FR2952670A1 - Panic door e.g. panic folding door, for closing e.g. industrial site, has actuation unit triggering raising of curtain in open position in response to cutting off of screen and comprising energy system to facilitate raising of curtain - Google Patents

Abstract

The door (1) has a panic contact zone (13) possessing a mark on a face of a flexible curtain (7). An optoelectronic panic detection unit is provided on the face of the curtain inside a detection plane that is parallel to a normal operating plane, to form a detection screen (21) parallel to the zone such that contact with the curtain at the zone cuts off the screen. An actuation unit triggers automatic raising of the curtain in an open position in response to cutting off the screen, and comprises an intrinsic mechanical energy system to facilitate the raising of the curtain. An independent claim is also included for a method for controlling a panic door.

Description

The present invention relates to a panic door with flexible curtain capable of closing a place for receiving people. Places intended to receive people, and for example the public, typically large commercial areas, shopping centers or industrial sites, must be provided with doors that allow an opening from the inside to the outside under a push of low intensity, of the order of 10 daN. These doors, also called "anti panic" doors, are useful when it is necessary to quickly evacuate a place.

Conventionally, the opening of these doors is triggered by a bar on which it performs a horizontal thrust. The operation of these doors is thus intuitive and prevents people from being trapped inside a building. The configuration and use of some buildings makes it preferable to provide quick curtain door openings. These doors, by the speed of their opening and closing, limit the energy losses. However, until now, the diffusion of these doors is limited by the fact that they can not have an "anti-panic" opening function. It is known, by the patent application FR 09.00444 unpublished to date, to exert a thrust on an identified area of a flexible curtain. Under this thrust, the curtain is deformed and cuts infrared detection means. This principle is well suited to so-called winding doors, that is to say doors whose curtain is wound on a shaft positioned at the level of the lintel of the door. On the other hand, this principle may prove difficult to implement for large roll-up doors which must be stiffened by reinforcement bars to withstand the wind pressure. This principle is also unsuitable for folding doors for which it is undesirable to come to exert a direct thrust due to the presence of external straps which pull the base of the curtain to make the ascent.

In this technical context, an object of the present invention is to provide a flexible curtain door which has an anti panic opening function. To this end, the invention relates to an automatic vertical opening and closing flexible curtain door providing an anti-panic function comprising: two vertical uprights defining a normal operating plane (P) and a shaft disposed at the upper end of the amounts that can be driven by electromechanical means, 10 - a flexible curtain connected to the shaft, between a closed position and an open position. The anti-panic door further comprises, for the anti-panic function: an anti-panic contact zone having a marking disposed on one side of the curtain; at least first optoelectronic anti-panic detection means arranged on the side of the curtain carrying the anti-panic contact zone included in a detection plane (P ') substantially parallel to the normal operating plane (P) forming a detection screen substantially parallel to the anti-panic contact zone, so that contact with the curtain at the level of the anti-panic contact zone leads to a cut-off of the detection screen, - actuating means capable of causing the automatic raising of the curtain in the open position in response to the cutting of the detection screen 25 , the actuating means comprising at least one system with intrinsic mechanical energy that promotes the raising of the curtain. According to other independent or combined features of the invention: the first optoelectronic panic detection means 30 are positioned on the uprights of the door; the first optoelectronic panic detection means comprise at least one transmitter housing fixed on a first amount generating signals and at least one receiver unit fixed on a second signal sensing post, the transmitter and receiver housings being connected to an electronic control module which controls the opening and closing of the curtain; the curtain comprises a succession of horizontal flexible panels extending in the normal operating plane, separated by flexible horizontal reinforcing and guiding bars engaged at each of their ends in a vertical slideway formed in a corresponding upright, and the anti-panic contact zone is arranged on one side of at least one flexible panel, minus two flexible horizontal reinforcing and guiding bars, at least one of the two horizontal lower reinforcing and guiding bars has a flexibility to exit slides at least during the opening of the curtain during a push on the anti-panic contact zone, to facilitate evacuation - the first anti-panic detection means comprise at least one optical beam, - the anti-panic contact zone comprises at least one graphic representation indicative of a contact, intrinsic mechanical energy is coupled to an electro-brake capable of being released in response to a cut-off of the detection screen so that it causes the curtain to rise to at least a height sufficient for the passage of persons. The actuating means are designed to keep the curtain in the open position after a triggering of the first detection means; the actuating means comprise at least one counterweight coupled to an electrobrake able to be released in response to a support; on the anti-panic contact area of the curtain, so that the counterweight can cause the automatic raising of the curtain, - the door comprises second detecting means included in a detection plane (P ") substantially symmetrical to the plane (P ') relative to the plane (P) forming a detection screen parallel to the panic contact zone, and the panic contact area is designed to deform under the effect of a contact, so that the contact area anti panic deformed come cut the plane (P ") in at least one point. the area of the curtain situated in the vicinity of the anti-panic contact zone has a lower stiffness than the other areas of the curtain; the actuating means are designed to keep the curtain in the open position after a triggering of the first detection means; anti panic and / or second panic detection means. the system with intrinsic mechanical energy comprises at least one counterweight which mechanically promotes the raising of the curtain, the counterweight is connected to the shaft by at least one strap and the door comprises a switch arranged on the ground in the right of the counterweight, said switch being coupled to the electromechanical means so that, in the event of breakage of the strap (s), the counterweight can actuate the switch, thereby causing the automatic raising of the curtain, - the intrinsic mechanical energy system comprises a spring which mechanically promotes the rise of the curtain. The invention also relates to a method for controlling the aforementioned panic door; the method comprises the steps of: - detecting a normal opening command of the door and deactivating the panic detection means from the normal opening until the curtain is normally closed, - detecting an anti-panic opening command of the door by triggering at least one anti-panic detection means and keeping the curtain in the open position until a reset action is taken. In addition, the triggering of the first anti-panic detection means involves one or more actions of the group comprising an audible alarm, a visual alarm, the anti-panic contact of an off-site instance. According to other provisions of the method: the triggering of the first panic detection means involves one or more actions of the group comprising the triggering of an audible alarm, the triggering of a visual alarm, the contact of an instance out site. - A break in the power supply of the door suppresses the braking pressure of the electro-brake and causes the raising of the curtain under the action of the intrinsic mechanical energy system to at least a height sufficient for the passage of people . We will now describe, by way of nonlimiting example, a possible embodiment of the invention, with reference to the appended figures. FIG. 1 is a front view of a flexible curtain door according to the invention; FIG. 2 shows schematically, in a vertical sectional view, the door of FIG. 1, when a person exerts an anti-panic contact on Figure 3 shows another embodiment of the door according to the invention. As illustrated in Figure 1, a door 1 according to the invention comprises two vertical uprights 2 in each of which is provided a vertical slide (not shown). The uprights 2 support at their upper end a shaft 3, shown in broken lines. A housing 4 10 protects the shaft 3. An electromechanical group comprising a motor 5 and a gear 6 allows to actuate the shaft 3 which is connected a flexible curtain 7. In the example shown, the door 1 is a so-called door folding. It is a door which is provided with two straps in the illustrated example which are attached, on the one hand, to the shaft 3 and, on the other hand, to the lower part. When the shaft 3 is rotated, the straps 10 draw the lower part of the curtain towards the lintel of the door. In variant not shown, the curtain can be wound on the shaft 3 at the lintel of the door. In operation, the curtain 7 moves at a high speed because of its low inertia in a plane of movement. The curtain 7 comprises a succession of horizontal flexible panels 8 extending in the normal operating plane P, separated by bars 9. The flexible panels 8 consist, for example, of a PVC fabric. In the example shown, the curtain 7 has four panels 8. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, a bar 9 is housed in a sleeve 11 formed by two strips of fabric juxtaposed. In addition, the curtain 7 has in the lower part a flexible threshold bar 12, horizontal, for example consisting of a coil spring 30 housed in a foam sheath. The threshold bar 12 allows to beat the curtain and also has the ability to deform when the curtain 7 meets an obstacle. On a first face of the curtain 7 is provided an anti-panic contact zone 13. This anti-panic contact zone 13 may be located between two successive bars 9, that is to say at a single panel 8, and advantageously centrally between the two uprights 2.

The panic contact zone 13 is located, when the curtain 7 is in the closed position, substantially at the height of the shoulders of a person of average size. Thus, this person can easily come and touch the panic contact area 13 by stretching at least one of his arms horizontally.

The panic contact zone 13 advantageously comprises at least one graphical representation indicative of a supporting action. Such a graphical representation 14 may especially include a pictogram (such as an open hand, the drawing of a person running, etc.) and / or a text (such as, for example, and without limitation the words "In case of emergency to press" and / or "in case of emergency touch"), making it possible to make it clear to a person, quickly and intuitively, that he must come and make anti-panic contact in this area . In addition, the areas of the curtain 7 located on either side of the panic contact area 13, on the same horizontal flexible panel 8, may be transparent to provide some visibility. First optoelectric panic detection means are integrated in the door. As can be seen in Figure 1, it is intended to place a housing on each upright 2; it is a transmitter box 17 and a receiver box 18. A screen 21 for detecting an anti-panic contact is thus created between the transmitter box 17 which generates infrared-type optical beams 15 and the receiver box. 18 which exploits the signals. The housings are connected to an electronic control module 22 which controls the operation of the door. The electronic control module 22 of the door can be connected to one or more normal control devices of the door. Typically, these normal control devices may be, for example, an opening control box 19, a radar, a rope, a ground loop, etc. When using the door under normal conditions, an action on a control device such as the control box 19 orders the rise of the curtain 7, then after a time delay set by the electronic control module 22 orders the descent of the curtain. In this case, which corresponds to normal use of the door, the first optoelectronic panic detection means are disconnected on actuation of the normal door control over a period corresponding to the rise of the curtain, to the time delay of the door. opening, and until the normal closing of the curtain. However, when using the door in panic mode, a person rushes on the door without using the normal control device and comes touching the panic contact area 13. By coming to touch the panic contact area 13, the hand of the person in question comes to cut off the panic detection screen 21. The receiver box 18 recognizes an intrusion, transmits this information to the electronic control module 22 which orders the rise of the curtain with an electronic lock in the open position for an indefinite period. The raising of the curtain 7 to its open position can be achieved by the electric motor 5. It can be provided a battery to power the electric motor 5 in case of power failure sector. In one embodiment of the invention, the ascent can be obtained, for example, by a counterweight system 23 automatically released by the deactivation of the corresponding electro brake which is equipped with the engine. The counterweight, which contains intrinsic mechanical energy, promotes the movement of the curtain 7 upward. This leads to the winding of the straps on the shaft 3 in the case of a folding door such as that illustrated in FIG. curtain winding on the shaft 3 in the case of a roll-up door very quickly and safely. Concretely, in normal operation, the counterweight 23 is movable in a post 2. When the panic detection screen 21 is cut, the engine brake is automatically released, thus letting down the counterweight. This leads to the winding of the curtain 7 on the shaft 3, leaving the bay width completely free for the passage. Other systems using intrinsic mechanical energy could also be used. Thus, it may be expected to use the mechanical energy of a spring to promote the raising of the curtain or to ensure alone the rise of the curtain in the absence of power supply. It can thus be expected to place a torsion spring on the shaft. This spring is bandaged when the curtain is in the closed position. In this position the electrobrake opposes the action of the spring. For the ascent, the electrobrake ceases to act and the spring restores its energy by putting the shaft in rotation which makes up the tree. In another embodiment, the spring is a coil spring which is housed in a door jamb.

The electronic control module 22 can order the start of audible and / or visual alarms. In addition, the actuating means can be designed to hold the curtain 7 in the open position. Thus, several people can be quickly evacuated. It is then, by a reset action, and when the security conditions allow, to deactivate these actuating means so that the door 1 returns to normal operation and the curtain 7 can again be automatically closed and opened . In one embodiment of the door, it is also possible to provide the door with a detection plane P "on the side of the curtain opposite to that which receives the anti-panic marking zone 13. A second detection screen can be created by transmitter and receiver boxes similar to those defining the detection screen 21. In a less costly way, it can be envisaged to create two infrared rays which are arranged diagonally at the level of the panic contact zone 13; The screen is sandwiched between two detection planes at its anti-panic contact area 13. In this embodiment, the door provides a level of protection. additional security since it has two detection screens on both sides of the curtain, the door can be superabundantly, at its lower part, provided with bars h orizontal reinforcement and guiding which have a flexibility to exit the slides during a push on the panic contact area. These bars can be made of fiberglass thus allowing an opening of the door in case of unlikely failure of the detection screens by direct push on the curtain. Thus, in the event that a panic crowd appears in front of the door, the evacuation is facilitated by the possible exit of bars of the slides.

Thus, the invention provides a decisive improvement to the prior art by allowing the safety opening of a door moving vertically by a usual and intuitive horizontal pushing movement. It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above by way of example but that it encompasses all the variants of embodiment. The invention can be implemented on doors

Claims (17)

REVENDICATIONS1. An automatic vertical opening and closing curtain door having an anti panic function comprising: - two vertical uprights (2) defining a normal operating plane (P) and a shaft (3) disposed at the upper end of the drivable posts by electromechanical means (5, 6), - a curtain (7) flexible connected to the shaft (3), between a closed position and an open position; characterized in that the door (1) comprises for its anti-panic function: - an anti-panic contact zone (13) having a marking disposed on one side of the curtain, - at least first optoelectronic anti-panic detection means disposed of side of the curtain carrying the anti-panic contact zone included in a detection plane (P ') substantially parallel to the normal operating plane (P) forming a detection screen substantially parallel to the panic contact zone, so that a contact with the curtain (7) at the area of panic contact (13) leads to a cut-off of the detection screen (21), - actuating means able to cause the automatic raising of the curtain (7) in the open position in response to the cutting of the detection screen, the actuating means comprising at least one system with intrinsic mechanical energy that promotes the raising of the curtain. 2. panic door according to claim 1, characterized in that the first optoelectronic panic detection means are positioned on the uprights (2) of the door. 3. panic door according to claim 2, characterized in that the first optoelectronic panic detection means comprise at least one transmitter housing (17) fixed on a first amount generating signals and at least one receiver housing (18) fixed on a second amount detecting the signals, the transmitter and receiver boxes being connected to an electronic control module (22) which controls the opening and closing of the curtain. 4. panic door according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the curtain (7) comprises a succession of horizontal flexible panels (8) extending in the normal operating plane (P), separated by flexible horizontal reinforcing and guiding bars engaged at each of their ends in a vertical slideway formed in a corresponding upright (2), and in that the anti-panic contact zone (13) is formed on a face of at least one flexible panel (8) which is opposite the first optoelectronic anti-panic detection means, between at least two flexible horizontal reinforcing and guiding bars. Panic anti-theft door according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one of the two horizontal lower reinforcing and guiding bars has a flexibility allowing exit of the slides at least during the opening of the screen during a push on the panic contact area (13), to facilitate evacuation. 6. anti panic door according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first panic detection means 20 comprise at least one optical beam (15). 7. anti panic door according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the panic contact area (13) comprises at least one graphical representation (14) indicative of a contact. 25 8. panic door according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the intrinsic mechanical energy system is coupled to an electro-brake capable of being released in response to a cut-off of the detection screen (21) so it causes the raising of the curtain (7) to at least a height sufficient for the passage of people. 9. anti panic door according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the door comprises second detecting means included in a detection plane (P ") substantially symmetrical to the plane (P ') with respect to the plane (P) forming a detection screen parallel to the panic contact area, and in that the panic contact area (13) is designed to deform under the effect of a contact, so that the contact area anti panic (13) deformed come cut the plane (P ") in at least one point. 10. Panic door according to claim 9, characterized in that the area of the curtain (7) in the vicinity of the panic contact area has a lower stiffness than the other areas of the curtain. 11. panic door according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the actuating means are designed to keep the curtain (7) in the open position after a tripping of the first anti-panic detection means and / or second panic detection means. 12. anti panic door according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the intrinsic mechanical energy system comprises at least one counterweight (23) which mechanically promotes the raising of the curtain. 13. Anti-panic door according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the counterweight (23) is connected to the shaft (3) by at least one strap and in that the door (1) comprises a switch arranged on the ground in the right of the counterweight, said switch being coupled to the electromechanical means (5, 6), so that, in case of breakage of the strap, the counterweight can actuate the switch, thereby causing the automatic return of the curtain (7). 14. anti panic door according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the intrinsic mechanical energy system comprises a spring which mechanically promotes the rise of the curtain (7). 30 15. A method of controlling an anti-panic door according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of: - detecting a normal opening command of the door and disabling the means of anti-panic detection from the normal opening of the door until the curtain is normally closed, - detecting an anti-panic opening command of the door by triggering at least one panic detection means and keeping the door in the open position curtain until a reset action. 16. Control method according to claim 15, characterized in that the triggering of the first panic detection means causes one or more actions of the group comprising the triggering of an audible alarm, the triggering of a visual alarm, the contact of an off-site instance. 17. Control method according to one of claims 15 or 16, characterized in that a break in the power supply of the door suppresses the braking pressure of the electro brake and causes the curtain to rise under the action of the intrinsic mechanical energy system up to at least a height sufficient for the passage of persons.