Vertically movable gate with a gate panel

Abstract

The invention relates to a vertically movable gate with a gate panel comprising several gate panel segments, where two adjacent gate panel segments are each hingedly connected to one another by way of at least one hinge, and with a motorized drive which transmits a force for lifting and lowering the gate panel via at least one drive means to the gate panel, and a connection means for connecting the drive means to the gate panel. Gates of the type mentioned at the outset are improved according to the invention such that, though such a gate can be moved easily between an open and a closed position largely independent of the forces arising, it nevertheless provides a compact and simultaneously stable and fail-safe design in that several gate panel segments are each individually connected to the drive means.

Claims

1. A vertically movable gate with a gate panel comprising several gate panel segments, where two adjacent gate panel segments of said several gate panel segments are each hingedly connected to one another by way of at least one hinge, at least one elongated drive means, a motorized drive which transmits a force for lifting and lowering said gate panel via the at least one elongated drive means to said gate panel, and connection means for connecting said at least one elongated drive means to said gate panel, where from the several gate panel segments at least several gate panel segments are each individually connected to said at least one elongated drive means, and a sliding element arranged between at least one surface of a gate frame profile and at least one hinge part of said at least one hinge, where said sliding element is configured to slide during vertical movement of the gate and said sliding element is supported on said connection means.

2. The gate according to claim 1, characterized in that each gate panel segment from said several gate panel segments is connected to said at least one elongated drive means.

3. The gate according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one elongated drive means is a finite drive means.

4. The gate according to claim 1, characterized in that said connection means extends through a part of said at least one elongated drive means.

5. The gate according to claim 1, characterized in that a damper is arranged between said at least one elongated drive means and at least one surface of said at least one hinge part and is configured for damping relative motion between said at least one elongated drive means and said at least one hinge part.

6. The gate according to claim 1, characterized in that said connection means comprises a guide roller having a shoulder for horizontally guiding said several gate panel segments during a vertical motion of said gate panel, where said connection means is an axle that bears said guide roller.

7. The gate according to claim 1, characterized in that said connection means comprises a guide roller having a shoulder for horizontally guiding said several gate panel segments during a vertical motion of said gate panel, and in that said connection means is an axle that bears said guide roller, and said sliding element is provided between a hinge part of the at least one hinge part and said guide roller.

8. The gate according to claim 1, characterized in that said connection means comprises a guide roller having a shoulder for horizontally guiding said several gate panel segments during a vertical motion of said gate panel, and in that said connection means is an axle that bears said guide roller, said at least one elongated drive means and said at least one hinge are arranged between said guide roller and a gate panel segment.

9. The gate according to claim 1, characterized in that a hinge part of said at least one hinge part is connected to a gate panel segment of the several gate panel segments by way of a screw connection, where said gate panel segment includes at least one bore with a thread and said at least one hinge part comprises at least one through bore through which a screw extends.

10. The gate according to claim 1, characterized in that said connection means connecting said at least one elongated drive means to said gate panel is connected to a gate panel segment of the several gate panel segments in the upper half of said gate panel segment, and in a region of an upper edge of said gate panel segment.

11. The gate according to claim 1, characterized in that a drive element is a sprocket which engages with said at least one elongated drive means and is provided above a passage height of said gate in a gate lintel.

12. The gate claim according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one elongated drive means is different from said at least one hinge.

13. The gate according to claim 1, characterized in that said connection means is arranged in a joint region of a hinge of said at least one hinge, and is a hinge pin connecting one hinge part and a second hinge part to form two hinge parts of a hinge of said at least one hinge.

14. The gate according to claim 13, characterized in that said two hinge parts are formed in combination with said at least one elongated drive means.

15. The gate according to claim 13, characterized in that said at least one elongated drive means is arranged integrated in said two hinge parts of the hinge.

16. The gate according to claim 13, characterized in that each hinge part of said two hinge parts comprises a recess for receiving said at least one elongated drive means, where each recess is arranged in alignment with the other recess.

17. The gate according to claim 1, characterized in that a hinge part of said at least one hinge has at its one end a fixed bearing and at its opposite end a floating bearing, wherein the floating is defined by an elongated hole.

18. The gate according to claim 17, characterized in that said at least one hinge comprises a plurality of hinges, where said hinge part of different hinges of said plurality of hinges is connected to one another and form a hinge chain.

19. The gate according to claim 1, characterized in that the sliding element is a sliding disk, the sliding disk arranged between at least one surface of a gate frame profile and at least one hinge part, where said sliding disk is configured to slide during vertical movement of the gate and said sliding disk is supported on said connection means.

20. The gate according to claim 19, where said sliding disk is configured to slide along the gate frame profile to limit horizontal movement of the gate panel.

21. The gate according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one hinge part comprises at least one lateral guide element which is adapted to guide a gate panel segment of said several gate panel segments in an approximately horizontal direction during vertical motion of said gate panel, where said at least one hinge part is connected to said guide panel segment to be guided by said at least one lateral guide element.

22. The gate according to claim 21, characterized in that said at least one hinge part is arranged on an end side on a face side of said panel segments facing the gate frame profile and extends approximately over the entire height of said respective gate panel segment.

23. The gate according to claim 21, characterized in that said at least one hinge part is arranged at least in part in a cavity of said gate panel segment of said several gate panel segments and is connected substantially within said cavity to said gate panel segment, where said at least one hinge part and said gate panel segment are connected to one another by adhesive bonding.

24. A vertically movable gate with a gate panel comprising several gate panel segments, where two adjacent gate panel segments of said several gate panel segments are each hingedly connected to one another by way of at least one hinge, and at least one elongated drive means, a motorized drive which transmits a force for lifting and lowering said gate panel via the at least one elongate drive means to said gate panel, and connection means for connecting said drive means to said gate panel, where from the several gate panel segments at least several panels are each individually connected to said drive means, where the at least one hinge, the at least one elongated drive means, and the connection means are arranged at least partially within a gate frame.

Description

(1) A possible embodiment of the invention is explained with reference to the drawing, where

(2) FIG. 1 shows a gate according to the invention in a front view, in which the undefined length of the gate panel segments is illustrated by dividing lines,

(3) FIG. 2 shows a detail of a gate according to the invention in a perspective view,

(4) FIG. 3 shows a detail of the gate according to the invention in a front view, in which the undefined length of the gate panel segments is illustrated by dividing lines,

(5) FIG. 4 shows a sectional view along the horizontal sectional line IV-IV in FIG. 3,

(6) FIG. 5 shows a sectional view along the horizontal sectional line V-V in FIG. 3,

(7) FIG. 6 shows a detail of a hinge of a gate according to the invention in a side view,

(8) FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an individual hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) together with a detail of a gate panel segment of a gate according to the invention,

(9) FIG. 8 shows a detailed view of a portion of the hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) of FIG. 7, shown in a side view,

(10) FIG. 9 shows a schematic overview of a gate panel segment together with hinge parts (Scharniergewerbe) in a front view, where the undefined length of the gate panel segment is illustrated by dividing lines, and

(11) FIG. 10 shows a gate frame profile in a cross-sectional view with a gate panel segment arranged therein,

(12) FIG. 11 shows a gate frame profile in a cross-sectional view with a gate panel segment arranged therein according to an alternative embodiment of the invention,

(13) FIG. 12 shows an exploded perspective view of a connection of a gate panel segment with a hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) according to a further alternative embodiment of the invention,

(14) FIG. 13 shows a schematic side view of the gate in FIG. 1.

(15) Identical reference characters are used for features that are repeated in different figures.

(16) FIG. 1 shows a gate according to the invention with a gate panel 1, which comprises several gate panel segments 2. The gate is vertically movable, where the gate is opened in the direction of arrow A and closed in the direction of arrow B.

(17) Two adjacent gate panel segments 2 are each hingedly connected to one another by way of at least one hinge 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a hinge 3 comprises two hinge parts (Scharniergewerbe), namely a first hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 31 and a second hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 32 connected thereto in an articulated manner. Hinge parts (Scharniergewerbe) 31, 32 can be made from metal or plastic materials, such as, for example, fiber-reinforced polyamide.

(18) The gate according to the invention is moved between an open position and a closed position by motor drive 100, presently not illustrated. The force required for lifting and lowering gate panel 1 is transmitted from motor drive 100 to gate panel 1 via at least one drive means, in the present embodiment via chain 4.

(19) Connection means 5 connect chain 4 to gate panel 1. Several gate panel segments 2 are there each connected individually to chain 4. Connection means 5 are explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. 4. Only some gate panel segments 2 can be connected to drive means 4, but also all gate panel segments 2.

(20) FIG. 2 shows chain 4 serving as the drive means. This embodiment of the invention is a hollow pin chain, i.e. the individual links of chain 4 are connected to each other by hollow pins 7 For example, a connection means 5 can extend through such a hollow pin 7.

(21) As can be seen in FIG. 3, a chain 4 serving as a drive means can be located at the outward ends of gate panel 1. The gate can then be operated selectively with one or two drive means. Chain 4 is formed as a finite drive means. The lower end of chain 4 is located at the lowermost gate panel segment, the upper end of chain 4 is located on the uppermost gate panel segment.

(22) FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view along the sectional line IV-IV depicted in FIG. 3. A hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 32 is shown, which is connected to a gate panel segment 2. Hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 32 comprises a recess 6 in which chain 4 is accommodated. Chain 4 is inserted into recess 6 of hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 32.

(23) FIG. 4 shows a single chain link 41 with a hollow pin 7. A connection means, presently a hinge pin 5, in its axial direction extends through hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 32 and through hollow pin 7 of chain link 41. Hinge pin 5 is on one end 8, that faces gate panel segment 2, secured with a pin 9 against axially translational and radially rotational motions. Hinge pin 5 is fixed at the opposite end by a suitable device, presently a nut 11.

(24) A guide roller 12 is rotatably mounted on hinge pin 5 by way of commercially available bearings 13. Guide roller 12 is arranged in the axial direction between nut 11 and hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 32. Guide roller 12 comprises a running surface 14 and an externally disposed shoulder 15. Externally disposed shoulder 15 is spaced apart in the radial direction further from the center axis L of hinge pin 5 than running surface 14. Shoulder 15 serves as a horizontal guide for gate panel segments 2 during a vertical motion of gate panel 1.

(25) FIG. 10 shows the arrangement according to the invention which is at least in part disposed in a gate frame profile 16. Gate frame profile 16 is shown in a cross-sectional view. It is a segmented hollow profile, in the interior of which at least two profile members 17 are located approximately symmetrically opposite to each other. The clear width W of the two profile members 17 is somewhat larger than the diameter D.sub.L at running surfaces 14 of guide roller 12.

(26) Profile members 17 comprise oppositely disposed running surfaces 18 which can bear against running surfaces 14 of guide roller 12. Due to this arrangement of guide roller 12 between two oppositely disposed profile members 17, guide roller 12, including gate panel segment 2 fastened thereto, is guided in its vertical direction of motion during a vertical motion of gate panel 1.

(27) Shoulder 15 of guide roller 12 has a diameter D.sub.B which is greater than the diameter D.sub.L at running surfaces 14 of guide roller 12. The diameter D.sub.B of shoulder 15 is also greater than the clear width W of the two profile members 17. This results in a contact surface 20 on the inner side of shoulder 15 which can bear against an oppositely disposed contact surface 19 of profile members 17.

(28) If, for example, a force F acts upon a gate panel segment 2, then this leads to flexing of gate panel segment 2 and therefore to a translational motion of gate panel segment 2 in the direction of motion arrow V. In such a case, shoulder 15 of guide roller 12 prevents guide roller 12 as well as gate panel segment 2 arranged thereon from slipping out from profile members 17 of gate frame profile 16. Gate panel segment 2 is thus guided approximately horizontally during a vertical motion of the gate.

(29) A light barrier 45 is disposed on a side opposite to the opening of gate frame profile 16, by use of which it is possible to monitor whether the gate is in the open or closed state or whether an obstacle is blocking the path of open gate panel 2.

(30) Disposed on the side of hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 31 opposite to drive means 4 is a retaining roller 44 which is rotatably mounted on gate frame profile 16 and assumes the function of a guide. When gate panel 2 is opened and closed, retaining roller 44 rolls over the surface of hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 31 which is disposed opposite to drive means 4 and with which retaining roller 44 is in contact.

(31) Retaining roller 44 is located in the upper region of the closed gate panel in the region of the gate lintel in order to improve engagement of the sprocket with the drive means. It is also possible to provide several retaining rollers 44 on gate frame profile 16, for example, in the lower region of the closed gate or distributed over the height of the gate.

(32) Provided in recess 6, in which chain links 41 of drive means 4 are received, between drive means 4 and a rear surface in recess 6, is a damper 43 with which both recess 6 as well as drive means 4 are in contact. Damper 43 can be fabricated from soft and/or elastic material, for example, from an elastomer.

(33) FIG. 6 shows a hinge 3. Hinge 3 comprises a first hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 31 and a second hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 32. Both hinge parts (Scharniergewerbe) 31, 32 each comprise an aligned bore 21 through which connection means 5 extends. Connection means 5 serves as a hinge pin 5 and forms an articulation axis about which hinge 3 can be pivoted in a known manner.

(34) FIG. 7 shows a single hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 31 by way of example. Hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 31 comprises a guide section 22 on an outer lateral end side. Guide section 22 is composed of two vertical walls 22a, 22b and a horizontal wall 22c disposed therebetween which connects the two vertical walls 22a, 22b. The resulting U-shape forms a recess 6.

(35) The clear width Z of recess 6 is slightly larger than the width B.sub.K of chain 4 (see FIG. 3). Chain 4 can be accommodated in recess 6 and can be inserted into recess 6.

(36) Hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 31 comprises a connection portion 23 which is located on vertical wall 22b facing gate panel segment 2 and which is preferably formed integrally with guide section 22. Connection portion 23 has an outer shape which corresponds approximately to the inner hollow profile shape 24 of gate panel segment 2. A gate panel segment 2 can thus be pushed onto connection portion 23 in a fitting manner.

(37) Hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 31 is arranged in a cavity 25 of gate panel segment 2. In order to provide a reliable connection between hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 31 and gate panel segment 2, hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 31 is preferably glued to gate panel segment 2 in the region of connection portion 23 However, other forms of connection, such as, for example, screw connections, are not excluded.

(38) As can be seen in FIG. 9, hinge parts (Scharniergewerbe) 31, 32 can be mounted on both sides on a gate panel segment 2 in the manner described with reference to FIG. 7. Furthermore, FIG. 9 shows that the respective hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 31, 32 is arranged on a face side end side 26 of gate panel segment 2 facing gate frame 16 and extends approximately over the entire height h of gate panel segment 2.

(39) The individual hinge parts (Scharniergewerbe) 31, 32 of a hinge 3 have the same external shape and are, in particular, approximately identical parts, preferably injection-molded parts. FIGS. 7 and 8 show that a hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 31, 32 comprises a bore 21 at its one axial end 27 for receiving a hinge pin 5.

(40) FIG. 4 shows an arrangement of this kind in a cross-sectional view, where a hinge pin 5 is guided through precisely these bores 21 of hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 31.

(41) The inner diameter of bore 21 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of hinge pin 5. The arrangement of hinge pin 5 in bore 21 realizes a fixed bearing with a rotational degree of freedom, i.e. hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 31, 32 can rotate about hinge pin 5 with bore 21 provided at its one axial end.

(42) In order to secure hinge pin 5 against twisting or displacement, a previously described pin 9 is inserted through a bore provided in hinge pin 5, which bore extends transversely to the longitudinal axis L of hinge pin 5. Pin 9 is further inserted through a transverse bore 29 (FIG. 7), which is produced in hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 31 and preferably provided in connection portion 23.

(43) FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 show that a hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 31, 32 has a long hole 30 on its other axial side 28. Long hole 30 is a bore which is extended approximately in the direction of longitudinal extension Y (FIG. 8). The inner diameter d of long hole 30 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of hinge pin 5. A floating bearing is thus realized, where, due to long hole 30, hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 31, 32 is rotated both rotationally as well as translationally in the Y direction, i.e. along the direction of extension of long hole 30, about hinge pin 5.

(44) As can best be seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6, the individual hinge parts (Scharniergewerbe) 31, 32 can be connected to one another so that they form a hinge chain 300. Ends 27, 28 of a hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 31, 32 are there shaped in such a way that they can be fitted with bores 21, 30 one over the other.

(45) Recesses 34 are provided on the inner sides of bores 21 (FIG. 7) of a hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 31, 32, into which fork ends 33 of an adjacent hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 31, 32 can be fitted. Since hinge parts (Scharniergewerbe) 31, 32 all have the same shape, the individual hinge parts (Scharniergewerbe) 31, 32 can be assembled to an arbitrarily long hinge chain 300.

(46) Each hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 31, 32 comprises a lateral guide element 35 which is suitable to support and guide gate panel segment 2, which is connected to this hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 31, 32, in a direction opposite to the horizontal direction V (FIG. 10) against profile member 17 during a vertical motion of gate panel 1. Lateral guide element 35 is arranged on the lateral outer side of first vertical wall 22a of guide section 22 of a hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 31, 32.

(47) FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of gate panel 1 which comprises a sliding disk 42. The type and perspective of the representation corresponds to the one already selected in FIG. 10, but for a horizontally oppositely disposed side of the gate panel.

(48) In this embodiment, gate panel 2 has no lateral guide element 35 and no damper 43. For lateral guidance of gate panel 2, a sliding element 42 is provided between hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 31 which is thus disposed opposite to shoulder 15 in the axial direction relative to guide roller 12. In the event of horizontal displacement of gate panel 2, sliding element 42 can contact one or both of the gate frame profiles 16 and slide along them in order to limit the horizontal movability of gate panel 2. In the embodiment shown, sliding element 42 is approximately round and provided with a center hole, where connection means 5 extends through this hole, thereby fastening sliding element 42.

(49) Sliding element 42 can be fabricated from low-friction and/or comparatively soft material in order to minimize frictional forces between sliding element 42 and gate frame profile 16 as well as the wear of the guide roller and gate frame profile 16. In particular, if a sliding element 42 is provided on each of the two horizontally mutually oppositely disposed connection means 5 of a gate panel segment 2, horizontal guidance of guide rollers 12 can be effected substantially by sliding element 42.

(50) Gate panel 2 can have several sliding elements 42 distributed over its height. For example, sliding elements 42 can always be arranged in pairs that are disposed horizontally opposite to each other. Such pairs of sliding elements 42 can be evenly distributed over the height of the closed gate panel, for example, with a total of three pairs at the upper end, at the lower end, and approximately at the center.

(51) FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the connection between a gate panel segment 2 and a hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 31 in an exploded view. In this embodiment, the gate panel segment is composed of two profile elements 49 and a cover 50 received between profile elements 49. Profile elements 49 can be made of metal, preferably aluminum. Numerous materials are also possible for the cover, for example, metals or plastic materials, preferably transparent plastic materials.

(52) Profile elements 49 each comprise a screw hole 47 with an internal thread. In this embodiment, the hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) comprises two through bores 48, the spacing of which corresponds to the spacing of screw holes 47 of gate panel segment 2. The connection between hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 31 and gate panel segment 2 can be established by screwing screws 46 through bores 48 of hinge part (Scharniergewerbe) 31 and to screw holes 47 of profile elements 49.

(53) FIG. 13 shows the position of gate lintel 51 and passage height 52 of the gate depending thereon. Gate panel 2 can be rolled up in gate lintel 51 in the shape of a spiral 54 when it is opened. In this variant of the invention, the drive element is designed in the shape of a motor-driven sprocket 53. Sprocket 53 is also located within gate lintel 51 and therefore above passage height 52. Sprocket 53 is in engagement with chain 4 and can open and close the gate with its rotation.

(54) Provided in the vicinity of sprocket 53 and approximately opposite thereto is retaining roller 44, so that hinge parts (Scharniergewerbe) 31, 32 with drive means 4 pass through between sprocket 53 and the retaining roller when the gate is opened and closed.

(55) The arrangement described with reference to the figures acts as follows:

(56) Chain 4 is by way of engagement connected to sprocket 53 and serves to drive the entire gate panel 1. The drive of sprocket 53 is effected by way of a motor (not shown). Gate panel 1 consists of several gate panel segments 2, where several of these gate panel segments 2, and preferably all gate panel segments 2, are connected to chain 4. Preferably, each gate panel segment 2 is fastened individually with a respective hinge pin 5 to chain 4.

(57) The static weight forces as well as the dynamic forces occurring during operation are thus transmitted approximately uniformly at the respective connecting points formed by chain 4 and hinge pin 5 to the respective gate panel segment 2 connected thereto. The total force therefore no longer needs to be absorbed by the lowermost gate panel segment, but is distributed as uniformly as possible over the entire gate panel 1.

(58) The forces F.sub.1, F.sub.2 (FIG. 9) required for lifting the individual gate panel segment 2 arise at the contact points of connection portion 23 with gate panel segment 2 and are transmitted mainly by chain 4. Hinge parts (Scharniergewerbe) 31, 32 serve merely to connect individual gate panel segments 2 to one another in an articulated manner. Due to the special suspension of the individual hinge parts (Scharniergewerbe) 31, 32 on hinge pin 5, only small forces arise at hinge parts (Scharniergewerbe) 31, 32 themselves, in particular, in the region of their bores 21, 30, which are small to negligible as compared to the forces F.sub.1, F.sub.2 required for lifting gate panel 1.

(59) The common connection between chain 4, hinge pin 5 and the individual hinge parts (Scharniergewerbe) 31, 32 also causes chain 4 and the individual hinge parts (Scharniergewerbe) 31, 32 to move substantially together. Long holes 30 serve, in particular, to exclude a static overdetermination of the system and thereby to compensate for tolerances or changes in length between chain 4 and hinge parts (Scharniergewerbe) 31, 32.

(60) It is there advantageous if hinge pins 5 are arranged in the upper half of a gate panel segment 2, and, in particular, in the region of an upper edge 36 of gate panel segment 2, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 9. The individual gate panel segments 2 are then hanging vertically downwardly, following gravity.

(61) A change in load in chain 4 and gate panel segments 2 arises only above the sprocket, i.e. in the region of gate lintel 51, in which gate panel 2 is supported in the open state, i.e. is rolled up, where tensile and compressive forces arising between the gate panel segments when rolling up the gate panel are lower than those when lifting the gate panel 2 in the passage area.

(62) Recess 6 formed in hinge parts (Scharniergewerbe) 31, 32 serves as stable lateral guidance of chain 4 as well as protection of chain 4 against external influences. The arrangement of chain 4 in recess 6 also leads to a compact design which is further promoted by the fact that chain 4, inserted into hinge parts (Scharniergewerbe) 31, 32, is arranged between gate panel segments 2 and a guide roller 12, where hinge pin 5 can simultaneously be used as the axis for this guide roller 12.

(63) Damper 43 provided between chain 4 and recess 6 reduces the noise arising during the movement of gate panel 1, which can occur due to slight movements of chain 4 and hinge parts (Scharniergewerbe) 31, 32. Another source of noise that damper 43 counteracts is the engagement of sprocket 53 with chain 4.

(64) This compact design leads to the fact that the frame width B.sub.Z can be reduced as compared to prior art. Due to the frame width being reduced, the passage width of the gate can be increased.