GB2148369A

GB2148369A - A slidable strip curtain

Info

Publication number: GB2148369A
Application number: GB08426783A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Seamus Blaise Tully; James Timothy Doran
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1983-10-25
Filing date: 1984-10-23
Publication date: 1985-05-30
Also published as: GB8426783D0; IE832492L

Abstract

A strip curtain 1 e.g. for use in warehouses consisting of a number of semi-transparent strips 2 is movable transversely to open or close a wall opening A. Adjacent strips generally overlap and are mounted by a nut 10 and belt 11 mechanism to a channel-section support rail 3. Each rail section is carried by trollies 16 which run along a channel support track 17 mounted to the wall 5 above the opening 4. The trollies 16 may be moved by a chain and sprocket mechanism. Control means for operating the motor may be provided by a manual switch, a radio controlled switch, an induction loop sensor, a radar operated switch, a photoelectric switch or a pressure pad. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION A strip curtain The invention relates to strip curtains.

A strip curtain comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending strips which are frequently of semitransparent and translucent material for filling in opening through which goods are transported. The strips are frequently of a PVC material and are brushed aside by fork-lift trucks or operators passing through. They are widely used in factories, warehouses, supermarkets and cold stores as a means of containing heat and reducing dust or noise levels due to an opening through which goods must be frequently transported.

One problem with conventional strip curtains is that the strips are easily scratched by trucks, accumulate dirt and cannot be cleaned effectively. Thus in the case of fork-lift trucks the vision of the driver is impaired as he is passing through the curtain. In addition, fragile or delicately balanced loads may be dislodged by the strips. A further problem is that the strips are easily damaged and hence require regular and expensive maintenance. They can also cause problems for pedestrians because they restrict vision and minor injuries can be caused by the strip edges hitting pedestrians as they pass through the opening.

This invention is directed towards providing an improved strip curtain which will overcome at least some of these difficulties.

According to the invention there is provided a strip curtain comprising a plurality of strips extending longitudinally into an opening and means for moving the strips transversely to open and/or close the curtain in response to operation of a strip-curtain control means.

In one embodiment of the invention the strips are transversely movable, preferably slidably movable relative a support track.

Preferably the strips are mounted on a support rail, the rail being slidably movable relative the track to open and close the strip curtain.

Usually the rail comprises at least two rail sections, at least one rail section being slidably movable from a closed position with the strips projecting into the opening to an open position at least some of the strips lying to one side of the opening.

Typically the rail comprises four rail sections namely a pair of central rail sections and a pair of side rail sections flanking the central rail sections.

In one case the central rail sections are movable in opposite directions on opening and closing the curtain.

In another case both the central rail and side rail sections are movable on opening and closing of the curtain.

In a further case the side rail sections remain stationary and the central rail sections move in opposite directions from a central curtain closed position between the side rail sections to a curtain open position with the central rail sections substantially overlapping the side rail sections.

In one embodiment of the invention the rail is carried on a trolley means which is slidably movable along the track in response to operation of the strip curtain control means to open or close the strip curtain.

Typically each movable rail section is carried by at least one trolley.

Usually the track comprises a downwardly facing channel having two inwardly directed returns for receiving the trolley wheels.

In one embodiment of the invention the rail comprises an outwardly facing channel having two inwardly directed return legs to define a spigot for engaging in a complementary seat on a strip mounting nut.

Preferably the mounting nut is carried on a mounting bolt which extends through mounting holes in the strips of the curtain.

Typically a face plate is interposed between the outermost strip and the head of the bolt.

In one embodiment of the invention the means for moving the strips comprises a pushing and pulling means.

The pushing and pulling means may, for exampie, comprise a linear actuator which may be powered pneumatically or hydraulically comprise a ram.

Alternatively the pushing and pulling means comprises a cable and pulley mechanism. The pushing and pulling means may also comprise a chain and sprocket mechanism.

Typically the chain is an endless chain and is attached to the trolleys. Preferably, the chain is driven by a drive sprocket and is led over a jockey sprocket means at one end of the track and over an idler sprocket at the other end of the track. Usually the jockey sprocket means comprises two jockey sprockets over which the chain is led. At least one of the jockey sprockets may be movable for adjusting the tension of the chain. In addition, the drive sprocket may be adjustable to alter the tension of the chain.

Typically the drive sprocket is driven by a motor mounted by brackets to a wall plate. The jockey sprockets are usually rotatably mounted between a pair of sandwich plates, one of which is mounted on the wall plate. Typically the wall plate also carries a track mounting bracket.

In one embodiment of the invention the strip curtain control means includes a limit switch to limit the travel of the curtain. Alternatively or additionally the strip curtain control means includes a time switch to switch the motor when a pre-set time has elapsed.

In another embodiment of the invention the strip curtain control means comprises a manual switch.

Alternatively, the strip curtain control means may comprise a radio control switch, an induction loop sensor, a radar operator switch, a photo-electric switch or a pressure pad.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description thereof given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective, partially sectional view of a strip curtain according to the invention, Figure 2 is a perspective view of portion of the strip curtain, Figure 3 is a schematic side view of portion of the curtain, Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of the curtain of Figs. 1 to 3, Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of another strip curtain, Figure 6 is a transverse cross-sectional view showing the mounting arrangement for the curtain of Fig. 5, Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of another construction of strip curtain, Figure 8 is a partial schematic side view showing an alternative drive mechanism, and Figures 9a to 9f are pictorial views illustrating the operation of strip curtains according to the invention.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figs. 1 to 4 thereof, there is illustrated a strip curtain according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The curtain 1 comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending strips 2 which are frequently of a partially transparent and translucent material such as a plastics material, for example, polyvinyl chloride, mounted on a rail 3 extending at least the width of an opening 4 in a wall 5.

The rail 3 in this case is formed from four rail sections namely, two central rail sections 6 and a pair of side rail sections 7 flanking the central rail sections 6. Each rail section 6,7 comprises an outwardly facing channel having two inwardly directed return legs 8 having down turned edges 8a defining a spigot for engaging in a complementary seat 9 on a strip mounting nut 10 carried by a fix ing bolt 11. Each of the strips 2 is formed with a number of upper spaced-apart mounting holes and are arranged with minimum or partial overlap of the side edges of adjacent strips for internal openings or with maximum overlap for external openings, in all cases the mounting holes of adjacent strips being aligned for receiving the bolt 11.A facing plate 12 having a plurality of spaced-apart mounting holes 13 which align with the mounting holes of the strips 2 extends over the top edges of the strips and on tightening of the bolt 11 the strips 2 are sandwiched between the facing plate and the channel rail 3.

In this case each of the central and side rail sections 6,7 is mounted through an angle bracket 15 to trolleys 16 which are slidably movable along a track 17 extending across the opening 4. The track 17 comprises a downwardly facing channel having two inwardly directing returns 18 over which wheels 21 of the trolley 16 runs. The channel track 17 is fixed to one leg 23 of an angle bracket 26, the other leg 25 of which is bolted to the wall 5 above the opening 4.

Means for opening and/or closing the curtain are in this case the means provided by a pushing and pulling means formed by an endless chain 30 which is led over a drive sprocket 31, two jockey sprockets 32 at one end of the track 17 and an idler sprocket 33 at the other end of the track. Upper and lower legs 34, 35 of the chain 30 are in this case attached to the trollies carrying the left-hand rail sections (when viewed in Fig. 4) and right-hand rail sections respectively so that on rotation of the drive sprocket 31 in the direction of the arrow A the trollies 16 and hence the right and left-hand rail sections travel in opposite directions as indicated by the arrows B and C in Figs. 3 and 4. The chain 30 is driven anti-clockwise to close the opening 4 and clockwise to move the rail sections 6,7 in the opposite direction to draw the strips 2 out of the opening 4.The trollies are attached to the chain 30 by any suitable means, for example, by U-bolts or the like.

The drive sprocket 31 is driven by an electric motor 40 which is mounted by two spaced-apart angle brackets 41 to a wall plate 42. Each of the brackets 41 is formed with elongate locating slots 43 which facilitate adjustment of the motor relative the brackets and wall plate 42. When the motor is in the desired position mounting bolts 44 are tightened in the slots 43.

Each jockey sprocket 32 is rotatably mounted on an axle 45 extending between a pair of sandwich plates 46 which are spaced-apart to allow the sprockets 32 to rotate by spacer shims 47. The inner of the two sandwich plates 46 is mounted to the wall plate 42. The wall plate 42 also carries an angle bracket 48 to which one end of the channel track 17 is mounted as illustrated in Fig. 2.

The strip curtain described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4 is suitable for use in locations in which adequate clearance is provided on either side of the opening 4 for receiving two rail sections 6,7. In the open position the rail sections 6,7 lie in the position illustrated in dotted outline in Fig. 4. In some cases however, such as that illustrated in Fig. 5 the available space into which the rails can be retracted is limited, for example, by walls 50 or any other obstacles. In this case, a telescopic arrangement is used in which the two central rail sections 6 are offset from the side rail sections 7 which are fixed in position. On opening the curtain the central rail sections 6 are drawn apart into the position illustrated in dotted outline in Fig. 5 in line with the side rail section 7.

The mounting arrangement for this configuration of rail sections is illustrated in Fig. 6 and is similar to that described above with reference to Figs. 1 to 4 and like parts are assigned the same reference numerals. The horizontal leg 25 of the angle bracket 24 is extended so that the central rail sections 6 are spaced-apart outwardly from the side rail sections 7. Each side rail section 7 is fixedly mounted to the bracket 24 through an angle bracket 55 and box section bracket 56. The channel track 17 extends the length of the opening and the central rail sections 6 are carried by trollies 16 run ning in the track as before.

Another possible configuration of rail sections is illustrated in Fig. 7. In this case, access is limited on one side of the opening 4 and both the central 6 and side rail sections 7 move in the same direction to the open position illustrated in dotted out line in Fig. 7 on one side of the opening 4. The mounting of the rail sections is similar to that described above with reference to Figs. 1 to 4 however, in this case the trollies 16 are all attached to the same leg of the endless chain 30 so that all trollies move in the same direction on rotation of the drive sprockets 31.

The motor 40 is operated by any suitable stripcurtain control means which has a switching means which will be described in more detail below. The distance of travel of the rails may be limited by electric or pneumatic limit switches (not shown). In addition, a time switch may be provided to switch the motor when a preset time had elapsed to prevent overrun in the event of failure of the limit switches.

Referring to Fig.8 there is illustrated an alternative drive mechanism for a chain 30. In this case the chain is led around a drive sprocket 57 which is located adjacent the end of the track 17 and only one jockey sprocket 58 is required. This drive mechanism is particularly suitable where there are space limitations as the drive motor may be mounted adjacent the track.

Referring to Figs. 9a to 9f the operation of six different switching means which may be used to operate the motor 40 are illustrated. In the case of the arrangement illustrated in Fig. 9a the motor is operated in response to the breaking of a photoelectric beam 60 generated by a photo-electric cell 61 by a fork-lift truck 62 approaching the curtain 1.

One advantage of this arrangement is that it is not necessary for the driver to dismount to open the curtain.

In the case of the arrangement of Fig. 9b the switching means comprises a push button 65 which is mounted on the wall adjacent the curtain.

The advantage of the push button arrangement is its simplicity of construction and low cost.

Another simple and low cost switching means is illustrated in Fig. 9c. In this case the switching means comprises a pull switch 70 overhanging the approach to the curtain 1 and which may be operated by the driver without having to dismount from the truck 62.

In the arrangement of Fig. 9d the switching means comprises an induction loop 75 embedded in the floor approaching the curtain.

The switching means illustrated in Fig. 9e comprises a radio signal 80 which may be generated by a suitable transmitter which in this case is mounted in the cab of the fork-lift truck 62. The additional advantage of this arrangement is that no unauthorised person can open the curtain 1.

A radar signal 85 detects the presence of a forklift truck 62 on the approach to the curtain 1 in the case of the arrangement illustrated in Fig. 9f.

It will be appreciated that any suitable switching means including time switch, pressure pad or the like may be employed.

One advantage of the invention is that because the strip curtain is opened before a fork-lift truck passes through there is no impairment of vision of the driver and less risk of damage to the strips. In addition, there is little risk of the strip edges dislodging fragile loads from the fork-lift truck. Further, there is little risk of a strip edge hitting a pedestrian.

It will be appreciated that any suitable means for opening or closing the strip curtain or door may be used. Thus, as an alternative to a chain and sprocket arrangement a pulley and wire cable arrangement may be used. In general, any suitable pushing and pulling means may be used. The pushing and pulling means may be a linear actuator, for example, a pneumatic or hydraulically operated actuator such as a ram. The speed of travel of the curtain on opening and closing may be controlled by, for example, flow regulators in the case of pneumatic drives which may be mounted on the air supply or exhaust pipes.

It will be appreciated that strips may be attached to their corresponding rail in any suitable manner, for example, by adhesives or any mechanical fixing means.

It will also be appreciated that any suitable construction of track and/or rail may be used. For example, the strips may be directly mounted to wheels or any suitable trolley means which run in any suitable track. It may not be essential to provide a rail between the track and the strips. The advantage however, of providing such a rail is in ease of fixing the strips into position and hence ease of replacement of the strips for maintenance.

It will be appreciated that it is not essential for the strips rail to be formed in four sections. One or any number of sections could be used.

Claims

1. A strip-curtain comprising a plurality of strips extending longitudinally into an opening and means for moving the strips transversely to open and/or close the curtain in response to operation of a strip-curtain control means.

2. A strip-curtain as claimed in Claim 1 in which the strips are transversely movable relative a support track.

3. A strip-curtain as claimed in Claim 2 in which the strips are slidably movable relative the track.

4. A strip-curtain as claimed in Claim 3 in which the strips are mounted on a support rail, the rail being slidably movable relative the track to open and close the strip curtain.

5. A strip-curtain as claimed in Claim 4 in which the rail comprises at least two rail sections, at least one rail section being slidably movable from a closed position with the strips projecting into the opening to an open position at least some of the strips lying to one side of the opening.

6. A strip-curtain as claimed in Claim 4 or 5 in which the rail comprises four rail sections namely a pair of central rail sections and a pair of side rail sections flanking the central rail sections.

7. A strip-curtain as claimed in Claim 6 in which the central rail sections are movable in opposite directions on opening and closing the curtain.

8. A strip-curtain as claimed in Claim 6 or 7 in which both the central and side rail sections are movable on opening and closing of the curtain.

9. A strip-curtain as claimed in Claim 6 in which the side rail sections remain stationary and the central rail sections move in opposite directions from a central curtain closed position between the side rail sections to a curtain open position with the central rail sections substantially overlapping the side rail sections.

10. A strip-curtain as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 9 in which the rail is carried on a trolley means which is slidably movable along the track in response to operation of the strip-curtain control means to open or close the strip-curtain.

11. A strip curtain as claimed in Claim 10 in which each movable rail section is carried by at least one trolley.

12. A strip-curtain as claimed in Claim 10 or 11 in which the track comprises a downwardly facing channel having two inwardly directed returns for receiving the trolley wheels.

13. A strip-curtain as claimed in any of claims 4 to 12 in which the rail comprises an outwardly facing channel having two inwardly directed return legs to define a spigot for engaging in a complementary seat on a strip mounting nut.

14. A strip-curtain as claimed in Claim 13 in which the mounting nut is carried on a mounting bolt which extends through mounting holes in the strips of the curtain.

15. A strip-curtain as claimed in Claim 14 in which a face plate is interposed between the outermost strip and the head of the bolt.

16. A strip-curtain as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 15 in which the means for moving the strips comprises a pushing and pulling means.

17. A strip-curtain as claimed in Claim 16 in which the pushing and pulling means comprises a linear actuator.

18. A strip-curtain as claimed in Claim 17 in which the actuator is powered pneumatically.

19. A strip curtain as claimed in Claim 17 in which the actuator is powered hydraulically.

20. A strip-curtain as claimed in any of Claims 16 to 19 in which the means for moving the strips comprises a ram.

21. A strip-curtain as claimed in Claim 16 in which the pushing and pulling means comprises a cable and pulley mechanism.

22. A strip curtain as claimed in Claim 16 in which the pushing and pulling means comprises a chain and sprocket mechanism.

23. A strip curtain as claimed in Claim 22 in which the chain is an endless chain.

24. A strip-curtain as claimed in Claim 22 or 23 in which the chain is attached to the trolleys.

25. A strip-curtain as claimed in Claim 23 or 24 in which the chain is driven by a drive sprocket and is led over a jockey sprocket means at one end of the track and over an idler sprocket at the other end of the track.

26. A strip-curtain as claimed in Claim 25 in which the jockey sprocket means comprises two jockey sprockets over which the chain is led.

27. A strip-curtain as claimed in Claim 26 in which at least one of the jockey sprockets is movable for adjusting the tension of the chain.

28. A strip-curtain as claimed in any of Claims 25 to 27 in which the drive sprocket is adjustable to alter the tension of the chain.

29. A strip-curtain as claimed in any of Claims 25 to 28 in which the drive sprocket is driven by a motor mounted by brackets to a motor wall plate.

30. A strip-curtain as claimed in Claim 29 in which the jockey sprockets are rotatably mounted on the wall plate.

31. A strip-curtain as claimed in Claim 30 in which the jockey sprockets are rotatably mounted between a pair of sandwich plates, one of which is mounted to the wall plate.

32. A strip-curtain as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 31 in which the wall plate carries a track mounting bracket.

33. A strip-curtain as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 32 in which the strip curtain control means includes a limit switch to limit the travel of the curtain.

34. A strip curtain as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 33 in which the strip curtain control means includes a time switch to switch the motor when a pre-set time has elapsed.

35. A strip-curtain as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 34 in which the strip curtain control means comprises a manual switch.

36. A strip-curtain as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 34 in which the strip curtain control means comprises a radio controlled switch.

37. A strip-curtain as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 34 in which the strip-curtain control means comprises an induction loop sensor.

38. A strip-curtain as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 34 in which the strip-curtain control means comprises a radar operated switch.

39. A strip-curtain as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 34 in which the strip-curtain control means comprises a photo-electric switch.

40. A strip-curtain as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 34 in which the strip-curtain control means comprises a pressure pad.

41. A strip-curtain substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.