Door operator system

Abstract

The overhead door operator system (1) for opening and closing an opening (2) includes a door frame (3) including a first frame section (4) on a first side (7) of the opening (2) and a second frame section (6) on a second side (5) of the opening (2). The operator system further includes a door (8) movably connected to the door frame (3) and disposed to move between an open position and a closed position (C), and a drive unit (10) including at least one motor (11) disposed to move the door (8) from the closed position (C) to the open position (O). An elongated transmission member (19) extends along the first side (7) of the opening (2) and the first frame section (4). The drive unit (10) further includes a driven transmission member (18) drivingly connected to the motor (11). The operator system further includes an end cap structure (100) attached to the door (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an overhead door operator system for opening and closing an opening. The present invention further relates to a method of assembling such an overhead door operator system.

Background Art

[0002] A door operator system for an overhead door typically includes a door connected to a door frame and a drive unit arranged to move the door along the door frame between an open position and a closed position for opening and closing the opening. The door, which may be a sectional door, is typically used as a garage door or an industrial door. The drive unit can further include a mechanical unit such as a motor or a spring for moving the door.

[0003] In a conventional overhead sectional door, an electric motor mounted above the door pulls up the door using a wire attached to the door. Such an overhead sectional door often implements a counterbalance spring to reduce the force required to open the door. The implementation of the counterbalance spring increases the complexity of the door and is cumbersome to install when the door is already attached at a predetermined position.

[0004] To achieve a more efficient door operator system that reduces the complexity and risk of the door operator system during operation, maintenance, and installation, a door operator system has been developed in which the drive unit is attached to the door. The door is driven by a driven pinion that meshes with a fixed rack or chain extending along the intended movement path. Such a door is easier and quicker to install and less complex, addressing some of the drawbacks and disadvantages of conventional door operator systems by introducing drive modularity. Also, a counterbalance spring is not required.

[0005] However, the driving of such a door is associated with many problems. The attachment of components of the door operator system to the door is cumbersome and time-consuming. Furthermore, the door is often made of sandwich panel material, which makes it difficult to apply fastening elements for fixing the components to the door. The present invention aims to alleviate the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide an overhead door operator system that alleviates, reduces, or eliminates one or more of the above-mentioned deficiencies and disadvantages in the art, either alone or in any combination.

[0007] The present invention aims to make the installation and attachment of an overhead door operator system easier and quicker.

[0008] According to one aspect, an overhead door operator system for opening and closing an opening is provided. The overhead door operator system includes a door frame including a first frame section on a first side of the opening and a second frame section on a second side of the opening. The overhead door operator system further includes a door disposed to move between an open position and a closed position and movably connected to the door frame.

[0009] The operator system also includes a drive unit including at least one motor disposed to move the door from the closed position to the open position, and an elongate transmission member extending along the first side of the opening and the first frame section.

[0010] The drive unit further includes a driven transmission member drivingly connected to the motor, the driven transmission member being movably connected to the elongate transmission member and arranged to interact with the elongate transmission member to be driven along the elongate transmission member.

[0011] The overhead door operator system further includes an end cap structure attached to the door. The drive unit is attached to the end cap of the end cap structure.

[0012] According to one aspect, a method of assembling an overhead door operator system is provided. The method further includes attaching a drive unit to the end cap of an end cap structure and attaching the end cap structure to the door.

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention are defined by the appended dependent claims and are further described in the detailed description and the drawings.

[0014] It should be emphasized that the term "comprising / includes", as used herein, while indicating the presence of the recited features, integers, steps, or components, does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or a combination thereof. All terms used in the claims should be construed in accordance with their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless otherwise defined herein. All references to "one [element, device, component, means, step, etc.]" should be construed broadly as referring to at least one instance of the element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless specifically stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein need not be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0015] References herein to an entity "designed" to do something are intended to mean the same as an entity "configured" to do this or "intentionally adapted" to do this. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating exemplary embodiments.

[0017]

Figure 1

Figure 2a

Figure 2b

Figure 2c

Figure 2d

Figure 2e

Figure 3

Figure 4a

Figure 4b

Figure 5a

Figure 5b

Figure 5c

Figure 5d

Figure 5e

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art. The terms used in the detailed description of the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings are not intended to limit the present invention. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

[0019] FIGS. 1-5 all show a sectional overhead door operator system. However, as should be understood by those skilled in the art, the inventive aspects of the present invention are also applicable to door operator systems that are single blade door operator systems.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a door operator system 1 to which the inventive aspects of the present invention can be applied. The door operator system includes a door frame 3, a drive unit 10 (shown in FIGS. 2a-c), and a door 8. The door operator system 1 is arranged to be installed within an opening 2 defined by a wall and a floor. The door 8 is connected to the door frame 3. The door operator system 1 is arranged to open and close the opening 2 by moving the door 8 between an open position O and a closed position C.

[0021] As used herein, the overhead door operator system refers to a door operator system arranged to open and close the opening 2 by raising and lowering the door 8.

[0022] In this embodiment, the door 8 is a sectional door 8 including a plurality of horizontal interconnecting sections 9a to 9e connected to the door frame 3. In one embodiment, the door is a garage door. In an alternative embodiment, the door is an industrial door. The door 8 is arranged to move along the door frame 3 between a closed position C and an open position O.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the door operator system 1 may include a first terminal 13 and a second terminal 14. At least one of the terminals 13, 14 is configured to transfer energy for charging an energy storage device such as a battery to supply power to the motor of the drive unit. This will be further described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0024] In one embodiment, the door operator system is an up and over door operator system. The up and over door operator system is a system in which the door is arranged substantially vertically in the closed position C, substantially horizontally in the open position O, and inside the opening.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, the door operator system is an up and up door operator system. The up and up door operator system is a system in which the door is arranged substantially vertically in the closed position C and substantially vertically above the opening in the open position O.

[0026] In a further alternative embodiment, the door operator system may be a door operator system in which the door is arranged substantially vertically in the closed position C and in an inclined position installed between a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontal position in the open position O. For example, the door may be arranged at an angle of 45 degrees from the horizontal position in the open position O, but as those skilled in the art will recognize, the door may be arranged at any angle installed between the horizontal direction and the vertical direction of the door in the open position O.

[0027] The door frame 3 includes a first frame section 4 on the first side 7 of the opening 2 and a second frame section 6 on the second side 5 of the opening 2. The door frame 3 is connected to the wall 50 and the floor 23. In one embodiment, the first frame section 4 includes a substantially vertical portion 4a and a substantially horizontal portion 4b. The second frame section 6 includes a substantially vertical portion 6a and a substantially horizontal portion 6b. The vertical portions 4a, 6a and the horizontal portions 4b, 6b are connected to form a path along which the door 8 slides and an orbit with which the drive unit 10 interacts. In one embodiment, the door operator system is an up-and-up door operator system, and the first frame section and the second frame section are vertical.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, the door 8 is directly or indirectly connected to the door frame 3. The door 8 is movably connected to the first frame section 4 on the first side and movably connected to the second frame section 6 on the second side. In one embodiment, one or more of the plurality of sections 9a - e are connected to the first frame section 4 on the first side 7 and connected to the second frame section 6 on the second side 5.

[0029] As will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 5a - e, the drive unit 10 is attached to an end cap of an end cap structure. The drive unit 10 includes at least one motor 11. At least one motor 11 is arranged to move the door 8 from the closed position C to the open position O.

[0030] To enable driving of the door 8, the overhead door operator system 1 further includes an elongated transmission member 19 extending along the first side 7 of the opening 2 and the first frame section 4. The drive unit 10 further includes a driven transmission member 18 drivingly connected to the motor 11. The driven transmission member 18 is movably connected to the elongated transmission member 19 and is arranged to interact with the elongated transmission member 19 and be driven along the elongated transmission member 19.

[0031] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a - e, the driven transmission member 18 interacts with the elongated transmission member 19 by being at least partially wound by the elongated transmission member 19 and is arranged to be driven along the elongated transmission member 19. Accordingly, the elongated transmission member 19 is arranged to at least partially enclose the driven transmission member 18.

[0032] In an alternative embodiment, the elongated transmission member may be a rack, and the driven transmission member 18 may be a driven pinion that engages with the rack. Accordingly, the elongated transmission member may be a fixed rack attached to the first side of the opening.

[0033] The elongated transmission member provides a cost - effective solution in terms of both manufacturing and installation compared to a fixed rack. Further, the elongated transmission member allows relative movement between the door 8 and the frame and does not require the same high precision and proper alignment as a fixed - rack solution. Accordingly, the elongated transmission member may be arranged to allow some movement along a direction orthogonal to the first frame section 4.

[0034] Furthermore, the elongated transmission member enables a safer door operator system because it can at least to some extent follow and maintain engagement with the driven transmission member even when the door is pushed off the rail. Also, the elongated transmission member is quieter and more wear - resistant than a fixed rack, reducing the possibility of malfunction due to pinching by external objects.

[0035] In one embodiment, the elongated transmission member 19 may be in the form of a transmission member that can be suspended and curved. Note that the term "curvable" in this context does not necessarily mean that the transmission member is necessarily flexible, but only means that it can be wound around the driven transmission member. Therefore, the transmission member 19 may be regarded as being arranged to engage with the driven transmission member 18 and provide relative movement between the driven transmission member 18 and the movement of the door 8 in a certain direction defined by the frame 3. In other words, the transmission member may be regarded as a non-fixed transmission member or a suspended transmission member. Therefore, the elongated transmission member may be arranged to engage with the driven transmission member independently of the frame.

[0036] The drive unit 10 is movably connected to the elongated transmission member 19. Therefore, since the drive unit 10 is connected to the elongated transmission member 19 so as to enable relative movement between the door and the frame, the drive unit is fixed to the door. The drive unit 10 includes at least one motor 11. The drive unit 10 is arranged to move the door 8 from the closed position to the open position. In order to supply power to the motor 11, at least one motor 11 may be connected to at least one energy storage device, such as a battery, arranged to supply power to it. The drive unit 10 is arranged to move the door 8 from the closed position C to the open position O.

[0037] In one embodiment, the drive unit 10 is arranged to move the door from the open position O to the closed position C. In one embodiment, the door 8 is arranged to move from the open position O to the closed position C due to its weight. In one embodiment, when the drive unit 10 moves the door 8 from the open position O to the closed position C, the drive unit 10 is arranged to apply a brake to the door 8.

[0038] In one embodiment, the elongated transmission member may be suspended only by its upper and lower ends.

[0039] In one embodiment, the driven transmission member 18 is movably connected to the elongated transmission member 19 and interacts with the elongated transmission member 19 to be arranged to be driven along the elongated transmission member 19, and the elongated transmission member 19 may be biased. Biasing the elongated transmission member 19 enables maintaining the tension of the elastic elongated member 19 at an appropriate level and further compensates for wear and potential tolerance issues.

[0040] In one embodiment, the elongated transmission member 19 may be biased by a spring structure. The upper end of the elongated transmission member 19 may be fixedly attached, and the lower end of the elongated transmission member 19 may be spring - retained. This allows an operator performing service work on the spring to have easier access. In one embodiment, the upper and lower ends of the elongated transmission member 19 are attached to a frame, such as the first frame section 4.

[0041] In one embodiment, the overhead door operator system further includes at least one guide member 92. As will be further described with reference to FIG. 5, the at least one guide member 92 may be attached to the door 8 by an end cap. Thus, the at least one guide member 92 may be attached to the end cap. The guide member 92 may be arranged to interact with the elongated transmission member 19 to guide the door 8 along the elongated transmission member 19. This may be done by the guide member 92 being at least partially wound by the elongated transmission member 19. In an alternative embodiment, the elongated transmission member is a rack, which may be by a driven transmission member that meshes with the rack.

[0042] The guide member 92 moves the elongated transmission member 19 to guide the driven transmission member 18 with respect to the elongated transmission member 19 and properly aligns them. Thus, a more reliable door operator system can be realized. The guide member 92 is preferably a rotatable guide member. Thus, the guide member may be rotatably attached to the end cap.

[0043] In one embodiment, the elongated transmission member 19 is arranged to at least partially enclose the guide member 92.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 2a - e, the elongated transmission member 19 may be arranged to wrap around and interact with a part of the driven transmission member 18 and a part of the guide member 92. The part of the driven transmission member 18 that interacts with the elongated transmission member 19 is opposite to the part of the guide member 92 that interacts with the elongated transmission member 19. Thereby, in order to achieve a greater engagement between the driven transmission member, the guide member, and the elongated transmission member, less torque is required for operation, and a more stable overhead door operator system can be realized.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 2a - e, the elongated transmission member 19 is preferably suspended along the first side of the opening.

[0046] The elongated transmission member 19 may be any conventional elongated transmission member 19 that provides the slack necessary to compensate for the horizontal or diagonal movement of the drive unit and / or the door. The elongated transmission member may be a belt or a chain.

[0047] In one embodiment, the elongated transmission member 19 may be a belt. Thus, the guide member 92 and the driven transmission member 18 may be pulley elements arranged to engage with the belt. In one embodiment, since the belt may be a cogged belt or a ribbed belt, the guide member 92 and the driven transmission member 18 may be cogged wheels that engage with the ribs of the cogged belt or ribbed belt.

[0048] The elongated transmission member 19 may also be a chain as shown in FIGS. 2a - c. The chain may be provided with slots for receiving cogs. Thus, the driven transmission member 18 may be a cogwheel arranged to interact with the chain, for example, the slots of the chain. The driven transmission member 18 may be a sprocket. Further, the guide member 92 may be a cogwheel arranged to interact with the chain, for example, the slots of the chain. The guide member 92 may be a sprocket. In one embodiment, the guide member 92 may be a ribbed wheel that interacts with the chain. In one embodiment, the chain is an endless chain that encloses the guide member and the driven transmission member. In one embodiment, the chain is not an endless chain but a single chain that only partially encloses, for example, the guide member and the driven transmission member.

[0049] In one embodiment, the overhead door operator system further includes a first set of guide rollers 17 and a second set of guide rollers 17. The first set and the second set of guide rollers may be attached to the door 8 by end caps. Thus, the first set of guide rollers may be rotatably attached to the first end cap, and the second set of guide rollers may be rotatably attached to the second end cap. The first set of guide rollers 17 is arranged to interact with the first frame section 4, and the second set of guide rollers 17 is arranged to interact with the second frame section 6. Thus, the guide rollers are guided along a track formed by a frame such as the first frame section 4 and the second frame section 6 and move with the door 8.

[0050] In one embodiment, the door 8 is a sectional door. For this reason, the door includes a plurality of horizontally interconnected sections 9a - e (shown in FIG. 1).

[0051] Referring again to FIGS. 2a - c, the drive unit 10 is attached to section 9e of the door 8. To make the movement of this section smoother, two pairs of guide rollers are installed in the section to which the drive unit 10 is attached. Thus, the first and second upper guide rollers extend from section 9e towards the first frame section 4 and the second frame section 6 respectively. Similarly, the first and second lower guide rollers extend from section 9e towards the first frame section and the second frame section 6 respectively.

[0052] In one embodiment, the drive unit 10 is attached to the lowermost section 9e of the door 8, and the first and second lower guide rollers are installed adjacent to the lower horizontal end face of the lowermost section 9e. Correspondingly, the upper guide rollers may be installed adjacent to the upper horizontal end face of the lowermost section 9e.

[0053] In one embodiment, the upper guide rollers and the lower guide rollers may be attached to each of the sections 9a - e. Preferably, the upper guide rollers are installed adjacent to the upper horizontal end face of each section, and the lower guide rollers are installed adjacent to the lower horizontal end face of each section.

[0054] As most clearly shown in FIG. 2d, at least one guide member 92 may be arranged coaxially with one of the guide rollers 17. The coaxial arrangement reduces the force on the guide member due to part of the load being received by the frame and the guide roller during the movement of the door. For this reason, the forces generated on the door section and on the bearings of the drive unit and / or the guide member are reduced. Further, due to the coaxial arrangement, more elongated transmission members can be installed behind the guide roller, reducing the exposure of the elongated transmission members. The guide roller 17 is attached to the door 8 by a shaft 88. As will be further described with reference to FIG. 5, next, the shaft 88 may be attached to an end cap. Both the guide roller 17 and the guide member 92 are attached to the shaft. The guide member 92 may be fixedly attached to the shaft 88. Advantageously, the guide roller 17 and the guide member 92 may be arranged adjacent to the lower horizontal edge of the door 8. In one embodiment, the guide member is incorporated into the guide roller.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 2a-d above, the coaxial as used herein means that the guide roller and the guide member are arranged parallel to each other along a horizontal axis of extension. The horizontal axis extends between a first frame section and a second frame section.

[0056] In one embodiment, the guide member is coaxial with a guide roller installed adjacent to the lower horizontal end face of the lowermost section 9e of the door. This is particularly advantageous for providing an excellent pivoting position of the door. For this reason, when the overhead door operator system is an up-and-over door operator system, as the door approaches the open position O, the guide roller and the guide element form a common low pivot point for the door. Thereby, the space required above the opening of the door is significantly reduced as compared to, for example, a door having a driven section using a fixed rack or the like.

[0057] In one embodiment, the first upper guide member 92 is arranged coaxially with the first upper guide roller 17. Correspondingly, the first lower guide member 92 is arranged coaxially with the first lower guide roller 17. For this reason, the driven section 9e is guided along both the elongated transmission member 19 and the frame that are on the same axis. Thereby, the stability is further improved and the load on the section to which the drive unit 10 is attached is reduced. Preferably, this section is the lowermost section, and the lower guide member and the lower guide wheel are arranged adjacent to the lower surface of the lowermost section. For this reason, one of the guide rollers 17 and one of the guide members 92 may be arranged coaxially with each other adjacent to the lower horizontal edge of the door 8. This is the same as in the case of a single-section door.

[0058] In one embodiment, the overhead door operator system includes a pair of elongated transmission members to enable a more stable movement pattern of the door 8. The first elongated transmission member 19 extends along the first side 7 of the opening 2 and the first frame section 4. The second elongated transmission member 19 extends along the second side 5 of the opening 2 and the second frame section 6. Thus, the guide structure and the drive structure described with reference to the first side of the door may be mirrored on the second side of the door.

[0059] Accordingly, the overhead door operator system may further include first and second driven transmission members 18 arranged to interact with the first and second elongated transmission members 19.

[0060] In one embodiment, the first and second driven transmission members 18 are arranged to interact with the first and second elongated transmission members 19 by being at least partially wound by the first and second elongated transmission members respectively.

[0061] In one embodiment, the elongated transmission member 19 is a fixed rack, and the first and second driven transmission members 18 are arranged to move along the first and second elongated transmission members 19 respectively.

[0062] The first and second driven transmission members 18 may be driven by a single or a plurality of motors 11. In one embodiment, a single motor 11 is drivingly connected to the first and second transmission members 18. The single motor 11 may be connected to the first and second driven transmission members 18 by first and second shafts extending from the motor 11. As will be further described with reference to FIG. 3, the drive unit 10 may include first and second motors drivingly connected to the first and second driven transmission members 18, respectively.

[0063] Similar to the first vertical side of the door, one or more guide members may be attached to the second side of the door. In one embodiment, the overhead door operator system further includes at least one guide member 92 attached to the door 8 by an end cap, and the guide member 92 is arranged to interact with the second elongated transmission member to guide the door 8 along the second elongated transmission member 17. Accordingly, the guide member is rotatably attached to the end cap.

[0064] In one embodiment, at least one guide member 92 is arranged to interact with the second elongated transmission member by being at least partially wound by the second elongated transmission member to guide the door 8 along the second elongated transmission member 17. In other words, the door operator system includes at least one first guide member 92 extending from the door 8 and arranged to interact with the first elongated transmission member 19 by being at least partially wound by the first and second elongated transmission members, respectively, and at least one second guide member 92 extending from the door 8 and arranged to interact with the first elongated transmission member 19.

[0065] In one embodiment, the elongated transmission members 19 may all be biased by a spring structure. The upper end of the elongated transmission member 19 may be fixedly attached, and the lower end of the elongated transmission member 19 may be spring-loaded. This allows an operator performing spring service work to more easily access. In one embodiment, the upper and lower ends of the elongated transmission member 19 are respectively attached to a frame, such as first and second frame sections.

[0066] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2b, the first driven transmission member 18 may be disposed between a first upper guide member 92 and a first lower guide member 92. The first upper guide member 92 and the first lower guide member 92 are arranged to interact with the first elongated transmission member 19 by being at least partially wound around by the first elongated transmission member. Similarly, the second driven transmission member 18 may be disposed between a second upper guide member 92 and a second lower guide member 92. The second upper guide member and the second lower guide member 92 are arranged to interact with the second elongated transmission member. This enables further guiding of the elongated transmission member in the driving direction both in front of and behind the driven transmission member without the need for extra parts. Thus, a simpler operator assembly can be realized. Further, a greater engagement between the elongated transmission member and the guide member above the driven transmission member is achieved, resulting in less torque required for operation and a more stable door operator system.

[0067] The upper guide member and the lower guide member may be rotatably attached to a single end cap or two different end caps.

[0068] In one embodiment, the second upper guide member and the second lower guide member 92 are arranged to interact with the second elongated transmission member by being at least partially wound around by the second elongated transmission member.

[0069] Accordingly, the first and second driven transmission members 18 may be arranged to extend from the door 8 in opposite directions towards the first and second elongated transmission members 19, respectively. The first driven transmission member 18 is disposed proximal to the first vertical plane of the door, and the first plane is adjacent to the first elongated transmission member when the door is in the closed position. Similarly, the second driven transmission member 18 is disposed proximal to the second vertical plane of the door, and the second plane is adjacent to the second elongated transmission member when the door is in the closed position.

[0070] In one embodiment, the elongated transmission member 19 may be arranged to wrap around and interact with a portion of the driven transmission member 18, as well as a portion of the upper guide member 92 and the lower guide member 92. The portion of the driven transmission member 18 that interacts with the elongated transmission member 19 is opposite to the portion of the upper guide member 92 and the lower guide member 92 that interacts with the elongated transmission member 19. Thereby, a more stable overhead door operator system with less torque required for operation can be realized, achieving a greater engagement between the driven transmission member, the guide member, and the elongated transmission member.

[0071] In one embodiment, only the first elongated transmission member is drivingly connected to the transmission member, and the door operator system may include only the first upper guide member and the first lower guide member described above.

[0072] In one embodiment, the drive unit 10 is attached to the section 9e of the door 8, and the first upper guide member 92 arranged to interact with the first elongated transmission member 19 may be disposed adjacent to the upper surface of the section 9e. The first lower guide member 92 arranged to interact with the first elongated transmission member 19 may be disposed adjacent to the lower surface of the section 9e. The second upper guide member 92 arranged to interact with the second elongated transmission member 19 may be disposed adjacent to the upper surface of the section 9e. The second lower guide member 92 arranged to interact with the second elongated transmission member 19 may be disposed adjacent to the lower surface of the section 9e.

[0073] In one embodiment, the first upper guide member 92 may be disposed coaxially with the first upper guide roller 17 and interact with the first elongated transmission member 19. The first lower guide member 92 may be disposed coaxially with the first lower guide roller 17 and interact with the first elongated transmission member 19. The second upper guide member 92 may be disposed coaxially with the second upper guide roller 17 and interact with the second elongated transmission member 19. The second lower guide member 92 may be disposed coaxially with the second lower guide roller 17 and interact with the second elongated transmission member 19.

[0074] In one embodiment, the first upper guide member 92 may be disposed coaxially with the first upper guide roller 17 and interact with the first elongated transmission member 19, and the first elongated transmission member may interact by at least partially winding around the first upper guide member and the lower guide member.

[0075] In one embodiment, the second upper guide member 92 may be disposed coaxially with the second upper guide roller 17 and interact with the second elongated transmission member 19, and the second elongated transmission member may interact by at least partially winding around the second upper guide member and the lower guide member.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 2a - e, the drive unit 10 may include a reduction gear device 76 that provides additional torque between the motor and the driven transmission member 18. The reduction gear device 76 connects the driven transmission member 18 and the motor 11. The reduction gear device may be in the form of a gearbox 76. The gearbox 76 enables, for example, selective torque control between the high - speed mode and the high - torque mode of the door operator system.

[0077] In one embodiment, the drive unit 10 includes a single motor, which may be connected to a reduction gear device 76 in the form of a gearbox. As a result, the output shaft of the gearbox is connected to the first and second driven transmission members 18 to transmit torque to the first and second driven transmission members 18, or to transmit torque to a single driven transmission member if the operator system has only one elongated transmission member.

[0078] In one embodiment, the drive unit 10 includes first and second motors. The first motor may be connected to a first reduction gear device such as a gearbox and then connected to the first driven transmission member. The second motor may be connected to a second reduction gear device such as a gearbox and then connected to the second driven transmission member.

[0079] The overhead door operator system may further include at least one transmission member protection device 61. The transmission member protection device 61 is arranged to at least partially surround the driven transmission member 18 and a part of the elongated transmission member 19 that interacts with the driven transmission member 19. The transmission member protection device 61 is for preventing the elongated transmission member 19 from disengaging from the engagement with the driven transmission member 18. Thus, a safer overhead door operator system can be realized. The transmission member protection device 61 can also function as a means for preventing a person from contacting the elongated transmission member 19. The transmission member protection device 61 will be further described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0080] In one embodiment, when a plurality of driven transmission members 18 are utilized, the overhead door operator system may include a plurality of transmission member protection devices 61. Each transmission member protection device 61 may be arranged to at least partially surround the corresponding driven transmission member 18 and the portion of the elongated transmission member 19 that interacts with the driven transmission member 18.

[0081] In one embodiment, the overhead door operator system may further include a tensioner for the transmission member that spring-fastens the elongated transmission member 19, with the upper and lower ends of the elongated transmission member 19 fixedly attached and the tensioner for the transmission member attached to the door 8. The tensioner for the transmission member may include roller elements arranged to interact with the elongated transmission member 19.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 2c, the overhead door operator system may include a spring structure 74. The spring structure 74 is connected to the frame 3 such as the first frame section 4 and the lower end 68 of the elongated transmission member 19. The elongated transmission member 19 may be routed downward around a console element 79 installed adjacent to the floor of the opening and then routed upward toward the spring structure 74.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 2d - e, the overhead door operator system may further include an elastic panel 91. The elastic panel 91 is attached to the door 8. The elastic panel 91 extends from the lower horizontal edge of the door 8 and is further arranged to contact the floor of the opening 2 when the door is in the closed position C. The elastic panel 91 deforms when contacting the floor when the door 8 closes, thereby protecting the door 8 from impacts and wear due to direct contact with the floor. Further, the elastic panel 91 may provide a sealing effect between the floor and the door when the door is in the closed position. In one embodiment, the elastic panel 91 may be made of a rubber material.

[0084] FIG. 3 shows in more detail an overhead door operator system in which the drive unit includes two motors 11a, 11b. The first motor 11a and the second motor 11b may be arranged in the same horizontal section 9e of the door 8. The first and second motors may be arranged in the lowermost horizontal section 9e of the door 8. The first motor 11a and the second motor 11b may be attached to different vertical sides of the door 8. For example, the first motor 11a may be installed on the vertical side of the door 8 proximal to the first side 7 of the opening, and the second motor 11b may be installed on the vertical side of the door 8 proximal to the second side 5 of the opening.

[0085] In one embodiment, the drive unit 10 includes at least a first motor 11a and a second motor 11b, and the first motor 11a and the second motor 11b may be attached to the same vertical side of the door 8. The first and second motors may be arranged in the same horizontal section of the door 8. The first and second motors may be arranged in the lowermost horizontal section 9e of the door 8.

[0086] In one embodiment, the first motor 11a is movably connected to the first elongated transmission member 19 by the first driven transmission member 18, and the second motor 11b is movably connected to the second elongated transmission member 19 by the second driven transmission member 18.

[0087] The motor 11 and the drive unit 10 are preferably arranged on the main surface of the door 8, for example, the outer surface or the inner surface of the door 8. In order to protect the motor 11 and the drive unit 10, the motor and the drive unit are arranged on the inner surface of the door in the form of the inward door surface of the door 8.

[0088] In one embodiment, the motor 11 of the drive unit 10 is a direct current (DC) motor 11. In a preferred embodiment, the motor 11 is a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor.

[0089] The control unit may communicate operably with the drive unit 10. The control unit may communicate with the two motors 11a, 11b either by wire or wirelessly.

[0090] The control unit is configured to control the movement of the drive unit 10, i.e., when and how the drive unit 10 and its associated motors 11a, 11b should move the door 8. The control unit is arranged to receive an input as to whether the door 8 should be opened or closed. In one embodiment, the control unit is arranged to receive an input from one or more of a user interface, a mechanical button, or a remote control. In one embodiment, the control unit is arranged to receive an input from a sensor for automatic operation of the door.

[0091] The drive unit may further include additional motors, which will be further described below.

[0092] In one embodiment, as schematically shown in FIG. 4a, the drive unit 10 is attached to a second horizontal section 9 of the horizontal section and is arranged to assist the first and second motors 11a-b when moving the sectional door 8 from the closed position C to the open position O. The third and fourth motors 11c-d are included. The third and fourth motors 11 are connected to the control unit 20 and are configured to be controlled by the control unit in the same manner as described above with respect to the first and second motors 11. In one embodiment, the system 1 includes four motors 11a-d and one control unit 20. The first and second motors 11a, 11b are arranged in section 9e, and the third and fourth motors 11c, 11d are arranged in another section 9c. For this reason, the drive unit 10 may preferably include a third driven transmission member 18 attached to the door 8 by an end cap. The third driven transmission member 18 may be movably connected to the first elongated transmission member 19, but this is for driving the third driven transmission member 19 along the first elongated transmission member 19. Further, the drive unit may preferably include a fourth driven transmission member 18 attached to the door 8 by an end cap. The fourth driven transmission member 18 may be movably connected to the second elongated transmission member 19, but this is for driving the fourth driven transmission member 19 along the second elongated transmission member 19. The drive unit may further include guide wheels and guide rollers associated with the third and fourth driven transmission members.

[0093] In one embodiment, the first and second motors 11a, 11b are arranged in section 9e, which is the section of the door closest to the floor in the closed position C. However, it should be noted that section 9e may also be, for example, section 9d, which is the section arranged adjacent to the section closest to the floor in the closed position C.

[0094] In one embodiment, as schematically shown in FIG. 4b, the drive unit 10 is attached to the third horizontal section 9c of the horizontal section 9 and includes fifth and sixth motors 11e - f arranged to assist another motor 11 when moving the sectional door 8 from the closed position C to the open position O. The fifth and sixth motors 11e - f are connected to the control unit 20 and are configured to be controlled by the control unit in the same manner as described above for the first and second motors 11a - b. In one embodiment, the system 1 includes six motors 11a - f and one control unit. The first and second motors 11a, 11b are arranged in section 9e, the third and fourth motors 11c, 11d are arranged in another section 9c, and the fifth and sixth motors 11e, 11f are arranged in another section 9d. For this reason, the drive unit 10 may preferably include a fifth driven transmission member 18 attached to the door 8 by an end cap. The fifth driven transmission member 18 may be movably connected to the first elongated transmission member 19, which is for driving the fifth driven transmission member 19 along the first elongated transmission member 19. Further, the drive unit may preferably include a sixth driven transmission member 18 attached to the door 8 by an end cap. The sixth driven transmission member 18 may be movably connected to the second elongated transmission member 19, which is for driving the sixth driven transmission member 19 along the second elongated transmission member 19. As described with reference to FIGS. 2a - c, the drive unit may further include guide wheels and guide rollers associated with the fifth and sixth driven transmission members.

[0095] In an embodiment, motors are arranged in the additional sections 9a - e, and these motors may be arranged in every other section, in all sections, or in one section arranged above section 9e.

[0096] In one embodiment, the first, second, third or the first, second, third and fourth motors may be arranged in section 9. Preferably, the motors may be arranged in the lowermost section 9e.

[0097] In one embodiment, at least one motor 11 of the drive unit 10 is configured to apply a brake to the movement of the door 8 when the door 8 is moved from the open position O to the closed position C. In one embodiment, the operator system has two motors, and both the first and second motors 11a and 11b are configured to apply a brake to the movement of the door 8 when the door 8 is moved from the open position O to the closed position C.

[0098] In one embodiment, at least one motor 11 of the drive unit 10 functions as a generator and is configured to charge at least one energy storage device when the door 8 is moved from the open position O to the closed position C. In one embodiment, both the first and second motors 11a, 11b of the drive unit 10 function as generators and are configured to charge at least one energy storage device when the door 8 is moved from the open position O to the closed position C. Due to the weight of the door 8 pushing the door towards the closed position, by rotating at least one motor of the drive unit, the motor can generate electric power to charge the energy storage device.

[0099] At least one motor 11 of the drive unit 10 may further include a brake. In one embodiment, both the first motor 11a and the second motor 11b include brakes. In one embodiment, the brake is an electromagnetic brake. The brake is arranged to control / decelerate the speed of the door 8 when the door 8 is moved from the open position O to the closed position C. In one embodiment, the brake is arranged so as not to move at any position along the door track between the closed position and the open position of the door.

[0100] In one embodiment, the drive unit 10 is attached to a section 9e of the door 8, i.e., one of the plurality of horizontal interconnecting sections. The first motor 11a and the second motor 11b are arranged in the same section 9e. Preferably, the first motor 11a and the second motor 11b are arranged on different vertical sides of the section 9e. Accordingly, each motor 11a, 11b is arranged to be connected to the first frame section 4 and the second frame section 6, respectively.

[0101] In one embodiment, the door 8 may be horizontal or at an angle with respect to at least the closed position C, and the door 8 is located above the opening 2 inside the opening 2. When moving from the closed position C to the open position O, the interconnected door sections 9 push against each other so that the entire door 8 moves upward. When the sections 9 move from the vertical position to the horizontal position, they rotate and move relative to each other.

[0102] In one embodiment, at least one of the first and second motors 11 operates as a generator 11 when moving the door 8 from the open position O to the closed position C. When the sprocket 18 rotates, the generator 11 rotates. The generator 11 reduces the speed of the door 8. The generator 11 connected to the energy storage device charges the energy storage device when moved. By using the kinetic energy of the moving door 8, the energy storage device is charged.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 5a - e, the overhead door operator system 1 further includes an end cap structure 100 attached to the door 8. The drive unit 10 is attached to the end cap 101 of the end cap structure 100. Thus, the drive unit can be easily attached to the door in one operation in an integrated state with the end cap. Therefore, service staff can arrange the drive unit and the end cap structure as a module by attaching the drive unit to the end cap of the end cap structure. And the module can be attached to the door. This can make the attachment of the drive unit to the door quicker and easier.

[0104] Therefore, the drive unit 10 may be simply attached to the door by the end cap structure. As will be described in more detail later, the drive unit 10 may be attached to one or more end caps 101 of the end cap structure 100.

[0105] In one embodiment, the end cap 101 may be disposed adjacent to the vertical plane of the door 8, i.e., the side of the door 8 adjacent and parallel to the first side of the opening when the door 8 is in the closed position. In one embodiment, the door 8 is a sectional door leaf and the end cap 101 is attached to a single section of the door 8. In one embodiment, the door 8 is a single door blade and the end cap 101 may be attached to the single door blade.

[0106] The end cap 101 includes a plate member 109 attached to the door 8. Thus, the end cap structure may be attached to the door 8 by fastening elements extending into the door 8 through the end cap 101. In one embodiment, the fastening elements may extend into the door 8 through the plate member 109. In one embodiment, the fastening element may be a screw. In one embodiment, the end cap 101 may be attached to the vertical plane of the door 8.

[0107] The plate member 109 may extend along the main surface of the door 8 which may be on the inner or outer side of the door 8. Accordingly, the main surface may be orthogonal to the vertical plane of the door 8.

[0108] In one embodiment, the end cap 101 may be made of steel. Accordingly, a more robust and stable overhead door operator system is realized. In an alternative embodiment, the end cap 101 may be made of aluminum.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 5a - b, the drive unit may include an energy storage unit 160 that supplies power to the motor 11 as described above. The energy storage unit 160 is attached to the end cap 101. The energy storage unit 160 may be a battery unit. In one embodiment, the energy storage unit 160 may be a capacitor. Accordingly, the energy storage unit 160 may be electrically connected to the motor 11. Thereby, the drive unit 10 may have a built - in power source that can be attached to the door 8 as a module by the end cap 101 together with the motor and other potential components.

[0110] The end cap 101 may further include energy storage unit attachment structures 161, 162 for attaching the energy storage unit 160. The energy storage unit 160 may be incorporated into the energy storage unit attachment structures 161, 162. Accordingly, the energy storage unit 160 may be attached to the end cap 101 in a simple manner. Further, the energy storage unit attachment structures 161, 162 provide an indication of where the energy storage unit 160 should be attached, which reduces the risk of service staff attaching the energy storage unit 160 in the wrong way.

[0111] In one embodiment, the energy storage unit mounting structures 161, 162 may include a first mounting flange 161 and a second mounting flange 162. The first and second mounting flanges may project outwardly from the plate member 109. The energy storage unit 160 may be mounted between the first mounting flange 161 and the second mounting flange 162.

[0112] As described above, the overhead door operator system may include at least one guide member 92. The at least one guide member 92 is rotatably attached to the end cap 101. The guide member 92 may be arranged to interact with the elongate transmission member 19 to guide the door 8 along the elongate transmission member 19. Thus, attaching the at least one guide member 92 to the end cap 101 before attaching the end cap 101 to the door 8 can further simplify assembly and installation. In one embodiment, the at least one guide member 92 may be arranged to interact with the elongate transmission member 19 by being at least partially wound by the elongate transmission member 19 to guide the door 8 along the elongate transmission member 19. Referring to FIG. 5b, the guide member may be attached to the end cap 101 by a shaft 88.

[0113] In an alternative embodiment, the guide member 92 may be a slide element arranged to engage a guide track. For this purpose, the guide member may be fixed to the end cap 101. The guide track may be one of the frame sections.

[0114] Figure 5c shows a side view of the drive unit 10 and the end cap structure 100. As shown in Figure 5c, the drive unit 10 is attached to the end cap 101 by at least one fastening member 151. The at least one fastening member may extend in a direction perpendicular to the elongated transmission member 19. Thus, the at least one fastening member 151 can be attached from the vertical plane of the door 8. Thus, the drive unit 10 is attached to the side of the end cap structure where the end cap structure is the strongest. This achieves an advantageous load distribution, which results in a more robust and durable door operator system.

[0115] As previously described with reference to Figure 2, the drive unit includes a reduction gear device 76. The reduction gear device 76 connects the driven transmission member 18 and the motor 11.

[0116] Thus, the end cap 101 may include a reduction gear device attachment mechanism 168. The reduction gear device attachment mechanism 168 may include a protruding element for attaching the reduction gear device 76 to the end cap 101.

[0117] Referring further to Figure 5e, the overhead door operator system may further include a driven transmission member shaft 98. The driven transmission member shaft 98 couples the motor 11 and the driven transmission member 18. Thus, the driven transmission member 18 may be fixed to the driven transmission member shaft 98. The driven transmission member shaft 98 and the motor 11 are attached to the end cap 101.

[0118] Thus, the drive unit may be attached to the end cap as a module further including the driven transmission member 18 and the motor 11, making the installation of the overhead door operator system much simpler and quicker.

[0119] To attach the driven transmission member shaft 98, the end cap 101 may further include a transmission attachment structure 176. The transmission attachment structure 176 is arranged to receive the driven transmission member 18. A transmission member protection device 61 is installed in the transmission attachment structure 176. The transmission member protection device 61 is arranged to extend towards the elongated transmission member 19. The transmission member protection device 61 is further arranged to at least partially enclose the driven transmission member 18. In other words, the transmission member protection device 61 partially covers the driven transmission member 18. The transmission member protection device 61 alleviates pinching caused by an object being jammed between the elongated transmission member and the driven transmission member. Installing a transmission member protection device on the end cap enables the transmission member protection device to be directly installed in a single module together with the drive unit and the end cap, making the assembly and installation of the overhead door operator system quicker and easier.

[0120] As most clearly visible in FIGS. 5d - e, the end cap 101 has a U - shaped portion 102. The U - shaped portion 102 is arranged to wrap around the vertical plane of the door 8. The U - shaped portion 102 may extend into the plate member 109.

[0121] Referring further to FIGS. 5d - e, the end cap 101 may include guide member shaft mounts 171, 172. The guide member shaft mounts 171, 172 are arranged to rotatably receive the shaft 88. For this reason, the shaft 88 is rotatably connected to the guide member shaft mounts 171, 172. The guide member shaft mounts 171, 172 may protrude from the plate member 109. The guide member shaft mounts may include a first shaft mount flange 171 and a second shaft mount flange 172. The shaft 88 is arranged to extend through the respective openings of the shaft mount flanges, whereby the shaft 88 is rotatably connected to the end cap 101.

[0122] Returning to FIGS. 3 - 4, the overhead door operator system may include a first elongate transmission member 19 and a second elongate transmission member 19. The first elongate transmission member extends along a first side 7 of the opening and a first frame section 4. The second elongate transmission member extends along a second side 5 of the opening 2 and a second frame section 6. The overhead door operator system 1 may further include first and second driven transmission members 18 disposed to interact with the first and second elongate transmission members 19, respectively. In one embodiment, the first and second driven transmission members 18 are disposed to interact with the first and second elongate transmission members 19 by being at least partially wound by the first and second elongate transmission members 19, respectively.

[0123] In such an embodiment, the end cap structure 100 may include a plurality of end caps 101. In one embodiment, the end cap structure 100 may include first and second end caps 101. The first end cap may be disposed proximal to a first vertical plane of the door 8. The first vertical plane is adjacent to the first side 7 of the opening 2 when the door 8 is in the closed position. Thus, the first vertical plane is parallel to the first side 7 of the opening 2 when the door 8 is in the closed position. The second end cap is disposed proximal to a second opposite vertical plane of the door 8. The second opposite vertical plane of the door 8 is adjacent to the second side 5 of the opening 2 when the door 8 is in the closed position. Thus, the second opposite vertical plane is parallel to the second side 5 of the opening 2 when the door 8 is in the closed position. The drive unit 10 may be attached to the first and second end caps of the end cap structure. Thus, components of the drive unit, namely, the motor, the reduction gear device, the energy storage unit, etc., may be attached to the first and second end caps.

[0124] In one embodiment, the drive unit may include the first motor 11a and the second motor 11b as described above. The first motor 11a may be attached to the first end cap, and the second motor 11b may be attached to the second end cap. The first motor 11a and the second motor 11b may be attached to the end cap described in any of the above embodiments.

[0125] Similarly, the drive unit may include the first and second energy storage units 160 that supply power to the first and second motors, respectively. The first energy storage unit may be attached to the first end cap, and the second energy storage unit may be attached to the second end cap. The energy storage unit may be attached to the end cap described in any of the above embodiments.

[0126] The drive unit may further include the first and second reduction gear devices 76 connected to the first and second motors 11a and 11b, respectively. The first reduction gear device may be attached to the first end cap, and the second reduction gear device may be attached to the second end cap. The reduction gear device may be attached to the end cap described in any of the above embodiments.

[0127] As described above, the overhead door operator system may include a plurality of guide members 92. Accordingly, the first guide member 92 is rotatably attached to the first end cap 101. The first guide member 92 may be arranged to interact with the first elongated transmission member 19 to guide the door 8 along the first elongated transmission member 19. In one embodiment, the first guide member 92 may be arranged to interact with the first elongated transmission member 19 by being at least partially wound therearound to guide the door 8 along the first elongated transmission member 19. Correspondingly, the second guide member 92 is rotatably attached to the second end cap 101. The second guide member 92 may be arranged to interact with the second elongated transmission member 19 to guide the door 8 along the second elongated transmission member 19. In one embodiment, the second guide member 92 may be arranged to interact with the second elongated transmission member 19 by being at least partially wound therearound to guide the door 8 along the second elongated transmission member 19.

[0128] In one embodiment, the first guide member 92 is attached to the first end cap by a shaft 88. The first end cap includes guide member shaft mounts 171, 172 arranged to rotatably receive the shaft 88 as described in the foregoing embodiments. Correspondingly, the second guide member 92 is attached to the second end cap by a shaft 88. The second end cap includes guide member shaft mounts 171, 172 arranged to rotatably receive the shaft 88 as described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0129] In one embodiment, the overhead door operator system includes a plurality of driven transmission members, and the overhead door operator system may include a plurality of driven transmission member shafts 98. Accordingly, the drive unit 10 includes a first driven transmission member 18 drivingly connected to the motor 11 or the first motor 11a, and a second driven transmission member 18 drivingly connected to the second motor 11. The first driven transmission member 18 is movably connected to the first elongated transmission member 19, and the second driven transmission member 18 is movably connected to the second elongated transmission member 19 and is driven along the elongated transmission member.

[0130] Accordingly, the overhead door operator system may further include a first driven transmission member shaft 98 that couples the motor 11 or the first motor 11a to the first driven transmission member 18. The first driven transmission member shaft 98 is attached to the first end cap 101. In one embodiment, the first driven transmission member shaft 98 and the first motor 11a are attached to the first end cap 101.

[0131] Accordingly, the overhead door operator system may further include a second driven transmission member shaft 98 that couples the motor 11 or the second motor 11b to the second driven transmission member 18. The second driven transmission member shaft 98 is attached to the second end cap 101. In one embodiment, the second driven transmission member shaft 98 and the second motor 11b are attached to the second end cap 101.

[0132] The first end cap 101 includes a first transmission mounting structure 176 arranged to receive the first driven transmission member 18. Accordingly, the first driven transmission member 18 is attached to the first transmission mounting structure 176. A first transmission member protection device 61 is installed in the first transmission mounting structure 176 and is arranged to extend towards the first elongated transmission member 19. The first transmission member protection device 179 is further arranged to at least partially enclose the first driven transmission member 18.

[0133] Correspondingly, the second end cap 101 includes a second transmission mounting structure 176 arranged to receive the second driven transmission member 18. Thus, the second driven transmission member 18 is attached to the second transmission mounting structure 176. A second transmission member protection device 61 is installed in the second transmission mounting structure 176 and is arranged to extend towards the second elongated transmission member 19. The second transmission member protection device 179 is further arranged to at least partially enclose the second driven transmission member 18.

[0134] In one embodiment, the first and second end caps may be arranged in the same section of the door 8. In one embodiment, the drive unit may include a plurality of sub-drive units arranged to independently drive the door 8 and attached to respective end caps.

[0135] In one embodiment, the end cap structure may include additional end caps distributed in the vertical plane of the door 8. The sub-drive units may be attached to respective ones or some of the end caps as described above.

[0136] According to one aspect, a method of assembling an overhead door operator system is provided. The method includes attaching an end cap structure 100 to a door 8. The method further includes attaching a drive unit 10 to an end cap 101 of the end cap structure 100. In one embodiment, the method includes first attaching the end cap structure 100 to the door and subsequently attaching the drive unit 10 to the end cap 101 of the end cap structure. In one embodiment, the method includes first attaching the drive unit 10 to the end cap 101 of the end cap structure and subsequently attaching the end cap structure 100 to the door.

[0137] The method may further include attaching any component of the drive unit, namely, the motor 11, the reduction gear device 76, the energy storage unit 160, etc. to the end cap 101.

[0138] The method may further include the step of connecting the driven transmission member 18 to the motor 11. In one embodiment, the method may further include the step of attaching the driven transmission member 18 to the end cap 101.

[0139] The method may further include the step of attaching the guide member 92 to the end cap 101.

[0140] In one embodiment, the end cap structure 100 includes a plurality of end caps, and the method may further include the step of attaching the drive unit 10 to the end cap 101. In one embodiment, the method may further include the step of attaching the first reduction gear device 76, the motor 11a, the energy storage unit 160, etc. to the first end cap 101, and the step of attaching the second reduction gear device 76, the motor 11b, the energy storage unit 160, etc. to the second end cap 101. In one embodiment, the method may further include the step of connecting the first driven transmission member 18 to the motor 11 or the first motor 11a, and the second driven transmission member 18 to the motor 11 or the second motor 11b. In one embodiment, the method may further include the step of attaching the first driven transmission member 18 to the first end cap 101, and the second driven transmission member 18 to the second end cap 101. In one embodiment, the method may further include the step of attaching the first guide member 92 to the first end cap 101, and the second guide member 92 to the second end cap 101. A plurality of guide members may be attached to each end cap.

[0141] The present invention has been described in detail above with reference to its embodiments. However, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, other embodiments are equally possible within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. It should be recalled that the present invention may generally be applied within or to an entrance system having one or more movable door members not limited to a particular type. Such door members or each such door member may be, for example, a swing door member, a revolving door member, a sliding door member, an overhead sectional door member, a horizontal accordion door member, or a pull-up (vertically lifting) door member.

Claims

Claim 1 An overhead door operator system (1) for opening and closing an opening (2), comprising: A door frame (3) including a first frame section (4) on a first side (7) of the opening (2) and a second frame section (6) on a second side (5) of the opening (2); A door (8) arranged to move between an open position (O) and a closed position (C) and movably connected to the door frame (3); A drive unit (10) including at least one motor (11) arranged to move the door (8) from the closed position (C) to the open position; An elongate transmission member (19) extending along the first side (7) of the opening (2) and the first frame section (4); Including; The drive unit (10) further includes a driven transmission member (18) drivingly connected to the motor (11), the driven transmission member (18) is movably connected to the elongate transmission member (19), and interacts with the elongate transmission member (19) to drive the driven transmission member (18) along the elongate transmission member (19). The overhead door operator system (1) further includes an end cap structure (100) attached to the door (8), and the drive unit (10) is attached to an end cap (101) of the end cap structure (100). The overhead door operator system (1) further includes a driven transmission member shaft (98) coupling the motor (11) and the driven transmission member (18), and the driven transmission member shaft (98) and the motor (11) are attached to the end cap (101). The end cap (101) further includes a transmission attachment structure (176) arranged to receive the driven transmission member (18), and a transmission member protection device (61) arranged to extend towards the elongate transmission member (19) is installed on the transmission attachment structure (176), and the transmission member protection device (61) is further arranged to at least partially enclose the driven transmission member (18). Overhead door operator system (1). Claim 2 The overhead door operator system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the end cap (101) further includes a plate member (109) attached to the door (8). Claim 3 The overhead door operator system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the end cap (101) is attached to the vertical surface of the door (8).

4. The drive unit (10) is attached to the end cap (101) by at least one fastening member (151) extending into the drive unit (10) through the end cap (101), and the at least one fastening member (151) extends along a direction perpendicular to the elongated transmission member (19). The overhead door operator system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The overhead door operator system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the end cap (101) is made of steel.

6. The overhead door operator system (1) according to claim 3 or 5, wherein the end cap (101) has a U-shaped portion (102) arranged to wrap around the vertical surface of the door (8).

7. The drive unit (10) further includes an energy storage unit (160) for supplying power to the motor (11), and the energy storage unit (160) is attached to the end cap (101). The overhead door operator system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The end cap (101) includes an energy storage unit mounting structure (161, 162) for mounting the energy storage unit (160), and the energy storage unit (160) is incorporated into the energy storage unit mounting structure (161, 162). The overhead door operator system (1) according to claim 7.

9. The drive unit (10) further includes a reduction gear device (76) connecting the driven transmission member (18) and the motor (11). The overhead door operator system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The end cap (101) includes a reduction gear device mounting structure (168) including a protruding element for attaching the reduction gear device (76) to the end cap (101). The overhead door operator system (1) according to claim 9.

11. The overhead door operator system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising at least one guide member (92) rotatably attached to the end cap (101), wherein the guide member (92) interacts with the elongated transmission member (19) and is arranged to guide the door (8) along the elongated transmission member (19).

12. The overhead door operator system (1) according to claim 11, wherein the at least one guide member (92) is attached to the end cap (101) by a shaft (88), and the end cap structure (100) includes guide member shaft mounts (171, 172) arranged to rotatably receive the shaft (88).

13. The overhead door operator system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a first elongated transmission member (19) extending along the first side (7) of the opening (2) and the first frame section (4), a second elongated transmission member (19) extending along the second side (5) of the opening (2) and the second frame section (6), and first and second driven transmission members (18) arranged to interact with the first and second elongated transmission members (19), respectively.

14. The overhead door operator system (1) according to claim 13, wherein the end cap structure (100) includes first and second end caps (101), the first end cap (101) is arranged proximal to the first vertical plane of the door (8), the second end cap (101) is arranged proximal to the second opposite vertical plane of the door (8) adjacent to the second side (5) of the opening (2), and the drive unit (10) is attached to the first and second end caps (101).

15. A method of assembling an overhead door operator system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising: attaching the end cap structure (100) to the door (8); attaching the drive unit (10) to the end cap (101) of the end cap structure (100). A method comprising the steps of.

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