Door Operation System

Abstract

The present invention provides a door operating system (1) for opening and closing an opening (2), the system comprising: a door frame (3) having a first frame portion (4) on a first side (5) of the opening (2) and a second frame portion (6) on a second side (7) of the opening (2); a door (8) movably coupled to the door frame (3) and adapted to move between a closed position (C) and an open position (O); a drive unit (10) attached to the door (8) and including at least one motor (11) arranged to move the door (8) from the closed position (C) to the open position (O) and vice versa; and an elongated transmission member (19) extending along at least one of the first side (5) and the second side (7) of the opening (2), the drive unit (10) further comprising a driven transmission member (18) drivingly coupled to the motor (11), The member (18) is movably connected to the elongated transmission member (19) and is configured to interact with the elongated transmission member (19) to drive the driven transmission member (18) along the elongated transmission member (19) by causing the elongated transmission member (19) to at least partially wrap around the driven transmission member (18), and at least one guide member (92) attached to the door (8) is arranged to interact with the elongated transmission member (19) to guide the elongated transmission member (19) into contact with the driven transmission member (18), and the at least one guide member (92) has a sliding surface (101) on which the elongated transmission member (19) is configured to slide, the sliding surface (101) having a predetermined curvature that biases the elongated transmission member (19) so that it bends in accordance with the curvature.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a door operating system for opening and closing an opening. [Background technology]

[0002] A door operating system typically includes a door connected to a door frame and a drive unit arranged to move the door along the door frame between closed and open positions and vice versa to open and close an opening. The door is typically used as a garage door or industrial door. The drive unit for moving the door can be a motor or a mechanical unit such as a spring or support motor.

[0003] In a conventional overhead sectional door, an electric motor mounted above the door lifts the door using wires attached to the door. Such overhead sectional doors often include a balancing spring to reduce the force required to open the door.

[0004] Another type of known door is driven by a driven pinion that engages a fixed rack that extends along the door's intended movement trajectory. Such doors do not require a balance spring.

[0005] Another type of known door has a door curtain or protective barrier of rigid panels connected to one another. In the open position, the door is moved upward to a horizontal position or rolled up on a drum. During the opening process, the door slides into fixed tracks located on either side of the door opening and above the door lintel on both sides of the door. A lifting device, such as a timing belt, roller chain, or steel rope, is connected to the drive unit. The lifting device is fixed to one panel and configured to lift the door upward. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-285825 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 0523630 [Patent Document 3] German Patent No. 10261083 [Patent Document 4] US Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0289128 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] A disadvantage of doors that are positioned horizontally in the open position is that the bottom of the door must be supported by fixed tracks on both sides of the door, otherwise the bottom of the door will not follow the path of the fixed tracks in the transition area or track bend between the vertically closed and horizontally open positions of the door.

[0008] The door is provided with a drive for opening and closing the door, the drive being located at the bottom of the door. Additionally, guide rollers may be located at the bottom of the door, the guide rollers being configured to interplay with fixed tracks or frame portions on either side of the door opening. The guide rollers ensure that the bottom of the door is supported by the fixed tracks.

[0009] There is a need to provide a door operating system for opening and closing an opening that seeks to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-mentioned shortcomings and disadvantages of the prior art, singly or in any combination.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need to develop a door operating system for opening and closing an opening with reduced complexity to facilitate easier installation and reduce maintenance requirements.

[0011] Additionally, there is a need to develop a door operating system for opening and closing an opening that uses cost-effective components.

[0012] Furthermore, there is a need to develop a door operating system that opens and closes an opening with as little operating force as possible.

[0013] Accordingly, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a door operating system that seeks to mitigate, overcome or eliminate one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks and disadvantages of the prior art, singly or in any combination.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to develop a door operating system that is less complex in order to facilitate installation and reduce maintenance requirements.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to develop a door operating system that uses cost-effective components.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to develop a door operating system that requires as little operating force as possible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] This disclosure proposes a solution to the above-mentioned problem. The proposed solution describes a door operating system for opening and closing an opening, the door operating system comprising: a door frame having a first frame portion on a first side of the opening and a second frame portion on a second side of the opening; a door movably coupled to the door frame and configured to move between a closed position and an open position; a drive unit including at least one motor attached to the door and arranged to move the door from the closed position to the open position and vice versa; an elongated transmission member extending along at least one of the first side and the second side of the opening; Equipped with the drive unit further comprises a driven transmission member drivingly connected to the motor, the driven transmission member movably connected to the elongated transmission member and arranged to interact with the elongated transmission member, and configured to drive the driven transmission member along the elongated transmission member by at least partially wrapping the elongated transmission member around the driven transmission member; At least one guide member attached to the door is arranged to interact with the elongated transmission member to guide the elongated transmission member into contact with the driven transmission member, the at least one guide member having a sliding surface along which the elongated transmission member is configured to slide, the sliding surface having a predetermined curvature that biases the elongated transmission member to bend in accordance with the curvature.

[0018] Such a door operating system reduces, solves, or eliminates one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks and disadvantages in the art, singly or in any combination. Furthermore, the door operating system is less complex and requires less maintenance. The operating force of the door operating system is as low as possible. Furthermore, the door operating system uses cost-effective components.

[0019] The door operating system can be applied to overhead section doors with a frame portion that curves at an angle that can be horizontal to the door opening. The door operating system can also be applied to vertical lift overhead doors, where the wall above the door opening in the wall is at least as high as the door, and the door moves vertically and is guided by the frame portion all the way above the door opening when the door is opened. The door operating system can also be applied to spiral doors that spiral up above the door opening when the door is opened.

[0020] The door frame is configured to guide and hold the door in the closed and open positions, and further configured to guide the door as it moves between the closed and open positions.

[0021] The first frame portion at a first side of the opening is configured to guide the door at a first side of the door. The second frame portion at a second side of the opening is configured to guide the door at a second side of the door. When the door operation system is an overhead door operator system, each of the first frame portion and the second frame portion can include a vertically extending part, a horizontally extending part, and a bent interconnecting part. The door can follow the frame to be guided along a track formed by the frame, for example, the first frame portion 4 and the second frame portion.

[0022] The opening can be located in a building, wall, or fence. The opening can have a size and shape that suits the particular purpose of the building, wall, or fence. If the building is a vehicle garage, the opening is preferably large enough to allow a vehicle to pass through.

[0023] The door is configured to cover the opening to prevent access through the opening, prevent or restrict air flow through the opening, and / or regulate temperature within the building. The door is bendable, flexible, or foldable so that the door can change shape while opening and closing. The door may be configured to prevent theft. The door may be insulated against heat and / or cold. The door is movable relative to the opening to open and close the opening.

[0024] In the closed position, the door covers the opening or a portion of the opening.

[0025] In the open position, the door is clear of the entire opening or a portion of the opening.

[0026] The drive unit is configured to move the door from a closed position to an open position and vice versa. The drive unit includes parts that cooperate to move the door. The drive unit is attached to the door so that it follows the movement of the door.

[0027] The at least one motor may be an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, and / or a pneumatic motor. The at least one motor is configured to move the door along the door frame. The at least one motor is configured to move the door along the door frame from a closed position to an open position and vice versa. The at least one motor may be located on one side of the door adjacent to a first side of the opening. The at least one other motor may be located on another side of the door adjacent to a second side of the opening.

[0028] The elongate transmission member can extend along a first side of the opening, the elongate transmission member can extend along a second side of the opening, or the elongate transmission member can extend along both the first and second sides of the opening.

[0029] The driven transmission member is driven by a motor. The motor is capable of transmitting torque to the driven transmission member. The motor is capable of transmitting rotational motion to the driven transmission member. A gearbox may be disposed between the motor and the driven transmission member. The movable connection between the driven transmission member and the elongated transmission member provides for movement of the drive unit, and therefore the door, along the elongated transmission member. The movable connection between the driven transmission member and the elongated transmission member may be achieved by the elongated transmission member at least partially surrounding the circumference of the driven transmission member. The driven transmission member may engage with the elongated transmission member when the elongated transmission member at least partially surrounds the circumference of the driven transmission member.

[0030] The at least one guide member may be attached to the door. The at least one guide member may be part of the drive unit. The at least one guide member may be attached to the drive unit. Thus, the at least one guide member may be attached to the door via the drive unit. Such guide members may be compact and require little space at the door. Interaction between the at least one guide member and the elongated transmission member allows the elongated transmission member to at least partially surround the driven transmission member. The at least one guide member guides the elongated transmission member into contact with the driven transmission member.

[0031] The sliding surface is in contact with the elongated transmission member. The sliding surface has a low coefficient of friction, allowing the elongated transmission member to slide easily on the sliding surface. A friction-reducing material, such as a lubricant, may be provided on the sliding surface and / or the elongated transmission member to reduce friction between the sliding surface and the elongated transmission member. Reducing the friction between the sliding surface and the elongated transmission member can facilitate the door opening and closing of the opening. Reducing the friction between the sliding surface and the elongated transmission member can facilitate movement between the closed and open positions due to the low operating force of the door operating system. The use of at least one guide member including the sliding surface reduces the complexity of the door operating system. Furthermore, maintenance requirements are reduced.

[0032] The curvature of the sliding surface can be adapted to the shape, type, and characteristics of the elongated transmission member. When the elongated transmission member slides or rests on the sliding surface, it flexes to follow the curvature of the sliding surface. The curvature of the sliding surface and the position of the sliding surface relative to the driven transmission member can be selected for effective interaction between the driven transmission member and the elongated transmission member, whereby the elongated transmission member at least partially surrounds the periphery of the driven transmission member.

[0033] According to one aspect, the sliding surface includes a guide track for the elongated transmission member. The guide track can guide the elongated transmission member in a longitudinal direction of the elongated transmission member. Furthermore, the guide track can prevent the elongated transmission member from sliding in a direction perpendicular to the elongated direction of the elongated transmission member. The guide track can increase the interaction between the driven transmission member and the elongated transmission member, so that the elongated transmission member at least partially surrounds the driven transmission member. The elongated transmission member can be configured to form the guide track within at least one guide member. As such, the guide member may be softer than the elongated transmission member. The guide track can be formed by surface pressure from the elongated transmission member acting on the sliding surface of the guide member. The guide track can also be formed by wear between the elongated transmission member and the sliding surface of the guide member. The elongated transmission member can be configured to have a harder surface than the sliding surface of the guide member. The elongated transmission member can be configured to have a surface that is more wear-resistant than the sliding surface of the guide member. The elongated transmission member can have a shape that initially creates a large surface pressure on the guide member or the sliding surface of the guide member. After the initial creation of the guide track, the surface pressure is reduced by the shape of the elongated transmission member. The reduced surface pressure can reduce further formation of the guide track.

[0034] According to the present invention, the curvature of the sliding surface has a radius in the range of 15 mm to 50 mm. The curvature of the sliding surface can be adapted to the shape, type, and characteristics of the elongated transmission member. A radius in the range of 15 mm to 50 mm can allow the elongated transmission member to flex and follow the curvature of the sliding surface. Furthermore, the radius of the driven transmission member is preferably 15 mm to 50 mm or less. The radius of curvature of the sliding surface may correspond to the radius of the driven transmission member.

[0035] According to one aspect, the elongated transmission member is in the form of a suspended bendable transmission member. The elongated transmission member may be suspended within a door frame. The elongated transmission member may be suspended within a building, wall, or fence containing the door opening. The elongated transmission member is bendable. The suspended bendable transmission member may be configured to convert rotational motion from the driven transmission member into linear motion of the door. The bendable nature of the suspended bendable transmission member can facilitate the suspended bendable transmission member at least partially surrounding the driven transmission member. The bendable nature of the suspended bendable transmission member can facilitate the suspended bendable transmission member following the curvature of the sliding surface.

[0036] According to one aspect, the system further includes a resilient panel attached to the door and extending from a bottom horizontal edge of the door, the resilient panel positioned to contact a floor of the opening when the door is in a closed position. The resilient panel may be resiliently attached to the door such that the panel can flex, bend, or pivot relative to the rest of the door. The resilient panel may be resiliently hinged to the door. The resilient panel may be resilient and flexible. When the door is in a closed position closing the opening, the resilient panel extends from the bottom horizontal edge of the door and contacts the floor.

[0037] In one aspect, the elongated transmission member is a belt. The belt may be a timing belt. The belt may be provided with teeth. The driven transmission member may be a toothed pulley configured to transmit high torques and forces to the belt. The belt and toothed pulley are thus movably connected. Both the toothed pulley and the belt are capable of transmitting high speeds. Such transmissions are reliable and require little maintenance. Such transmissions are also compact and require little space. The belt may also follow the curvature of the sliding surface.

[0038] According to one aspect, the elongated transmission member is a drive chain. The driven transmission member may be a sprocket configured to transmit high torque and force to the drive chain. Thus, the drive chain and the sprocket are movably coupled. Both the sprocket and the drive chain are capable of transmitting high speeds. Such a transmission is reliable and requires little maintenance. Such a transmission is also compact and requires little space. The drive chain can also follow the curvature of the sliding surface.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the sliding surface has a predetermined surface hardness that allows the drive chain to form a guide track for the drive chain on the sliding surface.

[0040] The drive chain can be configured to form a guide track on the sliding surface of at least one guide member. Therefore, the sliding surface of the guide member can be softer than the drive chain. The guide track can be formed by surface pressure from the drive chain acting on the sliding surface of the guide member. The guide track can also be formed by wear between the drive chain and the sliding surface of the guide member. The drive chain can be configured to have a harder surface than the sliding surface of the guide member. The drive chain can be configured with a surface that is more wear-resistant than the sliding surface of the guide member. Depending on the shape of the drive chain, the drive chain may initially exert a large surface pressure on the sliding surface of the guide member. After the initial formation of the guide track, the surface pressure is reduced due to the shape of the elongated transmission member. The reduced surface pressure can reduce further formation of the guide track.

[0041] According to one aspect, a door includes a plurality of horizontal, interconnected sections. The sections may be rigid. The sections may be pivotally connected to one another. The sections may be connected to one another by hinges. The cross section is horizontal. The interconnections may include mechanical hinges or hinges including flexible or elastic materials. The horizontal connectors may follow vertically extending sections, horizontally extending sections, and curved interconnecting sections when the door frame is provided with them. At least one drive unit may be attached to one of the sections. At least one drive unit may be attached to multiple sections. Two drive units may be attached to one of the sections. At least one drive unit may be located on one side of the section adjacent to a first side of the opening. At least one other drive unit may be located on the other side of the section adjacent to a second side of the opening.

[0042] According to one aspect, the system further includes a first set of guide rollers attached to the door and configured to interact with the first frame portion and a second set of guide rollers configured to interact with the second frame portion. The guide rollers are configured to move with the door so as to be guided along a track formed by the frame, e.g., the first and second frame portions. The drive unit can be attached to the bottom of the door. The first set of guide rollers can be positioned adjacent to the bottom horizontal end phase of the bottom. This is particularly advantageous for providing a superior pivoting position for the door. Thus, if the door operation system is an up-and-over door operation system in which the door is horizontal in the open position, the guide rollers form a common lower pivot point for the door when the door is approaching its open position O. This significantly reduces the space required above the door opening, compared to, for example, a door with a driven portion that utilizes a fixed rack.

[0043] According to the present invention, the drive unit is attached to a portion of the door, with first and second upper guide rollers extending from said portion toward the first and second frame portions, respectively, and first and second lower guide rollers extending from said portion toward the first and second frame portions, respectively.

[0044] Accordingly, first and second upper guide rollers extend from the portion towards the first and second frame parts, respectively. Similarly, first and second lower guide rollers extend from the portion towards the first and second frame parts, respectively. This allows for improved stability and reduced loads on the part on which the drive unit can be mounted.

[0045] According to the present invention, the drive unit is mounted to the bottom of the door (8), with the first and second lower guide rollers positioned adjacent to the horizontal bottom edge of the bottom. The part where the second lower guide roller is provided may be the bottom, with the lower guide rollers positioned adjacent to the bottom edge of the bottom. This is particularly advantageous for providing an upper pivot point for the door. Thus, if the door operating system is an up-and-over door operating system in which the door is in a horizontal position in the open position, the lower guide rollers form a common lower pivot point for the door as it approaches its open position O. This significantly reduces the space required above the door opening, compared to, for example, a door with a driven portion that utilizes a fixed rack.

[0046] According to the present invention, one guide roller is rotatably connected to the at least one guide member at a position where the central axis of the guide roller is coaxial with the central axis of the curvature of the sliding surface of the guide member.

[0047] In a coaxial arrangement, the frame and guide roller absorb part of the load during door movement, thereby reducing the force on the guide member. Therefore, the force on the door portion and bearing of the drive unit and / or guide member is reduced. Furthermore, a coaxial arrangement allows more elongated transmission members to be positioned behind the guide roller, which reduces the exposure of the elongated transmission members. The guide roller may be attached to the door by a shaft. The guide roller may be attached to the door via the guide member by a shaft. The shaft is positioned within the guide member, and the guide roller is rotatably attached to the shaft. The shaft may be fixedly attached to the guide member. The shaft is axially removable from the guide member. The shaft may be rotatably positioned within the guide member. The guide roller may be rigidly attached to the shaft. The central axis of the guide roller and the central axis of the shaft may be coaxial with the central axis of curvature of the sliding surface of the guide member. By arranging the central axis of the guide roller and the central axis of curvature of the sliding surface of the at least one guide member coaxially, the central axis of the guide roller and the central axis of curvature of the sliding surface of the at least one guide member can extend linearly along a common horizontal axis, which can extend between the first frame part and the second frame part.

[0048] According to the present invention, the first upper guide roller is rotatably coupled to at least one upper guide member at a position where its central axis is coaxial with the central axis of curvature of the sliding surface of the at least one upper guide member. In this coaxial arrangement, the frame and the first guide roller absorb part of the load during door movement, thereby reducing the force acting on the upper guide member. Therefore, the force acting on the door portion and bearing of the drive unit and / or upper guide member is reduced. Furthermore, the coaxial arrangement allows more elongated transmission members to be positioned behind the first guide roller, thereby reducing the exposure of the elongated transmission members. The first guide roller may be attached to the door by a shaft. The first guide roller is attached to the door via the upper guide member by a shaft. The shaft is disposed within the upper guide member, and the first guide roller is rotatably attached to the shaft. The shaft may be fixedly attached to the upper guide member. The shaft may be axially removable relative to the upper guide member. The shaft may be rotatably disposed within the guide member. The first guide roller may be rigidly attached to the shaft. The central axis of the first guide roller and the central axis of the shaft may be arranged coaxially with the central axis of curvature of the sliding surface of the upper guide member. By arranging the central axis of the first guide roller and the central axis of curvature of the sliding surface of the at least one upper guide member coaxially, the central axis of the first guide roller and the central axis of curvature of the sliding surface of the at least one upper guide member can extend linearly along a common horizontal axis. The horizontal axis may extend between the first frame part and the second frame part.

[0049] According to the present invention, one of the guide rollers is rotatably connected to the guide member adjacent to the horizontal bottom edge of the door, with the central axis of the guide roller coaxial with the central axis of curvature of the sliding surface of at least one guide member. This is particularly advantageous for providing an upper pivot position for the door. Thus, when the door operating system is an up-and-over door operating system, the guide roller and guide member form a common lower pivot point for the door when the door is approaching its open position.

[0050] According to the present invention, the guide roller is arranged to move in the direction of its central axis. The guide roller may be attached to the door by a shaft. The guide roller may be attached to the door via a guide member by the shaft. The shaft is arranged in the guide member, and the guide roller is rotatably attached to the shaft. The shaft is axially removable with respect to the guide member. The shaft may be rotatably arranged in the guide member. The guide roller may be rigidly attached to the shaft. Alternatively, the shaft may be fixed to the guide member, and the guide roller may be rotatably arranged on the shaft, and the guide roller may be axially displaceable on the shaft.

[0051] Therefore, it should be understood that the invention disclosed herein is not limited to the specific components of the apparatus described or the steps of the method described, as such apparatus and methods may vary. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that one or more elements are present, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a "unit" or "units" can include several devices, etc. Furthermore, the terms "comprise," "includes," "including," and similar terms do not exclude other elements or steps. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0052] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic front view of a door operating system according to the present invention with the door in a closed position; [Figure 2a] 1 shows a schematic side view of a door operating system according to the present invention with the door in an open position; [Figure 2b] 1 shows a schematic side view of a door operating system according to the present invention with the door in a closed position; [Figure 3] 1 shows a detailed schematic view of a door operating system according to the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 shows a detailed schematic view of a door operating system according to the present invention; [Figure 5a] 1 shows a schematic front view of a door operating system according to the present invention with the door in a closed position; [Figure 5b] 1 shows a schematic front view of a door operating system according to the present invention with the door in a closed position; [Figure 6] 1 shows a schematic side view of a door operating system according to the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0053] The above objects, as well as further objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will be more fully understood by reference to the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0054] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments and examples of the present invention are shown. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments disclosed herein. The disclosed aspects and embodiments are provided so as to fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0055] FIG. 1 shows a schematic front view of a door operation system 1 according to the present invention, with a door 8 in a closed position. The door operation system 1 is a door operation system for opening and closing an opening 2. A door frame 3 has a first frame portion 4 on a first side 5 of the opening 2 and a second frame portion 6 on a second side 7 of the opening 2. The door 8 is configured to move between a closed position C and an open position O (FIG. 2a). The door 8 is movably coupled to the door frame 3. Two drive units 10 are attached to the door 8. The door 8 includes a plurality of horizontal, interconnected portions 9a-9e. The door operation system 1 in FIG. 1 illustrates an overhead door operation system in which the first frame portion 4 and the second frame portion 6 each include vertically extending portions 4a, 6a, horizontally extending portions 4b, 6b, and curved, interconnected portions 4c, 6c.

[0056] 2a and 2b show schematic side views of a door operating system 1 according to the present invention, with a door 8 in an open position O and a closed position C. The door 8 is movable relative to the opening 2 to open and close the opening 2. In the closed position C, the door 8 covers the opening 2 or a portion of the opening 2. In the closed position C, the door 8 can rest on a floor 15. In the open position O, the door is spaced apart from the opening 2 or a portion of the opening 2, and the door 2 is positioned generally above the opening 2.

[0057] The door operating system may be an overhead door operating system.

[0058] FIG. 3 shows a schematic detailed view of a door operating system 1 according to the present invention. The drive unit 10 includes at least one motor 11 configured to move the door 8 from the closed position C to the open position O and vice versa. An elongated transmission member 19 extends along at least one of the first side 5 and the second side 7 of the opening 2. The drive unit 10 also includes a driven transmission member 18 drivingly coupled to the motor 11. The driven transmission member 18 is movably connected to the elongated transmission member 19 and configured to interact with the elongated transmission member 19, such that the elongated transmission member 19 at least partially surrounds the driven transmission member 18, thereby driving the driven transmission member 18 along the elongated transmission member 19. The elongated transmission member 19 is in the form of a suspended, flexible transmission member. The elongated transmission member 19 may be a belt or a drive chain. In FIG. 3, the elongated transmission member 19 is a drive chain.

[0059] At least one guide member 92 attached to the door 8 is configured to interact with the elongated transmission member 19 to guide the elongated transmission member 19 into contact with the driven transmission member 18. The at least one guide member 92 includes a sliding surface 101 along which the elongated transmission member 19 is configured to slide. The sliding surface 101 has a curvature that is configured to bias the elongated transmission member 19 to bend and follow the curvature. The curvature of the sliding surface 101 has a radius R, which may be in the range of 15 mm to 50 mm.

[0060] At least one guide member 92 may be attached so as to be fixed relative to the door 8. The sliding surface 101 may be fixed relative to the door 8.

[0061] In other words, at least one guide member 92 includes a sliding surface 101 arranged in sliding contact with the elongated transmission member 19 to guide relative translational movement between the elongated transmission member 19 and the sliding surface 101.

[0062] The resilient panel 91 is attached to the door 8 and extends from the bottom horizontal edge 20 of the door 8 and is positioned to contact the floor 15 (FIG. 2b) of the opening 2 when the door 8 is in the closed position C.

[0063] 4 shows a schematic detailed view of the door operating system 1 according to the present invention. The sliding surface 101 includes a guide track 12 for the elongated transmission member 19. The sliding surface 101 has a predetermined surface hardness that allows the drive chain 19 to form the guide track 12 for the drive chain 19 within the sliding surface 101.

[0064] The sliding surface 101 may be a polymer material, for example, polyamide or polyurethane.

[0065] A guide roller 17 is rotatably coupled to the guide member 92 at a position where its central axis is coaxial with the central axis of curvature of the sliding surface of the guide member 92. However, the central axis of the guide roller 17 and the central axis of curvature of the sliding surface of at least one of the guide members 92 may have different central axis arrangements. The guide roller 17 is rotatably coupled to one of the guide members 92 adjacent to the bottom horizontal edge 20 of the door 8 at a position where its central axis 13 is coaxial with the central axis 14 of curvature of the sliding surface 101 of at least one of the guide members 92. The guide roller 17 is configured to move in the direction of its central axis 13. The driven transmission member 18 is driven by a motor 11. The motor 11 can transmit torque to the driven transmission member 18. The motor 11 can transmit rotational motion to the driven transmission member 18. A gearbox 16 may be disposed between the motor 11 and the driven transmission member 18. The movable connection between the driven transmission member 18 and the elongated transmission member 19 allows the drive unit 10, and therefore the door 8 (FIG. 3), to move along the elongated transmission member 19. The movable connection between the driven transmission member 18 and the elongated transmission member 19 is achieved by the elongated transmission member 19 at least partially surrounding the driven transmission member 18. The driven transmission member 18 can engage with the elongated transmission member 19 when the elongated transmission member 19 at least partially wraps around the driven transmission member 18.

[0066] 5a and 5b show schematic front views of the door operating system 1 according to the present invention with the door 8 in the closed position C. According to FIG. 5a, a first pair of guide rollers 17 is attached to the door 8, which is configured to interact with the first frame part 4, and a second pair of guide rollers 17 is configured to interact with the second frame part 6. A motor 11 is attached to parts 9c and 9e of the door 8. A guide member 92 is arranged coaxially with the guide rollers 17. According to FIG. 5b, the motor 11 is attached to the bottom part 9e of the door 8, and first and second upper guide rollers 17 extend toward the first frame part 4 and first and second lower guide rollers 17 extend toward the second frame part 6. The first and second lower guide rollers 17 are arranged adjacent to the horizontal bottom edge of the bottom part 9e. The upper guide member 92 is disposed coaxially with the first upper guide roller 17, and the central axis of the first upper guide roller 17 is rotatably connected to each upper guide member 92 at a position where the central axis of the first upper guide roller 17 is coaxial with the central axis of the curvature of the sliding surface of the upper guide member 92. The motor 11 is connected to a drive transmission member 18.

[0067] FIG. 6 shows a schematic side view of a door operating system 1 according to the present invention. The elongated transmission member 19 may be suspended within the door frame 3. The elongated transmission member 19 is suspended within the door frame 3. Alternatively, or in combination, the elongated transmission member 19 may be suspended within a wall or fence 22 of a building containing the door opening 2. The elongated transmission member 19 is bendable. The suspended bendable transmission member 19 may be configured to convert rotational motion from the driven transmission member 18 into motion of the door 2 that conforms to the shape of the first and second frame portions 4, 6. The bendable nature of the suspended bendable transmission member 19 can facilitate the suspended bendable transmission member 19 at least partially wrapping around the driven transmission member 18. The bendable nature of the suspended bendable transmission member 19 can facilitate the suspended bendable transmission member 19 following the curvature of the sliding surface 101 of the guide member 92.

[0068] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Those skilled in the art will further understand that modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all aspects and embodiments of the present invention can be combined with other aspects and embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, modifications to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A door operating system (1) for opening and closing an opening (2), comprising: a door frame (3) having a first frame portion (4) on a first side (5) of the opening (2) and a second frame portion (6) on a second side (7) of the opening (2); a door (8) movably connected to the door frame (3) and moving between a closed position (C) and an open position (O); a drive unit (10) attached to the door (8) and including at least one motor (11) arranged to move the door (8) from the closed position (C) to the open position (O) and vice versa; an elongated transmission member (19) extending along at least one of the first side (5) and the second side (7) of the opening (2); Equipped with The drive unit (10) further comprises a driven transmission member (18) drivingly connected to the motor (11), the driven transmission member (18) being movably connected to the elongated transmission member (19) and arranged to interact with the elongated transmission member (19) and configured to drive the driven transmission member (18) along the elongated transmission member (19) by the elongated transmission member (19) at least partially wrapping around the driven transmission member (18); at least one guide member (92) attached to the door (8) is positioned to interact with the elongated transmission member (19) to guide the elongated transmission member (19) into contact with the driven transmission member (18); the at least one guide member (92) comprises a sliding surface (101) on which the elongated transmission member (19) is configured to slide, the elongated transmission member (19) being configured to form a guide track (12) on the sliding surface (101) formed by wear from the elongated transmission member (19) acting on the sliding surface (101) of the guide member (92); The sliding surface (101) has a predetermined curvature that biases the elongated transmission member (19) to deflect in accordance with the curvature.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the curvature of the sliding surface (101) has a radius (R) in the range of 15 mm to 50 mm.

3. 3. A system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elongated transmission member (19) is in the form of a suspended, bendable transmission member (19).

4. 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a resilient panel (91) attached to the door (8) and extending from a bottom horizontal edge of the door (8), the resilient panel (91) being positioned to contact a floor of the opening (2) when the door (8) is in a closed position (C).

5. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said elongated transmission member (19) is a belt.

6. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the elongated transmission member (19) is a drive chain.

7. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the sliding surface (101) has a predetermined surface hardness that enables the drive chain (19) to form a guide track for the drive chain (19) within the sliding surface (101).

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the door (8) comprises a plurality of horizontal interconnected sections (9a-9e).

9. 9. The system of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a first set of guide rollers (17) attached to the door (8) and configured to interact with the first frame portion (4) and a second set of guide rollers (17) configured to interact with the second frame portion (6).

10. 10. The system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the drive unit (10) is attached to a portion (9a-9e) of the door (8), wherein first and second upper guide rollers (17) extend from the portion (9a-9e) towards the first frame portion (4) and the second frame portion (6), respectively, and wherein first and second lower guide rollers (17) extend from the portion (9a-9e) towards the first frame portion (4) and the second frame portion (6), respectively.

11. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the drive unit (10) is attached to a bottom portion (9e) of the door (8), and the first and second lower guide rollers (17) are positioned adjacent to a horizontal bottom edge of the bottom portion (9e).

12. 11. The system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein one guide roller (17) is rotatably connected to the at least one guide member (92) at a position where a central axis (13) of the guide roller (17) is coaxial with a central axis (14) of curvature of the sliding surface (101) of the guide member (92).

13. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein a first upper guide roller (17) is rotatably coupled to the at least one upper guide member (92) at a position where a central axis (13) of the guide roller (17) is coaxial with a central axis (14) of the curvature of the sliding surface of the at least one upper guide member (92).

14. 14. The system of claim 12 or 13, wherein one of the guide rollers (17) is rotatably connected to one of the guide members (92) adjacent to the bottom horizontal edge of the door (8) at a position where the central axis (13) of the guide roller (17) is coaxial with the central axis (14) of the curvature of the sliding surface of the at least one guide member (92).

15. A system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the guide roller (17) is arranged to move in the direction of its central axis (13).

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