WO2021099434A1 - Safety device for an entrance control system - Google Patents

Safety device for an entrance control system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021099434A1
WO2021099434A1 PCT/EP2020/082617 EP2020082617W WO2021099434A1 WO 2021099434 A1 WO2021099434 A1 WO 2021099434A1 EP 2020082617 W EP2020082617 W EP 2020082617W WO 2021099434 A1 WO2021099434 A1 WO 2021099434A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
terminal
safety device
stop button
signal
electrical component
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2020/082617
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Stefan Paulsson
Mats BEJHED
Original Assignee
Assa Abloy Entrance Systems Ab
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Assa Abloy Entrance Systems Ab filed Critical Assa Abloy Entrance Systems Ab
Publication of WO2021099434A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021099434A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/02—Details
    • H01H13/12—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
    • H01H13/14—Operating parts, e.g. push-button
    • H01H13/18—Operating parts, e.g. push-button adapted for actuation at a limit or other predetermined position in the path of a body, the relative movement of switch and body being primarily for a purpose other than the actuation of the switch, e.g. door switch, limit switch, floor-levelling switch of a lift
    • H01H13/183—Operating parts, e.g. push-button adapted for actuation at a limit or other predetermined position in the path of a body, the relative movement of switch and body being primarily for a purpose other than the actuation of the switch, e.g. door switch, limit switch, floor-levelling switch of a lift for actuation by moving a closing member, e.g. door, cover
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/16—Indicators for switching condition, e.g. "on" or "off"
    • H01H9/167—Circuits for remote indication
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/12—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage
    • H01H1/14—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage by abutting
    • H01H1/20—Bridging contacts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/50—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member
    • H01H13/52—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member the contact returning to its original state immediately upon removal of operating force, e.g. bell-push switch
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/54—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the switching device and for which no provision exists elsewhere
    • H01H9/541—Contacts shunted by semiconductor devices

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a safety device for an entrance control system operable to control a door or a dock leveler.
  • the present invention also relates to a method at a control unit for controlling operation of a safety device for an entrance control system operable to control a door or a dock leveler.
  • Entrance control systems operable to control a door or a dock leveler are normally provided with a stop button for allowing the operator to be able to stop movement of the door/dock leveler.
  • the stop button is a critical safety function for stopping movement of the door/dock leveler.
  • So called force guided normally closed stop buttons may be used so as to exclude the fault that that the button does not brake the circuit. There may however be situations where a short circuit associated with the stop button occurs, which is not possible to detect for such stop buttons.
  • a safety device for an entrance control system operable to control a door or a dock leveler.
  • the safety device comprises a first terminal, a second terminal, an electrical component configured to alter an electronic signal and a stop button connected to the electrical component and being operable between a first position and a second position.
  • the first position of the stop button enables the electrical component to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal, and the second position of the stop button disables the electrical component to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal.
  • the safety device is connectable to a control unit configured to receive one or more signals generated by means of the safety device at the first and second terminal.
  • the safety device is configured to enable providing a first signal when the stop button is in the first position, a second signal when the stop button is in the second position and a third signal when there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal, the first, second and third signals being different from each other.
  • safety is increased in that a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal may be efficiently detected based on the difference of the signal generated at the first and second terminal.
  • a safer entrance control system may be obtained in that a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal may be detected.
  • the electrical component is configured to alter electronic signals induced between the first and second terminal such that the one or more signals will differ based on whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal.
  • a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal may be efficiently determined so that proper action may be taken, such as preventing continued operation of the entrance control system.
  • the electrical component is a resistor.
  • the electrical component when the electrical component is a resistor, the strength of the signal provided by the safety device will differ based on whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal.
  • the resistance between the first and second terminal may be detected, and will different based on whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal.
  • an easy and efficient way of determining a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal is provided.
  • the electrical component is a diode.
  • the configuration of the sinus wave of the signal provided by the safety device will differ based on whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal.
  • the sinus wave will be a full sinus wave when there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal. If there is no short circuit and the stop button is in first position, the sinus wave will be a half sinus wave. If there is no short circuit and the stop button is in second position, the signal will be zero.
  • an efficient way of determining a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal is provided in that it is very easy to differentiate since there is a full sinus wave if a short circuit appears.
  • the stop button is a force guided normally closed push button.
  • a force guided normally closed push button provided with an electrical component configured to alter an electronic signal a safe stop button is obtained.
  • a method at a control unit for controlling operation of a safety device for an entrance control system operable to control a door or a dock leveler comprises a first terminal, a second terminal, an electrical component configured to alter an electronic signal and a stop button connected to the electrical component and being operable between a first position and a second position.
  • the first position of the stop button enables the electrical component to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal, and the second position of the stop button disables the electrical component to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal.
  • the control device is configured to receive one or more signals generated by means of the safety device at the first and second terminal.
  • the method comprises the steps of: receiving a first signal when the stop button is in the first position, a second signal when the stop button is in the second position and a third signal when there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal; and, based on the received signals, determining whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal.
  • safety is increased in that a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal may be efficiently detected based on the difference of the signal when there is a short circuit.
  • the signals may be electronic signals with different characteristics.
  • the first signal when the stop button is in the first position has a first characteristics
  • the second signal when the stop button is in the second position has a second characteristics
  • the third signal when there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal has a third characteristics.
  • the method further comprises the step of taking action if a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal has been determined.
  • a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal has been determined.
  • Such action may be to prevent continued operation of the entrance control system. This may be obtained by means of the control unit or any other suitable device operably connected to the safety device and/or the control unit.
  • the action may also be to inform the operator and/or a central unit.
  • the electrical component is a resistor
  • the step of determining whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal comprising determining the strength of the signal received by the control unit.
  • the electrical component is a diode
  • the step of determining whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal comprising determining the configuration of the sinus wave of the signal received by the control unit.
  • the stop button is a force guided normally closed push button.
  • a force guided normally closed push button provided with an electrical component configured to alter an electronic signal a safe stop button is obtained.
  • Figure la shows a schematic side view of a safety device for an entrance control system with a stop button in a first position according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • Figure lb shows a schematic side view of the safety device in fig. la with the stop button in a second position according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 2a shows a schematic side view of a safety device for an entrance control system with a stop button in a first position according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 2b shows a schematic side view of the safety device in fig. 2a with the stop button in a second position according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 3 shows a schematic block diagram of an entrance control system with safety device according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 4 shows a schematic front view of an entrance control system with safety device according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 5 shows a schematic flowchart of a method for controlling operation of a safety device for an entrance control system operable to control a door or a dock leveler according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 6 shows a schematic flowchart of a method for controlling operation of a safety device for an entrance control system operable to control a door or a dock leveler according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 7 shows a schematic flowchart of a method for controlling operation of a safety device for an entrance control system operable to control a door or a dock leveler according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • door in connection to an entrance control system operable to control a door may refer to a sectional door, a high speed door, a revolving door, a swing door, a hinged door, an up and over door, a roll door, a garage door, an industrial door, a gate, a barrier, an or any device having the same function as a door such as curtains e.g. associated with dock shelters.
  • the term “entrance control system operable to control a door” may refer to an entrance control system operable to control any suitable door such as sectional door, a high speed door, a revolving door, a swing door, a hinged door, an up and over door, a roll door, a garage door, an industrial door, a gate, a barrier, an or any device having the same function as a door such as curtains e.g. associated with dock shelters.
  • the term “entrance control system operable to control a dock leveler” may refer to an entrance control system operable to control any suitable dock leveler such as dock levelers associated with loading and unloading of e.g. vehicles or the like.
  • the term “dock leveler” may be a dock leveler configured to bridge the gap to ensure smooth and safe transfer of goods between vehicle and loading dock.
  • rance control system refers to any suitable entrance control system operable to control any movable entrance device comprising any suitable door/door configuration, any suitable dock leveler or the like.
  • Figure la-b and 2a-b show a schematic side view of a safety device Dl; D2 for an entrance control system operable to control a door or a dock leveler according to aspects of the present disclosure.
  • the safety device Dl; D2 is connectable to a control unit 100 configured to receive one or more signals generated by means of the safety device Dl; D2 at the first and second terminal.
  • the safety device Dl; D2 comprises a first terminal T1 and a second terminal T2.
  • the safety device Dl; D2 may be connectable to the control unit 100 by means of a first electric cable Cl for connection to the control unit 100 from the first terminal T1 and a second electrical cable C2 for connection to the control unit 100 from the second terminal T2.
  • the safety device Dl; D2 further comprises an electrical component R30; D32 configured to alter an electronic signal.
  • the safety device Dl; D2 further comprises a stop button 10 connected to the electrical component R30; D32.
  • the electrical component R30; D32 may be comprised in an electrical connection configuration 30; 32 for facilitating electrical connection of the stop button 10 to the electrical component R30; C32.
  • the electrical connection configuration 30; 32 may comprise an electrical cable C30; C32 to which the electrical component is configured to be connected.
  • the stop button 10 comprises a button portion 12.
  • the button portion 12 is configured to be accessible for an operator for activating a stop function.
  • the button portion 12 is arranged at an end of the stop button 10.
  • the stop button 10 further comprises an anchor portion 14.
  • the anchor portion 14 may be attached to the button portion 12.
  • the anchor portion 14 and the button portion 12 may constitute an integrated part of the stop button 10.
  • the anchor portion 14 comprises a rod portion 14a configured to run from the button portion 12.
  • the anchor portion 14 comprises an end portion 14b arranged at the end of the rod portion 14a opposite to the button portion 12.
  • the electrical component R30; D32 may be configured to be connected to the anchor portion 14.
  • the electrical component R30; D32 may be configured to be connected to the end portion 14b of the anchor portion 14.
  • the electrical component R30; D32 may be configured to be connected to the anchor portion 14 by means of the electrical connection configuration 30; 32.
  • the safety device Dl; D2 further comprises a first electrical connector 22 for facilitating electrical connection of the electrical component R30; D32 to the first terminal Tl, see fig. la.
  • the safety device Dl; D2 further comprises a second electrical connector 24 for facilitating electrical connection of the electrical component R30; D32 to the second terminal T2, see fig. 2a.
  • the first electrical connector 22 comprises a first terminal connector part 22a connected to the first terminal Tl.
  • the second electrical connector 24 comprises a first stop button connector part 22b connected to the end portion 14b of the anchor portion 14.
  • the first terminal connector part 22a and the first stop button connector part 22b are connectable to each other and disconnectable from each other.
  • the second electrical connector 24 comprises a second terminal connector part 24a connected to the second terminal Tl.
  • the second electrical connector 24 comprises a second stop button connector part 24b connected to the end portion 14b of the anchor portion 14.
  • the second terminal connector part 24a and the second stop button connector part 24b are connectable to each other and disconnectable from each other.
  • the control unit 100 when connected to the safety device Dl; D2, is configured to receive one or more signals generated by means of the safety device Dl; D2 at the first and second terminal Tl, T2.
  • the stop button 10 is operable between a first position illustrated in fig. la and 2a and a second position illustrated in fig. lb and 2b.
  • the first position of the stop button 10 enables the electrical component R30; D32 to electrically connect the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2.
  • the stop button 10 is thus configured to be electrically connected between the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2 in the first position of the stop button 10.
  • the entrance control system operable to control a door or a dock leveler is, when associated with a door, configured to allow normal operation of the door, e.g. opening the door and closing the door, when the safety device Dl; D2 is operably connected to the control unit 100.
  • the safety device Dl; D2 may be configured to issue an operation signal for allowing operation of the door.
  • the operation signal issued by the safety device Dl; D2 in the first position of the stop button 10 may be such that operation of the door is allowed as long as the operation signal is received.
  • the operation may herein also be denoted first signal.
  • the same functionality of the safety device and hence stop button 10 holds for an entrance control system operable to control a dock leveler, when controlling the dock leveler.
  • the first terminal connector part 22a is configured to be connected the first stop button portion 22b and the second terminal connector part 24a is configured to be connected to the second stop button connector part 24b so as to enable the electrical component R30; D32 to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal Tl, T2.
  • the second position of the stop button 10 disables the electrical component R30; D32 to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal.
  • the stop button 10 is thus configured to be electrically disconnected from the first terminal Tl and the second terminal T2 in the second position of the stop button 10.
  • the electrical connection of the stop button 10 between the first terminal Tl and second terminal T2 is broken.
  • the operation of the door associated with the entrance control system e.g. opening the door and closing the door, is prevented when the safety device Dl; D2 is operably connected to the control unit 100.
  • the safety device Dl; D2 may be configured to issue a stop signal for stopping operation of the door.
  • the stop signal issued by the safety device Dl; D2 in the second position of the stop button 10 may be such that operation of the door is stopped independently of position of the stop button 10, i.e. also when/if the stop button 10 returns to the first position.
  • the control unit 100 may be configured to disable operation of the door associated with the entrance control system based on the signal issued by the safety device Dl; D2 in the second position of the stop button 10.
  • the stop signal may herein also be denoted second signal.
  • the same functionality of the safety device and hence stop button 10 holds for an entrance control system operable to control a dock leveler, when controlling the dock leveler.
  • the safety device Dl; D2 may comprise a housing 40 for the safety device Dl; D2.
  • the housing may be configured to be attached in connection to a door.
  • the housing may be configured to be attached in connection to a dock leveler.
  • the stop portion 12 is configured to project from the housing 40 so as to allow an operator to operate the safety device by means of the stop button 10.
  • the safety device Dl; D2 may comprise a spring member 50 for allowing controlling movement of the stop button 10 between the first position and the second position.
  • the spring member 50 In the first position of the stop button 10 the spring member 50 may be configured to be in an essentially unloaded state. In the first position of the stop button 10 the spring member may be configured to assist in holding the stop button 10 in the first position.
  • the spring member 50 may be configured to be in a spring loaded state. In the second position of the stop button 10 the spring member may be configured to spring back to a non-operable first position in which operation of the door is no longer possible due to the activation of the stop button 10, i.e. pressing of the stop button 10 from the first position to the second position.
  • the safety device Dl; D2 is thus configured to enable providing a first signal, i.e. an operation signal, when the stop button 10 is in the first position and a second signal, i.e. a stop signal, when the stop button 10 is in the second position.
  • the first signal is different from the second signal.
  • the control device 100 when connected to the safety device Dl; D2, is thus configured to receive a first signal, i.e. an operation signal, generated by the safety device Dl; D2 when the stop button 10 is in the first position.
  • the control device 100, when connected to the safety device Dl; D2, is thus configured to receive a second signal, i.e. a stop signal, when the stop button 10 is in the second position.
  • the safety device Dl; D2 is thus configured to enable providing a third signal, i.e. short circuit signal, when there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal Tl, T2.
  • the control device 100 when connected to the safety device Dl; D2, is thus configured to receive a third signal, i.e. a short circuit signal, when there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal Tl, T2.
  • the electrical component R30; D32 is configured to alter electronic signals induced between the first and second terminal Tl, T2 such that the one or more signals will differ based on whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal Tl, T2.
  • the safety device Dl disclosed in fig. la-b differs from the safety device D2 in fig. 2a-b mainly due to the type of electrical component.
  • the electrical component of the safety device Dl disclosed in fig. la-b is a resistor R30.
  • the electronic component is a resistor R30, the strength of the signal received by the control unit 100 will differ based on whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal Tl, T2.
  • the resistance corresponds to the expected resistance for the resistor R30, it corresponds to the first signal and thus the first position of the stop button 10. If the resistance is essentially infinite it corresponds to the second signal and thus the second position of the stop button 10.
  • the resistance is essentially zero it corresponds to the third signal and thus a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal.
  • the electrical component of the safety device D2 disclosed in fig. 2a-b is a diode D32.
  • the configuration of the sinus wave of the signal received by the control unit will differ based on whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the electrical connection.
  • the configuration of the sinus wave of the signal is a half sinus wave, it corresponds to the first signal and thus the first position of the stop button 10. If the signal received is essentially zero it corresponds to the second signal and thus the second position of the stop button. If, due to the diode D32, the configuration of the sinus wave is a full sinus wave it corresponds to the third signal and thus a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal.
  • FIG. 3 shows a schematic block diagram of an entrance control system I with safety device D according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • the safety device D comprises a first terminal, a second terminal, an electrical component configured to alter an electronic signal and a stop button connected to the electrical component and being operable between a first position and a second position.
  • the first position of the stop button enables the electrical component to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal, and the second position of the stop button disables the electrical component to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal.
  • the safety device D is connectable to a control unit configured to receive one or more signals generated by means of the safety device D at the first and second terminal.
  • the safety device D is configured to enable providing a first signal when the stop button is in the first position, a second signal when the stop button is in the second position and a third signal when there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal, the first, second and third signals being different from each other.
  • the safety device D may be any suitable safety device D for facilitating determining whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal.
  • the safety device D may be a safety device D as described with reference to fig. la-b or 2a-b.
  • the control unit 100 is configured to determine determining whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal based on difference of the first, second and third signal, when the safety device is connected to the control unit 100.
  • the control unit 100 may be comprised in an entrance control system I operable to control a door or a dock leveler.
  • the control unit 100 may be operably connectable to an entrance control system operable to control a door or a dock leveler.
  • the control unit 100 may be implemented as a separate entity or distributed in two or more physical entities.
  • the control unit 100 may comprise one or more computers.
  • the control unit 100 may thus be implemented or realized by the control unit comprising a processor and a memory, the memory comprising instructions, which when executed by the processor causes the control unit to perform the herein disclosed method.
  • the entrance control system I may comprise any suitable drive arrangement 200 for operating the door.
  • the drive arrangement may comprise an electric motor.
  • the entrance control system I may comprise any suitable actuator device 500 for an operator to maneuver the operation of e.g. a door.
  • the actuator device 500 may comprise one or more switches, buttons or the like for the operator to maneuver operation of the door.
  • the actuator device 500 may comprise an opening button 510 for opening the door, a closing button 520 for closing the door, and a stop button 530 for stopping the door.
  • This stop button may be a stop button for normal operation whereas the safety device with a stop button may constitute an emergency stop.
  • the control unit 100 may be configured to perform control of door operation for the door control device.
  • control unit 100 may be arranged to receive signals from the actuator device 500 representing opening, closing or stop requests.
  • the control unit 100 may than send signals to the drive arrangement 200, e.g. electric motor, which may then be configured to operate the door according to the request from the actuator device 500.
  • the control unit 100 may be configured to receive, from the safety device D, a first signal IS when the stop button is in the first position, a second signal 2S when the stop button is in the second position and a third signal 3S when there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal, the first, second and third signals being different from each other.
  • the electrical component is configured to alter electronic signals induced between the first and second terminal such that the one or more signals will differ based on whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal.
  • the control unit 100 may be configured to process the signal received from the safety device D so as to determine whether the signal corresponds to the first signal, second signal or third signal.
  • the control unit 100 may comprise any suitable detection device for detecting signals received from the safety device so as to detect whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal of the safety device D. If a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal of the safety device D has been determined the control device 100 may be configured to send a signal to the drive arrangement 200 to stop operation so as to prevent to prevent continued operation of the entrance control system. If a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal of the safety device D has been determined the control device 100 may be configured to send a warning to operator and/or central unit or the like.
  • the control unit 100 is according to an embodiment, adapted to perform the method Ml described below with reference to fig. 5.
  • the control unit 100 is according to an embodiment, adapted to perform the method M2 described below with reference to fig. 6.
  • the control unit 100 is according to an embodiment, adapted to perform the method MB described below with reference to fig. 7.
  • Figure 4 shows a schematic front view of an entrance control system II with safety device D according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • the safety device D may be a safety device as described with reference to fig. la-b, 2a- b and/or fig. 3.
  • the safety device D comprises a first terminal, a second terminal, an electrical component configured to alter an electronic signal and a stop button 10 connected to the electrical component and being operable between a first position and a second position.
  • the first position of the stop button enables the electrical component to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal, and the second position of the stop button disables the electrical component to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal.
  • the safety device D is connectable to a control unit 100 configured to receive one or more signals generated by means of the safety device D at the first and second terminal.
  • the entrance control system II comprises the safety device D.
  • the entrance control system II comprises or is operably connectable to a door arrangement 60 comprising a door 62.
  • the door 62 according to this example is a vertical moving door 62, movable from a closed position, illustrated in fig. 4, to an open position, not shown.
  • the vertical moving door 62 is according to an aspect a sectional vertical moving door 62 comprising a number of connected sections, as is disclosed in figure 4.
  • the door according to the present disclosure may, as mentioned above, be any suitable movable door.
  • the door arrangement 62 may comprise tracks 64, 66 for guiding the door 62.
  • the tracks 64, 66 are configured to be arranged on the respective side of the door 62.
  • the tracks 64, 66 are at least partly vertical tracks.
  • the safety device D may be mounted in connection to the door at a suitable reaching height.
  • the entrance control system I may comprise or be operably connectable to the control unit 100.
  • the control unit 100 is configured to determine whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal of the safety device D based on difference of the first, second and third signal, when the safety device is connected to the control unit 100.
  • the entrance control system II may comprise any suitable drive arrangement 200 for operating the door.
  • the drive arrangement 200 may comprise an electric motor.
  • the drive arrangement 200, e.g. motor may be mounted either directly on the wall or at a track 64, 66.
  • FIG 5-7 shows schematic flowcharts of a method Ml, M2 and MB, for controlling operation of a safety device for an entrance control system operable to control a door or a dock leveler according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • the methods may be performed by means of a control unit, e.g. a control unit 100 as described with reference to fig. la-b, 2a- b, 3 and 4.
  • the safety device comprises a first terminal, a second terminal, an electrical component configured to alter an electronic signal and a stop button connected to the electrical component and being operable between a first position and a second position.
  • the first position of the stop button enables the electrical component to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal, and the second position of the stop button disables the electrical component to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal.
  • the control device is configured to receive one or more signals generated by means of the safety device at the first and second terminal.
  • the stop button is a force guided normally closed push button.
  • Figure 5 shows a schematic flowchart of the method Ml according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • the method Ml comprises a step SI.
  • signals are received, wherein a first signal is received when the stop button is in the first position, a second signal when the stop button is in the second position and a third signal when there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal.
  • the method Ml comprises a step S2. In this step it is determined whether or not the received signal/signals correspond to the third signal.
  • the method Ml comprises a step S3A.
  • the received signal is determined not to correspond to the third signal, it is determined that there is no short circuit associated with the first and second terminal. If the received signal is determined not to correspond to the third signal it may, by means of the received signals, be determined if the stop button is in the first position or second position.
  • the method Ml comprises a step S3B. In this step, if the received signal is determined to correspond to the third signal, it is determined that there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal.
  • Figure 6 shows a schematic flowchart of a method M2 according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • the method M2 comprises a step Sll.
  • signals are received, wherein a first signal is received when the stop button is in the first position, a second signal when the stop button is in the second position and a third signal when there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal.
  • the method M2 comprises a step S12. In this step it is determined whether or not the strength of the received signal associated with the resistor correspond to the third signal. Thus, in this step it is determined whether or not the resistance between the first and second terminal correspond to the third signal.
  • the method M2 comprises a step S13A.
  • the received signal is determined not to correspond to the third signal, it is determined that there is no short circuit associated with the first and second terminal. If the received signal is determined not to correspond to the third signal it may, by means of the received signals, be determined if the stop button is in the first position or second position. If the resistance corresponds to the expected resistance for the resistor, it corresponds to the first signal and thus the first position of the stop button. If the resistance is essentially infinite it corresponds to the second signal and thus the second position of the stop button.
  • the method M2 comprises a step S13B. In this step, if the received signal is determined to correspond to the third signal, it is determined that there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal. If the resistance is essentially zero it corresponds to the third signal and thus a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal.
  • the method M2 comprises a step S14.
  • action is taken if a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal has been determined. Such action may be to prevent continued operation of the entrance control system.
  • the action may also be to inform the operator and/or a central unit or the like and/or activate an alarm.
  • the action may be obtained by means of the control unit or any other suitable device operably connected to the safety device and/or the control unit.
  • Figure 7 shows a schematic flowchart of a method M3 according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • the method M3 comprises a step S21.
  • signals are received, wherein a first signal is received when the stop button is in the first position, a second signal when the stop button is in the second position and a third signal when there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal.
  • the method M3 comprises a step S22. In this step it is determined whether or not the configuration of the sinus wave of the signal received by the control unit associated with the diode correspond to the third signal. Thus, in this step it is determined whether or not the configuration of the sinus wave of the signal received between the first and second terminal correspond to the third signal.
  • the method M3 comprises a step S23A.
  • the received signal is determined not to correspond to the third signal, it is determined that there is no short circuit associated with the first and second terminal. If the received signal is determined not to correspond to the third signal it may, by means of the received signals, be determined if the stop button is in the first position or second position. If the configuration of the sinus wave of the signal is a half sinus wave, it corresponds to the first signal and thus the first position of the stop button. If the signal received is essentially zero it corresponds to the second signal and thus the second position of the stop button.
  • the method MB comprises a step S23A.
  • the method M3 comprises a step S24.
  • action is taken if a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal has been determined. Such action may be to prevent continued operation of the entrance control system. The action may also be to inform the operator and/or a central unit or the like and/or activate an alarm. The action may be obtained by means of the control unit or any other suitable device operably connected to the safety device and/or the control unit.

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Abstract

The disclosure relates to a safety device (D1; D2) for an entrance control system operable to control a door or a dock leveler. The safety device (D1; D2) comprises a first terminal (T1), a second terminal (T2), an electrical component (R30; D32) configured to alter an electronic signal and a stop button (10) connected to the electrical component (R30; D32) and being operable between a first position and a second position. The first position of the stop button (10) enables the electrical component (R30; D32) to electrically connect the first terminal (T1) and the second terminal (T2), and the second position of the stop button (10) disables the electrical component (R30; D32) to electrically connect the first terminal (T1) and the second terminal (T2). The safety device (D1; D2) is connectable to a control unit configured to receive one or more signals generated by means of the safety device (D1; D2) at the first and second terminal (T1, T2). The safety device (D1; D2) is configured to enable providing a first signal when the stop button (10) is in the first position, a second signal when the stop button (10) is in the second position and a third signal when there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal (T1, T2), the first, second and third signals being different from each other.

Description

Safety Device for an Entrance Control System
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to a safety device for an entrance control system operable to control a door or a dock leveler. The present invention also relates to a method at a control unit for controlling operation of a safety device for an entrance control system operable to control a door or a dock leveler.
Background art
Entrance control systems operable to control a door or a dock leveler are normally provided with a stop button for allowing the operator to be able to stop movement of the door/dock leveler. The stop button is a critical safety function for stopping movement of the door/dock leveler.
So called force guided normally closed stop buttons may be used so as to exclude the fault that that the button does not brake the circuit. There may however be situations where a short circuit associated with the stop button occurs, which is not possible to detect for such stop buttons.
There may thus be a safety problem with entrance control systems having such stop buttons.
Summary
It is an object to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies in the art and disadvantages singly or in any combination and solve at least the above-mentioned problem.
According to a first aspect there is provided a safety device for an entrance control system operable to control a door or a dock leveler. The safety device comprises a first terminal, a second terminal, an electrical component configured to alter an electronic signal and a stop button connected to the electrical component and being operable between a first position and a second position. The first position of the stop button enables the electrical component to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal, and the second position of the stop button disables the electrical component to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal. The safety device is connectable to a control unit configured to receive one or more signals generated by means of the safety device at the first and second terminal. The safety device is configured to enable providing a first signal when the stop button is in the first position, a second signal when the stop button is in the second position and a third signal when there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal, the first, second and third signals being different from each other. Hereby safety is increased in that a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal may be efficiently detected based on the difference of the signal generated at the first and second terminal. Thus, by applying such a safety device for an entrance control system, a safer entrance control system may be obtained in that a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal may be detected.
According to an aspect the electrical component is configured to alter electronic signals induced between the first and second terminal such that the one or more signals will differ based on whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal. With such an electrical component arranged to alter electronic signals, a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal may be efficiently determined so that proper action may be taken, such as preventing continued operation of the entrance control system.
According to an aspect the electrical component is a resistor.
According to an aspect, when the electrical component is a resistor, the strength of the signal provided by the safety device will differ based on whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal. Thus, by providing a resistor as an electrical component, the resistance between the first and second terminal may be detected, and will different based on whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal. Hereby an easy and efficient way of determining a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal is provided.
According to an aspect the electrical component is a diode.
According to an aspect, when the electrical component is a diode, the configuration of the sinus wave of the signal provided by the safety device will differ based on whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal. By providing a diode as an electrical component, the sinus wave will be a full sinus wave when there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal. If there is no short circuit and the stop button is in first position, the sinus wave will be a half sinus wave. If there is no short circuit and the stop button is in second position, the signal will be zero. Hereby an efficient way of determining a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal is provided in that it is very easy to differentiate since there is a full sinus wave if a short circuit appears.
According to an aspect the stop button is a force guided normally closed push button. By utilizing a force guided normally closed push button provided with an electrical component configured to alter an electronic signal a safe stop button is obtained.
According to a second aspect there is provided a method at a control unit for controlling operation of a safety device for an entrance control system operable to control a door or a dock leveler. The safety device comprises a first terminal, a second terminal, an electrical component configured to alter an electronic signal and a stop button connected to the electrical component and being operable between a first position and a second position. The first position of the stop button enables the electrical component to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal, and the second position of the stop button disables the electrical component to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal.
The control device is configured to receive one or more signals generated by means of the safety device at the first and second terminal. The method comprises the steps of: receiving a first signal when the stop button is in the first position, a second signal when the stop button is in the second position and a third signal when there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal; and, based on the received signals, determining whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal. Hereby safety is increased in that a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal may be efficiently detected based on the difference of the signal when there is a short circuit. The signals may be electronic signals with different characteristics. Thus, the first signal when the stop button is in the first position has a first characteristics, the second signal when the stop button is in the second position has a second characteristics, and the third signal when there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal has a third characteristics.
According to an aspect the method further comprises the step of taking action if a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal has been determined. By thus taking action if a short circuit has been detected, the risk of any accident associated with the entrance control system may be avoided. Such action may be to prevent continued operation of the entrance control system. This may be obtained by means of the control unit or any other suitable device operably connected to the safety device and/or the control unit. The action may also be to inform the operator and/or a central unit.
According to an aspect the electrical component is a resistor, the step of determining whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal comprising determining the strength of the signal received by the control unit. Hereby an easy and efficient way of determining a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal is provided.
According to an aspect the electrical component is a diode, the step of determining whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal comprising determining the configuration of the sinus wave of the signal received by the control unit. Hereby an efficient way of determining a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal is provided in that it is very easy to differentiate due to the full sinus wave.
According to an aspect the stop button is a force guided normally closed push button. By utilizing a force guided normally closed push button provided with an electrical component configured to alter an electronic signal a safe stop button is obtained.
Brief descriptions of the drawings
The above objects, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of example embodiments of the present invention, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Figure la shows a schematic side view of a safety device for an entrance control system with a stop button in a first position according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
Figure lb shows a schematic side view of the safety device in fig. la with the stop button in a second position according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
Figure 2a shows a schematic side view of a safety device for an entrance control system with a stop button in a first position according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
Figure 2b shows a schematic side view of the safety device in fig. 2a with the stop button in a second position according to an aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 3 shows a schematic block diagram of an entrance control system with safety device according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 shows a schematic front view of an entrance control system with safety device according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 shows a schematic flowchart of a method for controlling operation of a safety device for an entrance control system operable to control a door or a dock leveler according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 shows a schematic flowchart of a method for controlling operation of a safety device for an entrance control system operable to control a door or a dock leveler according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 shows a schematic flowchart of a method for controlling operation of a safety device for an entrance control system operable to control a door or a dock leveler according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
Detailed description
The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred example aspects and embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the herein disclosed embodiments. The disclosed aspects and embodiments are provided to fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled person.
Herein the term "door" in connection to an entrance control system operable to control a door may refer to a sectional door, a high speed door, a revolving door, a swing door, a hinged door, an up and over door, a roll door, a garage door, an industrial door, a gate, a barrier, an or any device having the same function as a door such as curtains e.g. associated with dock shelters.
Herein the term "entrance control system operable to control a door" may refer to an entrance control system operable to control any suitable door such as sectional door, a high speed door, a revolving door, a swing door, a hinged door, an up and over door, a roll door, a garage door, an industrial door, a gate, a barrier, an or any device having the same function as a door such as curtains e.g. associated with dock shelters. Herein the term "entrance control system operable to control a dock leveler" may refer to an entrance control system operable to control any suitable dock leveler such as dock levelers associated with loading and unloading of e.g. vehicles or the like. The term "dock leveler" may be a dock leveler configured to bridge the gap to ensure smooth and safe transfer of goods between vehicle and loading dock.
Herein the term "entrance control system" refers to any suitable entrance control system operable to control any movable entrance device comprising any suitable door/door configuration, any suitable dock leveler or the like.
Figure la-b and 2a-b show a schematic side view of a safety device Dl; D2 for an entrance control system operable to control a door or a dock leveler according to aspects of the present disclosure.
The safety device Dl; D2 is connectable to a control unit 100 configured to receive one or more signals generated by means of the safety device Dl; D2 at the first and second terminal. The safety device Dl; D2 comprises a first terminal T1 and a second terminal T2. The safety device Dl; D2 may be connectable to the control unit 100 by means of a first electric cable Cl for connection to the control unit 100 from the first terminal T1 and a second electrical cable C2 for connection to the control unit 100 from the second terminal T2.
The safety device Dl; D2 further comprises an electrical component R30; D32 configured to alter an electronic signal.
The safety device Dl; D2 further comprises a stop button 10 connected to the electrical component R30; D32. The electrical component R30; D32 may be comprised in an electrical connection configuration 30; 32 for facilitating electrical connection of the stop button 10 to the electrical component R30; C32. The electrical connection configuration 30; 32 may comprise an electrical cable C30; C32 to which the electrical component is configured to be connected.
The stop button 10 comprises a button portion 12. The button portion 12 is configured to be accessible for an operator for activating a stop function. The button portion 12 is arranged at an end of the stop button 10. The stop button 10 further comprises an anchor portion 14. The anchor portion 14 may be attached to the button portion 12. The anchor portion 14 and the button portion 12 may constitute an integrated part of the stop button 10.
The anchor portion 14 comprises a rod portion 14a configured to run from the button portion 12. The anchor portion 14 comprises an end portion 14b arranged at the end of the rod portion 14a opposite to the button portion 12. The electrical component R30; D32 may be configured to be connected to the anchor portion 14. The electrical component R30; D32 may be configured to be connected to the end portion 14b of the anchor portion 14. The electrical component R30; D32 may be configured to be connected to the anchor portion 14 by means of the electrical connection configuration 30; 32.
The safety device Dl; D2 further comprises a first electrical connector 22 for facilitating electrical connection of the electrical component R30; D32 to the first terminal Tl, see fig. la. The safety device Dl; D2 further comprises a second electrical connector 24 for facilitating electrical connection of the electrical component R30; D32 to the second terminal T2, see fig. 2a.
The first electrical connector 22 comprises a first terminal connector part 22a connected to the first terminal Tl. The second electrical connector 24 comprises a first stop button connector part 22b connected to the end portion 14b of the anchor portion 14. The first terminal connector part 22a and the first stop button connector part 22b are connectable to each other and disconnectable from each other.
The second electrical connector 24 comprises a second terminal connector part 24a connected to the second terminal Tl. The second electrical connector 24 comprises a second stop button connector part 24b connected to the end portion 14b of the anchor portion 14. The second terminal connector part 24a and the second stop button connector part 24b are connectable to each other and disconnectable from each other.
The control unit 100, when connected to the safety device Dl; D2, is configured to receive one or more signals generated by means of the safety device Dl; D2 at the first and second terminal Tl, T2.
The stop button 10 is operable between a first position illustrated in fig. la and 2a and a second position illustrated in fig. lb and 2b. The first position of the stop button 10 enables the electrical component R30; D32 to electrically connect the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2. The stop button 10 is thus configured to be electrically connected between the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2 in the first position of the stop button 10. In the first position of the stop button 10 the entrance control system operable to control a door or a dock leveler is, when associated with a door, configured to allow normal operation of the door, e.g. opening the door and closing the door, when the safety device Dl; D2 is operably connected to the control unit 100. In the first position of the stop button 10 the safety device Dl; D2 may be configured to issue an operation signal for allowing operation of the door. The operation signal issued by the safety device Dl; D2 in the first position of the stop button 10 may be such that operation of the door is allowed as long as the operation signal is received. The operation may herein also be denoted first signal. The same functionality of the safety device and hence stop button 10 holds for an entrance control system operable to control a dock leveler, when controlling the dock leveler.
In the first position of the stop button 10 the first terminal connector part 22a is configured to be connected the first stop button portion 22b and the second terminal connector part 24a is configured to be connected to the second stop button connector part 24b so as to enable the electrical component R30; D32 to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal Tl, T2.
The second position of the stop button 10 disables the electrical component R30; D32 to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal. The stop button 10 is thus configured to be electrically disconnected from the first terminal Tl and the second terminal T2 in the second position of the stop button 10. In the second position of the stop button 10 the electrical connection of the stop button 10 between the first terminal Tl and second terminal T2 is broken. In the second position of the stop button 10 the operation of the door associated with the entrance control system, e.g. opening the door and closing the door, is prevented when the safety device Dl; D2 is operably connected to the control unit 100. In the second position of the stop button 10 the safety device Dl; D2 may be configured to issue a stop signal for stopping operation of the door. The stop signal issued by the safety device Dl; D2 in the second position of the stop button 10 may be such that operation of the door is stopped independently of position of the stop button 10, i.e. also when/if the stop button 10 returns to the first position. The control unit 100 may be configured to disable operation of the door associated with the entrance control system based on the signal issued by the safety device Dl; D2 in the second position of the stop button 10. The stop signal may herein also be denoted second signal. The same functionality of the safety device and hence stop button 10 holds for an entrance control system operable to control a dock leveler, when controlling the dock leveler.
The safety device Dl; D2 may comprise a housing 40 for the safety device Dl; D2. The housing may be configured to be attached in connection to a door. The housing may be configured to be attached in connection to a dock leveler. The stop portion 12 is configured to project from the housing 40 so as to allow an operator to operate the safety device by means of the stop button 10.
The safety device Dl; D2 may comprise a spring member 50 for allowing controlling movement of the stop button 10 between the first position and the second position.
In the first position of the stop button 10 the spring member 50 may be configured to be in an essentially unloaded state. In the first position of the stop button 10 the spring member may be configured to assist in holding the stop button 10 in the first position.
In the second position of the stop button 10 the spring member 50 may be configured to be in a spring loaded state. In the second position of the stop button 10 the spring member may be configured to spring back to a non-operable first position in which operation of the door is no longer possible due to the activation of the stop button 10, i.e. pressing of the stop button 10 from the first position to the second position.
The safety device Dl; D2 is thus configured to enable providing a first signal, i.e. an operation signal, when the stop button 10 is in the first position and a second signal, i.e. a stop signal, when the stop button 10 is in the second position. The first signal is different from the second signal. The control device 100, when connected to the safety device Dl; D2, is thus configured to receive a first signal, i.e. an operation signal, generated by the safety device Dl; D2 when the stop button 10 is in the first position. The control device 100, when connected to the safety device Dl; D2, is thus configured to receive a second signal, i.e. a stop signal, when the stop button 10 is in the second position.
The safety device Dl; D2 is thus configured to enable providing a third signal, i.e. short circuit signal, when there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal Tl, T2. The control device 100, when connected to the safety device Dl; D2, is thus configured to receive a third signal, i.e. a short circuit signal, when there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal Tl, T2.
According to an aspect the electrical component R30; D32 is configured to alter electronic signals induced between the first and second terminal Tl, T2 such that the one or more signals will differ based on whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal Tl, T2.
The safety device Dl disclosed in fig. la-b differs from the safety device D2 in fig. 2a-b mainly due to the type of electrical component.
The electrical component of the safety device Dl disclosed in fig. la-b is a resistor R30. When the electronic component is a resistor R30, the strength of the signal received by the control unit 100 will differ based on whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal Tl, T2.
If the resistance corresponds to the expected resistance for the resistor R30, it corresponds to the first signal and thus the first position of the stop button 10. If the resistance is essentially infinite it corresponds to the second signal and thus the second position of the stop button 10.
If the resistance is essentially zero it corresponds to the third signal and thus a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal.
The electrical component of the safety device D2 disclosed in fig. 2a-b is a diode D32. When the electronic component is a diode D32, the configuration of the sinus wave of the signal received by the control unit will differ based on whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the electrical connection.
If, due to the diode D32, the configuration of the sinus wave of the signal is a half sinus wave, it corresponds to the first signal and thus the first position of the stop button 10. If the signal received is essentially zero it corresponds to the second signal and thus the second position of the stop button. If, due to the diode D32, the configuration of the sinus wave is a full sinus wave it corresponds to the third signal and thus a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal.
Figure 3 shows a schematic block diagram of an entrance control system I with safety device D according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
The safety device D comprises a first terminal, a second terminal, an electrical component configured to alter an electronic signal and a stop button connected to the electrical component and being operable between a first position and a second position. The first position of the stop button enables the electrical component to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal, and the second position of the stop button disables the electrical component to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal. The safety device D is connectable to a control unit configured to receive one or more signals generated by means of the safety device D at the first and second terminal. The safety device D is configured to enable providing a first signal when the stop button is in the first position, a second signal when the stop button is in the second position and a third signal when there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal, the first, second and third signals being different from each other. The safety device D may be any suitable safety device D for facilitating determining whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal. The safety device D may be a safety device D as described with reference to fig. la-b or 2a-b.
The control unit 100 is configured to determine determining whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal based on difference of the first, second and third signal, when the safety device is connected to the control unit 100.
The control unit 100 may be comprised in an entrance control system I operable to control a door or a dock leveler. The control unit 100 may be operably connectable to an entrance control system operable to control a door or a dock leveler.
The control unit 100 may be implemented as a separate entity or distributed in two or more physical entities. The control unit 100 may comprise one or more computers. The control unit 100 may thus be implemented or realized by the control unit comprising a processor and a memory, the memory comprising instructions, which when executed by the processor causes the control unit to perform the herein disclosed method.
The entrance control system I may comprise any suitable drive arrangement 200 for operating the door. The drive arrangement may comprise an electric motor.
The entrance control system I may comprise any suitable actuator device 500 for an operator to maneuver the operation of e.g. a door. The actuator device 500 may comprise one or more switches, buttons or the like for the operator to maneuver operation of the door. The actuator device 500 may comprise an opening button 510 for opening the door, a closing button 520 for closing the door, and a stop button 530 for stopping the door. This stop button may be a stop button for normal operation whereas the safety device with a stop button may constitute an emergency stop.
The control unit 100 may be configured to perform control of door operation for the door control device.
During normal operation the control unit 100 may be arranged to receive signals from the actuator device 500 representing opening, closing or stop requests. The control unit 100 may than send signals to the drive arrangement 200, e.g. electric motor, which may then be configured to operate the door according to the request from the actuator device 500.
The control unit 100 may be configured to receive, from the safety device D, a first signal IS when the stop button is in the first position, a second signal 2S when the stop button is in the second position and a third signal 3S when there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal, the first, second and third signals being different from each other.
According to an aspect the electrical component is configured to alter electronic signals induced between the first and second terminal such that the one or more signals will differ based on whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal.
The control unit 100 may be configured to process the signal received from the safety device D so as to determine whether the signal corresponds to the first signal, second signal or third signal. The control unit 100 may comprise any suitable detection device for detecting signals received from the safety device so as to detect whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal of the safety device D. If a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal of the safety device D has been determined the control device 100 may be configured to send a signal to the drive arrangement 200 to stop operation so as to prevent to prevent continued operation of the entrance control system. If a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal of the safety device D has been determined the control device 100 may be configured to send a warning to operator and/or central unit or the like.
The control unit 100 is according to an embodiment, adapted to perform the method Ml described below with reference to fig. 5. The control unit 100 is according to an embodiment, adapted to perform the method M2 described below with reference to fig. 6.
The control unit 100 is according to an embodiment, adapted to perform the method MB described below with reference to fig. 7.
Figure 4 shows a schematic front view of an entrance control system II with safety device D according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
The safety device D may be a safety device as described with reference to fig. la-b, 2a- b and/or fig. 3.
The safety device D comprises a first terminal, a second terminal, an electrical component configured to alter an electronic signal and a stop button 10 connected to the electrical component and being operable between a first position and a second position. The first position of the stop button enables the electrical component to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal, and the second position of the stop button disables the electrical component to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal. The safety device D is connectable to a control unit 100 configured to receive one or more signals generated by means of the safety device D at the first and second terminal.
The entrance control system II comprises the safety device D. The entrance control system II comprises or is operably connectable to a door arrangement 60 comprising a door 62. The door 62 according to this example is a vertical moving door 62, movable from a closed position, illustrated in fig. 4, to an open position, not shown. The vertical moving door 62 is according to an aspect a sectional vertical moving door 62 comprising a number of connected sections, as is disclosed in figure 4. The door according to the present disclosure may, as mentioned above, be any suitable movable door. The door arrangement 62 may comprise tracks 64, 66 for guiding the door 62. The tracks 64, 66 are configured to be arranged on the respective side of the door 62. The tracks 64, 66 are at least partly vertical tracks.
The safety device D may be mounted in connection to the door at a suitable reaching height.
The entrance control system I may comprise or be operably connectable to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 is configured to determine whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal of the safety device D based on difference of the first, second and third signal, when the safety device is connected to the control unit 100.
The entrance control system II may comprise any suitable drive arrangement 200 for operating the door. The drive arrangement 200 may comprise an electric motor. The drive arrangement 200, e.g. motor may be mounted either directly on the wall or at a track 64, 66.
Figure 5-7 shows schematic flowcharts of a method Ml, M2 and MB, for controlling operation of a safety device for an entrance control system operable to control a door or a dock leveler according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The methods may be performed by means of a control unit, e.g. a control unit 100 as described with reference to fig. la-b, 2a- b, 3 and 4.
The safety device comprises a first terminal, a second terminal, an electrical component configured to alter an electronic signal and a stop button connected to the electrical component and being operable between a first position and a second position. The first position of the stop button enables the electrical component to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal, and the second position of the stop button disables the electrical component to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal. The control device is configured to receive one or more signals generated by means of the safety device at the first and second terminal. According to an aspect the stop button is a force guided normally closed push button.
Figure 5 shows a schematic flowchart of the method Ml according to an aspect of the present disclosure. According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method Ml comprises a step SI. In this step signals are received, wherein a first signal is received when the stop button is in the first position, a second signal when the stop button is in the second position and a third signal when there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method Ml comprises a step S2. In this step it is determined whether or not the received signal/signals correspond to the third signal.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method Ml comprises a step S3A. In this step, if the received signal is determined not to correspond to the third signal, it is determined that there is no short circuit associated with the first and second terminal. If the received signal is determined not to correspond to the third signal it may, by means of the received signals, be determined if the stop button is in the first position or second position.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method Ml comprises a step S3B. In this step, if the received signal is determined to correspond to the third signal, it is determined that there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal.
Figure 6 shows a schematic flowchart of a method M2 according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M2 comprises a step Sll. In this step signals are received, wherein a first signal is received when the stop button is in the first position, a second signal when the stop button is in the second position and a third signal when there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M2 comprises a step S12. In this step it is determined whether or not the strength of the received signal associated with the resistor correspond to the third signal. Thus, in this step it is determined whether or not the resistance between the first and second terminal correspond to the third signal.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M2 comprises a step S13A. In this step, if the received signal is determined not to correspond to the third signal, it is determined that there is no short circuit associated with the first and second terminal. If the received signal is determined not to correspond to the third signal it may, by means of the received signals, be determined if the stop button is in the first position or second position. If the resistance corresponds to the expected resistance for the resistor, it corresponds to the first signal and thus the first position of the stop button. If the resistance is essentially infinite it corresponds to the second signal and thus the second position of the stop button.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M2 comprises a step S13B. In this step, if the received signal is determined to correspond to the third signal, it is determined that there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal. If the resistance is essentially zero it corresponds to the third signal and thus a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M2 comprises a step S14. In this step action is taken if a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal has been determined. Such action may be to prevent continued operation of the entrance control system. The action may also be to inform the operator and/or a central unit or the like and/or activate an alarm. The action may be obtained by means of the control unit or any other suitable device operably connected to the safety device and/or the control unit.
Figure 7 shows a schematic flowchart of a method M3 according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M3 comprises a step S21. In this step signals are received, wherein a first signal is received when the stop button is in the first position, a second signal when the stop button is in the second position and a third signal when there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M3 comprises a step S22. In this step it is determined whether or not the configuration of the sinus wave of the signal received by the control unit associated with the diode correspond to the third signal. Thus, in this step it is determined whether or not the configuration of the sinus wave of the signal received between the first and second terminal correspond to the third signal.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M3 comprises a step S23A. In this step, if the received signal is determined not to correspond to the third signal, it is determined that there is no short circuit associated with the first and second terminal. If the received signal is determined not to correspond to the third signal it may, by means of the received signals, be determined if the stop button is in the first position or second position. If the configuration of the sinus wave of the signal is a half sinus wave, it corresponds to the first signal and thus the first position of the stop button. If the signal received is essentially zero it corresponds to the second signal and thus the second position of the stop button. According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method MB comprises a step
S23B. In this step, if the received signal is determined to correspond to the third signal, it is determined that there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal. If the configuration of the sinus wave is a full sinus wave it corresponds to the third signal and thus a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal. According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M3 comprises a step S24.
In this step action is taken if a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal has been determined. Such action may be to prevent continued operation of the entrance control system. The action may also be to inform the operator and/or a central unit or the like and/or activate an alarm. The action may be obtained by means of the control unit or any other suitable device operably connected to the safety device and/or the control unit.
The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. The person skilled in the art further realizes that modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. Additionally, all aspects and embodiments of the invention could be combined with the other aspects and embodiments of the invention. Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A safety device (Dl; D2) for an entrance control system operable to control a door or a dock leveler, the safety device (Dl; D2) comprising a first terminal (Tl), a second terminal (T2), an electrical component (R30; D32) configured to alter an electronic signal and a stop button (10) connected to the electrical component (R30; D32) and being operable between a first position and a second position, the first position of the stop button (10) enabling the electrical component (R30; D32) to electrically connect the first terminal (Tl) and the second terminal (T2), and the second position of the stop button (10) disabling the electrical component (R30; D32) to electrically connect the first terminal (Tl) and the second terminal (T2), the safety device (Dl; D2) being connectable to a control unit configured to receive one or more signals generated by means of the safety device (Dl; D2) at the first and second terminal (Tl, T2), wherein the safety device (Dl; D2) is configured to enable providing a first signal when the stop button (10) is in the first position, a second signal when the stop button (10) is in the second position and a third signal when there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal (Tl, T2), and wherein the first, second and third signals are different from each other.
2. A safety device (Dl; D2) according to claim 1, wherein the electrical component (R30; D32) is configured to alter electronic signals induced between the first and second terminal (Tl, T2) such that the one or more signals will differ based on whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal (Tl, T2).
3. A safety device (Dl) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrical component (R30) is a resistor.
4. A safety device (Dl) according to claim 3, wherein, when the electrical component (R30) is a resistor, the strength of the signal provided by the safety device (Dl) will differ based on whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal (Tl, T2).
5. A safety device (D2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrical component (D32) is a diode.
6. A safety device (D2) according to claim 5, wherein, when the electrical component (D32) is a diode, the configuration of the sinus wave of the signal provided by the safety device (D2) will differ based on whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal (Tl, T2).
7. A safety device (Dl; D2) according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the stop button (10) is a force guided normally closed push button.
8. A method at a control unit for controlling operation of a safety device (Dl; D2) for an entrance control system operable to control a door or a dock leveler, the safety device (Dl; D2) comprising a first terminal (Tl), a second terminal (T2), an electrical component (R30; D32) configured to alter an electronic signal and a stop button (10) connected to the electrical component (R30; D32) and being operable between a first position and a second position, the first position of the stop button (10) enabling the electrical component (R30; D32) to electrically connect the first terminal (Tl) and the second terminal (T2), and the second position of the stop button (10) disabling the electrical component (R30; D32) to electrically connect the first terminal (Tl) and the second terminal (T2), the control device being configured to receive one or more signals generated by means of the safety device (Dl; D2) at the first and second terminal (Tl, T2), the method comprising the steps of: receiving (SI) a first signal when the stop button (10) is in the first position, a second signal when the stop button (10) is in the second position and a third signal when there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal (Tl, T2); and, based on the received signals, determining (S2) whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal (Tl, T2).
9. A method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of taking action if a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal (Tl, T2) has been determined.
10. A method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the electrical component (R30; D32) is a resistor, the step of determining whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal (Tl, T2) comprising determining the strength of the signal received by the control unit.
11. A method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the electrical component (R30; D32) is a diode, the step of determining whether or not there is a short circuit associated with the first and second terminal (Tl, T2) comprising determining the configuration of the sinus wave of the signal received by the control unit.
12. A method according to any of claims 8-11, wherein the stop button (10) is a force guided normally closed push button.
PCT/EP2020/082617 2019-11-22 2020-11-19 Safety device for an entrance control system WO2021099434A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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SE1930381 2019-11-22
SE1930381-7 2019-11-22

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2536903A1 (en) * 1982-11-29 1984-06-01 Commissariat Energie Atomique Device for monitoring the state of a switch.
DE3924693A1 (en) * 1989-07-26 1991-02-14 Phoenix Elekt Small, universal safety arrangement for control circuits - is intermediates port contg. switch, parallel diode, RC element, optical coupler and tests for open and short circuits
US20050263383A1 (en) * 2004-05-28 2005-12-01 Airbus France Push button control device
EP2045825A1 (en) * 2007-10-01 2009-04-08 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Switching element

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2536903A1 (en) * 1982-11-29 1984-06-01 Commissariat Energie Atomique Device for monitoring the state of a switch.
DE3924693A1 (en) * 1989-07-26 1991-02-14 Phoenix Elekt Small, universal safety arrangement for control circuits - is intermediates port contg. switch, parallel diode, RC element, optical coupler and tests for open and short circuits
US20050263383A1 (en) * 2004-05-28 2005-12-01 Airbus France Push button control device
EP2045825A1 (en) * 2007-10-01 2009-04-08 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Switching element

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