closure system

Abstract

A closure system comprising: a pivotable door (3); a door column extending in a vertical direction, the door column comprising a mounting foot configured to be mounted to the ground and a carrier frame (11), the carrier frame extending in the vertical direction, wherein the pivotable door is hingedly connected to the carrier frame, the carrier frame comprising at least two support members (52) located on opposite sides of the carrier frame; a substantially L-shaped actuator (4a, 4b) at least partially positioned within the carrier frame, the actuator comprising an output member (20, 21) engaging the pivotable door and a further support member (55), wherein the actuator is supported within the carrier frame by the mutual coupling of the support members. The door column and the actuator can be easily assembled by means of the support members by common fixing elements without complex operations.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to European patent application No. EP24223617.2, filed on December 30, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a closed system and a method for at least partially assembling the closed system. Background Technology

[0003] In the field of outdoor closure systems, there are generally two types of gateposts: supporting gateposts (where the closing member is attached) and free gateposts (where the closing member abuts against the free gatepost to close). Gateposts typically differ in size, shape, material, and rigidity due to their different functions.

[0004] In the context of supporting a doorpost, there are various methods for mounting a closing member to the doorpost. This may involve track assemblies, hinge assemblies, door closures, door actuators, etc. Furthermore, each component exists in various different types. For example, hinges can be mounted at the front, back, or side. Door closures can act on either the closing member or the hinge. The door can be centered relative to the doorpost; other alignment methods exist, such as front alignment or back alignment.

[0005] Furthermore, different types of door actuators are known in the art, such as the spring-biased door actuator disclosed in WO 2012 / 103572 intended for closing doors only; the hydraulically damped spring-biased door actuator disclosed in WO 2018 / 228729 intended for closing doors only; and the electrically driven electric door actuator disclosed in WO 2019 / 048359 intended for opening and closing doors. Because such door actuators are electrically driven, they can be used for both opening and closing doors, and are often referred to as "door openers."

[0006] Furthermore, various configurations for the location and manner of setting up electric drives for door actuation are known. Typically, the drive and closing system are provided separately, for example, adjacent to the closing system or located in a dedicated space on the ground. The drive can also be located externally to the doorpost, as disclosed in WO 2019 / 048359, or it can be integrated into the doorpost, as disclosed in EP 2 966 251.

[0007] Generally, due to the number of possible configurations of closed systems and consumer demand, manufacturers and retailers need to stock a large number of parts to meet consumer needs. Significant customization and field assembly are also required, especially when replacing closed systems in existing enclosures. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a closed system that at least partially alleviates one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0009] According to the invention, this is achieved by a closure system comprising: a pivotable door; a doorpost extending vertically between a lower and upper end, the doorpost including mounting feet and a support frame, the mounting feet being disposed at the lower end of the doorpost and the doorpost being configured to be mounted on the ground, the support frame extending vertically between the lower and upper ends, wherein the pivotable door is hingedly connected to the support frame, the support frame including a first set of support members near its upper end, the first set of support members including at least two support members located on opposite sides of the support frame; and an actuator for actuating... The actuator is at least partially positioned within a support frame. The actuator is generally L-shaped and has a first leg and a second leg. The first leg extends vertically between a lower end and a higher end, and the second leg extends outward from the lower end in a transverse direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The actuator includes an output member and a second set of support members. The output member is disposed in the second leg, wherein a pivotable door engages with the output member. The second set of support members corresponds to the first set of support members, wherein the actuator is supported within the support frame by the mutual coupling of the first set of support members and the second set of support members.

[0010] This invention provides a ground-mounted door. The actuator is integrated into the doorpost, which includes mounting feet and a load-bearing frame. The doorpost and actuator can be easily assembled using common fastening elements (e.g., bolts, nuts, screws, etc.) with the aid of support members, without complex operations (e.g., milling, welding, etc.).

[0011] Another advantage of this invention is that the pivotable door engages directly with the output component of the actuator. Therefore, no transmission mechanism is required.

[0012] In practice, the connection between the load-bearing frame and the ground on which it is mounted is crucial, as all forces acting on the load-bearing frame must be transmitted to the ground through the mounting feet. According to the present invention, a direct connection between the load-bearing frame and the mounting feet reduces the risk that intermediate components cannot withstand the relevant forces. This direct connection also involves overlap between the load-bearing frame and the mounting feet, as well as adjacent wall portions, thereby creating a larger contact area, improving force transmission, and reducing localized pressure.

[0013] One embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the actuator is adjustable in the lateral direction relative to the support frame. Preferably, this adjustability is achieved by having a first set of support members and a second set of support members form a sliding interlock extending in the lateral direction, such as a T-slot or dovetail groove. The tongue-shaped portion of the sliding interlock is advantageously disposed on the first set of support members.

[0014] Since the pivotable door is directly connected to the actuator, it is advantageous to allow adjustment of the actuator's position relative to the support frame. More specifically, the clearance between the pivotable door and the doorpost is determined by the position of the actuator relative to the mounting feet. Therefore, adjusting this distance allows for adjustment of the clearance between the door and the doorpost. Using a sliding interlock (e.g., a T-slot, dovetail, etc.) is a convenient way to allow this sliding movement (especially near-continuous sliding movement) while maintaining the basic function of the support structure (i.e., preventing the actuator from moving in any other direction relative to the support frame).

[0015] From a practical perspective, it is desirable to incorporate the sliding interlocking tongue-shaped portion as part of the first support member (i.e., as part of or mounted on the load-bearing frame). More specifically, the opposite scenario (where the load-bearing frame has a recessed portion) requires a less compact design. For example, the walls of the load-bearing frame should be thick enough to accommodate the recess; or a relatively high track should be provided, high enough to accommodate the recess and provide adjacent space for fixing to the load-bearing frame. The tongue-shaped portion can be more easily provided using thin track elements.

[0016] An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a spacer is provided between the load-bearing frame and one of the at least two support members, the spacer extending in a direction perpendicular to both the vertical and horizontal directions, and the spacer is preferably cut from an extruded profile at a certain length.

[0017] A spacer is provided to allow adjustment of the actuator's position relative to the support frame in the depth direction. More specifically, the alignment between the pivotable door and the doorpost depends on the actuator's position relative to the support frame in the depth direction. Therefore, the spacer allows for center alignment, front or rear alignment, or generally any desired alignment.

[0018] Cutting spacers from an extruded profile along a length allows for precise and customized alignment, which may be particularly advantageous when installing within an existing closure where the gateposts may already be installed in the ground.

[0019] An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the actuator is substantially waterproof.

[0020] This reduces the risk of water ingress (which could cause actuator malfunction or reduced functionality).

[0021] An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the support frame is provided with multiple sets of fixed openings, each set of fixed openings being spaced apart from adjacent sets of fixed openings in the vertical direction, and each set of fixed openings including two sets of openings, wherein each set of openings is disposed in one of two opposing walls of the support frame, and each set of openings includes two or more openings aligned in the transverse direction.

[0022] The use of multiple sets of fixed openings allows for convenient assembly of the gateposts using common fixing elements (e.g., bolts, nuts, screws, etc.) without complex operations (e.g., milling, welding, etc.). Multiple connections are also formed between the two opposing walls, creating a stable and robust closed system. This further reduces the risk of misalignment of certain components and the risk of torsional effects.

[0023] A preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the mounting feet and / or the first set of support members are secured to the support frame by a plurality of fixing elements, each of which extends through one of the fixing openings in the plurality of fixing openings. Other components (e.g., spacers, top covers, etc.) are also preferably secured to the support frame using fixing elements, each of which extends through one of the fixing openings.

[0024] Fixed openings and fastening components allow support members and mounting feet to be easily assembled onto the load-bearing frame using common fastening elements (e.g., bolts, nuts, screws, etc.) without complex operations (e.g., milling, welding, etc.).

[0025] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the fixing element for fixing the first set of support members to the load-bearing frame is provided with a spring washer.

[0026] Actuators (especially electric actuators) may vibrate during use. Adding spring washers can reduce the risk of this vibration causing the mounting components to loosen.

[0027] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that each of the plurality of fixed openings is identical and preferably evenly distributed along the upward extension of the support frame.

[0028] Using the same multiple sets of openings allows for the application of the same fixed pattern in different locations and / or on different elements. Providing a uniform set of openings allows for the reuse of the same manufacturing pattern, enabling the formation of load-bearing frames of varying lengths in a simple and convenient manner.

[0029] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the first set of support members includes at least two support members on each of the opposite sides of the load-bearing frame, and the two support members are spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0030] By providing multiple sets of support components, multiple connections are established at multiple heights between the actuator and the load-bearing frame, thus forming a more robust sill-actuator assembly.

[0031] An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the mounting foot is provided with one or more flanges at its lower end, each flange having one or more openings configured to receive a fastening member to fasten the mounting foot to the ground.

[0032] The flange provides a large support area for stable placement of the mounting feet. The fastening opening further reduces unnecessary complexity when installing the closure system.

[0033] One embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the output component of the actuator includes: a rotatable arm fixed to a pivotable door; and a shaft forming a pivot of the pivotable door.

[0034] While the output component can generally be an output protrusion or a toothed opening, it is advantageous to have a protrusion on the actuator. This reduces the space occupied by the second leg of the actuator, so the second leg can typically be made thinner, with the output protrusion extending vertically. The rotating arm serves as a load arm to reduce the force required to move the door.

[0035] An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the actuator includes: a drive mechanism that generally forms the first leg, the drive mechanism including one of a spring biasing mechanism, a hydraulically damped spring biasing mechanism and an electric motor; and a transmission mechanism that generally forms the second leg.

[0036] An electric motor is preferred because it can provide a closed system that can be opened and closed in an automated manner, making it ideal for use as a vehicle passageway.

[0037] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the second set of support members is located approximately between the drive mechanism and the transmission mechanism, particularly close to the output shaft of the drive mechanism.

[0038] This arrangement allows the actuator to remain as compact as possible. By placing the support members (more specifically, T-slots or dovetail slots) in the housing portion around the output shaft of the drive mechanism, the available space around the drive shaft is utilized without increasing the horizontal dimensions of the actuator.

[0039] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the gatepost further includes a top cover and / or an actuator top cover.

[0040] The top cover protects the actuator from atmospheric conditions and can be secured to the support frame using the aforementioned fixing opening. The cover can also be treated with the same surface finish as other components of the closure system (e.g., doors, support frames, etc.).

[0041] An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that: the pivot door is capable of rotating at least 150° relative to the doorpost; and / or the pivot door has a closed position, and the pivot door is capable of rotating relative to the closed position to two different open positions in two different rotation directions.

[0042] Both embodiments essentially belong to the same advantageous closure system, in which the pivotable door can open in both directions of rotation. This is particularly advantageous for pedestrian doors, as the door can always swing away from pedestrians. Especially for people with mobility impairments (e.g., wheelchair users), it is desirable for the door to swing away from them.

[0043] The present invention also relates to a method for at least partially assembling the aforementioned closed system, the method comprising: placing an actuator within a support frame; sliding the support frame onto a mounting foot; connecting the mounting foot, actuator, and support frame together using fixing elements to form a doorpost; and providing the doorpost and a pivotable door for installation on the ground.

[0044] This method relies on the unique advantages offered by the individual components of the closed system: the entire gatepost, including the actuator, can be assembled during manufacturing and then transported to the installation site. This assembly is therefore carried out in a clean and orderly environment, reducing the risk of errors. Subsequently, ordinary personnel can complete the final installation without requiring detailed knowledge of gatepost assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0045] The present invention will be further illustrated by the following description and accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 A closed system according to the present invention is shown.

[0047] Figure 2A and Figure 2B They are shown respectively Figure 1 The front and rear views of the closure system are shown, with the focus on the goalpost and the goalpost cover component removed.

[0048] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 An exploded view of the top of the gatepost of the closed system illustrates the relationship between the load-bearing frame and the cover components.

[0049] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1An exploded view of the top of the gatepost of the closed system illustrates the relationship between the load-bearing frame and the actuator.

[0050] Figure 5A A perspective view of the closed system according to the present invention is shown; Figure 5B It shows Figure 5A A top view of a closed system.

[0051] Figure 6 A partially exploded view of an actuator for a closed system according to the present invention is shown.

[0052] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 A vertical cross-sectional view of the assembled actuator. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The invention will be described with reference to specific embodiments and certain accompanying drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto, but is limited only by the claims. The described drawings are merely illustrative and not restrictive. In the drawings, the sizes of some elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. Dimensions and relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to an actual reduction in practice of the invention.

[0054] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used in the specification and claims are used to distinguish similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe a sequence or order. These terms are interchangeable where appropriate, and embodiments of the invention may operate in a sequence other than that described or shown herein.

[0055] Furthermore, the terms such as upper, lower, above, below, left, right, front, and rear used in the specification and claims are for descriptive purposes. Such terms are interchangeable where appropriate, and the embodiments of the invention described herein may operate in orientations other than those described or shown herein.

[0056] Furthermore, although the various embodiments are referred to as "preferred embodiments", they should be interpreted as exemplary ways in which the invention can be implemented, rather than as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0057] The term "approximately" includes variations of ±10% or less of the specified state, preferably ±5% or less, more preferably ±1% or less, and even more preferably ±0.1% or less, provided that such variations are appropriate for the functionality of the invention. It should be understood that the term "approximately A" is intended to include "A".

[0058] The present invention generally relates to a closed system, particularly an outdoor closed system, which is part of a enclosure. Figure 1A closure system 1 according to the invention is shown, comprising a support post 2 that serves as a support for a pivotable door 3 (or more generally, a closure member such as a gate, door, or window). The post 2 extends vertically 15 between a lower end 2a and an upper end 2b. The pivotable door 3 is connected to the post 2 via a lower hinge 5. The upper end of the pivotable door 3 directly engages with an actuator 4, which is primarily integrated into the post 2.

[0059] Figure 1 The closure system 1 shown is intended to be installed directly on top of the ground. In other words, the lower end 2a of the gatepost 2 rests directly on the ground. However, in an embodiment not shown, the lower end 2a of the gatepost 2 may be buried in the ground.

[0060] The lower hinge 5 in the closing system 1 can be any kind of hinge known in the art, especially the eyebolt hinge disclosed in, for example, EP 1 528 202, EP 2 778 331 or EP 3 162 997, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0061] Figure 1 The diagram also indicates the approximate direction and orientation. More specifically, there are a vertical direction 15, a width direction 16, and a depth direction 17. Typically, these three directions 15, 16, and 17 are roughly perpendicular to each other. In practice, the vertical direction 15 is roughly aligned with the vertical direction. The width direction 16 and the depth direction 17 together form a roughly horizontal plane.

[0062] Figure 5A The same closed system 1 is shown in the figure. Figure 5AThe diagram shows that the closing system 1 also includes a free post (also referred to as a second post) 6, which allows for the provision of a mating lock (not shown) and a retainer assembly (not shown). The lock can typically be mounted on and embedded in the door 3, as disclosed in EP 2 186 974, EP 3 153 645, and EP 4 159 962, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the lock can be surface-mounted on the door 3, as disclosed in EP 1 118 739, EP 2915 939, and EP 4 191 007, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The retainer can typically be mounted on the second post 6. The retainer can be embedded in the free post 6 or surface-mounted on the free post 6. EP 1600 584, EP 3 109 381, EP 3 153 645, EP 3 239 440, EP 3 421 695, EP 4 159 962 and EP 4 245 951 disclose examples of suitable recessed retainers or surface-mount retainers, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. WO 2007 / 009998 or WO 2019 / 228896 disclose examples of suitable fastening device assemblies for securing surface-mount retainers to free post, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0063] Figure 2A and Figure 2B The closure system 1 is shown with its various cover components (described below) removed. The closure system 1 includes the following components: a pivotable door 3, mounting feet 10, actuators 4, and a support frame 11. The mounting feet 10, the support frame 11, and the actuators 4 together form the doorpost 2.

[0064] like Figure 4 As shown, the actuator 4 is generally L-shaped and has a first leg 4a extending in the vertical direction 15 and a second leg 4b extending in the width direction 16. The first leg 4a is integrated into the doorpost 2, and the second leg 4b extends beyond the doorpost 2 so that the pivotable door 3 can engage with the second leg. The two legs 4a and 4b intersect in the upper housing portion 14.

[0065] The second leg 4b is provided with a pivot 20, on which the door 3 is mounted. A rotatable arm 21 extends outward from the second leg 4b and is fixed to the door 3. The arm 21 transmits rotation between the actuator 4 and the door 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 20 and the arm 21 are integrally formed components, fixed to the output gear shaft (not shown) of the actuator 4. In some embodiments, the arm may be omitted, and the pivot 20 may be formed as a gear shaft. Furthermore, it is apparent that in yet other embodiments, the pivot 20 may also be replaced by a gear hole, in which case the gear shaft is disposed on the door 3.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, actuator 4 is an electric actuator, comprising an electric drive and a transmission mechanism, the end of which is located on output shaft 20. The electric drive is formed from various components in the first leg 4a, while the transmission mechanism is integrated in the lower housing portion 14 and / or the second leg 4b. It is apparent that in other embodiments, the electric drive can be replaced by a spring-biased mechanism or a hydraulically damped spring-biased mechanism with a suitable transmission mechanism. Thus, the closure system according to the invention is applicable to both pedestrian doors and vehicle doors.

[0067] Figure 6 The actuator 4 with hydraulic damping spring bias is shown in an exploded view. The upper part of the actuator 4 (i.e., the upper housing portion 14 and the second leg 4b) remains substantially unchanged. The main difference lies in the first leg 4a, which is a different drive mechanism. The hydraulic damping spring bias mechanism 4a is secured to the upper housing portion 14 by a threaded fastener 93, which extends through a fixed opening 94 into a threaded area 92 provided in the upper housing portion 14.

[0068] Suitable hydraulic damping spring biasing mechanisms are disclosed in WO 2018 / 228729 and EP 3 907 417, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. These hydraulic damping spring biasing mechanisms have a damping shaft 90 with two easily accessible ends, both of which can engage with gear holes 91 provided in the upper housing portion 14. Depending on the orientation of the hydraulic damping spring biasing mechanism 4a (i.e., upright or inverted), mechanism 4a can operate a right-hand pivot door and a left-hand pivot door 3. An adjustment device 95 can be provided to change the closing speed and / or end stroke of the pivot door 3, as disclosed in WO 2018 / 228729 (particularly Figures 15 to 17B).

[0069] It should be understood that actuator 4 is a largely waterproof component to prevent water from seeping in (which could hinder the operation of the actuator).

[0070] like Figure 5B As shown, the closing system 1 can provide a saloon effect because the closing member (e.g., the pivotable door 3) can swing in both directions relative to the doorpost 2. This uses Figure 5B The arrows in the diagram indicate this.

[0071] Generally, the gatepost 2 has four walls. More specifically, each gatepost has: a door-facing wall facing the closing member 3, an opposite wall away from the closing member 3, a front wall generally facing the outside of the closed area, and a rear wall generally facing the closed area.

[0072] The load-bearing frame 11 extends vertically 15. The load-bearing frame 11 is a primary structural component of the gatepost 2 and therefore needs to be able to withstand the weight and forces associated with the pivotable gate 3 mounted thereon. To achieve the desired strength and stiffness, the load-bearing frame 11 is typically a single-piece component. This can be achieved by extruding the load-bearing frame 11 from a metal (e.g., aluminum). It can also be achieved by hot-rolling or cold-rolling a seamless metal (e.g., steel, tubing). Various openings and cuts described later can be formed by removing excess material from the extruded, hot-rolled, or cold-rolled metal tube (e.g., by laser cutting, milling, etc.). The metal of the load-bearing frame 11 can be of various thicknesses, with suitable values ​​between 1 millimeter (mm) and 1 centimeter (cm), for example, values ​​of 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, or 9 mm. The thickness also depends on the specific metal used and the manufacturing process.

[0073] The load-bearing frame 11 generally has a front wall and a rear wall, as well as two side walls, which are collectively designated as reference number 25 and the two side walls are collectively designated as reference number 26. The side walls 26 extend along the depth direction 17, while the front / rear walls 25 extend along the width direction 16.

[0074] Another important aspect of achieving the desired strength and stiffness is the cross-sectional shape of the load-bearing frame 11 in the horizontal plane. This shape is typically I-shaped. This shape is formed because the outermost portion of the front / rear wall 25 is concave relative to the side wall 26. As a result, each corner of the load-bearing frame 11 comprises two parallel wall sections connected by a 180° fold. Each corner possesses high stiffness and strength due to this shape and is not easily bent under high pressure. As an example, each parallel wall section may overlap by approximately 1 cm to 3 cm in the depth direction 17 and may be spaced apart by approximately 0.5 cm to 2 cm in the width direction 16. Of course, other specific dimensions are also possible and depend on the choice of material. This shape provides very high stiffness, thus avoiding the use of very thick (e.g., 2 cm or more) sheet metal to form the load-bearing frame 11. While such thickness provides the desired strength and stiffness, it would negatively impact the weight, cost, and size of the load-bearing frame 11.

[0075] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the front wall 25 forms a generally flat area in which a repeating pattern of openings is provided. The same pattern is also provided in the rear wall 25. This repeating pattern is disclosed in detail in unpublished European patent application 24160956.9, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0076] Regarding the closure system 1 of the present invention, the most relevant aspect of the repeating pattern of the openings is the three fixed openings 28 aligned with each other along the width direction 16. It will be understood that these openings 28 may not be aligned with the width direction, and can have a tolerance of up to 10° offset, thus the left or right opening may be higher or lower than another opening. The openings 28 are symmetrical about the central vertical plane. These three identical fixed openings 28 are evenly distributed along the support frame 11 in the vertical direction 15, as shown... Figure 2A and Figure 2B Clearly shown, the spacing between every three fixed openings 28 in the vertical direction 15 is typically about 2 cm, about 3 cm, or about 4 cm. This allows the same structural and / or functional components to be fixed to the load-bearing frame 11 at different height locations without modification.

[0077] As used herein, the term "set of fixed openings" is intended to refer to at least two openings, one of which is located in the front wall of the gatepost and the other in the rear wall of the gatepost, the two openings being aligned with each other in the vertical direction 15 and the width direction 16. For example, a set of fixed openings in a load-bearing frame is therefore intended to refer to one of the three openings 28 in the front wall 25, and its corresponding opening in the rear wall 25 located at the same height and width.

[0078] Each fixed opening 28 is sized to receive a threaded fastener. In this case, using a circular opening 28 is advantageous, although not necessary. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 28 is sized to receive an M8 threaded fastener.

[0079] Mounting feet 10 are provided to connect the load-bearing frame 11 to the ground on which the gatepost 2 is mounted. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The image shows a mounting foot 10, which is designed to be placed on top of the ground. The mounting foot 10 extends vertically 15 between its lower and upper ends. A flange 35 is provided at the lower end. This flange 35 can be continuous (e.g., ...). Figure 2A and 2B As shown), it can be divided into several parts. Several fixing openings 36 are provided on the flange 35. The flange 35 with the fixing openings 36 is used to install the mounting feet 10.

[0080] Mounting foot 10 has a front wall and a rear wall, both extending vertically 15. Multiple fixing openings are provided on the front / rear wall. The pattern of these openings is the same as that of the openings in the support frame 11. Once the support frame 11 is slid onto the mounting foot 10, these components are secured together using fastening members 29. The height of the mounting foot 10 is preferably at least 10 cm or 15 cm so that the multiple openings overlap between the mounting foot and the support frame 11, thereby ensuring a secure connection between the support frame 11 and the mounting foot 10. A large contact area between the wall of the mounting foot 10 and the wall of the support frame 11 also contributes to this.

[0081] It is readily understood that the mounting foot should be interpreted broadly and can be composed of many different kinds of components. In its simplest form, the mounting foot is a flange directly welded to the bottom of the support frame 11. Fully integrated and invisible mounting feet are also possible, as disclosed in unpublished European patent application 24160956.9, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0082] Back Figure 4 The arrangement of the actuator 4 within the support frame 11 will be described. For this purpose, elongated support members 52 are mounted to the support frame 11 through fixing openings 28. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of upper openings and a pair of lower openings 28 are used to allow two support members 52 to be mounted on each wall 25. Fasteners 51 are provided to secure the support members 52 to the support frame 11. These fasteners 51 engage with threaded openings 53 provided in the support members 52. Each fastener 51 is provided with a spring washer 49 to reduce the risk of loosening due to actuator vibration.

[0083] Because of the presence of one or more spacers 54, the support member 52 can be spaced apart from the wall 25. The spacers 54 can be cut from an extruded profile along a length. The spacers are positioned between the wall 25 and the support member 52 and are secured using the same fasteners 51. The spacers 54 are used to change the position of the actuator 4 relative to the support frame 11 in the depth direction 17.

[0084] The upper housing portion 14 of the actuator 4 is provided with elongated grooves 55. Support members 52 are received within these grooves 55. Before the fasteners 51 are tightened, the support members 52 and the grooves 55 form an interlocking slide (e.g., T-slots, dovetail grooves, etc.), which allows the actuator 4 to slide relative to the support frame 11 in the width direction 16. Tightening the fasteners 51 prevents this sliding movement.

[0085] Figure 7The T-shaped groove shape of the recess 55 is also clearly shown. The vertical arrangement of these recesses 55 is specifically chosen to be located within the upper housing 14, with the actuating mechanism 4a below the recess 55 and the transmission mechanism 4b above the recess 55, and the actuating mechanism 4a and the transmission mechanism 4b are also spaced apart in the width direction 16. This allows the actuator 4 to be held in place, and thus keeps the gatepost 2 as compact as possible. For example, if the recess 55 surrounded the actuating mechanism 4b, this would result in an increase in the thickness of the actuating mechanism 4b or a reduction in the space available for the actuating mechanism 4b, which would negatively impact its strength, robustness, operation, etc.

[0086] Generally, as part of this invention, the entire closure system 1 can be assembled solely by threaded fasteners, clamping nuts, and sawing. Importantly, no welding is required. Therefore, all gatepost components can undergo final surface treatment (e.g., powder coating) during manufacturing. The gatepost 2 can then be transported to the installation site along with the pivoting gate 3, where it can be easily installed into the ground without the need for specialized technicians.

[0087] Goalpost 2 may include Figure 3 and Figure 4 One or more cover portions are shown. The front and rear walls 25 are completed by cover profile 60. This cover profile 60 and how it is mounted on the support frame 11 are disclosed in detail in unpublished European patent application 24160956.9, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0088] In the illustrated embodiment, a top cover 61 is also provided. The top cover 61 is mounted via an intermediate mounting plate 62, which is secured to the mounting plate 62 by threaded fasteners 63. The mounting plate 62 has a flange edge 66 with fixing openings 67 that align with fixing openings 28 in the support frame 11. Threaded fasteners 68 are used to secure the mounting plate 62 to the support frame 11. The top cover 61 also has a flange edge 65 that covers the top portion of the cover profiles 60 to facilitate abutment of these cover profiles against the support frame 11, as described in unpublished European patent application 24160956.9.

[0089] There is also an actuator top cover 70, which is secured to the actuator 4 by a threaded fastener 71 extending through the opening 72 into the threaded area 73 of the actuator 4. The visual appearance of the actuator top cover 70 may be the same as that of the other cover elements 60, 61 and / or the doorpost 2 and the pivotable door 3.

[0090] Although many aspects of this disclosure have been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it will be readily understood that these aspects may be implemented in other forms within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A closed system, comprising: - Revolving door; - A gatepost, extending vertically between its lower and upper ends, the gatepost comprising: - Mounting feet, the mounting feet being disposed at the lower end of the goalpost, the goalpost being configured to be mounted on the ground; and - A load-bearing frame extending between a lower and upper end along the vertical direction, wherein the pivotable door hinge is grounded to the load-bearing frame, the load-bearing frame including a first set of support members near its upper end, the first set of support members including at least two support members located on opposite sides of the load-bearing frame; - An actuator, at least partially positioned within the support frame, the actuator being generally L-shaped, the actuator having a first leg and a second leg, the first leg extending between a lower and upper end along the vertical direction, and the second leg extending outward from the lower end along a transverse direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, the actuator comprising: - An output member disposed in the second leg, wherein the pivotable door engages with the output member; and - A second set of support members, corresponding to the first set of support members, wherein the actuator is supported within the load-bearing frame through the mutual coupling of the first set of support members and the second set of support members.

2. The closed system according to claim 1, wherein, The actuator is adjustable relative to the support frame in the lateral direction.

3. The closed system according to claim 2, wherein, The first set of support members and the second set of support members form a sliding interlock extending in the lateral direction, such as a T-slot or a dovetail slot.

4. The closed system according to claim 1, wherein, A spacer is provided between the load-bearing frame and one of the at least two support members, the spacer extending in a direction perpendicular to the vertical and horizontal directions, and preferably the spacer being cut from an extruded profile at a certain length.

5. The closed system according to claim 1, wherein, The actuator is substantially waterproof.

6. The closed system according to claim 1, wherein, The load-bearing frame is provided with multiple sets of fixed openings, each set of fixed openings being spaced apart from adjacent sets of fixed openings in the vertical direction, and each set of fixed openings including two sets of openings, wherein each set of openings is disposed in one of the two opposing walls of the load-bearing frame, and each set of openings includes two or more openings aligned in the transverse direction.

7. The closed system according to claim 6, wherein, The mounting feet and / or the first set of support members are secured to the load-bearing frame by a plurality of fixing elements, each of the plurality of fixing elements extending through one of the fixing openings in a portion of the plurality of fixing openings.

8. The closed system according to claim 7, wherein, The plurality of fixing elements used to secure the first set of support members to the load-bearing frame are provided with spring washers.

9. The closed system according to claim 6, wherein, Each of the multiple sets of fixed openings is identical and preferably evenly distributed along the upward extension of the load-bearing frame.

10. The closed system according to claim 1, wherein, The first set of support members includes at least two support members on each of the opposite sides of the load-bearing frame, the at least two support members being spaced apart along the vertical direction.

11. The closed system according to claim 1, wherein, The actuator includes: - A drive mechanism, generally forming the first leg, the drive mechanism including one of a spring biasing mechanism, a hydraulically damped spring biasing mechanism, and an electric motor; and - A transmission mechanism that generally forms the second leg.

12. The closed system according to claim 11, wherein, The second set of support members is located approximately between the drive mechanism and the transmission mechanism, and is particularly close to the output shaft of the drive mechanism.

13. The closed system according to claim 1, wherein, The gatepost also includes a top cover and / or an actuator top cover.

14. The closed system according to claim 1, wherein - The pivotable door can rotate at least 150° relative to the doorpost; and / or - The pivot door has a closed position, and the pivot door is capable of rotating relative to the closed position in two different directions of rotation to two different open positions.

15. A method for at least partially assembling a closed system according to claim 1, the method comprising: - Place the actuator within the support frame; - Slide the load-bearing frame onto the mounting feet; - The mounting feet, the actuator, and the load-bearing frame are connected together using fixing elements to form a gatepost; and - Provide the gateposts and the pivotable door for installation on the ground.

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