EP1905939A1 - Access device for pets - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (2) has an electronic device (8) to release a door (4) at a frame (6) from a locked state when a radio frequency controlled identification device (RFID) transponder is located in proximity of a reader device. The door is released only by the transponder with an identification code that matches a corresponding identification code contained in a list stored in a data storage unit. The device (8) is configured such that any transponder located in proximity to the reader device is included in the list by an input to a switching device.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to an access device for pets, in particular for dogs and cats, according to the preamble of claim 1. The access device in this context, in particular access means meant, which have such doors through which the pets can pass through. In principle, however, it should also include those access devices with which the pets are transported to or into suitable facilities or spatially delineated areas, e.g. can get to feed intake.

State of the art

Special access devices for pets, especially for dogs and cats, have been around for a long time. Thus, the need is met that these animals independently in the living room of a dwelling or house is granted admission, without the need for the direct assistance of a person, Such access devices usually contain a hinged flap with an overhead suspension or a swinging door.

But with these access facilities, the problem arises that wild, feral or simply alien animals, even predators such as foxes, etc. can gain access. This should be prevented. According to the present state of the art, a number of solutions have been offered for this, but they all seem disadvantageous.

From the US-A-2004/0163316 First of all, a lockable pet door is known, which mechanically has all the necessary features, but provides no support for the detection of the legal pets and a discrimination of other animals.

From the US-A-2003/0204996 An access control is known in which a trap door is opened by means of a remote control. Rather disadvantageous here is the mechanical arrangement of the trapdoor. An individual access control without the intervention of an operator is at the US-A-2003/0204996 not provided. The only way to deter strangers is through a timer that automatically locks the door after access.

From the US-A-2002/0011217 is a pet door known in which the pet should wear a collar, which then automatically activate a reed switch and open a flap door. An individual access control is thus not guaranteed. Although wild animals could be kept who do not wear such a collar. On the other hand, however, access is possible for all animals that wear a corresponding collar with a Reedswitch activating magnet. A similar collar solution is from the US-A-5,872,516 known, where an ultrasonic communication is proposed.

In the US-A-5992096 a solution is proposed with a flap door, in which a collar detector sends back an individual signal to a query a reading device and then - including the signal of a motion detector - opens the folding mechanism. A similar access door - but without a motion sensor - is from the US-A-6,141,911 known, there again a time-limited opening of the door is provided. In the US 6,297,739 B1 on the other hand, an identification sensor is still coupled with a weight sensor in order to jointly make it difficult for these two sensors to gain unauthorized access by unauthorized animals.

From the US-A-2004/0113796 In contrast, a sliding door is known, which also works with an RFID identification sensor, but is preferably provided for retrofitting in a window.

These facilities may be suitable for the access of a single particular animal. However, the problem remains that the individualized access doors must be programmed to allow access to a single animal, but not to other animals, be they foreign pets, wild animals or even wild animals. Although it would be conceivable that an identification transmitter factory a very specific identification carrier, so e.g. a collar, is assigned. This solution does not seem very flexible. Finally, if access is to be allowed for a number of animals, then all the systems according to the prior art described will reach a limit.

Meanwhile, it is common, e.g. for a veterinary treatment, but also for legal reasons, each pet of a certain kind to implant an RFID transponder. It would therefore be desirable if such, the pet already for other reasons, but possibly also for the purpose of access control, already used RFID transponder can also be used for access control. Of course, it would be possible to provide the access door with an input device in which a permissible code, e.g. a multi-digit number or a specific barcode is entered. However, it would be very expensive if such an input device would have to be provided on a pet access door.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide an access device with individualized access for pets, in particular for cats, in which without a complex input device for the code of a transponder, which is planted in the animal or attached to the animal, a particular animal or a Variety of animals is allowed.

The object of the invention is achieved by an access device according to claim 1. Initially, the measures of the invention result in individually allowing access and exit through the door for the particular pet or group of pets while otherwise keeping the door locked. The additional access of one or more skin animals can be granted without having to enter any data manually. Also additional devices are not necessary.

Advantageous embodiments are shown in claims 2 to 6.

Advantageous is the embodiment of the invention, when the reading device for transponders in the vicinity does not have to be operated constantly in order to search this area for pets, but the electronics is in a partially active standby mode. By a touch sensor or a proximity sensor, which acts as a simple switch on the door, but also as a motion sensor as in the US 6,297,739 B1 can be trained, then the transponder operation is activated and it can be determined whether the previously detected contact the flap of the door was triggered by an approved pet (claim 2). Especially in this case, an operation with a non-rechargeable battery or with a rechargeable battery is possible (claim 3).

In special cases, it may be advantageous if the door is open in one direction, independently of the electronic identification, in order, for example, to allow an animal to leave a protected area in any case and independently of the identified transponder. In other cases, it may be advantageous if the door is closed in a direction independent of the electronic identification, for example, to keep an animal locked up on his return (claim 4). Furthermore, it may be advantageous to allow leaving a protected area in each case and independently of the identified transponder.

Also advantageous is a manual closure, which then regardless of the identified transponder, the door either locked firmly (claim 5) or kept constantly open (claim 6), so as to e.g. to prevent a possible power failure, in which then the animal would be locked inadvertently.

The embodiment is advantageous as a pet bell when signaled by an acoustic signaling device, the authorized passage is signaled by a beep. This function can also be effected optically, preferably by a light signal (claims 7 and 8). The connection between the door and the signaling device can be formed conventionally by a cable, but also by a transmitting device.

According to claim 9 it is provided that the locking mechanism can be overwritten in case of a power failure in one direction, preferably for allowing the exit of the inner area, or in both directions, optionally by a release. This can ensure that in the event of a power failure, the animal does not remain trapped and possibly also, for example, Has access to the feed. However, the door can also be completely locked mechanically if e.g. no pet is present and therefore the access mechanism should remain closed.

The above-mentioned as well as the claimed and described in the following embodiments, according to the invention to be used elements are subject to their size, shape design, material usage and their technical conception no special conditions of exception, so that the well-known in the respective field of application selection criteria can apply without restriction.

Brief description of the drawings

Figur 1

die Darstellung einer Zugangseinrichtung von der Stirnseite gemäss einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Figur 2

den Einbau der Zugangseinrichtung gemäss Figur 1 in einer Wand mit einer Dicke von 5 mm;

Figur 3

den Einbau der Zugangseinrichtung gemäss Figur 1 in einer Wand mit einer Dicke von 40 mm; und

Figur 4

den Einbau der Zugangseinrichtung gemäss Figur 1 in einer Wand mit einer Dicke von 300 mm.

Further details, advantages and features of the subject matter of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the associated Drawings in which - for example - doors according to the invention for pets are explained. In the drawings shows:

FIG. 1

the representation of an access device from the front side according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2

the installation of the access device according to Figure 1 in a wall with a thickness of 5 mm;

FIG. 3

the installation of the access device according to Figure 1 in a wall with a thickness of 40 mm; and

FIG. 4

the installation of the access device according to Figure 1 in a wall with a thickness of 300 mm.

Ways to carry out the invention

The access device for pets, denoted overall by 2 in FIG. 1 as a whole, in the present embodiment is particularly suitable for cats, but also for dogs and other domestic animals such as e.g. suitable for rabbits, turtles guinea pigs etc. and can be installed in a wall, but also in a normal door, in a window, etc.

The access device has as a door hinged to a horizontally disposed hinge flap 4, which is attached via the hinge to a frame 6. The flap is designed so that it can fold up on both sides, thus freeing access. An arranged in the frame 6 Elektronikboard 8 controls primarily the locking system 10. This can also be manually adjusted by the flap is constantly locked or constantly open. Optionally, the permanent opening or locking state can also be done in one direction. The locking mechanism 10 has in the present embodiment, a knob, which in different This is then displayed on the display 14, which consists in the embodiment of two LEDs on the access device.

The electronic board is powered in the embodiment by an accumulator with electrical power, the accumulator 22 is charged by an external power supply 18. The power supply is connected to the connector 20 with the access device.

It is essential for the invention that the electronic board 8 comprises a reading device for transponders which reads the code from a transponder chip located in the vicinity of the reading device and compares it with a list stored in the electronic board 8. Alternatively, the reader may also be located separate from the electronics board, for example, if space requires it. The reading device is connected to an antenna device 24 which is in communication with the transponder. Preferably, the transponder will be implanted in a pet, but it is also possible to use the transponder, e.g. To wear on the collar or to attach to the ear.

Initially, the list stored in the electronics board 8 is empty, ie no pets have been given any access authorization at the factory. If a pet is to be granted such authorization with a corresponding, hitherto unknown transponder, then this can be brought into the effective range of the antenna. By operating the simple switch 12, which is designed as a push-button, the transponder code of the transponder on or in the pet is now read and added to the list of approved pets. The storage is acknowledged with a signal of display 14 (blinking). At the next approach of this pet, when compared to the stored list, that particular pet will be recognized again and within the set permissions (one-way or two-way Access). The locking mechanism 10 is thus opened; as far as it allows an electrical opening in relation to its knob.

In the present embodiment, however, the locking mechanism can be overwritten in a power failure at least in the direction outwards, optionally also in the direction inwards, optionally by a release, so that the pet is not permanently locked in a power failure.

In the present embodiment, the access device 2 further comprises a proximity sensor 16. Namely, it is provided for the sake of power saving that the reading device should be inactive until the proximity sensor 16 detects an object in its vicinity. Only then is the electronics switched on and the reading process and the comparison of the read transponder code with the list carried out and a decision about the admission of the transponder carrying pet falls. Alternatively, instead of the proximity sensor 16, a touch sensor may also be incorporated in the door of the access device, which then requires the animal to attempt to pass through the door and then trigger the read operation by that touch sensor. The function is the same.

As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the access device can be installed in very different thicknesses of thickness from less than 5 mm to over 30 mm, since the antenna 24 is always located outside and the flap itself does not shield the radio waves of the reading device.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

access device

4

door

6

frame

8th

electronics Board

10

locking system

12

Push-button for approval

14

Ads for the closing state

16

touch sensor

18

power adapter

20

plug

22

Accumulator

24

antenna

26

wall

Claims (9)

Access device (2) for pets, in particular for dogs and cats, through which pets can pass or reach suitable facilities or physically separated areas, with a frame and a frame (6) pivotally arranged door (4), further comprising a device (10), with which the door (4) is lockable on the frame (6), an electronic device (8) with a data memory with which the opening and locking of the door (4) on the frame (6) can be controlled A power supply (18, 20, 22) for said electronic device (8) comprising a Radio Frequency Identified Identification (RFID) reader in communication with or part of said electronic device (8) and comprising an antenna device (12). 24) for communication with one or more radio frequency controlled identification (RFID) parts, a switch means (10) with which an operation of the genann electronic device (8), wherein said electronic device (8) is adapted to release the door (4) on the frame (6) from a locked state when a radio frequency controlled identification (RFID) device is in the Proximity of the reading device, whereby only those radio-frequency-controlled identification parts effect a release having an identification code corresponding to a corresponding identification code in a list stored in the data memory of said electronic device (8) and wherein the electronic device (8) is arranged to in that radio-frequency-controlled identification parts (RFID) located in the vicinity of the reading device can be included in the list by an input on said switching device (12). Access device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a touch or proximity sensor (16), and in that it is arranged to be in an inactive or power-saving partially active state until the touch or proximity sensor (16) emits a signal. An access device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said power supply means (22) is based on non-rechargeable battery or accumulator operation. Access device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a release of the door (4) on the frame (6) by radio frequency controlled identification parts, commanded by a manual actuator (10) is effected in each case only in one direction, while in the other direction the Door (4) on the frame (6) is locked or opened. Access device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the door (4) on the frame (6) by a manual actuator (10) independently of said electronic device (8) is lockable. Access device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the door (4) on the frame (6) by a manual actuator (10) independently of said electronic device (8) is releasable. Access device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an acoustic signaling device which signals the authorized passage by a signal tone. Access device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an optical signal device, which signals the authorized passage by an optical signal, preferably a light signal. Access device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking mechanism can be overwritten in case of power failure in one direction or in both directions, optionally by a release.

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