Classifications

• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
  • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
  • E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
  • E06B9/02—Shutters, movable grilles, or other safety closing devices, e.g. against burglary
  • E06B9/08—Roll-type closures
  • E06B9/11—Roller shutters
  • E06B9/17—Parts or details of roller shutters, e.g. suspension devices, shutter boxes, wicket doors, ventilation openings
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
  • H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
  • H02K41/00—Propulsion systems in which a rigid body is moved along a path due to dynamo-electric interaction between the body and a magnetic field travelling along the path
  • H02K41/02—Linear motors; Sectional motors
  • H02K41/03—Synchronous motors; Motors moving step by step; Reluctance motors
  • H02K41/031—Synchronous motors; Motors moving step by step; Reluctance motors of the permanent magnet type
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05D—HINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS
  • E05D15/00—Suspension arrangements for wings
  • E05D15/16—Suspension arrangements for wings for wings sliding vertically more or less in their own plane
  • E05D15/165—Details, e.g. sliding or rolling guides
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05D—HINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS
  • E05D15/00—Suspension arrangements for wings
  • E05D15/16—Suspension arrangements for wings for wings sliding vertically more or less in their own plane
  • E05D15/24—Suspension arrangements for wings for wings sliding vertically more or less in their own plane consisting of parts connected at their edges
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
  • E05F15/00—Power-operated mechanisms for wings
  • E05F15/60—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators
  • E05F15/603—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors
  • E05F15/665—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for vertically-sliding wings
  • E05F15/668—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for vertically-sliding wings for overhead wings
  • E05F15/676—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for vertically-sliding wings for overhead wings operated by friction wheels
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
  • E05F5/00—Braking devices, e.g. checks; Stops; Buffers
  • E05F5/06—Buffers or stops limiting opening of swinging wings, e.g. floor or wall stops
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
  • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
  • E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
  • E06B9/56—Operating, guiding or securing devices or arrangements for roll-type closures; Spring drums; Tape drums; Counterweighting arrangements therefor
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
  • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
  • E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
  • E06B9/56—Operating, guiding or securing devices or arrangements for roll-type closures; Spring drums; Tape drums; Counterweighting arrangements therefor
  • E06B9/58—Guiding devices
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
  • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
  • E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
  • E06B9/56—Operating, guiding or securing devices or arrangements for roll-type closures; Spring drums; Tape drums; Counterweighting arrangements therefor
  • E06B9/68—Operating devices or mechanisms, e.g. with electric drive
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
  • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
  • E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
  • E06B9/56—Operating, guiding or securing devices or arrangements for roll-type closures; Spring drums; Tape drums; Counterweighting arrangements therefor
  • E06B9/68—Operating devices or mechanisms, e.g. with electric drive
  • E06B9/72—Operating devices or mechanisms, e.g. with electric drive comprising an electric motor positioned inside the roller
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
  • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
  • E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
  • E06B9/56—Operating, guiding or securing devices or arrangements for roll-type closures; Spring drums; Tape drums; Counterweighting arrangements therefor
  • E06B9/80—Safety measures against dropping or unauthorised opening; Braking or immobilising devices; Devices for limiting unrolling
  • E06B9/82—Safety measures against dropping or unauthorised opening; Braking or immobilising devices; Devices for limiting unrolling automatic
  • E06B9/84—Safety measures against dropping or unauthorised opening; Braking or immobilising devices; Devices for limiting unrolling automatic against dropping
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
  • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
  • E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
  • E06B9/56—Operating, guiding or securing devices or arrangements for roll-type closures; Spring drums; Tape drums; Counterweighting arrangements therefor
  • E06B9/80—Safety measures against dropping or unauthorised opening; Braking or immobilising devices; Devices for limiting unrolling
  • E06B9/82—Safety measures against dropping or unauthorised opening; Braking or immobilising devices; Devices for limiting unrolling automatic
  • E06B9/88—Safety measures against dropping or unauthorised opening; Braking or immobilising devices; Devices for limiting unrolling automatic for limiting unrolling
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
  • H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
  • H02K41/00—Propulsion systems in which a rigid body is moved along a path due to dynamo-electric interaction between the body and a magnetic field travelling along the path
  • H02K41/02—Linear motors; Sectional motors
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
  • H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
  • H02K7/00—Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
  • H02K7/10—Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05D—HINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS
  • E05D15/00—Suspension arrangements for wings
  • E05D15/06—Suspension arrangements for wings for wings sliding horizontally more or less in their own plane
  • E05D15/0621—Details, e.g. suspension or supporting guides
  • E05D2015/0695—Magnetic suspension or supporting means
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
  • E05F15/00—Power-operated mechanisms for wings
  • E05F15/60—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
  • E05F15/00—Power-operated mechanisms for wings
  • E05F15/60—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators
  • E05F15/603—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors
  • E05F15/665—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for vertically-sliding wings
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
  • E05Y2201/00—Constructional elements; Accessories therefor
  • E05Y2201/20—Brakes; Disengaging means; Holders; Stops; Valves; Accessories therefor
  • E05Y2201/21—Brakes
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
  • E05Y2201/00—Constructional elements; Accessories therefor
  • E05Y2201/40—Motors; Magnets; Springs; Weights; Accessories therefor
  • E05Y2201/43—Motors
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
  • E05Y2201/00—Constructional elements; Accessories therefor
  • E05Y2201/40—Motors; Magnets; Springs; Weights; Accessories therefor
  • E05Y2201/46—Magnets
  • E05Y2201/462—Electromagnets
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
  • E05Y2201/00—Constructional elements; Accessories therefor
  • E05Y2201/60—Suspension or transmission members; Accessories therefor
  • E05Y2201/622—Suspension or transmission members elements
  • E05Y2201/684—Rails; Tracks
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
  • E05Y2201/00—Constructional elements; Accessories therefor
  • E05Y2201/60—Suspension or transmission members; Accessories therefor
  • E05Y2201/622—Suspension or transmission members elements
  • E05Y2201/688—Rollers
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
  • E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
  • E05Y2900/10—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for buildings or parts thereof
  • E05Y2900/106—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for buildings or parts thereof for garages
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
  • E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
  • E05Y2900/10—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for buildings or parts thereof
  • E05Y2900/13—Type of wing
  • E05Y2900/132—Doors
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
  • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
  • E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
  • E06B9/56—Operating, guiding or securing devices or arrangements for roll-type closures; Spring drums; Tape drums; Counterweighting arrangements therefor
  • E06B9/68—Operating devices or mechanisms, e.g. with electric drive
  • E06B2009/6809—Control
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
  • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
  • E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
  • E06B9/02—Shutters, movable grilles, or other safety closing devices, e.g. against burglary
  • E06B9/08—Roll-type closures
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
  • H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
  • H02K41/00—Propulsion systems in which a rigid body is moved along a path due to dynamo-electric interaction between the body and a magnetic field travelling along the path
  • H02K41/02—Linear motors; Sectional motors
  • H02K41/03—Synchronous motors; Motors moving step by step; Reluctance motors

Definitions

• the invention relates to a rail system which can be used to move an object or load such as a panel, pedestrian or vehicular access doors, fixed and sectional panels, roller doors, curtains, and the like.
• a rail system comprising: a guide rail; a plurality of stationary electromagnets mounted in the guide rail; and a carriage having a plurality of wheels configured to travel along the guide rail; wherein the wheels are magnets, and wherein movement of the carriage along the guide rail is brought about by a fluctuating magnetic field generated by the stationary electromagnets acting on the wheels.
• the carriage may be configured for attachment to a load or an object.
• the rail system may comprise a plurality of the guide rails and a plurality of the carriages.
• the plurality of guide rails may include a first guide rail and a second guide rail, the first guide rail and the second guide rail being space apart.
• the plurality of carriages may include one carriage mounted on the first guide rail and one carriage mounted on the second guide rail.
• the load may be attached to the one carriage on the first guide rail and to the one carriage on the second guide rail. The load may be moved by coordinated movement of the carriage on the first guide rail and the carriage on the second guide rail.
• More than one carriage may be mounted on the first guide rail.
• the load may be attached to each carriage on the first guide rail.
• More than one carriage may be mounted on the second guide rail.
• the load may be attached to each carriage on the second guide rail.
• Each guide rail may comprise a brake engaging surface. At least one carriage mounted on each guide rail may include a brake having a shape configured to engage the brake engaging surface. When there is more than one carriage mounted on each guide rail, each carriage may include a brake having a shape configured to engage the brake engaging surface of its associated guide rail. The brake of the carriage may engage the brake engaging surface of the guide rail to limit movement of the carriage when power supply to the electromagnets is interrupted.
• the brake engaging surface may have a serrated profile.
• the brake of the carriage may have a matching serrated profile configured to engage positively with the brake engaging surface of the guide rail.
• the brake of the carriage may be in the form of a cam and the cam may have a serrated braking surface or foot associated therewith.
• release of the engagement may be brought about by movement of the brake in a direction opposite to the movement which brought about the engagement. For example, if downward movement of the carriage brings about engagement of the brake and the brake engaging surface, upward movement of the carriage releases the engagement of the brake and the brake engaging surface.
• the load may be an object.
• the load may be a panel.
• panel is used to refer to a range of architectural structures suitable for closing or covering an opening in a building such as those for pedestrian and/or vehicular access.
• the rail system may further comprise the load or panel.
• various terms including “panel” have been used to refer to a range of architectural structures suitable for closing or covering an opening in a building such as those for pedestrian and/or vehicular access and suitable for movement by the guide rail system.
• terms such as curtain, door, roller door, sectional panel door, full panel door, solid panel door, garage door, and the like have been used.
• the term “panel” has also been used generally and inclusively to refer to these and similar architectural structures collectively.
• the carriage may be configured for attachment to objects or loads other than panels.
• the carriage may be configured for attachment to objects or containers into which objects can be placed.
• the rail system may be configured to transport or distribute the objects or the containers from one place to another.
• the system may include a control system in order to control the provision of energy to the electromagnets.
• the control system may be powered by an external power source.
• a backup battery may also be provided to supply backup power in an emergency or to provide bulk power during operations to move the panel.
• a method of operating e.g., opening and closing such panels (such as, for example, doors) by incorporating a lifting mechanism into guide rails, which are a common component of automatic solid or sectional panel, roller door or curtain.
• the lifting mechanism includes the plurality of stationary electromagnets mounted in the guide rail and the plurality of wheels (being magnets) of the carnages.
• such an arrangement may allow for a reduction in installation components, and therefore installation time. It may lower maintenance costs and it may allow for quiet operation, as well as improved aesthetics.
• the invention includes a fail-safe mechanism in the form of a braking system which operates in the event of a component failure or a disruption to electricity supplies. Such a system may enhance safety.
• the rail system may be configured to lift a load or panel vertically.
• a pair of guide rails may be arranged vertically and a panel may extend vertically between them. Movement of the carriages along the pair of guide rails may raise the panel vertically or lower the panel vertically.
• the system may be configured to move a load or panel in a horizontal direction.
• a pair of guide rails may be arranged horizontally and a panel may extend between them. Movement of the carriages along the pair of guide rails may move the panel horizontally.
• the system may be configured to combine guide rails with vertical and horizontal portions and movement of the carriages along these respective portions will move the panel accordingly. It will be appreciated that the rail system is not limited only to vertical and horizontal configurations and that guide rails could be arranged at angles with respect to the vertical or horizontal planes in order to arrange a system that could move the panel in any direction.
• Embodiments disclosed herein may be applicable to domestic, commercial and industrial applications with scale-able design to match weights, travel speeds and environments which vary dependent on application.
• Fig. 1 is a schematic cross sectional view of a guide rail according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• Figs. 2A to 2B are schematic views of a guide rail according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in which the guide rail has a bent configuration.
• FIGs. 3 A to 3B are schematic views of a guide rail according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in which the guide rail has a straight configuration.
• Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of a carriage according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIGs. 5A and 5B are schematic cross-sectional views of a guide rail and carriage according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of the control logic of components of a guide rail system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• a rail system for the positioning and movement of a load (or object) such as a panel (for example, single and sectional panel doors, roller doors or curtains) in the vertical plane, the horizontal plane or in other planes at angles with respect to the vertical and horizontal planes.
• the rail system incorporates a magnetic drive and positioning system.
• the rail system includes at least one guide rail and at least one carriage.
• Each guide rail incorporates a series of electromagnet arrays (stationary electromagnets) which are positioned in the guide rail to provide magnetic attraction and repulsion in a sequential manner which will cause the carriage incorporating permanent magnets to move along the guide rail with variable force and speed dependent on instructions from a control system.
• a carriage incorporating permanent magnets which form wheels.
• the carriage may be configured to connect to a load or an object.
• the load or object
• the load is in the form of a panel, a roller door, or the like.
• the carriage is mounted on the guide rail and driven via the electromagnets incorporated into the guide rail.
• the load may be positioned or moved via interaction of the wheels of the carriage and the electromagnets in the guide rail.
• the rail system includes an integrated automatic mechanically operated braking system capable of maintaining the carriage and thereby the load or object (panel, roller door, or the like) in a fixed position in the absence of specific operations of the rail system or a disruption to electricity supplies.
• This braking system ensures that the load or object remains in any position intended without the requirement for constant drive signals and prevents movement in any direction if power should fail.
• the load is a roller door
• the braking system ensures that the roller door remains in any position intended without the requirement for constant drive signals and prevents movement of the roller door in any direction if power to the door control or drive system fails.
• the system can be manually over-ridden and allow movement of the carriages and allow opening of the roller door.
• the rail system may be suitable for many panel materials and may be adaptable to varying widths and heights of panels, roller doors, curtains, and the like.
• the rail system is component based with selection and quantity of components based on the particular application.
• Components can be manufactured at scale, that being physical characteristics other than size can remain consistent through light, medium and heavy-duty versions of the system.
• Force capacity is not particularly limited and can be set according to the particular application. For example and without intending to limit the scope of this disclosure, it may range from 500 to 4000 newtons. Operational speeds may also vary depending on the particular application and, by way of a non-limiting example, they may range from 0.1 to 4 metres per second.
• the rail system includes a pair of guide rails which are spaced apart such that the distance between the guide rails along their length is constant.
• the guide rails may be straight or curved or a combination thereof depending on the application and location.
• the guide rails may include straight sections connected by curved sections or bends. For example, a straight section which extends vertically may be connected to a straight section which extends horizontally connected by a bend (see, for example, Figure 2A and 2B).
• Carriages which are fixed to the moveable panel or curtain are attached in numbers required for the application and inserted onto the guide rails.
• the rail system may include a single guide rail arranged substantially in one plane (for example, arranged substantially horizontally).
• the rail system may be configured for moving a curtain and the rail system may be arranged above a window, a door opening or along a ceiling.
• the guide rail may include straight sections, curved sections, or combinations thereof.
• a control system which incorporates a battery back up is installed adjacent to the guide rail(s) to provide controlled energy to the guide rail electromagnets which are electrified at varying currents and sequences to initiate movement of the carriages.
• each carriage has a linkage, bracket, point of attachment, or the like (referred to below as linkage) which is configure for connection to the load or object.
• each carriage incorporates a brake mechanism which engages the guide rail during braking.
• the brake mechanism may be in the form of a serrated cam feature that engages positively with a matching brake engaging surface in the form of a serrated profile incorporated into the guide rail (see Figs. 4, 5A and 5B).
• the brake mechanism of the carriage may be provided on the linkage.
• the serrated cam feature engages with the brake engaging surface of the guide rail to cease any downward movement. According to this embodiment, only when an upward force is applied to the linkage by the carriage will the cam disengage.
• the serrated cam feature will engage the serrated profile on the guide rail preventing further travel.
• the carriages in order to enable travel in the downward direction (see for example, the configuration shown in Figure 3A and 3B), the carriages will be initially moved in the upward direction to disengage the cam braking mechanism and the speed of travel will be regulated in such a way that whilst under instruction the cam locks (braking mechanism) remain disengaged.
• a system of electronics housed in the control unit uses current sensing and power loops to provide precise energization of the stator electromagnets (stationary magnets) which induce infinitely variable movements in the carriage fixed magnets.
• stator electromagnets stationary magnets
• each guide rail and the carriages travelling upon it can be precisely located to avoid any misalignment of the load, panel or curtain and can maintain relative positioning at any point of travel.
• the electronic control system has a self-calibration system which takes into account anomalies such as external factors such and wind, ice and other factors as well as friction variables due to age and maintenance.
• a non-volatile memory of events and parameters forms part of the control system in order to provide service history and produce alarms and service requests via a basic display.
• integrated dry contact triggering as well as on-board RF and Bluetooth communication provide several external control and monitoring solutions to the user of the system.
• control and operating system is designed for operation on a 24 volt DC external supply, where the size of the supply is dependent on the operating frequency of the system and the size of the unit (small, medium or large model).
• Fig. 1 shows a cross-section through an embodiment of a guide rail 12 of a rail system 10.
• the guide rail 12 is fixed to the accommodating structure (for example, a wall) 14 via an “L” bracket 16 which permits attachment via screws 17 on the same or a perpendicular plane.
• the guide rail 12 is made up of two guide rail sections 12A and 12B which are made of non-ferrous metal or polymer and are joined via screws 18 arranged at prescribed intervals along their length.
• Electromagnets (stator magnets) 20 are formed from ferrous bobbins 22 which are attached to the guide rail sections 12A and 12B and which host electromagnetic stator coils in the form of copper induction coils 24 wound around the bobbins 22. Each coil 24 is connected through an embedded PCB backplane (not illustrated) which interconnects to other rail sections or final controls via a multi pin connector 26.
• a serrated braking profile 28 as well as nylon guide inserts 30 form part of a braking system 32.
• the guide rails 12 are produced in modular sections and can be connected end-to-end and dependent on their location within the travel range of the panel or curtain may contain many, some or no stator electromagnets as required by each application.
• Figs. 2A and 2B show an example of a configuration of a guide rail 12 in a rail system 10 for moving a garage door (not shown), for example, a sectional garage door comprising multiple panels.
• a second guide rail 12 (not illustrated) is provided on the opposite side of the door opening in a corresponding configuration.
• Figs. 2A and 2B show a bent configuration with a first portion 34 of the guide rail 12 being vertical and a second portion 36 of the guide rail 12 being horizontal. The first portion 34 is connected to the second portion 36 via a bend 38.
• Fig. 2A schematically shows the arrangement of carriages 40 in the vertical first portion 34 as they would be for a garage door in a fully closed position and Fig.
• FIG. 2B shows the arrangement of carriages 40 in the horizontal second portion 36 as they would be for a garage door in a fully open arrangement.
• the guide rail 12 which incorporates the electromagnets 20 can be configured in a bent configuration (as shown in Figs 2A and 2B) or it can be configured in a straight configuration (see Figs. 3A and 3B).
• Figures 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B indicate indicative positions and size of electromagnets embedded in the guide rail 12 and representations of carriages 40 including permanent magnets in the form of wheels 42, showing fully closed (Fig 2A and 3B) and fully open positions (Fig 2B and 3A).
• the bend 38 may be a standard component fitted in between standard guide rails 12 which guide the carriages and maintain the electrical circuits.
• Fig. 4 shows a schematic side view of a carriage.
• the rotor function of the rail system includes magnets in the form of circular rare earth high strength magnets which are also function as wheels 42 of the carriage 40.
• additional magnets (wheels) 42 may be added to the carriage 40.
• the wheels 42 are connected by a dolly 44 which includes a main connector 46 and extension arms 48.
• the main connector 46 and extension arms 48 are formed from non-ferrous material and connected using pin and clip arrangements 62 which also connect to the wheels 42.
• the extension arms 48 and additional wheels 42 are shown in dashed lines to indicate that they may be optional and included to increase the size and carrying capacity of the carriage 40.
• the main connector 46 includes connecting plates 47 and incorporates a cam 50 as part of the braking system 32 and a keyed central pin 54.
• the cam 50 may be configured for attachment to the load or object 64 (a garage door in this embodiment) to be moved by the rail system 10 by having a point of attachment, a bracket, linkage, or connector to which the load or object is attached.
• the cam 50 includes a rod 56 which extends from the cam 50 through the gap 19 between guide rail sections 12A and 12B.
• Fig. 5 shows schematic cross-sections of the guide rail 12 according to an embodiment.
• FIG. 5A shows a cross section through the guide rail 12 and the cam 50 of the main connector 46 of the dolly 44 of the carriage 40 (but does not show the connecting plates 47).
• Figure 5B shows a cross section through the guide rail 12 and a wheel 42 of a carriage 40.
• the magnets (rare earth magnets in this embodiment) which form the wheels 42 of the carriage 40 are arranged such that the poles of the magnet interact with the electromagnetic stators 20 on the guide rail.
• the magnet wheels 42 are sized in accordance with the application and the size of the load to be moved by the rail system 10 and the guide rails 12, magnet wheels 42, etc. may be configured for small, medium and large loads.
• the wheels 42 are guided by a groove 58 which is formed in the guide rail 12.
• the wheels 42 may have a nylon outer ring 60 dependent on the application.
• the wheels 42 are held by a non-ferrous pin and clip arrangement 62.
• the main connector 46 incorporates the rigid rod 56 for attachment of the load or object 64 (e.g., roller door, door, curtain, etc ), a cam shaped casting 50 as the body incorporating the cam mechanism and a braking foot 66 formed on the rod 56 which has a serrated profile 68 which corresponds to and matches the serrated braking profile 28 on the guide rail 12.
• the main connector 46 is connected to the cam 50 by a large pin and clip arrangement 70. Connection to the load 64 is via a specific bracket 72 suited to the particular application. In this embodiment, the bracket 72 is connected at one end to the rod 56 and to the load 64 by screws 74.
• the central pin 54 rotates the cam 50 through several degrees dependent on load of the object 64 connected to the carriage via the rod 56.
• the cam 50 is rotated and the rod 56 is positioned such that the braking foot 66 of the carriage 40 and the serrated braking profile 28 on the guide rail 12 are not engaged and the carriage 40 is movable relative to the guide rail.
• the cam 50 rotates in the opposite direction and the rod 56 is positioned such that the braking foot 66 of the carriage 40 and the serrated braking profile 28 of the guide rail 12 engage and thereby act to prevent movement of both the carriage 40 and the object 64 relative to the guide rail 12
• the use of non-ferrous or non-magnetic materials for other components e.g., guide rails 12, connector plates 47, pins, clips, screws, and the like ) of the system is preferred.
• Fig. 6 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the control logic of the electronic drivers and controls.
• the operation of the rail system 10 is controlled by an electronic control system 76 in order to deliver power to the stators 20 in order to ensure smooth travel of the load 64 (panel, door, curtain, or the like). This can be affected by environmental factors, physical interference and power fluctuations.
• the control system 76 is powered by an external 24 volt power source 78 which is sized based on the size and duty of the rail system installation.
• a battery 80 is installed to provide power as back-up power 81 in an emergency and bulk power 82 during operation of the rail system’s mechanisms.
• a control circuit 83 will receive external operation signals 84 which include dry contact inputs, RF signals (remote control), or the like.
• On-board Bluetooth® connectivity 86 for control and monitoring functions is also possible.
• control system 76 will provide electrical energy to groups of the stationary electromagnets (electromagnetic coils) 20 in the guide rails 12 in specific sequences and variable energy levels to generate fluctuating magnetic fields which act on the magnet wheels 42 of the carriage such that the carriage 40 moves along the guide rail 12 and thereby the load 64 connected to the carriage 40 is moved.
• a constant feedback loop 86 compares energy consumption in corresponding sections of each guide rail 12 to ensure that corresponding carriages 40 in each guide rail 12 are performing in unison.
• An additional pulse counter may also provide positional data from position sensing 88 and load data from load sensing 90 associated with each guide rail 12 to provide positional, load, speed and alert signals.
• the guide rails 12 are designated “LHS” for left hand side guide rail 12 and “RF1S” for right hand side guide rail 12.
• the control system 76 includes a programmed calibration sequence which is used for initial set-up and may also run routinely or when parameters are sensed which fall outside of operational set points or in the event of interrupted or impeded operation.
• a solenoid activated lock mechanism 92 may be provided to prevent manual movement of the load 64 (for example, raising of a garage door, movement of a panel or curtain).

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Structural Engineering (AREA)
• Architecture (AREA)
• Civil Engineering (AREA)
• Power Engineering (AREA)
• Electromagnetism (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Linear Motors (AREA)
• Control Of Vehicles With Linear Motors And Vehicles That Are Magnetically Levitated (AREA)
• Operating, Guiding And Securing Of Roll- Type Closing Members (AREA)
• Platform Screen Doors And Railroad Systems (AREA)
• Power-Operated Mechanisms For Wings (AREA)
• Support Devices For Sliding Doors (AREA)
• Curtains And Furnishings For Windows Or Doors (AREA)
• Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)
• Chain Conveyers (AREA)

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• 2020
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