ACCESS CONTROL DEVICE

Abstract

An access control device 12 comprising: a locking mechanism 21 for a moveable barrier 11, the moveable barrier having a first side and a second side, the locking mechanism 10 having a locked and an unlocked state; a first locking and/or user interface component 21 for positioning on the first side of the moveable barrier; a second locking and/or user interface component 16 for positioning on the second side of the moveable barrier; and a fixing member 14 54 for extending through a barrier member and for securing the first and second locking and/or user interface components to the barrier member; wherein the fixing member is operable to transmit data signals between the locking and/or user interface components on opposite sides of the moveable barrier. There is also an access control method provided.

Claims

1. An access control device comprising: a locking mechanism for a moveable barrier, the moveable barrier having a first side and a second side, the locking mechanism having a locked and an unlocked state; a first locking and/or user interface component for positioning on the first side of the moveable barrier; a second locking and/or user interface component for positioning on the second side of the moveable barrier; and a fixing member for extending through a barrier member and for securing the first and second locking and/or user interface components to the barrier member; wherein the fixing member is operable to transmit data signals between the locking and/or user interface components on opposite sides of the moveable barrier.

2. An access control device according to claim 1, wherein: the first locking and/or user interface component is a user interface component; and the second locking and/or user interface component is a locking component comprising an actuating control unit operable to control the locking mechanism between the locked state and the unlocked state and to communicate with the user interface unit.

3. An access control device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member is electrically conductive; and wherein the data signals through the fixing member are electrical signals.

4. (canceled)

5. An access control device according to any preceding claim 1, further comprising at least one insulating cap for positioning on an end of the fixing member.

6. An access control device according to claim 1, wherein the data signals through the fixing member are optical signals, and wherein the fixing member comprises an optical fibre.

7. (canceled)

8. An access control device according to any preceding claim 1, wherein the fixing member is arranged to provide a biasing force to secure the components to the barrier member.

9. An access control device according to any preceding claim 1, further comprising at least one compression spring arranged to provide a biasing force to secure the components to the barrier member.

10. An access control device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member is operable to transmit power.

11. An access control device according to claim 1, further comprising one or more further fixing members for extending through the barrier member, wherein at least one further fixing member is operable to transmit power.

12-13. (canceled)

14. An access control device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member comprises a multi-core cable.

15. An access control device according to claim 1, wherein the locking component is operable to control the state of the locking mechanism based on control logic and a user input received at the user interface unit, wherein the locking component is operable to store control logic, and further comprising a communication interface for communicating with a remote data store, the remote data store comprising control logic.

16-19. (canceled)

20. An access control device according to claim 1, wherein the user interface unit is operable to receive a user credential, wherein the user credential comprises one or more of: an identifier stored on an access card or fob; a biometric identifier; and an access code; wherein the user interface unit comprises at least one of: a magnetic card, an integrated circuit, IC, card or a smart card reader; a fob reader; a biometric reader; and a keypad.

21-22. (canceled)

23. An access control device according to claim 1, wherein the user interface unit is operable to display information relating to the access control device.

24. An access control method comprising the steps of: receiving a user input at a user interface component secured on a first side of a barrier member for a moveable barrier; sending a signal indicative of the received user input from the user interface component to a locking component secured on a second side of the barrier member, wherein the signal is passed through a fixing member extending through the barrier member for securing the first user interface component and locking component to the barrier member; determining an access control action based on the received user input; upon determining that access should be allowed, switching a locking mechanism associated with the moveable barrier member from a locked state to an unlocked state.

25. An access control method according to claim 24, further comprising the steps of: sending a signal indicative of a status of the locking mechanism from the locking component to the user interface component, wherein the signal is passed through the fixing member.

26. (canceled)

27. An access control device comprising: a locking mechanism for a moveable barrier, the moveable barrier having a first side and a second side, the locking mechanism having a locked state and an unlocked state; a locking and/or user interface component for positioning on the first side of the moveable barrier; at least one rigid non-fixing member for extending through a barrier member, wherein the rigid non-fixing member is operable to conduct data and/or power through the barrier member.

28. An access control device according to claim 27, further comprising: a first handle for positioning on the first side of the barrier member; wherein the rigid non-fixing member is a spindle for passing through the barrier member and for coupling to the first handle; and a second handle for positioning on the second side of the barrier member; wherein the spindle is operable to be coupled to the second handle.

29-30. (canceled)

31. An access control device according to claim 27, further comprising: a power source for positioning on a second side of the barrier member; wherein the rigid non-fixing member is operable to conduct power from the power source on the second side of the barrier member to the user interface unit on the first side of the barrier member.

32. An access control device according to claim 27, wherein: the rigid non-fixing member is a hollow tube extending through the barrier member and is operable to conduct data and/or power through the barrier member via one or more wires extending through the tube.

33. An access control device according to claim 27, wherein: the rigid non-fixing member is a hollow tube extending through the barrier member and is operable to conduct data through the barrier member via optical signals, and wherein an optical fibre is provided within the hollow tube, said optical fibre operable to conduct optical data signals through the barrier member.

34-38. (canceled)

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0072] In one embodiment, one component (or unit) of an access control device is required to be mechanically clamped (or secured) to each side of a door at an access point. Generally a user interface unit is positioned on one side of the door for receiving user inputs and an actuating control unit for controlling access (i.e. by locking or unlocking the door) is placed on the other side of the door. Fixing holes drilled into the door potentially weaken the door's fire protection rating. Removing the need for further holes being drilled into a door for passing of cables may allow the fire rating to stay intact without negative impact.

[0073] The term door is herein intended to mean any surface upon which an access control device can be mounted. A moveable barrier could relate to a door or other moving member, for example, a gate. The access control device may also be clamped or secured to a barrier member at an access point (e.g. a wall adjacent to an access point or door). Again, a user interface unit and an actuating control unit would normally be placed on opposite sides of the barrier member.

[0074] FIG. 1 shows an access control device 12 mounted to a door 11 for selectively preventing and allowing opening of the door 11. The electronic access control device 12 comprises a lock 10 having a latch bolt 13, which can move between a locked and an unlocked position to restrict or allow access through the door 11. The access control device is adapted to control the operation of the latch bolt 13.

[0075] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the access control device 12 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic access control device 12 FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the access control device 12 comprises an actuating control unit 21 positioned on the inner, or secure, side of the door 11 and a user interface unit 16 positioned on the outer, or unsecure, side of the door 11. The user interface unit 16 has an outdoor housing component 15 and the actuating control unit 21 has an indoor housing component 26 adapted to be respectively mounted on the outer and inner side of the door 11. The housing components may make the units more secure and/or provide protection for the units (e.g. weatherproofing if one or more sides of the door are outside).

[0076] The user interface unit 16 (FIG. 2) is operable to receive an input from a user, such as a user credential. In this embodiment, the user interface unit 16 includes a circuit board operatively associated to a Radio Frequency Interface (RFI) badge reader 17 (FIG. 1) for receiving a user input from a Radio Frequency (RF) access device. When a user presents such an access device to the RFI reader 17, activation and initialisation data may be transmitted to the user interface unit 16. This may include a credential or user identifier. It is noted that an RFI reader is just one type of suitable user interface. Other examples include readers for Smart cards, Integrated Circuit (IC) cards, magnetic stripe cards, fobs, or Bluetooth devices. Alternatively, a biometric reader for sensing a user's biometric characteristics (e.g. for iris, fingerprint or voice recognition) could be used. A keypad for allowing a user to input a password or access code is another alternative. In some embodiments, the user interface could comprise more than one type of reader.

[0077] The user interface unit may also be operable to display information (such as lock status) to a user. This could comprise one or more lights or LEDs (e.g. for indicating lock status information). Alternatively (or in addition), the user interface may comprise a display screen which could display more detailed information or commands. (E.g. instructing a user to present a credential, or informing a user that a credential is invalid or that access is denied).

[0078] The actuating control unit 21 is operational for allowing or preventing retraction of latch bolt 13 by manual operation of a handle 18 (FIG. 1). The actuating control unit 21 may include a logic store of control logic for determining whether to allow or deny a user access based on a user input (such as a credential). Control logic may also be stored remotely (e.g. at a central access control server). Each time a user inputs a credential the access control device 12 may be required to communicate with the remote store to determine whether access should be allowed. Alternatively the remote store may periodically communicate with the access control device 12 to update the logic store of the actuating control unit 21. When communication with a remote store is required, a wired or wireless connection may be used. When the access control unit is fixed to a moving door wireless communication is preferred.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 3, the outdoor housing 15 has a front wall with a circular opening 24 for receiving the drive shaft which is connected to the handle 18 for allowing operation of the latch bolt 13. A back plate 25 is provided for closing the back face of the outdoor housing component 15 while allowing the outdoor housing component 15 to be mounted to the outside surface of the door 11. The back plate 25 is preferably removably secured to the outdoor housing component 15 by means of mechanical fasteners, such as screws (not shown).

[0080] At least one source of power is provided for powering the user interface unit 16 and the actuating control unit 21. The source of power can, for instance, be provided in the form of battery (not shown) (FIG. 2) housed in the casing 15 or 26. Generally it is preferred to provide the power source on the inner, or secure, side of the door 11, as this is more secure and may protect it somewhat (e.g. from vandals or unauthorised persons).

[0081] A first mechanical fastener 14 is provided for fixing the user interface unit 16 and the actuating control unit 21 onto the door 11. The first mechanical fastener 14 may be e.g. a bolt or a screw, and is used to clamp the outdoor and indoor housing components 15 and 26 together against opposite sides of the door 11. Data signals are transmitted between the user interface unit 16 and the actuating control unit 21 through the thickness of the door 11 via the first mechanical fastener 14. Data signals may comprise, for example, details of user credentials presented at the user interface unit 16 and transmitted to the actuating control unit 21. Where the user interface unit 16 is operable to display information, data signals may also be transmitted from the actuating control unit 21 to the user interface unit 16.

[0082] A second mechanical fastener 54 for fixing the user interface unit 16 and the actuating control unit 21 onto the door 11 is also provided. One of the mechanical fasteners 14, 54 may be operable to transmit electrical power from the source of power to one of the units. Normally the source of power would be on the inner, secure, side of the door and power would be supplied to the user interface unit 16 via one of the mechanical fasteners. In a preferred embodiment, electrical power supply is through the second mechanical fastener 54, as this prevents the power supply interfering with the data signals travelling on the first mechanical fastener 14.

[0083] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the first mechanical fastener 14 is an electrically conductive bolt and electronic data signals are generated from the electronic control units 16 and 21 and transmitted to the first mechanical fastener 14 through a standard electrical connector, e.g. ring lug 36 (electrical crimp lug), which is spring loaded against the underside of the bolt head by a wave spring 22. This advantageously guarantees intimate electrical contact between the bolt head and lug 36. The second mechanical fastener 54 may also be similarly constructed.

[0084] As can be appreciated from FIG. 2, the bolt head and lug 36 can move in and out to compensate for expansion and contraction of the door 11. The bolt 14 is insulated by terminal block 19 and insulation cap 23 at both surface interfaces and also separately insulated along its length by an insulating coating or a heat shrink tubing 31. The terminal blocks 19 and 23 are made from an insulating material, such as plastic. The bolt 14 extends through a hole 24 defined in the indoor housing component 26. The inside insulator cap 23 is received in the recess 24 which is adapted to receive the bolt 14 to prevent power transmission from the bolt 14 to the indoor housing component 26. This prevents an electrical current being transferred to a user.

[0085] The bolt 14 extends through the indoor housing component 15, through the thickness of the door 11 and into the outdoor housing component 26, thereby allowing data signals to pass from the inner side of the door to the outer side thereof. The bolt 14 is threadably engaged at the leading end thereof (opposite its head) with the inner threads of a threaded contact sleeve 27 received in a corresponding L-shaped hole 28 (FIG. 2) defined in the outside terminal block 19. According to a preferred embodiment, the internally threaded sleeve 27 is made from brass. As an added precaution to ensure good electrical and mechanical connection between the outside bolt end and the sleeve 27, the sleeve 27 is threaded with a special thread form that provides more intimate electrical contact and resists loosening. For instance, known self-locking threads could be used. Alternatively, the sleeve 27 could be slightly deformed to provide the desired thread locking feature. Other types of tensioners are contemplated as well.

[0086] The contact sleeve 27 has an integral foot portion projecting at right angles from one end thereof. The sleeve 27 and the foot portion have an L-shape configuration. A compression spring 29 extends between the foot portion and the outside terminal block 19 about a wire 30 (FIG. 4) having a first end in electrical contact with the foot portion. The first end of the wire 30 can be soldered to the foot portion or otherwise connected thereto. Alternatively, the compression spring 29 could act on a washer provided at the first end of the wire 30 to maintain the wire 30 in electrical contact with the foot portion of the sleeve 27. However, the main role of the compression spring 29 is to bias the female threads of the sleeve 27 against the male bolt threads of bolts 14 within the insulated terminal block 19. The wave spring 22 also cooperates with the compression spring 29 to maintain the bolt 14 under tension in both directions in order to further force the contact threads together.

[0087] The compression spring 29 in the outside terminal block 19 and wave spring 22 in the inside chassis body 26 act as tensioners to keep the bolt 14 under constant tension to prevent loss of conduction due to vibration, mechanical shock or thermal/mechanical changes in the mounting surfaces. Thus, the bolt 14 is in constant tension, being biased away from both mounting surfaces of the door 11 to ensure good electrical contact even as mounting thickness changes with fluctuations in temperature, humidity, or due to other factors.

[0088] The wire 30 extends through a slotted passage 36 defined in the outside terminal block 19 and the second end 39 (FIG. 2) thereof is connected to a connector of the user interface unit 16, thereby allowing power to be transferred from the contact sleeve 19 to the lateral foot portion thereof, the wire 30 and then to the user interface unit 16.

[0089] Once assembled, the outside terminal block 19, the contact sleeve 14 and the compression spring 29 are mounted to the outdoor housing component 15 as a single unit by means of a screw 35 extending through a hole 40 defined in the outside terminal block 19. An outside insulator plate 34 is interposed between the outdoor housing component 15 and the contact sleeve 27 to prevent electrical transmission there-between. A hole 41, is defined in the insulator plate 34 for allowing the screw 35 to be threadably engaged in a corresponding hole defined in the outdoor housing component 15.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 2, a gap is provided between cover plate 33 and the spring-loaded threaded sleeve 27 to accommodate movement of the sleeve 27 in order to keep tension on the threads of bolt 14.

[0091] The ring lug 36, the bolt 14, the contact sleeve 27, and the wire 30 provide one leg of the signal data circuit to the electronic control unit 16.

[0092] The other V0 reference leg may be provided by the remaining bolts used to fasten the lock 10 to the door 11, e.g. bolt 54 illustrated in FIG. 2, since these typically pass through from one side to the other to fasten the indoor and outdoor housing components 15 and 26 together.

[0093] It is understood that the device 12 could be mounted on a doorframe or a wall instead of on door 11. Also, it is understood that the present invention could also be used in applications where data are communicated through bolt 14 independently or in concert with power. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent for a person skilled in the art, that a plurality of such bolts could be used within a single device. Also, it is understood that the electrically conductive bolt could be used for the sole purpose of conducting current without performing other mechanical or physical interconnection functions. It will also be readily apparent to, and understood by, the skilled person, that two bolts are not necessary for any data signal and/or power transfer; just one bolt could be used.