EP2458123A1

EP2458123A1 - Opening system with combined movement

Info

Publication number: EP2458123A1
Application number: EP11009145A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Salvatore Picone
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-11-25
Filing date: 2011-11-17
Publication date: 2012-05-30
Also published as: ITBO20100704A1; IT1402726B1

Abstract

An opening system with combined movement, usable for closing openings closed by a gate, characterized in that said gate (1) comprises a first wing (2) rotating around a vertical axis (x) and a second wing (3) sliding in relation to the first wing (2) and supported by the same, and in that said first wing (2) is provided with a cover or casing element (22), which encloses in its inside the second wing (3) and the relevant moving, controlling and commanding means, the distance spacing said cover (22) and said second wing (3) being such to prevent the insertion of objects. (FIG.8).

Description

The present invention relates to a closing system equipped with combined movement which can offer a high protection against accidents.
In particular, the closing system is usable for passages closed by movable structures such as, for example, gates and the like.
For the sake of simplicity, in this description the term "movable structure" will be used to define any mobile structure used for the formation of the gate, which may be of different materials and different sizes depending on the intended use.
The term "closing system" means a set of means usable for moving the movable structure, that is, the motor means with the relevant command and control means used for opening and closing the gate, also including the semi-automatic or manual handling.
The choice of the movable structure to be used to close the passages is often difficult, either when the first or a subsequent installation of a closing system is to be made, both when the design of masonry designed to define the passage itself is to be decided. A typical example of such a choice is represented by the car driveways combined to pedestrian access. In these situations, the solutions usually adopted have drawbacks. In fact, during the first or a subsequent installation in some cases a single structure that involves all the passage is used; this structure is therefore oversized in the case of pedestrian access, causing the movement of a structure which is larger than necessary, with negative consequences in terms of encumbrance and power consumption. In other cases, it is used a structure with two wings, which must be moved according to different modes and which determine two different zones involved by the movement; in other words, in the case of the two wings, it is necessary to assign two zones of the gate's area at the passage and at the temporarily stop of the wings.
When the passages are to be designed, the opening systems currently on the market often need the building of two separate entrances, to be provided with two different mobile structures, for, respectively, the pedestrian passage and the one for vehicles. The aim of the present invention is to provide an opening system that eliminates the drawbacks mentioned above and which ensures a high degree of safety.
This result has been arrived at in accordance with the invention by adopting the idea of a system having the characteristics described in the independent claim. Other features are described in dependent claims.
Among the advantages of the present invention there is that it is possible to have a closing system that allows, by means of a single mobile structure, an opening having different values, for example for vehicles and pedestrian and provides a high protection from injury; that the movement of the mobile structure, i.e. opening the gate, is convenient and simple and, at the same time, safe because the mobile structure, in all its configurations in use, practically excludes the possibility of injury; that the system maintains its characteristics even after prolonged periods of use, requiring a very little maintenance, enclosing inside itself substantially all of the organs of motion and control.
The closing system consists of a sliding wing inside another swivel wing: this is, in practice, a gate having a combined movement in which the moving parts cannot cause harm to the users. In particular, the provision of a sliding door provided with a protective covering, placed inside a protective covering of the swivel wing, prevents the insertion of objects or parts of human body inside the structures in motion, with the guarantee of a high security.
Additional advantages and features of the invention are listed below.
The gate of the invention eliminates the problem of construction of two gates: one for pedestrians and one for vehicles; in fact, the sliding door allows the passage of a pedestrian or a bicycle or a motorcycle, without the movement of the swing leaf of the gate.
The self-supporting upright post that supports the gate (post which may advantageously be constituted by a sort of "rotating column") can be positioned on the right or on the left.
The gate is provided with sliding guides, preferably made of steel, for the sliding wing, guides which are housed in the swivel wing: in this way the system does not need any support in the ceiling and in the floor, but it is only necessary the self-supporting swiveling post.
Preferably, inside the post is positioned an electric motor with the dual task of causing the rotation of the gate and of providing the mechanical support with the shaft of the motor connected to the external structure, which can be brick and / or metal. This particular design is advantageous for operating the service maintenance: in fact, for operating on the electric motor placed inside the post, it is sufficient to disengage the same motor from the top bracket (which is divided into two parts in one embodiment), without having to lift any element of the gate.
The motor that operates the movement of the sliding wing is located inside the rotating wing and is therefore easily accessible without the need of intervention on the support systems of the gate. In particular, the coating on the casing that covers the sides of the gate structure is provided with a door to access to the engine of the sliding wing and to the relevant moving and control means.
The presence of two separate electric motors offers the advantage that, in case of breakage of one of the two, the other still allow the use and the possibility of pedestrian and / or driveway.
Similarly, the presence of electric drive units independent of each other permit the elimination of unnecessary mechanical motion, for example, speed reducers, gears, racks, threaded rods, etc....
In practice, the gate of the invention provides a better opportunity to use in open areas of pedestrian and / or vehicle passages, without having to modify and realize any building structure. In addition, since the sliding wing has mounted cantilever, allows the passage of disabled users, as on the floor are never present, nor are placed guides, tracks or impediments of any kind.
The gate, in particular in its sliding part, can be equipped with a self-powered anti-panic system, in which the release, if is required an emergency exit, is determined by the deactivation of electromagnets.
In the preferred embodiment, an electric motor (positioned within the body of the rotating wing) operates the movement of the sliding wing by means of a toothed belt. The movement by means of the toothed belt allows, in any position, thanks to the structure of the belt drive system, the stop of the motion in case of an obstacle not detected by the photoelectric detection system which equips the system of the invention.
It is important to highlight the high security of the system which is provided with automatic means for the reversal of motion which, if an obstacle is present in "dead zones", i.e. in those areas not covered by the photocells, determines an inversion of motion for a programmable number of times.
The sliding wing is contained inside the rotating wing and are designed so that, during the movement for entering into the rotating wing, remains a space so small between the two doors that any entry of foreign bodies is prevented.
Another advantage of the present invention relates to a mobile tip capable of defining an additional point of support for the gate which prevents the rotation of the same structure of the gate when it is in the closed position; the tip contributes to a higher resistance to stress deriving from the mass of the gate and, at the same time, defines a constraint between the gate and the ground to prevent the not allowed opening acts. In addition, the seat in which the tip has inserted not protrudes from the ground and not forms an obstacle.
Further advantages result from the fact that the maximum width of opening of the gate is determined only by the demands and requests of the users. A particular feature of the system is that the gate structure can be made into parts to be assembled on site by means of simple bolting operations: in this way, the gate comes in a "kit" of small size, with consequent advantages in terms of the installation (which requires no welding), transportation and storage.
In addition, the electrical control panel is located inside the rotating wing and, therefore, does not need any external masonry or metal structure to contain the command means. In the systems of known type it is necessary to use an external control panel fixed to a column or a wall.
The presence, within the electric control panel, of a number of advanced electronic and electrical systems allows remote control of the movements of the gate and its security in the various stages of use. There are no external cables as all cables are made inside the structure.
The advantages and features of the invention will be better understood from the following description and with the help of the annexed drawings, given as practical examples of the invention, but not to be considered by limiting, in which:

Fig.1 is a schematic front view of a passage equipped with an opening system in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view from above of an opening system in accordance with the invention;
Fig 3 shows, schematically two specific examples of connections between two wings which form the gate of the present invention;
Figs. 4, 5 show two possible examples of the motor means of the gate of the invention;
Fig 6 is a schematic front view of a mobile structure in accordance with the invention; the scheme shows a possible example of movement between the two wings of the structure;
Fig 7 is a schematic perspective view in which it is visible the sliding wing contained within the body of the rotating wing;
Fig 8 is a front view showing the two engines housed respectively in the vertical upright post and inside of the wing (together with control electronics);
Figs. 9 and 10 are two schematic perspective views showing the attachment of the upper vertical post, and
Fig 11 is a schematic view which shows an embodiment of a mobile supporting member of the structure on the ground.

The attached drawings show a possible embodiment of an opening system provided with combined movement in accordance with the invention; the opening system can be used to equip passages closed by a mobile structure normally consisting of a gate. In Fig. 1, the passage is schematically represented by two enclosure walls (9) delimited by the corresponding columns (90). According to the invention, the gate (1) comprises a first wing (2) rotating around a vertical axis (x) and a second wing (3) sliding in relation to the first wing and supported by the same.
The gate (1) is therefore moving according two movements: the sliding of the second wing (3) in relation to the first (2), indicated by the arrow (F) in the drawings, and the rotation of the first leaf (2) (which supports second leaf), indicated by the arrow (R) in the drawings. In practice, the system allows two types of openings: a small opening (value L1 in Fig.1), can be used for pedestrian or bicycle and motorcycle and a greater opening (value L2 of Fig.1), used for the passage of vehicles like cars and similar.
In the configuration of "open gate" the sliding wing (3) is supported by the rotating wing (2) and, in the preferred embodiment of the invention in which the rotating wing is provided with a coating, the sliding wing (3) is inserted inside the rotating wing (2); in this way, the same sliding wing (3) is not accessible from the outside, with consequent benefits in terms of safety.
This advantageous feature is best shown in Fig. 7; the sliding door (3) is completely contained by the body of the rotating wing; in practice, the coating (22) that completely covers the revolving wing (2) is the container of the sliding wing. The distance (indicated by arrow A) between the surface of the sliding wing (3) and the container (22) is so small that prevents absolutely the inclusion between the same wing and the container of any part of the body (for eg. fingers) of people. It is also substantially prevented the introduction of objects into the container. In other words, the degree of security offered is extremely high.
The system can be conveniently powered using, for example, a 24V power supply, with battery power, even of rechargeable type via solar panels. Obviously, other types of power supply can be used in accordance with the requirements of use and regulations.
The first wing (2) is provided with an upright post (20) which is placed at the vertical axis (x) around which the leaf (2) rotates. With reference to the drawings, particularly to Figs.1 and 4, the upright (20) is connected to the column (9) by a bracket (92) and a pin (41). In a possible embodiment, it can be provided with an engine (4) for the rotation movement (R) of said first wing (2), motor which can be placed inside said post (20). The output shaft of the motor (4) corresponds with the pin (41) connecting the bracket (92). The positioning of the motor (4) in the upright (20) is very good from the point of view of safety and aesthetic point of view, since the engine is not accessible under normal use of the gate.
As best shown in Figs. 8, 9 and 10, the electric motor is located inside of the post with the dual task of moving the rotation of the gate and to provide the mechanical support with the shaft of the motor connected to the external structure. This particular design is advantageous for operating the service maintenance: in fact, for operating on the electric motor placed inside the post, it is sufficient to disengage the same motor from the top bracket (which is divided into two parts in one embodiment), without having to lift any element of the gate.
As best visible in Fig.8, the system is provided with a closing element of the post (2), consisting of a sort of "cap" (46) inserted inside the post (20), at the upper end. The body of the closuring element (46) is provided with a plurality of holes (47) arranged along a circumference can be used for fixing, by means of screw, the motor (4) which, as shown in Fig.9, is provided with a corresponding plurality of holes (48) in its housing. A central hole (49) is placed in the central portion of the element (46) to be crossed from the shaft (41) of the engine (4).
Fig. 9 shows the means for attaching the post (2) to a fixed structure. These means comprise two connecting elements (71, 72) associable with each other. In particular, a first connecting element (72) comprises a plate (73), with which is to be fixed to the fixed structure (wall, column, etc..) by means of screws (74), and a parallelepiped body having a distal portion with reduced cross-section provided with a hole (75) in which a screw is received (76); said screw allows the attachment to the second element (71). The surface (720) of the element (72), as well as the corresponding surface (710) of the element (71), is knurled or provided with a series of grooves arranged parallel to the plate (73), in order to increase the strength of the bond between the elements (71) and (72) when joined by the screw (76).
The element (71) has a slotted hole (77) which allows the coupling with the element (72) according to different positions. In addition, on the element (71) there is a hole (78) intended to receive the end of the shaft end (41) of the engine (4). The hole (78) is shaped complementary to the shaft section (41). In this way, the rotation of the shaft (41), which is integral to the fixing elements (71, 72) and, consequently, to the fixed structure that supports the plate (73), determines the corresponding rotation of the wing, since the engine (4) is integral to the post (20) that contains it.
This type of connection facilitates and optimizes the repair and maintenance operations.
According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, shown in Fig.5, the motor (4) is placed underground, in a seat (40) obtained in the ground (T), under said (20), to which is connected by means of its shaft (41). Again there are clear advantages in terms of function, safety and aesthetics.
In Figs. 4 and 5 the post (20) and column (90) are represented schematically and partially and are sectioned through discontinuous segments.
In any case, the movement of the gate is advantageously carried out because the structure is rotated with a smaller radius (smaller lever arm). As best seen in Fig. 7, the moving means of the rotating wing does not move a door that covers the entire value (L2) of the closed gate, but for a reduced value (L3), equal to the difference between the entire value (L2) and the value of the extension (L1) of the sliding wing (3).
It is possible to adjust the door opening (2) to different values depending on the arrangement of the gate by appropriately programming the control and command circuit of the motor (4). As an example, the opening can be obtained by a rotation (R) of 90° or 180°, depending on the requests. The control circuit of the motor can be of a type comprising encoders and the so-called "self-learning" program, i.e. able to detect the strokes to execute after a number of measurements in order to adjust the opening and the closing phases in a substantially automatic way. In other words, in addition to the mechanical limit of the gate, which can be however provided, the gate can define the "virtual" limit determined by the control and command electronics. The same electronics can determine any changes in acceleration during the movement of opening and closing of the gate.
As mentioned previously, the second wing (3) is sliding in relation to the first wing (2). In particular, the second wing (3) can be connected to the first (2) by means of carriages sliding on guides. In Fig. 3 a possible embodiment of the connection between the two wings is schematically represented. There are two guides (23) having a substantially "C" section, made for example in steel, which are fixed to the first wing (2) at an upper portion (24) and at a base portion (25). In practice, the first wing (2) has a first guide (23) which extends horizontally, with its open side faced toward the plane of the second wing (3), along the upper part of its inner vertical wall; the first wing (2) also has a second guide (23) that develops, always along a horizontal axis, but with the open end facing up. The second wing (3) is provided with corresponding steel carriages (30) provided with wheels (31) and inserted in the sliding guides (23) of the first wing (2). This makes it feasible an effective link between the two wings that allows the sliding (F) of the second wing (3) in respect to the first (2). In Fig. 3, (z) and (y) represent, respectively, the axes of one the wheels of a carriage placed above and below. In practice, each of the wheels (31) of the upper sliding carriages rotates around a horizontal axis (z), which is perpendicular to the plane defined by the two wings (2) and (3), while each of the wheels (31) of the sliding carriages placed inferiorly rotates around a vertical axis (y), which is perpendicular to the ground, that is substantially coincident with the plane defined by the second wing (3).
As schematically represented in Fig. 6, the opening system may comprise a motor (5) for moving the second wing (3) in relation to the first wing (2), with a corresponding system for the command, the control and the transmission of the movement The transmission system includes two wheels (51, 52) whose rotating shafts are fixed to the first wing (2), in orthogonal position in respect to the plane defined by the same wing (2). The two wheels (51, 52), which can be toothed, are connected by a belt (50), such as rubber or covered with material that produces relatively little noise during the engagement with the wheels; the first wheel (51) is conducted by the motor (5), while the second wheel (52)is idle; the belt (50) is bound to the second wing (3), for example in correspondence of a fastening point (33) (where a tensioner is preferably provided), so as to be integral with the second wing (3) in its sliding movement in respect to the first wing (2). Thus is defined a very effective and silent movement.
Advantageously, the first leaf (2) can be fitted with a cover or casing element (22) that contains inside itself the second wing (3) and the relevant moving, controlling and commanding means. In this way, inside the casing (22) can be enclosed, for example, the wing (3), the same engine (5) of the second wing, the circuit boards of both engines (4) and (5) and the relating power circuits. The casing (22) is conveniently provided with a door (55) for access to the inside. With (22') is indicated the coating of the sliding wing (3), which is also covered so as not to allow the introduction of objects or body parts inside.
The second wing (3), when the gate is open, is received in said first wing (2); when the gate is in closed configuration protrudes at cantilever from the same first wing (2).
As schematically indicated in Fig.2, first control means (7) can be provided, such as photocells, arranged and acting along a line substantially corresponding with the trajectory of said second wing (3), which is substantially coincident with the plane of the gate in closure configuration. Second control means (8) (other two photocells) are arranged and acting on both sides of the same gate. The signals of the photoelectric cells (7, 8) are used by the control circuit of the system for controlling the opening of the wings. In practice, the wings can be moved only if there isn't the possibility of damage to persons or objects. In the drawings of Fig.2, the line of action of the photocells (7, 8) is represented by dotted line, while the possible detection devices are schematically represented by rectangular elements (70, 80). In Fig.2, furthermore, also the first leaf (2) is shown in two different opening positions, respectively, at 90° and 180°, with dotted lines and only partially, i.e. with a shorter length for reasons of graphical representation.
The system can be provided with warning devices, preferably independent for the two wings, both optical and sound. These devices are indicated schematically with (10) in Figure 1.
Suitable sensors to detect the interference of the wings with obstacles, both in opening and closing movement, are provided.
In a preferred embodiment, the motor (4) of the first leaf (2) is activated only after the activation of the motor (5) of the second leaf (3), i.e. the rotation around the vertical axis (x) of gate does not occur until the second wing has been received in the first wing (2). Similarly, the activation of the motor (5) occurs only when the second wing (3) is placed on the closure plan, i.e. when the photocell (7) detects the position at that location. In practice, the logic of the system of closure is such that the gate can be turned only with the second wing (3) received in the first (2), and the same second wing (3) can slide in relation to the first wing (2) only when the first wing (2) is "closed", i.e. when the second wing (3) is aligned with the detector (70).
The opening of the gate can be controlled in several ways: remote controls, buttons, key commands, magnetic support readers, "proximity" devices, etc.. In this way, it is possible to "customize" the opening according to the user (identified by the type of instrument used to open); it is possible, for example, being to exclude the complete opening of the gate (i.e. the first leaf 2) when desired.
For added security, the first leaf (2) can be provided with a lock (6), preferably electrically operated, provided with a tip which is inserted into the ground (T). The insertion of the tip of the lock (6) in the ground determines a support for the structure of the gate and at the same time, a constraint for the rotation of the gate (1). Alternatively, or in addition to the lock (6) shown in Fig.1, the system can be provided with a moving element for supporting the structure on the ground as schematically shown in Fig.11. In particular, a swivel tip (61) is pivoted on the first wing (2) around a pin (64), The tip (60) is designed to fit into a corresponding seat (60) placed in the ground (T), non-protruding from it. When the second wing (3) is "closed", i.e. it is projected outward from the wing (2), the tip (61) is inserted into the ground (T) in correspondence of the seat (60). In this configuration, the gate structure (1) has an additional point of support in order to improve resistance to stress and, more generally, the static structure. When the sliding wing (3) is inserted in the rotating wing (2), a cam portion (62) of the second wing (3) comes into contact with the upper portion of the tilting tip (61), causing the rotation of the same tip (61) around the pin (64) as indicated by the arrow (R6) in the drawing of Fig.11. In this way, the tip (61) is extracted from the seat (60) and held extracted out of the seat (60) by means of the interaction with a horizontal guide (63) parallel to the ground (T), supported by the sliding wing (3). When the sliding wing (3) is "closed", that is it is extracted from the first wing (2), the tip (61) is no longer held and by gravity returns back into the seat (60). In practice, the swivel tip (61) defines an additional supporting point which holds the structure of the gate and prevent the rotation of the same when it is in the closed position; furthermore, the seat (60) does not protrude from the ground and not defines an obstacle. The movement of the tip (61) can also be motorized, but the solution described above is extremely advantageous because it requires no power supply nor connections for operating the tip.
The system of the invention may be provided with means for manual unlocking of the engine in case of need.
From the description and the annexed drawings previously exposed is also evident that the presence of electric drive units independent of each other permit the elimination of unnecessary mechanical motion, for example, speed reducers, gears, racks, threaded rods, etc....
Other advantages are that the gate in question provides a better opportunity to use in open areas of pedestrian and / or vehicle passages, without having to modify and realize any building structure. In addition, since the sliding wing has mounted cantilever, allows the passage of disabled users, as on the floor are never present, nor are placed guides, tracks or impediments of any kind.
The gate can be provided with a self-powered anti-panic system, in which the release, if is required an emergency exit. This system may advantageously include connections formed by electromagnets, with a circuit provided with backup batteries. The sliding wing is contained inside the rotating wing and are designed so that, during the movement for entering into the rotating wing, remains a space so small between the two doors that any entry of foreign bodies is prevented.
This system has passed all the tests necessary to issue the certificates in the field of security.
The command and control devices of the elements described above and illustrated in the attached drawings are of the type known to the skilled in the art and, therefore, are not described in further detail for simplicity. Furthermore, the details of implementing information may change as equivalent in form, size, arrangement of elements, type of materials used, without leaving the area of the idea of the solution adopted and therefore remaining within the limits of the protection afforded by this patent.

Claims

Opening system with combined movement, usable for closing openings closed by a gate, characterized in that said gate (1) comprises a first wing (2) rotating around a vertical axis (x) and a second wing (3) sliding in relation to the first wing (2) and supported by the same, and in that said first wing (2) is provided with a cover or casing element (22), which encloses in its inside the second wing (3) and the relevant moving, controlling and commanding means, the distance spacing said cover (22) and said second wing (3) being such to prevent the insertion of objects.
Opening system according to claim 1, characterized in that said first wing (2) is provided with an upright post (20) placed in correspondence of said vertical axis (x), a motor (4) for the rotation of said first wing (2) being disposed inside said upright post (20).
Opening system according to claim 1, characterized in that said first wing (2) is provided with an upright post (20) placed in correspondence of said vertical axis (x), a motor (4) for the rotation of said first wing (2) being disposed underground, below said upright post (20).
Opening system according to claim 1, characterized in that said second wing (3) is provided with a plurality of carriages (30) with wheels (31) sliding in corresponding guides (23) attached to said first wing (2).
Opening system according to claim 1 and/or 4, characterized in that it comprises, inside to said cover (22), a motor (5) for moving said second wing (3) in respect to the first wing (2) and a transmission system of the motion of said motor (5) comprising two wheels (51, 52) supported by said first wing and connected by a belt (50), said first wheel (51) being driven by said motor (5) and said second wheel being idle (52), said belt (50) being integral with said second wing (3) in its sliding in respect to said first door (2).
Opening system according to claim 1, characterized in that said second wing (3) is substantially completely received in said first wing (2) when the gate is open, also during the opening operation of the first wing (2) and it protrudes at cantilever from said first wing (2) when the gate is closed.
Opening system according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises first optical control means (7) arranged and acting along a line substantially corresponding with the trajectory of said second wing (3), or substantially coincident with the plane of said gate in the closing configuration and seconds optical control means (8) arranged and acting on both sides of the same gate.
Opening system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises a motor (4) for the rotation of said first wing (2) and a motor (5) for the sliding of said second wing (3), characterized in that the motor (4) of said first wing (2) is activated only after the activation of the motor (5) of the second wing (3), i.e. the rotation around the vertical axis (x) of the gate occurs only when the second wing (3) is inserted in the first wing (2).
Opening system according to claim 1, characterized in that said first wing (2) is provided with a lock (6) provided with a tip which can be inserted into the ground (T).
Opening system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a door (55) to access to the motor means (5) of the second wing (3) and to the relevant command and control means.
Opening system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is provided with an anti-panic system provided with electromagnets.
Opening system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is provided with an independent electric supply system with buffer batteries.
Opening system according to claim 2, characterized in that it is provided with means for fixing the upright post (20) to a fixed structure comprising a covering element or cap (46) insertable into the upper part of the post (20) and fixable to the housing of said motor (4), the shaft (41) of said motor (4) being stably associable to a fixing element (71) fixable to a fixed structure.
Opening system according to claim 13, characterized in that it is provided with another fixing element (72) complementary shaped to said fixing element (71), said another fixing element (72) being provided with means for fixing the same to a fixed structure
Opening system according to claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with a mobile element (61) for supporting the structure of the gate on the ground comprising a tilting tip, fixed to the first wing (2), and able to reversibly insert itself in a corresponding housing (60) placed in the ground (T) when the second wing (3) is closed, i.e. it is projecting outside from the swiveling wing (2).