (215) to control the blocking member (215); the logic control unit (213) is configured or configurable to enable power supply to the load (M) in response to engagement of the interruption member (215) with the engagement member (222); An unlocking system (1) according to claim 1.

3. The operation unit (21) comprises an actuator (214) connected to the logic control unit (213) and capable of driving the blocking member (215). An unlocking system (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The power control device is a remote controlled switch (5, 6), a winding (51, 61) connected to said logic control unit (213); A group of switches (52, 62) connected to the power supply network (R) and controlling the supply of power to the load (M); a control switch or switching unit (53, 63) connected to the logic control unit (213), the logic control unit (213) detecting a switching state of the switch group (52, 62) by the control switch or switching unit (53, 63); An unlocking system (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 3.

5. A first remote control switch (5) and a second remote control switch (6) connected in series, The control switch (53) of the first remote control switch (5) is connected to a control power source (C); The control switch (63) of the second contactor (6) is connected to the logic control unit (213); A group of switches (52) of the first remote control switch (5) is connected to the power supply network (R), A group of switches (62) of the second remote control switch (6) is connected to the load (M); An unlocking system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

6. the operation unit (21) comprises a communication reader (216) operably connected to the logic control unit (213); the actuator (22) includes an emitter device (223) disposed within the body (221), and when the engagement member (222) engages with the blocking member (215), the emitter device (223) corresponds to the communication reading device (216), thereby allowing the communication reading device (216) to read the emitter device (223); the emitter device (223) has a recorded identification code; An unlocking system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

7. The communication reading device comprises an RFID reader (216) operably connected to the logic control unit (213); The emitter device comprises a tag (223), An unlocking system (1) according to claim 6.

8. said communication reader device (216) and said emitter device (223) being operably connected, such as by radio frequency, magnetic and / or optical techniques; An unlocking system (1) according to claim 6.

9. said logic control unit (213) is configured or configurable to control the operation of said at least one power control device to supply power to said load (M) according to the identification code of said emitter device (223) read by said communication reading device (216); An unlocking system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. said predefined or predefinable time intervals being stored in said emitter device (223) and detected by said communication reader device (216); An unlocking system (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 9.

11. The time interval of the logic control unit (213) is: - at least one timer; ・Capacitive regulator, - via wireless means, and - means connected to said logic control unit (213) via a bus for carrying out programming; programmable and / or adjustable by one or more of the following means: An unlocking system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. the at least one power control device (5, 6) is integrated inside the body (21) of the unlocking unit (2); An unlocking system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. An unlocking system (2) comprising an actuator (22) and an operation unit (21), The actuator (22) a body (221) for fastening to a door or gate; and an engagement member (222), the operating unit (21) is fixable to a frame corresponding to an opening to be closed by the door or gate; The operation unit (21) comprises a blocking member (215) and a logic control unit (213); the blocking member (215) is engageable with the engagement member (222) when the door or gate is closed; the logic control unit (213) is connectable to a power control device (5, 6) and is configured or configurable to control the operation of the at least one power control device (5, 6) to interrupt the power supply to the load (M), to activate the interrupting member (215) and to release the engagement member (222) after a predefined or predefinable time interval; Unlocking system (2).

14. The operation unit (21) is connected to the logic control unit (213) and includes an actuator (214) capable of driving the blocking member (215). An unlocking system (2) according to claim 13.

15. the operation unit (21) comprises a communication reader (216), such as an RFID reader, functionally connected to the logic control unit (213); the actuator (22) includes an emitter device (223), such as a tag, disposed within the body (221), and when the engagement member (222) engages with the blocking member (215), the emitter device (223) is disposed in correspondence with the RFID reader (216), thereby allowing the RFID reader (216) to read the emitter device (223); the emitter device (223) having a stored identification code; An unlocking system (2) according to claim 13 or 14.

16. An unlocking method for controlling the unlocking system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising: Receiving an unlock or stop command from a stop switch (4); sending a signal to interrupt the power supply to the load (M) via at least one power control device (5, 6); receiving a feedback signal indicating that power supply to the load (M) has been interrupted; Initiating a predefined timing; and actuating a blocking member (215) to unlock the door and disengage an engagement member (222) of an actuator (22) securable to the door to be locked. How to unlock.

17. Receiving a start instruction from a start switch (3); activating a blocking member (215) to lock the door and engage an engagement member (222) of an actuator (22) that is securable to the door to be locked; transmitting a signal enabling the supply of power to a load (M) by said at least one power control device (5, 6), The unlocking method according to claim 16.

18. said step of locking the door by operating said blocking member (215) is followed by a step of recognizing an identification code stored in a tag (223) placed on said actuator (22) by an RFID reader (216); The unlocking method according to claim 17.

19. the timing being a function of the identification code stored in the tag (223); The unlocking method according to claim 18.

20. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the method according to any one of claims 16 to 19.

21. A computer readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 16 to 19.

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