EP1510647B1

EP1510647B1 - Roller door arrangement

Info

Publication number: EP1510647B1
Application number: EP03077739A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Tom Brandhoff; Bernard Schuit
Original assignee: Crawford Group AB
Current assignee: Crawford Group AB
Priority date: 2003-09-01
Filing date: 2003-09-01
Publication date: 2008-10-22
Anticipated expiration: 2023-09-01
Also published as: ATE412103T1; DE60324276D1; EP1510647A1

Abstract

This invention relates to a roller door arrangement (1) comprising a flexible door leaf (2), wound on a winding roller (3) which is mounted rotatably at the door opening, wherein the roller door arrangement (1) is provided with flexible traction members (4) associated with at least one driving device (5) for applying a traction force on the flexible door leaf (2), to enable the flexible door leaf (2) to be movable between a closed position and an open position. The lateral portions (6) of the flexible door leaf (2) are provided with a protruding portion (7) adapted for being guided by a guide (8) and holding the flexible door leaf between guides (8). The flexible door leaf (2) has at least one slit (9) extending in the longitudinal direction of the flexible door leaf (2), provided with a reconnectable link portion (10), said reconnectable link portion (10) being adapted to engage the door leaf slit (9) and disengage when exposed to impact exceeding a thres-hold value. <IMAGE>

Description

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a roller door arrangement comprising a flexible door leaf, wound on a winding roller which is mounted rotatably at the door opening, wherein the roller door is provided with flexible traction members associated with at least one driving device for applying a traction force on the flexible door leaf, to enable the flexible door leaf to be movable between a closed position and an open position.

Technical Background

There exist in the art various roller door arrangements provided with flexible traction members. US 4,997,022 discloses a roller door provided with one example of a flexible door leaf, wound on a winding roller which is mounted rotatably above the door opening. Such door arrangement will provide necessary force to the flexible door leaf during opening and closing operations as well as maintain it in a taut condition when closed. These concepts are considered to meet requirements from the industry regarding operability, reliability and robustness.
However, demands on particularly industrial door arrangements are increasing. In addition to the above mentioned common requirements there is a need for a door arrangement that will withstand wind loads.
Furthermore, it is not unusual that door arrangements, when in use, are exposed to extensive wear and sometimes impact from e.g. vehicles. If a door of any kind is subject to impact there is a risk for downtime due to repairment of the damages and re-installment of the door arrangement.
Hence, there is a need for an improved roller door arrangement, provided with flexible traction members, that will withstand wind loads. Furthermore, there is a need for an improved door arrangement of the above described type that can be easily reinstated after impact.

Summary of the Invention

One of the main purposes of the present invention is to provide a door arrangement provided with a flexible door leaf.
These and other objects are achieved by a roller door arrangement according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.
For this purpose, according to the invention, a roller door arrangement comprising a flexible door leaf, wound on a winding roller which is mounted rotatably at the door opening, wherein the roller door arrangement is provided with flexible traction members associated with at least one driving device for applying a traction force on the flexible door leaf, to enable the flexible door leaf to be movable between a closed position and an open position, characterised in that the lateral portions of the flexible door leaf is provided with a protruding portion adapted for being guided by a guide and holding the flexible door leaf between the guides, and that the flexible door leaf has at least one slit extending in the longitudinal direction of the flexible door leaf, provided with a reconnectable link portion, said reconnectable link portion being adapted to engage the door leaf slit and disengage when exposed to impact exceeding a thres-hold value.
The protruding portion in the guide is held thoroughly in place to withstand wind load. The holding capacity of the guide exceeds the impact threshold value. Thus, when the flexible door leaf is exposed to impact the door leaf will give in at a "soft spot", i.e. the slit, leaving the rest of the door arrangement basically unaffected. By designating a main function to each of the three portions of the door arrangement it will also be easy to serve and repair the door arrangement in case of malfunction for some reason. The protrusions of the lateral edges of the door leaf associated to the guides will provide support for external loading, such as wind load. The flexible traction members, associated with a driving device, will provide a pulling force to the door leaf in the intended direction of movement of the door leaf during opening or closing. The slit is held together by a reconnectable link portion adapted to disengage said slit when the flexible door leaf is exposed to a force exceeding a thres-hold value, such as impact from e.g. a truck. By separating portions with a main functions the risk for reduced operability of a function due to malfunction or damage of another portion is significantly reduced.
Suitably, the roller door arrangement is provided, at least as seen from one lateral portion and towards the middle of the door, with said protruding portion, said flexible traction member and said reconnectable link portion.
This arrangement with different elongated portions separated sideways along the flexible door leaf, provides for a robust and simple concept with an advanced behavior. The order of the portions as well as the distinct function of each said portion are considered important for enabling a desired performance.
Preferably, both sides of the roller door arrangement are provided, as seen from one lateral portion and towards the middle of the door, with said protruding portion, said flexible traction member and said reconnectable link portion.
In addition to the above described advantages with the inventive door arrangement it is realized that the construction of the door arrangement makes it possible to use a profile, extending in the longitudinal direction of the roller door arrangement, to cover said guide, said flexible traction member and said reconnectable link portion of one side of the roller door arrangement, as seen straight towards the flexible door leaf.
Preferably, a substantially C-shaped profile, extending in the longitudinal direction of the roller door arrangement, is arranged around the lateral portion of the flexible door leaf.
Hence, by covering the side portions, further protection from the surrounding environment of the functions associated to the elongated portions are accomplished. The remaining, visible part of the flexible door leaf can then suitably be substantially free from protrusions, brackets or the like. It is realized that the risk for tools or the like to hook onto the flexible door leaf during opening might cause damage to e.g. the roller function, the door leaf when wound up. Furthermore, it is beneficial in many industries to use surfaces that are easy to keep clean.
Preferably, the reconnectable link portion is a zipper. Alternatively, any of said reconnectable link portions is a reconnectable sealing device comprising a protruding portion for engaging a complementary receiving portion having two lip portions. Although, many options are possible for accomplishing a reconnectable link portion that will fall within the scope of protection, these are the currently preferred. Advantegeously, a continuous portion comprising a reconnectable link portion or portions are used. Preferably, the link portion is adaptable to the properties of the door leaf in order to accomplish smooth operation of the door arrangement. Hence, it is realized that as long as the conditions above are met any type of reconnectable link portion may be used for this purpose.
Advantageously, any reconnectable link portion is reconnectable during an opening and closing cycle of the roller door arrangement. Thus, a self-repairing door arrangement is accomplished.
Preferably, a divided funnel is arranged fixed in proximity to the top of a slit of the door leaf when in a closed position, such that the reconnectable link portion passes therethrough, when the roller door arrangement performs a closing or opening movement, in order to reconnect the slit of the flexible door leaf.
According to a preferred embodiment the winding roller is integrally rotatably connected to a second drum on which is wound, in contrary direction to the flexible door leaf, the flexible traction member, said flexible traction member describing a path from said winding roller around at least one guide roller at the base of the door opening via a tensioning roller to said second drum. Each side of the flexible door leaf has a flexible traction member connected thereto and arranged along the longitudinal direction thereof.
Preferably, the flexible traction member is a belt. Alternatively, the flexible traction member is a rope, a wire, a cable. Other flexible traction members of various materials may be used as long as they are suitable for transfer a pulling force. Hence, a pulling force is provided to an elongated flexible traction member in the propagating direction of the flexible traction member. This allows for a driving function almost integered in the door leaf which makes the winding of the roller door easy and stable.
Furthermore, the roller door arrangement comprises a detector and security device for interrupting closing movement when an obstacle is detected. According to a second preferred embodiment the roller door arrangement comprises a lower bar with a detector for detecting an obstacle and possibly interrupting closing movement.
According to an aspect of the invention the roller door arrangement comprises a lower bar provided with a lower bar reconnector in proximity to a zone where any slit in the flexible door leaf lead.

Brief Description of the Drawings

A currently preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a door arrangement, in an open position, according to a first embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 2 is a partial schematic perspective view from one side of a door arrangement, in an open position, according to a first embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 3 is a partial schematic perspective view of a reconnectable link portion, according to one further embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 4 is a partial schematic perspective view of a reconnectable link portion, according to one alternative embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 5 is a vertical section taken from section V-V in fig 1.
Fig. 6a is a schematic perspective view of a reconnector, in a separated condition, adapted for a lower bar of a third embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 6b is a schematic perspective view of a reconnector, in a connected condition, adapted for a lower bar of a third embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 7a is a schematic perspective view of a top portion of a side section according to a third embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 7b is an exploded view of fig 7a.
Fig. 8a is a schematic side view of a driving arrangement of the first embodiment in accordance with fig 2.
Fig. 8b is a schematic side view of a driving arrangement according to a second aspect of the arrangement.
Fig. 8c is a schematic side view of a driving arrangement according to a third aspect of the door arrangement.
Fig. 8d is a schematic side view of a driving arrangement according to a fourth aspect of the door arrangement.
Fig. 8e is a schematic side view of a driving arrangement according to a fifth aspect of the door arrangement.
Fig. 8f is a schematic side view of a driving arrangement according to a sixth aspect of the door arrangement

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

A first embodiment of the invention related to the roller door arrangement will be described in more detail in the following with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Referring now to Figs. 1-8, wherein a roller door arrangement 1 comprises a flexible door leaf 2, wound on a winding roller 3 which is mounted rotatably at the door opening. The roller door arrangement 1 is provided with flexible traction members 4 associated with at least one driving device 5 for applying a traction force on the flexible door leaf 2, to enable the flexible door leaf 2 to be movable between a closed position and an open position. The lateral portions 6 of the flexible door leaf 2 is provided with a protruding portion 7 adapted for being guided by a guide channel 8 and holding the flexible door leaf between the guide channels 8. According to one further embodiment of the invention the door leaf 2 is held substantially stretched between the guide channels. The flexible door leaf 2 has at least one slit 9 extending in the longitudinal direction of the flexible door leaf 2. The slit is provided with a reconnectable link portion 10, said reconnectable link portion 10 being adapted to engage the door leaf slit 9 and disengage when exposed to impact exceeding a threshold value.
With reference to fig 2 and 8a the driving function of a first embodiment of the door arrangement will be described. The winding roller 3 is integrally rotatably connected to a second drum 17 on which is wound, in contrary direction to the flexible door leaf 2, the flexible traction member 4, said flexible traction member 4 describing a path from said winding roller 3 around at least one guide roller 18 at the base of the door opening via a tensioning roller 19 to said second drum 17. According to a preferred embodiment each side of the flexible door leaf has a flexible traction member connected thereto and arranged along the longitudinal direction thereof. The flexible traction member 4 is a belt 20.
With reference to fig 8b a driving function of a second aspect of the door arrangement will be described. A winding roller 103 is connected to a shaft associated rotatably to a motor forming part of said driving device 5. On said winding roller 103 the flexible door leaf 2 is wound. A flexible traction member describes a path from said winding roller 103 around at least one guide roller 118 at the base of the door opening via a tensioning roller 119 to a second winding roller 127 arranged on the same shaft as the winding roller 103 but preferably to an outer side of the door leaf. Hence, the path of the flexible traction member is preferably arranged with an angle during at least one part of the path as can be seen from an other direction. The driving device 5 and hence the winding rollers 103, 127 is able to move along with a forward and backward motion.
Fig 8c discloses a third aspect of the driving device of the door arrangement. A winding roller 203 is connected to a shaft associated to a motor forming part of said driving device 5. On said winding roller 203 the flexible door leaf 2 is wound. A flexible traction member describes a path from said winding roller 203 around at least one guide roller 218 at the base of the door opening to a second winding roller 227 arranged on the same shaft as the winding roller 203 but preferably to an outer side of the door leaf. Hence, the path of the flexible traction member is preferably arranged with an angle during at least one part of the path as can be seen from an other direction. Either of the first and second winding rollers 203, 227 has a drum comprising a spring. Alternatively, the outer winding roller 227 comprises a conical drum making it possible to maintain the flexible traction member in a stretched condition during winding operations. Conveniently, a reversible motor is used as indicated by the arrow.
Fig 8d discloses a fourth aspect of the driving device of the door arrangement. A first winding roller 303 is connected to a first shaft associated to a first motor forming part of said driving device 5. On said first winding roller 303 the flexible door leaf 2 is wound. A flexible traction member describes a path from said first winding roller 303 around at least one guide roller 318 at the base of the door opening to a second winding roller 327 arranged on a second shaft driven be a second motor forming part of said driving device 5. In this aspect of the door arrangement a irreversible motor may be used as further illustrated by the arrows.
Fig 8e illustrates a fifth aspect of the driving device of the door arrangement. A winding roller 403 is connected to a shaft associated to a motor forming part of said driving device 5. On said winding roller 403 the flexible door leaf 2 is wound. A flexible traction member comprises a weight 429. The flexible traction member describes a path from said winding roller 403. During closing of the door the weight is used as the pulling force for the closing operation. The driving device 5, preferably using an irreversible motor, is used to perform an opening operation.
Fig 8f illustrates a sixth aspect of the driving device of the door arrangement. A winding roller 503 is connected to a shaft associated to a motor forming part of said driving device 5. On said winding roller 503 the flexible door leaf 2 is wound. A flexible traction member comprises a spring 530. The flexible traction member describes a path from said winding roller 503. During closing of the door the spring 530 is used as the pulling force for the closing operation. The driving device 5, preferably using an irreversible motor, is used to perform an opening operation.
Various principles for performing a secure and safe operation of the door arrangement have been illustrated in fig 8a-8f. Furthermore, a secure and safe operation is accomplished with any aspect of the above disclosed door arrangements using any suggested path of the flexible traction member on both sides of the door.
Reference is being made to fig 5 wherein the roller door arrangement 1 according to a preferred embodiment is provided, as seen from one lateral portion 6 and towards the middle of the door, with said protruding portion 7, said flexible traction member 4 and said reconnectable link portion 10.
Both sides of the roller door arrangement 1 are provided, as seen from one lateral portion 6 and towards the middle of the door, with said protruding portion 7, said flexible traction member 4 and said reconnectable link portion 10.
A profile 11, extending in the longitudinal direction of the roller door arrangement 1, is arranged to cover said guide channel 8, said flexible traction member 4 and said reconnectable link portion 10 of one side of the roller door arrangement 1, as seen straight towards the flexible door leaf 2.
According to a further embodiment disclosed in fig 3 a reconnectable link portion 10 is a zipper 12. The protruding portion 7 may also be accomplished by using part of a zipper. The zipper is attached to the flexible screen in a conventional manner.
According to an alternative embodiment disclosed in fig 4 a reconnectable link portion 10 is a reconnectable sealing device 13 comprising a protruding portion 14 for engaging a complementary receiving portion 15 having two lip portions.
With reference to fig 7a-7b the self repairing function will be described. A reconnectable link portion 10 is arranged reconnectable during an opening and closing cycle of the roller door arrangement 1. A divided funnel 16 is arranged fixed in proximity to the top of a slit 9 of the door leaf 2 when the door is in a closed position. The reconnectable link portion 10 passes therethrough, when the roller door arrangement 1 performs a closing or opening movement, in order to reconnect the slit 9 of the flexible door leaf 2.
Preferably, the divided funnel 16 consist of two parts in facing pairs as probably best disclosed in fig 7b.
In fig 2 a roller door arrangement 1 comprises a detector 22 and security device 23 for interrupting closing movement when an obstacle is detected. Furthermore, the roller door arrangement 1 comprises a lower bar 24 with a detector 22 for detecting an obstacle and possibly interrupting closing movement. The roller door arrangement 1 comprises a lower bar 24 provided with a lower bar reconnector 25 in proximity to a zone where any slit 9 in the flexible door leaf 2 lead.
This lower bar reconnector 25 could be designed in a number of ways. A preferred reconnector is shown in fig 6a, wherein a T-part bracket 25 is to be attached to a "C-part bracket" 26. In fig 6b the brackets are attached. The arrows indicate possible ways for the brackets to disconnect when exposed to impact.
The term "flexible door leaf" should be understood to mean, within the context of this invention, any flat element able to form a closure or a separation and able to roll around an axis or to be folded, such as an awning, a strip of plastic material, etc., intended for closing a bay, forming a separating partition. In this respect it should be noted that, according to the invention, a distinct preference is given to waterproof doors comprising a flexible door leaf.
Furthermore, the driving device comprise a transmission 4 able to move along with a backward and forward motion.

Claims

A roller door arrangement (1) comprising a flexible door leaf (2), wound on a winding roller (3) which is mounted rotatably at the door opening, wherein the roller door arrangement (1) is provided with flexible traction members (4) associated with at least one driving device (5) for applying a traction force on the flexible door leaf (2), to enable the flexible door leaf (2) to be movable between a closed position and an open position, characterised in that the lateral portions (6) of the flexible door leaf (2) are provided with a protruding portion (7) adapted for being guided by a guide (8) and holding the flexible door leaf between guides (8), and that the flexible door leaf (2) has at least one slit (9) extending in the longitudinal direction of the flexible door leaf (2), provided with a reconnectable link portion (10), said reconnectable link portion (10) being adapted to engage the door leaf slit (9) and disengage when exposed to impact exceeding a threshold value.
The roller door arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the roller door arrangement (1) is provided, as seen from one lateral portion (6) and towards the middle of the door, with said protruding portion (7), said flexible traction member (4) and said reconnectable link portion (10).
The roller door arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein both sides of the roller door arrangement (1) are provided, as seen from one lateral portion (6) and towards the middle of the door, with said protruding portion (7), said flexible traction member (4) and said reconnectable link portion (10).
The roller door arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein a profile (11), extending in the longitudinal direction of the roller door arrangement (1), is arranged to cover said guide (8), said flexible traction member (4) and said reconnectable link portion (10) of one side of the roller door arrangement (1), as seen straight towards the flexible door leaf (2).
The roller door arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein a substantially C-shaped profile (11'), extending in the longitudinal direction of the roller door arrangement (1), is arranged around the lateral portion (6) of the flexible door leaf (2).
The roller door arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein any of said reconnectable link portions (10) is a zipper (12).
The roller door arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein any of said reconnectable link portions (10) is a reconnectable sealing device (13) comprising a protruding portion (14) for engaging a complementary receiving portion (15) having two lip portions.
The roller door arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein any reconnectable link portion (10) is reconnectable during an opening and closing cycle of the roller door arrangement (1).
The roller door arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein a divided funnel (16) is arranged fixed in proximity to the top of a slit (9) of the door leaf (2) when in a closed position, such that the reconnectable link portion (10) passes therethrough, when the roller door arrangement (1) performs a closing or opening movement, in order to reconnect the slit (9) of the flexible door leaf (2).
The roller door arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein flexible traction member (4) in its propagating direction transfers a pulling force from the driving device (5).
The roller door arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein each side of the flexible door leaf (2) has a flexible traction member (4) connected thereto and arranged along the longitudinal direction thereof.
The roller door arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the flexible traction member (4) is a belt (20).
The roller door arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the flexible traction member (4) is a rope.
The roller door arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein the roller door arrangement (1) comprises a detector (22) and security device (23) for interrupting closing movement when an obstacle is detected.
The roller door arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein the roller door arrangement (1) comprises a lower bar (24) with a detector (22) for detecting an obstacle and possibly interrupting closing movement.
The roller door arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the roller door arrangement (1) comprises a lower bar (24) provided with a lower bar reconnector (25) in proximity to a zone where any slit (9) in the flexible door leaf (2) lead.