DRIVE MODULE FOR A GATE, A GATE AND FENCE PROVIDED THEREWITH, AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING SUCH A DRIVE AND GATE

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a drive module for a gate, a gate and fence provided therewith, and methods for providing such a drive and gate. The drive module according to the invention comprises:
- a base plate of a folded profile, wherein the base plate is provided with a line of symmetry which extends in use substantially transversely of the gate and/or the fence;
- at least two side plates connected or connectable to the base plate and provided with a shape corresponding substantially with a side view of the folded profile;
- at least two mounting positions for an upright, provided symmetrically on either side of the line of symmetry;
- a drive position arranged on the base plate and a drive for the gate arranged or arrangeable at the drive position, wherein the drive position is provided in use on an inner side of the fence;
- a number of removable cable throughfeed closures arranged in the base plate; and
- a cable duct and/or cable space arranged on the underside of the base plate.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive module for a gate and a fence. Such a gate is usually placed to fence off for instance a driveway to grounds.

[0002] In practice, driveways to grounds of for instance a company or private property fences are provided with one or more gates therein. These gates can be sliding gates or swing gates, and can be opened or closed manually or using a drive. For a gate which is opened and/or closed automatically use can be made of a remote control.

[0003] Conventional gates are usually installed partially (or largely) on site and assembled from diverse components which are adapted to the specific application. This means that custom work is usually required, which increases the costs of such gates.

[0004] The present invention has for its object to obviate one or more of the above stated problems and here provide a drive module for a gate and a fence which can be manufactured in efficient manner.

[0005] This object is achieved with the drive module for a gate in a fence according to the present invention, wherein the drive comprises:

• a base plate of a folded profile, wherein the base plate is provided with a line of symmetry which extends in use substantially transversely of the gate and/or the fence;
• at least two side plates connected or connectable to the base plate and provided with a shape corresponding substantially with a side view of the folded profile;
• at least two mounting positions for an upright, provided symmetrically on either side of the line of symmetry;
• a drive position arranged on the base plate and a drive for the gate arranged or arrangeable at the drive position, wherein the drive position is provided in use on an inner side of the fence;
• a number of removable cable throughfeed closures arranged in the base plate; and
• a cable duct and/or cable space arranged on the underside of the base plate.

[0006] By folding the base plate from a plate material a folded profile is obtained which can be manufactured in relatively simple manner. It is thus for instance possible to give a plate the correct folds, after which the base plate is cut to the desired width/length and a number of different base plates are obtained thereby. This results in an effective production process.

[0007] According to the invention, the base plate is folded such that a line of symmetry is obtained which extends substantially in transverse direction of the gate and/or the fence after the base plate has been placed. By providing such a line of symmetry a modular base plate is obtained which has left-right (mounting) symmetry and can thereby be utilized flexibly in a wide range of situations or applications. The same base plate can particularly be used for a gate which opens on the left-hand side and a gate which opens on the right-hand side. This increases a flexible utility of the base plate with the folded profile. In addition, the variety of components required for the drive module is further reduced considerably. This reduces stock holding costs and enables rapid delivery and installation.

[0008] Side plates, also referred to as side walls or side strips, which are connected or connectable to the base plate, are provided on the sides of the base plate. Side plates will be referred to in a general sense hereinbelow. The shape of these side walls substantially corresponds with the side view of the folded profile. A good support is thereby provided for the base plate folded into the desired shape.

[0009] According to the invention, at least two mounting positions for an upright are provided, which are arranged with (left-right) symmetry on either side of the line of symmetry. This makes it possible to arrange an upright for the gate at a desired position on the base plate, wherein it is possible to provide both a gate which opens to the left and a gate which opens to the right with the same type of upright and the same type of base plate.

[0010] A drive position is further provided on the base plate. This drive position is used to arrange thereon the drive for the gate, wherein the drive position is provided at a position on the base plate such that it lies on the inner side of the fence in use. This enables a safe position for the drive. Both the drive position and the mounting positions are prepared on the base plate, for instance by providing an opening for a pin, catch, bolt, peg or other fastening element whereby the drive or upright can be secured to the base plate. For a flexible utility of the drive module the base plate according to the invention is further provided with a number of arranged and removable cable throughfeed closures. These cable throughfeed closures are removable from the base plate by an installer or user in order to subsequently realize a cable throughfeed. Use is made here of the cable duct or cable space which is provided on the underside of the folded profile of the base plate. An effective base plate is provided hereby, wherein a cable duct or cable space is combined in integrated manner with the base plate on which the different positions have been prepared. In a currently preferred embodiment the cable throughfeed closure is provided as a part of the base plate which is only still attached to the base plate at one or several positions and can be pushed or punched out of the base plate in simple manner by a user or installer. This can for instance be realized in effective manner with laser cutting. It will be apparent that other possibilities can also be envisaged according to the invention.

[0011] The drive module according to the invention enables a simple and rapid assembly on location so that a cost-effective drive module for gate and fence can be realized. An additional advantage hereof is that less space is also needed during transport. The drive module with the base plate and the drive can be transported in simple manner, optionally together with a fence. With this specific embodiment the same space in a truck can for instance be utilized for a greater number of gates and drive modules. It has thus for instance been found that in a truck in which it was previously possible to place five gates in a specific space, fifteen fences are now placeable with the drive module according to the invention. This reduces transport costs.

[0012] Owing to the flexible utility of the diverse components, particularly owing to the left-right mounting symmetry, only a small number of components need further be kept in stock in order to be able to quickly supply a wide variety of gates. A further additional advantage is that, owing to the drive module, only a small number of operations need be performed at the (building) site and most operations can be performed in a workshop under controlled conditions. This enhances the efficiency and the product quality.

[0013] The drive module can be applied to a sliding gate and to a swing gate. The drive module is provided here with a control for the drive, and is preferably applied in combination with a remote control. Such a drive consists for instance of a toothed wheel/pinion which preferably engages on a gear rack of a gate fence which is preferably provided on the inner side of the fence. If desired, other types of embodiment according to the invention can also be applied.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment according to the invention at least one of the cable throughfeed closures is provided at a mounting position.

[0015] By providing cable throughfeed closures at or close to a mounting position a possible cable can be run from the upright directly to the cable space or cable duct on the underside of the base plate. Such a cable can hereby fed through to the drive and optional control thereof in simple manner, wherein this cable remains fully shielded. Such cables can for instance come from sensors, lamps, remote control modules, solar panels and so on. The cable for the drive is preferably carried via an opening, which is arranged or prepared in the base plate as standard, at the drive position. This enables a simple and effective cable throughfeed.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment according to the invention the module comprises one or more mounting elements arranged close to a cable throughfeed closure for the purpose of mounting thereon a cable throughfeed guide.

[0017] By providing a mounting element a cable throughfeed guide, for instance in the form of a casing body, can be secured to the base plate in effective manner. This is for instance possible by providing the mounting element as an additional opening with a cross-section of for instance 16 to 19 mm, in which a tie wrap or other suitable element can be fixed. A cable guide can hereby be secured at the desired position on the base plate in effective manner.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment according to the invention the folded profile comprises an elevation on which the drive position is provided.

[0019] By providing an elevation on which the drive position is arranged it is possible to place the drive at the desired height relative to the fence, particularly relative to a possible gear rack thereon. The drive is further placed at a safer position owing to the elevation. A cable duct or cable space as already discussed above is hereby also provided in effective manner.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment according to the invention the drive position is provided with a cable throughfeed.

[0021] Providing a cable throughfeed, which is preferably provided as a standard opening at the drive position, enables cabling to be run to the drive and/or control thereof in effective manner. As indicated above, such cabling can for instance come from sensors arranged in the upright.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment according to the invention the base plate is provided with a guide line and one or more guides.

[0023] By providing a guide line and guides arranged thereon the gate fence can be displaced relative to the base plate in effective manner. This relates particularly to a so-called sliding gate. By providing the guide line and the guides on the base plate an integral drive module is provided, which can be effectively utilized when placing a gate for the fence.

[0024] The present invention further relates to a gate for a fence, wherein the gate comprises:

• a drive module according to an embodiment as described above;
• at least one upright arranged on the base plate; and
• a gate fence displaceable by the drive.

[0025] Such a gate provides similar advantages and effects as described for the drive module. Particularly provided hereby is a gate which can be manufactured and placed in effective manner with a limited number of components. A control with sensors such as a photocell, contact safety bar/contact safety edge is optionally provided on the upright or fence. A flashing light or other type of lighting, which is for instance arranged on or at an upright, can likewise optionally be provided.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment according to the invention the gate fence of the gate is provided symmetrically.

[0027] Providing the gate fence symmetrically, particularly with left/right (mounting) symmetry, enables the gate fence to be applied in flexible and effective manner in a wide range of situations, especially in combination with the drive module according to the invention. This significantly reduces the necessary stock of different components and for instance simplifies a fast delivery.

[0028] In a further embodiment according to the invention the gate comprises a second upright and a letterbox module extending between the first and second uprights.

[0029] Providing two uprights, preferably on either side of the line of symmetry on the base plate, creates the option of arranging a connecting module between the two uprights, particularly a so-called letterbox module in which a letterbox is placeable, as well as, if desired, an indication/nameplate/house number or other information. Use of the base plate of the drive module according to the invention makes the gate even more flexible still in respect of application and utility.

[0030] In a further advantageous embodiment according to the invention the gate comprises a pyramidal housing on the upper side of the upright, wherein the housing is provided with a remote module.

[0031] By providing a remote module the gate can be opened remotely by a user. By providing this module wholly or partially in a pyramidal housing on the upper side of the upright the module is readily reachable to for instance a remote control and simultaneously well-shielded, whereby a good operation is ensured. Such a remote control comprises for instance a GSM module. With such a module a gate can be opened and/or closed in effective manner.

[0032] In a further advantageous embodiment according to the invention the gate comprises a solar panel.

[0033] By providing a solar panel the gate is not just stand-alone, off-grid application also becomes possible. A battery which is provided in or on the drive can for instance be provided for this purpose, or can alternatively be provided in the cable space on the underside of the base plate. This increases the utility of the gate further.

[0034] The invention further also relates to a fence provided with a gate and drive module in an embodiment as described above.

[0035] Such a fence provides similar advantages and effects as described above for the drive module and/or gate.

[0036] The invention further also relates to a method for providing a drive for a gate in a fence, comprising of providing a drive module in an embodiment as described above, and a method comprising of placing a gate in an embodiment as described above.

[0037] The methods in question provide similar effects and advantages as described for the drive module, gate and/or fence.

[0038] Further advantages, features and details of the invention are elucidated further on the basis of preferred embodiments thereof, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• figures 1A-C are views of a base plate with the drive module according to the invention;
• figure 2 is a view of the drive module according to the invention;
• figure 3 is a view of an upright of a gate according to the invention;
• figure 4 is a view of a gate and fence according to the invention;
• figure 5 is a view of a gate with letterbox module in an embodiment according to the invention; and
• figure 6 is a drive module for a swing gate.

[0039] Drive module 2 (figures 1A-C) is provided with base plate 4. Arranged on the sides of base plate 4 are side plates 6. Mounting positions 8, 10 are provided for any uprights. Drive position 12 is provided for a drive at an elevation arranged in base plate 4. In the shown embodiment mounting positions 8, 10 and drive position 12 are provided with a number of openings 14 whereby respectively uprights and a drive can be secured to base plate 4. A number of cable throughfeed closures 16 is also provided. In the shown embodiment closures 16 are realized by arranging laser cuts in the plate material of base plate 4. Closures 16 can broken out, punched out or otherwise pressed out of base plate 4 in effective manner by a user or installer, depending on the needs and/or positions of uprights and drives. Mounting element 18, shown here in the form of a tie-wrap opening, is optionally provided close to mounting positions 8, 10 and drive position 12. A possible cable throughfeed can hereby be secured in simple manner. Provided in the raised part of base plate 4 is opening 20 for cable connections for the drive.

[0040] In the shown embodiment base plate 4 (figures 1A-C) is provided with first support edge 22 in which a number of slotted holes 24 are arranged to enable attachment to the ground surface. Edge 22 transposes via oblique wall 26 into mounting surface 28. A raised position for the drive is realized via upright edge 30, elevation 32 and upright edge 34. Upright edge 34 runs into support surface 36, which can likewise be provided with slotted holes 24. In the shown embodiment mounting surface 28 further comprises guide part 38 on which a number of guide positions 39 are placeable and over which a gate fence is slidable. Base plate 4 is given the shown shape by means of a number of folds 40. A plate can here be provided with folds 40 and then be cut to the desired width. In the shown embodiment an overall height of base plate 4 lies in the range of 100 mm to 130 mm, with a depth in transverse direction of the fence in the range of 500 mm to 750 m and a width in a direction substantially parallel to the fence in the range of 500 mm to 750 mm. It will be apparent that other dimensions are likewise possible according to the invention.

[0041] In a shown embodiment base plate 4 is provided with a number of side walls 6 and optional additional supports 44 which provide additional support to the supporting surfaces of base plate 4 toward the ground surface. This improves the strength and stability of base plate 4.

[0042] Drive module 2 (figure 2) is provided with base plate 4 (see also figure 1) on which upright 52 is arranged. Upright 52 is provided with upright profile 54 placed on base 56 in which openings 58 are arranged at positions corresponding with mounting position 8, 10 and particularly mounting elements thereof. Drive 60 is arranged at drive position 12 using angled profile 62 and bolt connection 64. Drive 60 is provided with pinion 66 which can engage on a gear rack on the fence. Guide module 68 is further provided at guide position 39.

[0043] In one of the shown embodiments upright 52 with profile 54 (figure 3) is provided with lamp 70. Cable 72 with connector 74 can be fed through in the interior of profile 54. If desired, strip 76 can be arranged on the side of upright 52. In the shown embodiment pyramidal housing 78 is shown, which can be placed on upright 52 in the manner of a cover, wherein GSM module 80 can optionally be arranged in housing 78. Further sensors which are arranged on upright 52 and/or base plate 4 and/or other elements of drive module 2 are optionally provided. Examples of such sensors are so-called approach sensors which prevent a person from becoming stuck close to the motor portion when closing the gate. Other sensors can also be placed as desired.

[0044] Fence 100 (figure 4) is provided with gate 102 with drive module 104. In the shown embodiment gate fence 106 is provided with a number of bars 108 extending in a vertical direction between beams 110. In the shown embodiment bars 108 extend partially beyond upper beam 110, wherein gate fence 106 is provided on the underside with lower beam 112 in which or on which gear rack 114 is arranged. Drive module 104 can be arranged on the left-hand side or right-hand side of gate 102 as desired, depending on the space available.

[0045] In the shown embodiment gate 202 (figure 5) is provided with letterbox module 204 arranged on base plate 206 between two uprights 208, 210 placed thereon. In the shown embodiment one of the uprights 208, 210 is provided with lamp or flashing light 212, whereby it is possible to indicate for instance that gate 202 is being opened or closed. In the shown embodiment solar panel 214 is also provided, for off-grid use. It will be apparent that light 212 and/or solar panel 214 can also be arranged on other applications/embodiments which may or may not be shown in the previous figures.

[0046] Drive module 302 (figure 6) is aimed specifically at a swing gate application. Module 302 is here likewise provided with base plate 304 on which a number of mounting positions 306 are arranged, as well as a drive position 308. Throughfeed 310 can be provided for passage of a cable to and/or from the drive arranged at drive position 308. In the shown embodiment base plate 304 is provided with base 312 with mounting openings 314 and transposes via an oblique side 316 into elevation 318 and then runs via a second oblique side 320 to second base 322. Uprights 324 can be placed at mounting positions 306. Base plate 304 is also provided with line of symmetry 326 which extends in a direction substantially transversely of the direction of a fence (after placing). A left/right (mounting) symmetry is hereby provided in effective manner.

[0047] Drive module 2 is provided for the purpose of providing a drive for for instance gate 102 in fence 100. A number of uprights are here placed at mounting positions 8, 10, a drive is mounted at drive position 12, guides 68 are arranged at guide positions 39 and closures 16 are opened at desired positions. The location of the one or more uprights relative to line of symmetry 42 is selected depending on whether gate 102 is opens to the left or to the right. Via a number of folds 40 base plate 4 is here preferably provided as standard element and is applicable for a wide range of gate fences 106.

[0048] For placing of gate 102 gate fence 106 with drive module 104 is transported to the desired location at fence 100. After the diverse components are mounted at the desired positions gate fence 106 and drive module 104 are set into operation and gate 102 is realized in fence 100.

[0049] The present invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred embodiments thereof. The rights sought are defined by the following claims, within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged.

Claims

1. Drive module for a gate in a fence, the drive comprising:

- a base plate of a folded profile, wherein the base plate is provided with a line of symmetry which extends in use substantially transversely of the gate and/or the fence;

- at least two side plates connected or connectable to the base plate and provided with a shape corresponding substantially with a side view of the folded profile;

- at least two mounting positions for an upright, provided symmetrically on either side of the line of symmetry;

- a drive position arranged on the base plate and a drive for the gate arranged or arrangeable at the drive position, wherein the drive position is provided in use on an inner side of the fence;

- a number of removable cable throughfeed closures arranged in the base plate; and

- a cable duct and/or cable space arranged on the underside of the base plate.

2. Drive module according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the cable throughfeed closures is provided at a mounting position.

3. Drive module according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising one or more mounting elements arranged close to a cable throughfeed closure for the purpose of mounting thereon a cable throughfeed guide.

4. Drive module according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the folded profile comprises an elevation on which the drive position is provided.

5. Drive module according to one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the drive position is provided with a cable throughfeed.

6. Drive module according to one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the base plate is provided with a guide line and one or more guides.

7. Gate for a fence, comprising:

- a drive module according to any one of the foregoing claims;

- at least one upright arranged on the base plate; and

- a gate fence displaceable by the drive.

8. Gate according to claim 7, wherein the gate fence is provided symmetrically.

9. Gate according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising a second upright and a letterbox module extending between the first and second uprights.

10. Gate according to claim 7, 8 or 9, further comprising a pyramidal housing arranged on the upper side of the upright, wherein the housing is provided with a remote module.

11. Gate according to one or more of the foregoing claims 7-10, further comprising a GSM module.

12. Gate according to one or more of the foregoing claims 7-11, further comprising a solar panel.

13. Fence provided with a gate and drive module according to any one of the foregoing claims.

14. Method for providing a drive for a gate in a fence, the method comprising of providing a drive module according to any one of the foregoing claims 1-6.

15. Method for placing a gate, the method comprising of placing a gate according to any one of the foregoing claims 7-12.

Drawing