EP4686804A1

EP4686804A1 - The underground gate opening system and the method of installing and uninstalling the internal mechanism in the system

Info

Publication number: EP4686804A1
Application number: EP24192743.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dusan DECHET
Original assignee: Deed SRO
Current assignee: Deed SRO
Priority date: 2024-08-02
Filing date: 2024-08-02
Publication date: 2026-02-04

Abstract

In the underground gate opening system, the internal mechanism (5) for moving the gate (20) comprises, in addition to the supporting inner frame (6), a driving and bearing mechanism (7) for the gate (20) and the counterweight (24), a primary guiding mechanism (16) for the gate (20) and a secondary guiding mechanism (21) for the counterweight (24), all of which are fixed to the inner frame (6). The entire internal mechanism (5) in its entirety is removably mounted in a protective housing (1) below the ground surface. The method of installing the internal mechanism (5) in the present system comprises the steps of inserting the internal mechanism (5) into the protective housing (1) through its top opening (2), fitting the internal mechanism (5) using the lower fixing system (25), fitting the top frame (29) into the top opening (2) using the top fixing system (30), and securing the internal mechanism (5) to the top frame (29) with the locking system (34). The method of uninstalling the internal mechanism (5) has the reverse order of the above steps.

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to an underground gate opening system suitable, for example, for preventing the passage or entry of motor vehicles, and also to a method of installing and uninstalling the internal mechanism in this system.

Background Art

Currently known underground gate opening systems mainly use guides on the sides of the gate, which are also located in the above-ground part of the structure. In this design, the gate panel must be precisely defined by its shape and dimensions. The driving and bearing mechanism is located partly or completely in the above-ground part of the structure. The parts of the guiding, driving and bearing mechanism which are above ground, when protected by an overhead protective structure, usually located on the sides of the gate, are only partially protected, which is insufficient. Such systems are published, e.g., in CA2144554A1 , WO2007039713A2 , CN218029730U , JPH09177457A , JP2019116789A .
Underground gate opening systems that are located partly or wholly underground have the components of the guiding mechanisms, the driving and the bearing mechanism individually fixed on the sides or at the bottom of the mounting pit. Their coverage and protection underground is either not addressed at all, or is addressed only separately or only partially. With these systems, there is an absence of overall protection of the internal structure and internal components. Installation and access to the parts mounted on the sides and bottom of the mounting pit is problematic. The maintainability of such components, structures and equipment located below ground level is therefore challenging. Such systems are disclosed, for example, in CA2144554A1 , JP2023038916A , WO2007039713A2 , US10174554B2 , EP0163180A2 , CN112796611A , CN216360977U , CN218029730U .
The underground gate opening systems are designed in such a way that they have a guiding, driving, bearing and balancing mechanism designed asymmetrically from the perspective of the front and rear side, the top and bottom placement of the individual parts, or from the perspective of the right and left side. The asymmetrical positioning of these components causes additional forces and stresses, which affect the smooth running and service life of the entire device. The systems disclosed in documents CA2144554A1 and JP2023038916A have the drive and bearing mechanism located on only one side of the gate. The same problem, especially for heavier gates, is caused by the complete absence of a counterweight, such as is disclosed in documents CA2144554A1 , WO2007039713A2 , EP0163180A2 , CN112796611A , CN216360977U , CN218029730U , JP2019116789A .
In known underground gate opening systems, the overlapping of the gate opening in the upper dead centre of the fence section is not solved. For example, in published document WO2007039713A2 , in the top dead centre of the fence section, the gate opening is not closed with a hatch, which results in inadequate protection of the internal mechanism and, together with the side lines, also creates an inappropriate design from an architectural point of view.
The object of the present invention is to provide a solution for an underground gate opening system that has good overall protection of the parts of the guiding, driving and bearing mechanism, the internal structure and the internal components from the direct effect of weather, solar radiation, biological effects, ground pressure, ground moisture and damage by thieves. Simultaneously, the aim of the invention is to provide easy assembly and maintenance access to all its parts. Furthermore, the invention also aims to provide the possibility to use gate panels of different shapes and also to provide a sufficiently robust embodiment for the use of heavier gate panels, whereby the structure is also intended to provide resistance to the passage of heavier vehicles. Another objective of the present invention is also to provide a solution with the highest possible efficiency, reliability and durability.

Summary of Invention

The aforementioned shortcomings are largely eliminated by the underground gate opening system and the method of installing and uninstalling the internal mechanism in this system according to the present invention.
The basis of the underground gate opening system according to the present invention is that it comprises a protective housing, an internal mechanism, a lower fixing system, a top frame, a top fixing system and a locking system. The protective housing is positioned in a construction pit below the ground surface so that its top side is at ground level and a top opening is formed at ground level from the top for the insertion of the internal mechanism and for moving the gate. In addition to the supporting inner frame, the internal mechanism for the movement of the gate comprises a drive and bearing mechanism for the gate and the counterweight, a primary guiding mechanism for the gate and a secondary guiding mechanism for the counterweight, all of which are fixed to the inner frame. The entire internal mechanism in its entirety is removably embedded in a protective housing below the ground surface. The lower fixing system for embedding the internal mechanism is fixed on the lower inner part of the protective housing. The internal mechanism is embedded in the bottom of the protective housing by means of its internal frame embedded in the lower fixing system. A top frame to transfer the force from the top load to the protective housing and to secure the internal mechanism from above is located in the top opening of the protective housing, partially overlapping it. A top fixing system for embedding the top frame is placed in the top opening and fixed in the top on the inside of at least one side of the protective housing. The locking system for securing the internal mechanism from the top secures the top of the inner frame to the bottom part of the top frame.
The role of the protective housing is to secure the space under the ground in which the internal mechanism will be mounted. The protective housing is structurally designed to withstand earth pressures to allow the entire system to be properly positioned below the surrounding ground level. Its other functions are to prevent the ingress of surface water and the drainage of rainwater that potentially enters the protective housing. Drainage of this rain water will be provided by means of conduits out of the protective housing. The protective housing allows the internal mechanism to be attached, positioned/stabilised and ensures overall functionality. It is the protective envelope of the whole device, which is mounted in the ground. The function of the internal mechanism is to form a stable static rigid support structure for the kinematic components. It provides movement by means of internal kinematics. Allows maintainability by making the entire internal mechanism removable from the protective housing. The top frame forms a bridge between the perimeter walls of the protective enclosure.
In a preferred embodiment, the primary guiding mechanism is mounted on one outer side of the inner frame, the secondary guiding mechanism is mounted on the opposite outer side of the inner frame, and the drive and bearing mechanism is mounted centrally therebetween in the inner portion of the inner frame. The top fixing system is arranged so that, when viewed from above, it is fixed on one side at the centre of the top of one side of the protective housing and on the other side at the centre of the top of the other opposite side of the protective housing. The top frame is positioned so that, when viewed from above, it is positioned between the two opposite sides of the protective housing and passes through the centre of the top opening, overlapping it in the centre and dividing it into a gate opening for moving the gate on one side and a mounting opening on the other side.
In a preferred embodiment, the drive and bearer mechanism comprises a gate actuator, at least one drive bearing, at least one tension bearing, a drive shaft, a tension shaft, at least one drive pulley, at least one tension pulley, and at least one bearer element. In the upper part of the inner frame at least one drive bearing is mounted, in which a drive shaft is mounted on which at least one drive pulley is mounted. At the bottom of the inner frame at least one tension bearing is mounted, in which a tension shaft is mounted on which at least one tension pulley is mounted. The minimum one bearing element is guided vertically between the top and bottom parts of the inner frame and is supported concurrently on at least one drive pulley and at least one tension pulley. The gate actuator is fixed in the upper part of the inner frame and connected to the drive shaft.
In a preferred embodiment, the primary gate guiding mechanism comprises at least one primary gate guide rail and a primary gate carrier, and the secondary counterweight guiding mechanism comprises at least one secondary counterweight guide rail and a secondary counterweight carrier. At least one primary guide rail shall be fixed to the inner frame and run vertically from the bottom of the inner frame to the top of the inner frame in parallel with at least one bearing element. At least one secondary guide rail shall be mounted on the inner frame and run vertically from the top of the inner frame to the bottom of the inner frame in parallel with at least one bearing element. The primary carrier is slidably mounted on at least one primary guide rail and attached to at least one bearing element. The secondary carrier is slidably mounted on the at least one secondary guide rail and attached to the at least one bearing element. The primary carrier is displaced to the lower end of the primary guide rail and simultaneously the secondary carrier is displaced to the upper end of the secondary guide rail in a state where the gate is retracted below the ground surface. The primary carrier is displaced to the upper end of the primary guide rail and simultaneously the secondary carrier is displaced to the lower end of the secondary guide rail in a state where the gate is extended above the ground surface.
Preferably, the primary carrier comprises at least one primary bracket for mounting the gate such that it extends above the level of the primary carrier and creates a clear space between the gate and the primary carrier.
In a preferred embodiment, the drive and bearing mechanism comprises two drive bearings, two drive pulleys, two tension bearings, two tension pulleys, and two bearing elements. The primary guiding mechanism preferably comprises two primary guide rails and the primary carrier preferably comprises two primary brackets. The secondary guiding mechanism preferably comprises two secondary guide rails. The right drive bearing is fixed in the right part of the inner frame, the left drive bearing is fixed in the left part of the inner frame, the drive shaft being so mounted therein that it is guided between them. The right drive pulley is mounted on the right edge of the drive shaft and the left drive pulley is mounted on the left edge of the drive shaft. The right tension bearing is fixed in the right part of the inner frame, the left tension bearing is fixed in the left part of the inner frame, and the tension shaft is mounted in them so that it is guided between them. The right tension pulley is mounted on the right edge of the tension shaft and the left tension pulley is mounted on the left edge of the tension shaft. The right bearing element is mounted simultaneously on the right drive pulley and the right tension pulley. The left bearing element is mounted simultaneously on the left drive pulley and the left tension pulley. The gate drive is located in the centre of the upper part of the inner frame. The right primary guide rail and the right secondary guide rail are fixed in the right-hand part of the inner frame parallel to the right-hand bearing element. The left primary guide rail and the left secondary guide rail are fixed in the left part of the inner frame parallel to the left bearing element. The primary carrier is mounted simultaneously on both the right primary guide rail and the left primary guide rail and attached simultaneously to both the right bearing element and the left bearing element. The secondary carrier is mounted simultaneously on both the right secondary guide rail and the left secondary guide rail and attached simultaneously to both the right bearing element and the left bearing element. The right primary bracket is extended over the right portion of the primary carrier and the left primary bracket is extended over the left portion of the primary carrier.
The lower fixing system preferably comprises at least one pair of fixing protrusions comprising vertical mutually opposed lower fixing surfaces for laterally fixating the inner frame, and inclined mutually opposed guidance surfaces for accurately guiding the inner frame to the lower fixing surfaces during mounting thereof.
The top fixing system preferably comprises one fixing lock protruding from one side of the protective housing and also a second fixing lock protruding from a second opposite side of the protective housing, both of which are U-shaped. Each preferably comprises one horizontal engagement surface for engagement of the top frame and two vertically opposed top fixing surfaces for lateral fixation of the top frame.
The locking system preferably comprises at least one locking element which passes through an opening in the top of the inner frame and engages a surface or recess or opening in the bottom of the top frame.
The underground gate opening system preferably comprises a hatch system for opening and closing the gate opening, which is mounted on the top frame.
The hatch system conveniently comprises a top hatch and a hatch actuator. The top hatch is positioned and fits into the gate opening and is pivotally mounted to the side of the top frame with the hinging upward, and has at least one side recess formed on its edge on the outside of the hinging for passage of the primary gate bracket. The hatch actuator is attached to the bottom of the top frame and connected to the top hatch from its underside.
The function of the top hatch is to open and close the gate opening through which the gate is extended or retracted. The movement of the gate has two dead centres. The upper dead centre when the gate is closed and the lower dead centre when the gate is open. In both cases, the top hatch is closed. In the case of a top hatch, when the gate is closed, at least one primary gate bracket shall pass through the side recess of the closed top hatch. In the state when the gate is in motion, i.e. moving from the lower dead centre to the upper dead centre, or vice versa, the top hatch is open.
The underground gate opening system, in a preferred embodiment, comprises a top cover that is mounted and overlaps the top of the protective enclosure structure and the top frame, while also overlapping the mounting opening and having a cover opening formed over the gate opening for moving the gate.
The underground gate opening system, in a preferred embodiment, comprises a concrete slab and a bottom frame which are located in a construction pit below the ground surface beneath a protective housing. A concrete slab fills the bottom of the construction pit. The bottom frame is mounted on top of the concrete slab by partially pouring concrete over it. The protective housing is mounted to the bottom frame with its lower part.
The underground gate opening system preferably comprises a junction box, which is located inside the protective housing on the side of the protective housing at the upper part of the protective housing.
The function of the junction box is the placement of electrical accessories. All signals from external sensors will also meet in the junction box to provide MaC functions (measurement and control).
When servicing the system, the internal mechanism is first uninstalled from the protective housing. The internal mechanism can then be serviced outside the protective enclosure with easy access to all components of the drive and bearing mechanism, the primary guiding mechanism and the secondary guiding mechanism. The maintenance is followed by the reinstallation of the internal mechanism into the protective housing.
The basis of the method of installing an internal mechanism in an underground gate opening system according to the present invention is that the method comprises the following steps:

a) insertion of the internal mechanism into the protective housing through the top opening;
b) placing the internal mechanism in the protective housing by embedding its internal frame into the lower fixing system at the bottom of the protective housing;
c) placing the top frame into the top opening by embedding it in the top fixing system on at least one side of the protective housing;
d) securing the internal mechanism to the top frame by securing the top of the inner frame with a locking system to the top frame.

The basis of the method of uninstalling the internal mechanism in the underground gate opening system according to the present invention is that the method comprises the following steps:

a) disengaging the internal mechanism from the top frame by disengaging the locking system which disengages the top of the inner frame from the top frame;
b) removing the top frame from the top opening by removing it from the top fixing system on at least one side of the protective enclosure;
c) releasing the internal mechanism from the protective housing by removing its internal frame from the lower fixing system at the bottom of the protective housing;
d) removing the internal mechanism from the protective housing through the top opening.

The advantage of the present invention is the solution of an underground gate opening system which has a high quality overall protection of the parts of the guiding, driving and bearing mechanism, the internal structure and the internal components from the direct effect of weather influences, solar radiation, biological influences, ground pressure, ground humidity and damage by thieves, since the entire internal mechanism is protected by an underground protective enclosure and preferably also by a hatching system.
At the same time, easy assembly and maintenance access to all parts of the guiding, driving and bearing mechanism is also an advantage, as all these parts are fixed on the inner frame and this entire internal mechanism with inner frame can be removed or inserted in its entirety from and into the protective housing through the top opening.
The system described in the present invention provides the ability to use gate panels of different shapes, as it is not constrained by lines along the sides of the gate. The design of this system is robust enough for the use of heavier gate panels as it also includes a counterweight. The design of the system also provides resistance to the passage of heavier vehicles because the internal mechanism is protected from above by a durable top frame.
The advantageous embodiments of the present invention described herein provide increased efficiency, reliability, and durability of the overall system due to the symmetrical design of the guiding, driving, bearing, and balancing mechanism from the perspective of the front and rear, top and bottom placement of the individual parts, or from the perspective of the right and left sides, which provides for the elimination of additional forces and stresses.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 shows a front view of the entire system
Figure 2 shows a side view of the entire system
Figure 3 shows a 3D view of the whole system decomposed into its main parts
Figure 4 shows a front view of the internal gate mechanism
Figure 5 shows a 3D view of the internal mechanism with the gate
Figure 6 shows a 3D view of the internal mechanism decomposed into its main parts
Figure 7 shows a 3D view of the protective housing with fixing systems
Figure 8 shows a 3D close-up view of the fixing protrusions
Figure 9 shows a 3D close-up view of the fixing lock
Figure 10 shows a 3D close-up view of the locking element
Figure 11 shows a side view of the hatch system mounted on the top frame
Figure 12 shows a 3D view of the top opening with the top frame and hatch system in the open state and without the top cover
Figure 13 shows a 3D view of the top cover and hatch system in the closed state

Examples

Example 1

Figure 1 shows an overall view of the entire underground gate opening system. A construction pit is dug in the ground. The bottom of the construction pit is poured with concrete, which forms a load-bearing concrete slab 43. On top of the concrete slab 43, the bottom frame 42 is partially cast. A protective housing 1 is mounted in the construction pit, the top opening 2 of which is at ground surface level. The protective housing 1 is mounted with its lower part to the bottom frame 42. The protective housing 1 is formed as a weld which is made of metallurgical semi-finished products. Its material design is made of structural carbon steel with zinc plating and protective coating. Sheets are fixed along the outer walls of the protective housing 1, coated with a protective coating against the ingress of surface water. On the inner side in the upper part of the protective housing 1, a junction box 44 with a degree of protection against falling water is positioned.
Figures 5 and 6 show how all the components of the drive and bearing mechanism 7, the primary guiding mechanism 16 and the secondary guiding mechanism 21 are mounted on the bearing inner frame 6, all these components forming the internal mechanism 5. The internal mechanism 5 in its entirety is removably mounted in the protective housing 1, as shown in Figures 1 and 3.
Figure 2 shows how the internal mechanism 5 is embedded in the lower part of the protective housing 1 by means of its inner frame 6 housed in the lower fixing system 25, which is fixed to the lower inner part of the protective housing 1. Figure 7 shows a complete lower fixing system 25 comprising five pairs of fixing protrusions 26, with four pairs positioned for longitudinal fixation and one pair for transverse fixation. Figure 8 shows a detailed view of a pair of fixing protrusions 26, which comprises vertical mutually opposed lower fixing surfaces 27 for laterally fixing the inner frame 6 and angled mutually opposed guiding surfaces 28 for accurately guiding the inner frame 6 to the lower fixing surfaces 27 as it is being inserted.
Figure 1 shows from the side how the top frame 29 is positioned in the top opening 2 of the protective housing 1 by placing it in the top fixing system 30, which is fixed at the top on the inner side of both sides of the protective housing 1. Figure 7 shows the entire top fixing system 30, which comprises a first fixing lock 31 projecting from one side of the protective housing 1 and a second fixing lock 31 projecting from a second opposing side of the protective housing 1. When viewed from above, the location of the first fixing lock 31 is in the center of the upper portion of one side of the protective housing 1 and the location of the second fixing lock 31 is in the center of the upper portion of the second opposite side of the protective housing 1. Figure 9 shows a close-up view of the U-shaped fixing lock 31, which includes one horizontal mounting surface 32 for engagement of the top frame 29 and two vertically opposed top fixing surfaces 33 for lateral fixing of the top frame 29. The top frame 29 comprises a beam - a metallurgical I-shaped or HEA or HEB rail blank, as shown in Figure 11. Figure 12 shows the positioning of the top frame 29 such that, when viewed from above, it is disposed between the two opposite sides of the protective housing 1 and passes through the centre of the top opening 2, overlapping it in the centre and separating it into a gate opening 3 for moving the gate on one side and a mounting opening 4 on the other side.
Figure 1 shows the placement of the locking system 34 for securing the internal mechanism 5. The locking system 34 comprises four locking elements 35 located in the upper part of the inner frame 6, which engage it with the lower part of the top frame 29. Two locking elements 35 are disposed on one side of the inner frame 6, and two more are disposed opposite them on the other side of the inner frame 6 as also shown in Figure 10. Figure 10 shows a close-up view of the locking member 35, which comprises a bolt screwed from underneath in the threads of a nut which is secured to the side of the upper part of the inner frame 6. The top end of the bolt is screwed against the bottom part of the top frame 29, forming a securing of the internal mechanism 5 by biasing the inner frame 6 against the top frame 29. At the same time, the embodiment of the locking system 34 described in this example also supports the top frame 29 in its central region via the inner frame 6.
Figures 4, 5 and 6 show how the internal mechanism 5 is assembled. The load bearing inner frame 6 of rectangular shape with reinforcements and grips for other components has a carbon steel bar construction which is made by welding and disassemblable joints made up of bolts, nuts, rivets, clamping rings, etc. The primary guiding mechanism 16 is fixed on one outer side of the inner frame 6, the secondary guiding mechanism 21 is fixed on the opposite outer side of the inner frame 6, and the drive and bearing mechanism 7 is fixed centrally therebetween in the inner part of the inner frame 6.
The drive and bearing mechanism 7 comprises a gate drive 8, two drive bearings 9, two tension bearings 10, a drive shaft 11, a tension shaft 12, two drive pulleys 13, two tension pulleys 14 and two bearing elements 15. In the upper part of the inner frame 6, a right drive bearing 9 is fixed in the right part, a left drive bearing 9 is fixed in the left part, and a drive shaft 11 is mounted therein so as to be guided therebetween. A right drive pulley 13 is fixed on the right edge of the drive shaft 11, and a left drive pulley 13 is fixed on the left edge of the drive shaft 11. At the bottom part of the inner frame 6, a right tension bearing 10 is fixed in the right part, a left tension bearing 10 is fixed in the left part, and a tension shaft 12 is mounted therein so as to be guided therebetween. A right tension pulley 14 is fixed on the right edge of the tension shaft 12, and a left tension pulley 14 is fixed on the left edge of the tension shaft 12. The drive bearings 9 and tension bearing 10 form bearing houses which are bolted to the inner frame 6. The securing of the tension bearings 10 to the inner frame 6 is by means of a structural knot, which allows the tensioning of the bearing elements 15. Drive shaft 11 and tension shaft 12 are high slenderness circular section rotating parts made of alloy steel with guaranteed mechanical properties. The drive pulleys 13 and tension pulleys 14 are aluminium belt pulleys. The right bearing element 15 is guided vertically between the upper and lower portions of the inner frame 6, being supported simultaneously on the right drive pulley 13 and the right tension pulley 14. The left bearing element 15 is guided vertically between the upper and lower portions of the inner frame 6, being supported simultaneously on the left drive pulley 13 and the left tension pulley 14. The bearing elements 15 form toothed belts in this example. Toothed belts can be replaced by chains, non-toothed belts, V-belts, ropes, wires and the like. The gate actuator 8 is mounted in the centre of the upper part of the inner frame 6 and connected to the drive shaft 11. In this example, an electric gearbox is used as the gate actuator 8, which is powered by an electric motor with a brake having a 230 V, 50 Hz power supply. The output of the electric gearbox is realized via a hollow shaft on the drive shaft 11. The gearbox is mounted in the centre of the drive shaft 11 by means of a tongue-groove. There is an emergency shaft at the output of the gearbox that allows manual emergency movement of the gearbox during a power failure. Alternatively, the gate actuator 8 may be implemented by various combinations of actuators. Whether it's a 230V, 12V DC, or 24V DC drive. The design can be with or without brake. Alternatively, the design may be with one gearbox, multiple gearboxes, with an output shaft for emergency rotation, without an output shaft for emergency rotation. Other alternatives may be pneumatic or hydraulic mechanisms.
The primary guiding mechanism 16 of the gate 20 comprises two primary guide rails 17 of the gate 20 and a primary carrier 18 of the gate 20. The secondary guiding mechanism 21 of the counterweight 24 comprises two secondary guide rails 22 of the counterweight 24 and a secondary carrier 23 of the counterweight 24. The right primary guide rail 17 and the right secondary guide rail 22 are each mounted on the opposite outer side of the inner frame 6 in the right portion thereof, and run vertically parallel to the right bearing member 15. The left primary guide rail 17 and the left secondary guide rail 22 are each mounted on the opposite outer side of the inner frame 6 in the left portion thereof, and run vertically parallel to the left bearing member 15. The primary guide rails 17 consist of rails with a circular cross-section made of high-alloy hardened steel and the length required to overcome the vertical distance - the working stroke. The secondary guide rails 22 consist of C-profile rails made of low-alloy carbon steel. The primary carrier 18 of the rectangular-shaped frame structure with reinforcements is slidably mounted on the right primary guide rail 17 and simultaneously on the left primary guide rail 17 by means of four linear bearing houses located at the corners of its structure. It is a rod structure made of carbon steel, which is made by welding. A secondary carrier 23 of rectangular frame structure with reinforcements is slidably mounted on the right secondary guide rail 22 and simultaneously on the left secondary guide rail 22 by means of four trolleys located at the corners of its structure. Each trolley has four wheels moving in the C profile of the rails. It is a low-alloy steel structure welded from metallurgical blanks, bars of rectangular cross-section. The primary carrier 18 is attached simultaneously to the first branch of the right bearing element 15 and also to the first branch of the left bearing element 15, and the secondary carrier 23 is attached simultaneously to the second opposite branch of the right bearing element 15 and also to the second opposite branch of the left bearing element 15. The primary carrier 18 includes a right primary bracket 19 on the right side and a left primary bracket 19 on the left side for engaging the gate 20 from the underside, such that the two primary brackets 19 are extended above the level of the primary carrier 18 and form a clearance space between the gate 20 and the primary carrier 18. The counterweight 24 comprises concrete blocks commonly available in the construction industry, embedded in the structure of the secondary carrier 23. Alternatively, the counterweight 24 may be replaced by a torsion spring, a linear spring, or other structural element capable of storing potential energy. The primary guiding mechanism 16 and the secondary guiding mechanism 21 can be implemented in both rolling and sliding manner using different rail profiles such as I profile, U profile and corresponding trolley shapes. Alternatively, embodiments made of other materials such as high-strength plastics, aluminium, aluminium alloys, etc. can also be used. In the state where the gate 20 is retracted below the ground surface, the primary carrier 18 is displaced to the lower end of the primary guide rail 17 and at the same time the secondary carrier 23 with the counterweight 24 is displaced to the upper end of the secondary guide rail 22. In the state where the gate 20 is extended above the ground surface, the primary carrier 18 is displaced to the upper end of the primary guide rail 17 and at the same time the secondary carrier 23 with the counterweight 24 is displaced to the lower end of the secondary guide rail 22.
Figure 12 shows the location of the hatch system 36 for opening and closing the gate opening 3. The hatch system 36 comprises a top hatch 37 and a hatch actuator 39, the latter being mounted on the top frame 29, as also shown in Figure 11. The top hatch 37 comprises a steel plate which is positioned and fits into the gate opening 3, being pivotally mounted from the side of the top frame 29 by means of transverse beams with an upward tilting movement. Opening of the top hatch 37 is provided by a pivot mechanism with an extendable embodiment, whereby the top hatch 37 engages the gate opening 3 in a straight-line motion. In Figures 12 and 13, it is shown that the top hatch 37 has two side recesses 38 formed on its edge on the outside of the swing-out side for the passage of the primary brackets 19 of the gate 20 in the state in which the gate 20 is extended and the top hatch 37 closes the gate opening 3. Figure 11 shows a hatch actuator 39 mounted on the bottom of the top frame 29 and connected to the top hatch 37 from its underside via its cross beam, the linear motion of the hatch actuator 39 being transmitted to the top hatch 37 to open/close it by suitable kinematics. The hatch actuator 39 comprises a linear, direct drive electric motor - actuator powered by 12 V or 24 V, which will be powered by a battery in the event of a power failure.
Figure 13 shows a top cover 40 which is disposed and overlaps the top of the protective housing structure 1 and the top frame 29, while it also overlaps the mounting opening 4 and has a cover opening 41 formed above the gate opening 3 for moving the gate 20. The top cover 40 consists of stainless steel sheets of suitable shapes, bent, formed hems for reinforcement. The sheets are secured against the protective housing 1 and the top frame 29 by bolting.
When installing the system, a construction pit is first dug in the ground. The bottom of the construction pit is poured with concrete to form a load-bearing concrete slab 43. The load-bearing concrete slab 43 shall be reinforced with suitable reinforcement mesh. During the pouring of the concrete, the bottom frame 42 is partially concreted into the top of the supporting concrete slab 43. The protective housing 1 is inserted into the construction pit in such a way that its top opening 2 remains at ground level. The protective housing 1 is bolted by its lower part to the bottom frame 42. A junction box 44 is mounted on the side wall of the protective housing 1. Next, the internal mechanism 5 is assembled outside the protective housing 1. The components of the driving and bearing mechanism 7 are fixed to the central part of the inner frame 6, then the primary guiding mechanism 16 is fixed on one outer side of the inner frame 6 and the secondary guiding mechanism 21 is fixed on the opposite outer side of the inner frame 6. The top hatch 37 and the hatch actuator 39 of the hatch system 36 are secured to the top frame 29. The assembly is completed by installing the internal mechanism 5 into the protective housing 1.
Installation of the internal mechanism 5 in the protective housing 1 has the following procedure. The internal mechanism 5 is inserted into the protective housing 1 through the top opening 2. The internal mechanism 5 is fitted into the bottom of the protective housing 1 by fitting its inner frame 6 into the five pairs of fixing protrusions 26 of the lower fixing system 25. During mounting, the inner frame 6 is guided by the inclined guiding surfaces 28 to the lower fixing surfaces 27. Next, the top frame 29 with the hatch system 36 is fitted into the top opening 2 by fitting it onto the mounting surfaces 32 of the fixing locks 31 of the top fixing system 30. The internal mechanism 5 is secured to the top frame 29 by tightening the locking elements 35 on the inner frame 6 through the mounting opening 4, which are pressed against the bottom of the top frame 29. The gate 20 is mounted to the two primary brackets 19. Lastly, the top cover 40 is screwed to the protective housing 1 and the top frame 29.
Uninstallation of the internal mechanism 5 from the protective housing 1 has the following procedure. First, the top cover 40 is removed by unscrewing it from the protective housing 1 and the top frame 29. The gate 20 is dismounted from both primary brackets 19. Subsequently, the screws of the locking elements 35 are unscrewed through the mounting opening 4, thereby disengaging the internal mechanism 5 from the top frame 29. The top frame 29 with the hatch system 36 is removed from the top opening 2 by removing it from the fixing locks 31 of the top fixing system 30. The internal mechanism 5 is released from the bottom of the protective housing 1 by removing its inner frame 6 from the five pairs of fixing protrusions 26 of the lower fixing system 25. The internal mechanism 5 is removed from the protective housing 1 through the top opening 2.

Industrial applicability

The underground gate opening system and the method of installation and uninstallation of the internal mechanism in this system can be used in particular for gates designed to prevent the passage or entry of motor vehicles.

Claims

An underground gate opening system characterized in that it comprises a protective housing (1), an internal mechanism (5), a lower fixing system (25), a top frame (29), a top fixing system (30) and a locking system (34), wherein
- the protective housing (1) is positioned in a construction pit below the ground surface so that its top is at ground level and a top opening (2) is formed at ground level from the top for inserting the internal mechanism (5) and for moving the gate (20);

- the internal mechanism (5) for moving the gate (20) comprises
- in addition to a load-bearing inner frame (6)

- a driving and bearing mechanism (7) of the gate (20) and a counterweight (24),

- a primary guiding mechanism (16) of the gate (20), and

- a secondary guiding mechanism (21) of the counterweight (24),
all of which are mounted on the inner frame (6) and the entire internal mechanism (5) in its entirety is removably embedded in the protective housing (1) below the ground surface;

- the lower fixing system (25) for embedding the internal mechanism (5) is fixed on the lower inner part of the protective housing (1), wherein the internal mechanism (5) is embedded in the lower part of the protective housing (1) by means of its inner frame (6) embedded in the lower fixing system (25);

- the top frame (29) for transferring the force from the top load to the protective housing (1) and for securing the internal mechanism (5) from above is located in the top opening (2) of the protective housing (1), partially overlapping it;

- the top fixing system (30) for embedding the top frame (29) is disposed in the top opening (2) and fixed at the upper part on the inner side of the at least one side of the protective housing (1);

- the locking system (34) for securing the internal mechanism (5) from above engages the upper part of the inner frame (6) with the lower part of the top frame (29).
The underground gate opening system according to claim 1, characterized in that
- the primary guiding mechanism (16) is fixed on one outer side of the inner frame (6), the secondary guiding mechanism (21) is fixed on the opposite outer side of the inner frame (6), and the driving and bearing mechanism (7) is fixed centrally there between in the inner part of the inner frame (6);

- the top fixing system (30) is arranged so that, when viewed from above, it is fixed on one side at the centre of the top of one side of the protective housing (1) and on the other side at the centre of the top of the other opposite side of the protective housing (1);

- the top frame (29) is arranged so that, when viewed from above, it is positioned between the two opposite sides of the protective housing (1) and passes through the centre of the top opening (2), overlapping it in the centre and dividing it into a gate opening (3) for moving the gate on one side and a mounting opening (4) on the other side.
The underground gate opening system according to claim 1 or claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the driving and bearing mechanism (7) comprises a gate actuator (8), at least one drive bearing (9), at least one tension bearing (10), a drive shaft (11), a tension shaft (12), at least one drive pulley (13), at least one tension pulley (14), and at least one bearing element (15), wherein
- in the upper part of the inner frame (6) at least one drive bearing (9) is mounted, in which the drive shaft (11) is mounted, on which at least one drive pulley (13) is mounted;

- at the bottom of the inner frame (6) at least one tension bearing (10) is fixed, in which the tension shaft (12) is mounted, on which at least one tension pulley (14) is mounted;

- at least one bearing element (15) is guided vertically between the upper and lower parts of the inner frame (6), being mounted simultaneously on at least one drive pulley (13) and at least one tension pulley (14);

- the gate actuator (8) is fixed in the upper part of the inner frame (6) and connected to the drive shaft (11).
Underground gate opening system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the primary guiding mechanism (16) of the gate (20) comprises at least one primary guide rail (17) of the gate (20) and a primary carrier (18) of the gate (20), the secondary guiding mechanism (21) of the counterweight (24) comprises at least one secondary guide rail (22) of the counterweight (24) and a secondary carrier (23) of the counterweight (24), wherein
- at least one primary guide rail (17) is fixed to the inner frame (6) and runs vertically from the bottom of the inner frame (6) to the top of the inner frame (6) in parallel with the at least one bearing element (15);

- at least one secondary guide rail (22) is fixed to the inner frame (6) and runs vertically from the top of the inner frame (6) to the bottom of the inner frame (6) in parallel with the at least one bearing element (15);

- the primary carrier (18) is slidably mounted on the at least one primary guide rail (17) and attached to the at least one bearing element (15);

- the secondary carrier (23) is slidably mounted on the at least one secondary guide rail (22) and attached to the at least one bearing element (15);

- the primary carrier (18) is moved to the lower end of the primary guide rail (17) and at the same time the secondary carrier (23) is moved to the upper end of the secondary guide rail (22) in a state where the gate (20) is retracted below the ground surface;

- the primary carrier (18) is moved to the upper end of the primary guide rail (17) and simultaneously the secondary carrier (23) is moved to the lower end of the secondary guide rail (22) in a state where the gate (20) is extended above the ground surface.
The underground gate opening system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the primary carrier (18) comprises at least one primary bracket (19) for mounting the gate (20) such that it is extended above the level of the primary carrier (18) and creates a clear interspace between the gate (20) and the primary carrier (18).
The underground gate opening system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the driving and bearing mechanism (7) comprises two drive bearings (9), two drive pulleys (13), two tension bearings (10), two tension pulleys (14), two bearing elements (15); the primary guiding mechanism (16) comprises two primary guide rails (17), the primary carrier (18) comprises two primary brackets (19) and the secondary guiding mechanism (21) comprises two secondary guide rails (22), wherein
- the right drive bearing (9) is fixed in the right part of the inner frame (6), the left drive bearing (9) is fixed in the left part of the inner frame (6), with the drive shaft (11) mounted therein, the right drive pulley (13) is fixed on the right edge of the drive shaft (11) and the left drive pulley (13) is fixed on the left edge of the drive shaft (11);

- the right tension bearing (10) is fixed in the right part of the inner frame (6), the left tension bearing (10) is fixed in the left part of the inner frame (6), the tension shaft (12) being mounted therein, the right tension pulley (14) is fixed on the right edge of the tension shaft (12) and the left tension pulley (14) is fixed on the left edge of the tension shaft (12);

- the right bearing element (15) is mounted simultaneously on the right drive pulley (13) and the right tension pulley (14);

- the left bearing element (15) is mounted simultaneously on the left drive pulley (13) and the left tension pulley (14);

- the gate actuator (8) is located in the centre of the upper part of the inner frame (6);

- the right primary guide rail (17) and the right secondary guide rail (22) are fixed in the right part of the inner frame (6) parallel to the right bearing element (15);

- the left primary guide rail (17) and the left secondary guide rail (22) are fixed in the left part of the inner frame (6) parallel to the left bearing element (15);

- the primary carrier (18) is mounted simultaneously on both the right primary guide rail (17) and the left primary guide rail (17), and attached simultaneously to both the right bearing element (15) and the left bearing element (15);

- the secondary carrier (23) is mounted simultaneously on both the right secondary guide rail (22) and the left secondary guide rail (22) and attached simultaneously to both the right bearing element (15) and the left bearing element (15);

- the right primary bracket (19) is extended over the right portion of the primary carrier (18), and the left primary bracket (19) is extended over the left portion of the primary carrier (18).
The underground gate opening system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the lower fixing system (25) comprises at least one pair of fixing protrusions (26) comprising vertically opposed lower fixing surfaces (27) for laterally fixing the inner frame (6) and angled mutually opposed guiding surfaces (28) for precisely guiding the inner frame (6) to the lower fixing surfaces (27) when it is being installed.
The underground gate opening system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the top fixing system (30) comprises one fixing lock (31) protruding from one side of the protective housing (1) and also a second fixing lock (31) protruding from the second opposing side of the protective housing (1), which are U-shaped and each of which comprises one horizontal mounting surface (32) for mounting the top frame (29) and two vertically opposed top fixing surfaces (33) for laterally fixing the top frame (29).
The underground gate opening system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the locking system (34) comprises at least one locking element (35) which passes through an opening in the upper part of the inner frame (6) and engages a surface or recess or opening in the lower part of the top frame (29).
The underground gate opening system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a hatch system (36) for opening and closing the gate opening (3), which is mounted on the top frame (29).
The underground gate opening system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the hatch system (36) comprises a top hatch (37) and a hatch actuator (39), wherein
- the top hatch (37) is positioned and fits into the gate opening (3) and is pivotally mounted on the side of the top frame (29) with the hinging upwards, and has at least one side recess (38) formed on its edge on the outside of the hinging to pass through the primary gate bracket (19) of the gate (20);

- the hatch actuator (39) is mounted on the bottom of the top frame (29) and connected to the top hatch (37) from its underside.
The underground gate opening system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a top cover (40) which is disposed and overlaps the upper part of the protective housing (1) structure and the top frame (29), while at the same time also overlaps the mounting opening (4) and has a cover opening (41) formed above the gate opening (3) for moving the gate (20).
The underground gate opening system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a concrete slab (43) and a bottom frame (42) which are mounted in a construction pit below the ground surface below the protective housing (1), wherein
- the concrete slab (43) fills the lower part of the construction pit;

- the bottom frame (42) is mounted on top of the concrete slab (43) by partially casting it with concrete; and

- the protective housing (1) is mounted by its lower part to the bottom frame (42).
The method for installing the internal mechanism (5) in the underground gate opening system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it comprises the steps:
a) insertion of the internal mechanism (5) into the protective housing (1) through the top opening (2);

b) placing the internal mechanism (5) in the protective housing (1) by embedding its internal frame (6) in the lower fixing system (25) at the bottom of the protective housing (1);

c) placing the top frame (29) in the top opening (2) by embedding it in the top fixing system (30) on at least one side of the protective housing (1);

d) securing the internal mechanism (5) to the top frame (29) by securing the top of the inner frame (6) with the locking system (34) to the top frame (29).
The method for removing the internal mechanism (5) in the underground gate opening system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it comprises the steps:
a) disengaging the internal mechanism (5) from the top frame (29) by disengaging the locking system (34), which disengages the upper part of the inner frame (6) from the top frame (29);

b) removing the top frame (29) from the top opening (2) by removing it from the top fixing system (30) on at least one side of the protective housing (1);

c) releasing the internal mechanism (5) from the protective housing (1) by removing its internal frame (6) from the lower fixing system (25) at the bottom of the protective housing (1);

d) removing the internal mechanism (5) from the protective housing (1) through the top opening (2).