GB2281540A

GB2281540A - Rotary drum hatches or doors for security vehicles

Info

Publication number: GB2281540A
Application number: GB9318387A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Thomas Knowles
Original assignee: PENMAN ENGINEERING Ltd
Current assignee: PENMAN ENGINEERING Ltd
Priority date: 1993-09-04
Filing date: 1993-09-04
Publication date: 1995-03-08
Anticipated expiration: 2013-09-04
Also published as: GB2281540B; GB9318387D0; DE4431104A1

Description

2281540 IMPROVEMENTS IN ROTARY DRUM HATCHES OR DOORS This invention has

reference to rotary drum hatches or doors and has particular but not restrictive application to the use of such hatches or doors in cash or bullion carrying vehicles as well as for use in buildings.

It is known to transfer cash, bank notes, documents and other valuables from one location to another by van or other vehicle and such vans have been liable to attack by bandits. Such vehicles are described in British Patent Specification Numbers 1499634, 1501166, 1501167, 1501168. There is also described in European Specification No: 0249421 a rotatable drum with an opening in the drum, the drum being movable within a framework by which an operator may enter the drum from an entrance and through the opening and the drum is rotatable to provide an entry to a vault.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved security transfer hatch.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved security hatch or door more especially for vehicles by means of which an authorized operator can transfer himself from outside the vehicle to within the vehicle in a safe manner but which will prevent such a transfer by unauthorized personnel.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved bodypod embodying a security transfer hatch or door which bodypod may be mounted on a vehicle chassis.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide a security transfer hatch or door bodypod which may be mounted on a plurality of different vehicle chassis so that the chassis can have an extended life as by being capable of outliving three vehicle chassis.

According to the present invention a rotary drum hatch or door for controlling access to a vault comprises a cylindrical drum member having an opening and which drum member is rotatable within a framework, which framework 2 includes an access part and a vault entry part, a drive means for rotating the cylindrical drum within the framework to position the drum in a first position to provide a passage for an operator through the opening in the drum and through part of the framework, and in a second position through the opening and into the vault, a message receptor means to receive data relative to a feature of an operator, and data base means capable of accepting the operator feature data and comparing such data with data already recorded in the data base means whereby the drive means may be initiated if the data relating to the features of the operator corresponds with the recorded data to allow access to the vault.

Preferably the rotary hatch or door for use in a vehicle also includes a doorway into the interior of the cab and the message receptor means also includes additional control means to enable the operator to determine whether he wishes to enter the cab or the vault.

A security transfer hatch or door in accordance with the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:- Fig. 1 is a side view of a vehicle embodying the invention, Fig. 2 is a plan view partly cut away, of the vehicle, Fig. 3 is a rear view of the vehicle, Fig. 4 is a view of the cylindrical drum and framework of the vehicle, Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view of the hatch or door showing operative positions of the door and Fig. 6 is a circuit diagram.

Referring to Figs 1 to 3 there is shown a vehicle bodypod 1 suitable for example for use with a Mercedes F Leyland/DAF, IVECO, Ford or Renault vehicle chassis. Such vehicle is capable of receiving a payload of 2000 kilograms has a 6.5 litre diesel engine with a four speed syncromesh 3 gear box, power steering, air conditioning and ABS braking and a 12 or 24 volt battery system. In addition to the usual vehicle chassis la shown there is also shown an armoured and sealed door 2 and an armoured bulkhead 3 and a windscreen 4 and side window of G1 standard glass. The vehicle bodypod 1 is fitted on to the vehicle chassis in such a way that the bodypod may be removed from the chassis and mounted on an alternative chassis. By this means it is possible considerably to extend the effective life of the bodypod on different chassis. A vehicle access housing is positioned on the nearside of the vehicle bodypod to provide access to the interior of the bodypod or the vehicle from outside the vehicle. A rotary drum access hatch or door 7 (hereinafter referred to as a rotary drum hatch) is provided on the bodypod 1 and comprises an armoured cylindrical drum 9 and an armoured supporting framework for supporting the framework. The cylindrical drum 9 has an opening 10 through which an authorized operator may pass, this opening 10 is so positioned in the cylindrical drum 9 that in the closed position of the drum the opening 10 is covered so that no access into or out of the cylinder is possible. This position is shown at position A of Fig 5. The opening 10 may also be positioned in the Entrance open position (see B in Fig. 5) with the doorway aligned with a door of the rotary drum access hatch 7. Additionally the opening 10 may be positioned (see C in Fig. 5) with the opening aligned with the interior of the Cab 11 which gives access to the vehicle driving cab 12 of the vehicle or may be positioned (see D in Fig 5) in the Vault open position with the opening 10 aligned with the interior of the Vault 13 of the vehicle to give access to the vehicle vault. The interior of the vault 13 also contains a rotary transfer hatch 14 for the authorized operator to transfer cash, documents or valuables into and out of the vehicle as required. The vehicle vault also has a reinforced window 15 as well as an air heater unit for ventilation, lighting and heating purposes. A reinforcement 4 is provided for the rotary transfer hatch 14 and the ventilation/lighting/heating units.

Referring to Fig. 4 there is shown the cylindrical drum 9 mounted in the framework 8 and having central shafts 16, 17 at the base and top of the drum respectively. The top shaft 17 extends upwardly from the cylindrical drum 9 through a shaft bearing 18 to a pulley 19 and to a rotary electrical junction 20 to be hereinafter described. Also a cam plate 21 is mounted on the shaft and a spring loaded solenoid position lock 22 cooperates with the cam plate to lock the cylindrical drum securely in position with the doorway 10 aligned with the appropriate doorway.

The pul.Ley 19 is drivingly connected by an endless belt 23 to a drive pulley 24 driven by a reversible drive motor 25.

A bevel gear 26 is mounted on the lower shaft 16, and this gear meashes with a further bevel gear 27 connected on the end of a flexible Bowden cable to a manual drum operation means located behind and covered by a secure cover 28. This enables the drum to be rotated manually if required for example in the event of a battery or electrical failure. The cover hides a lever which is connected to the shaft 16 to enable the shaft 16 with the solenoid lock 22 to be lifted clear of the cam plate 21. When the lever is operated the bevel gear 27 engages with the gear 26 to enable the drum to be rotated as desired.

A housing 29 to contain a radio and battery together with a data base including electronic circuits 29a is located to the rear of the driving cab 12. This data base 29a is capable of receiving data information about the authorized operator such as his PIN (Personal Identification Number), and his weight.

A message receptor means comprising an identity card receiver and reader and pin number key head panel 30 is positioned at the right hand side of the rotary drum access door 7 (Fig. 2) covered by a flap. This panel 30 also includes a VDU (Visible Display Unit) to pass operational instructions to the authorized operator. Also a 'Cab' button 30a and a 'Vault' button 30b are provided adjacent to the access door 7 and which are to be depressed by the operator when entering the vehicle to determine whether he/she wishes to enter the vehicle cab or the vault. Also exit buttons 30c, is provided to be used by the operator when wishing to be released from the vehicle.

When the cylindrical drum is in position A an access control panel 31 is visible and available to an operator within the drum 9. This control panel also includes a card (such as a plastic card with a magnetic strip on which data may be recorded) receiver and recoder, a pin number key pad and a V.A.D. Further control panels 33 are located in the vehicle cab 12 and in the vault 13 to be operated by the authorized operator to enable him/her to be released from the vehicle.

A weight sensitive floor 32 is provided on the base part of the cylindrical drum to be rotatable with the drum and is connected to a weighing mechanism 33c connected in an electric circuit to the data base to enable data about the weight of the authorized operator to be passed onto the data. base.

As the floor rotates with the drum 9 it is required to provide the rotary electric junction 20 to enable electrical connection to be maintained between the electric circuit of the weighing mechanism and the data base.

Referring to Fig. 6 of the drawings which is a circuit diagram there is shown the data base 29a with a connection from each of the message receptor means 30, 31, 33a, 33b, 33c and from the cab button 30a and the vault button 30b. Also a connection is made to the data base 29a from the button 30c to be operated when the operator desires to be released from the cab or vault.

The message receptor means 30 includes a key pad panel, identity card receiver and associated VDU so that when 6 the operator inserts his identity card into the identity card receiver a message is passed to the data base giving details of a feature (for example the PIN number, or 'the weight of the operator). The buttons 30a (cab) and 30b (vault) are also associated with the message receptor means which buttons are to be selected by the operator when deciding whether to enter the cab or the vault.

The access control Panel 31 is another of the message receptor means and this is located adjacent to the cylindrical drum to be rendered available to the operator through the opening (10) to enable him to continue the procedure for enabling him to obtain access. The panels 33c, 33b are also connected to the data base for enabling release from the vehicle.

The weight sensitive floor 32 is associated with a weighing mechanism 33c for producing an electric signal equivalent to the weight of the operator standing on the floor 32. This weighing mechanism is connected to the data base 29a through the rotary electric junction 20 associated with the drum 9 to make the electrical connection irrespective of the rotation of the drum 9.

The data base 29a is connected to the electric drive motor to control the movement of the drum so as to be rotated so that the opening in the drum is aligned with the doorway to provide access.

It will be apparent that although the invention has been described with reference to the use of a PIN number and weight measuring means to determine the feature of an operator, other devices to determine other features (for example the signature or other handwriting of an operator may be used). Other features such as roof escape hatches, rear loading door, internal heaters and other fittings may be added to meet customer requirements.

In Operation:

1. An authorized operator approaches the vehicle when the drum (9) will normally be in the closed position "A".

7 To enter the vehicle the operator opens the f lap to the car reader and key pad panel (30) adjacent to the access door (7). He then places his identity card in the receiver and when requested on the VDU enters his PIN number on the key pad and the information is passed to the data base.

2. If this entered information tallies with the information already stored on the vehicle's data base the drum revolves to position "B" and the operator enters the drum. After a predetermined time the drum revolves back to position "All under the control of the data base.

3. In position "A" the operator will see the access control panel (31) on the wall of the framework 8 through the opening in the drum (9). He then again puts in his identity card and enters his PIN. number. This time however the mechanism also checks the weight of the operator which is being entered by the weight sensitive floor (32) on which he is standing and the weight is transmitted to the data base 29a.

4. If the weight information agrees with the data base record, the VDU asks for his access request. This can be to enter either the Cab (12) or the Vault (13). The operator presses the required (cab or vault) button 30a or 30b. If he calls for Cab the drum then operates immediately turning to position "C". If however the operator calls for Vault for which a higher security classification is required the system once again checks its records and if satisfactory the drum will turn with the opening (10) aligned with the Vault entrance - position "D".

5. After a predetermined pause to enable the operator to enter the cab or the vault the drum will return to Position "All.

6. To get out of either the cab 12 or the vault 13 the operator places his identity card and enters his PIN number on one of the units positioned in the cab and the vault.

once in the drum he presses the exit button on the side of the drum. This again checks the oPerator's weight against 8 the data base 29a and then if satisfactory returns to the enter position "B" going anti-c - lockwise. If the operator's weight does not tally the drum will not move and a warning is sounded.

7. Af ter the operator leaves the drum 9 the unit then returns to the closed position "A".

9

Claims

1. A rotary drum hatch for controlling access to a vault or to the interior of a driving cab of a vehicle.

Comprising a cylindrical drum member having an opening and which drum member is rotatable within a framework which framework includes an, access part, a vault entry part and a driving cab entry part, a drive means for rotating the cylindrical drum within the framework to position the drum member; in a first position to provide a passage for an operator through the opening in the drum member and through part of the framework; or in a second position through the opening and into the vault; or in a third position through the opening and into the driving cab of the vehicle; a message receptor means to receive data relative to a feature of an operator and data base means capable of accepting the operator feature data and comparing such data with data already recorded in the data base means whereby the drive means may be initiated if the data relating to the features of the operator corresponds to the recorded data to allow access to the vault or the vehicle cab; and additional control means to enable the operator to control the position of the drum member so the operator may enter the driving cab or the vault.

2. A rotating drum hatch according to claim 1 wherein the additional control means includes selector means located within the cylindrical drum member.

3. A rotating drum hatch according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein there are also included selector means within the vault and in the driving cab and connected to the control means to be operated by the operator to enable him to exit from the vault or driving cab.

4. A rotating drum hatch according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the operator feature data refers to the weight of the operator and the operator's weight is recorded in the data base means.

5. A rotating drum hatch according to claim 4 wherein the drum has a weight sensitive floor connected to the weighing mechanism associated with an electric circuit in the data base.

6. A rotating drum hatch according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the vault also includes a transfer hatch for the transfer of cash into and out of the vehicle as required.

7. A rotating drum hatch according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the cylindrical drum member has central shafts at the base and top of the drum with a drive connection through the top drum shaft from an electric drive member.

8. A rotating drum hatch according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the data base means includes a key pad panel, identity card receiver and associated V.D.U. (visual display unit).

9. A rotating drum hatch according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the hatch or door is accommodated within an armoured bodypod capable of being fitted to or removed from a vehicle chassis.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows A rotary drum hatch for controlling access to a vault or to the interior of a driving cab of a vehicle.

Comprising a cylindrical drum member having an opening and which drum member is rotatable within a framework which framework includes an access part, a vault entry part and a driving cab entry part, a drive means for rotating the cylindrical drum within the framework to position the drum member; in a first position to provide a passage for an operator through the opening in the drum m emb er and through part of the framework; or in a second position through the opening and into the vault; characterised in that there is provided a third portion of the drum member to enable an operator to pass through the opening and into the drum cab of the vehicle and in that there is also provided a message receptor means to receive data relative to a feature of an operator and data base means capable of accepting the operator feature data and comparing such data with data already recorded in the data base means whereby the drive means may be initiated if the data relating to the features of the operator corresponds to the recorded data to allow access to the vault or the vehicle cab; and additional control means to enable the operator to control the position of the drum member so theoperator may enter the driving cab or the vault.

3. A rotating drum hatch according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein there are included selector means within the vault and in the driving cab and connected to the control means to be operated by the operator to enable him to exit from the vault or driving cab.

5. A rotating drum hatch according to claim 4 wherein the drum member has a weight sensitive floor connected to the receptor mechanism associated with an electric circuit in the data base.

6. A rotating drum hatch according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the vault also includes a rotary transfer hatch for the transfer of cash into and out of the vehicle as required.

7. A rotating drum hatch according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the cylindrical drum memberhas central shafts at the base and top of the drum member with a drive connection through the top drum shaft from an electric drive member.

8. A rotating drum hatch according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the data base means includes akey pad panel, identity card receiver and associated V.D.U.

(visual display unit).