ACCESS SYSTEM

Abstract

An access system (2) has a first actuation handle (6) that is attached to an outside of a door (4), a second actuation handle (8) that is attached to an inside of a door (4), and an access control system that has at least one evaluation unit (14), which is coupled to the at least one reader (10, 12) and is configured to identify a transponder that has been read. The system is characterized in that a first reader (10) is located on the outside of the door (4) and a second reader (12) is located on the inside of the door (4), and that the at least one evaluation unit (14) is configured to determine whether a transponder (16) read by the first reader (10) and/or the second reader (12) and identified by the at least one evaluation unit (14) is inside or outside the door (4), and to generate a door-opening signal if the identified transponder (16) is on the outside.

Claims

1. An access system (2) that has a first actuation handle (6) for attachment to an outside of a door (4), a second actuation handle (8) for attachment to an inside of the door (4), and an access control system that has at least one reader (10, 12) for reading a transponder (16), and at least one evaluation unit (14), which is coupled to the at least one reader (10, 12) and is configured to identify a transponder that has been read, characterized in that a first reader (10) is placed on the outside of the door (4) and a second reader (12) is placed on the inside of the door (4), and that the at least one evaluation unit (14) is configured to determine whether a transponder (16) read by the first reader (10) and/or the second reader (12) and identified in the at least one evaluation unit (14) is inside or outside the door (4), and to generate a door-opening signal if the identified transponder (16) is on the outside.

2. The access system (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one evaluation unit (14) is configured to determine the distance by evaluating a measured signal strength or signal travel time of a response signal from the transponder to the readers (10, 12).

3. The access system (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first reader (10) and the second reader (12) are coupled to the same evaluation unit (14).

4. The access system (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the installation heights of the first reader (10) and the second reader (12) differ by no more than 7 cm.

5. The access system (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first reader (10) is integrated in the first actuation handle (6).

6. The access system (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that a sensor (22) for detecting an object (35) located in a third detection range (28) defined by the sensor (22), which is coupled to the at least one evaluation unit (14), is integrated in the first actuation handle (6), wherein the sensor (22) is located on a first section (32) of the first actuation handle 86), and the third detection range (28) extends outward from the first section, and wherein the at least one evaluation unit (14) is configured to activate the sensor (22) to generate a door-opening signal, and transmit the door-opening signal after first detecting an object (35) in the third detection range (28).

7. The access system (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that the first actuation handle (6) is at least partially rod-shaped, has a first end (32) and an opposing second end, wherein the first section (32) is on the first end (32).

8. The access system (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that the first actuation handle (6) has a main axis of extension (32) and the third detection range (28) is parallel to the main axis of extension (32).

9. The access system (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that the sensor (22) is an ultrasonic sensor.

10. The access system (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that the first reader (10) is located in a first housing (42) and forms a first assembly (40).

11. The access system (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that the sensor (22) and the first reader (10) are connected to one another via a cable (56), wherein the cable (56) has a branch coupled to the second reader (12).

12. The access system (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that the first actuation handle (6) also has a lamp (82), which emits light in the third detection range (28) during the detection procedure.

13. The access system (2) according to claim 12, characterized in that the lamp (82) is coupled to the sensor (22).

14. The access system (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one evaluation unit (14) is configured to output an optical or acoustic indication when a transponder (16) on the outside has been identified.

Description

[0072] Further features, details, and advantages of the invention can be derived from the wording of the claims and the following description of exemplary embodiments in reference to the drawings. Therein:

[0073] FIG. 1 shows an access system in a highly simplified schematic illustration;

[0074] FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c a first actuation handle on a door;

[0075] FIG. 3 shows a partially transparent section of a first actuation handle with a first reader integrated therein;

[0076] FIGS. 4a and 4b show a first reader with a housing and electrical lines in two different views;

[0077] FIGS. 5a to 5c show different cross section variations for the first actuation handle in illustrations showing an active surface on the first reader;

[0078] FIGS. 6a and 6b show a section of the first actuation handle with a sensor installed therein;

[0079] FIGS. 7a and 7b show an exploded view of a second assembly that has a sensor and a lamp;

[0080] FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of a second actuation handle;

[0081] FIG. 9 shows an assembled second actuation handle; and

[0082] FIG. 10 shows an access system in another schematic illustration.

[0083] FIG. 1 shows a highly simplified schematic illustration of an access system 2 from above, on an upper surface of a door 4, on which a first actuation handle 6 is located on the outside and a second actuation handle 8 is located on the inside. Both actuation handles 6 and 8 are equipped with an access control system, which is not indicated in FIG. 1 as a single element, but instead is obtained through the interaction of the individual components. The first actuation handle 6 has a first reader 10, which is integrated directly in the first actuation handle 6, by way of example. The second actuation handle 8 also has a second reader 12, which is likewise integrated directly in the second actuation handle 8. There is also an evaluation unit 14, which is located by way of example in the second actuation handle 8.

[0084] The evaluation unit 14 is coupled to the first reader 10 and the second reader 12. It is configured to determine whether a transponder read by the first reader 10 and/or the second reader 12 and identified in the evaluation unit 14 is inside or outside the door 4. A door-opening signal is generated if an identified transponder is located on the outside. If the transponders are only located on the inside, the door-opening signal is not generated. The door is therefore only opened from the outside.

[0085] By way of example, a transponder 16 is shown, that is outside, and is within the detection ranges of both readers 10 and 12 due to the designs of the first reader 10 and second reader 12. The evaluation unit 14 is configured to determine a distance D1 from the first reader 10 to the transponder 16 and a distance D2 from the second reader 14 to the transponder 16. This can take place by determining a field or signal strength of a response signal sent from the transponder 16. By determining the distances D1 and D2, the evaluation unit 14 can determine whether the transponder 16 is outside or inside the door 4. If the distance D1 is less than D2, this indicates that the transponder is outside. If instead, the Distance D2 is less than D1, the transponder is very probably inside. At this point it should be noted that the evaluation unit 14 does not necessarily have to be able to calculate concrete distances. It is entirely sufficient to determine parameters based on the distance from the transponder 15 to the respective readers 10 and 12. These distance parameters can then be compared with one another.

[0086] The door-opening signal can be used to actuate a motorized lock 18, which is located directly in the door 4, for example. An expanded view of the access system 2 shall be shown in FIG. 10.

[0087] FIG. 2a shows an outside of the door 4 in the form of a house door, by way of example. The first actuation handle 6 is located thereon, which is in the form of a rod handle, and is perpendicular on the door 4. Transverse brackets 19 can be used to secure the first actuation handle 6 on the door 4. Two or more such brackets 19 can be used, which are distributed along the length of the first actuation handle 6. The first actuation handle 6 has a hollow chamber 20, indicated in FIG. 2c, in which the first reader 10 and a sensor 22 are located.

[0088] The first reader 6 and the sensor 22 are the components of an access control system located on the outside of the door 4 that allows an actuation of the motorized lock 18 or a similar mechanism from outside the door 4. The opening of the motorized lock is initiated by reading and identifying transponders 16 and subsequently detecting an object by the sensor 22.

[0089] To read a transponder, first reader 6 has a first detection range 24 in which a transponder carried by a user can be read. The second reader 12 shown in FIG. 1 has an analogous second detection range 26. These detection ranges can overlap more or less, depending on the design of the readers 10 and 12.

[0090] The sensor 22 has a third detection range 28 in which the presence of an object can be detected after identifying a transponder authorized for the opening on the outside of the door 4. The sensor 22 can be broadly understood to be an input means that can be triggered by a gesture with a foot or hand and is used for the actual activation of the opening of the motorized lock 18, either through releasing it or a confirmation for sending a door-opening signal generated by the evaluation unit 14.

[0091] In this illustration of the first actuation handle 6, the third detection range 28 can extend outward from a first end 30, which forms the first section of the first actuation handle 6. The third detection range is concentrated by way of example on a cylindrical, conical or club-shaped region extending outward from the sensor 22. A direction of extension for the third detection range 28 is generated by the orientation of the sensor 22, which is substantially aligned with a main axis of extension 32 of the first actuation handle 6. In this illustration, the third detection range 28 therefore extends from a lower end of the first actuation handle 6 to a floor 34 in front of the door 4. If an object enters this third detection range 28, shown as, e.g., a foot or shoe in a detail in FIG. 2b, it can be recognized by the sensor 22.

[0092] There is a lamp (not shown herein) for intuitively indicating the third detection range 28 and the activation of the sensor 22 to a user, which projects a light spot 36 onto the floor 34. The designs of the aforementioned components shall be explained in greater detail in reference to the following figures.

[0093] FIG. 3 shows a section of the first actuation handle 6, in which the first reader 10 is integrated. By way of example, the first actuation handle 6 has a cross section that is curved on one side but flat on the other. A curved side 54 can face the door 4 in the installed state, while the flat side 38 faces away from the door 4. As a matter of course, the first actuation handle 6 can also have some other cross section.

[0094] It is clear in this illustration that the first reader 6 forms a closed assembly, referred to below as the first assembly 40, which is integrated in the first actuation handle 6. This first assembly 40 has a first housing 42 encompassing the first reader 6. There are threaded holes 48 at the two ends 44 and 46, into which screws 50 are screwed. The first actuation handle 6 also has through holes 52 on its curved side 54 that are aligned with the threaded holes 48, through which a user can insert a tool for turning the screws 50. If the screws 50 are screwed out of the respective threaded holes 48, they bear on an inner surface of the first actuation handle 6 and consequently clamp the first housing 42 in the hollow chamber 20. This ensures not only that the first housing is secured in place, but also that it can be disassembled easily.

[0095] FIG. 4a shows an enlargement of the first assembly 40. It can be seen that the first housing 42 is significantly larger than is necessary to accommodate the first reader 10. Electrical connecting lines 56 are shown that extend outward from the interior of the first housing 42. By way of example, there are notches 59 for this, in which the connecting lines 56 are laid, and a clamp 58 that can be inserted into the first housing 42 to secure the connecting lines 56 to the first housing 42. The first housing 42 is filled with a casting resin to seal the first reader 10 and encapsulate the entire first assembly 40. As a result, the first reader 10 is irreversibly and completely encompassed by a watertight sheath, and reliably protected against external mechanical effects. During the casting process for the first housing 42, the clamp 58 seals the first housing 42. The first housing 42 can substantially form a basin, one side of which is open, and all other sides of which are, or can be, closed.

[0096] The first reader 10 can have a dedicated active surface 60, shown on a cover in FIG. 4b, which should be left uncovered as much as possible when integrated into the first actuation handle 6, in order to maintain a sufficient range. The active surface 60, which can also be referred to as the viewing surface, extends out of the first housing 42. It is advantageous if the active surface 60 lies in a corresponding recess in the first actuation handle 6.

[0097] FIG. 5a shows a subsection of the first actuation handle in a three dimensional illustration. A cut-out 62 can be seen in particular therein, which passes through the first actuation handle 6 on its flat side 38. The active surface 60 of the first reader can be inserted backwards therein. It should be noted here that the active surface 60 is preferably placed on the first assembly 40 such that the flat side 38 and the active surface 60 are flush to one another. This results in a harmonious surface design that does not disrupt the visual appearance of the first actuation handle 6.

[0098] There can also be an additional sealing ring 64 between the active surface 60 and the cut-out 62. The visible part of the sealing ring 64 at the cut-out 62 can be narrower than in the interior of the hollow chamber 20, such that it presses against the cut-out 62 from the inside when the first assembly 40 is clamped securely in place, but cannot pass through, due to the design, such that the sealing ring 64 appears to be flush therewith.

[0099] As explained above, the first actuation handle 6 can take various forms, which are shown in FIGS. 5b and 5c. FIG. 5b shows a first actuation handle 6 with a substantially square cross section. FIG. 5c shows a classic, entirely cylindrical cross section, as is often used for rod handles. Although the active surface 60 in the variations shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b can have the same design, the active surface 60 in the variation in FIG. 5c is curved.

[0100] FIGS. 6a and 6b show a second assembly 66, which is positioned at the first end 16 of the first actuation handle 6, and contains the sensor 22 placed therein. There is a second housing 68 for this, which fits into the hollow chamber 20 in the first actuation handle 6. It can therefore by slid into the actuation handle 6 through an opening in the first end 30. There is also a threaded hole 70 here for securing it, in which a screw 72 is placed. This is preferably a counter-sunk screw. The second housing 68 and therefore the second component 66 can be secured by this means in the hollow chamber 20 in the first actuation handle 6.

[0101] To seal the transition between the inner wall of the first actuation handle 6 and the second assembly 66, the second housing 68 has a circumferential groove 74 in which an appropriately shaped sealing ring is placed. It should be noted that the groove 74 and the sealing ring are designed such that the sealing ring is securely retained by the groove 74, such that it is not removed or sheared when the second assembly 66 is inserted into the hollow chamber 20. A sealing ring 76 is shown in FIG. 6b that is retained entirely in the groove 74, and bears on the inner surface of the hollow chamber 20.

[0102] The second assembly 66 is shown with the separate second housing 68 in an exploded view in FIGS. 7a and 7b. The second housing 68 has a first receiving space 78 for the sensor 22. This is placed on a printed circuit board 80, by way of example, which also contains a sensor evaluation circuit. A lamp 82 is also indicated by a broken line, which is likewise on the printed circuit board 80, next to the sensor 22. This lamp 82 can be electrically coupled to the sensor 22 or the printed circuit board 80, such that when the sensor 22 is activated, the lamp 82 is also on, and emits light.

[0103] There is a lens 84 for focusing the light, which can be placed in a second receiving space 86. This is placed next to the first receiving space 78 in the second housing 68. When the sensor 22 and the lens 84 are placed in the associated receiving spaces 78 and 86, the printed circuit board 80 is flush with the second housing 68. The lamp 82 can be a light emitting diode soldered onto the printed circuit board 80, which already has a first lens 83. By way of example, this can be placed in a mount 88 on the printed circuit board 80. The lens 84, mount 88 and first lens 83 can be preassembled in a lens tube 89.

[0104] By way of example, an electrical connector 90 is placed on the printed circuit board 80 on a side facing away from the sensor 22 and the lamp 82. The connector 90 can be coupled to the evaluation unit 14 in particular, or a similar superordinate system. The printed circuit board 80 can already have a sensor evaluation circuit that controls the sensor 22 and the lamp 82, and in particular evaluates signals or data from the sensor 22. The sensor evaluation circuit is preferably configured to detect an object in the third detection range from the raw signals. A signal can then be provided via the electrical connector 90 indicating that a corresponding object has been detected. As a result, it is not necessary to send all of the signals from the sensor 22 to a superordinate unit to be processed there.

[0105] FIG. 8 shows the second actuation handle 8 in an exploded view. By way of example, there is a handle 92 for operating it, which forms a right angle and can be operated like a conventional door handle.

[0106] The second actuation handle 8 preferably, and by way of example, has a modular construction, wherein a mount 94 forms a core component. This can be made of plastic, for example, and is intended for receiving other various components, such that they form a modular functional assembly. The mount 94 has a first hole 96, through which a drive pin can extend.

[0107] First, there is a bearing mechanism 98, which has a bearing frame 100 on which a pin bearing 102 is located for supporting a first drive pin 104. The bearing frame 100 can be made from a piece of sheet metal that is bent multiple times. The bending forms two substantially parallel lateral tabs 106. There is a base tab 108 at the bottom surface, which substantially runs between the two lateral tabs 106, at a right angle thereto. The tabs 106 and 108 do not need to be connected to one another.

[0108] A first receiving section 110 on the mount 94 forms a projection with two lateral surfaces 112, which correspond to the lateral tabs 106. The bearing frame 100 can therefore by placed on the first receiving section 110, such that both lateral tabs 106 are slid or placed on the two lateral surfaces 112 of the mount 94. With an appropriate design, e.g. a ridge, spring elements, or other features, an at least temporary form- or force-fitting connection can be obtained between the bearing frame 100 and the mount 94.

[0109] The pin bearing 102 extends outward from the bearing frame 100. It has a radial cylindrical surface 116 running about a central axis 114, extending from the bearing frame 100 toward the handle 92. The pin bearing 102 is delimited or formed by the cylindrical surface 106. A corresponding roller bearing with a cylindrical outer surface can be placed and secured in the hollow chamber encompassed by the cylindrical surface 116. The first drive pin 104 can be retained axially on the pin bearing 102 such that cannot be displaced using appropriate means, not shown herein.

[0110] There is a second receiving section 118 in the form of a recess on a side of the mount 94 opposite the bearing mechanism 98. The second receiving section 118 can accommodate the second reader 12, which is located above the central axis 114 and in particular above the bearing mechanism 98. The second reader 12 then lies above the bearing mechanism 98 and in a side of the mount 94 facing away from it. As specified above, it may be useful for the installation heights of the first reader 10 and second reader 12 to be substantially the same.

[0111] By placing the second reader 12 on a side of the mount 94 facing away from the handle 92 and the bearing mechanism 98, the second reader 12 is protected against mechanical damage. The second reader 12 has an electrical connecting line 120, for example, which shall be explained in greater detail below.

[0112] In order to enable the normal movement of the handle 92, there is a return spring unit 122. This contains a spring packet in particular, not shown in greater detail, that acts against a turning of the first drive pin 104 by the handle 92. The return spring unit 122 can be connected to a second drive pin (not shown). The first drive pin 104 can also be designed such that it extends into or beyond the return spring unit 122. The design of the details can be selected freely according to normal standards in the field. It is also conceivable that the bearing mechanism 98 has a coupling for coupling to the first drive pin 104 on a side facing away from the handle 92. Ultimately, a connection should be obtained to a motorized lock or lock mechanism, not shown, with the first drive pin 104 or a second drive pin.

[0113] There is a first cladding element 124 on a side of the mount 94 facing the handle 92, which is made of metal, for example. To ensure that the second reader 12 has an optimal detection range, the first cladding element 124 has a window 126 on a side lying above the central axis 114. This forms an opening that is aligned with the orientation of the second reader 12. On the whole, the first cladding element 124 forms a basin, such that the mount 94 is fully encompassed with the bearing mechanism 98, and covered toward the exterior. As a matter of course, there is a second hole 128, through which the pin bearing 102 extends outward. The frame 94 and the first cladding element 124 are wedge-shaped in the region of the window 126.

[0114] To fully conceal it visually, there is a second cladding element 130, which is made of plastic in particular. The plastic does not interfere with radio signals transmitted between a transponder and the second reader 12. The second cladding element 130 is placed on a side of the first cladding element 134 facing the handle 92, and has a third hole 132, through which the pin bearing 102 can extend outward. An escutcheon 131 can also cover the pin bearing 12. A tolerance sleeve 133 can adjoin this, through which the handle 4 can be guided.

[0115] There is also a cover 134 on a rear surface of the second actuation handle 8, which extends along the surface of the mount 94. Numerous threaded holes 136 are located therein, which can accommodate screws (not shown here). These screws can extend through holes 138 in the bearing mechanism 98, holes 140 in the mount 98, and holes 142 in the return spring unit 122, and be screwed into the threaded holes 136. As a result, all of the components are securely connected to one another. There is an opening 144 for the connecting line 120, e.g. in the form of a notch. This adjoins a fourth hole 146, through which a drive pin passes.

[0116] FIG. 9 shows the second actuation handle 8 in the assembled state. It can be seen therein that the pin bearing 102 extends from the second cladding element 130, and the handle 92 is flush therewith.

[0117] FIG. 10 shows another schematic illustration of the access system 2 in FIG. 1, taking the components shown in FIGS. 2a to 9 into account. The door 4 is shown here with the first actuation handle 6 and the second actuation handle 8. A motorized lock 18 is located in the door 4, as already indicated in FIG. 1. The motorized lock 18 can be supplied with electricity via a cable integrated in the door, and not shown herein. This cable can be integrated in the door 4 during assembly, and connected to a building power supply via a corresponding connecting element, e.g. on or next to a door hinge.

[0118] The wiring shown in FIG. 10 can be used to power the components of the access system 2 with electricity. The first reader 10 is integrated in the hollow chamber 20 in the first actuation handle 6. The connecting lines 56 shown in FIG. 4 extend downward in the hollow chamber 20, by way of example, and are each branched. The connecting lines 56 form a Y-shaped assembly. One of the two connecting lines 56 is connected to the second assembly 66, or the sensor 22. The sensor 22 can be supplied with electricity by these connecting lines 56. A data or signal transfer to the first reader 10 can also be obtained therewith.

[0119] The second connecting line 56 likewise passes downward through the hollow chamber 20, and can extend via a bracket 19 into the door 4 and to the motorized lock 18 therein. This variation is of particular interest if the first actuation handle 6 has a rod-shaped handle that is attached at points that are relatively far from the installation height for the first reader 10. By guiding the connecting lines 56 into the motorized lock 18, the first reader 10 and the sensor 22 can then be supplied with electricity. A connection to the second reader, or the evaluation unit 14 exclusively located in the second actuation handle 8, by way of example, can also be obtained. As a result, all of the components are connected to one another, in order to fulfill the objective of the access system 2.

[0120] The signal or data connection between the evaluation unit 14 and the first reader 10, or the sensor 22 or other components in the second assembly 66, does not necessarily have to be a hardwired connection. It is also conceivable to use wireless connection, due to the preferably permanent power supply to both actuation handles 6 and 8. Corresponding transmitter and receiver modules can be used for this. This reduces the complexity of the door construction, or the wiring for the motorized lock 18 and can also be obtained by upgradable radio signal modules that can be integrated in the actuation handles 6 and 8. These can also form a simple connection to a bus or communication system installed in the building. It is also easy to place the evaluation unit 14 somewhere else, at a distance to the actual actuation handles 6 and 8.

[0121] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and instead can be used in a number of ways.

[0122] All of the features, advantages, including constructive details, spatial arrangements and method steps that can be derived from the claims, description, and drawings, may be substantial to the invention in and of themselves or in various combinations thereof.

TABLE-US-00001 List of Reference Symbols 2 door 4 actuation handle 6 first actuation handle 8 second actuation handle 10 first reader 12 second reader 14 evaluation unit 16 transponder 18 motorized lock 19 bracket 20 hollow chamber 22 sensor 24 first detection range 26 second detection range 28 third detection range 30 first end/first section 32 main axis of extension 34 floor 35 object 36 light spot 38 flat side 40 first assembly 42 first housing 44 one end of the first housing 46 another end of the first housing 48 threaded hole 50 screw 52 through hole 54 curved side 56 electrical connecting line/cable 58 clamp 59 notch 60 active surface 62 cut-out 64 sealing ring 66 second assembly 68 second housing 70 threaded hole 72 set screw 74 groove 76 sealing ring 78 first receiving space 80 printed circuit board 82 lamp 83 first lens 84 lens 86 second receiving space 88 mount 89 lens tube 90 electrical connector 92 handle 94 mount 96 first hole 98 bearing mechanism 100 bearing frame 102 pin bearing 104 first drive pin 106 lateral tab 108 base tab 110 first receiving section 112 lateral tab 114 central axis 116 cylindrical surface 118 second receiving section 120 electrical connecting line 122 return spring unit 124 first cladding element 126 window 128 second hole 130 second cladding element 131 escutcheon 132 third hole 133 tolerance sleeve 134 cover 136 threaded hole 138 hole 140 hole 142 hole 144 opening 146 fourth hole