GB2486815A

GB2486815A - Powered door opener and closer with clutch

Info

Publication number: GB2486815A
Application number: GB1122032.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brian Jesse Albert Edward Lukes
Original assignee: LUKES ENGINEERING Co Ltd
Current assignee: LUKES ENGINEERING Co Ltd
Priority date: 2010-12-21
Filing date: 2011-12-21
Publication date: 2012-06-27
Anticipated expiration: 2031-12-21
Also published as: GB201122032D0; GB201021610D0; GB2486815B; GB2486654A

Abstract

A powered door opener for opening and closing a door, the powered door opener comprising a static assembly 2, an opener assembly 4 and a clutch 40, the clutch 40 comprising a rod 38 and a clutch housing 40a, the rod 38 having a recess 39 therein and the clutch housing 40a having a resilient member 41,42 biased against the rod 38 characterised in that the said opener assembly 4 is for attachment to said door and said clutch housing 40a is in a fixed relation to said opener assembly 4, such that, in use, said rod 38 can move in relation to said clutch housing upon said resilient member 41,42 moving out of said recess 39. A method of opening or closing a door using a powered door opener and closer apparatus is also provided.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR OPENING AND CLOSING A DOOR

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for opening and closing a door, particularly but not exclusively, for opening: a swing door found in a domestic house or office; exterior gates, such as garden gates; and doors found in commercial and industrial units; and a sliding door.

Electrically operated door openers for opening hinged doors are currently available, such as those sold under the brand names Ingersoll Rand BritonTM 2500 series and Ditec which comprise a motor with a rotating shaft for unfurling an articulated arm arranged between a frame of a door and a top of the hinged door.

A hinged door swings in a path about a hinge pin sweeping an area defined by the width of the door and angle of opening of the door. Many prior door openers do not provide an effective way to deal with obstructions in the sweep area of an opening or closing door. Many door openers rely on complex electronics with a multiplicity of sensors, which often requires an expensive and time consuming installation and setup and reliance on a continuous power supply. Such door openers do not cope very well with being manually overridden by users simply pushing the door open.

EP-A-0 027 211 discloses an apparatus for opening and closing a door, the powered door opener comprising a static assembly, an opener assembly and a clutch, the clutch comprising a rod and a clutch housing, the rod having a recess therein and the clutch housing having a resilient member biased against the rod.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a powered door opener for opening and closing a door, the powered door opener comprising a static assembly, an opener assembly and a clutch, the clutch -2-comprising a rod and a clutch housing, the rod having a recess therein and the clutch housing having a resilient member biased against the rod characterised in that the said opener assembly is for attachment to said door and said clutch housing is in a fixed relation to said opener assembly, such that, in use, said rod can move in relation to said clutch housing upon said resilient member moving out of said recess.

Thus using an apparatus of the present invention allows a user to manually open the door, without having to de-activate the powered door opener.

Advantageously, the opener assembly is hinged on the static assembly. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a motor or other power apparatus for opening and closing the door. Preferably, the rod of the clutch is of circular cross-section, but may be of square, oval, triangular or multisided cross-section. The rod is preferably smooth walled, such that it slides smoothly through the clutch housing. The clutch housing is preferably made from a block of nylon. A hole may be drilled through the nylon clutch housing creating a bore for the rod to slide through. The nylon provides a good, low surface tension surface for the rod to slide within.

Preferably, the rod is straight and linear, save for the recess or recesses. Advantageously, the clutch housing comprises a plurality of resilient members biased against the rod. The plurality of resilient members may be spaced axially and/or radially about the rod. Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a conduit, with at least most parts of the opener assembly arranged within the conduit.

Advantageously, the resilient member comprises a resilient part such as a spring. Preferably, the spring is one of: a coiled spring; a Bellville washer; a leaf spring; and a rubber material. Preferably, the resilient -3-member comprises a ball bearing, such that the ball bearing is biased against the rod by the resilient part.

The ball bearing may be non-resilient and may be solid or hollow. Preferably, the ball bearing is made of metal and of the type found in ball bearing races. The ball bearing is preferably spherical, although may simply have a contoured surface which can slide easily in and out of the groove in the bar against the resilience of the spring or other such device thereabove. Alternatively, the ball bearing may have some resilience. Preferably, the resilient member comprises a roller ball bearing race, which may be a sealed ball bearing race.

Advantageously, the resilient member also comprises an adjuster to adjust the resilient force applied to the rod. Advantageously, the adjuster comprises a set or grub screw to compress or relieve the resilient part.

Preferably, the resilient member comprises a ball bearing race, such that advantageously the ball bearing race rolls along the rod into and out of the recess.

Preferably, the recess is contoured to allow the ball bearing race to roll along the contoured surface into the recess, whereupon advantageously, an overcoming force in excess of that required to move the door is needed to move the ball bearing race out of the recess. The ball bearing race may have a diameter slightly larger than the width of the recess, such that the ball bearing race sits on edges of the recess with a gap between the bottom of the ball bearing race and the bottom of the reces.

Advantageously, the ball bearing race is of the type known as a sealed ball bearing race, which usually are pre-lubricated and designed not to need further lubrication during normal service life.

Advantageously, said opener assembly is fixed to the door on a track, preferably, such that the opener -4-assembly can move relative to the door to compensate for the hinge pin of the opener assembly being out of alignment with the hinge pin of the door hinge.

Alternatively, a pin connected to one of the door or the opener assembly arranged in a groove of the other of the door or the opener assembly would suffice to compensate for the hinge pin of the opener assembly being out of alignment with the hinge pin of the door hinge.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a sled in fixed relation to said rod. This may be to allow the sled can move with the rod without the door moving.

Advantageously, the apparatus further comprises a motor having a rotor for opening and closing the door.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a threaded rotor having a dolly threadably moveable on said threaded rotor. Advantageously, the apparatus further comprises a transfer box, wherein said threaded rotor is fixed to said rotor within said transfer box. Preferably, said transfer box is fixed to said sled, thus tensile and compressive forces are transferred through the sled and not through the motor and rotor of the motor. Thus the motor and the rotor are not stressed components during operation of the door opener or clutch.

Advantageously, the apparatus further comprises at least one link having two ends, one end linked in said static assembly and the other linked to said dolly.

Preferably, said static assembly comprises an axel for receiving the one end of said link. The axel is spaced from the hinge pins to provide a lever to open the door.

Preferably, there is a second link on an opposing side of the dolly. Advantageously, the threaded rotor comprises at least one end stop for said dolly. Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a spring for said dolly to abut. Advantageously, the apparatus further comprises an -5-overload protection device for said motor. Preferably, said overload protection device is a current overload protection device. Advantageously, the overload protection deice is adjustable. Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a variable resistor for adjusting the overload protection device.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a slider assembly arranged between said opener assembly and said door. This may allow for movement between the door and the opener assembly due to the hinge of the door being offset from the hinge between the hinge assembly and the opener assembly. To allow the apparatus to be positioned above a door, a rigid stem, such as a metal bar, may be attached at an upper end to the slider and a lower end to the door, preferably in a fitting which allows rotation of the rigid stem.

Preferably, the rod further comprises a locking bolt portion for locking said door. The bolt may be in the form of a dead bolt or a spring loaded night latch or the like. Preferably, the rod has a second recess.

Advantageously, said second recess is an elongate recess.

Preferably, said elongate recess is as elongate as the length of throw of the locking bolt. Advantageously, the apparatus further comprises a rim for receiving the bolt, the rim attached to said door frame and having a front portion movable for releasing said door from being locked with said bolt. Preferably, the removable portion provides secondary releasing of the door, the primary releasing provided by action of said door opener.

Advantageously, the front portion is moveable on spring, advantageously in grooves and preferably is operated by a key mechanism pulling on or rotating a lever to pull or push the front portion to release the door. A solenoid on a time clock may be used to allow people access through -6-the door during certain hours of the day or night.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a control device, wherein said motor is controlled by said control device. Advantageously, said control device comprises at least one of the following: a remote control; a button; an infrared remote control; an ultrasonic remote control; a motion sensor; and a mobile phone.

Preferably, the power door opener further comprises an alarm and a switch to activate the alarm, the switch activatable by movement of the rod relative to the door.

Advantageously, the alarm comprises at least one of: an audible alarm; a visual alarm; an SMS message; an email alert; and a computer generated alert. Thus a user can be alerted of the fact that the door is being manually opened and also warns others in the vicinity of the door that the door is being manually opened.

Advantageously, the power door opener further comprises an electric door lock.Preferably, the electric door lock comprises a mortise lock release and a latch, wherein the latch is preferably a dead lock and/or a sprung latch preferably having one curved side to facilitate self-latching upon the door being closed.

Preferably, the electric door lock further comprises a control to energise the mortise lock release to release the latch restrained therein. Advantageously, the electric door lock further comprises a switch, such that upon the door being opened and the latch being released and removed from said mortise lock release, power to the mortise lock release is cut. Preferably the switch is a micro switch and may be a leaf micro switch.

The present invention also provides a clutch of the apparatus of the invention.

The present invention also provides a method for -7-opening or closing a door comprising a static assembly and an opener assembly, the opener assembly comprising a clutch having a rod inserted in a clutch housing, the rod comprising a recess and the clutch housing comprising a resilient member, the method comprising the steps of activating an opener assembly to open or close the door through the clutch. Preferably, the resilient member slides along the rod, wherein advantageously, the resilient member has a surface contacting the rod of low surface tension. Advantageously, the resilient member comprises a roller which rolls along the rod, such as a ball bearing, ball and axel, wheel and axel, ball bearing race, and ball bearing on an axel and axel-less wheels andbearings.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for opening and closing a swing door, the apparatus comprising a hinge assembly, an opener assembly hinged on the hinge assembly, a motor having a rotor and a threaded rod attached thereto in a transfer box, the threaded rotor having a dolly and at least one link having a first end attached to the hinge assembly and second end attached to said dolly, the transfer box arranged on a sled and a clutch comprising a rod fixed to said sled and a clutch housing for receiving at least part of said rod, the rod having a recess therein and the clutch housing having a resilient member biased against the rod.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for opening and closing a swing door, the apparatus comprising a hinge assembly, an opener assembly hinged on the hinge assembly, a motor driving a threaded rotor having a dolly thereon, the threaded rotor having end stops, the dolly having at least one link with two ends, one end connected to said dolly and the other end connected to said static assembly, the motor having an -8-overload protection device. Preferably, the overload protection device is a current overload protection device. Thus in operation, when the door reaches a predetermined point, the dolly abuts the end stop and activates the overload protection device halting the opening or closing cycle of the door.

Preferably, the end stops are adjustable along the threaded rotor, such as nuts and preferably the end stop comprises a resilient member against which said dolly may act, preferably to provide a cushion.

He present invention also provides an apparatus for opening and closing a swing door, the apparatus comprising a static assembly, an opener assembly and a clutch, the clutch comprising a rod and a clutch housing, the rod having a recess therein and the clutch housing having a resilient member biased against the rod. Any of the above preferable and advantageous features may be used with the apparatus as herein defined. -9-

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a front view of an apparatus for opening a door in accordance with the present invention, the apparatus mounted between a door frame and a hinged door, the door in a closed position, the apparatus having a cover plate removed, and some hidden parts shown in dashed lines; Figure 2 shows a front view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, the door in a partially open position; Figure 3 shows a top plan view of part of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of part of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, the door in a partially open position; Figure 4A shows a perspective view of part of the apparatus; Figure 4B and 4C show a perspective view of an alternative part of the apparatus to the part shown in Figure 4A; Figure 5 shows a front view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, the door in a partially open position in a closing cycle, the door inhibited from further movement by an obstacle and a linear clutch of the apparatus in an activated position; Figure 6 shows a front view of a further embodiment of an apparatus for opening a door in accordance with the present invention, having a cover plate removed, and some hidden parts shown in dashed lines; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an alternative part to part of the apparatus shown in Figures 1 and/or Figure 6, the alternative part comprising a locking bolt in an open position; -10 -Figure 8 shows the alternative part shown in Figure 7, the locking bolt in a closed position; Figure 9 shows a rim for receiving the locking bolt shown in Figure 7; Figure 10 shows the rim shown in Figure 9 with a part moved to allow the door to open; Figure 11 shows a front view of a further embodiment of an apparatus for opening a door in accordance with the present invention, having a cover plate removed, and some hidden parts shown in dashed lines, the apparatus arranged above a hinged door; Figure 12 shows a front view of a further embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention, having a cover plate removed, and some hidden parts shown in dashed lines; Figure 13 shows a front view of a further embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention, having a cover plate removed, and some hidden parts shown in dashed lines, the apparatus used on a sliding door; Figure 14A shows an enlarged side view of an alternative part of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 14B shows a view in cross-section tken along line 14B-14B shown in Figure 14A; and Figure iSA shows the embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 5 with the addition of a door locking mechanism and an override alarm; and Figure 1SB shows a suitable door lock for use with the apparatus shown in Figure iSA.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown an apparatus for opening a door in accordance with the present invention, the apparatus generally identified by reference numeral 1. The apparatus comprises a static hinge structure 2 and a door opener unit 4. The static hinge structure 2 is rigidly fixed to a door frame 3 with -11 -fixings such as crews (not shown). The opener unit 4 is slideably arranged, but otherwise fixed to a door 5. The door S is hinged at one side thereof to the door frame 3 with at least one hinge 6.

As can be seen more clearly from Figures 3 and 4, the static hinge structure 2 comprises a top face 8 and a bottom face 9 and a base 10 folded from a single piece of metal. An axel 11 is arranged between the two sides 8 and 9. Hinge pins 12 and 13 are arranged between sides 8 and 9 respectively and each pass through a respective top 14 and bottom 15 of a conduit 16 to hindgedly connect the door opener unit 4 with the static hinge structure 2.

The conduit 16 has a cover plate (not shown) which snap-fits over bottom and top lips 17 and 18 of the respective bottom and top 15 and 14. The conduit 16 is slideably connected to the door 5 on a sliding apparatus 19, shown in Figure 4A or a sliding apparatus 619a and 619b shown in Figure 4B and 4C. The sliding apparatus 19 comprises a slider 20 fixed by glue, moulded screwed, riveted or any other suitable fixing means to a back 21 of the conduit 16. The sliding bar 20 has tapered top and bottom faces 22 and 23 which are held in a track 24 which has corresponding tapered faces, the slider slideable therein. The track 24 has lugs 25 (one shown) with holes 26 therein through which screws (not shown) are located to fix the track 24 to the door 5.

The sliding apparatus shown in Figures 4B and 4C comprises a bar 620 spaced from a rear face of the conduit 16 on spacers 621. The space between the spacers 621 defines a gap into which an upright 622 is slotted.

The upright member 622 is arranged on a bracket 623 which is fixed to the door 5 using screws through screw holes 624.

Links 27 and 28 are formed of a strip of metal and -12 -have holes in either end. Axel 11 passes through the holes in one end of the links 27 and 28 and the other end of the links 27 and 28 are attached to and either side of a union 29 on stub axels 29a and 29b. The union 29 comprises a cylindrical body 30 having a threaded bore therethrough. A threaded rod 31 is threaded through the threaded bore. The threaded rod 31 leads to a transfer box 32 in which the threaded rod 31 is connected to a rotor 33 of a motor 34. The motor 34 is preferably a DC electric motor, such as an eight pole motor rotating at 8,000 rpm with an integral or separate reuction gearbox giving a reduction of around 47 to 1. The transfer box 32 and motor 34 are fixed to a sled 35 which is slideable along the length of the conduit 16 and fixed to the door 5 through a clutch 40. An end 36 of the sled 35 distal to the hinge pins 12 and 13 comprises an upstand 37 having a hole with a bar 38 of preferably circular cross-section passing therethrough. The bar 38 is axially fixed to the upstand 37 with cotter pins, welded or otherwise fixed thereto. The bar 38 is of substantially constant cross-sectional dimensions along its length save for a single recess 39, which may be formed on a lathe to reduce the diameter of the bar 38. The bar 38 passes through a bore 39a in clutch housing 40a. The clutch housing 40a is preferably formed from nylon or the like fixed to the conduit 16 and to the slider 20. A ball bearing 41 is arranged in the clutch housing 40a and is resiliently pushed against the bar 38 by a leaf spring 42 comprising a sprung metal tab 42 fixed the clutch housing 40a. The ball bearing 41 is shown located in the recess 39 in the bar 38.

Positive and neutral wires 43 extend from the motor 34 and to a control circuit board 44. The control circuit board 44 may be located in the conduit 16 or in a -13-separate housing.

When the door 5 is closed in the door frame 3, the union 29 is located at a proximal end 45 of the threaded rod 31 against a first coiled spring 46 seated against a first lock nut 47. The first lock nut 47 may be a Nylock nut or two standard hexagonal nuts locked together. At this point, a motor overload protection device (not shown) has switched the motor 34 off. Preferably, the motor overload protection device is a current overload device, advantageously with a variable resistor, such that the overload condition can be changed, which is useful for coping with doors of different weights. An activation signal 48 is sent from a control device 49, such as an infrared or ultrasonic remote control. A receiver (not shown) in the control circuit board 44 receives the activation signal 48 and in response thereto activates the motor 34 through a relay (not shown). The motor 34 rotates the rotor 33 in an anti-clockwise direction which rotates the threaded rod 31 similarly.

The union 29 travels along the threaded rod 31 pulling on links 27 and 28. The axel 11 remains in a fixed relationship with the door frame 3. Tension on the threaded rod 31 is transferred through the transfer box 32, through the sled 35 (avoiding the rotor 33 and motor 34) through the bar 38, through the clutch 40, to the slider 20, through the slider 20 to the track 22, through lugs 25 to the door 5, thus the door 5 is pulled open.

The slider 20 will slide a small amount in the track 22 to provide for slight movment threbetween due to the hinge pins 12 and 13 being offset from the door hinges 6.

The door 5 is shown part open in Figure 2, with the union 29 between the first lock nut 47 and a second lock nut 50. If there are no obstructions in the way of the door 5, the motor 34 will continue to rotate the threaded bar -14 - 31 until the union 29 hits a second coiled spring 51 and overcomes the force of the spring whereupon the motor overload protection device activates and switches the motor 34 off. The door S is now in a fully open position.

To close the door 5, a control signal 48 is sent from the control device 49 to the control circuit board 44. The motor 34 rotates the rotor 33 in a clockwise direction rotating the threaded rod 31 moving the union 29 back towards the proximal end 45. If there is no obstruction in the way of the door 5, the door S will shut, at which point the union 29 will abut the spring 46 cushioning the travel of the union 29 until the overload protection device switches the motor 34 off.

If there is an obstruction in the path of the door S opening or closing, the clutch 40 will operate. Figure 5 shows the clutch operating when the door 5 is opening.

The obstruction (not shown), overcomes the spring force of spring tab 42, unseating the ball bearing 41 from recess 39. The motor 34 continues to rotate rotor 33 and threaded rod 31 anti-clockwise moving the union to towards the proximal thereof, pulling the sled 35, the bar 38 sliding through the clutch housing 40a under the ball bearing 41, whereupon the union 29 abuts the spring 46 and locking nut 47 arrangement and compresses the spring 46 until the overload protection device switches the motor 34 off. Upon a user using the control device 49 to send a control signal 48 to the control circuit board 44, the motor 34 rotates the threaded rod 31 clockwise, returning the sled 35 to its original position and ball bearing 41 engaging the recess 39 in the bar 38. The threaded rod 31 continues to rotate until the union 29 abuts and compresses spring 51 until the overload protection device switches the motor 34 off. The door S is now closed and the apparatus is now ready for normal -15-operation.

When installing the apparatus on to a door 5 and door frame 3, the track 22 is fixed to the door 5 with any suitable means such as screws or bolts. The slider 20 of the door opener 4 is then slid into the track 22 and the hinge structure 2 is screwed or otherwise fixed to the door frame 3. The locking nuts 47 and 50 are adjusted such that the union will abut the spring at fully closed and fully open door positions, or to the extent required by the user.

Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of the invention which is generally similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, save for a closing spring 60 arranged between the clutch housing 40a and upstand 37 of the sled 35. If a user opens the door manually, the force on the door applied by the user will overcome the spring force provided by leaf spring 42 and the ball bearing 41 will rise up out of the recess 39 and rod 38 move through the clutch housing 40a compressing spring 60. The compressed spring 60 will now have enough stored energy to return the door to a closed position once the user has gone through the door. The ball bearing 41 will re-seat itself into recess 39 when the door resumes its closed position.

This feature is particularly, but not exclusively, useful in fire door applications.

Figure 7 shows an alternative clutch and locking mechanism for the apparatus shown in any of the preceding Figures. The clutch of the apparatus shown in the preceding Figures may be replaced with the alternative clutch and locking mechanism shown in Figures 7 and 8.

The clutch and locking mechanism comprises a smooth walled rod 138, like the smooth walled rod 38 and in the same way is fixed to the upstand 37 of the sled 35. The smooth walled rod 138 has two recesses: a small recess -16-for receiving a ball bearing 141 and inhibiting longitudinal movement of the smooth walled rod in either direction; and a long recess roughly equal to the throw of bolt 170. The clutch housing 40a of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 is replaced with a longer clutch housing 140a made of solid nylon and having a bore 139b through which the smooth walled rod 138 is slideably arranged. The clutch housing 140a is preferably long such that the bore covers both sets of recesses and preferably is a little longer so that the rod 138 is inhibit from transverse movement within the bore 139. The clutch housing 140a is fixed to the conduit 16 and the slider 20 with any suitable fixing such as a bolt (not shown). A ball bearing is resiliently arranged in recess 139 by a coiled spring 142 arranged between two blind washers 142a and 142b. A grub screw 142c is screwed into a threaded hole in the clutch housing 140a. The grub screw 142c can be screwed in to compress the coiled spring 142 to enhance spring force, which is useful in adjustments for doors of differing weights and sizes. The smooth walled rod 138 has a threaded end which is threaded into a threaded bore (not shown) of a connector 171. A bolt 170 of the locking mechanism is threaded into an opposing end of the connector 171. During installation, the lock nut 47 used for the end of the closing cycle is moved towards the proximal end of the threaded rod 31 is little further.

In use, when the door 5 is open, the ball bearing sits in recess 139 with the bolt 170 in a retracted position within the envelope of the conduit 16. Upon a user using the control device 49 to send a control signal 48 to the control circuit board 44, the motor 34 rotates the threaded rod 31 clockwise until the door 5 closes, rotation of the threaded rod 31 continues to push on the -17 -smooth walled rod 38. The push force of the threaded rod 31 pushes the ball bearing 141 out from the recess 139 as the smooth walled rod 138 moves through the clutch housing 140a. The ball bearing 141 follows the contour of the smooth walled rod 138 against the spring force applied by the spring 142 into long recess 139a. The bolt is thus thrown out of the conduit 16 and into a rim or mortise, such as the rim 200 shown in Figures 9 and 10.

The union 29 abuts and compresses spring 51 until the overload protection device switches the motor 34 off. The door is now closed and locked, as shown in Figure 8. Upon a user using the control device 49 to send a control signal 48 to the control circuit board 44, the motor 34 rotates the threaded rod 31 anticlockwise retracting smooth walled rod through the clutch housing 140a, the ball bearing following the flat bottom of the long recess 139a and retracting the bolt 170 from the rim 200, the ball bearing follows the contour of the smooth walled rod 138 rising up on to the full diameter of the smooth walled rod and then down into recess 139. The bolt is now wholly within the envelope of the conduit 16. The door 5 now opens in the cycle as described with respect to Figure 1.

It may be desirable to open the bolt without operating the motor 34, such as during a power cut. In this situation, the rim 200 shown in Figure 9 and 10 may be used. The rim 200 comprises a back plate 202 fixed to the door frame 3 with screws 205. The back plate 202 has a top plate 201 and lip 203 formed integrally therewith.

A front plate 204 has vertically arranged grooves 207 and a bottom plate 208. Bolts are welded or otherwise fixed to the back plate and project away from the door frame 3.

The bolts pass through the grooves 207. Bolts 206 have nuts 209 and 210 either side of the front plate 204 to -18 -inhibit the front plate 204 parting from the back plate 202, but allowing the front plate 204 to slide up and down within the bounds of the grooves 207. A spring 211 is arranged between the lower plate 208 and the top plate 201 to maintain the front plate 204 in the position shown in the Figures, creating a rim for the bolt 170 to slide into. When it is desired to release the bolt without operating the door opener 4, the front plate 204 is pulled down against the spring 211, guided by the grooves 207 to reveal the bolt 170. The front plate 204 may have a cord 212 which can be pulled to facilitate pulling the front plate 204 down against the string 211. A key operate lock (not shown) may be used to rotate or move a lever (not shown) to move the front plate 204 to release the bolt 170. A barrel of the key operated lock may be inserted in the door frame 3 and be used from both sides of the door.

It is envisaged that the connector 171 may allow the bolt 170 to move therein against a spring, such that the bolt can be retracted against the spring. It is envisaged that a proximal end of the bolt 170 may be attached to a cord, such that when the cord is pulled, the bolt is retracted into the connector 171 against the spring.

It is also envisaged that the distance the bolt is thrown is controlled by an electronic distance limiter, such that the distance of the bolt can be altered during a set up stage to ensure the bolt is thrown the correct distance into the rim or mortise.

An alternative way of mounting the apparatus is shown in Figure 11. The apparatus may be any of the apparatuses disclosed herein, with the following modifications. The static hinge structure 2 is mounted above the door, with hinge pins 12 and 13 approximately in vertical alignment with the pins of door hinges 6. A -19-rigid stem 180 has a lower end rotatably arranged in a fixing 181. The fixing 181 is fixed to door 5 with screws or other suitable fixing means 182. An upper end of the rigid stem is fixed to the track 22. The door opener 4 operates in the same way as described above with respect to the other embodiments of the apparatus.

Figure 12 shows a clutch 440 of the present invention in a door opener 401. The door opener 401 comprises a retracting device 402a arranged in a conduit 416. One end of the conduit 416 is swingably connected to a door frame 403 on a static hinge assembly 402. The retracting device 402 shown comprises a male screw 420 connected to a rotor 433 of a motor transfer box 432 rigidly connected to the conduit 416. A female threaded member 420a is slideably arranged, but rotationally fixed through a guide loop 430 attached to the conduit 416. A distal end of the female threaded member 438 is connected to a rod 438. The rod 438 is slideably arranged in a through bore in the clutch housing 440a, which is preferably formed from a block of nylon. The clutch housing 440a is fixed to door 405. A ball bearing 441 is resilient biased by spring 442 against the rod 438 and is shown seated in a groove 439 therein. Washers 442a and 442b are arranged either end of the spring 442 and a screw 442c is arranged above the spring 442 to react against. The screw may be turned to loosen or increase spring force acting on the ball bearing 441.

In use, the motor 434 is activated to turn rotor 433 and hence screw 420, extending or retracting the female threaded member 420a depending on the direction of motion of the rotor 433. Movement of the female member pulls or pushes the door 405 open or closed. If the door is obstructed on the opening or closing path, the ball bearing 441 will be pulled out of the recess 439 and -20 -allow the door 406 to stay against the obstruction and the female threaded member 420a to carry on through its cycle.

It is envisaged that the retracting device could be a pneumatic and/or hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangement in place of the electro mechanical device shown in Figure 12.

Figure 13 shows a clutch 540 of the present invention in a door opener 501 for a sliding door 505.

The sliding door may be mounted in rails or the like (not shown). The door opener 501 may comprise a retracting device, such as the retracting device shown in Figure 12 or in any of the other embodiments disclosed herein. A rod 538 is retractable into and extendible from a housing 516. The housing 516 is fixed to a door frame 503 with screws 529 through holes in lugs 530. The rod 538 is slideably arranged in a through bore in the clutch housing 540a, which is preferably formed from a block of nylon. The clutch housing 540a is fixed to the sliding door 505. A ball bearing 541 is resilient biased by spring 542 against the rod 538 and is shown seated in a groove 539 therein. Washers 542a and 542b are arranged either end of the spring 542 and a screw 542c is arranged above the spring 542 to react against. The screw 542c may be turned to loosen or increase spring force acting on the ball bearing 541.

In use, the rod 539 is extended or retracted in housing 516 using any of the retracting mechanisms disclosed herein or other suitable retracting and extending mechanisms to pull or push the sliding door 405 open or closed. If the sliding door 505 is obstructed on the opening or closing path, the ball bearing 541 will be pulled out of the recess 539 and allow the door 506 to stay against the obstruction and the rod 538 to carry on -21 -through its cycle.

Referring to Figure 14A and 14B there is shown an alternative part to part of the apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 5. Reference numerals have been used for similar parts in the 600 series. A clutch 640 replaces clutch 40 shown in Figure 1. The clutch 640 comprises a clutch housing 640a fixed to a back 621 of conduit 616.

The clutch housing 640a may be fixed to the back 21 of the clutch housing by screws, rivets 642c, adhesive, hot melt glue or the like. A roller bearing race, such as a sealed roller bearing race 641 is rotatably arranged on an axel 642e on a distal end of a plunger 642b. The roller bearing race 641 comprises an outer rolling surface 641a, a race of ball bearings 641b, a side shell 641d and a hub 641c. The plunger 642b is slideably arranged in the clutch housing 640a and has a proximal end providing a bearing surface for a resilient member 642, such as a coiled spring arranged in the clutch housing 640a. The resilient member 642 urges the roller bearing into recess 639 in the rod 638.

In use, when the door is opened or closed using the apparatus and hits an object while moving or if the door is manually overridden by a user forcing the door, the rod 638 moves longitudinally forcing the roller bearing 641 to ride up and out of the recess 639. Preferably, the outer rolling surface 641a of the roller bearing race 641 rolls along the rod 638 with a consistent surface tension and into and out of the recess 639 more positively and thus the desired spring force in the resilient member can be set up much more easily and the operation of the clutch is much more consistent.

Referring to Figure iSA and 15B there is shown the apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 5 with two additional features: an electric door lock and an override alarm.

-22 -The override alarm comprises a leaf switch 701 having a body 702 fixed to the back 21 of the conduit 16.

A leaf 703 of the leaf switch 701 is hinged to the body 702 and lies on a free end of the rod 38. The leaf switch is linked in a discrete circuit to a speaker 704 with associated components 705 and a power source 706, such that an alarm will sound when the leaf 703 of the leaf switch 701 meets contact 707 to complete the circuit.

Thus, in use, when the door is manually overridden, the rod 38 will move to the right (as shown in Figure iSA) through the clutch 40, pushing the leaf 702 into contact with contact 707 to complete the circuit and sound an alarm. The alarm may be an audible sound through speaker 704, and/or a bell and/or visual warning such as a light.

Alternatively, completion of the circuit may send a signal to a computer or mobile communication device (not shown) to alert someone that the door 5 has been manually overridden. The mobile communication device may be a mobile telephone using SMS or an email alert or other signal to indicate to a user that the door 5 has been manually overridden.

The electric door lock comprises a leaf micro switch 801 fixed to link 28. A leaf 802 is hinged to a body 803 of the leaf micro switch 801 and biased toward the back 21 of the conduit 16. The leaf micro switch 801 is electrically linked in parallel to a 12 Volt supply supplying electricity to the motor 34. The leaf micro switch 801 is also electrically connected in a locking release circuit 805 to a mortise lock release, such as the mortise lock release 820 shown in Figure 1SE. The mortise lock release 820 comprises a metal body 821 fitted to the door surround 3. The metal body 821 has a mortise 822 therein for receiving a sprung latch 823 of the door 5. The mortise 822 has a back plate 824 to -23-retain the latch 823 in the mortise 822. The back plate 824 is moveable such as swivelable and has a relay, electromagnetic coil, stepper motor or the like to release back plate 824 allowing the latch 823 to exit the mortise 822. Such a mortise lock release is available from Bell System 210-MR.

In use, the user depresses a button on the remote 49 to activate the 12 Volt power supply to energize the locking circuit 805 to move the back plate 824 to an open position to allow the latch 823 to exit the mortise.

Simultaneously, the 12 Volt power supply energizes the motor 34 in circuit 35 to pull the door 5 open. Once the door has opened a few degrees, such as 15 to 30 degrees, the leaf 802 of the leaf micro switch 801 releases contact with a contact (not shown) on the body 803 disconnecting the circuit 805. The back plate 824 may remain in the open position. It should be noted that the 12 Volt power supply now solely supplies the motor and no electricity passes to the mortise lock release 820.

The back plate 824 has a projection 825, such that upon closing the door 5, the latch 823 re-enters the mortise 822 hitting projection 825 swiveling the back plate 824 back into place, whereupon the black plate 824 becomes fixed in the metal body 821 preventing the door 5 from being opened without a key or using the remote 49.

The door may be manually overridden by using a physical key in key hole 826 to withdraw the latch 823 into the body of door lock 828 and manually push the door open activating clutch 40 in the manner described with reference to any of the preceding Figures.

The door frame as used herein means anything surrounding the door, including a wooden or metal door frame or a stone or brick wall surrounding the door opening.

-24 -It is envisaged that the door opener could be mounted on the door frame and the static assembly could be mounted on the door. The apparatus of the invention may be so configured that it can be used for left or right hung doors. All of the embodiments above are so arranged. -25-

Claims

CLAIMS1. A powered door opener for opening and closing a door, the powered door opener comprising a static assembly (2), an opener assembly (4) and a clutch (40,140), the clutch (40,140) comprising a rod (38,138) and a clutch housing (40a,140a), the rod (38,138) having a recess (39,139,139a) therein and the clutch housing (40a,140a) having a resilient member (41,42;141,142) biased against the rod (38,138) characterised in that the said opener assembly (4) is for attachment to said door and said clutch housing (40a,l4Oa) is in a fixed relation to said opener assembly (4), such that, in use, said rod (38,138) can move in relation to said clutch housing upon said resilient member (41,42;141,142) moving out of said recess (39,139,139a).
2. A powered door opener as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the door is a swing door, the powered door opener further comprising at least one hinge pin (12,13) arranged between said static housing (2) and said opener assembly (4) to provide a hinge between said static assembly (2) and said opener assembly (4).
3. A powered door opener as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein said resilient member (41,42;141,142) comprises a spring (42,142)
4. A powered door opener as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said resilient member (41,42;141,142) comprises a ball bearing (41,141).
5. A powered door opener as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said resilient member (41,42;141,142) comprises a roller ball bearing race.
6. A powered door opener as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said opener assembly is attached to the door on a track (22).
7. A powered door opener as claimed in any preceding -26-claim, further comprising a sled (35) in fixed relation to said rod (38).
8. A powered door opener as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said recess (39,139,139a) is located intermediate said rod (38), such that the door can be opened or closed when manually over-ridden while said resilient member (41,42) remains on said rod (38).
9. A powered door opener as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a motor (34) having a rotor (33) for opening and closing the door.
10. A powered door opener as claimed in Claim 9, further comprising a threaded rotor (31) having a dolly (29) threadably moveable on said threaded rotor (31).
11. A powered door opener as claimed in Claim 10, further comprising a transfer box (32), wherein said threaded rotor (31) is fixed to said rotor (33) in said transfer box (32).
12. A powered door opener as claimed in Claim 10 or 11, further comprising at least one link (27,28) having two ends, one end linked in said static assembly (2) and the other linked to said dolly (29).
13. A powered door opener as claimed in any of Claims 10 to 12, wherein said threaded rotor (31) comprises at least one end stop (47,50) for said dolly (29).
14. A powered door opener as claimed in Claim 13, said end stop (47,50) comprising a spring (46,51) for said dolly (29) to abut.
15. A powered door opener as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 11, further comprising an overload protection device for said motor (34).
16. A powered door opener as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a slider assembly (20,22) arranged between said opener assembly (4) and said door (5).-27 -
17. A powered door opener as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said rod (31) further comprises a locking bolt portion (170) for locking said door (5).
18. A powered door opener as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a second recess (139a) in said rod (138).
19. A powered door opener as claimed in Claim 18, wherein said second recess (l39a) is an elongate recess.
20. A powered door opener as claimed in Claim 17, further comprising a rim (200) for receiving the bolt (170), the rim attached to said door frame (3) and having a front portion (204) movable for releasing said door (5) from being locked with said bolt (170).
21. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a control device (44,48,49), wherein said motor (34) is controlled by said control device.
22. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 21, wherein said control device comprises at least one of the following: a remote control; a button; an infrared remote control; an ultrasonic remote control; a motion sensor; and a mobile phone.
23. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising an alarm (704) and a switch (701) to activate the alarm, the switch (701) activatable by movement of the rod (38) relative to the door (5).
24. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 23, wherein said alarm comprises at least one of: an audible alarm; a visual alarm; an SMS message; an email alert; and a computer generated alert.
25. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising an electric door lock.
26. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 25, wherein said electric door lock comprises a mortise lock release (820) and a latch (823).-28 -
27. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 26, wherein said electric door lock further comprises a control to energise the mortise lock release (820) to release the latch (823) restrained therein.
28. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 27, wherein said electric door lock further comprises a switch (801), such that upon the door (5) being opened and the latch (823) being released and removed from said mortise lock release (820), power to the mortise lock release (820) is cut.
29. A clutch of the apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim.
30. A method for opening or closing a door using a powered door opener and closer apparatus comprising a static assembly (2) and an opener assembly (4), the opener assembly (4) comprising a clutch (40) having a rod (38) inserted in a clutch housing (40a), the rod comprising a recess (39) and the clutch housing (40a) comprising a resilient member (41,42) having a part engaged in said recess, the method comprising the step of activating the powered door opener and closer to open or close the door (5) through the clutch (40) and upon the door being opened manually or upon meeting an obstruction, the part of the resilient member (41,42) moves from engagement in said recess, the rod (38) allowed to move through said clutch housing (40a).
31. A method in accordance with Claim 30, wherein said resilient member (41,42) slides along said rod.
32. A method in accordance with Claim 30, wherein said resilient member (41,42) comprises a roller (642f) which rolls along said rod (38).
33. A method in accordance with Claim 30, 31 or 32, wherein upon the door being opened manually or upon meeting an obstruction, the part of the resilient member (41,42) moves from engagement in said recess, the rod -29- (38) allowed to move through said clutch housing (40a), the powered door opener and closer apparatus continues to cycle whereupon the resilient member will eventually reengage the recess.