Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a door control panel device according to the appended claims.

Background art

A door control panel device is adapted to control the opening and closing of a door.

The door control panel device may be attached to a wall at the door opening and connected to an actuator, such as a motor or a pneumatic cylinder, which is configured for opening and closing the door. The door may be of any kind, which is provided with an actuator for opening and closing the door. Thus, the door may for example be a vertical moving door, a sliding door or a revolving door.

The door control panel device may be arranged on a wall surface outside of a building. Therefore, such door control panel device is exposed to water, wind and both low and high outside temperatures. The door control panel device may alternatively be arranged on a wall surface inside the building. Regardless of location, the door control panel device may be exposed to hard bumps and impacts from collisions with trucks or other vehicles or objects.

Due to the plurality of different type of doors, there are a plurality of door control panel devices, each adapted for the type of door to be controlled.

Summary

It is an object to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies in the art and disadvantages singly or in any combination and solve at least the above-mentioned problem.

These objects are achieved with the above-mentioned door control panel device according to the appended claims.

According to a first aspect there is provided a door control panel device for a controlling a door. The door control panel device comprising: a circuit board comprising a first and a second side, which circuit board is configured to be connected to the door; at least one switch arranged on the first side of the circuit board, the at least one switch being controllable between different positions for controlling the door; at least one light source arranged on the first side of the circuit board, the at least one light source being controllable for presenting information; an enclosing layer arranged for sealingly enclosing the first side of the circuit board, the at least one switch and the at least one light source, and a printing layer arranged on the enclosing layer, which printing layer indicates the position of the at least one switch on the door control panel device.

The door may be of any kind of door which is provided with an actuator for opening and closing the door. The actuator for opening and closing the door may be an electrical motor or a pneumatic cylinder. The door may for example be a traditional door, which is pivotable about a vertical axis, a vertical moving door or a revolving door.

The circuit board is adapted for the connection of mechanical, electrical and/or electronic components, which are soldered or printed directly on one or both sides of the board. The mechanical components may be mechanical switches or connectors. The electrical components may be power sources. The electronic components may be diodes. The circuit board may have any suitable shape, which is adapted for fulfill its technical purpose. However, the shape of the circuit board may also have a suitable design, which is adapted to the design of the door control panel device and/or the door, which the door control panel device is configured to control.

The first side of the circuit board has a surface, which may be adapted for the connection of mechanical, electrical and/or electronic components. The surface of the first side may be provided with protrusions for the connected components. The surface of the first side may be provided with connection devices for the components. The surface of the first side may be adapted for printing the components directly on the surface of the first side.

The second side of the circuit board has a surface, which may be adapted for the connection of mechanical, electrical and/or electronic components. The surface of the second side may be provided with protrusions for the connected components. The surface of the second side may be provided with connection devices for the components. The surface of the second side may be adapted for printing the components directly on the surface of the first side.

The connection of the circuit board to the door may be an electric connection by wire. The connection of the circuit board to the door may be wireless. Thus, the connection of the circuit board to the actuator for opening and closing of the door may be by an electric connection by wire or wireless, or a combination thereof. The wireless connection may be accomplished by a Wi-Fi connection. The wireless connection may be accomplished by a wireless link directly between the circuit board and the actuator for opening and closing of the door.

The switch may be a mechanical switch, which is controlled by a person, such as an operator of the door. The mechanical switch may control an electrical switch when controlled by the person. The switch may be configured to activate components on the circuit board to send an electrical signal to the actuator of the door in order to opening or closing the door.

The switch is controllable between different positions. The switch may be controllable from a first position in which the actuator of the door is not affected, to a second position in which the actuator of the door is affected in order to open or close the door.

The light source may be controllable to emit light or to be turned off and thus not emit light. The light source may be controllable to emit light of different intensity. The light source may be controllable to emit light of different colours. The light source may have any suitable shape.

The light source may be controllable for presenting information. The information may be presented by changing or alternating the colour of the light source. The light source may be arranged at a specific position on the circuit board for presenting the information. The light source may be designed with a shape corresponding to the information the light source should present. A number of light sources may be arranged on the circuit board. The light sources may be of the same type and be identical to each other. The light sources may be of different types and have different shapes. Each light source may be individually controlled.

Alternatively, all light sources may be controlled together. Alternatively, groups of light sources may be controlled together and different or similar controlled in relation to other groups of light sources.

The enclosing layer is configured to protect the components on the circuit board from water, moisture, dust and/or chemical substances in the air. The enclosing layer is configured to protect the circuit board from water, moisture, dust and/or chemical substances in the air. The enclosing layer is bounded to the circuit board. In addition, the enclosing layer is configured to protect the circuit board and the components on the circuit board from bumps and impacts from the surroundings. The enclosing layer may also be bounded to the components arranged on the circuit board. The enclosing layer is arranged for sealingly enclosing the first side of the circuit board, the at least one switch and the at least one light source. Thus, the enclosing layer will protect the at least one switch and the at least one light source from water, moisture, dust and/or chemical substances in the air. In addition, the enclosing layer may protect the at least one switch and the at least one light source from bumps and impacts from the surroundings. The enclosing may be attached to side edges of the circuit board and sealingly cover and enclose the first side of the circuit board.

The printing layer may have any suitably colour. The printing layer may have a number of different colours. The printing layer may indicate were different components are arranged on the circuit board. Thus, the printing layer may indicate the position of the at least one switch. Since the at least one switch is enclosed in the enclosing layer, the printing layer may guide the user of the door control panel device to find the position of the at least one switch on the door control panel device. The printing layer may be configured as signs, letters and/or text in order to provide information.

The printing layer is arranged on the enclosing layer. The printing layer may be arranged on parts or defined areas of the enclosing layer. The printing layer may cover the entire enclosing layer.

The door control panel device may be designed with fewer parts than known door control panel devices. This allows the door control panel device to be cost effective to produce. In addition, the door control panel device designed with fewer parts will be more reliable than known door control panel devices since the likelihood that a part or component fails will be reduced. The flexibility of the door control panel device according to the disclosure will increase due to the possibility to easily change the layout of the printing layer. For example, it is very easy to add or re-organize symbols by changing the layout of the printing layer. In addition, the flexibility of the door control panel device according to the disclosure will increase due to the possibility to easily arranging the at least one light source at any position on the first side of the circuit board.

According to an aspect, a number of light sources are spread out on the first side of the circuit board, each light source being controllable for presenting information. The light sources may be arranged all over the first side of the circuit board. Thus a number of light sources may be spread out on different positions on the first side of the circuit board. The light sources may be spread out in a pattern on the first side of the circuit board. The light sources may be spread out at positions on the first side of the circuit board where specific electronic components are positioned on the first side of the circuit board. The light sources may be spread out at positions on the first side of the circuit board in order to form a symbol. Each light source may be controllable for presenting information, such as different symbols. Such possibility to spread out the light sources on the first side of the circuit board will increase the flexibility of the door control panel device. In addition, the door control panel device may be adapted for different door systems and to different categories of operators using the door control panel device in order for the door control panel device to user friendly and easy to understand and handle.

According to an aspect, a number of light sources are arranged in a matrix on the circuit board, each light source being controllable for presenting information. Signs, symbols, numbers and letters may be configured by selecting some of the controllable light sources in the matrix to emit light and some of the controllable light sources in the matrix to be turned off and thus not emit light. Thus, the arrangement of the light sources in a matrix is convenient for presenting information, such as instructions how to configure, use and change the door system, and also present messages and information to users and operators of the door system. The matrix may have any suitable shape. The matrix may be arranged at any suitable position on the first side of the circuit board. The matrix of light sources may be arranged together with another matrix of light sources on the circuit board.

According to an aspect, the light sources are arranged in at least one multi-segment module, each light source in said at least one multi-segment module being controllable for presenting information. Signs, symbols, numbers and letters may be configured by selecting some of the controllable light sources in the multi-segment module to emit light and some of the controllable light sources in the multi-segment module to be turned off and thus not emit light. Any number of light sources may be arranged in the multi-segment module, which together may define the signs, symbols, numbers and letters to be presented. Thus, the arrangement of the light sources in a multi-segment module is convenient for presenting information. The multi-segment module may be arranged at any suitable position on the first side of the circuit board. A number of the multi-segment module may be arranged together side by side or at a distance from each other. The multi-segment module may be arranged together with the matrix of light sources.

According to an aspect the at least one multi-segment module is a seven-segment module or a eleven-segment module. The seven-segment module and eleven-segment module are both configured to present numbers or letters. In addition, these segment modules can also be controlled to present signs and symbols. Arranging several seven- segment module and/or eleven-segment modules together make it possible to present sentences and paragraphs about, for example, instructions how to configure, use and change the door system, and also present messages and information to users and operators of the door system.

According to an aspect at least one light barrier device is arranged on the first side of the circuit board and sealingly enclosed by the enclosing layer, which at least one light barrier device is configured to be arranged between the light sources and prevent light from the light sources to reach each other. The light barrier device will increase the clearness, contrast and the distinctness of the presented information, since light from one light source will not be spread in the direction of the surface of the circuit board. The light barrier device may comprise a material, which prevents light to pass through the material. The light barrier device may be painted in a colour, which prevents light to pass the paint on the light barrier device. The light barrier device may constitute a part of the circuit board, such that the first surface is provided with protrusions, which constitutes the light barrier device.

According to an aspect the at least one light source is a light emitting diode. Light emitting diodes are made in different shapes, colours and with different light intensity. Light emitting diodes are also reliable and have a long service of life. They are also of low cost and have low power consumption. Thus single light sources, the at least one matrix and the segment-modules may comprise light emitting diodes as light sources.

According to an aspect an area of the enclosing layer covering the at least one light source does not comprise the printing layer. Light is allowed to pass through the enclosing layer, which covering the light sources. However, the these areas on the first surface of the circuit board comprising the light sources are free from the printing layer, so that light from the light sources is visible.

According to an aspect a protective surface layer is arranged on the enclosing layer and the printing layer. The protective surface layer is arranged on the surface of the printing layer and may also be arranged on these areas of the enclosing layer which are not covered with a printing layer. The protective surface layer will protect the door control panel device from scratches or other physical impact on the enclosing layer and the printing layer. The protective surface layer may protect the door control panel device from day light, which may bleach or decolorize the printing layer or impair light transmittance of the enclosing layer.

According to an aspect the at least one switch comprises a pushable dome button. The dome button of the switch is a mechanical piece, which is controlled by a person, such as an operator of the door. When pushing the dome button an electrical switch is activated, which breaks power to a power consumer or closes an electric circuit comprising the power consumer. The switch, physically controlled by the pushable dome button, may be configured to activate components on the circuit board to send an electrical signal to the actuator of the door in order to opening or closing the door. The switch is controllable between different positions. The switch may be controllable from a first position in which the actuator of the door is not affected, to a second position in which the actuator of the door is affected in order to open or close the door. The pushable dome button may be covered by the enclosing layer, the printing layer and the protective surface layer. When the user or operator pushes the dome button, the enclosing layer, the printing layer and the protective surface layer may flex due to resilient properties of the enclosing layer, the printing layer and the protective surface layer. Thus, the pushable dome button of the switch is advantageous and convenient to be covered or embedded in the enclosing layer, which is covered by the printing and the protective surface layers.

According to an aspect at least one light indicator arranged on the circuit board, wherein the at least one light indicator at least partly surrounding the pushable dome button, and an area of the enclosing layer covering the least one light indicator does not comprise the printing layer. The light indicator may indicate the position of the pushable dome button and thus also the switch. Since the pushable dome button is enclosed in the enclosing layer, the printing layer and the protective surface layer, the light indicator may guide the user of the door control panel device to find the position of the pushable dome button and thus also the switch on the door control panel device. The light indicator may be configured as a sign or a symbol, which at least partly surrounding the pushable dome button. The light indicator may not be covered by the printing layer. However, the printing layer may be arranged on the pushable dome button and provided with a sign or symbol for indicating the position of the pushable dome button.

According to an aspect the at least one light indicator is a light emitting diode. The light emitting diode constituting the light indicator may be made in different shapes and adapted to the specific component of the door system the pushable dome button and the switch should activate and deactivate. The light emitting diode constituting the light indicator may have a suitable colour and light intensity adapted for the specific component to be operated in the door system. According to an aspect a rechargeable power unit is arranged on the circuit board and sealingly enclosed in the enclosing layer. The rechargeable power unit may be arranged on the first side of the circuit board and sealingly enclosed in the enclosing layer. Alternatively, the rechargeable power unit may be arranged on the second side of the circuit board. The rechargeable power unit may be charged when in place on the circuit board or when removed from the circuit board. The rechargeable power unit may be a complement to a main power source, which provides the door control panel device with power. In case there will be an interruption in the main power, the rechargeable power unit will provide components on the circuit board with power.

According to an aspect a wireless communication unit is arranged on the circuit board. The wireless communication unit may be arranged on the first side of the circuit board and sealingly enclosed in the enclosing layer. Alternatively, the wireless communication unit may be arranged on the second side of the circuit board. The wireless communication unit may be configured to communicate with the actuator of the door in order to control the actuator. The wireless communication unit may be configured to communicate with a computer, such as an external computer, for receiving instructions. Alternatively, or in addition to the wireless communication unit, the circuit board may comprise a connector for connecting the door control panel device with a wire to the the actuator of the door in order to control the actuator. The wire may also be connected to a main power source for providing the components on the circuit board with power. In addition, the door control panel device may be configured to communicate with a computer, such as an external computer, for receiving instructions through the wire.

According to an aspect a programmable control device is arranged on the circuit board. The control device may be arranged on the first side of the circuit board and sealingly enclosed in the enclosing layer. Alternatively, the control device may be arranged on the second side of the circuit board. The control device may be connected to the light sources on the circuit board. The control device may be configured to communicate with the actuator of the door in order to control the actuator. The control device may be configured to communicate with an external computer for receiving instructions. The control device may be configured to communicate with the wireless communication unit. The control device may be connected to the switch and be configured to receive instructions from the switch. The door control panel device may comprise a number of switches and thus be connected to all switches and be configured to receive instructions from all switches. According to an aspect the enclosing layer comprises a silicone layer. The sealing an protection properties of silicone will protect the circuit board and the components enclosed by the silicone layer. In addition, silicone has flexible and resilient properties, so that the enclosing may flex when the user or operator pushes the dome button.

According to an aspect the circuit board is a printed circuit board. The advantage to providing the door control panel device with a printed circuit board is that the reliability of the device increases and the manufacturing cost of the device will decrease. In addition, the overall design of the door control panel device will be reduced due to the compact design of the printed circuit board. As a result, the aesthetic impression of the door control panel device will increase.

A further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given below. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only. Various changes and modifications within the scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description.

Hence, it is to be understood that the herein disclosed invention is not limited to the particular component parts of the device described or steps of the methods described since such device and method may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. It should be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claim, the articles "a", "an", "the", and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements unless the context explicitly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a unit" or "the unit" may include several devices, and the like. Furthermore, the words "comprising", "including", "containing" and similar wordings does not exclude other elements or steps.

Brief descriptions of the drawings

The above objects, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of example embodiments of the present invention, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 shows a schematic front view of a vertical moving door system provided with a door control panel device according to the invention, with a vertical moving door in an open position,

Fig. 2 shows a schematic view in perspective of a revolving door provided with a door control panel device according to the invention,

Fig. 3 shows a schematic front view of a door control panel device according to the invention, and

Fig. 4 shows a schematic cross sectional view along line I - 1 in fig. 3.

Detailed description

The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred example aspects and embodiments of the disclosure are shown. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the herein disclosed embodiments. The disclosed aspects and embodiments are provided to fully convey the scope of the disclosure to the skilled person.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic front view of a door system 2 provided with a door control panel device 1. The door system 2 comprises a door 3, which is a vertical moving door. Lift cables 4 are connected to the door 3, and tracks 6 are arranged on each side of the door 3.

The door 3 is moveable from a closed position to an open position. In the open position, the door 3 is positioned in a substantial vertical position above an opening 8 of in wall 10. In fig. 1 the door 3 is disclosed in the open position. An actuator, such as a motor 12, is mounted either directly on the wall 10 or at one of the tracks 6. The lift cables 4 are in one end connected to the motor 12 via cable drums 14 and in the other end connected to the door 3. The motor 12 is configured to wind up and unwind the first and second lift cables 4 on the cable drums 14 and thereby move the door 3 between the open and closed position. The door control panel device 1 is arranged on the wall 10 beside the door opening 8 in the wall 10. The door control panel device 1 is connected to the motor 12 by means of a wire 18.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic view in perspective of a door system 2 comprising door 3, which is a revolving door. The door system 2 is provided with a door control panel device 1. The door system 2 comprises curved side walls 20, between which the door 3 centrally revolves. Three door panels 22 are arranged extending in the radial direction from a central rotor axis 24. An electric drive motor 12 is schematically disclosed and is connected to the central rotor axis 24. Rotating the central rotor axis 24 by means of the drive motor 12 will also rotate the door panels 22 connected to the central rotor axis 24. The drive motor 12 is located in and mounted to a ceiling construction 26 above the door panels 22 of the door 3. The door system 2 is installed in a building wall 10. The door control panel device 1 is arranged on the wall 10 beside the door 2. The door control panel device 1 is wireless connected to the motor 12.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic front view of the door control panel device 1. The door control panel device 1 comprises a circuit board 30, which is arranged in a frame 32. The frame 32 is provided with an aperture or opening 34 for access to a first side 36 of the circuit board 30. The frame 32 is provided with recesses 38 for the attachment of the door control panel device 1 on for example a wall 10. Three switches 40, 42, 44 are arranged on the circuit board 30. A first switch 40 may be configured to open the door 3. A second switch 42 may be configured to close the door 3 (see fig. 1). A third switch 44 may be configured to stop the movement of the door 3. A printing layer 46 on the circuit board 30 indicates the position and the function of the switches 40, 42, 44. The printing layer 46 indicates the first and second switches 40, 42 with arrows and the third switch 44 with a circle. The arrows and the circle may have different colors. Light sources 48 are arranged on the circuit board 30. The light sources 48 are controllable and configured for presenting information. A number of light sources 48 are spread out on the first side 36 of the circuit board 30. The light sources 48 may be spread out at positions on the circuit board 30 in order to form symbols. A symbol 50 for wireless connection is arranged on the circuit board 30. A number of light sources 48 are arranged in a matrix 52 on the circuit board 30. A number of light sources 48 are arranged in multi-segment modules 54, 56 on the circuit board. Three seven-segment modules 54 and three eleven-segment modules 56 are arranged on the circuit board 30.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic cross sectional view along line I - 1 in fig. 3. The circuit board 30 may be a printed circuit board. The circuit board 30 comprising the first side 36 and a second side 58. The three switches 40, 42, 44 are arranged on the first side 36 of the circuit board 30. The switches 40, 42, 44 are controllable between different positions for controlling the door 3 (see fig. 1). The switches 40, 42, 44 comprises pushable dome buttons 60. The light sources 48 are arranged on the first side 36 of the circuit board 30. The light sources 48 are controllable for presenting information. The light sources 48 are light emitting diodes. An enclosing layer 62 is arranged for sealingly enclosing the first side 36 of the circuit board 30, the switches 40, 42, 44 with the pushable dome buttons 60 and the light sources 48. The printing layer 46 is arranged on the enclosing layer 62. Light barrier devices 64 are arranged on the first side 36 of the circuit board 30 and sealingly enclosed by the enclosing layer 62. A protective surface layer 66 is arranged on the enclosing layer 62 and the printing layer 46.

Light indicators 68 are arranged on the circuit board 30, wherein the light indicators 68 at least partly surrounding the pushable dome buttons 60. The light indicators 68 may be light emitting diodes. A rechargeable power unit 70 is arranged on the circuit board 30. A wireless communication unit 72 is arranged on the circuit board 30. A programmable control device 74 is arranged on the circuit board 30.

Alternatively, or in addition to the wireless communication unit 72, the circuit board 30 may comprise a connector 76 for connecting the door control panel device 1 with a wire 18 to the the motor 12 (see fig. 1) of the door 3 in order to control the motor 12. The wire 18 may also be connected to a main power source 78 for providing the components on the circuit board 30 with power. In addition, the door control panel device 1 may be configured to communicate with a computer 80, such as an external computer, for receiving instructions through the wire 18. The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. The person skilled in the art further realizes that modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. Additionally, all aspects and embodiments of the invention could be combined with the other aspects and embodiments of the invention. Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.