Turnstile apparatus

Abstract

This invention relates to a turnstile construction of the type including a barrier arm normally blocking passage beyond the turnstile. The construction is of the type adapted to be automatically operated upon the deposit of a proper fare, and the operation includes the location of the turnstile arm on a support, and the operation of drive means for moving the support and associated arm as a person moves through the turnstile. The drive means is designed so that the barrier arm will move at a constant speed when unaffected by any forces applied by persons moving through the turnstile, and the drive mechanisms are such that the arm movement can be increased or decreased depending upon the force applied by a person moving through the turnstile. The arm includes at least some light transmitting portions and a light system is associated with the arm whereby the operating condition of the arm can be determined by the person desiring to pass through the turnstile. Thus, a person using the turnstile can visually determine whether the arm is free to be moved or is locked.

Description

This invention relates to an improved turnstile construction. The invention is particularly directed to a turnstile construction which is particularly directed to a turnstile construction which is characterized by a highly automated and reliable operation whereby a construction of maximum effectiveness is achieved.

The development of rapid transit systems, particularly in large metropolitan areas, is rapidly advancing. In order to provide the most efficient and economical operations, the systems are preferably designed so that the various phases thererof can be automatically operated.

In large scale rapid transit operations, a very large volume of persons must be handled. In addition, such operations are subjected to peak load periods, that is, the traditional morning and evening commuter rush-hour periods. Since manual fare collecting can become extremely burdensome in such situations and can seriously slow down operations, attempts have been made to develop turnstile constructions for collecting fares and for admitting passengers depending upon the payment of the proper fare.

Existing turnstile constructions have been found to suffer from various limitations. The constructions are often confusing in their operation whereby the constructions themselves lead to delays in the operation of the transit system. Furthermore, the constructions are not always versatile enough for maximum operating efficiencies. For example, such constructions are often limited to "one-way" use.

It is a general object of this invention to provide an improved turnstile construction particularly suitable for use in conjunction with rapid transit systems.

It is a more specific object of this invention to provide a turnstile construction which is characterized by a highly reliable but economical operating system whereby the turnstile can be used in a system with minimum difficulty.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a turnstile construction of the type described wherein the construction is readily adaptable for operation in either direction, and whereby the construction accomplishes the dual direction operation without in any way reducing operating efficiency.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a turnstile construction which includes a barrier arm arrangement having signals associated therewith whereby the construction can be included in a system with a minimum of user confusion.

These and other objects of this invention will appear hereinafter, and for purposes of illustration, but not of limitation, specific embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a turnstile having barrier arm mechanisms of the type contemplated by the invention associated therewith;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view of the construction taken about the line 2--2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary plan view of the construction;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the circuit elements included in the construction of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary elevational view, partially cut-away, particularly illustrating the drive mechanisms of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the barrier arm taken about the line 6--6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken about the line 7--7 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary detail view illustrating the structures of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view taken about the line 9--9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a detailed view illustrating lighting mechanisms utilized in the construction; and,

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a gear structure utilized in the apparatus of the invention.

This invention generally relates to a turnstile construction of the type including a barrier arm mounted on a movable support so that the arm can be temporarily moved to a position permitting passage of a person through the turnstile. The invention is particularly concerned with the provision of drive means for the support, particularly the provision of a drive motor which is connected to the support. The drive connection to the support includes a variable torque transmitting means whereby the support can be normally driven at a set speed but with the speed being variable depending upon any forces applied to the barrier arm by a person moving through the turnstile. Thus, the barrier arm speed will be automatically increased or retarded so that the drive feature can be accomplished without in any way being detrimental to the turnstile operation.

The turnstile construction of the invention also includes a lighting system whereby the condition of the turnstile can be visually determined by persons passing through the turnstile. Specifically, the barrier arm includes light transmitting portions, and means for varying the color of these portions so that a person can determine whether the barrier arm is locked or unlocked and also whether some action must be taken before the turnstile can be used.

The means for varying the color of the barrier arm are preferably connected to fare collecting mechanisms, and locking means for the barrier arm are also preferably included in the same operation. When a fare collecting condition has been fulfilled, for example, the deposite of money or the insertion of a ticket or pass, then the barrier arm can be unlocked and the lighting means operated to display the unlocked condition.

The accompanying drawings illustrate the various novel features of the invention. FIG. 1 illustrates a typical turnstile construction including a pair of stanchions 10 located in spaced apart relationship to form an aisle through which persons can pass. Barrier arms 12 normally extend acrosss the aisle, and these arms are mounted on a support rotatable about an axis extending at an angle of 45.degree. relative to the vertical. The barrier arms extending across the aisle each comprise one arm of a tripod assembly of barrier arms, and in accordance with known structures, when a person passes through the turnstile, one arm moves from a blocking position while the next arm simultaneously moves into the blocking position.

As shown, a barrier arm assembly may be provided on each side of a stanchion 10 so that a plurality of aisles may be accommodated. In the embodiment shown, a pair of barrier arms extend from opposite sides of the aisle; however, the concepts of this invention are also applicable to structures of the type providing only a single arm for blocking purposes at a given time. The stanchions 10 are formed of sheet metal, and these stanchions define hollow interiors suitable for the incorporation of various mechanisms. Referring to FIG. 3, the mechanisms may include a stanchion section 14 having an input slot 16 for receiving a fare which may be in the form of cash, a ticket, a pass, or some other acceptable device. In the case where the fare device is to be used repeatedly, e.g. a monthly pass card, an output slot is located at 18 so that the card or other device will be immediately reuturned to the user. Any suitable reading mechanism may be employed to be sure that counterfeit cards or other spurious devices are not used.

The stanchions are adapted to receive mechanisms for supporting the barrier arm assemblies and for holding drive mechanisms for the barrier arms. FIGS. 2 and 5 through 11 illustrate the various mechanisms associated with the barrier arm assemblies of this invention. These mechanisms include a support plate 20 having the barrier arms secured thereto by means of bolts 21. This plate defines three arms and, as best shown in FIG. 7, each of these arms is slotted for receiving a steel or other high strength re-enforcing sheet 22 for the arms. The sheets 22 bisect the respective arms, and these arms are preferably formed from a pair of translucent plastic sections 24 secured on opposite sides of the sheet.

The plate 20 is connected to a shaft 26, and this shaft in turn carries a drive gear 28. A drive pinion 30 engages the threads of the gear 28, and this pinion is mounted co-axially with gear 32. A plate 35 mounted on the stanchion wall supports the shaft 33 which carries this pinion and gear. The latter is driven by means of gear 34 which is mounted co-axially with gear 36 on shaft 37. A pinion 38 secured on shaft 40 imparts driving force to the gear 36. Accordingly, rotation of the shaft 40 will result in rotation of barrier arms 5.

The shaft 40, as best shown in FIG. 8, is connected to a drive motor 42 through a variable torque transmitting means 44. In this instance, the variable torque member comprises a pair of magnetic members aligned so that the rotation of one member will result in rotation of the other member due to the magnetic attraction between the members. On the other hand, if the force applied against a barrier arm were too great, this would automatically vary the speed of shaft 40. As explained, this difference in torque could occur in the event that a person rushed through a turnstile or in the event that one was too slow in passing through the turnstile to the extent that the drive motor would move a barrier arm against a person with the person then retarding the speed of the arm.

The shaft 40 also carries a pair of sprag clutches comprising toothed rotatable members 46 and 48 and associated pawls 50 and 52. The pawls are pivotally connected as shown at 54 in FIG. 9. The pawl 50 is attached to the end of core member 56 of solenoid 58, and a tension spring 60 is also attached at the end of this core member. The opposite end of the spring is attached to a stationary post 62 whereby the spring tends to normally pull the core out of the solenoid body and to thereby pivot the pawl out of contact with the toothed member 46.

The pawl 52 is provided with a corresponding arrangement with the solenoid 64 for this pawl being shown in FIG. 8. It will be noted, however, that the pawls 50 and 52 are mounted on opposite sides of the shaft 40, and the sprag clutches are such that when one of the toothed members is engaged, the shaft 40 will rotate in only one direction while if the other toothed member is engaged, the shaft member will rotate only in the other direction.

It will be appreciated that the drive arrangement illustrated particularly in FIGS. 5 and 8 provides for a substantial step-up in load capability from the motor 42 to the barrier arm support 20. Thus, even with a relatively low torque motor, a substantial load is applied to the barrier arm during its operation. By adjusting the gear sizes, a load selection is available, and the normal operating speed of the barrier arms is also controllable.

The barrier arm construction illustrated comprises a pair of translucent plastic halves 24 divided by the reenforcing member 22. With this arrangement, a light source will serve to illuminate the respective halves of the barrier arms so that any one approaching a turnstile of the invention can visually determine whether the turnstile is locked or unlocked or in some other condition. A mechanism for varying the color of the barrier arm portions is preferably employed. The ends of the halves 24 are open and the member 24 is notched at 25 to provide freedom of movement for the barrier arm relative to the color varying mechanism to be described.

A light source and color varying mechanism characterized by the features of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 10. A bulb 66 mounted in front of a parabolic reflector 68 provides a source of light at the end of a barrier arm when the arm is located in blocking position. A movable fan-shaped member 70 is interposed between the light source and the barrier arm, and this member carries colored filters 72, 74 and 76. In the embodiments illustrated, these filters are shown as green, amber and red filters to illustrate a condition where the barrier arm is unlocked, in an intermediate state, and locked. Obviously different color schemes may be employed for indicating these or other conditions of the construction.

The fan-shaped member 70 includes a stem portion 78, and a pin 80 is carried by this fan-shaped member. The pin 80 is received within a slot 82 defined by a reciprocally mounted plate 84. The cores 86 of a pair of solenoids 88 are connected at opposite ends of this plate member. When one of the solenoids is energized, the plate member will shift to move the amber filter away from the light source while moving a green or red filter into position. A tension spring 90 is connected to the pin 80 so that the fan-shaped member will be normally held in the central or "amber" position. This intermediate position would then advise persons that the turnstile was available for use provided a fare were deposited. An interrupter switch 91 may be actuated when the solenoid 88 is energized, and this switch can be connected to bulb 66 to provide for flashing of the bulb when the arm is red thereby emphasizing that the turnstile should not be approached from that direction. Such switches could also be used for the other colors.

It will be noted that a separate color varying mechanism is located on each side of the position occupied by the re-enforcing member 22 associated with a barrier arm located in the blocking position. Accordingly, the color appearing on one side of the barrier arm may differ from the color on the other side. This arrangement is particularly desirable where a turnstile can be approached from either direction but where it is only to be used in one direction. The red filter could be located in position for showing that the turnstile is not to be used in that direction while on the other side, the amber and green lights will be used. With the structures illustrated, including the color varying mechanisms and the pair of sprag clutches, the turnstile operation is bi-directional. Thus, the control elements for the construction can be readily set so that the turnstile is locked against use in one direction at a certain time of the day and then locked against use in the other direction at another time of the day. It will also be apparent that the sprag clutch locking arrangement permits use in both directions at any given time on an alternative basis.

FIG. 4 provides a schematic illustration of the sequence of operations involved in the practice of the preferred form of the invention. It will be appreciated that various conventional circuit elements and other controls can be utilized for purposes of obtaining the results called for in this schematic diagram.

A direction control selector 100 is connector to power supply 102 and this direction selector is adapted to operate throat shut-off mechanisms 104. This arrangement merely provides some means for preventing the insertion of a fare in a throat 16 if the particular turnstile is shut down or being used for traffic coming from the other direction.

The power supply is also connected to color selector mechanism 106, this mechanism being provided for operating the solenoids 88. If desired, an emergency power supply 108 can be connected to the light bulb 66 for illuminating the amber filters. Thus, under such conditions, the solenoids 88 would both be de-energized, and the emergency power would at least serve to indicate to a user that the turnstile is not closed to traffic in either direction.

It should further be noted that whenever power is off, the solenoids 58 and 64 are de-energized so that each sprag clutch is unlocked. The barrier arms can then be moved in either direction by a person pushing his way through the turnstile. Thus, under emergency conditions, the turnstiles will automatically set themselves for use without fare collection.

The ticket or fare collecting throat 16 is associated with a sensing element 110 whereby certain operations are commenced as soon as a person indicates his desire to pass through the turnstile. A reader logic device 112 is provided to determine if the proper fare, ticket, etc., is being used and, if not, a pulse is sent through element 114 to the solenoid controlling the red filter whereby the person obtains a visual indication that the turnstile is locked against passage.

If a proper use has been made, a pulse is sent through element 116 to an output throat sensing member 118. In the case of a ticket which is re-used several times, the ticket is removed by the individual, and element 120 senses this removal and sends a pulse to the color selector 106. This has the effect of de-energizing the solenoid controlling the filter holder whereby the filter holder automatically moves to the amber display position.

A photocell 122 directs a beam 124 across the path of movement of the person approaching the turnstile as shown in FIG. 3. When this beam is broken, the photocell operates to energize the solenoid controlling the green filter whereby a visual indication that the turnstile is unlocked is provided. The photocell also de-energizes one of the solenoids 58 or 64 which is controlled through the release mechanisms shown at 124.

The motor 42 may be a continuously operating motor so that upon release of the locking pawls, the gear train associated with the barrier arm support will immediately commence rotation of the support. When the support has rotated through 60.degree. (one-half a complete rotation where three barrier arms are employed), a 60.degree. re-setting mechanism 126 is operated. This re-setting mechanism is connected to the input throat sensing unit 110 so that unit can now receive a fare or ticket from the next person using the turnstile. The resetting mechanism is also connected to a timer 128 which is in turn connected to alarm 129. This arrangement is provided in the evnet that a person should remain stationary in the turnstile for an unusual length of time. Depending on the setting of the timer, an alarm will sound alerting an attendant if the barrier arm movement is being impeded. A homing reset mechanism 130 is actuated when the 120.degree. movement of the support is completed. This homing unit sends a signal to the release mechanism unit 124 for actuating the locking solenoids 58 and or 64 so that the barrier arm cannot be moved again until a proper fare is provided. A signal is also sent to the 60.degree. reset mechanism 126 to set this mechanism for the next operation.

As indicated, the motor 42 may operate continuously. If desired, however, the system may include a pulse unit 132 which receives signals from the 60.degree. reset mechanism. The pulse unit is connected in series with one or more motors 42 and with a motor timer 134. The input throat sensing unit 110 will send a signal to the motor timer whenever a person begins depositing a fare. This arrangement serves to automatically shut off the motors if there is any extended period of inactivity.

In accordance with a preferred form of the invention, the operation of the re-set mechanisms described is carried out through the use of means directly associated with the drive mechanisms for the barrier arm support. As shown in FIG. 11, the gear 28 carries three permanent magnets 136 situated at 120.degree. intervals. A first reed switch structure 138 is located 60.degree. removed from the rest position of the magnets, and accordingly, this reed switch operates the mechanism 126 as soon as the gear 28 has moved through 60.degree. . A second reed switch mechanism 140 is located for operation when the magnets are at the rest position so that the reed switch 140 will serve to operate the homing reset unit 130. More specifically, and referring to the description regarding the schematic illustration of FIG. 4, the reed switch 138 will be electrically connected to the resetting mechanism 126 so that opening and closing of the reed switch contacts will control the operation of that mechanism. Similarly, the condition of the contacts of reed switch 140 will determine the condition of the mechanisms comprising homing reset unit 130.

It will be understood that various changes and modifications may be made in the above described construction which provide the characteristics of the invention without departing from the spirit thereof particularly as defined in the following claims.

Claims

That which is claimed is:

1. In a turnstile construction wherein a barrier arm is mounted on a movable support, the arm being movable from a blocking position to a position permitting passage of a person through the turnstile, the construction defining a passageway for only a single person whereby the movement of the arm is by only one person moving through the construction in a single direction at any given operation of the construction, the improvement comprising drive means for said support, said drive means serving to move said arm in either direction and including a gear train, a drive motor having a drive shaft, means including variable torque transmitting means connecting the motor drive shaft to said gear train whereby said motor operates to drive said support at a predetermined speed when movement of the barrier arm is unaffected by a person moving through the turnstile, and whereby the arm speed is adapted to be increased or decreased when engaged by the person, means for locking said drive means to thereby hold said arm against movement by a person engaging the arm comprising a pair of locking means, one of said locking means serving to hold said arm against movement in one direction and the other lockihg means serving to hold said arm against movement in the opposite direction, said drive means and condition-responsive means for selectively releasing only one of said locking means at a time and for thereby permitting operation of said drive means to move said arm in only one direction at a time.

2. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said gear train includes a drive pinion, at least one drive gear connected between said pinion and said support whereby rotation of the pinion operates to move the support, and a shaft supporting said pinion, said variable torque transmitting means being interposed between the motor drive shaft and the pinion supporting shaft.

3. A construction in accordance with claim 2 wherein said support is driven by a gear in said train, said drive motor comprising a small capacity motor, said gear train being designed to step up the power transmission from said motor whereby said support is adapted to operate under high load conditions.

4. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said variable torque transmitting means comprises a hysteresis clutch.

5. A construction in accordance with claim 1 including a fare accepting means associated with the turnstile, insertion of the proper fare in the turnstile operating said condition-responsive means.

6. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said locking means comprise a pair of toothed wheels, said drive means including a shaft member supporting said toothed wheels, and locking pawls for each wheel for selectively engaging a tooth for each wheel.

7. A construction in accordance with claim 6 including a solenoid for controlling the movement of said pawl, spring means normally holding said pawl out of engagement with said wheel, energization of said solenoid operating to move said pawl into engagement with a tooth on said wheel, said condition-responsive means operating to de-energize said solenoid.

8. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said locking means comprise sprag clutches, a shaft forming part of said drive means for supporting said sprag clutches, one of said clutches permitting free rotation of its supporting shaft in one direction and the other of said clutches permitting rotation of its supporting shaft in the opposite direction.

9. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said barrier arm moves from a start position to a second position as each person moves through the construction, and including means for detecting arrival of the arm at the second position, and means operating in response to the detecting means for operating said locking means to hold the arm against further movement.

10. A construction in accordance with claim 9 including an additional detecting means for detecting an intermediate position of movement of said arm, and means for resetting the turnstile mechanisms in preparation for the next person arriving at the turnstile when said intermediate position of the arm is detected.

11. In a turnstile construction wherein a barrier arm is mounted on a movable support, the arm being movable from a blocking position to a position permitting passage of a person through the turnstile, the improvement comprising drive means for said support, a drive motor having a drive shaft, and means including variable torque transmitting means connecting the motor drive shaft to said support whereby said motor operates to drive said support at a predetermined speed when movement of the barrier arm is unaffected by a person moving through the turnstile, and whereby the arm speed is adapted to be increased or decreased when engaged by the person, means for locking said drive means to thereby hold said arm against movement by a person engaging the arm, and condition-responsive means for releasing said locking means and operating said drive to move said arm, and wherein said barrier arm moves from a start position to a second position as each person moves through the construction, and including means for detecting arrival of the arm at the second position, and means operating in response to the detecting means for operating said locking means to hold the arm against further movement, said detecting means comprising a magnetically operated switch, said drive means including a drive gear movable adjacent said switch, magnets disposed in angularly spaced apart relationship on said gear, the angular spacing between said magnets corresponding with the degree of movement of said arm between said start and second positions.

12. In a turnstile construction wherein a plurality of barrier arms are mounted on a movable support, the arms each being temporarily movable to positions permitting passage of a person through the turnstile when the proper fare has been collected from the person, the improvement wherein said arm includes light transmitting portions visible to persons using the turnstile, a light source, locking means for said arm, means for varying the color of the light visible to a person using the turnstile so that the person using the turnstile can visually determine whether the arm is locked or unlocked, said color varying means being located in a stationary position on the turnstile and said arms being successively movable into alignment with said color varying means as persons pass through the turnstile, and means connecting the fare collecting means to said locking means and to said means for varying the color whereby the color and the locked condition of the arm are controlled by th fare collecting means.

13. A construction in accordance with claim 12 wherein said color varying means comprise a pivotally mounted holder, colored filters mounted in said holder, said holder being positioned between said light source and said arm, and means for pivoting said holder to move different filters into position opposite said light source.

14. A construction in accordance with claim 13 wherein said filters are provided to illustrate an open position, an intermediate position, and a locked position.

15. A construction in accordance with claim 12 wherein said arm comprises a light transmitting portion on both sides thereof, a light blocking member located between said light transmitting portions, and including color varying means for independent alignment with each side of a barrier arm whereby different colors can be displayed on opposite sides of the arm.

16. A construction in accordance with claim 15 wherein said barrier arms are formed of a translucent material, said light blocking member comprising a member extending the length of said barrier arms and serving to re-enforce the barrier arm.