Industrial door system with a fall protection mechanism

Abstract

An industrial door system comprising a door leaf (S'), a motor (47), a drive shaft (50) and a cable drum (51) supported on, and co-rotating with, the drive shaft, a lifting cable (9; 211) suspended from the cable drum and a bottom beam (8; 205) coupled to the lifting cable, said bottom beam being connected to a lower end of the door leaf (8'), wherein the bottom beam and the door leaf are guided during opening and closing in a vertically oriented door frame element (6; 202). An electrically powered fall protection mechanism (1, 2, 3, 18; 201, 203, 204, 216) is, in the energized state, operative to hold either one of a piston (201) movably arranged in or in connection with the bottom beam (205) in a spring-biased rest position, or a step rail (2) movably arranged in the door frame element (6) in a spring-biased rest position.

Description

[0001] 1 03-11-2024

[0002] Industrial door system with a fall protection mechanism

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to devices for an industrial door system of the type that includes a door leaf that is not counterweight-balanced. More specifically, the invention relates to an industrial door system comprising a fall protection mechanism which is arranged to brake and prevent an uncontrolled closing of the door leaf from an open position in the event that ordinary means for opening and closing the door leaf fail.

[0005] BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

[0006] A device according to the invention may be applied to various types of industrial door systems with rollable or folding flexible door leaves, or with door leaves in the form of hingedly connected flexible or rigid door leaf lamellae. The current industrial door systems usually feature profiled door frame elements for controlling the edges of the door leaf or for controlling the movement of the door leaf when opening and closing.

[0007] Among previously known mechanical fall protection solutions for lifting doors, CN207377474U can be mentioned which describes a longitudinally movable locking pin which may be maneuvered to extend through a side frame profile and thereby block the movement of the door leaf in the door frame element.

[0008] Another solution is described in CN211900281 U which includes a hook carried with the door leaf which is caught by a hook rotatably arranged in a side frame profile, when the latter has been maneuvered into an engaging position.

[0009] These solutions are both of the kind that offer fixed positions for locking the door leaf in a certain lifted position and are therefore not effective in braking an unintentionally falling door leaf.

[0010] A solution of a different kind is described in CN211230178U, wherein an angle gear is mounted on a shaft intended for rolling up a door leaf or a lifting cable for a door leaf. A pin extends perpendicularly from the axis of a pinion gear included in the angle gear. A rod is arranged and movable laterally so that it may be operated to stop the pin co-rotating with the pinion gear.

[0011] The latter solution is indeed designed to be activated on command and capable of catching a falling door leaf in any position. However, since the solution contains rotating parts that are constantly set in motion during normal operation, demands are placed on bearings, materials and maintenance, which means that this solution is likely to be comparatively expensive.

[0012] RECORD COPY TRANSLATION (Rule 12.4) 2 03-11-2024

[0013] Furthermore, SE470495B describes a latching mechanism for a lifting door intended to be mounted between a door leaf and a lifting cable to be influenced by the pulling force of the lifting cable to switch to and from locking engagement, respectively, with a side area of the door opening in response to the removal and application of a pulling force onto the latching mechanism.

[0014] In this context, it can also be mentioned that in the absence of a special fall protection function, the safety of industrial doors may be improved by oversizing motors and gears / angle gears, which, however, places greater demands on fastenings and entails increasing costs.

[0015] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] It is an object of the invention to provide an industrial door system with an electrically powered fall protection mechanism.

[0017] Another object is to provide an industrial door system including a maintenance-free fall protection mechanism.

[0018] Another object is to provide an industrial door system with a fall protection mechanism that may be integrated into a door frame element for an industrial door.

[0019] Another object is to provide an industrial door system with a fall protection mechanism that may be integrated into a door leaf of an industrial door.

[0020] Another object is to provide an industrial door system with a fall protection mechanism which is characterized by simple construction and low installation cost.

[0021] Another object is to provide an industrial door system with an electrically controllable fall protection mechanism which offers testing of the functionality of the fall protection mechanism.

[0022] A specific object of the invention is to provide a fall protection mechanism which may be reset after release to make it possible in an emergency to force the door leaf to be lifted from a braked and locked position.

[0023] The present invention is applicable to industrial door systems of the kind that include a door leaf that is not counterweight-balanced, which for opening and closing utilizes at least one of an electric motor, a rotatable drive shaft and a cable drum arranged on, and co-rotating with, the drive shaft, a lifting cable suspended from the cable drum and a bottom beam attached to the lifting cable, the bottom beam being connected to a lower end of the door leaf, wherein a vertically oriented door frame element is arranged and designed to control the movement of the door leaf during opening and closing.

[0024] RECORD COPY TRANSLATION (Rule 12.4) 3 03-11-2024

[0025] In order to meet one or more of the above-mentioned objects, a first aspect of the invention provides an electrically supplied fall protection mechanism arranged in such a way that interruption of power supply results in mechanical engagement between cooperating engagement means in the form of a fixedly arranged pawl or a movably arranged piston arranged in or in connection with the bottom beam, and a movable or fixed step rail arranged in the door frame element which has a number of successively arranged steps designed for engagement of the piston or the pawl when the fall protection mechanism is activated.

[0026] An advantage and technical effect of the embodiment is that a raised door leaf can not fall uncontrollably in the event of, for example, a power outage or if electrical or mechanical faults occur with any of the components of the lifting assembly.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, an electromagnetic holding magnet is arranged and, in energized state, is operative to hold the engagement means in the non-engaging position.

[0028] An advantage and technical effect of this embodiment is that a very brief power outage does not release the fall protection.

[0029] In a first embodiment, the fall protection mechanism comprises a movably arranged piston which is associated with an electromagnetic holding magnet which, in energized state, holds the piston in a retracted position, in which the piston is in a rest position, and in which the piston is affected by a spring member which biases the piston in the direction of an advanced position in which the piston is in engaging position with a step rail fixedly arranged in the door frame element.

[0030] A power unit is connected to the piston by means of a linkage element which assumes an extended or advanced state in the advanced position of the piston, and which, when activated by the power unit, exerts a pulling force on the piston and returns the piston to its retracted position.

[0031] The linkage element may be in the form of a rod or a wire which is connected to a linearly acting power unit. The linkage element may alternatively be in the form of a wire which is connected to a rotating power unit.

[0032] In an alternative embodiment, the fall protection mechanism comprises a pawl fixedly arranged in or in connection with the bottom beam and a step rail arranged movably in the door frame element comprising steps designed for engagement with the pawl, wherein the step rail is movable between a retracted position in which the step rail is in a rest position and, upon release of the fall protection, an advanced position in which the step rail takes an engaging position with the pawl. An electromagnetic holding magnet supported in the door frame element is effective in energized state to hold the step rail in the rest position.

[0033] RECORD COPY TRANSLATION (Rule 12.4) 4 03-11-2024

[0034] In one embodiment, the control of the power supply of the fall protection mechanism includes sensor-monitored rotation of at least one of the motor, the drive shaft and the cable drum, and / or load sensing of the lifting cable.

[0035] In one embodiment, a sensor is arranged in association with at least one of the motor, the drive shaft and the cable drum, the at least one sensor being effective for registering the rotational speed of either one of the motor, the drive shaft or the cable drum, said sensor being connected to a programmable control circuit which is arranged to control the power supply to a holding magnet that is operative in the fall protection mechanism, wherein the control circuit is programmed to compare registered actual rotational speed of at least one of the motor, the drive shaft and the cable drum with predetermined rotational speeds stored in the control circuit and based thereon making a decision on whether to supply power or not to the holding magnet.

[0036] One embodiment of the industrial door system comprises a load-sensing means affected by the lifting cable, said means being effective to interrupt the power supply of the fall protection mechanism in the event of a cable breakage.

[0037] An advantage and technical effect of the embodiment is that the motor, motor brake and any existing reduction gear or other mechanical components in the drive of the industrial door system may be dimensioned in an optimal way, without requiring oversizing to meet safety margins, while maintaining safety through constant monitoring of the functionality of the industrial door system and the fall protection mechanism.

[0038] In one embodiment, the control circuit is arranged / programmed for testing the functionality of a voltage supply relay that is included in the power supply of the fall protection mechanism by interrupting the power supply to the holding magnet on command and to restore the power supply to the holding magnet within a time lapse of one or a few thousandths of a second, if the control circuit has not detected a malfunction of the voltage supply relay.

[0039] In this embodiment, a hysteresis present in electromagnets in the form of residual magnetism is utilized to carry out a test of the status of the fall protection.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the industrial door system comprises a door leaf that is not counterweight-balanced, which for opening and closing utilizes at least an electric motor, a rotatable drive shaft and a cable drum arranged on, and co-rotating with, the drive shaft, a lifting cable suspended from the cable drum and a bottom beam attached to the lifting cable, the bottom beam being connected to a lower end of the door leaf, wherein a vertically oriented door frame element is arranged and designed to control the movement of the door leaf during opening and closing, the system including an electrically powered fall protection mechanism arranged in such a way that interruption of power supply results in mechanical engagement between cooperating engagement means in the form of a pawl fixedly arranged

[0041] RECORD COPY TRANSLATION (Rule 12.4) 5 03-11-2024 in or in connection with the bottom beam, and a step rail movably arranged in the door frame element, said step rail having a number of successively arranged steps designed for engagement with the pawl when the fall protection mechanism is activated. An electromagnetic holding magnet supported in the door frame element is in energized state operative for holding the step rail in a rest position, wherein the step rail is biased by one or more spring members arranged to act between the door frame element and the step rail, said spring members, when the power supply to the holding magnet is interrupted, bringing the step rail to an advanced position in which the step rail assumes an engaging position with the pawl.

[0042] In a further embodiment, the industrial door system comprises a reset mechanism arranged to release the engagement means from the engaging position, said reset mechanism having a pusher arranged at the step rail in the form of a telescopically movable rod which, after activation of the fall protection mechanism, is located inside the movement path of the pawl and which, when the door leaf is lifted, is caught by a shoulder arranged on the runner or integrally formed in the pawl, and returns the step rail to its rest position.

[0043] In a second aspect of the invention, an industrial door system is provided comprising a door leaf that is not counterweight-balanced, which for opening and closing utilizes at least an electric motor, a rotatable drive shaft and a cable drum arranged on, and co-rotating with, the drive shaft, a lifting cable suspended from the cable drum and a bottom beam attached to the lifting cable, the bottom beam being connected to a lower end of the door leaf, wherein a vertically oriented door frame element is arranged and designed to control the movement of the door leaf during opening and closing, the industrial door system comprising:

[0044] - an electrically powered fall protection mechanism arranged in such a way that interruption of the power supply results in mechanical engagement between cooperating engagement means in the form of:

[0045] - a pawl or a piston arranged in or in connection with the bottom beam, respectively,

[0046] - a fixed or movable step rail arranged in the door frame element which has a number of successively arranged steps designed for engagement with the piston or the pawl in the activated position of the fall protection mechanism, and

[0047] - a reset mechanism arranged to release the engagement means from the engaging position.

[0048] In one embodiment, the fall protection mechanism comprises a piston which is movable between a retracted position, in which the piston is in a rest position, and an advanced position, when the fall protection is activated, in which the piston is in an engaging position, wherein the reset mechanism comprises a power unit which is connected to the piston via a linkage element and, when driving the power unit, exerts a pulling force on the piston which returns the piston to its rest position.

[0049] RECORD COPY TRANSLATION (Rule 12.4) 6 03-11-2024

[0050] The linkage element may consist of a rod or a wire which is connected to a linearly acting power unit. The linkage element may alternatively consist of a wire which is connected to a rotating power unit.

[0051] An electromagnetic holding magnet is effective in the energized state to hold the piston in the rest position. Furthermore, the piston is associated with a spring member, which, in the rest position of the piston, biases the piston in the direction of the engaging position. In this embodiment, the fall protection mechanism comprises a step rail fixedly arranged in the door frame element.

[0052] In an alternative embodiment, the fall protection mechanism comprises a pawl fixedly arranged in or in connection with the bottom beam and a step rail movably arranged in the door frame element, wherein the step rail is movable between a retracted position in which the step rail is in a rest position and an advanced position in which the step rail, when the fall protection is activated, assumes an engaging position with the pawl, and wherein the reset mechanism comprises a pusher arranged at the step rail which, when the door leaf is lifted after the fall protection has been activated, is caught by the pawl and returns the step rail to its rest position.

[0053] In the alternative embodiment, the fall protection mechanism comprises an electromagnetic holding magnet supported in the door frame element and, in energized state, being effective to hold the step rail in the rest position.

[0054] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] Embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings, which schematically show

[0056] Fig. 1 a partially broken away side view showing an embodiment of a fall protection mechanism included in an industrial door system in a rest position,

[0057] Fig. 2 a corresponding partially broken away side view showing the fall protection mechanism according to Fig. 1 in a released position,

[0058] Fig. 3 a partially broken away cross-section showing the fall protection mechanism according to Fig. 1 in a rest position,

[0059] Fig. 4 a partially broken away cross-section showing the fall protection mechanism according to Fig. 1 in a released position,

[0060] Fig. 5 a cross-section through an alternatively designed step rail included in the fall protection mechanism,

[0061] RECORD COPY TRANSLATION (Rule 12.4)703-11-2024

[0062] Fig. 6 a partially broken away side view showing a first alternative embodiment of a fall protection mechanism included in an industrial door system in a rest position,

[0063] Fig. 7 a partially broken away side view showing a second alternative embodiment of a fall protection mechanism included in an industrial door system in a rest position,

[0064] Fig. 8 a partially broken away side view showing a third alternative embodiment of a fall protection mechanism included in an industrial door system in a rest position,

[0065] Fig. 9 a partially broken away front view of the fall protection mechanism according to Fig. 8 in a rest position,

[0066] Fig. 10 a partially broken away side view showing the fall protection mechanism according to Figs. 8 and 9 in a released position,

[0067] Fig. 11 a partially broken away front view showing the fall protection mechanism according to Figs. 8 and 9 in a released position,

[0068] Fig. 12 a top view of the fall protection mechanism according to Figs. 8 and 9 in a rest position,

[0069] Fig. 13 a top view of the fall protection mechanism according to Figs. 8 and 9 in a released position,

[0070] Fig. 14 a partially broken away side view showing an embodiment of a reset mechanism included in a fall protection mechanism according to the previous figures,

[0071] Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing components included in electrical supply and control of the fall protection mechanism,

[0072] Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing monitoring of the fall protection mechanism during parking of the door leaf and its movement, and a testing cycle for electronics included in the electrical supply of the fall protection mechanism,

[0073] Fig. 17 is a partially broken away side view showing a fourth alternative embodiment of a fall protection mechanism included in an industrial door system in a rest position,

[0074] Fig. 18 is a partially broken away side view showing the fall protection mechanism according to Fig. 17 in a released position,

[0075] RECORD COPY TRANSLATION (Rule 12.4)803-11-2024

[0076] Fig. 19 is a partially broken away side view showing the fall protection mechanism according to Fig. 17 in a reset position, and

[0077] Fig. 20 shows a load-sensing means effective to monitor the load of a lifting cable included in the industrial door system.

[0078] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0079] In the detailed description of preferred and alternative embodiments below, subheadings have been introduced to facilitate navigating in the text.

[0080] Embodiment with fixed piston and movable step rail

[0081] Figs. 1 and 3 show an embodiment of a fall protection mechanism included in an industrial door system in an unreleased position or a rest position. The main components of the fall protection mechanism consist of a pawl 1 and a catcher 2 in the form of a vertically oriented step rail provided with a number of steps or openings 3 which are arranged one after the other in the longitudinal direction of the step rail.

[0082] In this context, it can be mentioned as a benchmark that the distance between the steps or openings 3 of the step rail and the vertical height of the steps or openings, respectively, preferably amounts to at least three times the height or extension of the pawl in a vertical direction V. The shape of the steps may be rectangular or oval, and the cross-sectional shape of the pawl may likewise be rectangular or oval / round.

[0083] For reasons of simplification, the reference numeral 1 will hereafter denote a pawl, whereby the term pawl shall be interpreted to include engagement means of various designs such as latches, hooks, noses, grippers etc., whereas the reference numeral 3 shall denote a step, which term shall be interpreted to include various designs of openings, steps, seats, recesses, indentations or teeth, etc., in which the pawl may engage when the fall protection mechanism is released.

[0084] The pawl 1 is arranged on a runner 4 which is controlled for vertical movement in a guide 5 which is formed on a door frame element 6 of a door opening 7. The runner 4 is connected to a door leaf which in Figs. 1 and 2 is represented by a bottom beam 8 which forms the lower end of the door leaf. In Fig. 1 the door leaf has been given the reference numeral 8'.

[0085] A lifting cable 9 is connected to the runner 4 with which the bottom beam 8 and the door leaf 8' may be lifted and lowered during opening and closing, respectively. It is to be understood that the pawl 1 is thus carried along in the movements of the runner and moves in a vertical movement path according to the arrow V.

[0086] RECORD COPY TRANSLATION (Rule 12.4) 9 03-11-2024

[0087] The step rail 2 is movably connected to the door frame element 6 by means of two or more links 10. One or more spring members 11 are arranged to act between the door frame element 6 and the step rail 3. In other embodiments, spring members may alternatively be arranged to act between the door frame element 6 and one or more of the links as illustrated in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7.

[0088] In the embodiment of Fig. 1 to Fig. 4, the spring member 11 consists of a pin spring which is wound around a bolt 12 which extends through both side pieces 13, 14 of a step rail 2 with a cross-sectional shape of a U-profile. A respective spring member 11 is suitably arranged on each side of the step rail 2 as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. The bolt 12 constitutes a rotatable bearing for one end of the link 10, the other end of which is rotatably mounted on a bolt 15 which extends through both the side pieces 16, 17 of the door frame element 6. To distinguish the bolts from each other, the bolt 12 will hereafter be referred to as the lifting bolt 12, whereas the bolt 15 is designated the bearing bolt 15.

[0089] Whereas Figs. 1 and 3 show the step rail 2 in an unreleased position or a rest position, wherein the step rail 2 is loaded and biased by the spring member 11 towards a released position, Figs. 2 and 4 show the step rail in its released position. In the released position, the step rail 2 has been moved in parallel laterally according to the arrows H (Figs. 2 and 4) until the step rail passes the tip of the pawl 1 and the step rail is thus within the vertical movement path V of the pawl. Through the movement of the step rail, the pawl 1 will be caught by and engage with a step 3 and thus stops the falling movement F of the door leaf in the event that the door leaf accidentally falls from a raised position.

[0090] The step rail 2 is held in the rest position by means of a releasable latch. In the embodiment of Fig. 1 , this latch is constituted by an electrically supplied mechanism 18 in the form of, for example, a solenoid or electromagnet or an electric motor. The holding mechanism 18 may include a rod 19 that engages with the step rail, which, on an activating signal, is pulled out of a seat 20 formed in the step rail, wherein the spring members 11 drive the step rail in a force-controlled movement S of the links 10. The movement S of the step rail may be limited by an abutment (not shown) formed or arranged in the door frame element, or by the length of the step rail being adapted so that the lower end 21 of the step rail hits the floor 22 in the released position (see Fig. 2).

[0091] For the sake of completeness, it should be added that the reference numeral 23 denotes a power supply of the fall protection mechanism schematically shown in Fig. 1 .

[0092] With reference to Figs. 6 and 7, it should be mentioned that the solution may be implemented in alternative embodiments, such as in order to adapt to existing conditions at the installation site. Figs. 6 and 7 thus show a couple of embodiments in which the links 10 extend out of the door frame element 6, and the spring members 11 are arranged on the outside of the door

[0093] RECORD COPY TRANSLATION (Rule 12.4) 10 03-11-2024 frame element instead of inside it. The embodiment of Fig. 6 also differs in that the spring member 11 is designed here as a compression spring. Furthermore, a brace 24 is arranged between the links 10 as an extra connection for transferring the force of the compression spring to the other links 10.

[0094] In an alternative embodiment, a spring member 11 may instead consist of a leaf spring which is inserted between the step rail 2 and the door frame element 6. A leaf spring may, where applicable, be wave-shaped in order to bias the step rail towards the runner 4 and the piston 1 in a flattened state in the rest position of the step rail.

[0095] The embodiment of Fig. 7 is also distinguished by a cable 25, which at the reference numeral 26 is anchored with one end to the step rail 2 and at its other end is connected to the holding mechanism 18, via a break roller 27. By means of the cable, the step rail 2 may be lifted to the rest position to be secured by the holding mechanism.

[0096] It should also be mentioned that the pawl 1 advantageously has an upper side extending from the runner 4 and inclined obliquely downwards relative to a horizontal plane h. In Fig. 2, the upper side of the pawl is denoted by the reference numeral T. The embodiment makes it possible, after release of the fall protection mechanism, to forcefully lift the runner 4 and the pawl 1 out of engagement with the step rail 2, while sliding against a step 3 located above the pawl and against the force of the spring member 11. The inclination a in the upper side T of the pawl may be in the order of 20 to 70 degrees, and preferably amounts to between 45 and 65 degrees as seen in the clockwise direction from the horizontal plane h according to the drawing.

[0097] Correspondingly, the pawl 1 may advantageously have an underside extending from the runner 4 and inclined obliquely downwards relative to a horizontal plane h. In Fig. 2, the underside of the pawl is denoted by the reference numeral 1". The embodiment contributes to pulling the step rail 2 inwards towards the runner 4 when the tip of the pawl is captured by a step 3 located below the pawl, or by an upper edge 28 of the current step 3 (Fig. 5). The inclination of the underside 1" of the pawl relative to the horizontal plane may also in this case be in the order of 20 to 70 degrees as seen in a clockwise direction from the horizontal plane h according to the drawing.

[0098] In addition, the upper edge 28 of the step 3 may be upset and curved outwards / forwards, in the direction of the pawl 1 , in order to further ensure that the piston is caught by the steps or openings 3 of the step rail when the fall protection mechanism is released. Such upsetting, see Fig. 5, may be added when forming the steps / openings 3 by punching.

[0099] It can also be added that the pawl 1 may be elastically supported at the runner 4 and movably arranged as well as influenced by an elastic element 29, such as a compression spring or a rubber buffer, for example, which biases the piston 1 downwards in the fall

[0100] RECORD COPY TRANSLATION (Rule 12.4) 11 03-11-2024 direction F of the door. In this way, a damping of the braking of the door leaf is achieved when the fall protection mechanism is released.

[0101] Alternative embodiment with fixed piston and movable step rail

[0102] With reference to Fig. 8 to Fig. 14, an alternative embodiment of a fall protection mechanism included in an industrial door system will now be described. More specifically, the step rail 2 here, on each side, exhibits two or more laterally projecting pins 30, which are slidably received in respective grooves 31 formed in a plate 32 joined to the door frame element 6. The grooves 31, which extend with an inclination obliquely downwards in the direction from the door frame element 6 and towards the movement path V of the runner and pawl, control and force the step rail 2 to move into the released position through a movement parallel to the doorframe element 6, while maintaining the vertical orientation of the step rail 2. Said plate 32 may alternatively be omitted in favor of guide grooves which are formed directly into the side pieces of the door frame element (not shown).

[0103] The mentioned plate 32 can alternatively be omitted in favor of guide grooves formed directly in the side sections of the door frame element (not shown).

[0104] Embodiment of reset mechanism for movable step rail

[0105] With particular reference to Fig. 14, a reset mechanism will now be described, effective for returning the step rail 2 from a released position to the rest position after release.

[0106] The reset mechanism includes a shoulder 33 arranged on the runner 4, or integrally formed in the pawl 1, which cooperates with a pusher 34 supported on the step rail 2. The shoulder 33 may have a support surface 35 inclined obliquely inwards towards the runner 4. In the design integrated with the pawl 1 the support surface 35 transitions into the upper side 36 of the pawl, wherein the transition may be stepless or include a radius or a transition marked in some other way. The pusher 34 comprises a rod 38 telescopically movable in a housing 37 and being spring-loaded and biased in its longitudinal direction. The rod 38 has an end 39 that suspends downwards in front of the step rail 2 on the side of the step rail that faces the runner 4 and the pawl 1. The rod 38 and the end of the rod 39 are thus located inside the movement path V of the pawl when the fall protection has been released and the step rail has assumed its forward / downwardly folded position according to Fig. 14. To reset the step rail to the rest position, see Figs. 8 - 9 and Fig. 12, the lifting assembly of the industrial door system is operated to lift the door leaf whereby the end 39 of the pusher's rod 38 will be caught by the shoulder 33 and brought along with the upward movement of the pawl 1. In this movement, the step rail 2 is brought upwards and forced by the guides into contact with

[0107] RECORD COPY TRANSLATION (Rule 12.4) 12 03-11-2024 the holding magnet / electromagnet 18, which may again be magnetized to hold the step rail in the rest position.

[0108] The housing 37 of the pusher may consist of a pipe element arranged at the step rail 2. The housing 37 and the rod 38 may alternatively form a gas spring member. The gas spring member 37, 38 may be hingedly suspended in a bracket 40 formed on the step rail 2. A hinged suspension of the pusher 34 ensures that it remains in engagement with the shoulder 33 during lifting of the step rail back to the rest position.

[0109] Embodiment of spring biasing of movable step rail

[0110] With reference to Figs. 8 to 11 and Fig. 13, an alternative embodiment of the spring biasing of the step rail 2 in the direction of its released position will now be described. More precisely, this embodiment includes a compression spring 41 which is arranged to act between a plate 42 arranged on the step rail 2 and a bracket 43 arranged on the door frame element 6. The plate 42 and the bracket 43 may both have a horizontal orientation and, where appropriate, extend perpendicular to the respective carrier, i.e. the plate 42 may be oriented orthogonally to the step rail 2 and the bracket 43 may be oriented orthogonally to the doorframe element 6. The compression spring 41 is in the embodiment a spiral spring which is supported around a bolt 44. The bolt 44 is suspended in the bracket 43 and extends with its upper end movable through a long hole 45 formed in the bracket 43, see Figs. 12-13. The lower end of the bolt 44 extends axially movable through a hole provided in the plate 42. Nuts at both ends of the bolt prevent the bolt from becoming detached from the plate and the bracket, but otherwise allow the bolt to be freely movable in the two fasteners 42, 43.

[0111] Embodiment of electrical control

[0112] With reference to Fig. 15, electrical control and functionality monitoring of an electrically supplied fall protection mechanism included in the industrial door system will now be described.

[0113] A lifting assembly generally designated by the reference numeral 46 comprises a motor 47 with a motor shaft 48. The lifting assembly of the industrial door system may, where applicable, comprise a reduction gear 49 connected after the motor. A drive shaft 50, extending from either the motor 47 or the reduction gear 49, supports a cable drum 51 corotating with the drive shaft. The cable drum 51 is designed for winding and unwinding a lifting cable 9, which is connected to the runner 4. The runner 4, which is connected to the bottom beam 8 of the door leaf, is slidably supported and guided in the door frame element 6. A sliding bearing 52 (see also Figs. 12 - 13) may be attached to facilitate the sliding of the runner in the door frame element. The step rail 2 is arranged in the door frame element in the manner described above and forced by guides to move parallel to the door frame element

[0114] RECORD COPY TRANSLATION (Rule 12.4) 13 03-11-2024 when the fall protection is released. In the rest position, the step rail 2 is held by a holding mechanism 18 which in this embodiment is mounted in the door frame element 6. A corresponding arrangement may typically also be arranged on the opposite side of the industrial door system.

[0115] The holding mechanism 18 is preferably an electromagnetic holding magnet 18 which is supplied with drive voltage from a control circuit 53. The control circuit 53 is a programmable logic unit which in a known manner includes a processor, memory storage function and software which may be accessed for programming via a connected cable or wirelessly. The control circuit 53 is suitably arranged to require authorized access. The control circuit 53 includes a voltage supply relay 54 effective for supplying power to the holding magnet 18. The control circuit may further be assigned to an AC / DC converter for converting mains voltage such as 220-240 V to a voltage suitable for the holding magnet 18, such as 12 or 24 V direct-current voltage. The holding magnet 18 may, however, alternatively consist of a magnet that is operated on alternating voltage. Commercially available holding magnets, suitable for implementation in an industrial door system according to the invention, are available in different sizes and with different holding forces. As a guide for practicing the invention, and only in the form of a non-limiting example, as an example of commercially available holding magnets suitable for implementation in an industrial door system, the model EM5030 sold by the company TRANSMOTEC® may be mentioned, which has a holding force of about 600 N and a working temperature range of about -20 °C to about +40 °C.

[0116] The control circuit 53 is arranged to monitor the functionality of the lifting assembly 46 by means of one or more sensors or detectors 55, 56 which register the rotational speed of at least one of the motor / motor shaft 48, the drive shaft 50 or the cable drum 51. By rotational speed is meant here the number of rotations per time unit which is performed by the current component; alternative expressions for this may e.g. be angular speed or rotational frequency. If the detected actual rotational speed when compared in the control circuit 53 differs from a predetermined value, this indicates a malfunction resulting in the activation of the fall protection mechanism. If the rotational speed of either of the shafts 48, 50 or the cable drum 51 exceeds a predetermined maximum value, this also results in the activation of the fall protection mechanism. If the acceleration of either of the shafts 48, 50 or the cable drum 51 exceeds a predetermined acceleration, it may result in the activation of the fall protection mechanism.

[0117] The sensors 55, 56 are suitably and preferably made up of inductive sensors which measure the rotational speed of the respective shaft or of the cable drum. As an alternative, rotational speed registration may instead form the basis for the comparison in the control circuit 53. In an embodiment with a frequency-controlled motor, a frequency converter and the set

[0118] RECORD COPY TRANSLATION (Rule 12.4) 14 03-11-2024 rotational speed of the motor may form the basis for a comparison with the registered rotational frequency of the drive shaft or the cable drum.

[0119] The sensor 55, 56 may also be utilized to check the functionality of the electric engine brake when the lifting assembly is stopped on command, with the door leaf in the lifting position. If the control system registers rotation of either of the shafts 48, 50 or of the cable drum 51 during a commanded stop, this indicates a fault in the engine brake.

[0120] However, failure of the engine brake does not always have to result in the activation of the fall protection mechanism. If the rotational speed of the shafts 48 and 50 falls below a predetermined value at a commanded stop, this may instead result in an optical or an audible alarm signal sent from the control circuit 53.

[0121] The control circuit 53 is provided with one or more inputs 57, 58 for receiving sensor signals from sensors for registering rotational speeds of at least one of the motor, the drive shaft or the cable drum. The control circuit 53 is also provided with at least one output 59 for supplying drive voltage to the electromagnet.

[0122] In addition, the control circuit 53 may be arranged to receive a signal from a load-sensing means, generally designated with the reference numeral 64, see Fig. 20, effective to monitor the load of the lifting cable 9, 211. A means effective for this purpose may be given different designs. In the embodiment shown, the load-sensing means 64 comprises a counterweight- balanced lever arm 65, which at one end is pivotally mounted in a stand 66 connected to the door frame element 6, 202. The free end of the lever arm 65 is suspended from a length of the lifting cable 9, 211 running over the cable drum 51. If the lifting cable 9, 211 breaks, the lever arm falls down, whereby a cam 67 in the pivotally mounted end of the lever arm 65 affects a switch 68 to directly, or indirectly via the control circuit 53, interrupt the power supply of the holding magnet 18, 216.

[0123] Embodiment of functionality testing

[0124] For testing the electronics and electrical functionality of the fall protection mechanism, the control circuit 53 is connected, via a signal line 60, to a control unit 61 containing a keypad with which commands may be given to the lifting assembly 47 for lifting and lowering the door leaf. By giving the control circuit 53 a command from the control unit 61 to break the voltage to the holding magnet 18, a status testing of the control circuit is initiated, especially of the voltage supply relay 54 included in the control circuit. Within a short lapse of time, such as within a few tens of ms, e.g. within about 10 to about 40 ms, the voltage supply to the holding magnet 18 is restored if no fault is indicated in the voltage supply relay. This testing may be performed without the activation of the fall protection due to some lag or hysteresis in the magnetization present in magnetizable materials such as iron.

[0125] RECORD COPY TRANSLATION (Rule 12.4) 15 03-11-2024

[0126] Testing of the electrical supply and the control of the fall protection mechanism may therefore be carried out as a routine built into the control unit 61 and the control circuit 53 in connection with lifting and / or lowering the door leaf. Functionality testing may alternatively also be carried out separately from operating the door leaf. The testing frequency may advantageously amount to once per operating cycle, i.e. for each time the door leaf performs a lifting and lowering movement.

[0127] More specifically, the flowchart of Fig. 16 is an illustrative example of a testing routine that may be initiated automatically or on a special command when command is given via the control unit 61 to lower the door leaf from a raised position.

[0128] In this context, it may be added that when the door leaf is in the open and raised position, readings of the rotational speeds of rotating components should take place continuously in order to detect any deficiencies or faults in the lifting assembly. When the door is closed, no continuous reading of rotational speeds needs to take place. After pressing the keypad and before activating the lifting assembly, a test of the functionality of the power supply / voltage supply relay is performed at each operating cycle.

[0129] The flowchart of Fig. 16 shows, on the one hand, monitoring of the electrically controlled fall protection mechanism during stop and movement, respectively, and on the other hand testing of the electrical circuit included in monitoring and controlling of the fall protection mechanism.

[0130] When the door leaf is in the stop position 100, in step 101 a monitoring is continuously carried out via sensors 55, 56 that no rotation occurs in the motor, the drive shaft or the cable drum, in other words it is continuously checked in step 101 that the angular speed of one or more of these components is zero during parking of the door leaf (in raised position). In addition, in step 101, a continuous monitoring may be carried out via load sensing means that the lifting cable is intact. If the sensor monitoring detects rotation of either the motor, the drive shaft or the lifting cable, or if the load sensing means indicates a failure of the lifting cable, the fall protection is activated according to step 102.

[0131] When on the other hand, the door leaf is in motion, in step 103 a check is continuously carried out via sensors 55, 56 that the rotation of the motor, the drive shaft or the cable drum corresponds to a predetermined angular speed of said components during the movement of the door leaf. In addition, in step 103, a continuous monitoring may be carried out via the load sensing means that the lifting cable is intact. If in step 103 a deviation is found between the predetermined and read angular speed, or if it is found that the lifting cable is affected, the fall protection is activated according to step 104.

[0132] Testing of the electronics included in the monitoring and control of the fall protection is suitably carried out at each operating cycle which is initiated by giving a command to raise or

[0133] RECORD COPY TRANSLATION (Rule 12.4) 16 03-11-2024 lower the door leaf according to step 105. When the up / down button is pressed, the current to the electromagnet 18 is interrupted according to step 106. In step 107, it is checked that the electrical circuit, including a voltage supply relay comprised in the circuit, is free from faults. If this is the case, the power supply to the electromagnet is restored according to step 108, whereby the movement of the door leaf is started in step 109. If the check of the electrical circuit in step 107 instead shows a malfunction, the fall protection is activated according to step 110.

[0134] Embodiment with energy absorption

[0135] A fall protection according to the invention may be dimensioned for industrial door systems of different sizes and for door leaves of different sizes and weights. It is understood that any unforeseen activation of the fall protection mechanism results in a consumed step rail as the strength of the step rail is compromised by the engagement of a down-rushing pawl in the fall direction. More precisely, the step rail may be arranged to gradually brake the falling door leaf through a controlled deformation caused by the engagement of the pawl with the steps of the step rail. In a step rail made of sheet steel bent to the cross-sectional shape of a U, the vertical length of the steps and the height of the part of the steel material lying between the openings may be dimensioned and adapted in such a way that an abrupt stop is avoided, and so that the braking of the door leaf takes place smoothly. For this purpose, the material of steps or parts of the step rail lying between openings may include weakenings or deformation indicators. For example, deformation lines 62, see Fig. 11, may be arranged to extend in the extension of the side edges of the steps / openings, thereby achieving a controlled deformation of the current part of material 63. Said part of material 63 may thus be deformed and crumpled together along these deformation lines without the general integrity of the step rail, enhanced by the U-shape, being affected.

[0136] Other measures to achieve a controlled deformation of the step rail and a soft braking of the door leaf may, where applicable, include asymmetrical distribution of the force absorption capacity in the longitudinal direction of the step rail. For this purpose, the vertical length of the steps or openings and / or the vertical height of the intermediate sections of the material may be varied in the longitudinal direction of the step rail as an adaptation to the acceleration of the door leaf and the associated increase in the deformation force in the fall direction.

[0137] The above-mentioned and other similar measures taken for a controlled deformation and absorption of deformation forces form a complement to the previously described resilient mounting of the pawl 1 to achieve a smooth braking of a falling door leaf.

[0138] RECORD COPY TRANSLATION (Rule 12.4) 17 03-11-2024

[0139] Embodiment with movable piston and fixed step rail

[0140] With reference to Fig. 17 to Fig. 19, an industrial door system will now be described in which an electrically supplied fall protection mechanism 200 includes a movable piston 201 which, when the fall protection is released, is brought into engagement with a step rail 203 fixed in a door frame element 202. The step rail 203 may, as in other embodiments, consist of a number of successively arranged steps, openings, teeth or the like which form engagement positions 204 for the piston 201 in an engaging position.

[0141] The piston 201 is arranged in a runner 206 connected to a bottom beam 205 which, during opening and closing of the door leaf, runs in a guide 207 formed in the door frame element. The runner 206 includes a coupling part 208 attached to the end area of the bottom beam

[0142] 205, and a support element 209 connected to the coupling part 208 with a transverse rod 210 to which the lifting cable 211 is anchored. In the support element 209, which is shown in section in Fig. 17, a guide 212 is formed in which the piston 201 is mounted and movable in its longitudinal direction. The guide 212 may include sliding bearings to facilitate the movement of the piston in the horizontal direction H.

[0143] The piston 201 which, for example, may have a circular or four-sided cross-section, is stored in the support element 209 to be able to move between a retracted position in the runner

[0144] 206, in which the piston 201 is passive in a rest position (see Fig. 17), and an advanced position in which the piston 201 is in an active and engaging position with the step rail 203 (see Fig. 18).

[0145] In the retracted position of the piston 201, the piston 201 is loaded and biased in the direction of its extended position by means of a spring member 213. The spring member 213 is arranged to act between the coupling part 208 of the runner and an end plate 214 arranged at the inner end of the piston. During the movement of the piston between the retracted and the advanced positions, a downwardly extending part of the end plate 214 runs in a guide 215 formed in the coupling part 208 of the runner. The guide 215 may have the form of a groove in which the downwardly extending part of the end plate 214 is received.

[0146] An electromagnetic holding magnet 216 is arranged in the runner 206 and effective in its powered position to hold the piston 201 in its retracted position, wherein the end plate 214 is in contact with the holding magnet 216. The holding magnet 216 is powered via a conductor 217 connected to the control circuit 53 (see Fig. 15). The conductor 217 is suitably anchored to the door leaf or the bottom beam so that it runs outwards during lowering of the door leaf and is collected during lifting of the door leaf.

[0147] RECORD COPY TRANSLATION (Rule 12.4) 18 03-11-2024

[0148] Embodiment with reset of movable piston

[0149] Furthermore, a power unit 218 is arranged in the bottom beam 205 which may be driven to reset the piston 201 after the fall protection has been released. Resetting the piston after release enables the door leaf to be raised or lowered after the fall protection has been released. More precisely, the power unit 218 is connected to the piston 201 by means of a linkage element 219. In the advanced position of the piston, that is, during the engagement of the piston with the step rail 203, the linkage element 219 assumes an extended state as shown in Fig. 18. To reset the piston 201 to its retracted position, the power unit is activated to bring the end plate 214 of the piston back, via the linkage element, into contact with the holding magnet 216, which is energized to hold the piston in the retracted position. It is understood that the spring member 213 is thereby compressed to again put the piston under bias in the direction of its advanced position (see Fig. 19).

[0150] After resetting the piston, the power unit 218 may be returned to its initial position, whereby the linkage element 219 is relieved and brought to a slack condition with an unloaded length that allows the piston to move and, where applicable, assume its advanced and engaged position in the event of a new release of the fall protection mechanism.

[0151] The power unit 218 may consist of an electrically driven linear actuator which, for control and activation, is connected to the control circuit 53 via a conductor 220. The conductor 220 may, like the conductor 217, be anchored to the door leaf or the bottom beam so that it runs outwards during lowering of the door leaf and is collected during lifting of the door leaf.

[0152] In the embodiment shown, the linkage element 219 is flexible, and in this embodiment may consist of a wire, a hinged rod or a chain, the length of which is so adapted that the piston 201 may assume its advanced position without the linkage element limiting the axial movement of the piston.

[0153] In an alternative embodiment, a power unit 218 and a piston 201 may be arranged in a straight line. In the alternative embodiment, a corresponding flexible linkage element 219 may be used, and alternatively, the linkage element in such an embodiment may have the form of a rigid rod, whereby, however, it must be ensured that the rod, where applicable, has sufficient free movement in its longitudinal direction so that the piston 201 may assume its advanced position without the rod limiting the axial movement of the piston.

[0154] In a manner corresponding to the previously described embodiment, the piston 201 may be designed as a pawl with an upper side 20T inclining downwards in the direction of the step rail 203, whereby the inclination may, also in this case, be in the order of 20 to 70 degrees relative to a horizontal line.

[0155] Some of the advantages of the invention are that the functionality of the industrial door system may be controlled continuously without interruption of operation through a testing

[0156] RECORD COPY TRANSLATION (Rule 12.4) 19 03-11-2024 routine that may be carried out during normal operation. A fall protection mechanism according to the invention eliminates the need of oversized components in the drive assembly of the industrial door, such as electrical components, motors / motor brakes, any reduction or angle gears. From this, economic and weight advantages may be gained while maintaining and increasing safety.

[0157] RECORD COPY TRANSLATION (Rule 12.4)

Claims

20 03-11-2024CLAIMS1. Industrial door system comprising a door leaf (8') that is not counterweight-balanced, which for opening and closing utilizes at least an electric motor (47), a rotatable drive shaft (50) and a cable drum (51) arranged on, and co-rotating with, the drive shaft(50), a lifting cable (9) suspended from the cable drum and a bottom beam (8) attached to the lifting cable, the bottom beam (8) being connected to a lower end of the door leaf (8'), wherein a vertically oriented door frame element (6) is arranged and designed to control the movement of the door leaf during opening and closing, the system comprising an electrically powered fall protection mechanism (1, 2, 3, 18) arranged in such a way that interruption of power supply results in mechanical engagement between cooperating engagement means in the form of a pawl (1) fixedly arranged in or in connection with the bottom beam (8) and a step rail (2) movably arranged in the door frame element (6), the step rail (2) having a number of successively arranged steps (3) designed for engagement with the pawl (1) upon activation of the fall protection mechanism (1, 2, 3, 18), characterized in that an electromagnetic holding magnet (18) is supported in the door frame element (6) and, in energized state, being operative for holding the step rail (2) in a rest position, wherein the step rail (2) is biased by one or more spring members (11) arranged to act between the door frame element (6) and the step rail (2), said spring members, when the power supply to the holding magnet (18) is interrupted, bringing the step rail (2) to an advanced position in which the step rail (2) assumes an engaging position with the pawl (1).

2. Industrial door system according to claim 1, comprising a reset mechanism (34) arranged to release the engagement means (1 , 3) from the engaging position, the reset mechanism (34) having a pusher (34) arranged on the step rail (2) in the form of a telescopically movable rod (38) which, after activation of the fall protection mechanism (1, 2, 3, 18), is located inside the movement path (V) of the pawl (1) and which, when the door leaf (8') is lifted, is caught by a shoulder (33) arranged on the runner (4) or integrally formed in the pawl (1), and returns the step rail (2) to its rest position.

3. Industrial door system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a sensor (55, 56) is arranged in association with at least one of the motor (47), the drive shaft (50) and the cable drum (51), the at least one sensor being effective for registering the rotational speed of either one of the motor (47), the drive shaft (50) or the cable drum(51), said sensor being connected to a programmable control circuit (53) which is arranged to control the power supply to the holding magnet (18) that is operative inRECORD COPY TRANSLATION (Rule 12.4)21 03-11-2024 the fall protection mechanism, wherein the control circuit (53) is programmed to compare the registered actual rotational speed of at least one of the motor (47), the drive shaft (50) and the cable drum (51) with predetermined rotational speeds stored in the control circuit (53), and based thereon making a decision on whether to supply power or not to the holding magnet (18).

4. Industrial door system according to claim 3, wherein the control circuit (53) is arranged for testing the functionality of a voltage supply relay (54) that is included in the power supply of the fall protection mechanism (1, 2, 3, 18) by interrupting the power supply to the holding magnet (18) on command and to restore the power supply to the holding magnet (18) within a time lapse of one or a few thousandths of a second if the control circuit (53) has not detected a malfunction of the voltage supply relay (54).

5. Industrial door system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a load-sensing means(64) associated with the lifting cable (9), the load-sensing means (64) being operative for interruption of the power supply to the holding magnet (18) in the event of a cable breakage.RECORD COPY TRANSLATION (Rule 12.4)

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