DOOR SYSTEM AND MODULE THEREFORE

Abstract

A door module for use with a door system, and applications thereof, are disclosed. The door module comprises a door frame and a door articulated to the door frame, a touchless door module comprising a door motor assembly, a door locking assembly, a control assembly and a power source. The door motor assembly can be configured for displacing the door between an open position and a closed position, responsive to a door opening signal or a door closing signal, respectively, emitted from the control assembly. The locking assembly can be configured for displacing a locking bolt between a locked position at which it is engageable with a locking strike, responsive to a locking signal emitted from the control assembly, and an unlocked position, responsive to an unlocking signal emitted from the control assembly. The control assembly comprises in some embodiments at least one touchless inside sensor, wherein an entrance signal includes a signal received form the at least one inside touchless sensor, resulting in generating a door closing signal and an occupied signal, and an exit signal received by the at least one inside sensor resulting in generating a door opening signal. The control assembly may further comprise a signaling system configured for emitting noticeable door mode indicia responsive to door parameters.

Claims

1. A door system comprising: a door frame and a door articulated to the door frame; a door motor assembly configured for displacing the door between an open position and a closed position, responsive to a door opening signal or a door closing signal, respectively; and a unitary touchless door module comprising: a locking assembly configured for displacing a locking bolt between a locked position at which it is engageable with a locking strike, responsive to a locking signal, and an unlocked position, responsive to an unlocking signal; a control assembly comprising at least one inside sensor, at least one outside sensor, a signaling system configured for emitting noticeable door mode indicia responsive to door parameters, and a controller configured and operable to generate: an entrance signal responsive to a signal received from the at least one outside sensor for the motor assembly to displace the door to the open position; a door closing signal responsive to a signal received from the at least one inside sensor for the motor assembly to displace the door to the closed position, and an occupied signal correspondingly; and an exit signal responsive to a further signal received from the at least one inside sensor for the motor assembly to displace the door to the open position.

2. (canceled)

3. The door system according to claim 1, comprising at least one door position sensor, and wherein the locking signal is generated upon sensing a closed position generated by the at least one door position sensor.

4. The door system according to claim 1, wherein the control assembly further comprises a communication module configured for transmitting data regarding door parameters to a remote location.

5. (canceled)

6. (canceled)

7. The door system according to claim 1, wherein the door motor assembly is configured for at least one of the following: to be disposed at an inside or an outside of the door; to be fitted within the door or within the door frame; to comprise a motor unit fixed to one of the door and the frame with a respective manipulating member extending from the motor unit to the other one of the door and the frame; to comprise a clutch mechanism configured to discontinue displacing the door between its respective position at the event of an obstacle disposed at the door's path of displacement and/or to use a sensing arrangement for determining motor position and transmitting motor indicia to the control assembly.

8. (canceled)

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. The door system according to claim 1, wherein the unitary touchless door module is configured at a lock jamb or at a lock stile.

14. (canceled)

15. The door system according to claim 1, wherein a fee charging module is configured, wherein the door will open conditional to fee transmittal.

16. The door system according to claim 1, wherein the door mode indicia is at least one of the following: an audio indicia; an indication displayed at either or both of an outside and an inside of the door; a visible indicia; a light emitted signal displayable at a door handle height.

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. The door system according to claim 1, wherein at a standby position the door is in one of the following states: a normally closed and locked, a closed unlocked position, or closed unlocked position with the door motor being disconnected.

20. (canceled)

21. (canceled)

22. (canceled)

23. The door system according to claim 7, wherein a locking strike is configured at a lock stile of the door or with a lock jamb of the door frame.

24. The door system according to claim 1, wherein the system further comprises an occupied sensor configured to sense the presence of an individual within a confined space and generate a respective occupied signal, and wherein the controller is configured such that it does not generate a door open signal open as long as an occupied signal is received.

25. (canceled)

26. (canceled)

27. (canceled)

28. (canceled)

29. (canceled)

30. (canceled)

31. A unitary touchless door module for use with a door system comprising a door frame and a door articulated to the door frame and mechanically coupled to a door motor assembly configured for displacing the door between an open position and a closed position, responsive to a door opening signal or a door closing signal, respectively, the unitary touchless door module comprising: a locking assembly configured for displacing a locking bolt between a locked position at which it is engageable with a locking strike, responsive to a locking signal, and an unlocked position, responsive to an unlocking signal; a control assembly comprising at least one inside sensor, at least one outside sensor, a signaling system configured for emitting noticeable door mode indicia responsive to door parameters, and a controller configured and operable to generate: an entrance signal responsive to a signal received from the at least one outside sensor for the motor assembly to displace the door to the open position; a door closing signal responsive to a signal received from the at least one inside sensor for the motor assembly to displace the door to the closed position, and an occupied signal correspondingly; and an exit signal responsive to a further signal received from the at least one inside sensor for the motor assembly to displace the door to the open position.

32. The unitary touchless door module according to claim 31, further comprising at least one door position sensor, and wherein the locking signal is generated upon sensing a closed position generated by the at least one door position sensor.

33. The unitary touchless door module according to claim 31, wherein the control assembly further comprises a communication module configured for transmitting data regarding door parameters to a remote location.

34. The unitary touchless door module according to claim 31, wherein the locking assembly comprises a manual override mechanism, configured for manipulating the locking assembly between its respective positions.

35. The unitary touchless door module according to claim 34, wherein the manual override mechanism is configured at any one or both of the inside and outside of the door module.

36. (canceled)

37. (canceled)

38. (canceled)

39. The unitary touchless door system according to claim 31, configured for fitting at a lock jamb or at a lock stile.

40. The unitary touchless door module according claim 31, wherein the locking signal is emitted by a time relay configured for closing the door after a predetermined time has lapsed from generation of the door opening signal.

41. (canceled)

42. The unitary touchless door module according to claim 31, wherein the unlocking signal is configured to distinguish authorization for entry into a confined space to particular individuals.

43. The unitary touchless door module according to claim 31, further comprising an occupied sensor configured to sense the presence of an individual within a confined space and generate a respective occupied signal.

44. The unitary touchless door module according to claim 31, wherein the controller is configured such that it does not generate a door open signal open as long as an occupied signal is received.

45. The unitary touchless door module according to claim 31, wherein a timer is configured for generating a door closing signal after a predetermined time has lapsed from opening the door.

46. (canceled)

47. The unitary touchless door module according to claim 31, configured for retrofit at existing door systems.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0087] In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0088] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an enclosed space, namely a toilet cabinet, configured with an outwards opening door system, according to an example of the disclosure;

[0089] FIG. 2A is an outside perspective view of a door system according to an example of the disclosure, the door being an inward opening slab type door, illustrated at a closed position, with a locking assembly configured at the lock stile;

[0090] FIG. 2B is an inside perspective view of the door system of FIG. 2A;

[0091] FIG. 2C is an inside perspective view of the door system of FIG. 2B, with the door open;

[0092] FIG. 2D is an outside perspective view of the door system of FIG. 2C;

[0093] FIG. 3A is an enlargement of the portion marked 3A in FIG. 2C;

[0094] FIG. 3B is an outside view of the portion shown in FIG. 3A;

[0095] FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of the portion marked 4A in FIG. 2B, illustrating the door motor assembly at a closed door position;

[0096] FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of the portion marked 4B in FIG. 2C, illustrating the door motor assembly at an open door position;

[0097] FIG. 4C illustrates an opposite side of the door motor assembly;

[0098] FIG. 4D illustrates the door motor assembly with a cover thereof removed for clarity;

[0099] FIGS. 5A to 5H are directed to the door locking assembly and control assembly of the door system of the disclosure; wherein:

[0100] FIG. 5A is a perspective inside left side view of the assembly;

[0101] FIG. 5B is a perspective inside right side view of the assembly, at an unlocked position;

[0102] FIG. 5C is an outside view of FIG. 5B;

[0103] FIG. 5D is the same as FIG. 5B, with a cover plate removed for clarity;

[0104] FIG. 5E is the same as FIG. 5C, with a cover plate removed for clarity;

[0105] FIG. 5F is a planar outside view of the assembly, with a cover plate removed, at a locked position;

[0106] FIG. 5G is an inside enlarged view of the control assembly;

[0107] FIG. 5H is an outside enlarged view of the control assembly;

[0108] FIG. 6A is an inside perspective view of a door system according to another example of the disclosure, the door being an inward opening slab type door, illustrated at a closed position, with a locking assembly configured at the lock jamb;

[0109] FIG. 6B is an inside perspective view of the door system of FIG. 6A;

[0110] FIG. 6C is an inside perspective view of the door system of FIG. 6A, with the door open;

[0111] FIG. 6D is an outside perspective view of the door system of FIG. 6C;

[0112] FIG. 7A is an enlargement of the portion marked 7A in FIG. 6C;

[0113] FIG. 7B is an outside view of the portion shown in FIG. 7A;

[0114] FIG. 8A illustrates yet an example of a door system according to the disclosure, the door being sliding door, illustrated at a closed position;

[0115] FIG. 8B illustrates the door system of FIG. 8A at an open position; and

[0116] FIGS. 9A to 9E illustrate a toilet stall fitted with door systems according to the disclosure, at sequential operative positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0117] Attention is first directed to FIG. 1 of the drawings schematically illustrating a lavatory generally designated 10, defining a confined space 12 accommodating a toilet 14 and a sink 16, said confined space comprising an outwardly open slab door system 20 (also known as a hinged door), according to the present disclosure.

[0118] The door system 20 comprises a door frame 23 (only portions thereof are seen) and a door 26 hingedly articulated to the frame over hinges (one hinge 28 is seen), a door motor assembly 30 is fixed at a top inside portion of the door 26 and is articulated to the frame 23 via a lever 32, a door locking assembly with an integrated control assembly generally designated 36 is fitted within the door 26 at the lock stile thereof, and a power source by way of electric wiring (not shown) extending within the walls of the lavatory 10, supplying power to the a door motor assembly 30 and the integrated door locking assembly and control assembly 36.

[0119] It is noted that in the annexed drawings power transfer wiring and signaling and sensing communication are not illustrated. However, all components of the door system and the door module are connected to one another for transfer of power, communication and signals by wire communication or wireless communication.

[0120] A detailed description of the components of the door system 20 and features and embodiments thereof will be disclosed hereinafter with reference to the remaining drawings.

[0121] It is appreciated that the door system can be an entrance port to any type of confined space, where hygiene and control are admittance control are required, and further it is appreciated that the door can be of any type as well.

[0122] In FIGS. 2A to 2D there is illustrated a hinge-type door generally designated 40 comprising a frame having a hinge jamb 42 and a lock jamb 44, with a door panel 46 hinged at the hinge stile 48 to the hinge jamb 42. A door motor assembly 50 (seen in further detail with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4D) is secured at a top inside portion of the hinge jamb 42 and is articulated via a door manipulating link 52 to a top inside portion of the door 46. In FIGS. 2A and 2B the door is closed and in FIGS. 2C and 2D the door is open (this is an inside opening door). A mortise type lock door locking assembly is fitted within the lock stile 27, integrated with a control assembly, as will be discussed herein after in greater detail, giving rise to unitary door module generally designated 55, comprising an outside plate panel 56 and an inside knob panel 58.

[0123] As seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B the door module 55 has a faceplate 62 secured to the side edge of the lock stile 27 by bolts 64, and comprises a deadbolt 68 (retracted, unlocked in FIGS. 3A and 3B), however configured for displacing into a projecting locked position (e.g. in FIG. 7), and configured for locking articulation within a strike plate 69 fitted oppositely in register at the lock jamb 44 (FIG. 2D).

[0124] Further attention is directed to FIGS. 4A to 4D directed to the door motor assembly 30. Whilst the present example illustrates an electric motor fitted at an inside of the door frame over hinge jamb 42, it is appreciated that in fact any type of motor can be used for displacing the door between its respective open position and closed position. For example, the motor can be fitted to the frame externally, or over the door, or within the door or door frame. Likewise, displacing of the door can be facilitated by a lever/arm (52 in the Figs.) or by other transmission arrangements.

[0125] The door motor assembly 30 has a mounting plate 72 for attaching to the hinge jamb 42, and a cover 74, removed in FIG. 4D, exposing the electric motor 76 and an integrated gear and clutch unit 78 configured for angular displacing a shaft 80 to which the lever 52 is firmly secured. The lever 52 is in turn configured with a longitudinal recess 84 slidingly accommodating a follower pin 86 secured to the inside of the door by a mounting plate 88. Smooth rolling, almost frictionless and silent displacement of the follower pin 86 within the longitudinal recess 84 is facilitated by a bearing or proper choice of materials.

[0126] The arrangement is such that angular displacement of the shaft 80 in counter clock wise direction (as arrow 91 in FIG. 4D and 4C) entails displacement of the follower pin 86 within the longitudinal recess 84 and corresponding displacing of the door 46 into the closed position (FIGS. 2A, 2B, 4A, 4C and 4D), whilst angular displacement of the shaft 80 in an opposite direction entails opening the door 46, respectively (FIGS. 2C, 2D and 4B).

[0127] Not seen, the door motor assembly 30 is connected at 31 (FIG. 4D) to electric power supply (AC or DC, depending on motor type, a battery can be configured within the door or door frame, or electric wiring can extend therethrough). Alternatively, if the motor is pneumatic or hydraulic respective power line is coupled to the motor. The door motor assembly 30 receives a door opening signal or a door closing signal from the control assembly within door module 55, as will be discussed later, wherein signaling can be transferred by wire or wireless communication, e.g. Bluetooth communication, RF communication etc. However, signaling the electric motor 76 can be facilitated by electric current stimulating operation thereof. The door motor assembly 30 can be configured with a sensor for determining motor position (e.g. angular position) and transmitting motor indicia to the control assembly.

[0128] As already mentioned before, whilst not illustrated in the drawings, it is appreciated that all components of the door system and the door module are connected to one another for transfer of power, communication and signals by wire communication or wireless communication.

[0129] The integrated gear and clutch unit 78 is provided for reaching an appropriate rotation speed of the shaft 80 and the clutch ensures that the motor 76 disengages from the shaft (or skips transfer by sliding) at the event of the door being obstructed, e.g. by an individual at the door path or any other obstacle or malfunction, so as to prevent injury and damage. The arrangement being such that the clutch 78 disconnects the shaft 80 from the motor 76 at a predetermined power threshold.

[0130] Turning now to FIGS. 5A to 5H, reference is made to the door module 55, which as mentioned herein before is configured as a mortise type lock and comprises a locking assembly 98 (best seen in FIGS. 5C to 5F) and a control assembly 100 (best seen in FIGS. 5G to 5H). The locking assembly 98 comprises an electric actuator 104 articulated through a hook-shaped coupling link 106 to deadbolt 68, which is pivotally displaceable between a locked position and an unlocked position, responsive to a locking signal/unlocking signal emitted from the control assembly as will be discussed. The arrangement is such that the actuator 104 has an axially displaceable arm 108 which responsive to an electric unlocking signal contracts (along arrow 105 in FIG. 5F) whereby coupling link 106 rotates (in direction of arrow 110 (FIG. 5F), causing the deadbolt 68 to rotate so as to project from the faceplate 62 and engage the strike plate 69 at the respective lock jamb 44. Extracting the axially displaceable arm 108 in direction of arrow 112 (FIG. 5D) results in unlocking, whereby the coupling link 106 rotates in direction of arrow 114, causing the deadbolt 68 to rotate respectively, into its unlocked position, whereby it does not project from the faceplate 62.

[0131] The locking assembly 98 further comprises a manual override mechanism, accessible through the outside plate panel 56 for manual manipulation of the locking assembly. This may be required in order to override the electric locking mechanism in case of some malfunction. Thus, the outside plate panel 56 is fitted with a designated shaped (e.g. hexagonal, or slot) key hole 111 so that the locking mechanism can be manually manipulated. Optionally, a manual override mechanism can be configured also at the inside knob panel 58.

[0132] The control assembly 100 is configured with a PCB 120 disposed within the door module 55, said PCB comprising several jacks 122 for coupling thereto electric wiring, sensors input and command lines of the door system. At a mounted position the outside plate panel 56 is substantially flush or almost flush with an outside surface of the door. The outside plate panel 56 houses an outside sensor 126 which is a touchless sensor such as an IR sensor, an RFID sensor, an NFC sensor, a magnetic sensor, an optical/light sensor, an image-recognition sensor (e.g. face recognition), an ultrasonic sensor, a voice/sound recognition sensor, etc. The outside sensor 126 is configured for emitting a first signal to the PCB 120, e.g. upon an individual nearing the sensor (touching is not required). Outside plate panel 56 further comprises a signaling system by way of a multicolored led indicator 128, featured for emitting different light signals responsive to different door positions, received from the PCB 120, as will be discussed below. It is appreciated that the signaling system can be configured in different shapes and forms, e.g. by emitting shaped signals, colored signals, audio signals, and combinations thereof.

[0133] The inside knob panel 58 projects from the inside door face and accommodates an inside sensor 132 configured for emitting a second signal to the PCB 120 upon sensing an individual at an inside of the door. Knob panel 58 is also configured with a signaling system, by way of a multicolored led indicator 134, featured for emitting different light signals responsive to different door positions, received from the PCB 120, to be discussed below.

[0134] The PCB 120 of control assembly 100 is in communication with the door motor assembly 30 either by wire or wireless communication. In addition the control assembly can comprise various features such as a communication module 140 (FIG. 5H) for transferring data regarding door parameters to a remote location, e.g. a service center or a service person. The control assembly 100 comprises a door positioning sensor 146 configured for generating a signal confirming the door is properly closed, so as to confirm true locking upon displacing the locking assembly 98 into the locked position. Yet a feature that can be configured with the system is a fee charging module 150, wherein the door will open conditional to fee transmittal. This may be by a digital transaction (e.g. NFC transfer, credit card payment, etc.) or a coin/note collecting system associated with the door (not shown). The control assembly 100 can be configured with other control and sensing features. For example a timer can be configured for generating a signal such as lock/unlock/door open/door close after a predetermined time has lapsed from a previously picked up command or signal.

[0135] Whilst in the example hereinabove the door module 55 is configured as a mortise type element within the lock stile of the door, another example of a door system 180 according to the disclosure is illustrated with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6D, 7A and 7B, wherein the door module 185 is configured within a lock jamb of the door frame.

[0136] Accordingly, the door system 180 comprises a door frame comprising in turn a door 186 hingedly articulated to a hinge jamb 188, and a lock jamb 190 accommodating the door module 185, with a strike plate 194 configured at the lock stile 196 of the door 186, in register with a deadbolt 200 of the door module 185. Similar to the previous example, the door system 180 comprises a door motor assembly 206 fixed at a top inside portion of the hinge jamb 188 and articulated to the door 186 via a lever 208, similarly to the arrangement disclosed hereinbefore.

[0137] The door module 185, whilst configured within the door frame, is similar with the door module 55 disclosed hereinabove, mutatis mutandis, and reference is made thereto. Accordingly, the door module 185 is substantially flush with an outside of the lock jamb 190 and comprises an outside plate panel 212 housing an outside sensor 214 and a multicolored led indicator 218. Door module 185 is configured at an inside thereof with a knob panel 222, which in turn accommodates an inside sensor 224 configured for emitting a second signal to the PCB 225 upon sensing an individual at an inside of the door. Knob panel 222 is also configured with a signaling system, by way of a multicolored led indicator 226.

[0138] FIGS. 8A and 8B schematically represent yet a door system 250 according to an example of the disclosure, wherein the door 252 is a sliding door supported by a door frame 251 and comprising a fixed door panel 254 and a sliding door panel 256, slidingly displaceable between an open position (FIG. 8B) and a closed position (FIG. 8A). A motor system (not seen) associated with door system 250 is configured for linear sliding displacing the sliding door panel 256 between its respective positions, with a door module 260 configured at the lock jamb 262 of the door frame 251. Apart for the door system 250 being a sliding door system, it operates same as the hinged door arrangements.

[0139] Finally, with reference to FIGS. 9A to 9E, attention is made to a toilet stall generally designated 280, configured with six toilet cabins (identified as 1 to 6), each of which defining a confined space fitted with a respective door system according to an example of the disclosure. In the illustrations, the signaling system at the outside plate panel 56 of each cabin, namely multicolored led indicator 128, represents the situation of the respective cabin, wherein a Green light indicates the respective cabin is vacant and ready for use, a Red light indicates the respective cabin is occupied (i.e. in use), two alternatingly blinking Red lights indicate the respective cabin is out of use or required service. Obviously, other door parameters can be represented, at designer's choice.

[0140] The situation illustrated in FIG. 9A represents the following situation (for sake of example only three cabins are referred to):

[0141] Toilet cabin no. 1 Green light on (cabin is ready for use);

[0142] Toilet cabin no. 3 alternatingly blinking Red lights (cabin is out of order);

[0143] Toilet cabin no. 6 Red light on (cabin is occupied);

[0144] The situation of each cabin is transmitted over Wi-Fi or any other wireless communication (282) to a central control service (not shown), so as to send a service person to attend to cabin no. 3.

[0145] Meanwhile, an individual 288 enters the toilet stall space 280, and notes that available cabins, of which he choses to enter cabin no. 1 at which the signaling system indicates that the respective cabin is ready for use. The individual 288 approaches cabin no. 1 (FIG. 9B) and nears his hand to the outside sensor 126, whereby a first signal is emitted to the control unit.

[0146] Responsive to the first signal, the controller emits an entrance signal wherein the controller generates an unlocking signal so as to unlock the locking assembly 98 and then a door opening signal is emitted by the controller to the door motor assembly 30, so as to displace the door of cabin no. 1 into the open position (FIG. 9C). The multicolored led indicator 128 now turns Red whilst the door is open and the individual 288 steps into cabin no. 1.

[0147] Once in the cabin, as the individual 288 turns towards the door and nears his hand towards inside sensor 132 of the control assembly (FIG. 9D), a second signal is emitted by the controller. Then, the door closing signal takes place, so that the door motor is activated to displace the door into the closed position, followed by a locking signal however after a true position of the door is received from door positioning sensor 146, whereby the locking assembly 98 displaces the deadbolt 68 into its locked position, providing the individual privacy within the confined space (FIG. 9E).

[0148] Once the individual has completed his needs within the confined space of cabin no. 1, he nears his hand to towards inside sensor 132 of the control assembly, resulting in generating an unlocking signal by the controller, such that first the locking assembly 98 displaces into the unlocked position, followed by a door opening signal issued by the controller, whereby the door motor assembly is activated to open the door of cabin no. 1, so that the individual 288 is free to walk away.

[0149] Either by the individual placing his hand near the inside sensor 132, or after a predetermined period of time (after the door has opened), the door will displace to the closed position and the locking assembly will lock the door, whereby the cabin is ready for next use and the light indicates Green (unless service is required).

[0150] Thus, it is appreciated that opening and closing of the doors is entirely touchless, and the process is carried out merely by an array of touchless sensors, wherein the door motor assembly is configured for displacing the door between the open position and the closed position, responsive to a door opening signal or a door closing signal, respectively, emitted from the control assembly; the locking assembly is configured for displacing a locking bolt between a locked position at which it is engageable with a locking strike, responsive to a locking signal emitted from the control assembly, and an unlocked position, responsive to an unlocking signal emitted from the control assembly; the control assembly comprises at least one outside sensor, at least one inside sensor, wherein an entrance signal includes a first signal received from the at least one outside sensor and a sequential second signal received form the at least one inside sensor, resulting in generating a door closing signal and an occupied signal; and an exit signal received by the at least one inside sensor resulting in generating a door opening signal; the control assembly further comprises a signaling system configured for emitting noticeable door mode indicia responsive to door parameters; and wherein at least one outside sensor and the at least one inside sensor are touchless sensors.

[0151] However, as already discussed herein above, the door module can be configured with an override system (e.g. mechanical override), facilitating unlocking the locking assembly and opening the door. This can be done form the outside and optionally from the inside, and is useful for example at the event of malfunction of the system, power failure, user-related event, etc.

[0152] As mentioned herein before, additional sensors and signals can be configured in the system. For example, upon pickup of the first signal (as the individual approaches the door), the lights can go on in the cabin, and turn off, respectively as the individual leaves. Also, a sanitizing/deodorizing/ventilating system can be activated responsive to any of the emitted signals.