SLIDING GATE EQUIPPED WITH A MOTORIZED LEAF

Abstract

SLIDING GATE EQUIPPED WITH A MOTORIZED LEAF The invention relates to a gate (1) comprising at least: - front and rear posts (10, 20) joined at a distance from each other to define a passageway (PC) between them; - a leaf (40) mounted to slide along said posts (10, 20) between at least one opening position of said passageway (PC), in which its front end is located near said rear post (20), and a closing position of said passageway (PC), in which its front end cooperates with said front post (10); - motorized means (50) for moving said leaf (40) between said opening position and said closing position. According to the invention, the motorized means (50) are housed inside a hollow upright (400) of the leaf (40), located at its front or rear end, and comprise a projecting support wheel (51). of said amount (400). Abbreviated figure: [Fig.2B]

Description

Title of the invention: SLIDING GATE EQUIPPED WITH A MOTORIZED LEAF 1. Field of the invention

[0001] The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of sliding gates.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to such a gate equipped with a motorized leaf. 2. Prior art

[0003] Gates are conventionally used to allow or prevent, depending on whether they are open or closed, access to an enclosed area such as a fenced plot of land.

[0004] Current gates are essentially divided into two groups, namely swing gates and sliding gates.

[0005] Swing gates generally comprise one or two leaves, arranged between two posts defining a traffic passage. This or these leaves are mounted to move in rotation around a vertical axis relative to the posts to which they are attached between an open position of the traffic passage and a closed position of the traffic passage.

[0006] According to a different approach, sliding gates generally comprise a leaf mounted to slide, along two posts defining a traffic passage, between an open position of the traffic passage and a closed position of the traffic passage.

[0007] Sliding gates can be divided into two subgroups, namely self-supporting gates and sliding gates on rails. The choice of installing a sliding gate of one type rather than the other is thus generally made according to the space available for the retraction, the number of passages per day, the constraints of ground level and the risks of pollution of the rolling elements by sand or equivalent.

[0008] A self-supporting gate comprises a front post and a rear post defining a traffic passage. It comprises a leaf comprising a hollow lower beam along the lower face of which a longitudinal opening is formed. Two plates carrying guide rollers for vertical rotation axes and guide rollers for horizontal rotation axes rest on the ground, one substantially at the level of the rear post and the other upstream of it. These guide rollers are housed inside the lower beam of the leaf. The lower beam extends upstream of the barred part of the leaf, that is to say the portion comprising bars. Its rear end is connected to the rear end of the upper beam of the leaf by means of an oblique reinforcement beam. The leaf is thus mounted in a cantilever.

[0009] A sliding gate on a rail comprises a front post and a rear post defining a traffic passage. It also comprises a guide rail which extends along the traffic passage and extends upstream of the rear post over a distance substantially equal to the length of the traffic passage. A leaf rests on guide wheels (called carrier wheels) which cooperate with the guide rail. It can thus be slid along the posts between an open position of the traffic passage and a closed position of the traffic passage.

[0010] Nowadays, motorized sliding gates are becoming more and more widespread and the associated advantages are numerous. Such a motorization allows, for example, the automation of the opening and closing of the leaf remotely, via a wired or radio control device. The individual possessing the remote control can thus operate the opening of the leaf without having to leave their vehicle, for example. This results in particular in an improvement in the comfort and safety of the individual.

[0011] Sliding gates on motorized rails generally comprise a motorized unit, installed on the ground, carrying a toothed wheel which cooperates with a rack mounted on the leaf. By actuating the motorized unit, the leaf is thus moved between the open position and the closed position, and vice versa.

[0012] However, this technique is not entirely satisfactory. For example, due to their arrangement, the motorized unit and the rack can more easily be subject to damage, even unintentional. More precisely, an external element can become lodged in the rack and disrupt, or even prevent, the movement of the leaf. Furthermore, the combination of motorized unit, rack and leaf presents a difficulty in mounting and long-term adjustment.

[0013] There is therefore a need to provide a leaf motorization technique which is particularly durable, space-saving and which can be implemented on different types of sliding gates. 3. Summary of the proposed technique

[0014] The proposed technique relates to a portal comprising at least: - a front post and at least one rear post intended to be joined at a distance from each other to define a traffic passage between them; - a guide rail extending along the traffic passage at least from one to the other of the posts; - a leaf mounted to slide along posts between at least one position for opening the traffic passage, in which its front end is located near said at least one rear post, and a position for closing the traffic passage, in which its front end cooperates with the front post, - motorized means for moving the leaf between said at least one opening position and the closing position, and vice versa.

[0015] According to the proposed technique, the motorized means are housed inside a hollow upright of the leaf, located at its front or rear end, and comprise a carrier wheel projecting from the upright so as to be in contact with the guide rail.

[0016] By moving them into the interior space of the upright (front or rear) of the leaf, the motorized means are concealed and therefore better protected from possible impacts and / or hazards that may be induced by surrounding elements (vehicles, bicycles, bad weather, etc.). This also results in a reduction in the size of the gate.

[0017] The proposed technique also makes it possible to avoid the need for racks. The proposed technique therefore makes it possible to simplify the structure of the motorized means. This therefore results in simple and rapid installation of the gate as well as easy maintenance thereof.

[0018] According to a particular characteristic of the proposed technique, the leaf carries at least one photovoltaic module for supplying the motorized means with electrical energy.

[0019] The implementation of at least one such photovoltaic module allows the gate to minimize its consumption of electrical energy from an external source, or even to guarantee its electrical autonomy. This therefore contributes to the preservation of the environment.

[0020] According to a particular implementation of this characteristic, the leaf has an upper surface, extending along a substantially horizontal plane, on which said at least one photovoltaic module is arranged.

[0021] Contrary to the a priori assumptions of those skilled in the art, such an arrangement makes it possible in particular to optimize the efficiency of the photovoltaic module(s) and therefore to free oneself more from consumption of electrical energy coming from an external source. Indeed, such an arrangement allows at least the photovoltaic module(s) to be functional when the sun is at its zenith, and this whatever the orientation of the gate. Such an arrangement also makes it possible to do without photovoltaic module(s) arranged on the lateral faces of the leaf which are more subject to damage, impacts for example, given their positions.

[0022] According to another particular characteristic of the proposed technique, the hollow upright of the leaf further houses at least one electrical energy storage unit, the electrical energy storage unit being connected to the motorized means and to a first connector for recharging the electrical energy storage unit. Furthermore, the front post, or the rear post, comprises a second connector for recharging the electrical energy storage unit. charging the electrical energy storage unit of the leaf, the second connector being connected to an electrical energy supply source. The first connector is further configured to cooperate with the second connector when the leaf is in the closing position, or in the opening position respectively.

[0023] Such an arrangement makes it possible to ensure automatic recharging of the electrical energy storage unit when the leaf is stationary (in the open or closed position depending on the chosen structure of the gate). This contributes in particular to guaranteeing the longevity of the gate by ensuring continuity of operation of its electrical equipment.

[0024] According to another particular characteristic of the proposed technique, the upright of the leaf comprises on one of its walls a removable cover for inserting the motorized means inside the upright.

[0025] Such a removable cover makes it possible in particular to simplify the assembly of the elements of the leaf, and therefore that of the gate by extension. This results in particular in a reduction in the arduousness of the work of the operator dedicated to this operation.

[0026] According to another particular characteristic of the proposed technique, the gate further comprises means for locking the leaf to the front post in the closed position, and a first part of the locking means is housed inside the upright of the leaf.

[0027] According to another particular characteristic of the proposed technique, the gate further comprises means for detecting an obstacle across the traffic passage, and a first part of the detection means is housed inside the upright of the leaf.

[0028] Such obstacle detection means make it possible in particular to avoid, or to interrupt, the movement of the leaf in the closed position if an obstacle (individual or object) is likely to be struck by the leaf during its movement. This results in an improvement in the safety of the gate and its environment. This therefore results in an improvement in the durability of the gate.

[0029] According to another particular characteristic of the proposed technique, the gate further comprises a handling handle, and the motorized means are disengageable so as to allow manual movement of the leaf.

[0030] Such an arrangement allows the user to open the leaf from both inside and outside the property during a power outage, for example. This makes it possible to provide continuity of operation, although degraded, of the gate.

[0031] According to another particular characteristic of the proposed technique, the amount of the leaf has a height of at least 1.25 m. 4. List of Figures

[0032] The proposed technique, as well as the various advantages that it presents, will be more easily understood, in the light of the following description of illustrative and non-limiting embodiments thereof, and of the appended drawings among which: - [Fig.lA], [Fig.lB] and [Fig.lC]: figures 1A to 1C illustrate, according to different views, a sliding gate, in the closed position, comprising a motorized leaf conforming to a first embodiment of the proposed technique; - [Fig.lA]: [Fig.lA] is a perspective view of the sliding gate; - [Fig.lB]: [Fig.lB] is a front view of the sliding gate; and - [Fig.lC]: [Fig.lC] is a top view of the sliding gate; - [Fig.2A] and [Fig.2B]: Figures 2A and 2B illustrate, in assembled and exploded perspective views respectively, the front upright of the motorized leaf of Figures 1A to 1C; - [Fig.3]: [Fig.3] illustrates, in a perspective view, a front post of the sliding gate of figures IA to IC; and - [Fig.4]: [Fig.4] illustrates, in a top view, a sliding gate comprising a motorized leaf conforming to a second embodiment of the proposed technique. 5. Detailed description of the invention

[0033] For the sake of clarity, the same elements are designated by the same references in the different figures. These same elements are designated by the same references in the different figures to which the symbol "'" is added incrementally between each embodiment.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms orientation and positioning are subsequently used to refer arbitrarily to an installed position of the sliding gate, when the latter is fixed, directly or indirectly, to the ground and extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the ground, so as to be arranged substantially vertically. In other words, the "front" and "rear" of the gate are defined according to the direction of movement of its leaf. Thus, the leaf moves towards the front of the gate when it is brought towards its closing position while it moves towards the rear of the gate when it is brought towards its opening position.

[0035] 5.1 General principle

[0036] As indicated above, sliding gates on guide rails are known which respectively comprise a motorized unit, installed on the ground, carrying a toothed wheel which cooperates with a rack mounted on the leaf. This arrangement makes it possible to move the leaf between the opening position and the closing position of the traffic passage, and vice versa.

[0037] Seeking to improve the durability of the motorization of such sliding gates, the inventors of the proposed technique have identified, at the cost of a non-standard approach obvious, a technique exploiting the very structure of the leaf to support all the motorized means.

[0038] The general principle of the proposed technique consists of arranging the motorized means inside a hollow upright, located at the front end of the leaf, while leaving the carrier wheel protruding from the upright so as to be in contact with the guide rail.

[0039] 5.2 Description of an illustrative embodiment

[0040] A first embodiment of the proposed technique is illustrated below, treated as a simple illustrative, and non-limiting, example, with the support of figures 1A to 3.

[0041] More specifically, Figures 1A to 1C illustrate, in different views, a sliding gate on a rail in its entirety in the closed position. Figures 2A and 2B are assembled and exploded views respectively illustrating, in isolation, the front upright of the leaf. Finally, [Fig. 3] is a view illustrating, in isolation, the front post of the sliding gate.

[0042] In this embodiment, the gate 1 comprises a front post 10 and two rear posts 20. The front post 10 is intended to be secured at a distance from the rear posts 20 to define a traffic passage PC.

[0043] The gate 1 conventionally comprises a guide rail 30 extending along the traffic passage PC at least from one to the other of the front and rear posts 10, 20. Preferably, the guide rail 30 has a length corresponding to twice the length of the traffic passage PC, so as to

[0044] The front and rear posts 10, 20 as well as the guide rail 30 are secured to a concrete threshold (not shown) cast for this purpose in the ground approximately from one to the other of the posts.

[0045] The gate comprises a leaf 40. This leaf 40 is slidably mounted between the two rear posts 20 (located on either side of the leaf) and opposite the front post 10, 20. The guide rail 30 and the leaf 40 are therefore placed in a plane (not shown) located between the rear posts 20 and passing through the front post 10. This leaf 40 is slidably mounted between at least one position for opening said traffic passage PC, in which its front end is located near the rear posts 20, and a position for closing the traffic passage PC, in which its front end cooperates with the front post 10, as illustrated in Figures 1A to 1C.

[0046] The leaf 40 comprises a hollow frame. This hollow frame comprises a front upright 400, a rear upright 410, a lower beam 420 and an upper beam 430 linked together to form the frame having in this embodiment an essentially rectangular shape. A panel is arranged in the frame so as to define a solid leaf.

[0047] The portal 1 also comprises guide means (not referenced) carried by the rear posts 20. These guide means comprise, in this example, a plurality of rotating rollers which contribute to the translational guidance of the upper beam 430 along the sliding axis of the leaf 40, as well as to the translational locking along a vertical axis and a horizontal axis orthogonal to the sliding axis of the leaf.

[0048] The gate 1 further comprises motorized means 50 for moving the leaf 40 between the open position and the closed position, and vice versa.

[0049] According to the proposed technique, the motorized means 50 for moving the leaf 40 are housed inside the front upright 400 of this same leaf 40, that is to say arranged in the hollow space of the upright 400.

[0050] The motorized means 50 comprise an electric motor 52 configured to drive a carrier wheel 51 in rotation along an axis of rotation that is essentially horizontal and orthogonal to the sliding axis of the leaf 40.

[0051] The carrier wheel 51 partially projects from the upright 400, as illustrated in [Fig.1A] in particular, in order to cooperate with the guide rail 30 and ensure the movement of the leaf 40 along its sliding axis.

[0052] In the example illustrated, the leaf 40 is also supported by an auxiliary, non-motorized carrying wheel, placed elsewhere than at the front of the lower beam, also cooperating with the guide rail 30 in order to ensure efficient sliding of the leaf 40. Obviously, depending on the length of the leaf in particular, several auxiliary carrying wheels may be necessary, or on the contrary none.

[0053] In this embodiment, the front upright 400 of the leaf 40 houses various other devices and / or mechanisms, detailed below, contributing to the operation of the gate 1, which is particularly useful for reducing its size, for example.

[0054] More precisely, the front upright 400 of the leaf 40 houses an electrical energy storage unit 60 functionally connected to the motorized means 50 as well as to a first connector C1 for recharging this electrical energy storage unit 60, as illustrated in [Fig.2B] in particular.

[0055] In a complementary manner, the front post 10 houses a second connector C2 for recharging this same electrical energy storage unit 60, as illustrated in [Fig. 3]. This second connector C2 is connected to at least one external electrical energy supply source (not shown).

[0056] Thus, when the leaf 40 is in the closed position, the connectors C1, C2 cooperate so that the external electrical energy supply source ensures the recharging of the electrical energy storage unit 60. In other words, the electrical energy storage unit 60 is automatically recharged when the leaf 40 is in the closed position.

[0057] In the illustrated example, the front post 10 comprises a socket (not shown), "plug & play" type (in English terminology), for connection to the external electrical power source. The electrical connection of gate 1 is therefore relatively easy, even for ordinary individuals without electrical qualifications and / or automation skills.

[0058] A transformer is also provided for adjusting the voltage of the external electrical power supply source to that of the electrical energy storage unit.

[0059] Furthermore, it is provided in this embodiment to implement a mechanism for disengaging the motorized means 50, and in particular its carrying wheel 51 as well as a handle for handling the leaf 40. Such a disengaging mechanism is particularly useful in the event of failure of the motor 52 or of the electrical energy storage unit 60 to allow manual movement of the leaf. Such a disengaging mechanism is also useful in the event of an interruption in service of the external electrical energy supply source, typically the electrical network

[0060] In this embodiment, the gate 1 also comprises locking means 70 configured to lock the leaf 40 to the front post 10 when the leaf is in the closed position.

[0061] More precisely, the locking means 70 comprise a first part 71, housed inside the upright 400 of the leaf 40, and a second part 72, housed inside the front post 10.

[0062] In the example illustrated, the locking means 70 comprise a movable bolt, projecting from the upright 400 of the leaf 40, configured to engage with a complementary portion located inside the front post 10, in the closed position.

[0063] The locking means 70 can furthermore be controlled electrically, by means of a radio or wired control device, or manually, by means of a key inserted into a lock.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the portal 1 comprises means 80 for detecting an obstacle across the traffic passage PC.

[0065] More precisely, the detection means 80 comprise a first part 81, housed inside the upright 400 of the leaf 40, and a second part 82, housed inside the front post 10.

[0066] In the example illustrated, the first part 81 of the detection means 80 is a photocell configured to emit and receive infrared signals and the second part 82 of these same detection means 80 is a cell configured to reflect the infrared signal emitted by the photocell 81.

[0067] In this embodiment, the front upright 400 of the leaf 40 carries a signaling device 100 configured to emit a light signal when the leaf 40 slides from the open position to the closed position, or vice versa.

[0068] In the example illustrated, the signaling device 100 is located at the upper end of the upright 400 and forms a cover for closing it.

[0069] In order to simplify the assembly of the leaf, and more particularly of all or part of the devices and / or mechanisms housed in the front upright 400, the latter comprises on one of its walls a removable cover 401.

[0070] In the example illustrated, the upright 400 of the leaf 40 has a height H400 of 1.25 m. This is the minimum height to allow the various devices and / or mechanisms detailed above to be housed in the upright 400. Obviously, the height of the upright 400 can be increased, in particular depending on the screening and protection needs of the property in which the gate is to be installed.

[0071] Furthermore, in this example, the removable cover 401 forms the entirety of a wall of the upright 400, namely the one intended to come into contact with the front post 10. Such an arrangement makes it possible in particular to further facilitate the insertion of the elements inside the upright 400.

[0072] In this embodiment, the gate 1 comprises means 110 for guiding the leaf 40 into the closed position. Such an arrangement makes it possible in particular to guarantee alignment of the first and second parts 71, 72 of the locking means 70 as well as the first and second connectors C1, C2 for recharging the electrical energy storage unit.

[0073] In the example illustrated, the guide means 110 comprise a lug 111, carried by the upright 400 of the leaf 40, configured to fit into a complementary recess 112, provided in the front post 10, in the closed position.

[0074] 5.2 Other embodiment(s) illustrated!)

[0075] [Fig.4] illustrates, in a top view, an automatic gate conforming to a second embodiment of the proposed technique.

[0076] This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment by the use of photovoltaic modules. For reasons of clarity and conciseness, only the differences from the first embodiment are described below.

[0077] In this second embodiment, the gate 1' is equipped with a plurality of photovoltaic modules 90 arranged on the upper surface 431' of the upper beam 430' of the leaf 40'.

[0078] In the example illustrated, the upper surface 431' of the upper beam 430' supports two photovoltaic modules 90. Each photovoltaic module here has a length of 900mm and a width of 60mm.

[0079] Obviously, the number of photovoltaic modules and / or their dimensions are determined in particular according to the dimensions of the upper beam of the leaf.

[0080] 5.3 Other embodiments not illustrated and variant embodiments

[0081] In the illustrated examples, a panel is arranged in the frame so as to define a solid leaf. In variants, the leaf could also consist of a barred grid.

[0082] In the illustrated examples, the frame has an essentially rectangular shape. In variants, the frame could also be curved or shaped like a gendarme's hat.

[0083] In the second illustrated embodiment, the photovoltaic modules are arranged on the upper surface of the edge of the leaf. In another embodiment, not illustrated, the photovoltaic modules can be arranged on at least one of the lateral sides of the vertical panel of the leaf, or even replace it.

[0084] In another embodiment, not illustrated, the second connector, for recharging the electrical energy storage unit of the leaf, is housed in the rear post of the gate. In this way, the recharging of the electrical energy storage unit is carried out when the first and second connectors cooperate in the open position of the leaf. Such an arrangement is particularly advantageous when the gate is intended to be installed in a place where the traffic passage is heavily frequented.

[0085] In other embodiments, not illustrated, in order to reduce costs in particular, the gate may be devoid of all or part of the following elements: mechanism for disengaging the motorized means, locking means, guiding means, signaling device, removable cover and means for detecting an obstacle.

[0086] Obviously, the proposed technique is not limited to the embodiments described above and provided solely by way of example. It encompasses various modifications, alternative forms and other variants that may be envisaged by those skilled in the art within the framework of the proposed technique and in particular all combinations of the different embodiments described above, which may be taken separately or in association.

[0087] According to different aspects, the proposed technique therefore presents all or part of the following advantages, depending on the embodiments chosen: - guarantee a long lifespan for the portal;

[0088] - allow limited space for the leaf, and a fortiori for the gate;

[0089] - propose a versatile solution (motorized and / or manual);

[0090] - propose an ergonomic solution;

[0091] - limit the environmental impact of the portal;

[0092] - propose a structurally simple portal;

[0093] - propose an energy-autonomous portal;

[0094] - ensure easy installation of the gate for the operator;

[0095] - etc.

Claims

Claims

1. Gate (1, 1') comprising at least: - a front post (10) and at least one rear post (20) intended to be secured at a distance from each other to define between them a traffic passage (PC); - a guide rail (30) extending along said traffic passage (PC) at least from one to the other of said posts (10, 20);- a leaf (40) mounted to slide along said posts (10, 20) between at least one open position of said traffic passage (PC), in which its front end is located near said at least one rear post (20), and a closed position of said traffic passage (PC), in which its front end cooperates with said front post (10), - motorized means (50) for moving said leaf (40) between said at least one open position and said closed position, and vice versa, characterized in that said motorized means (50) are housed inside a hollow upright (400) of said leaf (40), located at its front or rear end, and comprise a carrying wheel (51) projecting from said upright (400) so as to be in contact with said guide rail (30).;

2. Gate (1, 1') according to claim 1, characterized in that said leaf (40) carries at least one photovoltaic module (90) for supplying said motorized means (50) with electrical energy.

3. Gate (1, 1') according to claim 2, characterized in that said leaf (40) has an upper surface (431), extending along a substantially horizontal plane, on which said at least one photovoltaic module (90) is arranged.

4. Gate (1, 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said hollow upright (400) of the leaf (40) further houses at least one electrical energy storage unit (60), said electrical energy storage unit (60) being connected to said motorized means (50) and to a first connector (Cl) for recharging said electrical energy storage unit (60), and in that said front post (10), or said rear post (20), comprises a second connector (C2) for recharging said electrical energy storage unit (60) of said leaf (40), said second connector (C2) being connected to at least one electrical power supply source, said first connector (Cl) being configured to cooperate with said second connector (C2) when said leaf (40) is in the closed position, or in the open position respectively.

5. Gate (1, 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said upright (400) of the leaf (40) comprises on one of its walls a removable cover (401) for inserting said motorized means (50) inside said upright (400).

6. Gate (1, 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it further comprises locking means (70) of said leaf (40) to said front post (10) in the closed position, and in that a first part (71) of said locking means (70) is housed inside said upright (400) of the leaf (40)

7. Gate (1, 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it further comprises means (80) for detecting an obstacle through said traffic passage (PC), and in that a first part (81) of said detection means (80) is housed inside said upright (400) of the leaf (40).

8. Gate (1, 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said leaf (40) comprises a handling handle and in that said motorized means (50) are disengageable so as to allow manual movement of said leaf (40).

9. Gate (1, 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said upright (400) of the leaf (40) has a height (H400) of at least 1.25 m.

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