EP1724428A1 - Automatic operating mechanism of a light sliding door with at least one movable wing - Google Patents

Abstract

The mechanism has a driving cord (5) confirming with a closed loop after winding on a driving pulley driven by a low voltage DC motor (6). The cord is formed of a plastic material having a coefficient of adhesion and elasticity either to drive a door leaf (1) between open and closed positions in normal operating condition, or to slide the cord on the pulley during blocking or manual pushing of the leaf opposite to its moving direction. The cord is maintained wound on the pulley by a guide pulley (9) and a tension pulley (8). The return of the cord is carried out on a guide pulley (10).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

• des moyens de suspension et de guidage du vantail le long d'un rail de roulement horizontal et fixe,
• un moteur d'entraînement du vantail par l'intermédiaire d'une liaison de transmission souple associée à un dispositif à poulies,
• et des moyens de retenue du vantail en position de fermeture et d'ouverture.

The invention relates to a control mechanism for opening and closing a light automatic door provided with at least one sliding leaf for use indoors, and operating in manual or automatic mode, said mechanism comprising:

• means for suspending and guiding the leaf along a horizontal and fixed running rail,
• a leaf drive motor via a flexible transmission link associated with a pulley device,
• and means for retaining the leaf in the closed and open position.

STATE OF THE ART

The documents FR-A-2742474 and WO 90/13723 describe sliding doors equipped with emergency opening or closing devices using a coil spring or an elastic rope tensioner, capable of being cocked during the closing movement, and held taut by the action a brake or clutch, either by the control motor or by an auxiliary electromagnet. In the event of a power mains failure, the brake or electromagnet are released, causing the spring or tensioner to loosen, which automatically opens the door.

The kinematics of the mechanism generally comprises a gear motor coupled to a toothed transmission belt, which is shaped according to a closed loop, or open. In case of breakage or mechanical failure of the gearbox preventing rotation of the output shaft of the gearbox or the associated pulley, the belt remains blocked, preventing any opening or closing despite the presence of safety devices.

The use of a closed-loop toothed belt is made necessary by the presence of electromechanical or electronic limit switches to control the opening and closing of the door, and to stop the engine in case of jamming. It is also necessary to control, in particular to decelerate, the speed of opening of the door to avoid shocks on the stop at the end of the opening stroke. To avoid closing shocks, and to comply with the maximum force standards in case of jamming, the movement in the closing direction must also be controlled, which generally requires an engine equipped with a speed and torque regulator that increases the cost price of the mechanism.

If these equipments are expensive, it is also in relation with the chosen specifications, that is to say: heavy doors, up to 100 kg per leaf, installed outside, therefore being able to undergo severe climatic constraints. These constraints have led the manufacturers to equip these doors with a sufficiently powerful motorization, which has led to safety threshold effort in case of jamming, controlled speed, automatic opening in case of power failure, since the door may be too heavy to be operated in manual mode.

An Italian manufacturer known under the trade name DITEC, proposes a light sliding door for the interior, in which the means of transmission is an open-loop toothed belt, which is driven by a driving pulley, also notched. Two pulleys installed on either side of the driving pulley, maintain the belt wound on the driving pulley, the belt being fixed at each end of the door. The geared motor is fixed to the wall, in the size of the door, along it and the horizontal runner, also attached to the wall or ceiling.

The disadvantages of such a mechanism are the following:

The use of a toothed belt, and a gear motor, reversible if it is, makes the transmission and the geared motor unit at all times compatible. As a result, the manual operation of the door will not have the same softness, and therefore, this mechanism can interfere with the opening of the door in manual mode.

Similarly, in its instructions for use, the manufacturer prohibits to operate the door manually against automatic operation, because of the risk of damaging the mechanism, which can be understood because this maneuver, thanks to the toothed belt positively transmitting the movement, opposing the gearbox a resistant couple incompatible with its capabilities. However, in private use, it is impossible to ensure that such a maneuver will never be attempted, if only by play.

In addition, the gear motor being located in the size of the door, the opening stroke of it will not be equal to its width, but amputated by at least 10 cm, because of this provision. Thus, the door will not be completely erased in a partition, which is unfortunate for a sliding door. Similarly, the arrangement of the gear motor in front of the rail, creates a protrusion affecting the size and aesthetics of the mechanism.

Finally, in the event of locking with jamming in closing, the maximum torque available is instantly transmitted to the door by the gearbox and the toothed belt; the electronics will command a stop, but the shock, not amortized, has already occurred.

The document US 4050189 relates to a mechanism for driving a door by means of a non-elastic transmission cable guided between a driving pulley and a return pulley with interposition of a tension spring. The drive pulley is driven by a reversible geared motor, making it difficult to operate the door in manual mode. The slip of the cable on the drive pulley can not intervene after release of the tension of the spring, which is decompressed during an accidental locking of the door in the direction of closing.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

A first object of the invention is to design a control mechanism of an interior door having at least one leaf of moderate weight, and can be operated at any time in manual mode or in automatic mode.

A second object of the invention is to provide an automatic door mechanism with a simple and reliable kinematics, and enjoying optimum operating safety without resorting to expensive security components, and an opening command rescue.

The control mechanism according to the invention is characterized in that the transmission belt traditionally notched in a closed loop or open and kept stretched between two pulleys, will be preferred a transmission flexible rope, preferably slightly elastic, made of a material smooth, adherent and resistant plastic, in particular polyamide or polyurethane, shaped in a closed loop on two equally smooth return pulleys. The rope is kept wound on the drive pulley by a first deflection pulley and a tension pulley fixed with the engine at the end of the fixed rail, the return of the rope being effected on a second deflection pulley situated opposite the engine.

The engine, very small footprint (of the order of 50x50 mm), is mounted horizontally at one end of the door, being fixed at the end and in alignment with the rail. The result is an aesthetic mechanism of small size without any projection. In addition, this arrangement makes it possible to use a displacement stroke identical to the width of the door, and thus allows it to completely disappear in the open-position pocket. Such a control mechanism according to the invention is provided for actuating a door to a leaf. In the case of a door with two leaves, two identical identical mechanisms operating in synchronism will be used.

In the mode of transmission retained, the rope, while adhering to the drive pulley for the transmission of the torque, can nevertheless skate if necessary, in particular in case of blockage during its closing or opening movement, or if it is maneuvered manually, for example in the opposite direction of its automatic advance.

In addition, the choice of an elastic and adhesive transmission rope, allows to obtain a slip-free drive with low tension, the elasticity of the belt compensating for the elongations. This makes it possible to consider driving this elastic rope with a low power economic engine, so equipped with a small diameter output shaft, and bearings that do not support significant radial loads. For the same reason, the weakly loaded tension and return pulleys will not need to be fitted with bearings. This type of elastic rope, very flexible, fits perfectly pulleys of small diameter (30 to 50mm), which is very conducive to reducing the size, and promotes a higher speed of rotation. The transmission kinematic chain including the belt, the drive pulley, and the tension and return pulleys is a very economical package.

The driving motor of the driving pulley is low-voltage direct current type, without reducer, and relatively low power, in order to remain economical, and very small footprint.

• Le moteur à courant continu permet de remplacer un moto-réducteur classique, si son bobinage et sa vitesse de sortie sont convenablement adaptés (par exemple 1500 t/mn) et compatibles avec les vitesses requises par le mécanisme objet de l'invention. La réduction de vitesse sera obtenue grâce au circuit électronique de pilotage du moteur, ce qui se révèle beaucoup plus économique que le surcoût d'un réducteur mécanique.
• Le moteur, par construction, n'oppose à vide, aucune résistance mécanique, contrairement à un moto-réducteur, aussi réversible soit-il. De plus, la transmission par corde se traduit par une très grande douceur de fonctionnement, grâce à des frottements très faibles. Ces caractéristiques associées permettent donc de manoeuvrer la porte en mode manuel aussi facilement qu'une porte coulissante traditionnelle, non automatique.

The advantages of the mechanism according to the invention are the following:

• The DC motor makes it possible to replace a conventional geared motor, if its winding and its output speed are suitably adapted (for example 1500 rpm) and compatible with the speeds required by the mechanism object of the invention. The speed reduction will be achieved through the electronic engine control circuit, which is much more economical than the additional cost of a mechanical gearbox.
• The engine, by construction, does not oppose vacuum, no mechanical strength, unlike a geared motor, as reversible is it. In addition, the transmission by rope results in a very smooth operation, thanks to very low friction. These associated features therefore make it possible to maneuver the door in manual mode as easily as a traditional, non-automatic sliding door.

Another remarkable feature of a properly constructed DC motor is that it can remain energized indefinitely without heating. Its position, which is reset each time the power is turned on, is controlled by an electronic circuit which also manages its speed, accelerations and decelerations. This solution is very economical because it uses commercial engines manufactured in very large series.

The door is devoid of any backup device in case of power failure, since it will offer in this case the same security as a normal door. In particular, the force applied in the event of closing jamming, of the order of 20 N, corresponding to the maximum thrust of the engine, will be much lower than a jam produced when the door is manually operated, generally at a speed and thrust. much better.

The power of the motor, and therefore its torque will be lower than the maximum torque defined by the safety standards, which will make the electronic control of the torque threshold unnecessary.

In case of jamming, the transmission rope will immediately skate despite the low closing force. The engine will register a gradual increase in its amperage, but without opposing a resistant torque. The elasticity of the transmission kinematics, associated with the gearless motor, and therefore with very low inertia, makes it possible to damp the shock considerably, compared with a transmission positive associated with a reducer. Simultaneously, the electronic circuit will have detected the skating effect of the rope, and will command the immediate reopening of the door.

For this purpose, there are provided one or two optical sensors fork mounted on one of the return pulleys, to continuously monitor the position of the door, and for the engine to reset, and compensate for any slippage. Indeed, slippage of the transmission rope on the driving pulley will not interfere with the stop position of the door, since the rope can not slip on a free pulley, on which the detector is mounted.

The optical detector control and safety device can be advantageously replaced by an encoder placed directly at the rear of the engine.

As it is a door for the interior of a building, it will no longer be necessary to close the door quickly, but rather smoothly (for example, less than 0.2 m / s), so that Accidental shocks or jams are harmless. The opening speed can advantageously be accelerated (for example, up to 1 m / s), particularly if traffic constraints impose it.

The door may, if necessary, be kept closed, and / or opened by the control motor, which will remain under permanent tension without damage.

The opening phase is triggered by a presence transmission signal, type hyperfrequency radar or infrared detector, or by a touch-sensitive switch, or a radio remote control.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the motor is advantageously supplied with low voltage, and is equipped with an electronic circuit counting the turns, therefore the distance traveled by the pull rope. It will then be easy to stop movement with precision and reproducibility both during opening and closing.

Similarly, the control electronics associated with the DC motor provides accelerations and decelerations to ensure smooth movement at the end of closing and opening.

In case of breakage of the transmission rope, or engine failure, or failure of the electronic circuit, the door will open freely, nothing hindering its movement.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• La figure 1 est une vue schématique du mécanisme de commande automatique selon l'invention d'une porte coulissante à un vantail, équipée d'un moteur en position fixe et d'une chaîne cinématique de transmission en boucle fermée, le vantail étant représenté en position de fermeture ;
• La figure 2 montre le mécanisme de la figure 1 en position d'ouverture ;
• La figure 3 représente le montage du moteur fixe, correspondant aux figures 1 et 2.

Other advantages and features will emerge more clearly from the following description of an embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limiting example, and represented in the accompanying drawings, in which:

• FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the automatic control mechanism according to the invention of a one-leaf sliding door equipped with a motor in a fixed position and a kinematic transmission chain in a closed loop, the leaf being represented in FIG. closing position;
• Figure 2 shows the mechanism of Figure 1 in the open position;
• Figure 3 shows the mounting of the fixed motor, corresponding to Figures 1 and 2.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERENTIAL EMBODIMENT

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, an automatic gate with a leaf 1 is actuated by a control mechanism MC comprising a motor 6 of the low-voltage DC type intended to drive the leaf 1, via a transmission rope 5. The leaf 1 is carried by a roller carriage 2, 3, rolling intended to roll on a horizontal guide rail and fixed, so as to move the leaf 1, in opposing movements of translation between the closing position (figure1) and the open position (figure2).

The transmission rope 5 is advantageously smooth, of round section, made of a material of low elasticity, such as polyurethane, or polyamide, favoring a silent operating mode associated with good adhesion. It is arranged in a closed loop extending above the leaf 1, after winding on a smooth drive pulley 7 driven in rotation by the motor 6. The rope 5 is kept wound on the driving pulley 7 by a first return pulley 9 , and a tension pulley 8. The return of the rope 5 takes place on a second return pulley 10 situated opposite the engine 6.

The plastic material of the rope 5 has a coefficient of adhesion and elasticity able to ensure either the driving of the leaf 1 in normal operation between the closed and open positions, or the slippage of the rope 5 on the pulley 7 in the event of a blockage or a manual push in the opposite direction of its automatic advance.

A driver 11 of the leaf 1 is fixed to the lower strand of the cable 5 by an attachment lug 17. The motor 6 and the pulleys 8 and 9 are fixed to the rail 4 by an attachment lug 12. (see Figure 3).

In the closed or open position, the immobilization of the leaf 1 is ensured if necessary by maintaining the power supply of the engine 6. The electronic circuit (not shown) for driving the motor 6 is provided to ensure the docking smoothly leaf 1, at the end of the closing and opening stroke.

The closing signal generates the supply of the motor 6, and the driving of the rope 5, to the closed position of the door (FIG. 2).

The emission of the opening signal by the passage detector (not shown) of the radar or infra-red transmitter type, or manual contactor or radio remote control, cuts and reverses the power supply voltage of the motor 6, causing the leaf to open. 1. The respective positions of end of opening and end of closing are advantageously obtained by a slotted disk 14 secured to the first free pulley 9, whose rotation in one direction is recorded by an optical fork detector 15, and in the other direction by a second optical detector 16, both fixed side to side on the bracket 12 (see fig 3).

The counting of the rotation of the disc 14 is transmitted to the electronic control circuit of the motor 6. This device makes it possible to permanently know the open and closed state of the door, and is not disturbed by the possible slipping of the driving rope 5 on the driving pulley 7, since no slippage is possible between the rope 5 and a free pulley, in particular the return pulley 9. Moreover, the use of two optical detectors 15, 16 makes it possible, in failure or occultation of one of them, (for example because of dust), to transmit a fault signal, while maintaining normal operation of the door.

In case of accidental power failure, the motor 6 is no longer powered, the manual opening is facilitated by the total reversibility of the engine 6, and the very low friction generated by the transmission rope 5.

When the transmission rope 5 breaks, the leaf 1 can always open and close in manual mode.

In the event of jamming or blockage of the leaf 1 during the closing stroke, the engine torque generated by the motor 6 is too low to reach the thresholds imposed by the safety standards. However, the momentary blocking of the door will be recorded by the electronic engine control circuit 6, since if the door is immobilized, so also the first pulley 9, and the engine 6 rotates, the rope 5 skating on the pulley 7, then the electronic circuit analyzes the information received, and controls an immediate reopening of the leaf 1, to release the passage.

It is noted that the present invention has the advantage of responding to all normalized cases of accidental rupture of an electrical or mechanical member, and makes it possible to operate with ease manual opening or closing of the leaf 1.

The rope 5 can of course be replaced by a belt or elastic cable of circular section, or by any type of flexible band capable of driving the leaf in normal operation, and skate on the drive pulley 7 smooth during an incident.

The two return and tension pulleys 9, 8 are mounted free to rotate, and aligned in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the driving pulley 7, so as to position the motor 6 in alignment with the rail 4.

It is clear that the present invention also applies to a door with two sliding leaves, the same device being duplicated for each of the leaves. The optical detector control and safety device can be advantageously replaced by an encoder placed directly at the rear of the engine.

Claims (8)

Control mechanism for opening and closing a light automatic door provided with at least one sliding leaf (1) operating in manual or automatic mode for use indoors, said mechanism comprising: means for suspending and guiding the leaf (1) along a horizontal and fixed rolling rail (4), a motor (6) for driving the leaf (1) via a flexible transmission link associated with a pulley device, - And leaf retaining means (1) in the closed position and opening, characterized in that the flexible transmission link comprises a smooth rope (5) shaped according to a closed loop after winding on a smooth drive pulley (7) driven directly in rotation by a variable speed and reversing DC motor (6). the direction of rotation, said rope being made of a plastic material having a coefficient of adhesion and elasticity able to ensure either the driving of the leaf (1) in normal operation between the closing and opening positions, or the slippage of the rope (5) on the driving pulley (7) in the event of blockage or manual pushing in the opposite direction of its automatic advance, and that the rope (5) is kept wound on the drive pulley (7). ) by a first return pulley (9) and a tension pulley (8) fixed with the motor (6) at the end of the fixed rail (4), the return of the rope (5) being effected on a second pulley of referral (10) opposite the motor (6). Control mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the first deflection pulley (9) and the tension pulley (8) are rotatably mounted and aligned in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the drive pulley (7). ), so as to position the motor (6) in alignment with the rail (4). Control mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that the first free return pulley (9) cooperates with optical detectors (15, 16) to ensure the control of end position of opening and closing end, and the security of reopening in case of jamming. Control mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that the first deflection pulley (9) is equipped with a slotted disk (14) whose rotation in one direction is recorded by one of the optical detectors (15), and in the opposite direction by the other optical detector (16), the two detectors (14, 15) being fixed side by side on the bracket (12). Control mechanism according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the rope (5) has a circular section. Control mechanism according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the rope (5) smooth is polyurethane. Control mechanism according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the rope (5) smooth is polyamide. Control mechanism according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the motor (6) is a low voltage motor controlled by an electronic circuit arranged to ensure a smooth docking of the leaf (1) at the end of the closing stroke and opening.

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