BE1032033A1 - A gate actuator - Google Patents

Abstract

A gate actuator comprises: an elongated housing comprising a frame (12) and a shell (13), the frame configured to be mounted on the support and the shell slidably mounted on the frame; an electric actuator (50, 51) within the housing; and an arm (6) transmitting rotation of the electric actuator to a gate pivotally connected to the support. The gate actuator further includes a lock (64) movable between an open position, in which the shell is slidable longitudinally relative to the frame, and a closed position, in which the shell is fixed to the frame. The use of a multi-part housing conveniently allows access to the internal components of the gate actuator.

Description

1 BE2023/5824

A gate actuator

Technical field

The present invention relates to a gate actuator for actuating a gate that is pivotally connected to a support by means of a hinge. The present invention further relates to a closing system comprising the gate actuator. The present invention also relates to a method for adjusting a gate actuator.

State of the art

Various types of gate actuators are known in the art, for example spring-loaded gate actuators as described in WO 2012/103572 which only serve to close the gate; hydraulically damped spring-loaded gate actuators as described in WO 2018/228729 which only serve to close the gate; and motorised gate actuators as described in WO 2019/048359 which serve to open and close the gate. The present invention generally relates to gate actuators of the latter type, which are operated by an electric drive. Given the use of an electric drive which is therefore responsible for both opening and closing the gate, these types of gate actuators are also often referred to as “gate openers”.

The gate actuator described in WO 2019/048359 comprises: an elongated housing configured to be mounted against a support, the elongated housing extending in a longitudinal direction between an upper end and a lower end; an electric actuator within the housing, the electric actuator having an output shaft rotatable (i.e. in a direction of rotation about the longitudinal direction) upon activation of the electric actuator; and an arm extending between a proximal

2 BE2023/5824 end and a distal end and is configured to actuate the gate (i.e. open or close) upon rotation of the output shaft, the proximal end being coupled to the output shaft and the distal end being configured to be connected to the hinge or gate. The output shaft is normally rotatable in two opposing rotational directions, i.e. a first rotational direction (e.g. clockwise) for opening the gate and a second rotational direction (e.g. counterclockwise) for closing the gate.

WO 2019/048359 does not disclose any details regarding the construction of the housing and merely states that it is fixed to the support, either above or below the hinge.

WO 2019/048359 further discloses that the gate actuator is provided with a lock. This lock serves to lock the motor body of the electric motor to the housing of the gate actuator. Unlocking the lock allows the motor body to rotate freely within the housing and therefore allows the gate to be opened manually, for example in the event of a power failure.

Description of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an electric gate actuator with an improved housing.

According to the present invention, this object is achieved by the elongated housing comprising a frame and a shell, the frame being configured to be mounted on the support and the shell being mounted to the frame, and the gate actuator further comprising a lock movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein, in said open position, the shell is longitudinally slidable relative to the frame from its mounted position to an open position, and wherein, in said closed position, the shell is fixed to the frame.

The present invention therefore provides a multi-part

3 BE2023/5824 housing, part of which (i.e. the frame) is fixed to the support and another part (i.e. the casing) is slidably attached to the frame. The use of a multi-part housing conveniently allows access to the internal components of the gate actuator (such as the electric drive). A defective component can therefore be easily replaced without the need for a completely new gate actuator. The lock serves to prevent the casing from accidentally sliding relative to the frame and to prevent unauthorized persons from gaining access to the internal components of the gate actuator.

An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the gate actuator is further provided with an electronic control within the housing configured to control the gate actuator.

In the state of the art, the electronic control of a gate actuator is incorporated into the support on which the gate actuator is mounted. This is because there is a large volume available inside the support to place components. The disadvantage, however, is that a sufficiently large opening must be made in the hollow support to allow the electronic control to be placed therein, which can damage the finish (e.g. the paint) and adversely affect the structural integrity. To avoid this, in this embodiment, the electronic control is mounted inside the housing.

An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the electronic control comprises a control module, an input-output, IO, module, and a memory, the memory being configured to store a set of parameters describing a closing movement and/or opening movement of the gate relative to the support, such as a rotation speed, a duration, a final stroke, etc., the IO module being configured to receive an (external) activation signal for opening or closing the gate, wherein

4 BE2023/5824 the control module is configured to generate control signals for the electric drive on the basis of the stored set of parameters after receiving the external activation signal, and the IO module is further configured to send the control signals to the electric drive.

These modules (i.e. a control module, such as a processor; a

IO module, such as a transceiver, a keypad, etc.; and a memory, such as a static memory) provide the basic functions required for operating the gate actuator.

An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the IO module is further configured to receive adjustment signals generated by a user, and wherein the control module is further configured to adjust one or more parameters in said set based on the received adjustment signals.

In this embodiment, an end user (e.g. an installer who places the gate actuator, a resident of the building where the gate actuator is used, etc.) can configure the closing movement of the gate and the opening movement of the gate according to his own wishes (e.g. an adjustment of the time required to open or close the gate).

To this end, the end user generates the necessary setting signals, for example by an application on an end terminal (such as a smartphone, tablet, etc.). These setting signals are then sent from the end terminal to the IO module, after which the control module makes the necessary adjustments to the parameters stored in memory.

An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the electronic control further comprises a detection module configured to: detect a position of the cover relative to the frame; and generate a detection signal upon detection that the cover is in its open position, wherein the control module can perform said adjusting of one or more parameters only during and/or in a certain period after receipt of the detection signal.

This embodiment prevents any user who can generate setting signals from simply adjusting the setting of any 5 gate actuator. The (re)setting of the (saved) parameters is only possible if a signal is received indicating that the enclosure is in its open position.

And placing the cover in the open position requires use of the key that locks the cover to the frame. In other words, (re)programming the gate actuator can only be done by a user who also has a physical key to remove the cover.

An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the IO module is further configured to receive an identification signal generated by a user, wherein the control module can perform said adjustment of one or more parameters only during and/or in a certain period after receipt of the identification signal.

This embodiment provides an additional level of security in that the (re)programming of the gate actuator can only be done after receipt of an identification signal generated by the end user. Generating the identification signal can, for example, require identification via password, facial recognition, access code, etc. This allows (re)programming to be permitted only by certified installers or the person who purchased the gate actuator (e.g. via mandatory registration after purchase of the gate closer).

An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the detection module comprises a reed sensor and a permanent magnet, the reed sensor being attached to the frame and the permanent magnet being attached to the housing.

There are many known ways to change position between

6 BE2023/5824 detect two objects, e.g. an optical sensor, a pressure sensor, a contact switch, etc. A reed sensor with permanent magnet is a well-known system that is robust and durable for outdoor use and is therefore extremely suitable for use in a gate actuator. The system is also easily replaceable (if necessary) and has a low cost price, which is advantageous for mass production. In addition, it is advantageous to place the reed sensor on the frame because it must be physically connected to the other electronic components in the gate actuator (e.g. as part of a printed circuit board, via a connection with cables, etc.), while the permanent magnet does not require such physical connections and can therefore easily be mounted on a sliding element.

An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the reed sensor is configured to be activated upon removal of the permanent magnet.

Since the casing is usually in the closed position relative to the frame, this embodiment is advantageous for limiting current consumption in the gate actuator. In the closed position of the casing, the circuit with the reed sensor is open, so that no current is needed.

An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the casing is provided on its inside with a holder for holding the permanent magnet. This simplifies assembly of the gate actuator as the permanent magnet can easily be attached to the casing in the right place. For correct functioning of the reed sensor it is relevant that the permanent magnet is at a suitable distance.

An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the gate actuator further comprises a cover provided on the lower end of the housing for covering the same, the lock being mounted on the cover and having a lock cylinder which

7 BE2023/5824 extends in the longitudinal direction.

A cover is advantageous for closing the housing at the bottom. This is to reduce the risk of contamination, e.g. moisture, insects, etc. In addition, placing the lock on this cover with a lock cylinder that extends in the longitudinal direction is advantageous for preventing water infiltration into the lock and/or the gate actuator. The lock is located at the bottom of the gate actuator, which, due to gravity, drastically reduces the risk of water infiltration (especially compared to a lock placed on the side of the gate actuator). The lock is also typically hidden from the end user, which is a desired aesthetic side effect.

An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the cover is fixedly attached to the housing.

When the casing is opened, the cover (with the lock on it) therefore moves with the casing. This allows the cover to extend beyond the outer contour of the housing, which is advantageous for obtaining the desired sealing effect. This is difficult or impossible to achieve if the cover with lock is fixed to the frame, as the cover then obstructs the sliding movement of the casing.

An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the frame has a rear wall configured to face the support and two opposed upstanding side walls extending longitudinally, the shell being secured to the frame by the side walls.

The use of side walls to attach the shell to the frame maximizes the available internal volume within the housing compared to a shell that engages more centrally on the frame. Furthermore, the back wall can easily be shaped to match the support to which the gate actuator is to be attached. For example, the back wall can follow a partially cylindrical shape to match a support with

8 BE2023/5824 circular cross-section.

An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that each of said side walls is provided with a groove extending in the longitudinal direction and the casing is provided on its inner side with two opposite upright ribs which fit into a corresponding groove for securing the casing to the frame.

A groove with a matching rib (or tooth) is a simple way to slidably connect the casing to the frame without the need for complex mechanical couplings.

An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that each groove is a dovetail groove. Such a groove with corresponding rib ensures that the casing cannot be forced out of the groove laterally (i.e. perpendicular to the groove), for example by means of excessive force.

An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the gate actuator is further provided with a light, in particular an LED light, mounted on the frame, whereby an at least partially transparent cover is provided on the casing at the lower end.

Providing lighting on the underside of the gate actuator provides additional lighting that is seamlessly integrated into the gate actuator. This lighting can serve as a warning to indicate movement (i.e. opening or closing) of the gate. This lighting can also serve as mood lighting. Lighting that can generate different colours is therefore desirable.

A cover is, as already described above, advantageous for closing the housing at the bottom. This is to reduce the risk of contamination, e.g. moisture, insects, etc.

An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that said lock is mounted on the cover.

9 BE2023/5824

As described above, placing the lock on this cover is beneficial for preventing water infiltration into the lock and/or gate actuator. The lock is located on the underside of the gate actuator, which, due to gravity, drastically reduces the risk of water infiltration (especially compared to a lock placed on the side of the gate actuator). The lock is also typically hidden from the end user, which is a desirable aesthetic side effect. The lighting further enhances this effect by making the lock virtually invisible, even with a gate actuator mounted high above the ground, due to the active lighting.

The advantages described above are also achieved with a method for adjusting a gate actuator as described above, which method comprises the following steps: a user operating the lock to move the bolt to its open position; the user shifting the casing in the longitudinal direction relative to the frame, whereby the detection module generates said detection signal; the user generating one or more adjustment signals and optionally an identification signal, for example by means of an application on the user terminal; the forwarding of the adjustment signals and optionally the identification signal, in particular from the user terminal, to the IO module; and the control module adjusting one or more parameters in said set of parameters on the basis of the received adjustment signals.

As already described, this method allows an end user (e.g. an installer who places the gate actuator, a resident of the building where the gate actuator is used, etc.) to configure the closing movement of the gate and the opening movement of the gate according to his own wishes (e.g. an adjustment of the time required to open or close the gate). In doing so, the detection signal (which requires access to the key of the lock) and optionally the identification signal prevent any user who

10 BE2023/5824 can generate setting signals that can easily adjust the setting of any gate actuator.

The advantages described above are also achieved with a locking system comprising a support, a gate hinged to the support, and a gate actuator as described above.

An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the elongated housing is attached to the support and the locking system further comprises a rail attached to the gate, the distal end of the arm engaging said rail.

The use of a rail on the gate allows the gate actuator, unlike the one disclosed in WO 2019/048359, to act directly on the gate without the intervention of the hinge. The gate actuator can therefore be used in locking systems where the hinge is not easily accessible, e.g. a hinge between the support and the gate.

Short description of the drawings

The invention will be explained in further detail hereinafter with reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a gate actuator according to the present invention mounted on a locking system.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a gate actuator according to the present invention.

Figure 3 shows the gate actuator of Figure 2 with the cover removed from the frame.

Figures 4A and 4B each show a horizontal section through the underside of the gate actuator of Figure 2 and illustrate the lock in its open and closed positions, respectively.

Figure 5 shows a schematic view of the underside of the housing.

Figure 6 shows a detail of the part circled in Figure 5.

11 BE2023/5824

Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of the electronic control in a gate actuator according to the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention

The present invention will be described hereinafter by means of certain embodiments and with reference to certain drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto and is defined only by the claims. The drawings shown here are only schematic representations and are not restrictive. In the drawings, the dimensions of certain parts may be shown enlarged, which means that the parts in question are therefore not shown to scale, and this for illustrative purposes only. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to the actual practical embodiments of the invention.

In addition, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like are used in the specification and in the claims to distinguish between like elements and not necessarily to indicate sequential or chronological order. The terms in question are interchangeable where appropriate, and embodiments of the invention may operate in orders other than those described or illustrated herein.

Furthermore, terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “above”, “below”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “back”, and the like are used in the description and in the claims for descriptive purposes. The terms thus used, in particular “top”, “bottom”, “above”, “below”, “front” and “back”, should be understood and read in the context of the normal placement of the gate actuator with its longitudinal direction substantially coinciding with the vertical direction.

The term “comprising” and derivative terms as used in the claims shall not be construed as

12 BE2023/5824 being limited to the means mentioned thereafter in each case; the term does not exclude other elements or steps. The term should be interpreted as a specification of the listed properties, integers, steps or components referred to, without however excluding the presence or addition of one or more additional properties, integers, steps or components or groups thereof. The scope of an expression such as “a device comprising means A and B” is therefore not limited solely to devices consisting purely of components A and B. What is meant, on the contrary, is that, as far as the present invention is concerned, the only relevant components are A and B.

The term "substantially" includes variations of +/- 10% or less, preferably +/- 5% or less, more preferably +/- 1% or less, and most preferably +/- 0.1% or less, from the specified state, to the extent that the variations are applicable to functioning in the disclosed invention. It will be understood that the term "substantially A" is also intended to include "A".

The invention generally relates to an electrically powered gate actuator 3 for actuating (i.e. closing and opening) a locking system, more specifically a locking system for outdoor use (i.e. as part of a fence, gate, gate, etc.). The locking system (shown in figure 1) comprises a post 1 (more generally a support, such as a wall, a post, a hollow tube, etc.) and a gate 2 (more generally a pivotable locking member, such as a gate, a door, a window, etc.). In the context of a locking system for outdoor use, the support 1 is often formed by a hollow tube. This hollow tube typically has a square or rectangular cross-section with external dimensions of 4 cm, 5 cm or 6 cm (e.g. a rectangular cross-section of 4x6 cm or a square cross-section of 4x4 cm). The hollow tube may also have a circular cross-section with a typical external diameter of 4 cm, 5 cm or 6 cm.

13 BE2023/5824

The gate 2 is attached to the support 1 by means of hinges 4, in particular eye-bolt hinges, for example as described in

EP 1528202, EP 2778331 or EP 3162997, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. On the other side of the gate 2, an additional support 5 is provided, which can be provided with a lock and holder assembly, for example using a lock disclosed in EP 1118559, EP 2915939, EP 2186974, EP 3153645, EP 4191007 or EP 4245951, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, and a holder disclosed in EP 1600584, EP 1680567, EP 3 153 645, EP 4159958 or EP 4245951, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The gate actuator 3 shown in Figure 1 has an arm 6 that directly engages the upper hinge 4. For this purpose, the arm 6 extends between a proximal end 6a (in the embodiment shown, this proximal end is disk-shaped) and a distal end 6b with a protruding pin 9 thereon that engages the hinge 4 to force the gate 2 into its closed position. More specifically, the arm 6 engages a coupling mechanism provided on the eyebolt hinge 4, as described in WO 2019/048359, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm 6 is made of aluminium, but other materials are possible.

A variant gate actuator 3 is shown in figure 2. This gate actuator 3 is not intended to act directly on the hinge 4, but is intended to act on the gate 2. A rail 7 is provided for this purpose, which is intended to be fixed to the gate 2.

For this purpose, rail 7 is attached to gate 2 using fasteners 8.

Preferably, use is made of attachment sets as described in EP 1907712 or EP 3575617, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The arm 6 extends between a proximal end Ga (in the embodiment shown, this proximal end is disk-shaped) and a distal end 6b with a pin 9 projecting thereon which

14 BE2023/5824 engages in the rail 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm 6 is made of aluminium, but other materials are possible.

The gate actuator 3 generally comprises an elongated housing 10 extending in a longitudinal direction 11 between an upper end 10a and a lower end 10b. During normal use, the longitudinal direction 11 substantially coincides with the vertical direction. The elongated housing 10 is attached to the support 1 by means of one or more fastening means 16. Preferably, use is made of fastening sets as described in EP 1907712 or

EP 3575617, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Other ways of mounting the gate actuator 3 to the locking system are also possible and details are known to the professional.

The elongated housing 10 can be manufactured from various materials and by various production methods. In the embodiment shown (as seen in Figure 3), the elongated housing 10 is constructed from a frame 12 (in particular a plastic frame) which is attached to the support 1. Thereon is mounted a casing 13 which is preferably manufactured by means of extrusion from aluminium, but other materials, in particular metals, can also be used. The top 10a of the housing 10 is sealed by an upper seal 14 and the bottom 10b of the housing 10 is sealed by a lower seal 15. These seals 14, 15 can be manufactured from metals or plastics, with plastic being preferred because it is easier to use in an injection moulding process.

The attachment of the casing 13 to the frame 12 is shown in more detail in Figure 5. The frame 12 comprises, in the embodiment shown, a substantially flat rear wall 60 with two opposite upright side walls 61 on the outer sides. The substantially flat rear wall 60 is intended to be attached with its outer side 60a to the support 1. In the embodiment shown, the outer side

15 BE2023/5824 60a mainly flat, but, as already described above, it can also follow a curved, especially cylindrical, surface in order to be fixed to a round support 1. A groove 62 is provided in the upright side walls 61 which extends in the longitudinal direction 11. In the embodiment shown, these grooves 62 are a dovetail groove. The casing 13 is provided on its inside with ribs 20 which slide in corresponding dovetail grooves 62 so that the casing 13 can be slid onto the frame 12 in the longitudinal direction 11.

Figures 5 and 6 further illustrate that the casing 13 is provided on its inside with a holder 52 in which a permanent magnet 53 is placed. On the frame 12 a support element 46 (e.g. a printed circuit board) is provided on which a reed sensor 49 is mounted which cooperates with the permanent magnet 53. The reed sensor 49 and the permanent magnet 53 together form a detection module, the operation of which is further described with reference to figure 7.

In Figure 3, the casing has been removed from the frame 12 to reveal the internal components of the gate actuator 3.

Figure 3 shows a mounting body 22 attached to the arm 6 at its proximal end 6a. This is for example by means of a bolt (or general fastener) which fixes the mounting body 22 to the arm 6. The mounting body 22 is inserted at the upper end 10a of the housing 10. Hence, in the embodiment shown, the mounting body 22 is substantially cylindrical so that it can rotate within the housing 10.

Figure 3 further illustrates a mounting ring 30 which serves to attach the gate actuator 3 to the support 1 by means of two mounting sets 16. The mounting ring 30 is provided for this purpose with two through-openings 31 through which a part of a mounting means 16 protrudes each time. The mounting ring 30 is located inside the housing 10 and is concealed from view by the casing 13. The mounting ring 30 is therefore a static element which does not rotate with an output shaft (not

16 BE2023/5824 shown). The electric drive is located under (seen in the longitudinal direction 11) the mounting ring 30 with the output shaft (i.e. that of the electric motor 50 or of the reducer 51 if present) which protrudes through the mounting ring 30. Placing the mounting ring 30 around the output shaft is advantageous for avoiding or reducing torsional forces. The power transmission between the gate actuator 3 and the gate 2 is concentrated at the output shaft and the mounting body 22, while the power transmission between the gate actuator 3 and the support 1 is concentrated at the mounting ring 30. Creating a large distance between these elements can give rise to torsional forces, which is undesirable.

The gate actuator 3 comprises an electric drive. This drive comprises at least an electric motor 50 and may also comprise a reducer 51 for reducing the speed and increasing the torque of the electric motor 50. In the embodiment shown, a reducer 51 is present. An electric motor 50 is advantageous because of its compactness, which allows it to be incorporated into a housing 10 that fits on a support 1, in particular a hollow tube, without protruding from the external dimension of the support 1. In one embodiment, the electric drive comprises a reducer 51 with a reduction between 1:100 and 1:1000, for example 1:200 or 1:400.

The electric drive, in particular the electric motor 50, comprises a motor body (not shown) with the means necessary for rotating an output shaft (not shown). This can be the output shaft of the electric motor or, if a reducer 51 is present, that of the reducer 51. This output shaft extends to the top 10a of the housing 10. When the electric motor is activated, the output shaft can be rotated in two opposite directions of rotation around the longitudinal direction 11.

The electric drive is further equipped with an electronic control 55 for controlling the gate actuator 3. In the position of

17 BE2023/5824 the technology, this electronic control is incorporated into support 1.

This is because there is a large volume available inside the support 1 to accommodate components. The disadvantage, however, is that a sufficiently large opening must be made in the hollow support 1, which can damage the finish (e.g. the paint) and also adversely affect the structural integrity. To avoid this, in the embodiment shown, the electronic control 55 is arranged inside the housing 10. The electronic control 55 preferably allows the rest position of the arm 6 to be calibrated as soon as the gate actuator 3 is mounted on the closing system. In figure 3, reference numeral 55 refers to a housing in which the electronic control is inserted, this contributes to the protection of the electronic control against contamination, e.g. moisture, insects, etc.

Below (seen in the longitudinal direction 11) the electronic control 55 a power supply 56 is provided. This is typically connected to an external power network by means of cabling (not shown). This cabling then typically extends through the rear wall 60 of the frame 12 into the hollow support 1 in order to be hidden from view and to be protected against contamination, e.g. moisture, insects, etc.

Figure 3 further illustrates that internally in the housing 10 there is a double ring-shaped structure on the underside of the frame 12. This structure comprises a support ring 57 fixedly attached to the frame 12 on which a lighting ring 58 is mounted, in particular an LED lighting. The lighting 58 is preferably capable of generating light in different colours, e.g. white light for illumination, red light for warning that the gate 2 is moving or will move soon, etc.

The support ring 57 has an upright inner wall 59 which extends on the inside of the lighting ring 58 in the longitudinal direction 11 to beyond the lighting ring 58. Figure 3 further illustrates that the lower seal 15 is provided with a transparent portion 63. The transparent portion 63 is annular and corresponds to the lighting ring 58.

18 BE2023/5824 so that the light generated by the lighting is visible on the outside of the gate actuator 3.

Figure 3 also illustrates that a lock cylinder 64 (general lock) is provided on the lower seal 15 which can be operated by means of a key 65. The operation of this lock cylinder 64 is shown in figures 4A and 4B. The lock cylinder 64 is provided with a cam 66 (general bolt) which is rotatable (generally movable) between an open position (shown in figure 4A) and a closed position (shown in figure 4B) by operating the lock 64. In the closed position, the cam 66 engages a support 67 which is fixedly connected to the frame 12, e.g. via the support ring 57. In another embodiment, the support ring 57 may even serve as a stop for the latch 66. In this way, the lock 64 ensures that the casing 13 is not displaceable relative to the frame 12. It should be understood that, although the lock 64 is illustrated as being attached to the casing 13, in other embodiments the lock may be mounted on the frame with a latch which engages the casing.

Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of the electronic control 55 in the gate actuator 3. The electronic control 55 is generally a computer system comprising a bus, a processor 34, a local memory 54, one or more input/output (VO) interfaces 69, and a detection module 68. The bus comprises one or more conductors and allows communication between the various components of the computer system. Processor 34 (also referred to as a control module) comprises any type of conventional processor or microprocessor that reads and executes computer program instructions.

Local memory 54 is intended to include any form of computer-readable medium for information storage, such as working memory (e.g.,

Random Access Memory — RAM), a static memory (e.g. a Read-

Only Memory — ROM), a hard drive, or removable storage media (e.g., a DVD, CD, USB storage, SSD, etc.), etc. Local memory 54 is typically used to store information and instructions provided by the processor

19 BE2023/5824 34 must be processed. The I/O interface 69 (also referred to as IO module) may comprise one or more conventional systems that enable communication between the electronic control 55 and a user. Examples include a keyboard, a mouse, speech recognition, biometric means, a (touch) screen, a printer, a loudspeaker, a keypad, etc. The IO module 69 also includes a communication interface, such as a transceiver system, that enables communication with external systems, such as the electric motor 50 and an end terminal 70 (e.g. a smartphone, tablet, computer, etc. that may support a specific application). Examples include a

Wide Area Network (WAN), such as the Internet, a Low Power Wide Area

Network (LPWAN) such as Sigfox, LoRa, NarrowBand loT, etc, a

Personal Area Network (PAN), such as Bluetooth, or a Local Area Network (LAN).

At least one set of parameters describing the closing and opening movements of gate 2 are stored in memory 54.

Examples of such parameters are: a rotation speed of the gate, a duration indicating how long the closing or opening movement may take, a final stroke (i.e. the gate must accelerate at the end of the movement when closing so that there is sufficient speed to push a lock pin through an inclined plane on a striker), an angle through which the arm must rotate, etc.

The IO module 69 serves to receive signals, e.g. an activation signal for opening or closing the gate 2, a setting signal for (re)programming the stored parameters (e.g. generated by an application on the end terminal 70), an identification signal identifying a user (e.g. generated by a password check on the end terminal 70), etc. The IO module 69 also serves to send signals, e.g. control signals generated by the control module 34 to the electric motor.

20 BE2023/5824 50, or confirmation signals generated by the control module 34 that the (re)programming has been successful, etc.

The detection module 68 comprises, in the embodiment shown, the reed sensor 49 and the permanent magnet 53. The reed sensor 49 and the permanent magnet 53 allow to detect a position of the casing 13 relative to the frame 12. More specifically, a sufficiently large displacement of the permanent magnet 53 (which is fixed around the casing 13) causes an activation of the reed sensor 49 (which is fixed on the frame 12). The detection module 68 is therefore able to determine whether the casing 13 is in its closed position (as shown in figure 2) or in its open position (as shown in figure 3). In the open position there is an activation of the reed sensor 49 which thereby sends a signal to the processor 34, which signal is indicative that a (re)programming of the stored parameters is permitted.

It should be understood that the detection module 68 is not limited to a reed sensor 49 and permanent magnet 53. Indeed, many other ways are known to detect a change in position between two objects (i.e., the frame 12 and the housing 13), e.g., an optical sensor, a pressure sensor, a sliding contact, etc.

A method for (re)setting or (re)programming the gate actuator 3 comprises the following steps: a user operating the lock 64 to move the bolt 66 to its open position; the user sliding the casing 13 in the longitudinal direction 11 relative to the frame 12, causing the detection module 68 to generate a detection signal (e.g. the reed sensor 49 closes a circuit by removing the permanent magnet 53); the user generating one or more setting signals and optionally an identification signal on the user terminal 70, for example by means of an application on the user terminal; the user terminal 70 forwarding the setting signals and optionally the identification signal from the user terminal to the IO

21 BE2023/5824 module 69; and the control module 34 adjusting one or more parameters stored in the memory 54 on the basis of the received setting signals. Alternatively, the setting signals and optionally the identification signal can be generated using physical input means present on the gate actuator 3, e.g. a touchscreen inside the housing 10.

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

Claims (15)

22 BE2023/5824 Conclusions 1. A gate actuator (3) for actuating a gate (2) pivotally connected to a support (1) by means of a hinge (4), the gate actuator comprising: - an elongated housing (10) extending in a longitudinal direction (11) between an upper end (10a) and a lower end (10b) and configured to be mounted on the support; - an electric drive (50, 51) within the elongated housing, the electric drive having an output shaft pivotable upon activation of the electric drive; and - an arm (6) positioned at the upper end of the elongate housing, the arm extending between a proximal end (6a) and a distal end (6b) and configured to actuate the gate upon rotation of the output shaft, the distal end configured to be connected to the gate or the hinge and the proximal end coupled to the output shaft, characterised in that the elongate housing comprises a frame (12) and a housing (13), the frame configured to be mounted to the support and the housing mounted to the frame, and the gate actuator further comprising a lock (64) movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein, in said open position, the housing is longitudinally slidable relative to the frame from its mounted position to an open position, and wherein, in said closed position, the housing is fixed to the frame. 2. The gate actuator according to claim 1, characterised in that the gate actuator further comprises an electronic control (55) within the housing configured to control the gate actuator. 23 BE2023/5824 The gate actuator according to claim 2, characterised in that the electronic control comprises a control module (34), an input-output, IO, module (69), and a memory (54), the memory being configured to store a set of parameters describing a closing movement and/or opening movement of the gate relative to the support, such as a rotation speed, a duration, a final stroke, etc., the IO module being configured to receive an external activation signal for opening or closing the gate, the control module being configured to, after receiving the external activation signal, generate control signals for the electric drive based on the stored set of parameters, and the IO module being further configured to send the control signals to the electric drive. 4. The gate actuator of claim 3, characterized in that the IO module is further configured to receive adjustment signals generated by a user, and wherein the control module is further configured to adjust one or more parameters in said set based on the received adjustment signals. 5. The gate actuator according to claim 4, characterised in that the electronic control further comprises a detection module (68) configured to: - detect a position of the casing relative to the frame; and - generate a detection signal upon detection that the casing is in its open position, the control module being able to perform said adjustment of one or more parameters only during and/or in a certain period after 24 BE2023/5824 reception of the detection signal. 6. The gate actuator according to claim 5, characterised in that the detection module comprises a reed sensor (49) and a permanent magnet (53), which reed sensor is attached to the frame and which permanent magnet is attached to the housing. 7. The gate actuator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the gate actuator further comprises a cover (15) disposed on the lower end of the housing for covering the same, the lock being mounted on the cover and having a lock cylinder extending in the longitudinal direction. 8. The gate actuator according to claim 7, characterised in that the cover is fixedly attached to the housing. 9. The gate actuator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the frame has a rear wall (12) configured to face the support and two opposed upright side walls (61) extending in the longitudinal direction, the casing being secured to the frame by the side walls. 10. The gate actuator according to claim 9, characterised in that each of said side walls is provided with a groove (62) extending in the longitudinal direction and the casing is provided on its inner side with two oppositely located upright ribs (20) which fit into a corresponding groove for fixing the casing to the frame. 11. The gate actuator according to claim 10, characterised in that 25 BE2023/5824 each groove is a dovetail groove. 12. The gate actuator according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the gate actuator is further provided with a light (58), in particular an LED light, mounted on the frame, whereby an at least partially transparent cover (63) is provided on the casing at the lower end. 13. The gate actuator according to claim 12, characterised in that said lock is mounted on the cover. 14. A method for adjusting a gate actuator (3) according to claim 5 or a claim directly or indirectly dependent thereon, which method comprises the following steps: - a user operating the lock (64) to move a bolt (66) of the lock to an open position; - the user shifting the casing (13) in the longitudinal direction (11) relative to the frame (12), whereby the detection module (68) generates said detection signal; - the user generating one or more adjustment signals on a user terminal (70), for example by means of an application on the user terminal; - the user terminal forwarding the adjustment signals from the user terminal to the IO module (69); and - the control module (34) adjusting one or more parameters in said set of parameters on the basis of the received adjustment signals. 15. A closing system comprising a support (1) and a gate (2) hingedly connected to the support, characterised in that the closing system further comprises a gate actuator (3) according to any of the preceding 26 BE2023/5824 claims 1 to 13, wherein, preferably, the elongated housing (10) is attached to the support and the locking system further comprises a rail (7) attached to the gate, the distal end of the arm engaging said rail.