EP0964127B1 - Sectional door - Google Patents

Abstract

The door is made from a number of articulated panels (3) with interlocking curved edge components (3a,3b) for joining the panels together and permitting an articulated movement between them. The hollow portion of each hinge assembly is filled by a locking strip (4) which limits the movement of two adjoining panels to 90 degrees and prevents separation.

Description

The invention relates to the technical sectors of so-called sectional doors, that is to say including several panels hinged to each other and likely to slide along guide profiles to ensure opening or closing various places, which can be moved or not, such as transport vehicles goods, or garages or other storage places.

The concept of sectional panel doors is well known in many closing applications and is described in particular in document US-A-4,979,553. These doors are arranged with a plurality of panels made of wood, metal, plastic or other material that will mate with each other through shapes particular interlocking allowing their movement along guide rails presenting several profiles allowing to pass from a vertical plane to a plane horizontal and vice versa for opening or closing allowing access to the desired location.

According to GB patent 2072248, guide rails are fixed vertically on the interior uprights of the vehicle chassis platform. These rails include a vertical part corresponding to the height of the opening, a radius of curvature with an extension of a horizontal rail part. The different panels of the doors are for example in wood material and have complementary profiles in rebate allowing the installation of a seal between the sections successive panels. Furthermore, it is provided at the ends of the panel upper, lower panel, and some intermediate panels to position guide rollers capable of sliding in the raceway formed on rails. These casters include an axle which is fixed externally to the section Signs.

Such doors thus designed have many drawbacks. First of all, the guide rollers are subjected to significant stressing forces and it is necessary to regularly change them. As the assembly is done, implementing this change is impractical. In addition, panels are heavy and require significant motor powers allowing the door to move in the open-close phase. Also, there are place to point out that any deterioration of a panel is extremely annoying because it it is necessary to dismantle the entire door and not the damaged panel well said.

To remedy these drawbacks, the applicant has developed a new concept subject of French patent application FR 9615407.

According to the latter, the sectional closing door is of the type comprising a plurality of panels each arranged with one or two shaped end shapes allowing, after coupling together according to two consecutive panels, the formation of an unclosed ball joint of the panels together, said panels panels being associated with means allowing their displacement from one position vertical to a horizontal position to allow the opening or closing of door, and it is characterized in that said shapes, arranged on all or part of the length of the panels, are internally profiled to allow all or part of their length, the positioning and housing of connecting axes associated with the means on the one hand, and in this that said forms are arranged to authorize the reception and nesting of a profiled complementary piece constituting a jumper made in one or more parts along the length of the various panels and forming a cover ensuring the finish closed of the ball joint, on the other hand.

Thus, FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C show the principle of articulation of the panels between them and their mounting in a schematic illustration illustrated in the title of the prior art defined by patent application FR 96.15407.

According to this, each panel (2), with the exception of the end panels upper and lower is made with two specific end shapes (2a), (2b) and complementary allowing the formation of an unclosed ball joint panels between them. These forms (2a) - (2b) are established on all or part of the panel length. A first form (2a) is produced with a part partially spherical, not closed, revealing an opening (2a-1). Moon (2a-2) of the ends connects to the plane (2a-3) outside of the panel, the other end (2a-4) projects beyond the side edge (2a-5). Said spherical part is established to constitute externally and internally housing.

The other end (2b) of the panel (2) is arranged with an interior profile curvilinear (2b-1) established according to a radius corresponding to the spherical part of the first end (2a) of the panel to form a support and return plane. This curvilinear profile (2b-1) is extended externally by an overhanging part in shape of sphere (2b-2) not closed by making appear an opening (2b-3) in a slot (2b-4) or housing of said first end (2a-2) of the panel. This shape in sphere lies substantially in the same plane as the previous one so that the coupling of two consecutive panels is carried out by the introduction of the first spherical end (2a-4) in the aforementioned slot (2b-4) of the second (2b) end of the panel. The openings (2a-1) and (2b-2) established on each of said said spherical parts are identical and come opposite one another when the consecutive panels are strictly in axial alignment. The inner diameter of said second sphere is advantageously established to allow positioning, centering and holding the axis (7a) of guide rollers (7) of the aforementioned type. The bottom interior (2b-5) of said second sphere has a projecting curvilinear shape may constitute the seat of the aforementioned roller axis.

In order to ensure the internal protection of the above-mentioned device, a part is attached (8) complementary forming a cover and incidentally constituting the support for wheels. This part is established in the form of a substantially shaped jumper with curvilinear U-shaped shapes to be engaged inside the spherical parts mentioned above formed on the panels. This jumper piece thus presents wings (8a) forming lips capable of being articulated by thickness reductions (8b) with the bottom face (8c) of the jumper. This thus offers a certain elasticity. Its outer face (8d) is also of spherical profile to come to fit and close the complementary parts of the device precisely. The roller axis is perfectly maintained between the rider's lips and the bottom of the spherical part of the sign.

Such an arrangement, although functioning satisfactorily, presents nevertheless certain shortcomings with risks of disarticulation and abduction unexpected jumper when moving or orienting the panels when closing or opening of the sectional door.

As part of additional research, the applicant still wanted improve the reliability of assembly and articulation of the panels by avoiding any risk of disarticulation.

This research resulted in an improved design of the profiles of ends of the sectional door panels as well as a new design of the jumper piece.

According to a first characteristic of the invention each panel of the door sectional with the exception of the upper and lower panels are arranged with complementary profiles fitting and being guided on complementary profiles adjacent panels, in the manner of a ball joint and in that said guide said sections between them is effected at an angle such that in position 90 ° angular orientation of a panel relative to the adjacent panel the connection is effective, and in that the jumper piece is arranged with a profile ensuring a connection and integration into one of the profiles of the end parts during maximum tilting of one panel relative to the other adjacent.

According to another characteristic, the shapes of the profiled end parts panels are of the type capable of receiving at least one part forming rider and cover, U-shaped with wings forming lips with capacity deformation elastic with a bottom and connection face and the face of which outer with spherical profile fitting into spherical shapes complementary and forming the joint, the rider part being remarkable in that it is arranged between its wings with a curvilinear connection profile of thin and a long curved profile leg in the base arises at the connection zone between one of the wings and the bottom face, and the end being projecting very substantially beyond the plane of the junction between the other wing and the bottom face, and in that said tab defines with the bottom face a curvilinear profile gap or cavity

These characteristics and others will become clear from the rest of the description.

Les figures 1A, 1B, 1C sont des vues à caractère schématique illustrant l'art antérieur défini par la demande de brevet FR 9615407.

La figure 2 est une vue d'un panneau pour portes sectionnelles selon l'invention avec représentation d'un cavalier de montage

Les figures 3A, et 3B sont des vues partielles illustrant le montage de deux panneaux adjacents et leur positionnement respectif en position alignement des panneaux ou basculement selon la position d'ouverture-fermeture de la porte.

To fix the subject of the invention, it is now described in a nonlimiting manner illustrated in the figures of the drawings.

Figures 1A, 1B, 1C are schematic views illustrating the prior art defined by patent application FR 9615407.

Figure 2 is a view of a panel for sectional doors according to the invention with representation of a mounting jumper

Figures 3A, and 3B are partial views illustrating the mounting of two adjacent panels and their respective positioning in alignment position of the panels or tilting according to the open-close position of the door.

In order to make the object of the invention more concrete, it is now described in a nonlimiting manner illustrated in the figures of the drawings.

The sectional door includes several panels (3) mounted and coupled consecutively. Each panel (3) except the end panels upper and lower is. arranged with shaped end shapes complementary fitting and being guided on complementary profiles of adjacent panels in the manner of a ball joint, guiding being carried out according to a angulation such that in a 90 ° angular orientation position of a panel by relative to the adjacent panel, the connection is made.

More particularly, each panel (3) comprises at a first end an upper end zone (3a) and at the second end an end zone lower (3b) which are likely to nest in the shapes of the panel adjacent (3b - 3a) while ensuring continuity over a wide angular section binding and guiding.

According to the invention, the first end form (3a) is arranged with a reference face (3a1) forming a curvilinear seat having one or more projecting zones (3a2) projecting inwards from which a zone (3a3) is arranged curvilinear fork, not closed, defining with the seat shape a space (3a4) also curvilinear. The connecting and projecting zones (3a2) are rigid.

Furthermore, the second end zone (3b) is arranged with a face of reference (3b1) forming a seat of curvilinear configuration and having at a end adjacent to the plane of tilting of the panels with respect to the others, a connection area (3b2) from which a profile (3b3) is established curvilinear capable of cooperating with the first end shape (3a). More in particular, this non-closed profile (3b3) is established according to an angular sector of around 260 ° with an opening (3b4) around 100 °. The profile (3b3) defines with the reference face (3b1) an interval (3b5) forming a housing capable of receive the corresponding part (3a3a) from the fork part established at the other end of the panel, as shown in Figure (3A) of the drawings. In addition, the profile (3b3) is arranged with two protruding projections (3b6) and constituting zones stop of the wings of the rider (4) shutter. The interior cavity (3b7) established at from the profile (3b3) allows the reception, the guidance of the wings (4a) of the rider (4). This the latter is arranged between its wings (4a) with a curvilinear connection profile (4b) thin and a tab (4c) of curvilinear profile of great length whose base (4d) originates at the connection zone between one of the wings (4a) and the bottom face (4th) and the end (4f) being projecting very substantially beyond the junction plane between the other wing (4a), and the bottom face. Thus said tab (4c) defines with the bottom face (4th) an interval or cavity of curvilinear profile.

This curvilinear tab (4c) of great length is capable of engaging and be guided in the interval (3a4) established on the profiled form (3a) of the end of the sign.

Referring to Figures 3A, 3B of the drawings, it appears that in position alignment of two consecutive panels, the rider's tab (4c) is likely to seal the space formed between the walls of the two adjacent panels, while the part (3a3a) of the fork zone (3a3) of the first end zone penetrates entirely in the receiving space (3b5) of the second end zone of the sign.

In the angular opening position of one panel relative to the other according to the FIG. 3B, it is observed that the curved leg (4c) of the leg has almost penetrated entirely in the established space (3a4) established on the first end zone, while the part (3a3a) of the fork shape partially freed up space receiver (3b5), while being partially engaged.

The configuration of the ends of said panels associated with the specific profile of the rider ensures in all circumstances a constant connection between the 3 elements of so that there is no risk of dislocation of said panels.

In addition, the respective nesting of the various components in all handling circumstance provides a guarantee of safety and reliability.

Claims (10)

1. A closing sectional door, of the type including several hinged panels whereof the ends exhibit profiles liable to nest into one another and receiving a complementary part, each panel of the sectional door, with the exception of the upper and lower panels, being laid out with complementary profiles (3a-3b) nesting into one another and guided on complementary profiles of the adjacent panels, as a ball joint, characterised in that said guiding of said profiles with respect to one another follows such an angle that the link is efficient when a panel is set at 90° angle with respect to the adjacent panel, and in that the complementary part forms a bracket (4) and is laid out with a profile also providing a link and integration into one of the profiles of the end parts when a panel is toggled furthermost with respect to the other adjacent.
2. A closing sectional door according to claim 1, characterised in that the shapes of the profiled end portions of the panels are of the type liable to receive at least one U-shaped part forming a bracket (4) and cache, with wings (4a) forming ductile resilient lips with a bottom and connection face (4b) and whereof the outer face with a spherical profile fits into the complementary spherical shapes and forming the joint, the part forming a bracket being remarkable in that it is laid out between the wings thereof with a narrow curvilinear connection profile and a long curvilinear profiled lug (4c) whereof the base extends from the connection zone from one of the wings and the bottom face, and the end protruding very significantly beyond the junction plane between the other wing and the bottom face, and in that said lug defines with the bottom face a curvilinear profiled interval or cavity.
3. A closing sectional door according to any of the claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the fist end shape (3a) is laid out with a reference face (3a1) forming a curvilinear seat exhibit one or several protruding zones (3a2) cantilever inwardly from which is arranged a curvilinear forked zoned (3a3), not closed, and defining with the seat shape, a space (3a4) which is also curvilinear.
4. A closing sectional door according to any of the claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the second end zone (3b) is laid out with a reference face (3b1) forming a seat of curvilinear configuration and exhibiting at an end adjoining the toggling plane of the panels with respect to one another, a connection zone (3b2) from which is established a curvilinear profile (3b3) liable to co-operate with the first end shape (3a).
5. A closing sectional door according to claim 4, characterised in that the non-closed profile (3b3) is established with an angular sector of the order of 260° with an opening (3b4) of the order of 100°.
6. A closing sectional door according to any of the claims 4 and 5, characterised in that the profile (3b3) defines with the reference face (3b1) an interval (3b5) forming a recess liable to receive the mating portion (3a3a) of the forked portion established at the other end of the panel.
7. A closing sectional door according to any of the claims 4, 5 and 6, characterised in that the profile (3b3) is laid out with two cantilever protrusions (3b6) forming stopping zones for the wings of the plugging bracket (4).
8. A closing sectional door according to any of the claims 4 to 7, characterised in that the inner cavity (3b7) established from the profile (3b3) enables to receive and guide the wings (4a) of the bracket (4) and in that said bracket is laid out between the wings (4a) thereof with a narrow curvilinear profile (4b) and a long curvilinear profiled lug (4c) whereof the base (4d) extends from the connection zone from one of the wings (4a) and the bottom face (4e), and the end (4f) protruding very significantly beyond the junction plane between the other wing (4a) and the bottom face.
9. A closing sectional door according to claim 8, characterised in that said lug (4c) defines with the bottom face (4e) a curvilinear profiled interval or cavity, and in that said long curvilinear lug (4c) is liable to fit and be guided into the interval (3a4) established on the end profiled shape (3a) of the panel.
10. A closing sectional door according to any of the claims 6 to 9, characterised in that when two consecutive panels are aligned, the lug (4c) of the bracket is liable to plug the space formed between the walls of two adjacent panels, whereas the portion (3a3a) of the forked zone (3a3) of the first end zone penetrates integrally into the receiving space (3b5) of the second end zone of the panel,
    and a panel is in open angular position with respect to the other, the curvilinear lug (4c) is situated almost integrally in the space (3a4) established on the first end zone, whereas the portion (3a3a) of the forked shape has freed partially a receiving space (3b5), while being partially engaged.

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