BLOCKING ELEMENT, ACCESS CONTROL DEVICE AND SYSTEM

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the field of access control. In particular, the present disclosure relates to reversibly blocking and releasing passage through a passageway for people, the vehicle or the like. Further in particular, the present disclosure relates to a blocking element, access control device access control system. Accordingly, there is provided a blocking element (110) for selectively blocking a passageway (712), comprising at least four substantially inflexible sections (112), and at least three substantially flexible sections (114), wherein each substantially flexible section is arranged between and/or connecting two substantially inflexible sections, wherein the substantially flexible sections are arranged such that two particular substantially inflexible sections arranged adjacent to a particular flexible section, are adapted to be rotatable relative to one another, wherein the two outermost substantially inflexible sections are arranged as end sections (116) including a first end section and a second end section, and wherein the end sections are adapted for attaching the blocking element to an actuation mechanism (610).

Claims

1. A blocking element for selectively blocking a passageway, comprising: at least four substantially inflexible sections; and at least three substantially flexible sections; wherein each substantially flexible section is arranged between and/or connecting two substantially inflexible sections, wherein the at least three substantially flexible sections are arranged such that two particular substantially inflexible sections arranged adjacent to a particular flexible section, are adapted to be rotatable relative to one another, wherein two outermost substantially inflexible sections are arranged as end sections including a first end section and a second end section, and wherein the end sections are adapted for attaching the blocking element to an actuation mechanism.

2. The blocking element of claim 1, wherein the blocking element is formed as a one-piece element.

3. The blocking element of claim 1, wherein at least some of the at least four substantially inflexible sections and the at least three substantially flexible sections are made of at least one material including at least one of plastic, polymer, textile, polyurethane, metal, aluminium, steel, composite material, fiber composite material, or carbon fiber composite material.

4. The blocking element of claim 1, wherein at least the first end section and the second end section are arranged as a lever element.

5. The blocking element of claim 1, wherein the at least three substantially flexible sections are arranged as hinge elements and/or rotatable joints.

6. The blocking element of claim 1, wherein at least one of: the at least four substantially inflexible sections comprise a substantially non-flat, triangular, strutted, t-shaped, trapezoidal, diamond, rhombic, cycloidal, elliptic, and/or oval shape; the at least three substantially flexible sections comprise a substantially flat shape; or the at least three substantially flexible sections comprise a reduced solidity of its material compared to the at least four substantially inflexible sections that renders the at least three substantially flexible sections more flexible than the at least four substantially inflexible sections.

7. The blocking element of claim 1, wherein the blocking element is part of an access control device, the access control device comprising: an actuation mechanism operatively connected with the blocking element, wherein the actuation mechanism is arranged to actuate the blocking element, wherein the blocking element, when actuated by the actuation mechanism is adapted to transition between a blocking state and a non-blocking state, wherein in the blocking state, the blocking element is arranged at least partly introduced in a passageway, and wherein in the non-blocking state, the blocking element is arranged at least partly removed from the passageway.

8. The blocking element of claim 7, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises: a first rotatable element; and a second rotatable element, wherein rotational axes of the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element are substantially parallel, wherein each of the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element is operatively connected with one end section of the blocking element, wherein the actuation mechanism is arranged, when actuating the blocking element, to rotate the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element in opposite directions, and wherein by rotating the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element, the blocking element is adapted to transition between the blocking state and the non-blocking state.

9. The blocking element of claim 7, wherein the blocking element, in the non-blocking state, is arranged substantially flat.

10. The blocking element of claim 7, wherein in the non-blocking state adjacent substantially inflexible sections are arranged so to form angle between their longitudinal extensions of one of 0 to 5, 0 to 10, 0 to 15, 0 to 20, 0 to 30, 175 to 185, 170 to 190, 160 to 200, 355 to 360, 350 to 360, 345 to 360, 340 to 360, and 330 to 360.

11. The blocking element of claim 8, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a single actuator element arranged to actuate both the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element, comprising a gearing arrangement to provide a counter rotation of the first rotatable element relative to the second rotatable element.

12. The blocking element of claim 11, wherein the single actuator element is one of an electric actuator element, an electromagnetic actuator element, a hydraulic actuator element and a pneumatic actuator element.

13. The blocking element of claim 7, further comprising: a housing for accommodating at least one element of the blocking element, the actuation mechanism, an actuator element and a rotatable element; and a substantially static barrier element, wherein the housing and the substantially static barrier element define the passageway.

14. The blocking element of claim 7, further comprising: a plurality of blocking elements arranged vertically to one other.

15. (canceled)

16. The blocking element of claim 7, wherein the blocking element, in the blocking state, is arranged non-flat.

17. The blocking element of claim 16, wherein the at least four substantially inflexible sections are arranged so that at least some of their respective longitudinal extensions are non-parallel.

18. The blocking element of claim 16, wherein the blocking element assumes a shape including a square, a rectangle, a rhombus, a kite, a parallelogram, a trapezoid, or a triangle.

19. The blocking element of claim 7, wherein in the blocking state adjacent substantially inflexible sections are arranged so to form angle between their longitudinal extensions of one of 85 to 95, 80 to 90, 90 to 100, 80 to 100, 70 to 90, 75 to 105, 70 to 110, 65 to 115, and 60 to 120.

20. The blocking element of claim 8, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises two actuator elements arranged to independently actuate the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element.

21. The blocking element of claim 9, wherein the at least four substantially inflexible sections are arranged so that their respective longitudinal extensions are substantially parallel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0052] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a blocking element according to the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 2 shows a transitional movement between a non-blocking state and a blocking state of the first embodiment of the blocking element according to the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the first embodiment of the blocking element according to the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of a blocking element according to the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG. 5 shows a transitional movement between a non-blocking state and a blocking state of the second embodiment of the blocking element according to the present disclosure.

[0057] FIGS. 6A,B show the actuation mechanism according to the present disclosure.

[0058] FIG. 7A,B show an exemplary embodiment of access control device according to the present disclosure.

[0059] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary embodiment of access control system according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Now referring to FIG. 1, showing a first embodiment of a blocking element according to the present disclosure.

[0061] The blocking element 110 comprises a plurality of individual sections that are movable relative to one another. It comprises exemplarily four substantially inflexible sections 112 and three substantially flexible sections 114, in an alternating arrangement. In other words, each substantially flexible section 114 is connected to two substantially inflexible sections 112, while each substantially inflexible section 112 is connected to either one or two substantially flexible sections 114. In FIG. 1, the central element comprising two inflexible sections 112 and one flexible section 114 is embodied as a one-piece element e.g., made of the same material and possibly manufactured in a single combined manufacturing step. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the flexible section 114 is built smaller, more delicate and/or with less material than the inflexible sections 112, so that when the blocking element 110 is deformed, the substantially inflexible sections 112 remain substantially undeformed while the substantially flexible section 114 is deformable, e.g., bendable. The flexible section 114 in FIG. 1 is embodied as a living hinge 120

[0062] Adjacent to the three inner sections 112, 114/120, 112 are two further flexible sections 114, embodied exemplarily as rotatable joints 118. Adjacent to each of the rotatable joints 118 is a further inflexible section 112. The outermost inflexible sections 112 constitute the end sections 116 of the blocking element 110. Each inflexible section 112 as an end section 116 comprises an attachment point 122 for attachment of an actuation mechanism. The inflexible elements 112 of the end sections 116 may be embodied as lever elements, e.g., made from a metal or another suitably rigid or inflexible material. The elements of the central one-piece element 112, 114, 112 may be made of e.g., a rubber or plastic material, e.g., polyurethane.

[0063] Now referring to FIG. 2, showing a transitional movement between a non-blocking state and a blocking state of the first embodiment of the blocking element according to the present disclosure.

[0064] FIG. 2 shows three individual positions of the blocking element 110, where the rightmost position is the position in a non-blocking state 214 while the left most position is the position in a blocking state 216. The centre position is an intermediate position between the non-blocking state 214 and the blocking state 216. With the attachment points 122 attached to an actuation mechanism, the distance 212 between the attachment points remains substantially equal during the movement of the blocking element 110. The actuation mechanism provides a rotatory movement to the attachment points 122. The rotation of the top attachment point and of the bottom attachment point are counter-rotating, so that, exemplarily, the top end section 116 is rotated counter clockwise to assume the blocking state 214, while the bottom end section 116 is rotates clockwise to assume the blocking state 214.

[0065] Since the distance 212 between the attachment points remains equal during the rotation of the end sections 116, it follows that the distance between the two substantially flexible sections 114, embodied as a rotatable joint 118, is shortened when transitioning into the blocking state 216, and lengthened when transitioning into the non-blocking state 214. Consequently, since the distance between the rotatable joints 118 is reduced in the blocking state 216 compared to the non-blocking state 214, this results in a deformation of the central one-piece element comprising the central flexible section 114 and the adjacent inflexible sections 112. Since inflexible sections 112 resist a deformation, this results in the deformation of the central flexible section 114, which is exemplarily bent, so that the two adjacent inflexible sections 112 rotate relative to one another.

[0066] The orientation of the blocking element 110 may be such that the extension direction 210 of the blocking element is perpendicular to the general travelling or passing direction through the passageway. Generally, a blocking element may be oriented horizontally or vertically or at an oblique angle, as long as the extension direction is such that the width of the passageway may be influenced by the transitioning between the non-blocking state 214 and the blocking state 216. The rotatable joints 118 may comprise bearings and be substantially freely rotatable with little resistance, while the force of the actuation mechanism is mainly used for bending of the central flexible section 214.

[0067] Now referring to FIG. 3, showing an alternative embodiment of the first embodiment of the blocking element according to the present disclosure.

[0068] The blocking element 110 of FIG. 3 differs in that the central one-piece element comprises a rotatable joint 118 instead of the living hinge 120. It follows that the central element may not be a one-piece element anymore, but depending on a specific embodiment of the central flexible section 114 be at least a two-piece or three piece element. The blocking element may comprise a spring element, that forces the two central inflexible sections 112 into a parallel orientation, or the rotational movement of the end sections 116 may suffice to straighten the central element when transitioning into the non-blocking state.

[0069] Now referring to FIG. 4, showing a second embodiment of a blocking element according to the present disclosure.

[0070] The second embodiment of the blocking element 110 differs from the first embodiment in that all four inflexible sections 112 and all three flexible sections 114 form a one-piece element. In other words, not only the central flexible section 114 is embodied as a living hinge 120 but all three flexible sections are embodied as a living hinge 120. In FIG. 4, the end sections 116 exemplarily comprise a separate clamping element 410, attached to the two outermost inflexible sections 114/116, and comprising the attachment points 112 to the actuation mechanism. The clamping element 410 may add to the stiffness or inflexibility of the end sections or may merely provide an attachment for the attachment point. It is equally conceivable that the end sections 116 comprise integrally formed attachment points for the actuation mechanism.

[0071] The inflexible sections 112 are exemplary embodied having a triangle or pyramid cross section, which provides the inflexibility or stiffness of the inflexible sections 112. Other cross sections are conceivable as long as they contribute to the inflexibility or stiffness of the inflexible sections 112. It is further conceivable that the inflexible sections 112 comprise struts of bracing element in the interior to add to the inflexibility or stiffness.

[0072] Now referring to FIG. 5, showing a transitional movement between a non-blocking state and a blocking state of the second embodiment of the blocking element according to the present disclosure.

[0073] The transition between a non-blocking state and a blocking state shown in FIG. 5 may largely be comparable to the transition shown in FIG. 2. Since the blocking element 110 of the second embodiment comprises three living hinges 120, the force provided by the actuation mechanism may be distributed, in particular substantially evenly distributed, across all three flexible sections 114. Since the top and bottom flexible sections 114 may be seen as more flexible than the rotatable joints 118 of the first embodiment, the blocking element 110 of the second embodiment may be generally slightly more flexible than the blocking element 110 of the first embodiment. This may result in a reduced potential for injury, since the blocking element may be more deformable due to impact from external forces than the blocking element 110 of the first embodiment. E.g., a passer that is wedged between one or two blocking elements may deform the blocking element 110 of the second embodiment to a larger extent so that potentially the risk of injury is reduced.

[0074] Now referring to FIGS. 6A,B, showing the actuation mechanism according to the present disclosure.

[0075] The exemplary embodiment of the actuation mechanism 610 comprises a single actuator element 611, e.g., an electric motor, that acts on and rotates two rotatable elements 612a,b. The two rotatable elements 612a,b are engaged with the attachment points 112 of the blocking element 110, thereby transmitting the rotation onto the end sections 116, and thus the two outermost inflexible elements 112. Exemplarily, the rotation of the actuator element 611 is transmitted to the rotatable element 612a substantially directly, at least via an arrangement of one or two gearwheels, e.g., toothed gearwheels, which may also include a suitable transmission ratio so to adapt the rotation of the actuator element 611 to the desired rotation of the rotatable element 612a. The belt 618 provides a synchronization function so that it is assured that the rotation of the rotatable elements 612a,b results in a uniform extension or retraction of the blocking element 110 into or from the passageway.

[0076] Further, the rotation of the actuator element 611 may be transmitted to the rotatable element 612b substantially indirectly, at least via a belt 618 actuated by the rotation of the actuator element 611. The rotation provided to the rotatable element 612a may in particular be counter or opposite to the rotation provided to the rotatable element 612b, thereby resulting in a counter rotation of the end sections 116 when transitioning between the non-blocking state 214 and the blocking state 216. The belt may transmit the rotation to the rotatable element 612b at least via an arrangement of one or two gearwheels, e.g., a toothed gearwheel, which may also include a suitable transmission ratio so to adapt the rotation of the actuator element 611 to the desired rotation of the rotatable element 612b. The rotational axis 614a,b of the rotatable elements 612a,b may in particular be parallel.

[0077] Alternatively, each rotational element 612a,b may be actuated by a separate, individual actuator element, e.g., independent electric motors, so that a belt 618 may be not required. In this case other means for synchronizing the rotation of the rotatable elements 612a,b may be provided, e.g., an electronic synchronization. FIG. 6A,B show the blocking element 110 according to the second embodiment, however it is conceivable that the blocking element 110 according to the first embodiment may equally be used.

[0078] Now referring to FIG. 7A,B, showing an exemplary embodiment of access control device according to the present disclosure.

[0079] In FIG. 7A, the passageway 712 is open and the blocking element 110 in the non-blocking state 214, while in FIG. 7B, the passageway 712 is closed or blocked and the blocking element 110 is in the blocking state 216. The access control device 710 comprises a housing 714 that may accommodate the actuation mechanism 610, such that only the rotatable elements 612a,b protrude and are externally visible. The housing comprises a recess 716 so that the blocking element 110 in the non-blocking state 214 is substantially or completely arranged in the recess, thereby providing a substantially unobstructed passage of the passageway to passers.

[0080] In FIG. 7B, the blocking element 110 is in the blocking state 216, so that it extends into the passageway 712. The blocking element 110 extends perpendicular to the passing direction through the passageway 712, thereby reducing the free width of the passageway, blocking the passageway to passers. With the open frame arrangement of the blocking element, injury to passers may be avoided, even in case on a passing attempt while the blocking element is in the blocked state or transitioning to or from the blocked state. E.g., a pinching or squeezing in the blocking element may substantially be avoided or prohibited.

[0081] It is also generally conceivable that the blocking element may not be arranged vertically as in FIGS. 7A,B, but horizontally or even an oblique angle, as long as the extension direction 210 of the blocking element in into the passageway 710. It is further generally conceivable that a plurality of blocking elements is provided, in a vertical and/or horizontal succession, thereby increasing the blocking height, blocking length and/or the blocking area.

[0082] Now referring to FIG. 8, showing an exemplary embodiment of access control system according to the present disclosure.

[0083] The access control system 810 of FIG. 8 essentially comprises two access control devices 710, in a mirrored configuration, with one access control device 710 on each side of the passageway 710. Thereby, the width of the passageway may be increased, without increasing the dimensions of the individual access control devices 710. It is conceivable that both or only one select access control device 710 opens the passageway 710, thereby adapting the passable area. E.g., in case a pedestrian in passing through the passageway, only one of the access control devices 710 may unblock the passageway. Alternatively, both access control devices 710 may unblock the passageway to a lesser degree than the full opening, thereby increasing operation speed. When now a passer with an increased space requirement is passing through the passageway, both access control devices 710 may open, thereby providing an increased size of the passageway. The operation of the opening of one or both (full or partly) access control devices 710 may be controlled by an access token used by the passer that is associated with the required passing width and/or by senor means, e.g., by a camera surveying the passageway and adapted for determining the passage requirements.

[0084] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and improvements may be made without deviating from the concepts described here. Any of the features described above and below may be used separately or in combination with any other features described herein, provided they are not mutually exclusive, and the disclosure extends to and includes all combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features described herein.

[0085] Finally, it should be noted that the term comprising not exclude other elements or steps, and that a or one does not exclude the plural. Elements that are described in relation to different types of embodiments can be combined. Reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of a claim.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0086] 110 blocking element [0087] 112 substantially inflexible sections [0088] 114 substantially flexible sections [0089] 116 end sections [0090] 118 rotatable joint [0091] 120 living hinge [0092] 122 attachment point for actuation mechanism [0093] 210 extension direction perpendicular to the passageway [0094] 212 distance between attachment points [0095] 214 non-blocking state [0096] 216 blocking state [0097] 410 clamping element [0098] 510 bracket [0099] 610 actuation mechanism [0100] 611 actuator element [0101] 612a,b rotatable elements [0102] 614a,b rotational axis [0103] 616 gearing arrangement [0104] 618 belt [0105] 710 access control device [0106] 712 passageway [0107] 714 housing [0108] 716 recess [0109] 810 access control system