High speed overhead door

Abstract

The invention relates to an overhead door for covering a door opening comprising a door blade (11) with a plurality of panels (17), said door blade (11) being movable between a vertical, closed position and a horizontal, opened or overhead position within a side frame (12) comprising double-sided a vertical track (13) and a horizontal track (14), connected by a connecting portion (15), respectively, and with a belt (20) or a chain associated with one side each of the said side frame (12) to lift the panels (17) from said vertical position to said horizontal position. To develop the stated overhead door in a way that the advantages of a high speed rollup door and an overhead door are combined, to offer an overhead door with a low space requirement, low maintenance requirements and a high speed closing possibility, the stated overhead door comprises driving means (27) for simultaneously driving a plurality of said panels (17).

Claims

1. An overhead door for covering a door opening, the overhead door comprising: a door blade with a plurality of panels, said door blade being movable within a frame between a vertical, closed position and a horizontal, opened position; the frame comprising a double-sided vertical track and a horizontal track connected by a connection portion and by a first belt associated with a first side of the said frame and a second belt associated with a second side of the frame configured to lift the panels from said vertical position to said horizontal position; and a driver configured to drive simultaneously the plurality of panels, wherein the driver comprises a conveyor belt system adjacent to the horizontal track, said conveyor belt system being powered by a drum and being, at least in said horizontal position of said door blade, in engagement at least partially with the door blade; and a first disc assigned to a first end of said drum and a second disc assigned to a second end of said drum.

2. The overhead door according to claim 1, wherein each panel of said plurality of panels has a height from 150 mm to 350 mm.

3. The overhead door according to claim 1, said plurality of panels is guided sliding in said frame.

4. The overhead door according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of pairs of end pieces, each pair of said end pieces assigned to one of said panels with one end piece of said pair of end pieces being fitted in longitudinal direction to a first end of the one of said panels and another end piece of said pair of end pieces being fitted in the longitudinal direction to a second end of the one of said panels, wherein for each pair of end pieces, said one end piece being fitted to the first end of said panels is fixed to the first belt and said another end piece being fitted to the second end of said panels is fixed to the second belt, wherein said first belt and the second belt are constructed as flexible, flat belts.

5. The overhead door according to claim 1, wherein said drum extends parallel to said panels.

6. The overhead door according to claim 1, a first blade spring assigned in longitudinal direction to a first end of said drum and a second blade spring assigned in the longitudinal direction to a second end of said drum.

7. The overhead door according to claim 1, wherein said drum extends parallel to said panels and is arranged in a transition region between said vertical tracks and said horizontal tracks, said drum being carried by a support.

8. An overhead door for covering a door opening, the overhead door comprising: door blade with a plurality of panels, said door blade being movable within a frame between a vertical, closed position and a horizontal, opened position; the frame comprising a double-sided vertical track and a horizontal track connected by a connection portion and by a belt associated with one side each of the said frame and configured to lift the panels from said vertical position to said horizontal position; and a driver configured to drive simultaneously the plurality of panels, wherein the driver comprises a conveyor belt system adjacent the horizontal track, said conveyor belt system being powered by a drum and being, at least in said horizontal position of said door blade, in engagement at least partially with the door blade; and a first blade spring assigned in longitudinal direction to a first end of said drum and a second blade spring assigned in the longitudinal direction to a second end of said drum.

9. An overhead door for covering a door opening, the overhead door comprising: a door blade with a plurality of panels, said door blade being movable within a frame between a vertical, closed position and a horizontal, opened or overhead position; the frame comprising a double-sided vertical track and a horizontal track connected by a connection portion and by a belt associated with one side each of the said frame and configured to lift the panels from said vertical position to said horizontal position; and a driver configured to drive simultaneously the plurality of panels, wherein the driver comprises a conveyor belt system adjacent the horizontal track, said conveyor belt system being, at least in said horizontal position of said door blade, in engagement at least partially with the door blade, and said conveyor belt system comprising at least one cogwheel, a conveyor belt, a chain and a plurality of wheels.

10. The overhead door according to claim 9, further comprising a bracket coupling said conveyor belt of said conveyor belt system with an upper end of said belt.

11. The overhead door according to claim 9, wherein said door blade is guided above said conveyor belt of said conveyor belt system.

12. The overhead door according to claim 9, further comprising a transmission element coupling said cogwheel or any of said other wheels of said conveyor belt system, with a drum or a disc.

13. The overhead door according to claim 9, further comprising a drum, and a motor coupled to said drum or said cogwheels or any of said other wheels of the conveyor belt system.

14. The overhead door according to claim 9, said conveyor belt system being powered by a drum, a first disc assigned to a first end of said drum and a second disc assigned to a second end of said drum.

15. The overhead door according to claim 9, said conveyor belt system being powered by a drum, a first blade spring assigned in longitudinal direction to a first end of said drum and a second blade spring assigned in the longitudinal direction to a second end of said drum.

16. The overhead door according to claim 9, further comprising a transmission element coupling said cogwheel with a drum or with a disc.

17. An overhead door for covering a door opening, the overhead door comprising: a door blade with a plurality of panels, said door blade being movable within a frame between a vertical, closed position and a horizontal, opened or overhead position; the frame comprising a double-sided vertical track and a horizontal track connected by a connection portion and by a belt associated with one side each of the said frame and configured to lift the panels from said vertical position to said horizontal position; and a driver configured to drive simultaneously the plurality of panels, said connection portion comprising a guideway with a disc, at least one wheel, a support belt and a curve guiding.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Hereinafter preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the attached figures. The figures show:

(2) FIG. 1 a schematic rear view of a first embodiment of an overhead door with the features of the invention in a closed state,

(3) FIG. 2 a schematic sectional top view of the overhead door in accordance with FIG. 1, presenting the overhead door in a closed state,

(4) FIG. 3 a schematic sectional view of the overhead door in accordance with FIG. 1, presenting the overhead door in a closed state,

(5) FIG. 4 a schematic sectional view of the overhead door in accordance with FIG. 1, presenting the overhead door in an opened state,

(6) FIG. 5 a schematic sectional view of a second embodiment of the overhead door with the features of the invention in an opened state,

(7) FIG. 6 a schematic section of a third embodiment of an overhead door with the features of the invention in a closed state,

(8) FIG. 7 a schematic section of a fourth embodiment of an overhead door with the features of the invention in a closed state,

(9) FIG. 8 a schematic section of a fifth embodiment of an overhead door with the features of the invention in a closed state, and

(10) FIG. 9 a schematic section of another embodiment of an overhead door with the features of the invention in a closed state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(11) FIG. 1 shows a schematic rear view of a first embodiment of an overhead door 10 with the features of the invention in a closed state. The overhead door 10 has a door blade 11 for covering a door opening 45, running in a side frame 12. In the shown example, the door blade 11 covers a door opening surrounded double-sided by a wall 42 and by a ceiling 43 above. The side frame 12 has double-sided a vertical track 13, provided as a guiding element on the left and on the right side of the door blade 11, respectively. Further, the side frame 12 has double-sided a horizontal track 14. The horizontal track 14 runs transversely to the vertical track 13, extending rearward to the door blade 11 in front view. In this example the horizontal track 14 runs perpendicular to the vertical track 13. A connecting portion 15 with a curved shape connects the vertical track 13 and the horizontal track 14, providing a guideway 16. The horizontal tracks 14 of the side frame 12 are fixed at a rear side 46 (see FIG. 4) below the ceiling 43. At a front side the horizontal tracks 14 are fixed at the vertical tracks 13 of the side frames 12, respectively.

(12) The door blade 11 comprises a plurality of panels 17. The shown door blade 11 comprises ten panels 17, consisting of a rigid material. To provide a better overview, reference signs are only attached to two panels 17. Each of the panels 17 has a height of two hundred millimeters. Further, each of the panels 17 provides two end pieces 18, one end peace 18 of a panel 17 is shown in FIGS. 2 to 9. To provide a better overview, reference signs are only attached to few end pieces 18 in FIGS. 2 to 9. The end pieces 18 are arranged lengthwise on both sides of each panel 17, respectively. The end pieces 18 of the panels 17 run in vertical direction in slots 19, provided double-sided on the vertical track 13 of the side frame 12.

(13) The panels 17 are connected to a belt 20. For doing so, one belt 20 connects the end pieces 18 of the panels 17 on both sides of the panels 17, respectively. Thereby the belt 20 works as a lifting device and as a hinge between the panels 17. The belt 20 runs in vertical direction in the slot 19 on both sides of the vertical track 13 of the side frame 12, respectively. In the shown example the belts 20 are constructed as flexible, flat belts 20.

(14) Adjacent to the connecting portion 15, a drum 21 is arranged. The drum 21 extends horizontally between both sides of the side frame 12. The drum 21 is mounted rotatable on a drum axis 51. The drum axis 51 is mounted rotatable on support means 49, not shown in this figure. Double-sided to the drum 21 two discs 22 are arranged. In the pictured execution example, the discs 22 represent at the same time the guideway 16 of the connecting portion 15 between the vertical track 13 and the horizontal track 14. By using two discs 22 as guideway, the load of the connection between the panels 17 and the corresponding end pieces 18 can be reduced. Alternatively, instead of two discs 22 a single broad disc could be used as guideway. A transmission element 23 is provided, coupling the drum axis 51 and the horizontal track 14 on both sides of the side frame 12, respectively, shown detail in FIGS. 3 and 4.

(15) Further, adjacent to the drum axis 51 a gear box 24 and a motor 25 are arranged. Further, support means 49 are arranged adjacent to the drum axis 51 for supporting the same. In the shown example, the gear box 24 and the motor 25 are arranged on the right side of the drum axis 51. The gear box 24 is connected to the motor 25. The motor 25 is coupled via the gear box 24 to the drum axis 51. The gear box 24 and the motor 25 are used to power the drum axis 51. Double-sided of the drum axis 51 springs 26 are arranged. In the shown example the springs 26 are designed as blade springs 26. Two blade springs 26 are arranged on each side of the drum axis 51, respectively. In other words, lengthwise to the axial direction of said drum axis 51, two blade springs 26 are arranged on a first side of the drum axis 51 and two blade springs 26 are arranged on a second side of the drum axis 51. The blade springs 26 extend in vertical direction, parallel to the vertical track 13 in the side frame 12, respectively. The blade springs 26 support the motor 25.

(16) FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional top view of the overhead door 10 in accordance with FIG. 1, presenting the overhead door 10 in a closed state. The door opening 45 is completely closed by the door blade 11. Thereby the door blade 11 is located between the vertical tracks 13 of the side frame 12. The vertical track 13 and the horizontal track 14 are connected by a guideway, in this example represented by the two discs 22.

(17) In this top view, only a single panel 17 and a single end piece 18 are visible. The end pieces 18 of the panels 17 run in vertical direction in the slot 19. The panels 17 are connected to the belt 20.

(18) The drum axis 51 is mounted rotatable on support means 49. Adjacent to the drum axis 51 a gear box 24, a motor 25, which is not shown in this figure, and two blade springs 26 are arranged.

(19) The horizontal track 14 has a conveyor belt system 27. The conveyor belt system 27 extends lengthwise along the horizontal track 14. A second conveyor belt system 27 is provided on the right side of the side frame 12, not visible in this view. The conveyor belt system 27 has a conveyor belt 40. In the pictured execution example the conveyor belt 40 is constructed as a timing belt. Alternatively the conveyor belt 40 can be constructed as a chain. Further, the conveyor belt system 27 has a first cogwheel 28. The first cogwheel 28 and the drum axis 51 are coupled by the transmission element 23 on both sides of the side frame 12, respectively. Coupling the first cogwheel 28 and the drum axis 51, the transmission element 23 circulates the cogwheel 28 and a wheel disc 50 of the drum axis 51.

(20) FIG. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of the overhead door 10 in accordance with FIG. 1, presenting the overhead door 10 in a closed state. In this view, only the left side of the side frame 12 is visible. The door opening 45 is completely closed by the door blade 11. Thereby the door blade 11 is located between the vertical tracks 13 of the side frame 12. The vertical track 13 and the horizontal track 14 are connected by a guideway, in this example represented by the discs 22, of which only one disc 22 is visible in this figure.

(21) A bottom sealing 47 is provided on that panel 17 being located adjacent to the ground. To provide a better overview, the panels 17 are shown without end pieces 18. At the upper end of the belt 20 additional end pieces 18 are fixed without being fitted to panels 17. In the shown example, three additional end pieces 18 are fixed at the upper end of the belt 20, without being fitted to panels 17. This enables the belt 20 to be pulled in an accurate radius around the curved connection portion 15 as the discs 22 are used as guideway.

(22) The conveyor belt system 27 extends lengthwise along the horizontal track 14. The conveyor belt system 27 has a conveyor belt 40, a first cogwheel 28 and a second cogwheel 29. The first cogwheel 28 and the second cogwheel 29 are arranged on both sides of the conveyor belt system 27, respectively, averted from each other. The first cogwheel 28 is arranged on that side of the conveyor belt system 27 adjacent to the drum axis 51. The second cogwheel 29 is arranged on that side of the conveyor belt system 27 averted from the drum axis 51. The conveyor belt 40 extends lengthwise along the conveyor belt system 27, circulating the cogwheels 28, 29.

(23) The first cogwheel 28 and the drum axis 51 are coupled by the transmission element 23 on both sides of the side frame 12, respectively.

(24) On an upper end of the belt 20 a bracket 30 is provided. The bracket 30 is connected with the conveyor belt 40 of the conveyor belt system 27. By doing so, the belt 20 is coupled with the conveyor belt system 27. In the closed state of the overhead door 10, the bracket 30 is located on the conveyor belt 40 of the conveyor belt system 27 adjacent to the first cogwheel 28.

(25) FIG. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of the overhead door 10 in accordance with FIG. 1, presenting the overhead door 10 in an opened state. In this view, only the left side of the side frame 12 is visible. The door opening 45 is completely opened. The door blade 11 is moved to the horizontal track 14 of the side frame 12. To provide a better overview, only seven of the ten panels 17 are shown. The vertical track 13 and the horizontal track 14 are connected by a guideway, represented by the discs 22, of which only one disc 22 is visible in this figure. At the upper end of the belt 20 three additional end pieces 18 are fixed without being fitted to panels 17. Depending on the radius of the disc 22 and the height of the panels 17, more or less than three additional end pieces 18, not being fitted to panels 17, are possible.

(26) The first cogwheel 28 and the drum axis 51 are coupled by the transmission element 23 on both sides of the side frame 12, respectively.

(27) The bracket 30 is provided on the upper end of the belt 20, connected to the conveyor belt 40 of the conveyor belt system 27. In the opened state of the overhead door 10, the bracket 30 is located on the conveyor belt 40 of the conveyor belt system 27 adjacent to the second cogwheel 29.

(28) FIG. 5 shows a schematic section of a second embodiment of an overhead door 48 with the features of the invention, in an opened state. The operating principle of the overhead door 48 is comparable to those of the overhead door 10, therefore, similar objects are signed with the identical reference signs.

(29) In this view, only the left side of the side frame 12 is visible. The door opening 45 is completely opened. The overhead door 48 only differs from the overhead door 10 in its orientation of the horizontal track 14 of the side frame 12 to the vertical track 13 of the side frame 12. In this embodiment, the horizontal track 14, extending rearward to the door blade 11, does not run perpendicular to the vertical track 13. The angle between the horizontal track 14 and the vertical track 13 is more than 90°. Thus, a back area of the horizontal track 14 is lifted up compared to a front area of the horizontal track 14, which is faced to the vertical track 13.

(30) FIG. 6 shows a schematic section of a third embodiment of an overhead door 31 with the features of the invention, in a closed state. The operating principle of the overhead door 31 is comparable to those of the overhead door 10, therefore, similar objects are signed with the identical reference signs.

(31) In this view, only the left side of the side frame 12 is visible. The door opening 45 is completely closed by the door blade 11. Thereby the door blade 11 is located between the vertical tracks 13 of the side frame 12. The vertical track 13 and the horizontal track 14 are connected by a guideway. In the shown example the guideway is represented by a plurality of wheels 32. In this example, the guideway comprises eight wheels 32. To provide a better overview, reference signs are only attached to two wheels 32. The wheels 32 are arranged in line in the connecting portion 15, following the curved shape of the connecting portion 15. The first cogwheel 28 is coupled with a gearwheel 41 by using the transmission element 23 on both sides of the side frame 12, respectively. The gearwheel 41 is driven by the motor 25.

(32) To provide a better overview, the panels 17 are shown without end pieces 18. At the upper end of the belt 20 three additional end pieces 18 are fixed without being fitted to panels 17.

(33) FIG. 7 shows a schematic section of a fourth embodiment of an overhead door 33 with the features of the invention, in a closed state. The operating principle of the overhead door 33 is comparable to those of the previously described overhead doors 10, 31, therefore, similar objects are signed with the identical reference signs.

(34) In this view, only the left side of the side frame 12 is visible. The door opening 45 is completely closed by the door blade 11. Thereby the door blade 11 is located between the vertical tracks 13 of the side frame 12. The vertical track 13 and the horizontal track 14 are connected by a guideway. In the shown example the guideway is represented by a support belt 34 supported by a plurality of wheels 35. In this example, the guideway comprises six wheels 35. To provide a better overview, reference signs are only attached to two wheels 35. The wheels 35 are arranged in line in the connecting portion 15, following the curved shape of the connecting portion 15. The support belt 34 circulates the wheels 35. The first cogwheel 28 is coupled with the gearwheel 41 by using the transmission element 23 on both sides of the side frame 12, respectively. The gearwheel 41 is driven by the motor 25.

(35) To provide a better overview, the panels 17 are shown without end pieces 18. At the upper end of the belt 20 three additional end pieces 18 are fixed without being fitted to panels 17.

(36) FIG. 8 shows a schematic section of a fifth embodiment of an overhead door 36 with the features of the invention, in a closed state. The operating principle of the overhead door 36 is comparable to those of the previously described overhead doors 10, 31, 33, therefore, similar objects are signed with the identical reference signs.

(37) In this view, only the left side of the side frame 12 is visible. The door opening 45 is completely closed by the door blade 11. Thereby the door blade 11 is located between the vertical tracks 13 of the side frame 12. The vertical track 13 and the horizontal track 14 are connected by a guideway. In the shown example the conveyor belt system 27, in particular the conveyor belt 40, represents at the same time a guideway. By doing so, the conveyor belt system 27 has a plurality of wheels 35. The wheels 35 are arranged in line in the connecting portion 15, following the curved shape of the connecting portion 15. Further, the conveyor belt system 27 has a wheel 37. In the shown example, the wheel 37 differentiates from the wheel 35 in its size. In this execution example the wheel 37 is of bigger size compared to the wheels 35. Further, the wheel 37 is adjustable to tension the conveyor belt 40. The wheel 37 is located between the line of wheels 35 and the gearwheel 41. Further, the conveyor belt system 27 has a second cogwheel 29, not shown in this figure, arranged on that side of conveyor belt system 27 averted to the disc 22. In the shown example the conveyor belt system 27 do not have a first cogwheel 28. The conveyor belt 40 of the conveyor belt system 27 circulates the wheels 35, 37 and the cogwheel 29. The gearwheel 41 is coupled with one of the wheels 35 by the transmission element 23 on both sides of the side frame 12, respectively. The gearwheel 41 is driven by the motor 25.

(38) To provide a better overview, the panels 17 are shown without end pieces 18. At the upper end of the belt 20 three additional end pieces 18 are fixed without being fitted to panels 17.

(39) FIG. 9 shows a schematic section of another embodiment of an overhead door 38 with the features of the invention, in a closed state. The operating principle of the overhead door 38 is comparable to those of the previously described overhead doors 10, 31, 33, 36, therefore, similar objects are signed with the identical reference signs.

(40) In this view, only the left side of the side frame 12 is visible. The door opening 45 is completely closed by the door blade 11. Thereby the door blade 11 is located between the vertical tracks 13 of the side frame 12. The vertical track 13 and the horizontal track 14 are connected by a guideway. In the shown example the guideway is represented by a curve guiding 39. The curve guiding 39 has a curved shaped adjusted to the shape of the connecting portion 15. In the shown example the curve guiding 39 consists of a rigid material. To reduce friction, in this example the sliding surface is covered with a low friction material 44. The first cogwheel 28 is coupled with the gearwheel 41 by using the transmission element 23 on both sides of the side frame 12, respectively. The gearwheel 41 is driven by the motor 25.

(41) To provide a better overview, the panels 17 are shown without end pieces 18. At the upper end of the belt 20 three additional end pieces 18 are fixed without being fitted to panels 17.

(42) The operating principle of the overhead door 10, 31, 33, 36, 38, 48 according to the invention will be explained hereinafter according to the FIGS. 1 to 9:

(43) To open the overhead door 10, 31, 33, 36, 38, 48 the door blade 11 has to be pulled up from the vertical position to the horizontal position.

(44) The gear box 24 and the motor 25 are used to turn the drum axis 51 and simultaneously the conveyor belt 40, which are arranged on both sides of the drum axis 51, respectively. The drum axis 51 and the conveyor belt 40 are coupled by the transmission element 23 and the cogwheel 28 and/or any other wheel 35, 37 of the conveyor belt systems 27 on both sides of the side frame 12, respectively. By turning the drum axis 51, the conveyor belt systems 27 are actuated. Thereby, the conveyor belt 40 of the conveyor belt systems 27 moves in the direction averted from the door blade 11. The conveyor belt 40 of the conveyor belt system 27 is coupled with the belt 20 by using a bracket 30. Thus, when the conveyor belt system 27 is actuated, both belts 20 were pulled synchronous with same speed upwards to the horizontal track 14, thereby pulling the door blade 11 upwards. Doing so, the panels 17 are guided upwards sliding in the side frame 12.

(45) To guide the door blade 11 from the vertical track 13 to the horizontal track 14, the end pieces 18 of the panels 17 can be move around the curved connecting portion 15 by using different guideways 16: (1) the end pieces 18 can be transported by rotatable discs 22 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, (2) the end pieces 18 can be rolled over a line of wheels 32 as shown in FIG. 6, (3) the end pieces 18 can be move over a support belt 34 supported by wheels 35 as shown in FIG. 7, (4) the end pieces 18 can be transported by the conveyor belt 40 of the conveyor belt system 27; in this case the conveyor belt 40 runs over the wheels 35, 37 as shown in FIG. 8, or (5) the end pieces 18 can slide over a rigid curve guiding 39 as shown in FIG. 9.

(46) By turning the drum axis 51 in the opposite direction, the conveyor belt systems 27 transport the panels 17 the other way around from the horizontal track 14 around the curved connection portion 15 into the vertical track 13. As nearly all panels 17 are actively transported, there is no relative movement between the panels 17 and the conveyor belt 40 of the conveyor belt system 27.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

(47) 10 overhead door 11 door blade 12 side frame 13 vertical track 14 horizontal track 15 connecting portion 16 guideway 17 panel 18 end piece 19 slot 20 belt 21 drum 22 disc 23 transmission element 24 gear box 25 motor 26 blade spring 27 conveyor belt system 28 first cogwheel 29 second cogwheel 30 bracket 31 overhead door 32 wheel 33 overhead door 34 support belt 35 wheel 36 overhead door 37 wheel 38 overhead door 39 curve guiding 40 conveyor belt 41 gearwheel 42 wall 43 ceiling 44 low friction material 45 door opening 46 rear side 47 bottom sealing 48 overhead door 49 support means 50 wheel disc 51 drum axis