Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02850353 2014-04-29
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MOTORIZED GATE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SAME
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of gate systems. More
particularly, it relates to a motorized gate system with automatic locking and
unlocking features and to a method for controlling the same.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Several types of gate systems are known in the art to restrict and/or
control the passage of users from a first area to a second area. Such systems
usually include a barrier arm which is operative to grant or deny passage in a
specific direction.
[0003] However known gate systems usually require user to manually displace
the barriers arms of the gate systems between an obstructing configuration and
at least one of a forward non-obstructing configuration and a reverse non-
obstructing configuration, usually located at 90 angles in a forward angular
direction or a reverse angular direction. In other words, the gate system may
operate to unlock the barrier arm to allow pivoting of the barrier arm in the
specific direction, but pivoting of the barrier requires a user to manually
push the
barrier open either to open the barrier in the forward angular direction or in
the
reverse angular direction.
[0004] In view of the above, there is a need for an improved gate system and
method for operating the same which would be able to overcome or at least
minimize some of the above-discussed prior art concerns.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to a first general aspect, there is provided a motorized gate
system. The motorized gate system comprises a fixed support and a barrier arm
assembly pivotally mounted to the fixed support and being pivotable between an
obstructing configuration, a forward non-obstructing configuration, and a
reverse
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non-obstructing configuration. The motorized gate system also comprises at
least
one event detector configured to detect an occurrence of at least one forward
opening event and at least one reverse opening event and a drive assembly
operatively connected to the barrier arm assembly to rotate same clockwise and
counterclockwise between the obstructing configuration, the forward non-
obstructing configuration, and the reverse non-obstructing configuration.
[0006] In an embodiment, the gate system further comprises a locking
mechanism configurable in a locked configuration locking the barrier arm
assembly in the obstructing configuration, a forward unlocked configuration
allowing pivoting of the barrier arm assembly between the obstructing
configuration and the forward non-obstructing configuration, and at least one
of a
reverse unlocked configuration and an unlocked configuration allowing pivoting
of
the barrier arm assembly between the obstructing configuration and the reverse
non-obstructing configuration.
[0007] In an embodiment, the gate system further comprises a controller
operatively connected to the at least one event detector, the locking
mechanism,
and the drive assembly, the controller being configured to configure the
locking
mechanism in the forward unlocked configuration and activate the drive
assembly to drive the barrier arm assembly between the obstructing
configuration and the forward non-obstructing configuration, upon detection of
the occurrence of the forward opening event by the at least one event
detector.
[0008] In an embodiment, the at least one event detector comprises at least
two
event detectors and the controller is configured to configure the locking
mechanism in the forward unlocked configuration upon detection of the
occurrence of a first forward opening event by a first one of the at least two
event
detectors, and to activate the drive assembly to drive the barrier arm
assembly
between the obstructing configuration and the forward non-obstructing
configuration, upon detection of a second forward opening event by a second
one of the at least two event detectors.
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. ...
[0009) In an embodiment, the controller is configured to configure the locking
mechanism in one of the reverse unlocked configuration and the unlocked
configuration and to activate the drive assembly to drive the barrier arm
assembly between the obstructing configuration and the reverse non-obstructing
configuration, upon detection of the occurrence of the reverse opening event
by
the at least one event detector.
[00010] In an embodiment, the at least one event detector comprises at least
two
event detectors and the controller is configured to configure the locking
mechanism in one of the reverse unlocked configuration and the unlocked
configuration upon detection of the occurrence of a first reverse opening
event by
a first one of the at least two event detectors, and to activate the drive
assembly
to drive the barrier arm assembly between the obstructing configuration and
the
reverse non-obstructing configuration, upon detection of the occurrence of a
second reverse opening event by a second one of the at least two event
detectors.
[moil] In an embodiment, the barrier arm assembly comprises a locking stopper
with a forward abutment surface and a reverse abutment surface and the locking
mechanism comprises a forward rotation solenoid with a forward arresting latch
selectively engageable with the forward abutment surface in the locked and
reversed unlocked configurations and a reverse rotation solenoid with a
reverse
arresting latch selectively engageable with the reverse abutment surface in
the
locked and forward unlocked configurations.
[00012] In an embodiment, the fixed support comprises a fixed abutment member
and the barrier arm assembly comprises a course stopper having a forward
abutment surface and a reverse abutment surface respectively positioned to
contact a side of the fixed abutment member when the barrier arm assembly
reaches a respective one of the forward non-obstructing configuration and the
reverse non-obstructing configuration.
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[00013] In an embodiment, the course stopper comprises a dampening cavity, a
coupler and a resilient spider, the coupler and the resilient spider being
inserted
in the dampening cavity with the resilient spider being compressible to dampen
a
movement of the barrier arm assembly when one of the forward non-obstructing
configuration or the reverse non-obstructing configuration is reached.
[00014]In an embodiment, the barrier arm assembly comprises a rotatable
member and the drive assembly comprises a drive shaft and a coupling, the
drive
shaft being substantially aligned with the rotatable member and engaged
therewith through the coupling.
[00015] In an embodiment, the drive assembly comprises a stepper motor.
[00016] In an embodiment, the gate system further comprises an angular
position
sensor configured to detect an angular position of the barrier arm assembly,
the
angular position sensor comprising a magnetic position sensor, a permanent
magnet and an electronic card, the magnetic position sensor being connected to
the electronic card and sensing an orientation of the permanent magnet, the
permanent magnet rotating synchronously with at least one of the drive shaft
of
the drive assembly and the barrier arm assembly, the orientation of the
permanent magnet being modified when rotated.
[00017]According to another general aspect, there is also provided a method
for
controlling a motorized gate system having a barrier arm assembly pivotable
between an obstructing configuration, a forward non-obstructing configuration
and a reverse non-obstructing configuration, a drive assembly operatively
connected to the barrier arm assembly and a locking mechanism operatively
connected to the barrier arm assembly. The method comprises the steps of:
monitoring an occurrence of a forward opening event and a reverse opening
event by at least one event detector; upon detection of the occurrence of the
forward opening event: driving the drive assembly in a forward angular
direction
to pivot the barrier arm assembly towards the forward non-obstructing
configuration; and driving the drive assembly in a reverse angular direction
to
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return the barrier arm assembly to the obstructing configuration; and upon
detection of an occurrence of the reverse opening event, driving the drive
assembly in the reverse angular direction to pivot the barrier arm assembly
towards the reverse non-obstructing configuration.
[00018] In an embodiment, the method further comprises the step of configuring
the locking mechanism in a forward unlocked configuration upon detection of
the
occurrence of the forward opening event.
[00019]In an embodiment, the detection of the occurrence of the forward
opening event comprises the detection of a first forward opening event and a
second forward opening event, the detection of the first forward opening event
triggering the step of configuring the locking mechanism in the forward
unlocked
configuration and the detection of the second forward opening event triggering
the step of driving the drive assembly.
[00020] In an embodiment, the method further comprises the step of maintaining
the barrier arm assembly in the forward non-obstructing configuration for a
time
period.
[00021] In an embodiment, the method further comprises the step of configuring
the locking mechanism in the locked configuration to lock the barrier arm
assembly in the obstructing configuration, once the barrier arm assembly has
returned to the obstructing configuration from the forward non-obstructing
configuration.
[00022] In an embodiment, the method further comprises the step of configuring
the locking mechanism in one of a reverse unlocked configuration and an
unlocked configuration to allow pivoting of the barrier arm assembly at least
towards the reverse non-obstructing configuration, upon detection of an
occurrence of the reverse opening event.
[00023] In an embodiment, upon detection of an occurrence of the reverse
opening event, the method further comprises: maintaining the barrier arm
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assembly in the reverse non-obstructing configuration for a time period;
driving
the drive assembly operatively connected to the barrier arm assembly in the
forward angular direction to return the barrier arm assembly to the
obstructing
configuration; and configuring the locking mechanism in the locked
configuration
to lock the barrier arm assembly in the obstructing configuration.
[00024]In an embodiment, the method further comprises the step of detecting an
angular position of the barrier arm assembly and the steps of configuring the
locking mechanism in the locked configuration is performed if the detected
angular position is the angular position corresponding to the obstructing
configuration.
[00025] In an embodiment, the barrier arm assembly comprises a rotatable
member and the drive assembly comprises a drive shaft aligned and directly
connected to the rotatable member and the step of driving the drive assembly
operatively connected to the barrier arm assembly comprises the step of
rotating
the drive shaft of the drive assembly to engage the rotatable member in
rotation.
[00026]According to another general aspect, there is further provided a gate
system. The gate system comprises a fixed support and a barrier arm assembly
pivotally mounted to the fixed support and being pivotable between an
obstructing configuration, a forward non-obstructing configuration, and a
reverse
non-obstructing configuration, the barrier arm assembly having a locking
stopper
with a forward abutment surface and a reverse abutment surface. The gate
system also comprises a forward rotation solenoid with a forward arresting
latch
selectively engageable with the forward abutment surface of the locking
stopper
in a locked configuration and a reversed unlocked configuration. The gate
system
also comprises a reverse rotation solenoid with a reverse arresting latch
selectively engageable with the reverse abutment surface in the locked
configuration and a forward unlocked configuration.
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[00027] In an embodiment, the gate system further comprises at least one event
detector configured to detect an occurrence of at least a forward opening
event
and a reverse opening event.
[00028] In an embodiment, the gate system further comprises a drive assembly
operatively connected to the barrier arm assembly to rotate same clockwise and
counterclockwise between the obstructing configuration, the forward non-
obstructing configuration, and the reverse non-obstructing configuration.
[00029] In an embodiment, the fixed support comprises a fixed abutment member
and the barrier arm assembly comprises a course stopper having a forward
abutment surface and a reverse abutment surface respectively positioned to
contact a side of the fixed abutment member when the barrier arm assembly
reaches a respective one of the forward non-obstructing configuration and the
reverse non-obstructing configuration.
[00030] In an embodiment, the course stopper comprises a dampening cavity, a
coupler and a resilient spider, the coupler and the resilient spider being
inserted
in the dampening cavity with the resilient spider being compressible to dampen
a
movement of the barrier arm assembly when one of the forward non-obstructing
configuration or the reverse non-obstructing configuration is reached.
[00031]In an embodiment, the barrier arm assembly comprises a rotatable
member and the drive assembly comprises a drive shaft and a coupling, the
drive
shaft being substantially aligned with the rotatable member and engaged
therewith through the coupling.
[00032] In an embodiment, the drive assembly comprises a stepper motor.
[00033] In an embodiment, the gate system further comprises an angular
position
sensor configured to detect an angular position of the barrier arm assembly,
the
angular position sensor comprising a magnetic position sensor, a permanent
magnet and an electronic card, the magnetic position sensor being connected to
the electronic card and sensing an orientation of the permanent magnet, the
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permanent magnet rotating synchronously with at least one of the drive shaft
of
the drive assembly and the barrier arm assembly, the orientation of the
permanent magnet being modified when rotated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(00034] Other objects, advantages and features will become more apparent upon
reading the following non-restrictive description of embodiments thereof,
given
for the purpose of exemplification only, with reference to the accompanying
drawings in which:
[00035]Figures 1 and la are respectively a front elevation view and a top plan
view of a gate system according to an embodiment where the gate system is a
single gate system.
(00036] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a barrier arm mounted to a fixed
support
of the gate system according to an embodiment, wherein the covers are
removed.
[000371Figures 3 to 3c are perspective views, enlarged and fragmented, of the
locking mechanism of the gate system of figure 2, wherein the locking
mechanism is shown in a locked configuration in Figure 3, a forward unlocked
configuration in Figure 3a, a reverse unlocked configuration in Figure 3b and
an
unlocked configuration in Figure 3c.
[00038]Figure 4 is a perspective view, enlarged and fragmented, of a drive
assembly connected to the barrier arm of the gate system of Figure 2.
[00039]Figure 5 is a close-up perspective view of a top section of the barrier
arm
of the gate system of Figure 2.
[00040]Figure 6 is an exploded view of the top section of the barrier arm of
the
gate system of Figure 2 shown in Figure 5.
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[000411Figures 7 and 7a are respectively a front elevation view and a top plan
view of a gate system according to an embodiment where the gate system is a
double-gate system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00042]In the following description, the same numerical references refer to
similar elements. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials
mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures or described in the present
description are embodiments only, given solely for exemplification purposes.
[00043]Moreover, although the embodiments of the motorized gate system and
corresponding parts thereof consist of certain geometrical configurations as
explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries
are
essential and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense. It is to be
understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other
suitable
components and cooperation thereinbetween, as well as other suitable
geometrical configurations, may be used for the motorized gate system, as will
be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person
skilled in the art. Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional
descriptions such
as "above", "below", "left", "right", "forward", "reverse" and the like
should, unless
otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures and should not be
considered limiting.
[00044]Referring generally to Figures 1 and 1a, there is provided a motorized
gate system 10. For example and without being limitative, the gate system 10
may be used, as an entrance gate system for controlling passage of users in a
store or the like. One skilled in the art will understand that, in an
alternative
embodiment, the gate system 10 could be used for any application where control
of the passage of users in a passageway is desirable.
[00045]The gate system 10 includes a fixed support 11 with a barrier arm
assembly 12 pivotally mounted thereto. In the embodiment shown, the gate
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system 10 further includes a first barrier section 14 connected at a first end
to the
fixed support 11 and at a second end to a first entry post 16 and a second
barrier
section 14a extending substantially parallel and spaced apart from the first
barrier section 14. The second barrier section 14a extends between a second
entry post 16a and an exit post 17 substantially aligned with the fixed
support 11.
The first and second barrier sections 14, 14a define a restricted passageway
18.
Each one of the fixed support 11, the first entry post 16, the second entry
post
16a and the exit post 17 are rigidly anchored to the ground in order to form
the
restricted passageway 18. One skilled in the art will understand that, in an
alternative embodiment, other means than the one of the embodiment shown
could be provided to form the restricted passageway 18. For example and
without being limitative, the fixed support 11 can be located at an exit of a
passageway 18 formed by two opposed walls. The passageway 18 can also be
defined between a wall and a barrier section defined between a post and the
fixed support.
[00046]The barrier arm assembly 12 is normally configured in an obstructing
configuration 21, shown in Figure la, wherein the barrier arm assembly 12 is
positioned substantially transversally across the passageway 18. The barrier
arm
assembly 12 is pivotable in a forward pivoting direction 20 about the fixed
support 11 (i.e. a pivoting direction for opening the barrier arm to a user
entering
the store in the forward direction shown by arrow 19) between the obstructing
configuration 21 and a forward non-obstructing configuration 22. In some
implementations, the barrier arm assembly 12 is also pivotable in a reverse
pivoting direction 24 about the fixed support 11 (i.e. a pivoting direction
for
opening the barrier arm to a user exiting the store in a reverse direction,
i.e. a
direction opposite of arrow 19) between the obstructing configuration 21 and a
reverse non-obstructing configuration 26. In a non-limitative embodiment, in
the
forward non-obstructing configuration 22 and the reverse non-obstructing
configuration 26, the barrier arm assembly 12 extends substantially parallel
to the
wall(s) or the barrier section(s) defining the passageway 18.
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[00047] Now referring to Figures 2 and 3, the construction and operation of
the
barrier arm assembly 12 of the gate system 10, will be described in more
details.
As mentioned above, the fixed support 11 comprises a barrier arm assembly 12
to pivotally mount to the barrier arm assembly 12 thereto. The barrier arm
assembly 12 comprises a rotatable tubular support member 60 for engagement
with the fixed support 11 through the barrier support assembly 29 and a
barrier
13 secured to the tubular support member 60. The barrier 13 extends
substantially perpendicular to the tubular support member 60 and through the
passageway 18 in the obstructing configuration 21. One skilled in the art will
understand that the term "tubular support member 60" is used herein to
describe
the support member of the embodiment shown, but that, in alternative
embodiments, a support member of a shape different from a tubular shape may
be used.
[00048] In the embodiment shown, the fixed support 11 is a vertical support
post,
such as, without being !imitative a metal post, with a securement base 28
allowing anchoring of the fixed support 11 to the ground. However, in an
alternative embodiment (not shown), the fixed support 11 can be secured to a
wall or wall section.
[000491In the embodiment shown, the barrier support assembly 29 comprises a
lower bracket 30 and an upper bracket 31, secured to the fixed support 11 and
vertically spaced apart from one another. The lower and upper brackets 30, 31
are configured to pivotally receive a portion of the tubular support member 60
of
the barrier arm assembly 12. When mounted to the fixed support 11 through the
lower and upper brackets 30, 31, the tubular support member 60 extends
substantially parallel thereto. The tubular support member 60 extends through
apertures defined in the lower and upper brackets 30, 31. The lower and upper
brackets 30, 31 engage the tubular support member 60 to the fixed support 11
and support the latter. In an embodiment, the barrier support assembly 29
further
comprises at least two bearing assemblies (not shown). A respective one of the
bearing assemblies extends between each one of the lower bracket 30 and the
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upper bracket 31 and the tubular support member 60. The bearing assemblies
(not shown) allow rotation of the tubular support member 60 about a pivoting
axis, which is aligned with the tubular support member 60. Rotation of the
tubular
support member 60 about its pivoting axis allows its configuration in the
obstructing configuration 21, the forward non-obstructing configuration 22,
and
the reverse non-obstructing configuration 26.
[00050]In an embodiment, the gate system 10 also comprises a locking
assembly 37 including a locking bracket 32 mounted to the fixed support 11.
The
locking bracket 32 includes two substantially horizontal support walls, spaced-
apart from one another, namely a lower support wall 33 and an upper support
wall 34, each one being mounted to the fixed support. Each one of the lower
support wall 33 and the upper support wall 34 includes a U-shaped recess 35
through which the tubular support member 60 of the barrier arm assembly 12
extends and can rotate. A locking stopper 62 is mounted to the tubular support
member 60. In the embodiment shown, the locking stopper 62 is a ring
surrounding the tubular support member 60. The locking stopper 62 has two
angularly spaced-apart abutment surfaces, namely a forward abutment surface
63 and a reverse abutment surface 63a, the purpose of which will be described
in
more details below.
[00051] Referring to Figures 3 to 3c, the locking assembly 37 comprises a
locking
mechanism 38 including a forward rotation solenoid 40 and a reverse rotation
solenoid 50, mounted between the lower support wall 33 and the upper support
wall 34 of the locking bracket 32. Each one of the forward rotation solenoid
40
and a reverse rotation solenoid 50 are mounted on a respective side of the
tubular support member 60, with respect to the forward non-obstructing
configuration 22 and the reverse non-obstructing configuration 26. One skilled
in
the art would understand that, in an embodiment, the gate system 10 could be
free of locking assembly 37 and corresponding locking system 38.
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[00052]The forward rotation solenoid 40 includes an energizable coil 41 which
actuates a solenoid rod 42 connected to a pivotable forward arresting latch 43
through a pivotal linkage 44. The actuation of the solenoid rod 42 by the
energizable coil 41 allows the positioning of the forward arresting latch 43
in an
engaged configuration with respect to the forward abutment surface 63 of the
locking stopper 62, as shown in Figures 3 and 3b and a disengaged
configuration
with respect to the forward abutment surface 63 of the locking stopper 62 as
shown in Figures 3a and 3c. As will be better described below, the forward
arresting latch 43 of the forward rotation solenoid 40 therefore constitutes a
displaceable arresting member to either prevent forward pivoting of the
barrier
arm assembly 12 and lock the barrier arm assembly 12 in the obstructing
configuration 21 or allow the pivoting of the barrier arm 12 between the
obstructing configuration 21 and the forward non-obstructing configuration 22
relative to the passageway 18.
[00053]The reverse rotation solenoid 50 also includes an energizable coil 51
which actuates a solenoid rod 52 connected to a pivotable reverse arresting
latch
53 through a pivotal linkage 54. The actuation of the solenoid rod 52 by the
energizable coil 41 allows the positioning of the reverse arresting latch 53
in an
engaged configuration with respect to the reverse abutment surface 63a of the
locking stopper 62, as shown in Figures 3 and 3a and a disengaged
configuration
with respect to the reverse abutment surface 63a of the locking stopper 62 as
shown in Figures 3b and 3c. As will be better described below, the reverse
arresting latch 53 of the reverse rotation solenoid 50 therefore constitutes a
displaceable arresting member to either prevent reverse pivoting of the
barrier
arm assembly 12 and lock the barrier arm assembly 12 in the obstructing
configuration 21 or allow the pivoting of the barrier arm between the
obstructing
configuration 21 and the reverse non-obstructing configuration 26 relative to
the
passageway 18.
[00054]One skilled in the art will understand that, in an embodiment (not
shown)
locking mechanisms 38, different from the combined forward rotation solenoid
40
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and the reverse rotation solenoid 50, can be provided. For example and without
being limitative, only one of the forward rotation solenoid 40 and the reverse
rotation solenoid 50 can be provided with a different locking member for the
other
one of the forward or reverse locking.
[00055]The locking mechanism 38 is configurable in a locked configuration,
shown in Figure 3, wherein the forward arresting latch 43 of the forward
rotation
solenoid 40 and the reverse arresting latch 53 of the reverse rotation
solenoid 50
are in an engaged configuration with respect to the forward abutment surface
63
and the reverse abutment surface 63a of the locking stopper 62, thereby
locking
the barrier arm assembly 12 in the obstructing configuration. The locking
mechanism 38 is also configurable in a forward unlocked configuration, shown
in
Figure 3a, wherein the forward arresting latch 43 of the forward rotation
solenoid
40 is in the disengaged configuration with respect to the forward abutment
surface 63 of the locking stopper 62 and the reverse arresting latch 53 of the
reverse rotation solenoid 50 is in the engaged configuration with respect to
the
reverse abutment surface 63a of the locking stopper 62, thereby allowing
pivoting
of the barrier arm assembly 12 between the obstructing configuration and the
forward non-obstructing configuration and preventing pivoting of the barrier
arm
assembly 12 between the obstructing configuration and the reverse non-
obstructing configuration. The locking mechanism 38 is further configurable in
a
reverse unlocked configuration, shown in Figure 3b, wherein the forward
arresting latch 43 of the forward rotation solenoid 40 is in the engaged
configuration with respect to the forward abutment surface 63 of the locking
stopper 62 and the reverse arresting latch 53 of the reverse rotation solenoid
50
is in the disengaged configuration with respect to the reverse abutment
surface
63a of the locking stopper 62, thereby allowing pivoting of the barrier arm
assembly 12 between the obstructing configuration and the reverse non-
obstructing configuration and preventing pivoting of the barrier arm assembly
12
between the obstructing configuration and the forward non-obstructing
configuration. The locking mechanism 38 is finally configurable in an unlocked
configuration wherein the forward arresting latch 43 of the forward rotation
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solenoid 40 and the reverse arresting latch 53 of the reverse rotation
solenoid 50
are in a disengaged configuration with respect to the forward abutment surface
63 and the reverse abutment surface 63a of the locking stopper 62, thereby
allowing the barrier arm to pivot freely in between both of the forward and
rearward non-obstructing configurations.
[00056] Now referring to Figure 4, in the embodiment shown, the tubular
support
member 60 is operatively connected to a drive assembly 64 for engaging the
latter in rotation about its rotation axis. Rotation of the tubular support
member 60
engages the barrier 13 in rotation and therefore configures the barrier arm
assembly 12 between the obstructing configuration and the forward and rearward
non-obstructing configurations.
[00057] More particularly, the tubular support member 60, at a lower end
thereof,
is operatively connected to a drive shaft 66 of the drive assembly 64 through
a
coupling 65. In the embodiment shown, the drive shaft is aligned with the
tubular
support member 60 to directly drive same in rotation. One skilled in the art
will
understand that, in alternative embodiments, other coupling means or methods
can be used for connecting the tubular support member 60 to the drive shaft 66
of the drive assembly 64.
[00058] In operation, the drive assembly 64 is operative to rotate the drive
shaft
66 in one of the forward angular direction 67 or the reverse angular direction
68
(in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction). Therefore, operation of the
drive
assembly 64 results in angular movement of the tubular support member 60 of
the barrier arm assembly 12 and a corresponding pivoting of the barrier arm
assembly 12 between the obstructing configuration, the forward non-obstructing
configuration and the reverse non-obstructing configuration. Pivoting of the
tubular support member 60 of the barrier arm assembly 12 by the drive assembly
64 is synchronized with the operation of the above-described locking mechanism
38, such that the locking mechanism in configured in the suitable
configuration to
allow a corresponding pivoting of the tubular support member 60 of the barrier
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arm assembly 12 by the drive assembly 64 in the forward 67 or reverse 68
angular direction.
[00059]In an embodiment, the drive assembly 64 is a stepper motor allowing
precise control of the angular movement of the drive shaft 66 and the tubular
support member 60 connected thereto. One skilled in the art would however
understand that, in alternative embodiments, other types of motors may be used
for the drive assembly 64.
[00060]In an embodiment, the gate system 10 further includes an angular
position sensor 70 operative to detect the angular position of the barrier arm
assembly 12 and, more particularly, the barrier 13. In the embodiment shown,
the
angular position sensor 70 comprises a magnetic position sensor 71,
operatively
connected to an electronic card, and a permanent magnet 72 positioned at a
lower end of the drive assembly 64 and rotating synchronously with the drive
shaft 66 thereof and the tubular support member 60. The magnetic position
sensor 71 detects the absolute angular position of a permanent magnet 72 and,
thereby, the angular position of the barrier 13 of the barrier arm assembly
12.
One skilled in the art would however understand that, in an alternative
embodiment, an angular position sensor of any type which allows the detection
of
the angular position of the barrier arm assembly 12 can be used. In an
alternative
and non-limitative embodiment, the permanent magnet 72 can be provided on
the tubular support member 60.
[00061]The angular position detected by the angular position sensor 70 may be
used by the gate system 10 in order to deactivate or modify the rotation
direction
of the drive assembly 64 when the barrier arm has reached one of the
obstructing configuration 21, the forward non-obstructing configuration 22 and
the reverse non-obstructing configuration 26.
[00062] In an embodiment, the drive assembly 64 can be overridden during the
pivoting of the barrier arm assembly 12, for example by a user pushing the
barrier 13 of the barrier arm assembly 12 to enter the store more rapidly than
the
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rotation movement provided by the drive assembly 64. In such an embodiment,
following an override period, the angular position of the barrier arm assembly
12
is determined by the angular position sensor 70 and the drive assembly 64
operates to complete the angular movement required to move the barrier arm
assembly 12 in the desired configuration.
[00063] Referring back to Figures 1 and 1a, there is shown that forward event
detectors are provided to detect the occurrence of a forward opening event
such
as, motion between the first entry post 16 and the second entry post 16a. In
an
embodiment, the forward event detectors are optical sensors 15 mounted to the
first entry post 16 and the second entry post 16a, in order to detect a motion
of a
person or an object entering into the passageway 18.
[00064]As will be described in more details below, in an embodiment upon
detection of a person or an object entering into the passageway 18, the gate
system 10 operates to temporarily unlock the forward arresting latch 43 to
allow
opening of the barrier arm assembly 12 and allow opening of the barrier arm
assembly 12 forwardly to allow a user to enter the store. One skilled in the
art will
understand that the forward event detectors may be positioned differently than
the optical sensors 15 of the embodiment shown, and may be of a different
type.
For example, the sensors may be pressure sensors for sensing a pressure on
the barrier 13 of the barrier arm assembly 12 by a user, a barrier being
pushed
open by a user entering the passageway 18, or any other appropriate types of
sensors.
[00065]In an embodiment, the forward event detector comprises at least two
event detectors, to detect a combination of events to configure the locking
mechanism 38 in the forward unlocked configuration upon detection of the
occurrence of a first event by a first one of the at least two event
detectors, and
to activate the drive assembly 64 to drive the barrier arm assembly 12 between
the obstructing configuration and the forward non-obstructing configuration,
upon
detection of the occurrence of a second event by a second one of the at least
two
17
CA 02850353 2014-04-29
event detectors. For example and without being 'imitative, in an embodiment,
the
locking mechanism 38 is configured in the unlocked configuration upon
detection
of a motion by the optical sensors 15, while the activation the drive assembly
64
to drive the barrier arm assembly 12 between the obstructing configuration and
the forward non-obstructing configuration may be triggered by a pressure
sensed
on the barrier 13 of the barrier arm assembly 12.
[00066]In an embodiment, reverse event detectors are provided to detect the
occurrence of a reverse opening event. The reverse opening event may be an
emergency event, such as, for example and without being limitative, a fire
alarm.
In an embodiment the reverse detectors may comprise an emergency push bar
23 configured to detect a constant pressure of a user thereon (in a reverse
direction opposite arrow 19) for a predetermined time period, in order to
trigger
the reverse opening event. In an alternative embodiment, the reverse detectors
may also comprise motion sensors configured to detect a motion of a person or
an object in a reverse direction. For example and without being limitative,
posts
may be provided opposite to the entry posts 16 and 16a to form a reverse
passageway obstructed by the barrier 13 of the barrier arm assembly 12 in the
obstructing configuration 21. In the occurrence of a reverse opening event,
the
reverse arresting latch 53 of the reverse rotation solenoid 50 is unlocked by
being configured in the disengaged configuration.
[00067] In an embodiment, the reverse event detector can comprise at least two
event detectors, to detect a combination of events to configure the locking
mechanism 38 in the reverse unlocked configuration upon detection of the
occurrence of a first event by a first one of the at least two event
detectors, and
to activate the drive assembly 64 to drive the barrier arm assembly 12 between
the obstructing configuration and the reverse non-obstructing configuration,
upon
detection of the occurrence of a second event by a second one of the at least
two
event detectors, similarly to the above described combination of forward event
detectors.
18
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[00068] In an embodiment, an opening event, either forward or rearward, can be
the opening of an upstream barrier arm assembly. For instance, upon detection
of the opening of an upstream barrier arm assembly, one of the arresting
latches
can be configured in a disengaged configuration and/or the drive assembly 64
can be actuated in rotation.
[00069]Now referring to Figures 5 and 6, the barrier arm assembly 12 further
includes a course stopper 75 secured to the tubular support member 60 at an
upper end thereof. In the embodiment shown, the course stopper 75 is in the
shape of a ring surrounding the tubular support member 60. The course stopper
75 has a forward abutment surface 76 and a reverse abutment surface 77. The
gate system 10 comprises an abutment member 78, which, in the embodiment
shown, is mounted to the fixed support 11, above the upper bracket 31. The
forward abutment surface 76 and the reverse abutment surface 77 are
respectively positioned on the course stopper 75 to contact a side of the
abutment member 78 when the barrier arm assembly 12 reaches the forward
non-obstructing configuration and the reverse non-obstructing configuration,
respectively. In other words, in the embodiment shown, the forward abutment
surface 76 of the course stopper 75 is configured to contact the abutment
member 78 following a rotation of about 90 of the barrier arm assembly 12 in
the
forward angular direction, from the obstructing configuration and the reverse
abutment surface 77 of the course stopper 75 is configured to contact the
abutment member 78 following a rotation of about 90 of the barrier arm
assembly 12 in the reverse angular direction 68, from the obstructing
configuration.
[00070]In an embodiment, the course stopper 75 comprises a damper assembly
housed in a damper cavity 79 defined therein. The damper cavity 79 is shaped
and sized to receive a combination of a coupler 80 and a rubber (resilient)
spider
81, in order to dampen the movement of the barrier arm assembly 12 when either
one of the forward non-obstructing configuration or the reverse non-
obstructing
configuration is reached. Indeed, in the embodiment shown, when the barrier
arm
19
CA 02850353 2014-04-29
assembly 12 has reached one of the forward non-obstructing configuration or
the
reverse non-obstructing configuration, the corresponding one of the forward
abutment surface 76 and the reverse abutment surface 77 of the course stopper
75 contacts the abutment member 78 and the rubber spider 81 is contracted
between the peripheral surface of the damper cavity 79 of course stopper 75
and
the coupler 80 to provide the dampening effect. As can be seen, in the
embodiment shown, the course stopper 75, the coupler 80 and the rubber spider
81 are positioned between a cover 82 mounted to the upper end of the tubular
support member 60 by a screw 83 and an upper surface of the upper bracket 31.
[00071]As shown in Figs. 1, 1a, 7, and 7a, one skilled in the art will
understand
that, when installed in a store or other establishment, the lower bracket 30,
locking mechanism 38, and drive assembly 64 are covered by a cover in order to
prevent users from tempering with the gate system 10. Similarly, a cover may
also be provided to cover the upper bracket 31.
[00072] In an embodiment, the gate system 10 further comprises a controller 36
to synchronize and control the barrier arm assembly 12, the locking assembly
37,
the drive assembly 64, the event detector(s) such as the sensors 15, and the
angular position sensor 70. In an embodiment, the controller 36 is embedded in
the electronic card operatively connected to the magnetic position sensor 71.
The barrier arm assembly 12, the locking assembly 37, the drive assembly 64,
the event detector(s) such as the sensors 15, and the angular position sensor
70
are operatively connected to one another through the controller 36. For
instance,
the angular position sensor 70 and the event detector(s) provide information
to
the controller 36. Based on the information received from the angular position
sensor 70 and the event detector(s), the controller 36 transmits instructions
to the
locking assembly 37 and the drive assembly 64. For instance, the controller 36
sends actuation instructions (or signals) to the forward rotation solenoid 40
and
the reverse rotation solenoid 50 of the locking mechanism 38 and the drive
assembly 64 in response to detection signals of the forward opening event and
the reverse opening event received from the event detector(s). By being
CA 02850353 2014-04-29
operatively connected to the at least one event detector, the locking
mechanism
38, and the drive assembly 64, the controller 36 is configured to actuate the
forward rotation solenoid 40 and the reverse rotation solenoid 50 to switch
between engaged and disengaged configurations of the locking mechanism 38
and to operate the drive assembly 64 to rotate the tubular support member 60
of
the barrier arm assembly 12 in either one of the forward angular direction 67
or
the reverse angular direction 68. In an embodiment, the controller 36 is
further
connected to the angular position sensor 70 and operates the drive assembly 64
based on the angular position of the barrier arm detected by the angular
position
sensor 70.
[00073] In an embodiment, a key switch connection (not shown) may be provided
for deactivating the locking mechanism 38 of the gate system 10 and allowing
free pivoting of the barrier arm assembly 12. Moreover, in an embodiment
audible and/or visual alarms may further be provided to produce an alarm when
a
time limit for the passage of a user in the passageway 18 is exceeded. A
system
for producing such alarms is described in the Applicant's patent No.
8,112,938.
[00074] Now referring to Figures 7 and 7a, an alternative embodiment of the
gate
system 10 is shown with numeral reference in the 100 series. In the embodiment
shown, the gate system 110 is a double-gates system where two barrier arm
assemblies 112 are substantially aligned at the end of the passageway 118.
Each one of the barrier arm assemblies 112 is pivotable between the
obstructive
configuration 121, the forward non-obstructive configuration 122, and the
reverse
non-obstructive configuration 126. Each one of the barrier arm assemblies 112
is
driven by a drive assembly (not shown) between the above described
configurations. One skilled in the art will understand that the construction
and
operation of each one of the barrier arm assemblies 112 of the gate system 110
is similar to that of the above described single gate system 10 and need not
be
repeated herein. In an embodiment, the gate system is controlled by a central
controller (not shown), but one skilled in the art will understand that, in an
alternative embodiment, other means or methods, such as without being
21
CA 02850353 2014-04-29
limitative, a master controller and a slave controller may be used for
controlling
the operation of the gate system 110. One skilled in the art will understand
that,
in other alternative embodiments, more than two barrier arm assemblies 112 may
be provided.
[00075] The components of the gate system 10 having now been described, the
operation of the gate system 10 will now be described in more details. In
operation, the gate system 10 is configured for the locking mechanism 38 to be
configured in the locked configuration (shown in Figure 3) until the
occurrence of
an opening event is detected.
[00076] The opening event can be a forward opening event, such as, for example
and without being limitative, the motion of a person or an object entering
into the
passageway IS, the opening of an upstream barrier arm assembly or the like,
detected by the motion sensor 15 of the event detector. As mentioned above,
the
forward opening event can be a combination of two events detected by different
event detectors. Upon detection of the occurrence of the forward opening
event,
the gate systems 10 momentarily configures the barrier arm assembly 12 in the
forward non-obstructive configuration 22, to allow passage of a user in the
forward direction 19. The momentary configuration of the barrier arm assembly
12 in the forward non-obstructive configuration 22 is initiated by disengaging
the
forward rotation solenoid 40 to configure the locking mechanism in the forward
unlocked configuration (shown in Figure 3a). Subsequently, the drive assembly
64 is activated to pivot the tubular support member 60 in the forward angular
direction until the barrier arm assembly 12 reaches the forward non-
obstructing
configuration 22. In an embodiment, the barrier arm assembly 12 is maintained
in
the forward non-obstructing configuration 22 for a time period, and the drive
assembly 64 is subsequently re-activated to pivot the tubular support member
60
in the reverse angular direction until the barrier arm assembly 12 reaches the
obstructing configuration 21. Once the obstructing configuration is reached,
the
forward rotation solenoid 40 is engaged to configure the locking mechanism in
the locked configuration (shown in Figure 3).
22
CA 02850353 2014-04-29
. .
[00077]As mentioned above, in an embodiment the steps of disengaging the
forward rotation solenoid 40 to configure the locking mechanism 38 in the
forward unlocked configuration and subsequently activating the drive assembly
64 may be triggered by the detection of distinct forward opening events by
distinct forward event detectors, i.e. a first event detected by a first
detector
triggers the configuration of the locking mechanism 38 in the forward unlocked
configuration and a second event detected by a second detector triggers the
activation of the drive assembly 64.
(00078] If an additional occurrence of the forward opening event is detected
before the barrier arm assembly 12 is returned to the obstructing
configuration
21, the previous step of activating the drive assembly 64 to pivot the tubular
support member 60 in the forward angular direction until the barrier arm
assembly 12 reaches the forward non-obstructing configuration 22, maintaining
the barrier arm assembly 12 in the forward non-obstructing configuration 22
for a
time period, and subsequently re-activating the drive assembly 64 to pivot the
tubular support member 60 in the reverse angular direction until the barrier
arm
assembly 12 reaches the obstructing configuration 21, are performed once
again.
[00079]It will be understood that in such a case, the angular position of the
tubular support member 60 when the occurrence of the additional forward
opening event is detected, as determined by the angular position sensor 70, is
used to determine the required angular rotation of the tubular support member
60
by the drive assembly 64 to reach the forward non-obstructing configuration
22.
(00080] One skilled in the art will understand that, in an embodiment, the
drive
assembly 64 may operate to rotate the tubular support member 60 in the reverse
angular direction immediately when the barrier arm assembly 12 reaches the
forward non-obstructing configuration 22, without maintaining the barrier arm
assembly 12 in the forward non-obstructing configuration 22 for a time period.
[00081]One skilled in the art will understand that the engagement of the
forward
rotation solenoid 40 to configure the locking mechanism in the locked
23
CA 02850353 2014-04-29
configuration (shown in Figure 3) is performed only when the detection of
forward
opening events are sufficiently spaced apart to allow the complete opening of
the
barrier arm assembly 12 in the forward non-obstructing configuration and a
return
of the barrier arm assembly 12 into the original obstructing configuration.
[00082]In an embodiment, the gate system 10 may further include a disabled
user mode. In such an embodiment, the gate system 10 includes an opening
push button pushable by disabled users to trigger the opening of the gate
system
in the forward opening direction. In the disabled user mode, the above
described momentarily configuration of the barrier arm 12 in the forward non-
obstructive configuration 22, to allow passage of a user in the forward
direction
19, is performed upon detection of the push of the opening push button as well
as the detection of the forward opening event as described above, such as the
motion of the disabled person into the passageway 18.
[00083]One skilled in the art will understand that, during the sequence of
operation following the detection of the occurrence of a forward opening
event,
the reverse rotation solenoid 50 remains in an engaged configuration, thereby
preventing rotation in the reverse angular direction beyond the obstructing
configuration, in order to allow passage of users in the passageway in the
forward direction only.
[00084]The event can also be a reverse opening event, such as, for example
and without being 'imitative, an emergency event such as the detection of a
pressure on the emergency push bar 23 during a predetermined time period, a
fire alarm, or the like. Upon detection of the occurrence of the emergency
reverse
opening event, the gate systems 10 configures the barrier arm assembly 12 in
the reverse non-obstructive configuration 26, to allow passage of users in the
reverse direction, opposite to the direction of arrow 19. The configuration of
the
barrier arm assembly 12 in the reverse non-obstructive configuration 26 is
initiated by disengaging the forward rotation solenoid 40 and the reverse
rotation
solenoid 50 to configure the locking mechanism in the unlocked configuration
24
CA 02850353 2014-04-29
. .
(shown in Figure 3c). Subsequently, the drive assembly 64 is activated to
pivot
the tubular support member 60 in the reverse angular direction until the
barrier
arm assembly 12 reaches the reverse non-obstructing configuration 26. In an
embodiment, the barrier arm assembly 12 subsequently remains in the reverse
non-obstructing configuration 26 until the gate system is reactivated
manually. In
an embodiment, the system is reactivated manually by a user by resetting the
gate system 10 using a key system. Given that the locking mechanism is
configured in the unlocked configuration (shown in Figure 3c), users may
manually pivot the barrier arm assembly 12 in any desired angular position
best
suited for exiting the store. In the event of a power loss, the barrier arm
assembly
12 remains in the configuration in which it was when the power loss occurred,
for
example, the reverse non-obstructing configuration.
[0008511n an alternative embodiment, the reverse opening event may not be an
emergency event, but can rather be indicative of a user exiting the store, for
example by detecting an exiting movement with additional reverse sensors (not
shown). In such an embodiment, the configuration of the barrier arm assembly
12
in the reverse non-obstructive configuration 26 may be initiated by
disengaging
the reverse rotation solenoid 50 to configure the locking mechanism in the
reverse unlocked configuration (shown in Figure 3b). Subsequently the drive
assembly 64 is activated to pivot the tubular support member 60 in the reverse
angular direction until the barrier arm assembly 12 reaches the reverse non-
obstructing configuration 26. The barrier arm assembly 12 can then be
maintained in the reverse non-obstructing configuration 26 for a time period,
and
the drive assembly 64 is subsequently re-activated to pivot the tubular
support
member 60 in the forward angular direction until the barrier arm assembly 12
reaches the obstructing configuration 21. Once the obstructing configuration
is
reached, the reverse rotation solenoid 50 is engaged to configure the locking
mechanism in the locked configuration (shown in Figure 3). Once again, if an
additional detection of the occurrence of the reverse opening event occurs
before
the barrier arm assembly 12 is returned to the obstructing configuration 21,
the
steps of activating the drive assembly 64 to pivot the tubular support member
60
CA 02850353 2014-04-29
in the reverse angular direction until the barrier arm assembly 12 reaches the
reverse non-obstructing configuration 26, maintaining the barrier arm assembly
12 in the reverse non-obstructing configuration 26 for a time period, and
subsequently re-activating the drive assembly 64 to pivot the tubular support
member 60 in the forward angular direction until the barrier arm assembly 12
reaches the obstructing configuration 21 may be performed.
[00086]One skilled in the art will understand that, in an embodiment, the
drive
assembly 64 can operate to rotate the tubular support member 60 in the forward
angular direction immediately when the barrier arm assembly 12 reaches the
reverse non-obstructing configuration 26, without maintaining the barrier arm
assembly 12 in the reverse non-obstructing configuration 26 for a time period.
[00087] In an embodiment the steps of disengaging the reverse rotation
solenoid
50 to configure the locking mechanism 38 in the reverse unlocked configuration
and subsequently activating the drive assembly 64 may be triggered by the
detection of distinct reverse opening events by distinct reverse event
detectors,
i.e. a first event detected by a first detector triggers the configuration of
the
locking mechanism in the reverse unlocked configuration and a second event
detected by a second detector triggers the activation of the drive assembly
64.
[00088] In an embodiment, additional theft protection may be used. For example
a theft detector (not shown) which detects active security protective devices
placed on articles to prevent theft may also be provided. In the event that a
user
passes through the detector detecting exit motion, with the security device
disarmed, then the normal reverse opening of the barrier arm assembly 12 is
carried to allow the user to freely exit the store. In the event that the
theft detector
detects an active security device, the locking mechanism 38 can, for example,
remain in the locked configuration to prevent reverse opening of the barrier
arm
assembly 12.
100089]Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described
and illustrated herein. The embodiments of the invention described above are
26
CA 02850353 2014-04-29
intended to be exemplary only. A person skilled in the art would appreciate
the
features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and
variations of the components. A person skilled in the art would further
appreciate
that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the
other
embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that the invention may be
embodied in other specific forms without departing from the central
characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are
to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the
invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while
specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous
modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the scope of
the
invention as defined in the appended claims.
27
