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(11) | EP 3 015 639 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | AUTOMATIC SLIDING AND SWING GATE |
| (57) Single gate, comprising: a first closing part mountable for pivoting around a vertical axis on a supporting element adjacent to a gate entrance; a second closing part which is suspended from the first closing part; a guide between the first and the second closing part, which guide is configured to guide a movement of the second closing part along the first closing part toward the post for the purpose of opening the gate and away from the post for the purpose of closing the gate; a drive configured to pivot the first and second closing parts around the vertical axis and to move the second closing part relative to the first closing part toward the post for the purpose of opening the gate and away from the post for the purpose of closing the gate. |
[0001] The present invention relates to a single gate and to a double gate for closing a passage, which single and double gate are intended to be opened and closed automatically.
[0002] It is known for the purpose of closing and leaving clear large gate entrances in safe and rapid manner to make use of so-called folding gates with different panels which are connected pivotally to each other and which can be folded against each other for the purpose of opening the gate. Either an upper guide or a lower guide in the ground is typically necessary for guiding and moving the panels of such a folding gate. An upper guide has the drawback that it remains in place during folding and that the height of the gate entrance is thus limited to the height of the upper guide. A lower guide in the ground has the drawback that dirt accumulates in the lower guide. In addition, a folding gate has the drawback of limited safety since body parts can be caught between two panels of a folding gate as it folds up. The drawbacks of the upper and lower guide can be partially obviated by using a rod assembly to move the panels of the folding gate. Although a folding gate with rod assembly does not have the height problem or the problem that dirt can accumulate, the safety problem is not resolved. On the contrary, using a rod assembly results in even more risk of body parts being caught between rods of the rod assembly.
[0003] In addition, there are swing gates wherein one large panel swings open. Such swing gates have the drawback that they open and close slowly. There are also sliding gates. These however require a great deal of space for large passages, since the whole gate has to slide aside in order to leave the passage clear.
[0004] The present invention has for its object to provide a single and a double gate which obviates one or more of the above discussed drawbacks, and in particular a gate which is of simple construction, which is safe, which can be opened relatively quickly and which can be employed in multifunctional manner.
[0005] The invention provides for this purpose a gate comprising: a first closing part configured to be mounted pivotally around a vertical axis on a post adjacent to a gate entrance or on another supporting element such as a wall adjacent to a gate entrance; a second closing part which is suspended from the first closing part; a guide between the first and the second closing part, which guide is configured to guide a movement of the second closing part along the first closing part toward the post for the purpose of opening the gate and away from the post for the purpose of closing the gate; a drive configured to pivot the first and second closing parts around the vertical axis and to move the second closing part relative to the first closing part toward the post for the purpose of opening the gate and away from the post for the purpose of closing the gate.
[0006] A gate is in this way obtained which can close a relatively large gate entrance and which can be opened and closed relatively quickly by a combination of a pivoting and sliding movement. The gate can in addition be employed in multifunctional manner in the sense that it is possible in some embodiments to operate the drive such that a sliding movement only, or a combined sliding and rotating movement, is activated depending on the size of the gate opening that is required. In comparison with concertina gates no guides are necessary in the ground or above the closing parts. In comparison with existing swing gates a quicker opening and closing is possible, and in comparison with sliding gates no space need be provided in the line of the gate in order to enable opening.
[0007] According to a possible embodiment, the drive comprises a first drive configured to pivot the first and second closing parts around the vertical axis; and a second drive configured to move the second closing part relative to the first closing part toward the post for the purpose of opening the gate and away from the post for the purpose of closing the gate. Within the scope of the invention it is possible for a first and second motor to be provided for respectively the first and second drive, although it is also possible for a shared motor to be provided for the drive, wherein both the pivoting and the translating movements are realized via suitable transmissions. The first drive preferably comprises a motor arranged in the post and connected by means of a rod assembly to the first closing part for pivoting around axis A.
[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, the guide and the drive, in particular the second drive, are configured to move the second closing part parallel to the first closing part. It is however also possible for the second closing part to be placed at an angle relative to the first closing part and to be slid through a small angle relative to the first closing part.
[0009] The drive, in particular the second drive, preferably comprises a motor mounted on the first closing part. It is also possible to arrange the motor on the second closing part, although in most embodiments arranging the motor on the first closing part will result in a more stable construction.
[0010] In an exemplary embodiment the second drive comprises a gear rack and a pinion. When the motor is provided on the first closing part, the gear rack can be attached to the second closing part, and the motor is then intended to rotate the pinion for the purpose of sliding the second closing part relative to the first closing part. The skilled person will appreciate that the gear rack can also be provided on the first closing part and that other drive means are possible within the scope of the invention. The drive can thus comprise one or more chains, one or more toothed wheels, one or more toothed belts, one or more spindles or a combination thereof, which are coupled to a motor so as to cause the translating movement of the second closing part. The use of a gear rack results however in a simple and stable construction.
[0011] In a possible embodiment the gate further comprises a control for controlling the drive. The control is preferably configured to activate the drive such that during pivoting of the first closing part the second closing part is slid relative to the first closing part. In an exemplary embodiment the control is configured to provide: a first mode in which the second drive is activated and the first drive is not, such that the gate is partially opened; and a second mode in which the first and the second drive are activated in order to fully open the gate. The gate can in this way then be dimensioned for instance such that a partial opening in the first mode is sufficient to allow a cyclist or a pedestrian to pass through but not a car, or is sufficient to allow a car to pass through but not a truck. The gate can further be dimensioned such that a full opening in the first mode is sufficient to also allow trucks to pass through. The control is preferably configured to be operated with user operating means, such as a remote control or a badge, wherein a first type of user operating means is provided for the purpose of activating the first mode and a second type of user operating means for activating the second mode.
[0012] In a possible embodiment the guide comprises a first guide and a second guide which are configured to guide the second closing part respectively at a first height and at a second height differing from the first height. The first guide can for instance comprise an elongate guide and at least one bearing. The elongate guide is for instance attached to the second closing part. The at least one bearing can then be mounted on the first closing part and configured to guide the elongate guide. The second guide comprises for instance a guide channel and at least one travel wheel, wherein the guide channel is attached to one of the first and the second closing part and wherein the at least one travel wheel is mounted on the other of the first and the second closing part. The first guide and the second guide can also be similar to each other. The first height at which the first guide is arranged can be greater or smaller than the second height at which the second guide is arranged.
[0013] In an exemplary embodiment the first closing part and the second closing part are one of the following: a closing panel, optionally provided with openings; a frame against which a panel is fixed, a closing part with bars; a frame in which a mat is tensioned; a frame in which bars are provided.
[0014] In a possible embodiment the first closing part comprises a front wall and a rear wall, and the second closing part is movable between the front wall and the rear wall of the first closing part. The second drive can then be operative between the post and the second closing part and between the front wall and the rear wall.
[0015] According to yet another variant, the second closing part comprises a front wall and a rear wall and the first closing part is received between the front wall and the rear wall of the second closing part when the gate is opened.
[0016] In a possible embodiment the post is provided at a lower end with a base plate and provided at an upper end with an upper plate, and the first closing part is suspended between the base plate and the upper plate, adjacently of the post. The weight of the closing parts can in this way be supported by the post by means of the upper plate and base plate.
[0017] In a possible embodiment a shaft of the motor of the first drive protrudes through the upper plate and is connected by means of the rod assembly on the upper side of the upper plate to a shaft part mounted on the first closing part.
[0018] In a possible embodiment the rod assembly comprises a first and second parallel arm and a first and second parallel rod, which are connected pivotally to each other at their outer ends in order to form a parallelogram linkage; and the shaft of the motor is fixed to the first arm, preferably to the centre of the first arm, and the first closing part is fixed to the second arm, preferably to the centre of the second arm, via a shaft part. Such a rod assembly ensures a good transmission of the forces necessary for the pivoting movement.
[0019] The invention further relates to a double gate comprising a first single gate according to any of the above described embodiments. The double gate preferably comprises a second single gate according to any of the above described embodiments, wherein the second closing part of the first single gate connects to the second closing part of the second single gate.
[0020] The present invention will be further elucidated on the basis of a number of by no means limitative exemplary embodiments of a closing part according to the invention with reference to the accompanying drawing. In the drawing:
Figures 1A-1D show schematic perspective views of an embodiment of a double gate according to the invention in respectively a closed position, an intermediate position in the second mode, an open position in the second mode and an open position in the first mode;
Figures 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D show respectively a front view, a top view, a side view and a rear view of this double gate;
Figures 3A and 3B show detail views of the upper guide and second drive of this double gate, see IIIA and IIIB in figures 2D and 2C;
Figure 4 shows a schematic detail view of the lower guide;
Figure 5 shows a schematic top view of a first embodiment of a single gate;
Figures 6A and 6B show respectively a schematic view of a second embodiment of a single gate in respectively a closed and an open position;
Figure 7 shows a schematic top view of a third embodiment of a single gate;
Figure 8 shows a schematic top view of a further embodiment of a double gate;
Figures 9A and 9B show respectively a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a part of a gate according to the invention in a closed position, as seen from a front side and as seen from a rear side.
[0021] Figures 1A-1D illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a double gate in different positions and figures 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D illustrate respectively a front view, a top view, a side view and a rear view of this double gate. The double gate comprises two posts 60 which bound a gate entrance. Figures 3A and 3B are detail views of the upper guide and second drive of this double gate, and figure 4 is a detail view of the lower guide. The gate comprises a left-hand gate leaf and a right-hand gate leaf. Each gate leaf comprises a first closing part 10 mounted for pivoting around a vertical axis A on post 60 and a second closing part 20 suspended from first closing part 10. Second closing part 20 is slidable relative to first closing part 10, wherein a guide 50, 51, 55, 56 (see below) is provided between first closing part 10 and second closing part 20. The guide is configured to guide a translating movement of second closing part 20 along first closing part 10 toward post 60 for the purpose of opening the gate and away from post 60 for the purpose of closing the gate. Provided for automatic opening and closing of the gate is a first drive 30 which is configured to pivot first and second closing parts 10, 20 around the vertical axis A, see arrow P1, and a second drive 40 configured to move second closing part 20 parallel to first closing part 10 toward post 60 for the purpose of opening the gate and away from post 60 for the purpose of closing the gate, see arrow P2.
[0022] First drive 30 can comprise a motor which is arranged for instance in post 60 and which is connected by means of a rod assembly 31 to first closing part 10 for pivoting around axis A. According to another variant (not shown) the first drive can comprise a motor in the ground, wherein first closing part 10 is provided with a shaft which is coupled to the motor arranged in the ground. According to yet another variant (not shown) the motor can be provided above or in post 60 and can be coupled to a bearing-mounted shaft of first closing part 10.
[0023] The second drive is shown in detail in figures 3A and 3B. The second drive comprises a motor 42 mounted on first closing part 10 and a pinion 43 coupled to motor 10. Pinion 43 engages on a gear rack 44 attached to second closing part 20 such that motor 42 can rotate pinion 43 for the purpose of moving gear rack 44, and thus second closing part 20, to the left or to the right relative to first closing part 10. A casing 41 can be arranged around motor 42.
[0024] The double gate can further be provided with a control connected to the first and second drives 30, 40 for controlling the first and second drives 30, 40. The control is configured to activate the first and second drives 30, 40 such that during pivoting of first closing part 10 the second closing part 20 is slid relative to first closing part 10.
[0025] In a first possible embodiment the control is configured to provide at least a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode only the second drive of the two gate leaves is activated and not the first drive such that the gate is partially opened, see figure 1D. The gate can for instance then be dimensioned such that such a partial opening D1 in the first mode is sufficient to allow cyclists and pedestrians to pass through but not cars, or is sufficient to allow cars to pass through but not trucks. In a second mode the first and the second drive 30, 40 of the two gate leaves are activated in order to fully open the gate, see figures 1B and 1C. The gate can then be dimensioned such that such a full opening D2 (see figure 1C) in the second mode is sufficient to also allow trucks to pass through.
[0026] In a second possible embodiment the control is configured to provide at least a first mode, a second mode, a third mode and a fourth mode. The first and the second mode can be similar to those of the first embodiment. In a third mode only the second drive of one gate leaf is activated, and not the first drive of both gate leaves, nor the second drive of the other gate leaf, such that only half the opening D1 of figure 1D is left clear. The control can be configured here to actuate only the right-hand gate leaf or only the left-hand gate leaf in the third mode. The gate can then be dimensioned such that such an opening D1/2 in the third mode is sufficient to allow only pedestrians and cyclists to pass through. In a fourth mode the first and the second drives 30, 40 of one gate leaf are activated, and not the first and the second drives 30, 40 of the other gate leaf, such that only half the opening of figure 1C is left clear. The gate can then be dimensioned such that such a partial opening D2/2 in the fourth mode is sufficient to allow cars to pass through but not trucks. The control can be configured here to actuate only the right-hand gate leaf or only the left-hand gate leaf in the fourth mode.
[0027] The control can be provided with a number of buttons for activating the respective modes described above. The control can in addition be configured to be operated with user operating means, such as a remote control or a badge, wherein a first type of user operating means can be provided for activating the first mode and a second type of user operating means for activating the second mode, and so on. Made possible in this way is that determined users can enter a site only on foot or by cycle, while other users can drive onto the site by car.
[0028] In the illustrated embodiment the first closing part 10 comprises a frame with an upper beam 12, a lower beam 14 and two vertical connecting beams 15 which connect upper beam 12 to lower beam 14. A panel 11 is fixed to the frame. Upper beam 12 is provided with a suspension part 13 on which motor 42 is mounted. Second closing part 20 comprises a frame with an upper beam 22, a lower beam 24 and two vertical connecting beams 23, 25 which connect upper beam 22 to lower beam 24. A panel 21 is fixed to the frame. The skilled person will appreciate that closing parts 10, 20 can also take a different form, and can for instance also be formed as a closing part with bars or a frame in which a mat is tensioned. The frame can further also comprise a plurality of horizontal and vertical beams, and these need not necessarily be placed right at the top, the bottom or the side.
[0029] The guide comprises an upper guide 50, 51 and a lower guide 55, 56 which are configured to guide second closing part 20 at respectively a first greater height and a second lesser height. The upper guide comprises an elongate guide in the form of a guide batten 50 which is attached to second closing part 20, preferably to upper beam 22, and two bearing blocks 51 which are attached to the first closing part, preferably to suspension part 13. Bearing blocks 51 are configured for bearing-mounting of guide batten 50 such that second closing part 20 is guidable along first closing part 10, see figures 3A and 3B. The lower guide comprises a guide channel in the form of a channel-like guide profile 55 which is attached to lower beam 24 of second closing part 20, and at least one travel wheel 56 which is mounted on lower beam 14 of first closing part 10 and which is received in guide profile 55, see figure 4.
[0030] Figure 5 illustrates schematically a first embodiment of a single gate. The single gate comprises a post 60 adjacent to a gate entrance, a first closing part 10 which is mounted for pivoting around a vertical axis A on post 60, see arrow P1, and a second closing part 20 which is suspended from the first closing part such that the second closing part can move along the first closing part toward the post for the purpose of opening the gate and away from the post for the purpose of closing the gate, see arrow P2. The guide, first drive and second drive are not shown but can be similar to those described above with reference to figures 1A-1D, 2A-2D, 3A-B and 4.
[0031] Figures 6A and 6B illustrate schematically a second embodiment of a single gate. The single gate comprises a post 60 adjacent to a gate entrance, a first closing part 10 which is mounted for pivoting around a vertical axis A on post 60, see arrow P1, and a second closing part 20 which is suspended from first closing part 10 such that second closing part 20 can move along first closing part 10 toward post 60 for the purpose of opening the gate and away from post 60 for the purpose of closing the gate, see arrow P2. First closing part 10 comprises a front wall 10a and a rear wall 10b, and second closing part 20 is movable between front wall 10a and rear wall 10b. The guide and first drive are not shown but can be similar to those described above with reference to figures 1A-1D, 2A-2D, 3A-B and 4, with the difference that the upper guide and lower guide now preferably lie between front wall 10a and rear wall 10b. The second drive preferably lies at least partially between front wall 10a and rear wall 10b. The second drive could make use of a gear rack-pinion drive as in the first embodiment, but can also make use of one or more parallelogram linkages 46 as illustrated. The skilled person will appreciate that further variants of the second drive can be envisaged within the scope of the invention.
[0032] Figure 7 illustrates schematically a third embodiment of a single gate. The single gate comprises a post 60 adjacent to a gate entrance, a first closing part 10 which is mounted for pivoting around a vertical axis A on post 60, see arrow P1; a second closing part 20 which is suspended from first closing part 10 such that second closing part 20 can move along first closing part 10 toward post 60 for the purpose of opening the gate and away from post 60 for the purpose of closing the gate, see arrow P2; and a third closing part 20' which is suspended from second closing part 20 such that third closing part 20' can move along second closing part 20, see arrow P2'. The guide and first drive are not shown but can be similar to those described above with reference to figures 1A-1D, 2A-2D, 3A-B and 4. A second and a third drive can be provided in this variant, i.e. a second drive for driving the movement of second closing part 20 relative to first closing part 10 and a third drive for driving the movement of third closing part 20' relative to second closing part 20. This second and third drive can be embodied similarly to the second drive described with reference to figures 1A-1D, 2A-2D, 3A-B and 4. The skilled person will appreciate that further variants can be envisaged with more than three closing parts which are slidable relative to each other. It is further also possible to provide the third drive between first closing part 10 and third closing part 20', wherein the second and third drive can have a shared motor which is mounted on first closing part 10. According to yet another variant, the first, second and third drive can have a shared motor.
[0033] Figure 8 illustrates schematically a further embodiment of a double gate. This comprises a first single gate as described in for instance figure 5 with a post 60, a first closing part 10 and a second closing part 20; and a second single gate with a post 60 and with only a first closing part 10.
[0034] Figures 9A and 9B illustrate a variant of first drive 30 for pivoting the first closing part 10 and second closing part 20 (not shown in figures 9A and 9B) around the vertical axis A, see arrow P1.
[0035] First drive 30 comprises a motor 35 which is arranged in post 60. Post 60 extends between a base plate 61 and an upper plate 62. The shaft of motor 35 protrudes through upper plate 62 and is connected by means of a rod assembly 31 on the upper side of upper plate 62 to a shaft part 37 which is mounted for pivoting around the axis A on first closing part 10. In the illustrated variant shaft part 37 is provided on an upper end of first closing part 10 and protrudes through upper plate 62, where shaft part 37 is attached to rod assembly 31. A second shaft part 38 is attached to a lower end of first closing part 10 and is mounted in a bearing 68 which is mounted on a base plate 61. Rod assembly 31 comprises two parallel arms 32a, 32b and two parallel rods 33a, 33b which are connected pivotally to each other at their outer ends so as to form a parallelogram linkage. The shaft of motor 35 is fixed to arm 32a, preferably to the centre of arm 32a, and shaft part 37 is fixed to arm 32b, preferably to the centre of arm 32b. A rotation of the shaft of motor 35 will in this way provide for a pivoting of first closing part 10 around the axis A, wherein the parallelogram linkage brings about a good force transmission by acting to both the left and the right on shaft part 37. A control 70 connected to motor 35 can further be provided in the post. Control 70 can be embodied according to any of the above described embodiments. Doors 63, 64 which provide access to motor 35 and control 70 are preferably provided in post 60.
1. Single gate, comprising:
a post (60);
a first closing part (10) mounted pivotally around a vertical axis (A) on the post (60) adjacent to a gate entrance, wherein the vertical axis lies outside the post;
a second closing part (20) which is suspended from the first closing part;
a guide between the first and the second closing part, which guide is configured to guide a movement of the second closing part along the first closing part toward the post for the purpose of opening the gate and away from the post for the purpose of closing the gate;
a drive (30, 40) configured to pivot the first and second closing parts around the vertical axis and to move the second closing part relative to the first closing part toward the post for the purpose of opening the gate and away from the post for the purpose of closing the gate; wherein the drive comprises a first drive (30) configured to pivot the first and second closing parts around the vertical axis; and a second drive (40) configured to move the second closing part relative to the first closing part toward the post for the purpose of opening the gate and away from the post for the purpose of closing the gate;
wherein the first drive (30) comprises a motor arranged in the post (60) and connected by means of a rod assembly (31) to the first closing part for pivoting around axis A.
2. Single gate as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the second drive comprises a motor (42) which is attached to the first closing part.
3. Single gate as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the second drive comprises a gear rack (44) and pinion (43).
4. Single gate as claimed in claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the gear rack (44) is attached to the second closing part (20), and that the motor
(42) is mounted so as to rotate the pinion.
5. Single gate as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, further comprising: a control
(70) for controlling the drive, which control is configured to activate the drive
such that during pivoting of the first closing part the second closing part is moved
relative to the first closing part.
6. Single gate as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the control (70) is configured to provide:
a first mode in which the second drive is activated and the first drive is not, such that the gate is partially opened; and
a second mode in which the first and the second drive are activated in order to fully open the gate.
7. Single gate as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the control (70) is configured to be operated with user operating means, such as
a remote control or a badge, wherein a first type of user operating means is provided
for the purpose of activating the first mode and a second type of user operating means
for activating the second mode.
8. Single gate as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the guide comprises a first guide and a second guide which are configured to guide
the second closing part respectively at a first height and at a second height differing
from the first height.
9. Single gate as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that the first guide comprises:
an elongate guide attached to the second or the first closing part; and
at least one bearing mounted on respectively the first or the second closing part and configured to guide the elongate guide; and/or
that the second guide comprises a guide channel and at least one travel wheel, wherein the guide channel is attached to one of the first and the second closing part and wherein the at least one travel wheel is mounted on the other of the first and the second closing part.
10. Single gate as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the first closing part and the second closing part are one of the following: a closing
panel, optionally provided with openings; a frame against which a panel is fixed,
a closing part with bars; a frame in which a mat is tensioned; a frame in which bars
are provided.
11. Single gate as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the post (60) is provided at a lower end with a base plate (61) and provided at an
upper end with an upper plate (62), and that the first closing part is suspended between
the base plate and the upper plate.
12. Single gate as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that a shaft of the motor (35) of the first drive (30) protrudes through the upper plate
(62) and is connected by means of the rod assembly (31) on the upper side of the upper
plate (62) to a shaft part (37) mounted on the first closing part (10).
13. Single gate as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the rod assembly (31) comprises a first and second parallel arm (32a, 32b) and a
first and second parallel rod (33a, 33b) which are connected pivotally to each other
at their outer ends in order to form a parallelogram linkage; and that the shaft of
the motor (35) is fixed to the first arm (32a), preferably to the centre of the first
arm, and the first closing part (10) is fixed to the second arm (32b), preferably
to the centre of the second arm, via a shaft part.
14. Double gate comprising a first single gate as claimed in any of the foregoing claims.
15. Double gate as claimed in claim 14, further comprising a second single gate according
to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the second closing part of the first single
gate connects to the second closing part of the second single gate.