Gate guide mechanism

Abstract

Gate Guidance Mechanism The present invention relates to a guidance mechanism for a structure moved in horizontal translation, such as a gate, characterized in that the mechanism comprises: at least one shoe (2) comprising, on the one hand, an anchoring surface (21) to the ground and, on the other hand, at least one cooperation interface (22) with a rail (3) carried by the moved structure, the cooperation interface (22) having a substantially rectilinear arrangement; a straight rail (3) adapted to be mounted under the underside of the moved structure in a manner substantially aligned with the translation axis of the moved structure; the rail (3) comprising, on the one hand, at least one cooperation interface (32) with the shoe (2) to bear against the shoe (2) and, on the other hand, at least one centering interface (41) for the position of the rail (3) relative to the shoe (2). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Gate guide mechanism

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of guidance mechanisms for structures in axial movement and more particularly to the field of guidance mechanisms for sliding gates.

[0002] During the operation of a sliding gate, and particularly during its movement, the gate is translated within its own plane, generally by means of a motorized drive mechanism. Typically, the structure forming the gate panel is mounted to slide relative to the ground surface against which the panel rests. However, such a construction requires the ground surface to be relatively homogeneous in order to allow for smooth interaction with the underside of the gate panel.

[0003] To overcome potential variations in ground surface, an alternative, so-called "self-supporting" design for the gate panel has been developed. The gate panel is supported by an arm positioned as an extension of the panel, which acts as the interface through which the panel moves. This movement occurs in such a way that the gate panel is suspended in a cantilevered position relative to the ground surface, with the motor driving the movement located at the gate arm. However, due to the arm's extension with the gate panel, such an installation requires a considerable amount of space. Furthermore, the suspended movement of the panel generates particularly high stresses on the gate arm, increasing the risk of failure or breakage.

[0004] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a mechanism for the translation of a gate which is able to overcome possible variations in the ground surface while allowing to do without a mechanism for holding the gate panel cantilevered from the ground.

[0005] The invention relates to a guidance mechanism for a structure moved in horizontal translation such as a gate, characterized in that the mechanism comprises: - at least one shoe comprising, on the one hand, a ground anchoring surface and, on the other hand, at least one cooperation interface with a rail carried by the moved structure, the cooperation interface having a substantially rectilinear arrangement, - a straight rail suitable for mounting under the underside of the displaced structure in a manner substantially aligned with the axis of translation of the displaced structure, the rail comprising, on the one hand, at least one interface for cooperation with the shoe to bear against the shoe and, on the other hand, at minus an interface for centering the position of the rail relative to the shoe.

[0006] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a gate mounted to slide horizontally relative to at least one fixed supporting structure, characterized in that the assembly comprises at least one guide mechanism according to the invention.

[0007] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0008] [Fig-1] represents a schematic illustration of an example of the installation of a a guidance mechanism according to the invention for moving a gate in translation,

[0009] [Fig.2] represents a schematic illustration of a first example of construction of a cooperation between a shoe and a rail within a guidance mechanism according to the invention,

[0010] [Fig.3] represents a schematic illustration of a second example of construction of a cooperation between a shoe and a rail within a guidance mechanism according to the invention,

[0011] [Fig.4] represents schematic illustrations, in particular of the upper faces and lower parts of an upper part involved in the construction of a shoe according to the second construction example as illustrated in [Fig.3],

[0012] [Fig. 5] represents schematic illustrations, in particular of the upper faces and lower parts of a lower piece participating in the making of a shoe according to the second construction example as illustrated in [Fig.3],

[0013] [Fig.6] represents schematic illustrations of different faces of an interface additional centering intended to be mounted at the end of a rail in the second construction example as illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0014] The present invention relates to a guidance mechanism for a structure 1 moved in horizontal translation such as a portal, characterized in that the mechanism comprises:

[0015] - at least one shoe 2 comprising, on the one hand, an anchoring surface 21 on the ground and, on the other hand, at least one cooperation interface 22 with a rail 3 carried by the displaced structure 1, the cooperation interface 22 having a substantially rectilinear arrangement,

[0016] - a straight rail 3 suitable for mounting under the underside of the structure 1 displaced in a manner substantially aligned with the translation axis of the displaced structure 1, the rail 3 comprising, on the one hand, at least one cooperation interface 32 with the shoe 2 to bear on the shoe 2 and, on the other hand, at least one centering interface 41 of the position of the rail 3 with respect to the shoe 2.

[0017] It should be noted that, preferably, structure 1 translated by the The guiding mechanism of the invention is a gate, and more particularly at least a part of a gate panel. However, this translated structure 1, which is supported by a rail 3 at its underside, can also correspond to any other type of structure capable of being moved by translation while resting on at least one rail 3 in cooperation with one or more brackets 2.

[0018] The guidance mechanism of the invention thus incorporates one or more shoes 2 positioned and anchored against the ground surface so as to provide, on the one hand, support points for the structure 1 being translated through the rail 3 and, on the other hand, adjustment elements for the travel of the rail 3 and the displaced structure 1 that it supports. The distribution of the shoes 2 against the ground surface by their respective anchoring surfaces 21 is carried out in such a way as to obtain a spacing between the shoes that eliminates the requirement of a homogeneous ground surface for interaction with the displaced structure 1 or with the rail 3 that carries it. The shoe(s) 2 are thus positioned along the axis of the travel of the displaced structure 1 supported by the rail 3.Thus, during its movement, the rail 3 and the supported structure 1 are translated to rest on at least one shoe 2 regardless of the position of the rail 3 and the associated structure 1 along its path.

[0019] With the rail 3 positioned on the underside of the supported structure 1, the cooperation interface 32 of the rail 3 is supported by at least one surface positioned on the underside of the rail 3, so as to interact effectively with the upper surface of the shoe 2 against which the rail 3 rests. Similarly, the cooperation interface 22 of the shoe 2 is positioned, at least partially, on the upper surface of each of the shoes 2 of the mechanism of the invention.

[0020] In order to optimize the efficiency of the rail movement guidance relative to the various shoes, the cooperation interface 32 of the rail 3 with each of the shoes 2 of the mechanism is complementary to the respective cooperation interfaces 22 carried by each of the shoes 2. Preferably, this cooperation is based on a complementary shape in a cross-section plane perpendicular to the axis of movement of the rail 3. The lower face of the rail 3 intended to interact with a shoe 2 has a complementary arrangement with at least a portion of the surface of the upper part of the shoe 2. This complementarity is found in particular in a cross-section plane perpendicular to the axis of translation and / or to the axis of the rail 3. Thus, surfaces carried by one of the two elements, rail 3 or shoe 2, cooperate with lateral surfaces carried by the other of these elements.

[0021] According to an example of construction relating to a variant embodiment of the invention, in a plane in section perpendicular to the axis of translation and / or to the axis of the rail 3, the rail 3 and the shoe 2 have a complementary concavity and Convexity. According to this construction variant, the first of the two elements, rail 3 or shoe 2, has a convex shape complementary in cross-section to the second of the two elements, rail 3 or shoe 2, which has a concave shape. Thus, the second of the two elements, rail 3 or shoe 2, has a groove inside which at least one complementary part supported by the first of the two elements, rail 3 or shoe 2, is able to slide. This complementarity of convex / concave shapes can involve a polygonal or curved arrangement, or one with multiple cross-sections, so as to create an arched arrangement corresponding to a broken arch.

[0022] According to an example of a construction relating to another embodiment of the invention and capable of being combined with the other embodiments detailed above, at least one cooperation interface 22 of the shoe 2 is formed by at least one sliding surface 81, the sliding surface 81 being arranged in a plane including at least the axis of translation of the rail 3. The sliding surface 81 thus forms a surface suitable for creating a preferred point of contact between a portion of the shoe 2 and a portion of the lower surface of the rail 3, and at which friction is restricted to limit wear or degradation of the contacting parts, shoe 2 and rail 3. The sliding surface 81 forms a surface supported by the shoe 2 and against which at least a portion of the lower part of the translating rail 3 is intended to be in contact, or even to bear against, under the effect of the moving rail 3.This sliding surface 81 has the form of a plate projecting from the rest of the surface of the shoe 2 which carries this sliding surface 81. This sliding surface 81 is thus positioned at one of the upper and / or lateral faces of the shoe 2 in a plane in section perpendicular to the axis of translation and / or to the axis of the rail 3. According to one construction example, this plate of the sliding surface 81 may also be formed by the surface of an element 8 embedded or inserted into a housing 92 of complementary dimensions integrated within the structure of a support block combining several parts 25, 26 to form the shoe 2. According to one construction example, the sliding surface 81 comprises at least one rubber-type material incorporating one or more urethane or polyurethane compounds and / or having identical or even similar properties.

[0023] According to an example of construction relating to another embodiment of the invention and capable of being combined with the other embodiments detailed above, at least one cooperation interface 22 of the shoe 2 is achieved by at least one bearing 61 mounted pivoting about an axis 611 of rotation substantially perpendicular to the axis of movement of the rail 3. Also, the cooperation interface 22 incorporates at least one bearing 61 pivoting about an axis 611. The bearing 61 is horizontally positioned so that its peripheral surface provides contact and / or support for at least part of the lower face of the rail 3. At least part of the peripheral surface of the bearing 61 is thus positioned protruding from the rest of the upper surface of the shoe 2. The remainder of the bearing 61 is then positioned in a recess 91 inside the shoe 2, which is open at the upper face of the shoe 2. The rail 3 is thus moved to bear against the peripheral surface of the bearing 61, causing the bearing 61 to rotate about its axis 611. Therefore, compared to the rail 3 sliding against a surface of the shoe 2, the bearing 6 reduces the risk of wear and / or damage to the contact surfaces of the cooperation interfaces 22, 32 of the shoe 2 and the rail 3.According to a preferred construction example, at least the peripheral surface of the bearing 61 comprises at least one rubber-like material incorporating one or more urethane or polyurethane compounds and / or having identical or even similar properties. As another construction example, the part forming the rotation axis 611 is inserted transversely into the housing 91 intended to receive the bearing 61, positioned at at least one pair of coaxial through holes 911 of complementary dimensions, at which the rotation axis 611 is held in position by fasteners 612. According to an example relating to a specific feature of this construction variant, one or more bearings 61 may be positioned on the lateral faces of the shoe 2 so as to be mounted pivoting about their respective substantially vertical axes.Thus, at least part of the peripheral surface of the bearing 61 is positioned in projection relative to the rest of the lateral surface of the shoe 2 at which this bearing 61 is mounted.

[0024] According to an example of construction relating to another embodiment of the invention and capable of being combined with the other embodiments detailed above, at least one end of the rail 3 or of the shoe 2 carries a centering interface 41 for the movement of the rail 3 relative to the shoe 2, the centering interface 41 comprising, in a substantially horizontal plane, a substantially convex salient arrangement 4L II. It should be noted that, when this arrangement is carried by the shoe 2, the latter is preferably positioned at the level of the end of the shoe 2 which faces the end of the approaching rail 3 when the rail 3 is not yet in cooperation with the shoe 2.

[0025] According to a specific example of this construction variant, the centering interface 41 is supported by one end of the shoe 2. The convexity of this protruding arrangement thus includes, in a substantially horizontal plane, a vertex 411 substantially centered on the axis of translation of the rail 3. The lateral faces 412 of this convex arrangement located on either side of the vertex 411 comprise one or more facets 412, which have respective inclinations with respect to the axis of translation of rail 3. These lateral faces thus form surfaces 412 capable of deflecting the end of rail 3 that comes into contact with the end of the shoe 2 at these points. These lateral faces 412 may have substantially planar arrangements or, alternatively or complementaryly, convex arrangements formed by curved and / or rounded surfaces or even by arched arrangements in the form of a juxtaposition of several facets. By its deflection against the end of the shoe 2, the position of rail 3 can thus be adjusted with respect to the shoe 2 so that the complementary shape, convex / concave, between rail 3 and the shoe 2 is correctly achieved in a plane perpendicular to the axis of movement of rail 3.Also, in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axis of movement of rail 3, when the upper part of the shoe 2 has a convexity designed to cooperate with the concavity of the lower part of rail 3, the position of rail 3 can be adjusted by deflecting one of the edges of the opening of the concavity at the end of rail 3 by sliding against one of the lateral surfaces of the convex arrangement at the end of the shoe 2. The concavity of the lower part of rail 3 is thus optimally positioned relative to the convex upper part of the shoe 2. According to a construction example relating to a specific variant of the previously detailed construction variant, the shoe 2 has a substantially symmetrical arrangement such that each of its two ends has a centering interface 41.Such a construction thus allows for easy assembly of the shoe 2 during the installation of the guide mechanism, the installer not having to worry about a particular positioning direction of the shoe 2 in relation to the arrival or approach side of the rail 3 towards the shoe 2. .

[0026] According to an additional, potentially accessory, feature of the previously detailed construction variant, the centering interface 41 cooperates with a complementary centering interface 42 carried by the end of the second of the two elements, rail 3 or shoe 2, which does not carry the centering interface 41. This complementary centering interface 42 is implemented in the form of a slope 7 which, in a substantially vertical plane and which includes the axis of translation of the rail 3, forms an inclination with respect to the horizontal. Thus, according to a specific example of this construction variant, the complementary centering interface 42 is carried by one end of the rail 3.The edge of the opening in the concavity at the end of rail 3 has, in a substantially vertical plane that includes the axis of rail 3, a slope 7 that forms an inclination with respect to a horizontal plane, such that the surface of this slope 7 covers at least part of the lower surface of rail 3 and is oriented to be positioned opposite the shoe 2 with which rail 3 is intended to cooperate. This slope 7, carried by the end of rail 3, also accompanies the sliding of the . rail 3 against one of the lateral surfaces 412 of the convex arrangement at the end of the shoe 2 which creates the centering interface 41, so as to operate a progressive adjustment of the position of the rail 3 relative to the shoe 2. The mounting of the complementary centering interface 42 on the rail 3 may involve one or more fixing elements 421.

[0027] It should be noted that, according to an example relating to an alternative construction variant, the upper part of the shoe 2 has a concave arrangement in the form of a groove dimensioned to cooperate, in a plane perpendicular to the axis of translation of the rail 3, with a convex arrangement of the lower surface of the rail 3. According to a particularity of this construction variant, the centering interface 41 which forms a convex arrangement with a salient apex 411 is carried by one end of the rail 3, while the complementary centering interface 42 is positioned at the end of the shoe 2 in the form of a slope 7 which creates an inclination with respect to a horizontal plane, so that the surface of this slope 7 creates at least a part of the upper surface of the shoe 2 and is oriented to be positioned opposite the rail 3 with which the shoe 2 is intended to cooperate.

[0028] According to an example of construction relating to another embodiment of the invention and capable of being combined with the other embodiments detailed above, the centering interface 41 includes at least one part made of a material with greater rigidity than the material forming the rest of the shoe 2 or the rail 3 that supports it. Providing a centering interface 41 with increased rigidity compared to the rest of the element, shoe 2 or rail 3, that supports it helps to limit wear or degradation problems that may arise as a result of repeated friction during the interaction of these elements, shoe 2 and rail 3, with each other. Since this centering interface 41 is positioned at a first point of contact between the shoe 2 and the rail 3 in translation, the support structure of the shoe 2 or the rail 3 is thus protected against premature degradation.As an example of construction, this centering interface 41 is supported by a surface of an element embedded or inserted in the structure of the support block which forms the shoe 2 or the rail 3 which carries this centering interface 4L. The positioning of this embedded element in the structure of the shoe 2 or the rail 3 which supports it is likely to be carried out by complementarity of form and / or by pinching or blocking of a part of the embedded element between two juxtaposed pieces which, together, participate in the realization of at least a part of the structure, of the shoe 2 or of the rail 3, which carries the centering interface 4L.

[0029] According to an example of construction relating to another embodiment of the invention and capable of being combined with the embodiment detailed above, the complementary centering interface 42 carried by the end The second of the two elements, rail 3 or shoe 2, which does not carry the centering interface 41, also involves at least one part made of a material with greater rigidity than the material forming the rest of the shoe 2 or the rail 3 that carries this additional centering interface 42. As an example of construction, similarly to the centering interface 41, this additional centering interface 42 is supported by a surface of an element embedded or inserted into the structure of the support block that forms the shoe 2 or the rail 3 that carries this additional interface 42. The embedding and / or insertion can thus be achieved by complementary shape and / or by pinching or locking a part of the embedded / inserted element between two juxtaposed parts which, together, contribute to the construction of at least a part of the structure, the shoe 2 or the rail 3, which carries the centering interface 41.

[0030] According to an example of construction relating to a specific embodiment of the invention, and in particular to the embodiments detailed above, the centering interface 41 carried by one of the two elements, shoe 2 or rail 3, is made of a material with greater rigidity than the material of the second element, shoe 2 or rail 3, in cooperation with the first element. This increased rigidity of the centering interface 41, relative to the complementary element that interacts with the element supporting this centering interface 41, also contributes to mitigating, or even eliminating, wear or degradation problems that may arise as a result of repeated friction during the interaction of the two elements, shoe 2 and rail 3, with each other.

[0031] According to an example of construction relating to another embodiment of the invention and capable of being combined with the other embodiments detailed above, the shoe 2 comprises at least one through conduit which includes at least one opening 5 on its lower face 21 bearing against the ground and / or on one of its lateral faces 23 so as to prevent or limit the retention of water and / or dirt. In one implementation of the invention, the shoe 2, which supports at least part of the rail 3 and the structure translated with this rail 3, is installed at ground level. This particular positioning of the shoe 2 makes it particularly exposed to dirt, dust, and runoff. Furthermore, the recessed reliefs and openings present on the upper part of the shoe 2 create points susceptible to the retention of water and dust.The presence of such a through-duct allows for the removal of accumulated dust or dirt. Similarly, such a through-duct facilitates the drainage of water and runoff, such as rainwater, through the structure of the shoe 2, so that it is possible to take advantage of such runoff to optimize the removal of accumulated dust or dirt. Positioning. at least one opening 5 at the lower face 21 or lateral face 23 of the shoe 2 allows for easy drainage of accumulated water or dirt without this drainage interfering with the operation of the shoe 2 and in particular with the cooperation between the shoe 2 and the rail 3 in translation.

[0032] According to an example of construction relating to another embodiment of the invention and capable of being combined with the other embodiments detailed above, the shoe 2 is made by combining several parts assembled together by complementary interlocking and held fixed by clamping along an axis substantially perpendicular to the anchoring surface of the shoe 2 to the ground. Constructing a shoe 2 by combining several parts allows for easier construction of this shoe 2, particularly for creating an arrangement forming a conduit through the structure of this shoe 2. The different parts of this conduit can thus take the form of grooves or holes formed in the respective structures of each of the parts whose assembly forms the shoe 2.Similarly, this construction of the shoe 2 by a combination of different parts facilitates the creation of one or more housings 91, 92 respectively intended to receive at least part of a bearing 61 or an element 8 forming a sliding surface 81, a centering interface 41 or a complementary centering interface 42, as well as the integration, mounting by insertion or embedding of such bearing 61, surface 81 or interfaces 41, 42 in such housings 91, 92 positioned between different parts 25, 26 constituting the shoe 2. Furthermore, the assembly and retention of the different parts 25, 26 joined together is preferably carried out by clamping the parts 25, 26 along a substantially vertical axis and / or perpendicular to the lower surface of the shoe 2 for its anchoring to the ground.Securing the components along this axis, for example with one or more screws 27, allows the force exerted by the rail 3 and the structure supported by the rail 3 against the upper surface of the shoe 2 to be utilized, thereby strengthening the connection between the various parts 25, 26 that make up the shoe 2. Such clamping along a substantially vertical axis also reduces the risk of the parts 25, 26 becoming disassembled due to movement of the rail 3 against the shoe 2.In addition, it should be noted that the various parts 25, 26 of the shoe 2 are also preferentially assembled by superposition with a fixed fit by complementarity of the surface reliefs of the various parts 25, 26, so as to optimize the resistance to lateral forces likely to be exerted, on the one hand, by the rail 3 in translation against the upper surface of the shoe 2 and, on the other hand, during impacts of the rail 3 against the shoe 2, for example at the centering interface 41 or complementary centering interface 42. .

[0033] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a mounted gate 1 sliding horizontally relative to at least one fixed supporting structure, characterized in that the assembly comprises at least one guiding mechanism according to the invention.

[0034] According to an example of construction relating to a variant embodiment of the assembly according to the invention, the guide mechanism comprises at least two shoes 2 arranged in the plane of movement of the gate 1 and spaced apart by a distance less than the length of the gate 1. Preferably, the distance separating two consecutive shoes 2 is at most equal to the length of the gate 1 so as to ensure that the gate 1 is positioned on at least two shoes 2 regardless of the position of the gate 1 along its translational path.

[0035] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Guiding mechanism for a structure (1) moved in horizontal translation such as a gate, characterized in that the mechanism comprises: - at least one shoe (2) comprising, on the one hand, an anchoring surface (21) to the ground and, on the other hand, at least one cooperation interface (22) with a rail (3) carried by the moved structure (1), the cooperation interface (22) having a substantially rectilinear arrangement, - a rectilinear rail (3) capable of being mounted under the lower face of the moved structure (1) in a manner substantially aligned with the translation axis of the moved structure (1), the rail (3) comprising, on the one hand, at least one cooperation interface (32) with the shoe (2) to bear on the shoe (2) and, on the other hand, at least one centering interface (41, 42) of the position of the rail (3) relative to the shoe (2).

2. Guiding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, in a plane in section perpendicular to the translation axis and / or to the axis of the rail (3), the rail (3) and the shoe (2) have a complementarity of concavity and convexity.

3. Guiding mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one cooperation interface (22) of the shoe (2) is produced by at least one bearing (61) whose axis of rotation is substantially perpendicular to the axis of movement of the rail (3).

4. Guiding mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one cooperation interface (22) of the shoe (2) is produced by at least one sliding surface (81), the sliding surface (81) being arranged in a plane comprising at least the translation axis of the rail (3).

5. Guiding mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one end of the rail (3) or the shoe (2) carries a centering interface (41) for the movement of the rail (3) relative to the shoe (2), the centering interface (41) comprising, in a substantially horizontal plane, a substantially convex projecting arrangement.

6. Guiding mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that the centering interface (41, 42) involves at least one part made of a material of greater rigidity than that of the material forming the rest of the shoe (2) or the rail (3) which carries it.

7. Guiding mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that the centering interface (41) carried by a first of the two elements, shoe (2) or rail (3), is made of a material of rigidity greater than that of the material of the second element, shoe (2) or rail (3), in cooperation with the first element.

8. Guiding mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shoe (2) comprises at least one through conduit which comprises at least one opening (5) at its lower face (21) bearing against the ground and / or at one of its lateral faces (23) so as to prevent or limit retention of water and / or dirt.

9. Guiding mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shoe (2) is produced by the combination of several parts assembled together by complementary embedding and kept fixed by clamping along an axis substantially perpendicular to the surface for anchoring the shoe (2) to the ground.

10. Assembly comprising a gate (1) mounted to slide horizontally relative to at least one fixed supporting structure, characterized in that the assembly comprises at least one guide mechanism according to one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the guide mechanism comprises at least two shoes (2) arranged in the plane of movement of the gate (1) and spaced apart by a distance less than the length of the gate (1).

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