IE20090925A1

IE20090925A1 - A proximity reader for an access control system

Info

Publication number: IE20090925A1
Application number: IE20090925A
Authority: IE
Inventors: David Tymlin; John Kavanagh; James Moran
Original assignee: Actip Ltd
Priority date: 2009-04-03
Filing date: 2009-12-08
Publication date: 2010-10-13
Also published as: IE86707B1; GB0921476D0; GB2469161B; GB2469161A

Abstract

This invention relates to a proximity reader for an access control system. More specifically, this invention relates to a miniature, weather resistant proximity reader of the type that has an RFID reader. The proximity reader comprises a ruggedised housing with a pair of hollow screw posts that extend through the entire housing from the front to the back. A pair of screw caps are provided for reception in receiving slots on the housing to secure the screw caps in position over the screw posts. The proximity reader has an electronics unit mounted in the housing and the back of the housing is sealed thereby sealing the entire electronics unit within the sealed housing. An external casing is also provided to cover the prosimity reader, the external casing has a pair of screw holes co-incident with the screw posts of the proximity reader for ease of retrofitting and installation. <Figure 3>

Description

OFO TS PUBLIC KSSPECT JOtf A proximity reader for an access control system” Introduction I system j iiwta ««mta amosulexsJ J»lKe.S±t„.of^£' This invention relates to a miniature, weather resistant proximity reader of the type used to identify radio frequency identification (RFID) cards in an access control system. More specifically, this invention relates to a miniature, weather resistant proximity reader and does not relate to larger multifunctional intercoms systems.

Proximity readers are commonly used in access control systems. Typically, proximity readers are mounted on a wall adjacent an entrance of a building monitored by the access control system. The proximity reader detects the presence of an RFID tag in the vicinity of the reader and communicates with a control module which in turn decides whether or not to permit access to the holder of the RFID tag to the building. If the individual attempting to gain access is successful in their request, the locking mechanism on the entrance will be temporarily released.

There are however numerous problems with the known types of proximity readers. First of all, the proximity readers are vulnerable to vandalism. Secondly, the known proximity readers do not allow retrofitting of alternative types of covers, for example more robust metal covers which are advantageous in situations where the proximity reader is susceptible to vandalism. It is an object of the present invention to overcome at least one of these problems.

Statements of Invention According to the invention there is provided a proximity reader comprising a wall mountable ruggedised housing having a front, back and sides, a pair of hollow screw posts formed integrally with the front of the housing and extending through the housing from the front to the back each for reception of a fixing screw therein to fix the proximity reader to a wall, a pair of screw caps each having housing engaging arms for reception in complimentary receiving slots on the housing to secure the screw caps in position on the housing covering the screw posts, the proximity reader comprising an electronics unit including an RFID reader mounted ΙΕ ο 9 Ο 9 2 5 in the housing, and in which the back of the housing is sealed thereby sealing the entire electronics unit within the sealed housing.

The proximity readers known in the art are provided with snap on covers that are 5 relatively simple to remove. Once the snap on cover has been removed, the electronic circuitry is exposed making the device vulnerable to vandalism.

According to the present invention, the screw posts are formed integrally with the front of the housing and extend all the way from the front of the housing to the back by having such a proximity reader, when the screw caps are removed they will only expose the screws and part of the front cover and not the electronics unit of the proximity reader. This will prevent interference with the electronics unit of the proximity reader. Furthermore, the individual screw caps will be more difficult to remove than the snap-on cover of the known devices and this will go some way to obviating the problem of the proximity reader being tampered with. Finally, by having the back of the unit sealed, the electronics will be sealed within the unit thereby providing a more secure device less vulnerable to vandalism.

In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a proximity reader in which the electronics are potted in the housing.

In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided proximity reader in which screw posts are spaced apart from each other located adjacent opposite sides of the housing.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a proximity reader in which the screw caps housing engaging arms are releasably secured in the complimentary receiving slots on the housing.

In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a proximity reader in 0 which there is provided an external casing dimensioned to be mountable over and encapsulate the front and sides of the housing.

In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a proximity reader in which the external casing has a pair of mounting holes coincident with the screw IE 0 9 0925 - 3 posts of the housing.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a proximity reader in which there are provided tamper resistant fixing means mounted in the mounting holes. in another embodiment of the invention there is provided a process of manufacturing a proximity reader comprising the steps of: moulding a housing having a front, sides and an open back with a pair of 10 hollow screw posts formed integrally with the front of the housing and extending through the housing from the front to the back; mounting an electronics unit comprising an RFID reader in the housing; and sealing the back of the housing thereby sealing the electronics unit therein.

In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a process in which the step of sealing the back of the housing further comprises potting the electronics unit in the housing. Preferably, the seal is a watertight seal.

Detailed Description of the Invention The invention will now be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a front view of a proximity reader according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a right hand side view of the proximity reader; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the proximity reader along the lines A-A; Fig. 4 is a left hand side view of the proximity reader; II ο 9 Ο 9 2 Fig. 5 is a rear view of the proximity reader without the electronic unit in the housing; Fig.6 is an enlarged view of the circled portion in Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is a front view of a screw cap which forms part of the proximity reader; Fig. 8 is a right hand side view of the screw cap of Figure 7; Fig. 9 is another front view of the screw cap; Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the screw cap along the lines A-A of Fig 9; Fig. 11 is a left hand side view of the screw cap of Figure 7; Fig. 12 is an isometric view of a gasket which forms part of the proximity reader; and Figure 13 is a perspective view of an external casing for use with the proximity reader according to the invention.

Referring to Figures 1 to 6 inclusive there is shown a proximity reader, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 comprising a housing 3 having a front 5, back and sides 9,11,13,15. The housing 3 has a pair of screw posts 17,19 extending through the housing from the front 5 to the back 7, each for reception of a fixing screw (not shown) therein to fix the proximity reader to a wall. The screw posts 17, 19 are formed integrally with the front of the housing 3 and are effectively a pair of 0 hollow cylinders that extend through the housing.

Referring specifically to Figure 6, there are further provided a plurality of slots 25 adjacent each of the screw posts, each for reception of a housing engaging arm (not shown) of a screw cap. The housing engaging arms are snap fit into the slots IE 09 0925 and the screw cap covers the screw post 17. a plurality of speaker holes 21 are provided adjacent the screw post 17. Referring specifically to Figure 3, the proximity reader 1 comprises an electronics unit 27 having a RFID reader 28 and a speaker 29 located in the housing. Once inside the housing, the back of the housing is sealed with an insulating material, preferably a thermoplastic material.

It can be seen that by having the screw posts formed integrally with the front of the housing, there is provided a passageway for the screws from the front of the device, all the way through the device and even if the screw caps and screws are removed, the electronics will not be exposed. Furthermore, by sealing the back of the casing, the electronics will be encapsulated in the proximity reader which will further obviate the possibility of damage being done to the proximity reader and will protect the proximity reader from damage caused by ingress of water and dirt.

Referring to Figures 7 to 11 inclusive, there is shown a screw cap, indicated generally by the reference numeral 31, for a proximity reader according to the invention. The screw cap shown is not to scale and has been enlarged for clarity. The screw cap 31 comprises a plurality of housing engaging arms 33 for reception in the complimentary slots of the housing. Each of the housing engaging arms 33 forms a snap fit or push fit in the respective complimentary slot 25 of the housing. When in position with its arms 33 engaged in the slots 25, the screw cap covers a screw in the screw post 17,19 and the screw cap also covers the holes 21. Each screw post has a screw cap associated therewith.

Referring to Figure 12, there is shown an isometric view of a gasket 23 used in the proximity reader according to the present invention. The gasket comprises a substantially figure-of-eight shaped body with a first circular portion 37 and a second elliptical portion 39 connected to the first circular portion. The first circular portion surrounds the holes 21 and limits ingress of moisture into the interior of the 0 proximity reader. The second elliptical portion 39 is slightly offset to one side of the first portion and surrounds an aperture for a light emitting diode (LED) that is used as a visual indicator for the person attempting to gain entry into the building.

Referring to Figure 13, there is shown an external casing for the proximity reader IE 090925 according to the present invention. The external casing, indicated generally by the reference numeral 41 comprises a front 43, a pair of sides 45, 47, a base (not shown) extending between the lowermost ends of the sides 45, 47 and a top extending between the uppermost ends of the sides 45, 47, The top has been removed for clarity but it will be understood that the external casing will be dimensioned to be placed over and encapsulate the entire proximity reader. The back of the external casing is open to allow the cover to be placed over the proximity reader. A pair of mounting holes 49, 51 are provided to allow throughpassage of fixing screws. In order to mount the external casing to a proximity reader, the screw caps 31 are removed from the proximity reader and the screws mounting the proximity reader are removed. Screws are then threaded through the holes 49, 51 and then through the hollow screw posts 17,19 thereby securing the proximity reader to the wall and further securing the external casing around the proximity reader. As an alternative to screws, tamper resistant fixing means such as those with irregular engagement members or spring loaded mechanisms could be provided and inserted through the mounting holes and the screw posts to secure the casing and the proximity reader in position.

Throughout this specification, the term building has been used but it will be understood that other structures could be envisaged where the proximity reader of the access control system could be located. Furthermore, reference has been made to entrance throughout but this will also be understood to also incorporate an exit and the term entrance has been used for simplicity throughout. Finally, the proximity reader has been described as being outside a building but it will be understood that the proximity reader could be used internal the building and could be used on doors other than entrances and exits such as an internal door or the like.

In the specification the terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprised and “comprising” and the terms “include”, “includes”, “included” and “including are deemed totally interchangeable and should be afforded the widest possible interpretation. The invention is in no way limited to the embodiment hereinbefore described but may be varied in both construction and detail within the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claims: (1) A proximity reader comprising a wall mountable ruggedised housing having a front, back and sides, a pair of hollow screw posts formed integrally with 5 the front of the housing and extending through the housing from the front to the back each for reception of a fixing screw therein to fix the proximity reader to a wall, a pair of screw caps each having housing engaging arms for reception in complimentary receiving slots on the housing to secure the screw caps in position on the housing covering the screw posts, the 10 proximity reader comprising an electronics unit including an RFID reader mounted in the housing, and in which the back of the housing is sealed thereby sealing the entire electronics unit within the sealed housing.
2. (2) A proximity reader as claimed in claim 1 in which the electronics are potted 15 in the housing.
3. (3) A proximity reader as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which screw posts are spaced apart from each other located adjacent opposite sides of the housing.
4. (4) A proximity reader as claimed in any preceding claim in which the screw caps housing engaging arms are releasably secured in the complimentary receiving slots on the housing. 25
5. (5) A proximity reader as claimed in any preceding claim in which the screw posts are hollow cylinders that extend through the housing.
6. (6) A proximity reader as claimed in any preceding claim in which there is provided an external casing dimensioned to be mountable over and 3 0 encapsulate the front and sides of the housing.
7. (7) A proximity reader as ciaimed in claim 6 in which the external casing has a pair of mounting holes coincident with the screw posts of the housing. IE 0 9 09 25
8. (8) A proximity reader as claimed in claim 7 in which there are provided tamper resistant fixing means mounted in the mounting holes.
9. (9) A process of manufacturing a proximity reader comprising the steps of: moulding a housing having a front, sides and an open back with a pair of hollow screw posts formed integrally with the front of the housing and extending through the housing from the front to the back; mounting an electronics unit comprising an RFID reader in the housing; and sealing the back of the housing thereby sealing the electronics unit 15 therein.
10. (10) A process as claimed in claim 8 in which the step of sealing the back of the housing further comprises potting the electronics unit in the housing.