BE1032039B1 - A gate actuator and a locking system comprising the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A gate actuator (3) comprising an elongated housing configured to be mounted to the support of a locking system. The electrical circuit of the gate actuator comprises a first subcircuit (31) and a second subcircuit (32), the first subcircuit being electrically connected to the second subcircuit via a diode 50. The second subcircuit comprises a motor control circuit (100) electrically connected to a conductive path following the motor-side voltage diode (215) to control the DC electric motor, and an interrupter circuit (200) also electrically connected to a conductive path following the motor-side voltage diode (215). The gate actuator further comprises an external load resistor electrically connected to the interrupter circuit (200), a first terminal of the external load resistor being connected to a conductive path following the motor side voltage diode (215) and the interrupter circuit (200) being configured to activate the external load resistor when the motor side voltage (215) reaches a first predetermined voltage.

Description

4 BE2023/5828

A gate actuator and a locking system comprising the same

Technical field

The present invention generally relates to a gate actuator for opening and closing a locking system that has a support and a locking element that are hingedly connected to each other. The present invention further relates to a locking system that includes the gate actuator.

Background — State of the art

Various types of gate actuators are known in the art, such as spring-based gate actuators as disclosed in patent WO 2012/103572; hydraulically damped spring-based gate actuators as disclosed in patent WO 2012/103572

WO 2018/228729; and motorised gate actuators as disclosed in patent WO 2019/048359. The present invention generally relates to gate actuators of the latter type, which operate by means of an electric motor.

The gate closer disclosed in the patent specification

WO 2019/048359 comprises: an elongated housing configured to be mounted against a support, the elongated housing extending in a longitudinal direction between a first end and a second end; an electric motor mounted in the housing, the electric motor having an output shaft proximate the first end of the elongated housing rotatable about said longitudinal direction in a first direction of rotation upon activation of the electric motor; and a drive member operatively connected to the output shaft (i.e. by being connected to the eyebolt hinge), the drive member configured to urge the locking member toward its closed position upon rotation of the output shaft in said first direction of rotation.

2 BE2023/5828

In the gate closer of patent WO 2019/048359, the drive element is directly attached to the output shaft of the electric motor. Although this results in a very compact design, there is a risk that the electric motor will be damaged if the gate undergoes a sudden change of direction. For example, when the gate is closing, a user may appear who wants to go through the gate opening and thus pushes against the closing gate. That force requires a very sudden reversal of the direction of rotation of the electric motor. Such sudden reversals are a known cause of damage to the electric motor.

Another problem with this type of gate actuators is that the electric motors can generate energy when someone pushes against the closing element. That energy flows into the electrical circuit of the gate actuator where it can cause damage to the electronics.

Disclosure of the invention

The present invention aims to provide an improved gate actuator.

To this end, the gate actuator according to the invention comprises an elongated housing configured to be mounted to the support, the elongated housing extending in a longitudinal direction between a first end and a second end, a DC electric motor mounted in the housing, the electric motor having an output shaft proximate the first end of the elongated housing rotatable about said longitudinal direction upon activation of the electric motor or upon rotation of the closing element, a drive member operatively connected to the output shaft, the drive member configured to rotate the closing element upon rotation of the output shaft and to rotate the shaft upon rotation of the closing element, and a printed circuit board mounted in the housing and comprising an electrical circuit, the electrical circuit being electrically connected to the

3 BE2023/5828 electric DC motor to drive the electric DC motor, the electrical circuit comprising a first subcircuit and a second subcircuit, the first subcircuit being electrically connected to the second subcircuit via a diode, the diode conducting current from the first subcircuit to the second subcircuit and thus providing a voltage on the motor side in the second subcircuit at a location following the diode, the second subcircuit comprising a motor driver circuit electrically connected to a conductive path following the diode with the voltage on the motor side to drive the electric DC motor, the motor driver circuit comprising at least one mosfet, and an interrupter circuit electrically connected to a conductive path following the diode with the voltage on the motor side, and the gate actuator further comprising an external load resistor electrically connected to the interrupter circuit of the printed circuit board, a first terminal of the external load resistor being connected to a conductive path following the diode with the voltage on the motor side and the interrupter circuit being configured to activate the external load resistor when the voltage on the motor side reaches a first predetermined voltage.

This gate actuator ensures that the energy generated by the electric motor is kept under control. Firstly, by dividing the electrical circuit into a first subcircuit and a second subcircuit, with a diode between the two parts, a critical component in the electrical circuit located in the first subcircuit will never experience a voltage increase in the system due to the electric motor. Secondly, the second subcircuit ensures that when the voltage in the second part reaches a predetermined voltage, an external load resistor is activated that consumes energy and will therefore reduce the voltage in the second subcircuit.

4 BE2023/5828

In some embodiments of the invention, the interrupter circuit is configured to activate the external load resistor when the gate actuator is not powered and the motor side voltage reaches a second predetermined voltage.

This functionality provides safe operation of the gate actuator when there is no power. There are many reasons why a gate actuator can be without power. There could be a power failure, the power could not be switched on, the transformer could be defective, etc. When this happens and someone pushes the closing element, generating energy that is fed into the electronics of the gate actuator, the structure ensures that the external load resistor is active and the external load resistor will consume energy to reduce the voltage in the circuit.

In some embodiments of the invention, the interrupter circuit further comprises a one-bit memory element having an output pin, the one-bit memory element being configured to provide 0 V at the output pin when no voltage is received at other pins of the one-bit memory element, a zener diode having a cathode pin and an anode pin, the cathode pin being electrically connected to the motor side voltage and the output pin of the one-bit memory element, the zener diode being configured to stabilize the motor side voltage to a third predetermined voltage on a conductive path in the circuit in direct electrical contact with the cathode pin of the zener diode when the motor side voltage is at least equal to the third predetermined voltage, a mosfet electrically connected to the zener diode, the mosfet being electrically connected at its other pins to the motor side voltage and to ground, the conductive path between the motor side voltage and the mosfet being configured to conduct current conduct through the external load resistor, wherein the mosfet is configured to conduct when the second predetermined voltage at the zener diode is reached, causing the external load resistor to consume energy when the gate actuator is not powered and the voltage on the motor side reaches the second predetermined voltage.

The structure also provides safe operation of the gate actuator when there is no power. The structure ensures that the external load resistor is active when a certain predetermined voltage is reached. And when the external load resistor is activated, it will consume energy to reduce the voltage in the circuit.

In some embodiments of the invention, the interrupter circuit further comprises a PNP transistor having a base pin at 24 V, an emitter pin electrically connected to the motor side voltage and a collector pin electrically connected to ground, and a fourth resistor that generates a first voltage in the conductive path before the resistor when the PNP transistor conducts, the resistance value of the fourth resistor defining the first predetermined value.

This structure allows the predetermined value to be selected during the design of the electronic printed circuit board according to the components on the board.

In some embodiments of the invention, the fourth resistor is 22 KOhm and the first predetermined value is 47.4V.

By selecting the resistor value in this way, a beneficial balance is achieved between minimizing energy in the electronics and the activation time of the external load resistor.

In some embodiments of the invention, the interrupter circuit includes a comparator having an IN+ pin electrically connected to a reference voltage supply,

6 BE2023/5828 where the voltage value of the reference voltage supply determines the first predetermined value.

This structure allows the predetermined value at which the external load resistor is activated to be optimized by optimizing the choice of the voltage supply of the comparator that determines the voltage at the IN+ pin.

In some embodiments of the invention, the reference voltage supply is 2.5 V and the first predetermined value is 47.4 V.

By selecting the voltage value at the IN+ pin of the comparator in this way, a beneficial balance is achieved between minimizing energy in the electronics and the amount of time it takes for the external load resistor to be activated.

In some embodiments of the invention, the interrupt resistor circuit includes a Schmitt trigger electrically connected to an output pin of the comparator.

This prevents any possible failure of the gate actuator due to noise or fluctuations in the electrical circuit.

In some embodiments of the invention, the interrupt resistor circuit includes a one-bit memory element.

The one-bit memory element allows the load resistor to be deactivated.

In some embodiments of the invention, the interrupt resistor circuit includes a one-bit memory element having a memory element Q pin as an output, a CLK pin for receiving a clock signal from a controller, and a memory element D pin as an input, the one-bit memory element copying data from the memory element D pin to the memory element Q pin when a clock pulse is detected at the CLK pin.

7 BE2023/5828

This more specific one-bit memory element also allows the load resistor to be deactivated.

In some embodiments of the invention, the one-bit memory element is a D flip-flop.

Using a D flip-flop, the external load resistor can be deactivated and the circuit can be structured in such a way that the external load resistor cannot be deactivated if the voltage on the motor side is not lower than a predetermined threshold value.

In some embodiments of the invention, the interrupter circuit comprises an NPN transistor having an NPN base pin, an NPN emitter pin electrically connected to ground, and an NPN collector pin electrically connected to a conductive path in the circuit, the interrupter circuit configured to control the voltage in the conductive path in the circuit in direct electrical connection with the NPN collector pin by controlling the voltage at the NPN base pin of the NPN transistor.

The use of the NPN transistor allows for a stable configuration of the activation and deactivation of the external load resistor.

In some embodiments of the invention, the interrupter circuit comprises a Zener diode having a cathode pin and an anode pin, the Zener diode being electrically connected at the cathode pin to the motor side voltage and the NPN collector pin of the NPN transistor, the Zener diode being configured to stabilize the motor side voltage to a Zener voltage on a conductive path in the circuit in direct electrical contact with the cathode pin of the Zener diode when the NPN transistor is not activated.

This structure also ensures stable activation and deactivation of the external load resistance. The structure also ensures

8 BE2023/5828 that the external load resistor will consume energy when the gate actuator is not supplied with power.

In some embodiments of the invention, the interrupter circuit comprises a mosfet having a gate pin, a source pin and a tap pin, the tap pin being electrically connected to a second terminal of the external load resistor, the source pin being electrically connected to ground, and the interrupter circuit being configured to provide a voltage to the gate pin of the mosfet that is greater than a threshold voltage value of the mosfet when the motor side voltage reaches the first predetermined voltage.

This structure ensures safe and reliable activation and deactivation of the external load resistor. The structure also ensures that the external load resistor consumes energy when the gate actuator is not supplied with power once the voltage on the motor side is higher than the threshold voltage of the mosfet.

In some embodiments, the gate pin of the MOSFET is electrically connected to the conductive path in the circuit in direct electrical contact with the cathode pin of the Zener diode, and the interrupter circuit is configured such that the voltage at the gate pin of the MOSFET is the same as the voltage at the conductive path in the circuit in direct electrical contact with the cathode pin of the Zener diode.

This structure ensures stable and reliable activation and deactivation of the external load resistor.

In some embodiments of the invention, the interrupter circuit includes a control unit, the control unit being electrically connected to the interrupter circuit to receive a signal, and the control unit being configured to determine whether the external load resistor is activated based on the signal.

9 BE2023/5828

This structure ensures that the control unit can take any action based on the correct status of the external load resistor.

In some embodiments, the control unit is configured to sense the motor-side voltage, and the control unit is configured to deactivate the external load resistor when the motor-side voltage drops below a fourth predetermined value.

This structure ensures safe operation under the control of the control unit.

In some embodiments, the interrupt resistor circuit is configured to disable the external load resistor by toggling the D flip-flop.

This structure ensures that the control unit controls the deactivation of the external load resistor taking into account the voltage on the motor side.

In some embodiments, the printed circuit board includes a control unit, the control unit configured to drive a clock signal to the CLK pin, and the interrupter resistor circuit configured such that the control unit cannot deactivate the external load resistor when the motor side voltage is higher than the first predetermined value.

This structure ensures safety. The control unit cannot deactivate the external load resistor if the voltage on the motor side is still too high. The hardware situation takes precedence over any possible instruction by the software to deactivate.

In some embodiments of the invention, the voltage at the CLR pin of the D flip-flop is lower than the D flip-flop threshold voltage value of the D flip-flop when the voltage on the motor side is higher than the first predetermined value.

10 BE2023/5828

This structure provides safety through the hardware. The hardware ensures that the voltage on the motor side is low enough before a signal on the CLK pin can deactivate the external load resistor.

In some embodiments of the invention, the D flip-flop threshold voltage value is 2 V.

This is a preferred value and ensures reliable operation.

In some embodiments of the invention, the fourth predetermined value is less than or equal to the first predetermined value.

This is a preferred value and also ensures safe and reliable operation of the gate actuator.

The present invention also aims to provide an improved locking system comprising a support and a locking element connected to each other by at least one hinge, the locking system further comprising a gate actuator according to any of the preceding embodiments.

The advantages and effects of the above embodiments are also obtained with a locking system comprising a support and a locking element connected to each other by at least one hinge, the locking system further comprising a gate actuator as described in any of the above embodiments.

It is to be understood that, as will become apparent from the further description, the above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention (including preferred, more preferred, advantageous, more advantageous, alternative, etc. embodiments and/or other features designated as optional) are not to be limited to individual elements, but may be combined with each other to obtain embodiments further than those already described, wherein such embodiments may also form part of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

11 BE2023/5828

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be further elucidated with reference to the following description and the enclosed illustrations.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a locking system with a gate actuator and the locking element in an open position according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a locking system with a gate actuator and the locking element in a closed position according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 shows a view of a mounted gate actuator illustrating the position of the electric motor.

Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an electrical circuit of the gate actuator illustrating the two parts.

Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a motor control circuit 100 for the DC electric motor according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 shows an interrupter circuit in more detail according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 shows an external load resistor mounted in the housing of a gate actuator according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8 shows an enlarged view of a window in Figure 7.

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the gate actuator with the housing opened to illustrate the printed circuit board.

Figure 10 shows an enlarged view of a window in

Figure 8 to illustrate the external load resistor and the connector on the printed circuit board for the external load resistor.

Figure 11 is a portion of the gate actuator electrical schematic as viewed in electrical schematic software, showing the control unit and the connection pins on the

19 BE2023/5828 control unit connected to the interrupter circuit illustrates.

Description of the invention

The present invention will be described with reference to specific embodiments and with reference to certain illustrations; however, it is not limited thereto, but is defined solely by the claims. The illustrations described are schematic only and are not restrictive. In the illustrations, the size of some elements may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and not drawn to scale. The dimensions and relative sizes do not necessarily correspond to actual practical embodiments of the invention.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third, and the like are used in the description and claims to distinguish between like elements, and not necessarily to describe a sequential or chronological order. The terms are interchangeable in appropriate circumstances, and embodiments of the invention may operate in other orders than those described or illustrated herein.

Furthermore, the terms upper, lower, above, below, and the like are used in the specification and the claims for descriptive purposes. The terms so used are interchangeable in appropriate circumstances, and the embodiments of the invention described herein may operate in orientations other than those described or illustrated herein.

Furthermore, the various embodiments, even if referred to as ‘preferred’, should be construed as examples of ways in which the invention may be implemented and not as limiting the scope of protection of the invention.

The term "substantially" includes variations of +/- 10% or less, preferably +/-5% or less, more preferably +/-1% or less, and more preferably +/-0.1% or less, from the stated condition, to the extent that

13 BE2023/5828 the variations are suitable to function in the disclosed invention. Note that the term "substantially A" is deemed to include "A".

The invention generally concerns an electrically powered gate actuator 3 for closing and opening a locking system as illustrated in Figure 1. The locking system comprises a support 1, such as a wall or a post, and a movable locking element 2, such as a gate, a door or a window. The locking element 2 is connected to the support 1 by means of hinges 4. These hinges can be any type of hinges known in the art. A second support 5 can be provided on the other side of the locking element 3 and can be provided with an assembly of a lock and a catch, for example with a lock as disclosed in patent EP 1118559 or

EP 2915939, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, and a guarantor disclosed in the patent specification

EP 1600584 or EP 1680567, the contents of which are incorporated by reference into this document.

The gate actuator 3, as also illustrated in Figure 2, for example, comprises an elongated housing 9 extending in a longitudinal direction between a first end 9a and a second end 9b. The elongated housing 9 is preferably made of extruded aluminium, but other materials may also be used. The elongated housing 9 is connected to the support 1 by means of any type of fastener. Alternatively, the gate actuator may also be partly or completely mounted in a hollow support.

On top of the housing 9, a drive member 7 (e.g. a rotating arm) is provided which extends from the housing to the closing element 2. At the free end of the drive member 7, the drive member 7 is connected to the closing element 2.

14 BE2023/5828

In the illustrated embodiment, the drive member 7 is made of aluminum. In alternative embodiments, the drive member 7 may be made of alternative materials known in the art.

The gate actuator 3 comprises an electric motor 8 which is illustrated in Figure 3. The electric motor is a DC electric motor which is located in the housing 9. An advantage of using an electric motor is the compactness. The electric motor comprises a motor body with the necessary means to rotate an output shaft (not shown). This output shaft extends to the top 9a of the housing 9. An example of such an internal construction can be seen in Figure 7 of the patent specification

WO 2019/048359, which is incorporated by reference into this document.

The output shaft is rotatable in both directions of rotation upon activation of the electric motor 8 to open and close the gate element 2. The electric motor 8 is further provided with control means which enable the rest position of the drive member 8 to be calibrated after the gate actuator 3 has been mounted to the closing system. The gate actuator 3 further comprises a printed circuit board mounted in the housing 9. The printed circuit board 90 is illustrated in Figure 9 and Figure 10, with Figure 10 being an enlarged view of a window in Figure 9.

Figure 10 shows the connector 340 on the printed circuit board 90 for connecting the external load resistor 70.

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of an electrical circuit 30 of the gate actuator 3. The electrical circuit 30 is divided into two parts. A first subcircuit 31 is electrically connected to a second subcircuit 32 by a diode 50. The diode 50 is positioned such that current can flow from the first subcircuit to the second subcircuit.

Figure 5 illustrates a schematic representation of a motor control circuit 100 for the DC electric motor 8 of the

15 BE2023/5828 gate actuator 3 according to an embodiment of the invention. The brushless DC motor 8 is designed with three wires. The three wires are connected to six MOSFETS 105 (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor, English: Metal Oxide Semiconductor

Field-Effect Transistor) which control the voltage on the three wires. This configuration of a brushless DC motor with three wires controlled by 6 MOSFETS is known in the art. The motor control circuit is located in the second subcircuit 32, separated from the first subcircuit by the diode 50.

The main input for the motor driver 95 is at 24 V as illustrated in Figure 5. The mosfets 105 conduct current from the main input to the leads of the brushless DC motor 8 during normal operation. However, when the brushless DC motor 8 is generating current instead of consuming current, the mosfets 8 allow that current to be conducted in the reverse direction, i.e., from the brushless DC motor 8 to the other components in the electrical circuit. To prevent damage to the larger electrical circuit, the motor driver portion 32 of the electrical circuit 30 is separated from other parts of the electrical circuit of the gate actuator 3 and a diode 50 is provided before the main 24 V input of the motor driver circuit. Therefore, the electrical circuit 30 of the gate actuator is divided into two parts as illustrated in Figure 4, with the motor driver circuit 100 located in the second part circuit 32. By providing the diode 50 at that position, no current can flow from the motor control circuit part to the other parts of the electrical circuit of the gate actuator. A situation where current is generated by the brushless DC motor occurs when someone pushes against the gate.

In order to control the energy in the situation where the brushless DC motor 8 is generating energy, an interrupter circuit 200 is integrated into the electrical circuit 30. The interrupter circuit 200 is also integrated into the

16 BE2023/5828 second subcircuit 32, as illustrated in Figure 4. The interrupter circuit is further illustrated in more detail in

Figure 6. The interrupter circuit 200 is connected to a conductive path on the motor side of the diode 50. That conductive path is at a voltage on the motor side 215 as illustrated in

Figure 4. When the motor is operating in a normal mode, the voltage on the motor side 215 is the same as the system supply voltage 210 at the other end of the diode 50, as shown in Figure 4. In the embodiment of Figure 6, that voltage is 24 V.

The voltage on the motor side of the circuit in the conductive path in direct electrical connection to diode 50 is also in

Figure 6 is indicated by reference numeral 215. The voltage on motor side 215 is 24 V when the brushless DC motor is in normal operation, i.e. the motor is driven at 24 V.

However, the voltage on the motor side 215 may change when the brushless DC motor 8 generates energy, i.e. in the situation when a user pushes against the closing element 2, for example a gate, during opening or closing, even when the electric DC motor 8 is not activated. In that situation, the electric motor functions as a generator.

The interrupter circuit 200 illustrated in the embodiment of Figure 6 has a PNP transistor 202 that conducts from emitter pin 203 to collector pin 204 when current is allowed to flow from emitter pin 203 to base pin 205. The current flowing from emitter pin 203 to collector pin 204 is approximately 100 times more than the current flowing from emitter pin 203 to base pin 205. The typical base-emitter voltage of a PNP transistor is 0.7 V, and since base pin 205 is connected to 24 V, current will flow from emitter to base when the voltage on motor side 215 exceeds 24.7 V.

That base-emitter current creates an emitter-collector current that is about 100 times larger. The sum of those two currents will drive the system

17 BE2023/5828 in balance, keeping the voltage at emitter pin 203 at 24.7 V, regardless of the voltage with the voltage on motor side 215.

The total current flowing is determined by resistors 208 and 209 and can be calculated as (motor side voltage 215 — 24.7 V) / 200K, i.e. I=V/R. Due to the operation of a PNP transistor, approximately 99% of that current flows through collector pin 204 and the third and fourth resistors 211 and 212. The remaining 1% flows from base pin 205 to the 24 V source.

The current through the fourth resistor 212, a 22K Ohm resistor, creates a voltage in the conductive path before the fourth resistor 212 equal to: current | x 22K, i.e., V=I*R. That is, the resistance value of the fourth resistor 212 determines the voltage in the conductive path before the fourth resistor 212.

A capacitor 214 is provided between the conductive path before resistor 212 and ground 220. The purpose of capacitor 214 is to filter out small interference.

The interrupter circuit 200 further includes a comparator 230. The comparator 230 compares the voltage at pin 231, i.e., the IN pin, with the voltage at pin 233, i.e., the IN+ pin. Pin 233, i.e., the IN+ pin, is connected to a stable external voltage reference 238 through a fifth resistor 237. In the embodiment of Figure 6, the external voltage reference 238 is 2.5 V. The IN pin 231 is connected in the circuit 200 to the conductive path before the fourth resistor 212. When the voltage at the IN pin 231 is lower than the voltage at the IN+ pin 233,

Output pin 234 is connected to ground and is floating. When the voltage at IN pin 231 is higher than the voltage at IN+ pin 233, output pin 234 is connected to ground.

A stable supply current is supplied to the comparator at the comparator VCC pin 235. This is accomplished by the comparator

VCC pin 235 to be connected to a sixth resistor 240 and to a second capacitor 239. The sixth resistor 240 is connected to its other

18 BE2023/5828 end connected to a source of direct current 241 and the second capacitor 239 is connected at its other end to ground 220.

In the embodiment of Figure 6, the DC source is a 12 V power supply, the sixth resistor is 240 33 Ohms, and the capacitor has a value of 100 nF.

The output pin 234 of the comparator is connected to a conductive path with two resistors, a seventh resistor 243 and an eighth resistor 244. These resistors adjust the voltage at output pin 234 in the subsequent conductive path 245 to 3.3 V when the voltage at pin 231 is lower than the voltage at pin 233, and keep the voltage in the subsequent conductive path 245 at 0 V when the voltage at pin 231 is higher than the voltage at pin 233.

The interrupter circuit 200 according to the embodiment of

Figure 6 also includes a Schmitt trigger 250. The Schmitt trigger 250 digitizes the output of the comparator. The Schmitt trigger 250 does this by using a different threshold for low to high transitions than for high to low transitions. For small fluctuations or noise, the Schmitt trigger 250 is configured such that the output of the Schmitt trigger 250 remains stable.

Another component in the interrupt resistor circuit 200 of the embodiment of Figure 6 is a D flip-flop 270. The D flip-flop 270 is a memory element that can store one bit of data. In alternative embodiments, another type of one-bit memory element may be used, such as another type of flip-flop, a latch, or any other one-bit element. In the embodiment of Figure 6, the D flip-flop 270 copies data onto a

D-pin 273 to Q-pin 274 when a clock pulse is detected on CLK pin 271. A CLR pin 276 is provided to clear the memory and set Q-pin 274 low, regardless of what happens on the other pins. CLR pin 276 is electrically connected to the interrupter circuit in the

19 BE2023/5828 conductive path in direct electrical connection to the output pin 254 of the Schmitt trigger 250.

A third capacitor 280 and a fourth capacitor 281 are provided to provide stability to a one-bit memory element power supply 285. The one-bit memory element power supply 285 is 3.3 V in the embodiment of Figure 6.

The conductive path connected to the memory element Q pin 274 of the D flip-flop 270 further includes a ninth resistor 283.

The other end of the ninth resistor 283 is connected to a

NPN base pin 291 of an NPN transistor 290 and with a tenth resistor 284, which is connected by its other pin to ground 220.

An NPN emitter pin 292 of NPN transistor 290 is also connected to ground. The combination of the ninth resistor 283, the tenth resistor 284, and the NPN transistor 290 forms a classic NPN circuit. When voltage is applied to the ninth resistor 283, current flows through the NPN base pin 291 of the NPN transistor 290 and an NPN collector pin 293 which conducts through the NPN emitter pin 292 to ground 220.

The interrupter circuit 200 of Figure 6 further includes a Zener diode 310 electrically connected to ground at the anode pin 312 and electrically connected to ground at the cathode pin 311.

NPN collector pin 293 of NPN transistor 290, with an eleventh resistor 294 and with a twelfth resistor 296. The eleventh resistor 294 is connected at its other end to a thirteenth resistor 295, which is connected at its other pin to the voltage on the motor side 215. The eleventh resistor 294, the thirteenth resistor 295 and the zener diode 310 together stabilize the voltage on the motor side to the level of the zener voltage when the voltage on the motor side 215 is higher than the zener voltage. This is accomplished by the zener diode 310, which, when current flows through it, stabilizes the voltage to the zener voltage. In the embodiment of Figure 6, the zener diode 310 has a zener voltage of 12 V.

20 BE2023/5828

As a result, the voltage at location 315 in the interrupter circuit 200 is stabilized at 12 V unless the

NPN transistor 290 is activated, the voltage at location 315 being approximately 0 V in that case. The activation of NPN transistor 290 is controlled by the current flowing into the base of NPN transistor 290 at NPN base pin 291. The base-emitter voltage of a

NPN transistor 291 is 0.7 V. When the voltage at NPN base pin 291 is greater than 0.7 V, current will flow into the base of NPN transistor 290 and allow amplified current to flow from the collector of transistor 290 at NPN collector pin 293 to the emitter of NPN transistor 290 at NPN emitter pin 292. The amplification factor in the embodiment of Figure 6 is approximately 300.

When output 274 of D flip-flop 270 is 3.3V, a current of (3.3V – 0.7V)/10K = 0.26MA will flow through resistor 283.

That current is divided between resistor 284 and the base of transistor 290 at pin 291. Resistor 284 will draw approximately (0.7V / 47K) = 0.01mA, and the remaining 0.25mA will flow into pin 291 of transistor 290.

The 0.25MA current in pin 291 will allow a current from pin 293 to 292 of approximately (0.25mA * 300) = 75mA. That current is limited by the 2 resistors 295 and 294 to (motor voltage 215 / 200k), so the current through pin 293 can never reach 75mA. As a result, the voltage at pin 293 will be approximately 0V. That situation is commonly known as a transistor in saturation.

Resistor 296, which is connected at one end to zener diode 310, transistor 290, and resistor 294, is connected at its other end to resistor 317, diode 320, and transistor 300. Resistor 296, resistor 317, diode 320, and transistor 300 together form an emitter follower. This group of components together ensures that the voltage at location 325 in interrupter circuit 200 has the same value as the voltage at location 315 without requiring current to flow through it.

21 BE2023/5828 resistors 294 and 295. This design of the interrupter resistor circuit 200 is arranged to rapidly activate a mosfet 330 which acts as a switch to drive a load resistor 70 via a connector 340 which is connected to the mosfet 330 at pin 332 and to the power side voltage 215. The external load resistor is illustrated in Figure 7 and

Figure 8, where Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the circular window shown in Figure 7. Two wires 71, 72, each on one side of the load resistor 70, connect to a second connector 75. The second connector 75 is configured to connect to the connector 340. The external load resistor 70, which is connected to the connector 340 via the second connector 75, is by this configuration connected at the first terminal 341 to the voltage on the motor side 215 and at the second terminal 342 to the tap pin 332 of the mosfet 330. Consequently, the mosfet 330 can drive the external load resistor 70. When the mosfet 330 conducts, the external load resistor 70 is activated and consumes energy. When the mosfet 330 is not conducting, the external load resistor 70 is deactivated.

Operation of interrupter resistance circuit 200

When the voltage on motor side 215 is at a first predetermined value, which in the embodiment of Figure 6 is more than 23.4 V higher than the system voltage 210, which in the embodiment of Figure 6 is 24 V, current flows through the fourth resistor 212, producing a voltage greater than 2.5 V at the IN pin 231 of the comparator 230.

Because pin 231, IN- of comparator 230, is higher than pin 233, IN+ of comparator 230 at this time, the operation of the comparator switches and the output at pin 234 becomes 0 V.

The Schmitt trigger 250 stabilizes this voltage without changing the signal. As a result, pin 276, the CLR line of the D flip-flop

29 BE2023/5828 270, set to 0 V. This causes the output of the D flip-flop at pin 274 to also be at 0 V.

Since pin 274 of the D flip-flop 274 is connected to transistor 290 through resistor 283, pin 291 of the transistor is also at 0 V. This turns off transistor 290, causing location 315 of the interrupter circuit 200 to be at 12 V.

Since location 315 of circuit 200 is connected to transistor 300 through resistor 296, pin 303 of transistor 300 also receives that voltage, and transistor 300 conducts through pin 301 to pin 331 of mosfet 330, i.e., the gate of the mosfet. That voltage at the gate of mosfet 330 causes mosfet 330 to conduct.

When the mosfet conducts, current flows through connector 340 and therefore also through the external load resistor 70, which is connected to connector 340. This draws current from the system and reduces the voltage on motor side 215.

The electrical printed circuit board further comprises a control unit 95.

The control unit 95 is shown in Figure 11. The control unit 95 receives a signal from the interrupter circuit 200 via conductive path MC_D STAT 350. The box MC_D_STAT in Figure 6 illustrates where conductive path 350 is connected to conductive path 350 in

Figure 11, illustrating the connection to a pin 97 of the control unit 95. In the interrupter circuit 200, the conductive path MC_D STAT is electrically connected to the conductive path in direct electrical connection to the Q pin 274 of the D flip-flop 270. The control unit 95 is configured to determine, based on the signal 350, whether the external load resistor 340 is activated.

The control unit also measures the voltage on motor side 215 and is configured to turn off the external load resistor 340 when the voltage on motor side 215 drops sufficiently, taking into account the supply voltage 210. The control unit 95

23 BE2023/5828 generates a clock pulse via conductive path MC D RST 360. The control unit 95 is connected via a second pin 98 and the conductive path

MC_D_ RST 360 connected to the CLK pin 271 of the D flip-flop 270.

By generating a clock pulse at pin 271 of the D flip-flop, i.e., at the CLK pin of the D flip-flop, the D flip-flop copies the data at pin 273 (D contact) of the D flip-flop, which is connected to power supply 285, which in the embodiment of Figure 6 is 3.3 V, to pin 274 (Q contact) of the D flip-flop. The D flip-flop copies data from the D contact to the Q contact only when the CLR pin 276 is above the D flip-flop threshold voltage, which in the embodiment of Figure 6 is 2 V. When the voltage on the motor side 215 is higher than the first predetermined value at which the external load resistor is activated, the voltage at the output pin 254 of the Schmitt trigger is 0 V. Consequently, the voltage at the CLR pin 276 is also at OV when the external load resistor is activated. As a result, the control unit 95 cannot deactivate the external load resistor 340 until the voltage on the motor side 215 is below the first predetermined value. That first predetermined value at which the external load is activated is 47.4 V in the embodiment of Figure 6 when the system supply voltage 210 is 24.0 V. Due to that specific structure, the control unit 95 can never deactivate the external load resistor when the voltage on the power side 215 is still higher than the first predetermined value, also called threshold, of the voltage on the power side 215.

When the external resistor needs to be deactivated, the Q contact of the D flip-flop goes high at pin 274.

According to the data sheet, that voltage is at least 2.4 V.

When pin 274 is high, it turns on transistor 290.

As a result, the voltage at location 315 in the circuit is

OV.

24 BE2023/5828

Transistor 300 conducts that voltage to location 325 in the circuit. With 0 V on pin 331 of mosfet 330, mosfet 330 switches off and external load resistor 340 is disconnected.

The system is further configured such that in the event that the motor is activated when the entire system is not supplied with power, the external load resistor 340 is always activated.

This prevents the situation where the gate actuator is not supplied with power, in which the electronics would be damaged if someone manually operates the gate and thereby generates energy that ends up in the gate actuator electronics. In the embodiment of

Figure 6 is that accomplished by a system where the D flip-flop is configured so that when the D flip-flop 270 is not powered, its output is at 0 V. The next circuit configuration then prevents the voltage at position 315 from being pulled to ground. Point 315 follows the voltage on motor side 215 until it reaches 12 V, at which point the zener diode 310 begins to conduct.

That voltage at location 315 in the circuit is also present at pin 303 of transistor 300, and via transistor 300 also at pin 331 of mosfet 330. mosfet 330 conducts as soon as a predetermined threshold value is reached. In a preferred embodiment, that threshold value of mosfet 330 is 3.2 V.

While aspects of the present invention have been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is to be understood that such aspects may be implemented in other forms within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (23)

25 BE2023/5828 CONCLUSIONS 1. A gate actuator (3) for closing and opening a locking system comprising a support (1) and a locking element (2) hingedly connected to each other, the gate actuator comprising: - an elongated housing (9) configured to be mounted to the support, the elongated housing extending in a longitudinal direction between a first end (9a) and a second end (9b); - a DC electric motor 8 mounted in the housing, the electric motor having an output shaft proximate the first end of the elongated housing rotatable about said longitudinal direction upon activation of the electric motor or upon rotation of the locking element; - a drive member (7) operatively connected to the output shaft, the drive member configured to rotate the locking element (2) upon rotation of the output shaft and to rotate the shaft upon rotation of the locking element; and - a printed circuit board (90) mounted in the housing and comprising an electrical circuit (30), the electrical circuit being electrically connected to the DC electric motor for driving the DC electric motor, characterised in that - the electrical circuit comprises a first subcircuit (31) and a second subcircuit (32), the first subcircuit being electrically connected to the second subcircuit via a diode 50, the diode conducting current from the first subcircuit to the second subcircuit and thus providing a motor-side voltage (215) in the second subcircuit at a location following the diode, that - the second subcircuit comprises a motor control circuit (100) electrically connected to a conductive path following the diode with the motor-side voltage (215) for driving the DC electric motor 26 BE2023/5828, wherein the motor control circuit (100) comprises at least one mosfet, and an interrupter circuit (200) electrically connected to a conductive path following the motor-side voltage diode (215), and that - the gate actuator further comprises an external load resistor electrically connected to the interrupter circuit (200) of the printed circuit board (90), wherein a first terminal of the external load resistor is connected to a conductive path following the motor-side voltage diode (215) and wherein the interrupter circuit (200) is configured to activate the external load resistor when the motor-side voltage (215) reaches a first predetermined voltage. The gate actuator according to claim 1, wherein the interrupter resistor circuit (200) is configured to activate the external load resistor when the gate actuator is not supplied with power and the voltage on the motor side reaches a second predetermined voltage. The gate actuator of claim 2, wherein the interrupter circuit (200) further comprises a one-bit memory element (270) having an output pin (274), the one-bit memory element (270) configured to provide OV to the output pin when no voltage is received at other pins of the one-bit memory element, the interrupter circuit further comprising a zener diode (310) having a cathode pin (311) and an anode pin (312), electrically connected at the cathode pin to the motor side voltage (215) and the output pin (274) of the one-bit memory element, the zener diode configured to stabilize the motor side voltage (215) to a third predetermined voltage on a conductive path in the circuit in direct 97 BE2023/5828 electrical contact with the cathode pin of the zener diode when the motor-side voltage is at least equal to the third predetermined voltage, the interrupter circuit further comprising a mosfet (330) electrically connected to the zener diode (270), the mosfet being electrically connected at its other pins to the motor-side voltage (215) and to ground, the conductive path between the motor-side voltage and the mosfet being configured to conduct current through the external load resistor, the mosfet being configured to conduct when the second predetermined voltage at the zener diode is reached, resulting in the external load resistor consuming energy when the gate actuator is not supplied with power and the motor-side voltage reaches the second predetermined voltage. The gate actuator of any preceding claim, wherein the interrupter circuit (200) further comprises a PNP transistor having a base pin (205) at 24 V, an emitter pin (203) electrically connected to the motor side voltage (215), and a collector pin (204) electrically connected to ground, the interrupter circuit further comprising a fourth resistor (212) that generates a first voltage in the conductive path before the resistor (212) when the PNP transistor conducts, and wherein the resistance value of the fourth resistor (212) determines the first predetermined value. 5. The gate actuator of claim 4, wherein the fourth resistor (212) is 22 KOhm and wherein the first predetermined value is 47.4 V. 28 BE2023/5828 The gate actuator of any preceding claim, wherein the interrupt resistance circuit (200) further comprises a comparator (230) having an IN+ pin (233) electrically connected to a reference voltage supply (238), the voltage value of the reference voltage supply determining the first predetermined value. 7. The gate actuator of claim 6, wherein the reference voltage supply (238) is 2.5 V and wherein the first predetermined value is 47.4 V. The gate actuator of any of claims 6 to 7, wherein the interrupt resistor circuit (200) further comprises a Schmitt trigger (250) electrically connected to an output pin (234) of the comparator (230). The gate actuator of any preceding claim, wherein the interrupt resistance circuit (200) further comprises a one-bit memory element (270). The gate actuator of any preceding claim, wherein the interrupt resistance circuit (200) further comprises a one-bit memory element (270) having a memory element Q pin (274) as an output, a CLK pin (271) for receiving a clock signal from a controller (95) and a memory element D pin as an input, the one-bit memory element (270) copying data from the memory element D pin (273) to the memory element Q pin (274) when a clock pulse is detected on the CLK pin (271). 11. The gate actuator of any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the one-bit memory element is a D flip-flop. 29 BE2023/5828 The gate actuator of any preceding claim, wherein the interrupter circuit (200) further comprises an NPN transistor (290) having an NPN base pin (291), an NPN emitter pin (292) electrically connected to ground (220), and an NPN collector pin (293) electrically connected to a conductive path in the circuit, the interrupter circuit configured to control the voltage in the conductive path in the circuit in direct electrical connection with the NPN collector pin by controlling the voltage at the NPN base pin of the NPN transistor. The gate actuator of claim 12, wherein the interrupter circuit (200) further comprises a zener diode having a cathode pin (311) and an anode pin (312), electrically connected at the cathode pin to the motor side voltage (215) and the NPN collector pin (293) of the NPN transistor (290), the zener diode configured to stabilize the motor side voltage (215) to a zener voltage on a conductive path in the circuit in direct electrical contact with the cathode pin of the zener diode when the NPN transistor 290 is not activated. The gate actuator of any preceding claim, wherein the interrupter circuit (200) further comprises a mosfet (330) having a gate pin (331), a source pin (333), and a tap pin (332), the tap pin (332) being electrically connected to a second terminal (342) of the external load resistor (70), the source pin (333) being electrically connected to ground (220), and the interrupter circuit (200) being configured to provide a voltage greater than a 30 BE2023/5828 threshold voltage value of the mosfet when the voltage on the motor side (215) reaches the first predetermined voltage. The gate actuator of claim 14 when dependent on claim 13, wherein the gate pin (331) of the mosfet is electrically connected to the conductive path in the circuit in direct electrical contact with the cathode pin (293) of the zener diode, and wherein the interrupter circuit is configured such that the voltage at the gate pin (331) of the mosfet is the same as the voltage at the conductive path in the circuit in direct electrical contact with the cathode pin of the zener diode. The gate actuator of any preceding claim, wherein the printed circuit board (90) further comprises a control unit (95), the control unit electrically connected to the interrupt resistor circuit to receive a signal, and the control unit configured to determine whether the external load resistor (70) is activated based on the signal. 17. The gate actuator of claim 16, wherein the control unit (95) is configured to measure the motor side voltage (215), and wherein the control unit is configured to deactivate the external load resistor when the motor side voltage drops below a fourth predetermined value. The gate actuator of any preceding claim, wherein the interrupter circuit is configured to deactivate the external load resistor by toggling the D flip-flop (270). 31 BE2023/5828 The gate actuator of any preceding claim, wherein the printed circuit board (90) further comprises a control unit (95), the control unit configured to drive a clock signal to the CLK pin, and the interrupter resistor circuit configured such that the control unit cannot deactivate the external load resistor when the voltage on the motor side (215) is higher than the first predetermined value. 20. The gate actuator of claim 19, wherein the voltage at the CLR pin 276 of the D flip-flop is lower than the D flip-flop threshold voltage value of the D flip-flop when the voltage on the motor side (215) is higher than the first predetermined value. 21. The gate actuator of claim 19, wherein the D flip-flop threshold voltage value is 2 V. 22. The gate actuator of claim 17, wherein the fourth predetermined value is less than or equal to the first predetermined value. 23. A locking system comprising a support (1) and a locking element (2) connected to each other by at least one hinge (4), characterised in that the locking system further comprises a gate actuator (3) according to any of the preceding claims.