Multifunctional vehicle barrier device for controlling the passage of a vehicle through a vehicle passage

Abstract

The present invention provides a multifunctional vehicle barrier device (1) for controlling passage of a vehicle through a vehicle passage, comprising a folding gate barrier (5) at said vehicle passage and a boom barrier (8) at said vehicle passage. Each of the gate barrier (5) and / or the boom barrier (8) can be arranged in an operative state in which the barrier (5, 8) is displaceable between an open position for allowing the vehicle through the vehicle passage and a closed position for blocking vehicles through the vehicle passage, and a clearance state in which the barrier (5, 8) is continuously in the open position The barrier device (1) is characterized in that it comprises a barrier base (2) configured to at the vehicle passage for securing the base (2) with respect to the ground, wherein both barriers (5, 8) are operatively connected to said base (2), and in that the barrier device (1) comprises a barrier control device (10) that is functionally associated with both barriers (5, 8), and that is configured for controlling the state of one of the barriers (5, 8) in dependence on the state of the other of the barriers (5, 8).

Description

[0001] Title: Multifunctional vehicle barrier device for controlling the passage of a vehicle through a vehicle passage

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a multifunctional vehicle barrier device for controlling the passage of a vehicle through a vehicle passage. The present invention further relates to a method for operating a multifunctional vehicle barrier device.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Gate barriers, such as quick folding gates, are known for providing secure enclosures in areas like parking garages. However, these gates are often associated with higher costs and greater weight compared to alternative barriers, like boom barriers, which may also have improved efficiency of allowing and blocking vehicles relative to quick folding gates. As a result, when installing barriers at a parking garage, a constant consideration must be made between efficiently allowing the passage of vehicles and the investment costs.

[0006] Consideration must also be given to potential damage to the barriers, for example, due to collisions with the barrier. If the damage is significant enough to render the barrier nonfunctional, it may lead to uncontrolled vehicle passages or traffic jams at the passage. This, in turn, results in high maintenance costs, particularly in the case of repairs to a speed gate.

[0007] One potential solution to address these challenges is described NL1028245, which discloses a crash barrier system for quick folding gates. This crash barrier system comprises a vertically moving beam positioned between two vertical columns. When an authorized vehicle intends to pass through the quick folding gate, the crash barrier initially moves to a release state, partially submerged in the ground, allowing the gate to open. After the vehicle has passed, the crash barrier transitions to a blocking state, after which the gate closes. The quick folding gate and the crash barrier are thus complementary to each other. In case a vehicle attempts to proceed when the gate is closed, the car would collide with the crash barrier, preventing damage to the gate.

[0008] A disadvantage of the system disclosed in NL1028245 is a decrease in speed and efficiency when the both the crash barrier and the quick folding gate move between the release state and the blocking state, as the crash barrier moves first, followed by the speed gate. Particularly during busy periods, like daytime, this reduced efficiency may cause the system to be insufficient to ensure a smooth flow of traffic. Moreover, both the crash barrier and the quick folding gate are not entirely resistant to vehicles forcefully colliding with it, and damages to the quick folding gate may therefore still occur. A closed speed gate therefore remains vulnerable, even when the crash barrier is in the blocking state. Furthermore, if both the crash barrier and the gate barrier are damaged, controlling the passage of vehicles would become impossible.

[0009] Object of the invention

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a multifunctional vehicle barrier device that overcomes the above mentioned disadvantages at least partially, or to provide a suitable alternative.

[0011] In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a multifunction vehicle barrier device that provides a secure protection of a restricted area as well as a smooth flow of passage of vehicles during both peak- and off-peak hours.

[0012] Detailed description

[0013] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a multifunctional vehicle barrier device according to claim 1. The multifunctional vehicle barrier device is configured for controlling the passage of a vehicle through a vehicle passage, and comprises

[0014] - a folding gate barrier configured to be provided at said vehicle passage,

[0015] - a boom barrier configured to be provided at said vehicle passage, wherein each of the gate barrier and / or the boom barrier can be arranged in

[0016] • an operative state in which the barrier is displaceable between an open position for allowing the vehicle to pass through the vehicle passage and a closed position for blocking vehicles from passing through the vehicle passage, and

[0017] • a clearance state in which the barrier is continuously in the open position characterized in that the multifunctional vehicle barrier device comprises a barrier base configured to be installed at the vehicle passage for securing the barrier device with respect to the ground for fixing the barrier device relative to the ground, wherein both the folding gate barrier and the boom barrier are operatively connected to said barrier base, and in that the multifunctional vehicle barrier device comprises a barrier control device that is functionally associated with both the gate barrier and the boom barrier, and that is configured for controlling the state of one of the gate barrier or the boom barrier in dependence on the state of the other of the gate barrier or the boom barrier, for example to arrange the gate barrier in the operative state when the boom barrier shifts to the clearance state, and vice versa.

[0018] The multifunctional vehicle barrier device is configured to be provided at a vehicle passage. Such a vehicle passage may for example be at the entrance of a parking garage or another restricted area, such as commercial premises or industrial sites. Vehicles may pass through such a vehicle passage in a travel direction. The multifunctional vehicle barrier device comprises two barriers: a folding gate barrier and a boom barrier. Each of the barriers is configured for allowing vehicles to pass through the vehicle passage and also block vehicles when no passage is allowed, i.e. from blocking vehicles to travel through the vehicle passage in the travel direction.

[0019] The folding gate barrier, which is sometimes also referred to as a quick folding gate or speed (folding) gate, may comprise a hinged wing or hinged wings that is / are connected to a rotation point at the barrier base. The wings may rotate horizontally, around a vertical rotation axis, when the folding gate barrier is displaced between its open position and closed position. The number of wings may vary depending on the gate design and the width of the vehicle passage. The folding gate barrier may also comprise one or more articulated wing designs. In this configuration, each wing is divided into segments connected by articulating joints. The articulated wings may fold and unfold in a harmonica-like manner when displacing between the open and closed position. These folding gate barriers close fast, with a closing time of e.g. 1 m / s. Their speed ensures that entry points are secured almost instantly after a car passes through. As a result, tailgating of other cars is effectively prevented.

[0020] The boom barrier, which is sometimes also referred to as a boom gate, may comprise a bar or pole, known as a boom arm. The boom arm may be arranged in front of the vehicle passage in the closed position, for example in a horizontal orientation, to block the passage of vehicles and can be raised to allow vehicle access through the vehicle passage. The boom arm may for example be raised and lowered horizontally in its entirety, so that it may remain in a horizontal orientation, or it may be rotatably connected to the barrier base, such that the boom barrier is configured for rotating the boom arm upwards and downwards. The boom barrier may be a folding boom barrier, of which the boom arm is rotatably attached to the base and further comprises multiple, preferably two, articulated boom sections that may fold when the boom arm is raised and unfold when the boom arm is lowered. Such folding boom barriers are very suitable for locations with limited space, in particular limited height, such as the entrance of a parking garage.

[0021] The boom barrier and / or the folding gate barrier can each, independently of each other, be arranged in an operative state in which the barrier is displaceable between an open position for allowing the vehicle to pass through the vehicle passage and a closed position for blocking vehicles from passing through the vehicle passage. A barrier in the operative state is thus used for controlling the passing of vehicles through the vehicle passage, i.e. from only allowing authorized vehicles to pass through the vehicle passage while blocking unauthorized vehicles from passing through the vehicle passage. When no authorized vehicle is present, the barrier is in the closed position to block any unauthorized or otherwise undesirable vehicle or object from entering the restricted area. When in the closed position, the barrier, which may be the boom barrier and / or the folding gate barrier, preferably at least partially extends across the vehicle passage, substantially perpendicular to the travel direction. Placing the barriers perpendicular to the travel direction makes it more challenging for vehicles to attempt unauthorized entry or exit through the vehicle passage. When the presence of an authorized vehicle is detected the barrier may temporarily displace to the open position to allow passage of the vehicle, and then after the passing of the vehicle displace to the closed position. The passage of the vehicle can thus be allowed by displacing both barriers to their open position, wherein passage of the vehicle can be prevented when only the boom barrier is in its closed position, when only the folding gate barrier is in its closed position or when both the boom barrier and the folding gate barrier are in their closed positions.

[0022] In addition thereto, both the boom barrier and / or the folding gate barrier can, independently of each other, be arranged in a clearance state in which the barrier is continuously in the open position. This may involve both the boom barrier and the folding gate barrier to be both arranged in the clearance state, thus both being in the open position continuously, so that the vehicle passage remains open to allow passage of vehicles. Alternatively, either one of the boom barrier or the folding gate barrier may be in the clearance state to be open continuously, for example in case either one of them is broken, whilst the other barrier remains in the operative state to selectively block vehicles from passing the vehicle passage. In the clearance state, the respective barrier remains in the open position irrespective of the presence of a vehicle, e.g. even when an unauthorized vehicle is present at the vehicle passage. In case of the boom barrier, this may mean that the boom arm is rotated or otherwise moved away from the vehicle passage. For the folding gate barrier, being in the clearance state may mean that the gate wings are continuously folded such that the gate wings are moved away from the vehicle passage, e.g. by being directed parallel to the travel direction instead of being perpendicular to the travel direction.

[0023] The multifunctional vehicle barrier device further comprises a barrier base configured to be installed at the vehicle passage for securing the barrier device with respect to the ground. Such a barrier base may refer to a support structure which is installed in the ground or otherwise installed at the vehicle passage, for example fixed to a traffic island at the entry of a parking garage or parking area. According to the inventive thought, both the boom barrier and the folding gate barrier are operatively connected to said barrier base. Operatively connected in this context may mean movably, preferably rotatably, connected to the barrier base, such that the boom barrier or the folding gate barrier may move, preferably rotate, relative to the barrier base.

[0024] An advantage of having only one base to which both barriers are connected, is that less space is required at the vehicle passage to place both barriers, since the known barrier devices both had separate bases. This is especially advantageous in vehicle passages where adequate security is required, but only limited space is available for installing barriers. In addition, the cabling for power, etc., can be routed to one base instead of to separate bases for each of the barriers, which increases the efficiency of installing and operating the barrier, but also reduces maintenance requirements because repairs are only needed in one place if something is wrong with the cabling. This also saves significant costs for the holder of the multifunctional vehicle barrier device. In addition, maintenance is generally less demanding.

[0025] Another advantage of having a barrier base to which both barriers are connected is that less foundational work is required for installing the barriers. Typically, when installing multiple barriers, for each of the barriers a sturdy and stable foundation is required to support the barriers and withstand the forces exerted on it during operation, such as wind loads and impacts from vehicles. This may for example involve digging a hole or trench, placing reinforced concrete, and anchoring the barrier securely to the foundation. When both of the barriers are connected to a single barrier base, one of the two foundations can be omitted, thereby saving materials, manual labor and installation space.

[0026] The multifunctional vehicle barrier device further comprises a barrier control device that is functionally associated with both the gate barrier and the boom barrier. Having one barrier control device that is associated with both barriers thus advantageously allows communication between the two. In particular, the control device is configured for controlling the state of one of the gate barrier or the boom barrier in dependence on the state of the other of the gate barrier or the boom barrier, i.e. controlling whether the boom barrier is in the operative or the clearance state depending on if the gate barrier is in the operative or clearance state, or vice versa. For example, the barrier control device may arrange the boom barrier into the operative state when the gate barrier shifts to the clearance state, or vice versa. This allows direct control over the functioning of the different barriers with a single control device. This is especially advantages when it is desired to have different barriers during different times of the day. For example, during day time or during rush hour, when a lower-level protection is sufficient, it is desired to have the faster flow of vehicles that may be achieved with the boom barrier. In contrast, during night times, higher level protection is desired and the control device thus switches the boom barrier from the operative state to the clearance state, while arranging the gate barrier in the operative state. This is in contrast to conventional vehicle passages, in which multiple barriers may be installed but each barrier comprises its own respective control device, such that no direct communication between the barriers is possible. This means that the barriers have to be controlled via a management system or the like, and each of the barriers have to separately be connected to such a system.

[0027] Another advantage of having a single control device that is operatively connected to the boom barrier and folding gate barrier to allow communication between the two, is that one of the barriers may be easily shifted to the operative state when the other of the barriers breaks down during operation. For example, when one of the barriers is damaged when it is in the operative state, the other barrier, that may have been in the clearance state, may be arranged in the operative state to resume operation. As a result, there is no downtime for the barrier device and the restricted area remains both accessible and protected. In addition, only one technician needs to come by to repair both barriers, irrespective of which one fails, whether the known separate barrier required separate technicians.

[0028] Preferably, the barrier control device is configured for automatically detecting malfunctioning of one of the folding gate barrier or the boom barrier. The barrier control device may then, in dependence of the detected malfunctioning, automatically shift the other of the folding gate barrier or the boom barrier in the operative state. No manual intervention is thus required and the barrier control device can independently shift the barriers between states. This further prevents downtime of the multifunctional barrier device.

[0029] By having both barriers connected to the corresponding barrier base and by providing a control device that directly controls both barriers and thus can communicate with each other, the multifunctional vehicle barrier device according to the invention provides a single device that requires less space, equipment and manpower for the installation and operation of the device, and offers many advantages in terms of preventing barrier downtime and being able to easily alternate the function of the barrier to provide the appropriate speed and security desired at any given time of day.

[0030] In an embodiment of the invention, each of the barriers is independently electrically disconnectable. While one of the barriers is electrically disconnected, the other of the barriers remains controllable by the barrier control device. For example, when the boom barrier is disconnected during servicing (maintenance, repair, and / or replacement), only the folding gate barrier circuit is electrically disconnected. Alternatively, when the folding gate barrier is disconnected during servicing, only the boom barrier circuit is electrically disconnected.

[0031] An advantage thereof is that the multifunctional vehicle barrier device continuously operates. No downtime is required during servicing, which prevents a loss of income.

[0032] In an embodiment of the invention, the barrier base may comprise one or more columns. Each of the folding gate barrier and the boom barrier may be operatively connected to said column(s). The column(s) may provide stability and secure mounting points for the respective barriers. Moreover, the height of the column may be adapted to allow for easy customization of the positioning of the barriers relative to the vehicle passage.

[0033] Optionally, the barrier base may have two or more of the columns that are spaced apart and preferably configured to be provided at respective sides of the vehicle passage. The boom barrier and the folding gate barrier may be operatively connected to the same column. Preferably, the boom barrier is connected to one of the columns, and the folding gate barrier is operatively connected to another of the columns. The advantage thereof is that the columns provide stable connection points for the barriers, and that the driving motors of each of the barriers may be provided in separate columns, such that they do not interfere to each other, and allowing the columns not to be too wide. Optionally, the control device may be provided in at least one of said columns.

[0034] The columns may or may not be connected via a transverse beam above the vehicle passage. Preferably, the columns are connected via a beam to provide extra strength and stability to the multifunctional vehicle barrier device and optionally allow the passage of cables and the like from one column to another. Optionally, the driving motor of the folding gate barrier and / or the boom barrier may be provided in the beam.

[0035] In an embodiment, the barrier control device has a boom barrier control panel and a folding gate barrier control panel. Each of the control panels is arranged in one of the columns. Having both control panels within the columns allow for convenient maintenance and access to the panels. Preferably, the control panels are positioned such that they overlap one another, e.g. one of the control panels being at least partially arranged in front of one another. At least one of the control panels is then moveably, in particular slidably, arranged in the column such that by moving, in particular sliding, said control panel the other control panel becomes accessible. As such, only minimal space is required for storing the two control panels into one of the columns. Preferably at least one rail is provided in the column in which the control panels are positioned. At least the moveably arranged control panel is slidably connected to the rail, which allows the respective control panel to be easily moved away from the other control panel and thus provide access to the control panel. The rail is preferably provided vertically.

[0036] In an embodiment, the barrier base comprises a vehicle approach side which is configured for facing approaching vehicles when the barrier device is provided at the vehicle passage, and an opposite vehicle exit side. The folding gate barrier is connected to one of the vehicle approach side or the vehicle exit side, and the boom barrier is connected to the other of the vehicle approach side or the vehicle exit side.

[0037] When the barriers are each connected to opposite sides, they will not hinder each other during the transitions between the operative and clearance state or when displacing between the open and closed positions.

[0038] In particular, the folding gate barrier may be connected to the vehicle exit side and the boom barrier at the vehicle approach side. This advantageously allows for the folded wings of the folding gate barrier, when arranged in the clearance state, to be stored behind the column at the vehicle exit side. As a result, the folding gate barrier is in the clearance state out of sight of approaching vehicles, which provides a better look and also reduces the vulnerability of the folding gate barrier when it is in the clearance state.

[0039] Alternatively, both barriers may be connected to the same side of the base, such as both barriers being connected to the vehicle approach side or both barriers being connected to the vehicle exit side of the base.

[0040] In an embodiment, the boom barrier is connected to the barrier base in a modular manner, for example via a boom barrier module that is removably incorporated in the barrier base. The boom barrier is the most vulnerable part of the vehicle barrier device, and therefore also most prone to breakage. Having a boom barrier that is connected to the barrier base in a modular manner allows the boom barrier to be easily replaced without affecting the rest of the multifunctional vehicle barrier device, should it be damaged or malfunctioning. This further decreases maintenance costs and delay in operation. The boom barrier may for example comprise a modular connecting housing with which the boom barrier is operatively connected to the barrier base.

[0041] In an embodiment, the multifunctional vehicle barrier device comprises a vehicle detection sensor that is configured for providing a detection signal representative for the presence and / or absence of a vehicle. The control device is configured for in dependence of the detection signal controlling the displacement of each of the folding gate barrier and / or boom barrier that is arranged in the operative state between the open position and the closed position. Examples of detections sensors may be inductive loop sensors, infrared sensors, camera systems and / or RFID scanners.

[0042] The multifunctional vehicle barrier device forms an integrated system, having the combined barriers and the single control system that is configured for controlling each of the barriers. As a result, the control device may use the same sensors to control the displacement of both of the barriers. It is not required to have individual sensor systems for each of the barriers, which is the case for conventional barrier devices which do not have a single integrated control device. It follows that controlling both barriers is easier as there is no need to switch between different sensors. In addition, the investment costs of the entire system is lower because fewer sensors are required. This is more so the case for e.g. inductive loop sensors. These inductive loop sensors are typically embedded in the ground, which requires cutting precise slots or grooves at vehicle access entrance. Repairing or replacing a damaged loop can be difficult, especially if it is embedded in a thick layer of asphalt or concrete. Having to install multiple of these inductive loop sensors is undesired. Moreover, installing two or more of these conductive loops may cause interference between the sensors if placed too close together. As the multifunctional vehicle barrier device only requires one of these inductive loops to be installed for both barriers, high installation and maintenance costs are saved.

[0043] The detection sensor may be configured for detecting the presence of a vehicle at the vehicle passage and for providing a signal representative for the presence of said vehicle. When the detected vehicle is authorized for passing through the vehicle passage, the control device may displace the operative barrier (i.e. the barrier in the operative state) from the closed position to the open position.

[0044] Additionally or alternatively, a detection sensor may be provided that is configured for detecting the absence of a vehicle, e.g. for detecting when an authorized vehicle has passed through the vehicle passage. The detection sensor may then provide a signal representative for the absence of a vehicle such that the control device may displace the operative barrier from the open position back to the closed position.

[0045] In an embodiment, each of the folding gate barrier and the boom barrier comprises a respective motor that is configured for driving the displacement of the respective barrier between the open and closed position, and wherein the respective motors are provided in the barrier base. The separate motors for each of the barriers may provide the benefit that a dedicated motor can be selected for the specific requirements of that barrier, for example in terms of speed, power and / or torque. Each of the motors may thereby operate at its optimal working conditions.

[0046] In an embodiment, the multifunctional vehicle barrier device may further comprise visual indication means. The visual indication means may be configured for visually indicating for each of the folding gate barrier and boom barrier that is arranged in the operative state whether passage of a vehicle through the vehicle passage is allowed. Such visual indication means may for example be a traffic light that comprises color(s) (such as red, yellow and / or green) that serve as visual indicators to communicate specific instructions to vehicle drivers. For example, a color (such as red) may be used to indicate whether a barrier is in the closed position or is displacing between the closed position and open position. Another color (such as green) may be used to indicate that the barriers are in the open position and the vehicle may pass the vehicle passage.

[0047] As both the folding gate barrier and the boom barrier are integrated into one vehicle barrier device, a single visual indication means may be used for both of the barriers to indicate the permission for a vehicle to pass through the barrier. Said visual indication means may be controlled by the barrier control device. It is therefore not necessary to have separate visual indication means for each of the barriers, or to have, for example, only one visual indication means that is controlled by separate control devices of the barriers. In a second aspect, the invention provides a method of operating the multifunctional vehicle barrier device according to the present invention, for example as recited in the appended claims, comprising the steps of

[0048] - determining the state of one of the folding gate barrier or the boom barrier;

[0049] - controlling, with the barrier control device, in dependence of the state of the one of the folding gate batter or the boom barrier, the state of the other of the folding gate barrier, for example to arrange the folding gate barrier in the operative state when the boom barrier shifts to the clearance state, and vice versa.

[0050] Brief description of drawings

[0051] Further characteristics of the invention will be explained below, with reference to embodiments, which are displayed in the appended drawings, in which:

[0052] - Fig. 1A-D show an embodiment of the multifunctional vehicle barrier device according to the invention;

[0053] - Fig. 2A-B show another embodiment of the multifunctional vehicle barrier device according to the invention having a boom barrier that is connected to the barrier base in a modular manner;

[0054] - Fig. 3A-B show yet another embodiment of the multifunctional vehicle barrier device according to the invention having double boom barriers and folding gate barriers.

[0055] Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals are used to refer to corresponding components or to components that have a corresponding function.

[0056] Detailed description of drawings

[0057] Figure 1A-D show a perspective view of an embodiment of the multifunctional vehicle barrier device according to the invention, to which is referred with reference numeral 1. The barrier device 1 is intended to be arranged at a vehicle passage P, which may for example be at the entrance of a parking garage or another restricted area, such as commercial premises or industrial sites. The barrier device comprises a barrier base 2 with which the barrier device 1 is secured with respect to the ground. The barrier base 2 comprises two spaced apart columns 3 that are connected via a beam 4. Each of these spaced apart columns 3 may be provided at a respective side of the vehicle passage P.

[0058] The barrier device 1 comprises a folding gate barrier 5 that is rotatably connected to one of the columns 3. The drive of the folding gate barrier 5 is preferably also provided in this column 3. The folding gate barrier 5 comprises an articulated wing 6 with two folding section 7 that are hingedly connected and configured for folding in a harmonious manner. The folding gate barrier 5 can be arranged in the operative state in which the folding gate barrier 5 is displaceable between an open position for allowing the vehicle to pass through the vehicle passage P and a closed position for blocking vehicles from passing through the vehicle passage P, and a clearance state in which the folding gate barrier 5 is continuously in the open position. In Fig. 1A (front view) and 1 B (back view), the wing 6 of the folding gate barrier 5 is in the closed position of the operative state such that it extends between the two columns, positioning the folding gate barrier perpendicular to the travel direction within the vehicle passage. When in the open position (see Fig. 1C-D), the wing 6 of the folding gate barrier 5 is positioned substantially parallel to the vehicle passage P. Should an (authorized) vehicle be present at the barrier device 1 , the folding gate barrier 5 may momentarily displace to the open position and thus allow the vehicle to pass through the vehicle passage P, after which the folding gate barrier 5 displaces back to the closed position for blocking subsequent vehicles. In Fig. 1C-D, the folding gate barrier 5 is in the clearance state, such that the folding gate barrier 5 is continuously in the open position, irrespective of the presence of an (authorized / unauthorized) vehicle.

[0059] The multifunctional vehicle barrier device 1 further comprises a boom barrier 8 with a boom arm that is rotatably connected to a column 3 of the barrier base 2. A motor of the boom barrier 8 may also be positioned in the column 3. The motor allows the boom arm to swing upward and downward and thereby displace the boom barrier to the open and closed position, respectively. The boom barrier 8 in this embodiment is a folding boom barrier 8 that comprises two articulated boom sections 9 that may hinge relative to each other for folding and unfolding the boom barrier 8. Such a folding boom barrier 8 is advantageous for use in vehicle passages P with limited space, such as the entrance of a parking garage. In Fig. 1A-C, the boom barrier 8 is in the closed position of the operative state such that it extends between the two columns 3, positioning the boom barrier 8 perpendicular to the travel direction within the vehicle passage P. Should an (authorized) vehicle be present at the barrier device 1 , the boom barrier 8 may momentarily displace from the closed position to the open position (for the open position, see Fig. 1 D), in which the boom barrier 8 is swung upwardly and the articulated sections 9 are partially folded, for allowing the vehicle to pass through the vehicle passage P. After passing of the vehicle through the vehicle passage P the boom barrier 8 displaces back to the closed position for blocking subsequent vehicles.

[0060] The multifunctional vehicle barrier device 1 further comprises a barrier control device 10 that is functionally associated with both the folding gate barrier 5 and the boom barrier 8. The control device 10 is configured for controlling the state of one of the folding gate barrier 5 or the boom barrier 8 in dependence on the state of the other of the folding gate barrier 5 or the boom barrier 8. This may for example mean that the barrier control device 10 arranges the boom barrier 8 into the operative state when the folding gate barrier 5 shifts to the clearance state, or vice versa. Having one barrier control device 10 that is associated with both barriers 5, 8 advantageously allows communication between the two barriers 5, 8 such that they may alternate in functionalities. Moreover, when one of the barriers 5, 8 is broken or malfunctions, the control device 10 may immediately switch the broken barrier 5, 8 to the clearance state and the other barrier 5, 8 to the operative state, to ensure (almost) uninterrupted barrier presence at the vehicle passage P, and without requiring a technician for each barrier 5, 8 to come and adjust its state.

[0061] The barrier base 2 comprises a vehicle approach side (the side shown in Fig 1A) which faces approaching vehicles when the barrier device is provided at the vehicle passage, and an opposite vehicle exit side, shown in Fig 1 B. In this embodiment the folding gate barrier 5 is connected to the barrier base 2 at the vehicle approach side, while the boom barrier 8 is connected to the barrier base at the vehicle exit side. Because of these configurations, the barriers 5, 8 do not interfere with each other when moved between open and closed positions or between different states. Moreover, the folding gate barrier 5 is less vulnerable when it is stored behind the column 3 at the vehicle exit side of the barrier base 2 when in the clearance state.

[0062] The multifunctional vehicle barrier device 1 furthermore comprises a vehicle detection sensor 11 that is configured for providing a detection signal when the vehicle detection sensor 11 detects the presence of a vehicle. The vehicle detection sensor 11 may be for example a infra-infra-red sensor, detection loop and / or a license plate recognition device. The control device 10 is configured for in dependence of the detection signal controlling the displacement of each of the barriers 5, 8 that is arranged in the operative state between the open and closed position. In the situation of Fig. 1 A and 1 B, in which both the folding gate barrier 5 and the boom barrier 8 are in the operative state, the barrier control device 10 both barriers are displaced from the closed position to the open position when an authorized vehicle is detected. In the situation of Fig 1C-D, in which the folding gate barrier 5 is in the clearance state while the boom barrier 8 is in the operative state, only the boom barrier 8 is displaced between the open and closed position by the control device 10 in the presence of an authorized vehicle. This situation may for example be desired during day time or rush hour, in which a faster response time of the barrier device 1 is required to guarantee a smooth flow of vehicles, and during which lower levels of security may be permitted.

[0063] Fig. 2A-B show an embodiment of the multifunctional vehicle barrier device 1 according to the invention, which comprises a boom barrier 8 that is connected to the barrier base 2 in a modular manner. The boom barrier 8 in particular comprises a modular connecting housing 12 that may be easily inserted into and removed from the column 3 of the barrier base 2. The boom barrier 8 is the most vulnerable part of the vehicle barrier device 1 , and therefore also most prone to breakage. Having a boom barrier 8 that is connected to the barrier base in a modular manner allows the boom barrier 8 to be easily replaced without affecting the rest of the multifunctional vehicle barrier device 1.

[0064] Fig 3A-B show another embodiment of the multifunctional vehicle barrier device 1 according to the invention, which comprises a folding gate barrier 5 that comprises two articulated wings 6 that are each connected to a respective column 3 of the barrier base 2. In Fig. 3A, the wings 6 of the folding gate barrier 5 are in the closed position of the operative state such that they together extend between the two columns 3, positioning the folding gate barrier 5 perpendicular to the travel direction within the vehicle passage. When displacing towards the open position (see for the open position in Fig. 3B), the wings 6 move in opposite directions, i.e. towards respective sides of the vehicle passage P, until the wings 6 are substantially parallel to the vehicle passage P.

[0065] The multifunctional vehicle barrier device 1 in this embodiment furthermore comprises two boom barriers 8, wherein each of the boom barriers 8 is also operatively connected to respective columns 3 of the barrier base 2. Such a configuration with multiple wings 6 and boom barriers 8 may for example be advantageous at such vehicle passages in which specialized lane configurations are desired or which require directional control of vehicle flow, or which accommodate wider lanes, making it suitable for locations where space is less of a constraint.

[0066] Fig 4A-B show one of the columns 3 of the barrier base 2. The barrier control device 10 has a boom barrier control panel 14 and a folding gate barrier control panel 16. The control panels 14, 16 are both arranged in one of the columns 3 of the barrier base 2 such that the panels 14, 16 overlap each other. The boom barrier control panel 14 is in Fig 4A-B positioned in front of the folding gate barrier control panel 16. Vertical rails 18 are furthermore provided in the column 3. The boom barrier control panel 14 is slidably connected to these rails 18 such that the boom barrier control panel 14 can slide upwards and downwards. In Fig 4A, the boom barrier control panel 14 is positioned in front of the folding gate barrier control panel 16. In Fig 4B, the boom barrier control panel 14 is slid downwards such that the folding gate barrier control panel 16 is accessible.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Multifunctional vehicle barrier device (1) for controlling passage of a vehicle through a vehicle passage (P), comprising- a folding gate barrier (5) configured to be provided at said vehicle passage (P),- a boom barrier (8) configured to be provided at said vehicle passage (P), wherein each of the gate barrier (5) and / or the boom barrier (8) can be arranged in• an operative state in which the barrier (5, 8) is displaceable between an open position for allowing the vehicle to pass through the vehicle passage (P) and a closed position for blocking vehicles from passing through the vehicle passage (P), and• a clearance state in which the barrier (5, 8) is continuously arranged in the open position; characterized in that the multifunctional vehicle barrier device (1) comprises a barrier base (2) configured to be installed at the vehicle passage (P) for securing the barrier device (1) with respect to the ground, wherein both the folding gate barrier (5) and the boom barrier (8) are operatively connected to said barrier base (2), and in that the multifunctional vehicle barrier device (1) comprises a barrier control device (10) that is functionally associated with both the gate barrier (5) and the boom barrier (8), and that is configured for controlling the state of one of the gate barrier (5) or the boom barrier (8) in dependence on the state of the other of the gate barrier (5) or the boom barrier (8), for example to arrange the gate barrier (5) in the operative state when the boom barrier (8) shifts to the clearance state, and vice versa.

2. Multifunctional vehicle barrier device (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the barrier control device (10) is configured for automatically detecting malfunctioning of one of the folding gate barrier (5) or the boom barrier (8), and for in dependence of the detected malfunctioning automatically shifting the other of the folding gate barrier (5) or the boom barrier (8) in the operative state, e.g. without requiring manual intervention.

3. Multifunctional vehicle barrier device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the barrier base (2) comprises one or more columns (3), and wherein both the folding gate barrier (5) and the boom barrier (8) are operatively connected to said column(s) (3).

4. Multifunctional vehicle barrier device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the barrier base (2) comprises two or more of the columns (3), which are spaced apart and are preferably configured to be provided at respective sides of the vehicle passage (P), andwherein the folding gate barrier (5) is operatively connected to one of the columns (3) and the boom barrier (8) is operatively connected to another of the columns (3), or wherein the folding gate barrier (5) and the boom barrier (8) are connected to the same column (3).

5. Multifunctional vehicle barrier device (1), according to claim 4, wherein one of the columns has larger in the width direction than the other of the one or more columns.

6. Multifunctional vehicle barrier device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the folding gate barrier (5) and the boom barrier (8) is independently electrically disconnectable from the other of the folding gate barrier (5) and the boom barrier (8), and wherein, while one of the barriers (5, 8) is electrically disconnected, the other of the barriers (5, 8) remains controllable by the barrier control device (10).

7. Multifunctional vehicle barrier device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the barrier control device (10) has a boom barrier control panel (14) and a folding gate barrier control panel (16) distinct from the barrier control panel (14), and wherein each of the control panels (14, 16) is arranged in one of the columns (3).

8. Multifunctional vehicle barrier device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the control panels (14, 16) are positioned such that they overlap one another in a column (3), e.g. one of the control panels (14, 16) being at least partially arranged in front of one another, and wherein at least one of the control panels (14, 16) is moveably, in particular slidably, arranged in the column such that by moving, in particular sliding, said control panel (14, 16) the other control panel becomes (14, 16) accessible.

9. Multifunctional vehicle barrier device (1) according to claim 8, wherein at least one rail (18) is provided in the column (3), and wherein at least the moveably arranged control panel (14, 16) is slidably connected to the rail (18), preferably wherein the at least one rail (18) is positioned vertically.

10. Multifunctional vehicle barrier device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two or more columns (3) are connected via a transverse beam (4) that is configured to be provided above the vehicle passage (P).

11. Multifunctional vehicle barrier device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the boom barrier (8) is a folding boom barrier (8) that is configured for foldingduring displacement of the boom barrier (8) from the closed position to the open positions and for unfolding during displacement of the boom barrier (8) from the open position to the closed position.

12. Multifunctional vehicle barrier device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the barrier base (2) comprises a vehicle approach side which is configured for facing approaching vehicles when the barrier device (1) is provided at the vehicle passage (P), and an opposite vehicle exit side, wherein the folding gate barrier (5) is connected to the barrier base (2) at the vehicle exit side and the boom barrier (8) is connected to the barrier base (2) at the vehicle approach side, or vice versa.

13. Multifunctional vehicle barrier device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the boom barrier (8) is connected to the barrier base (2) via a boom barrier module that is removably incorporated in the barrier base (2).

14. Multifunctional vehicle barrier device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a vehicle detection sensor that is configured for providing a detection signal representative for the presence and / or absence of a vehicle, and wherein the control device (10) is configured for in dependence of the detection signal controlling the displacement between the open position and the closed position of each of the barriers (5, 8) that is arranged in the operative state.

15. Multifunctional vehicle barrier device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the folding gate barrier (5) and the boom barrier (8) comprises a respective motor that is configured for driving the displacement of the respective barrier (5, 8) between the open and closed position, and wherein the respective motors are provided in the barrier base (2).

16. Multifunctional vehicle barrier device (1) according to claim 15, wherein the motor of the folding gate barrier (5) is provided in the column (3) and / or in the beam (4), and wherein the motor of the boom barrier (8) is provided in the column (3) and / or in the beam (4) of the barrier base (2).

17. Multifunctional vehicle barrier device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising visual indication means, such as a traffic light,wherein the visual indication means are configured for visually indicating for each of the barriers (5, 8) that is arranged in the operative state whether passage of a vehicle through the vehicle passage (P) is or is not allowed.

18. Multifunctional vehicle barrier device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the folding gate barrier (5) comprises one or more hinged wings (6), which are connected to the barrier base (2) at a rotation point and which are preferably configured to rotate horizontally, around a vertical rotation axis, when displaced between the open position and closed position.

19. Multifunctional vehicle barrier device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the boom barrier (8) comprises a boom arm that is configured to be arranged in front of the vehicle passage (P) in the closed position, for example in a horizontal orientation, to block the passage of vehicles, and during displacement to the open position is raised to allow vehicle access through the vehicle passage (P).

20. Method of operating the multifunctional vehicle barrier device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of- determining the state of one of the folding gate barrier (5) or the boom barrier (8);- controlling, with the barrier control device (10), in dependence of the state of the one of the folding gate batter (5) or the boom barrier (8), the state of the other of the folding gate barrier (5) or boom barrier (8), for example to arrange the folding gate barrier (5) in the operative state when the boom barrier (8) shifts to the clearance state, and vice versa.

21. Method according to claim 20, wherein determining comprises the barrier control device (10) automatically detecting the malfunctioning of one of the folding gate barrier (5) or the boom barrier (8), and wherein controlling comprises that the barrier control device automatically shifts the other of the folding gate barrier (5) or the boom barrier (8) in the operative state.

22. Method according to claim 20, wherein the barrier control device comprises a daylight sensor for providing a detection signal representative for the amount of daylight, and wherein the barrier control device (10) automatically shifts one of the folding gate barrier (5) or the boom barrier (8) in the operative state in dependence on the daylight detection signal.

23. Method of servicing the multifunctional vehicle barrier device (1) according to any one of the claims 1-19, comprising the step of- electrically disconnecting one of the boom barrier (8) or the folding gate barrier (5) while the other of the boom barrier (8) or the folding gate barrier (5) remains controllable by the control device (10), and- servicing only the disconnected barrier (5, 8).

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