Door Operator System

Abstract

An 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) attached to the door (8) and 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).

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[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 to open and close the opening. The door, which may be a sectional door, is typically used as a garage door or an industrial door. The drive unit may further include a mechanical unit, such as a motor or a spring, to move the door.

[0003] In traditional overhead sectional doors, an electric motor mounted above the door pulls it up using a wire attached to the door. These overhead sectional doors often incorporate a counterbalance spring to reduce the force required to open the door. The counterbalance spring adds complexity to the door and is cumbersome to install once the door is in place.

[0004] To achieve a more efficient door operator system that reduces complexity and risk during operation, maintenance, and installation, a door operator system has been developed in which a drive unit is attached to the door. The door is driven by a driven pinion that engages with a fixed rack that extends along the door's intended travel path. Such a door addresses some of the shortcomings and disadvantages of conventional door operator systems by introducing drive modularity, resulting in easier, faster, and less complex installation. It also does not require a counterbalance spring.

[0005] However, driving such doors is associated with many challenges: fixed racks require high precision in manufacturing and proper alignment of the rack when installing the door, which increases the costs of both the door itself and the installation of the door.

[0006] To address this issue, a chain drive may be implemented. In such a system, the door's driven sprocket may engage with a chain that runs next to the door. As known to those skilled in the art, many types of overhead door systems are available, depending on the requirements set by the building in which the door will be installed.

[0007] If the wall above the wall opening is at least as high as the door, a so-called vertical lift overhead door system is appropriate. In such an overhead door system, a chain is fixed to the top of a track, and the door moves up the chain using a sprocket that meshes with the chain. The chain is approximately parallel to the track, so the track extends straight from bottom to top, and the door moves all the way up vertically.

[0008] Often, such a large space is not available for the installation of an overhead door system. In such cases, other types of overhead sectional door systems, known as HL (high lift), SL (standard lift), or LL (low lift) overhead door systems, may be implemented. These systems have a track that bends at an angle to be horizontal to the opening, allowing installation in applications where ceiling height is limited. HL differs from SL in that the track bend begins higher, allowing the bottom of the door to remain on the vertical extension of the track even when the door is fully open. This requires a wall that is significantly higher than the door opening to be available.

[0009] It may be desirable to have as little area as possible above the door opening, and in those situations, SL or LL can be used. The track curve is positioned low so that the bottom surface moves partially through the curve when the door is fully open. HL, SL, and LL overhead door systems may be considered up-and-over overhead door systems. In such systems, it is difficult to allow the bottom surface of the door to move through the track curve of the track system. The present invention aims to provide an overhead door system with a door-mounted drive unit that addresses the issue of the bottom surface moving through the track curve of the track system. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present disclosure seeks to provide an overhead door operator system that seeks to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above deficiencies and disadvantages in the art singly or in any combination.

[0011] The present invention aims to reduce the complexity of overhead door operator systems.

[0012] According to one embodiment, 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 first frame section and the second frame section each include a vertical extension portion, a horizontal extension portion, and a curved interconnecting portion. The overhead door operator system further includes a door movably connected to the door frame, arranged to move between an open position and a closed position. The door includes a plurality of horizontal interconnecting sections.

[0013] The operator system also includes a drive unit attached to the door, the drive unit including at least one motor arranged to move the door from a closed position to an open position and an elongated transmission member extending along a first side of the opening.

[0014] The drive unit further includes 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 said elongated transmission member to drive the driven transmission member along said elongated transmission member by the elongated transmission member at least partially wrapping around said elongated transmission member.

[0015] The overhead door operator system further includes a transmission mounting structure for mounting the elongated transmission member, the transmission mounting structure including a fixed point to which the elongated transmission member is attached, the fixed point being spaced apart in the direction of the horizontal extension relative to the vertical extension, at least when the door is in the open position.

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention are defined by the accompanying dependent claims and further explained in the detailed description and drawings.

[0017] It should be emphasized that the term "comprises / comprises," when used herein, specifies the presence of a stated feature, integer, step, or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof. All terms used in the claims should be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the art, unless otherwise specified herein. All references to "an [element, device, component, means, step, etc.]" should be openly interpreted as referring to at least one instance of the element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless expressly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless expressly specified.

[0018] References in this document to an entity being "designed" to do something are intended to mean the same thing as an entity being "configured" or "intentionally adapted" to do this.

[0019] The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating exemplary embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a door operator system including a door in a closed position. [Figure 2a] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a drive unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 2b] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a drive unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 2c] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a drive unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 2d] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a drive unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 2e] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a drive unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a door operator system including a door in a closed position. [Figure 4a] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a door operator system including a door in a closed position, according to one embodiment. [Figure 4b] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a door operator system including a door in a closed position, according to one embodiment. [Figure 5a] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a door operator system including a door in a partially open position, according to one embodiment. [Figure 5b] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a door operator system including a door in an open position, according to one embodiment. [Figure 6a]FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a door operator system including a door in a partially open position, according to one embodiment. [Figure 6b] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a door operator system including a door in an open position, according to one embodiment. [Figure 6c] FIG. 10 is a schematic detail view of a lever arm when the door is in an open position, according to one embodiment. [Figure 6d] FIG. 10 is a schematic detail view of a lever arm when the door is in a partially open position, according to one embodiment. [Figure 7a] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a door operator system including a door in a partially open position, according to one embodiment. [Figure 7b] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a door operator system including a door in an open position, according to one embodiment. [Figure 7c] FIG. 1 is a schematic detail view of a transmission mounting structure when the door is in an open position, according to one embodiment. [Figure 7d] 1 is a schematic detail view of a transmission mounting structure when the door is in a partially open position, according to one embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] 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 limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a door operator system 1 to which inventive aspects of the present invention may 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. The open position O may be a horizontal open position O in the form of a flat horizontal position or an inclined horizontal position. The closed position C may be a vertical closed position C.

[0023] An overhead door operator system in this specification refers to a door operator system that is arranged to open and close an opening 2 by raising and lowering a door 8 .

[0024] In this embodiment, the door 8 is a sectional door 8 including a plurality of horizontal interconnected sections 9a-e 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 positioned to be moved along the door frame 3 between a closed position C and an open position O.

[0025] 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 power a motor of a drive unit.

[0026] In an alternative embodiment, power may be supplied to the motor of the drive unit by electrical wiring.

[0027] The door operator system is an up-and-over door operator system in which the door is positioned substantially vertically in the closed position C and substantially horizontally in the open position O within the opening.

[0028] In an alternative embodiment, the door operator system may be one in which the door is positioned generally vertically in the closed position C and in an angled position between the generally vertical and generally horizontal positions in the open position O. For example, the door may be positioned at a 45° angle from the horizontal position in the open position O, although one skilled in the art will recognize that the door may be positioned at any angle between the horizontal and vertical orientations of the door in the open position O.

[0029] The door frame 3 includes 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 door frame 3 is connected to a wall 50 and a floor 23, i.e., the floor of the opening 2. In one embodiment, the first frame section 4 includes a generally vertical extension 4a and a generally horizontal extension 4b. The second frame section 6 includes a generally vertical extension 6a and a generally horizontal extension 6b. The vertical extensions 4a, 6a and the horizontal extensions 4b, 6b are connected to form a track along which the door 8 slides and the drive unit 10 interacts.

[0030] Thus, the first frame section 4 and the second frame section 6 each include vertical extensions 4a, 6a, horizontal extensions 4b, 6b, and curved interconnections 4c, 6c. In other words, the first frame section 4 includes a vertical extension 4a, a horizontal extension 4b, and a curved interconnection 4c. Thus, the curved interconnection 4c connects the vertical extension 4a and the horizontal extension 4b. Similarly, the second frame section 6 includes a vertical extension 6a, a horizontal extension 6b, and a curved interconnection 6c. Thus, the curved interconnection 6c connects the vertical extension 6a and the horizontal extension 6b.

[0031] The vertically extending portions 4a, 6a may be vertical portions 4a, 6a or inclined vertical portions 4a, 6a. Similarly, the horizontally extending portions 4b, 6b may be horizontal portions 4b, 6b or inclined horizontal portions 4b, 6b.

[0032] 1 , door 8 is directly or indirectly connected to door frame 3. Door 8 is movably connected to first frame section 4 on a first side and movably connected to second frame section 6 on a second side. In one embodiment, one or more of the plurality of sections 9a-e is connected to first frame section 4 on a first side 7 and to second frame section 6 on a second side 5.

[0033] 2a-e, a drive unit 10 is attached to the door 8. The drive unit 10 includes at least one motor 11. The at least one motor 11 is arranged to move the door 8 from a closed position C to an open position O.

[0034] 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. The elongated transmission member 19 may further extend along 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 by being at least partially wrapped by the elongated transmission member 19, and is driven along the elongated transmission member 19. The elongated transmission member 19 is thus arranged to at least partially encase said driven transmission member 18.

[0035] The elongated transmission member provides a cost-effective solution in terms of both manufacturing and installation compared to a fixed rack. Furthermore, the elongated transmission member allows relative movement between the door 8 and the frame without requiring the same high precision and proper alignment as a fixed rack solution. Thus, the elongated transmission member may be arranged to allow some movement along a direction perpendicular to the first frame section 4.

[0036] Furthermore, the elongated transmission member will at least partially follow and maintain engagement with the driven transmission member even if the door is pushed off the rail, thereby enabling a safer door operator system. The elongated transmission member is also quieter and more wear-resistant than a fixed rack, and is less susceptible to malfunction due to pinching of external objects.

[0037] The elongated transmission member 19 may be in the form of a bendable transmission member. The elongated transmission member 19 may be in the form of a hanging transmission member. Note that bendable in this context does not necessarily mean that the transmission member is flexible, but only that it allows it to wrap around a driven transmission member. Thus, the transmission member 19 may be considered to be arranged to engage the driven transmission member 18 and provide relative movement between the driven transmission member 18 and a directional movement of the door 8 defined by the frame 3. In other words, the transmission member may be considered to be a non-rigid transmission member or a hanging transmission member. Thus, the elongated transmission member may be arranged to engage the driven transmission member independently of the frame.

[0038] The drive unit 10 is movably connected to an elongated transmission member 19 .

[0039] Thus, the drive unit 10 is connected to an elongated transmission member 19 to enable relative movement between the door and the frame, such that 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 a closed position to an open position. To power the motor 11, the at least one motor 11 may be connected to at least one energy storage device, for example a battery, arranged to power it. The drive unit 10 is arranged to move the door 8 from a closed position C to an open position O.

[0040] In one embodiment, the drive unit 10 is arranged to move the door 8 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 by weight. In one embodiment, the drive unit 10 is arranged to brake the door 8 when moving the door 8 from the open position O to the closed position C.

[0041] In one embodiment, the elongate transmission member may be suspended only by its upper and lower ends.

[0042] The elongate transmission member 19 may be biased. The bias on the elongate transmission member 19 allows for maintaining the tension in the resilient elongate member 19 at an appropriate level, further compensating for wear and potential tolerance issues.

[0043] In one embodiment, the elongated transmission member 19 may be spring biased. 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, allowing easier access for an operator to perform servicing of the spring. 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.

[0044] In one embodiment, the overhead door operator system further includes at least one guide member 92. The at least one guide member 92 is attached to the door 8. The guide member 92 may be positioned to interact with the elongated transmission member 19 by being at least partially wrapped around the elongated transmission member 19 to guide the door 8 along the elongated transmission member 19. The guide member 92 thus moves the elongated transmission member 19 to guide the driven transmission member 18 relative to the elongated transmission member 19 to properly align them. This may result in a more reliable door operator system. The guide member 92 is preferably a rotatable guide member attached to the door 8 by a journal connection. The elongated transmission member 19 is thus positioned to at least partially wrap around the guide member 92.

[0045] 2a-e, elongated transmission member 19 may be positioned to wrap around and interact with a portion of driven transmission member 18 and a portion of guide member 92. The portion of driven transmission member 18 that interacts with elongated transmission member 19 is opposite the portion of guide member 92 that interacts with elongated transmission member 19. This may result in a more stable overhead door operator system that requires less torque to operate due to greater engagement between the driven transmission member, guide member, and elongated transmission member.

[0046] As shown in Figures 2a-e, the elongated transmission member 19 is preferably suspended along a first side of the opening.

[0047] The elongated transmission member 19 may be any conventional elongated transmission member 19 that provides the necessary slack to compensate for horizontal or diagonal movement of the drive unit and / or door. The elongated transmission member may be a belt or a chain.

[0048] In one embodiment, the elongated transmission member 19 may be a belt. Accordingly, the guide member 92 and the driven transmission member 18 may be pulley elements arranged to mesh with the belt. In one embodiment, the belt may be a toothed or ribbed belt, and the guide member 92 and the driven transmission member 18 may be toothed wheels that mesh with the ribs of the toothed or ribbed belt.

[0049] 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 chain, e.g., a cog wheel arranged to interact with a slot in the chain. The driven transmission member 18 may be a sprocket. Furthermore, the guide member 92 may be a chain, e.g., a cog wheel arranged to interact with a slot in 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 encases the guide member and the driven transmission member. In one embodiment, the chain is not an endless chain, but rather, for example, a single chain that only partially encases the guide member and the driven transmission member.

[0050] 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 and second sets of guide rollers are attached to the door 8. The first set of guide rollers 17 are positioned to interact with the first frame section 4, and the second set of guide rollers 17 are positioned to interact with the second frame section 6. Thus, the guide rollers move together with the door 8, guided along a track formed by frames such as the first frame section 4 and the second frame section 6.

[0051] In one embodiment, the door 8 is a sectional door, such that the door includes a plurality of horizontal interconnected sections 9a-e (shown in Figure 1).

[0052] 2a-c, the drive unit 10 is mounted to section 9e of the door 8. To facilitate smoother movement of this section, the section to which the drive unit 10 is mounted is provided with two pairs of guide rollers. Thus, first and second upper guide rollers extend from section 9e toward the first frame section 4 and the second frame section 6, respectively. Similarly, first and second lower guide rollers extend from section 9e toward the first frame section 4 and the second frame section 6, respectively.

[0053] In one embodiment, the drive unit 10 is mounted to the bottom section 9e of the door 8. In such an embodiment, the first and second lower guide rollers may be located adjacent a lower horizontal edge surface of the bottom section 9e. Correspondingly, the upper guide roller may be located adjacent an upper horizontal edge surface of the bottom section 9e.

[0054] In one embodiment, upper and lower guide rollers may be attached to each section 9a-e, preferably with the upper guide rollers located adjacent the upper horizontal end face of each section and the lower guide rollers located adjacent the lower horizontal end face of each section.

[0055] As shown most clearly in FIG. 2d, at least one guide member 92 may be arranged coaxially with one of the guide rollers 17. This coaxial arrangement reduces the force on the guide member due to the frame and guide roller bearing a portion of the load during door movement. This reduces the forces on the door section and the drive unit and / or guide member bearings. Furthermore, this coaxial arrangement allows more elongated transmission members to be installed behind the guide rollers, thereby reducing their exposure. The guide roller 17 is attached to the door 8 by a shaft 88. 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 integrated into the guide roller.

[0056] As shown in Figures 2a-d above, coaxial in this specification means that the guide roller and guide member are arranged parallel to each other along an extending horizontal axis that extends between the first and second frame sections.

[0057] In one embodiment, the guide member is coaxial with a guide roller located adjacent the lower horizontal edge of the lowermost door section 9e. This is particularly advantageous because it provides a good pivot point for the door. Thus, if the overhead door operator system is an up-and-over door operator system, the guide roller and guide element form a common low pivot point for the door as it approaches the open position O. This significantly reduces the space required above the door opening compared to doors with driven sections that utilize, for example, a fixed rack.

[0058] 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. The driven section 9e is thus guided along both the elongated transmission member 19 and the frame, which are on the same axis. This further improves stability and reduces the load on the section to which the drive unit 10 is attached. Preferably, this section is the lowest section, and the lower guide member and lower guide wheel are arranged adjacent to the underside of said lowest section.

[0059] To this end, one of the guide rollers 17 and one of the guide members 92 may be positioned coaxially with one another adjacent the lower horizontal edge of the door 8, as would be the case with a single section door.

[0060] 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. A first elongated transmission member 19 extends along the first side 7 of the opening 2. The first elongated transmission member 19 may extend further along the first frame section 4. A second elongated transmission member 19 extends along the second side 5 of the opening 2. The second elongated transmission member 19 may extend further along the second frame section 6. Thus, the guide drive structure described with reference to the first side of the door may be mirrored on the second side of the door.

[0061] 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 by being at least partially wrapped by the first and second elongated transmission members, respectively.

[0062] The first and second driven transmission members 18 may be driven by a single or multiple 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 Figure 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, the second side of the door may have one or more guide members attached thereto. In one embodiment, the overhead door operator system further includes at least one guide member 92 attached to the door 8, the guide member 92 being arranged to be at least partially wrapped by and interact with the second elongated transmission member 19 to guide the door 8 along the second elongated transmission member 19. In other words, the door operator system includes at least one first guide member 92 and at least one second guide member 92 attached to the door 8, the guide member 92 being arranged to be at least partially wrapped by the first and second elongated transmission members, respectively, to interact with the first and second elongated transmission members 19.

[0064] Both elongated transmission members 19 may be spring biased. The upper end of elongated transmission member 19 may be fixedly attached and the lower end of elongated transmission member 19 may be spring loaded, allowing easier access for an operator to perform servicing of the spring. In one embodiment, the upper and lower ends of elongated transmission member 19 are attached to a frame, for example, first and second frame sections, respectively.

[0065] In one embodiment, 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 wrapped 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 92 and the second lower guide member 92 are arranged to interact with the second elongated transmission member by being at least partially wrapped by the second elongated transmission member. This allows for further guiding of the elongated transmission member in the drive direction, both before and after the driven transmission member, without requiring extra parts. This may result in a simpler operator assembly. Furthermore, greater engagement between the elongated transmission member and the guide members on the driven transmission member may be achieved, resulting in a more stable door operator system that requires less torque for operation.

[0066] Thus, the first and second driven transmission members 18 may be positioned to extend in opposite directions from the door 8 toward the first and second elongated transmission members 19, respectively. The first driven transmission member 18 is positioned proximate a first vertical surface of the door, the first surface being adjacent to the first elongated transmission member when the door is in the closed position. Similarly, the second driven transmission member 18 is positioned proximate a second vertical surface of the door, the second surface being adjacent to the second elongated transmission member when the door is in the closed position.

[0067] Elongated transmission member 19 may be positioned to wrap around and interact with a portion of driven transmission member 18 and portions of upper and lower guide members 92, 92. The portion of driven transmission member 18 that interacts with elongated transmission member 19 is opposite the portion of upper and lower guide members 92, 92 that interact with elongated transmission member 19. This may result in a more stable overhead door operator system that requires less torque to operate due to greater engagement between the driven transmission member, guide members, and elongated transmission member.

[0068] In one embodiment, only the first elongate 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.

[0069] In one embodiment, the drive unit 10 is mounted to a section 9e of the door 8, and a first upper guide member 92 arranged to interact with the first elongated transmission member 19 is positioned adjacent to the top surface of the section 9e. A first lower guide member 92 arranged to interact with the first elongated transmission member 19 is positioned adjacent to the bottom surface of the section 9e. A second upper guide member 92 arranged to interact with the second elongated transmission member 19 is positioned adjacent to the top surface of the section 9e. A second lower guide member 92 arranged to interact with the second elongated transmission member 19 is positioned adjacent to the bottom surface of the section 9e.

[0070] In one embodiment, the first upper guide member 92 may be disposed coaxially with the first upper guide roller 17 and may interact with the first elongated transmission member 19 by being at least partially wrapped by the first elongated transmission member 19. The first lower guide member 92 may be disposed coaxially with the first lower guide roller 17 and may 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 may interact with the second elongated transmission member 19 by being at least partially wrapped by the second elongated transmission member. The second lower guide member 92 may be disposed coaxially with the second lower guide roller 17 and may interact with the second elongated transmission member 19.

[0071] 2a-e, the drive unit 10 may include a reduction gearing 76 that provides additional torque between the motor and the driven transmission member 18. The reduction gearing 76 connects the driven transmission member 18 and the motor 11. The reduction gearing may be in the form of a gearbox 76. The gearbox 76 allows for selective torque control between a high speed mode and a high torque mode of the door operator system, for example.

[0072] In one embodiment, the drive unit 10 includes a single motor connected to a reduction gearing 76, which may be in the form of a gearbox, the output shaft of which is connected to the first and second driven transmission members 18 for transmitting torque to said first and second driven transmission members 18, or to a single driven transmission member if the operator system has only one elongated transmission member.

[0073] In one embodiment, the drive unit 10 includes a first and a second motor. The first motor may be connected to a first reduction gearing, such as a gearbox, and then to a first driven transmission member. The second motor may be connected to a second reduction gearing, such as a gearbox, and then to a second driven transmission member.

[0074] The overhead door operator system may further include at least one transmission member protector 61. The transmission member protector 61 is positioned to at least partially surround the driven transmission member 18 and the portion of the elongated transmission member 19 that interacts with the driven transmission member 18. The transmission member protector 61 prevents the elongated transmission member 19 from disengaging from the driven transmission member 18, thereby providing a safer overhead door operator system. The transmission member protector 61 may also function as a means to prevent personnel from coming into contact with the elongated transmission member 19.

[0075] The transmission member protector 61 may be arranged to extend outward, i.e., horizontally, from the door 8 across the elongated transmission member 19 to cover the elongated transmission member 19. The transmission member protector 61 may be attached to the door 8 or the drive unit 10.

[0076] In one embodiment, when multiple driven transmission members 18 are utilized, the overhead door operator system may include multiple transmission member protectors 61. Each transmission member protector 61 may be positioned to at least partially surround a corresponding driven transmission member 18 and the portion of the elongated transmission member 19 that interacts with said driven transmission member 18.

[0077] In one embodiment, the overhead door operator system may further include a transmission member tensioner that springs the elongated transmission member 19, with the upper and lower ends of the elongated transmission member 19 fixedly attached and the transmission member tensioner attached to the door 8. The transmission member tensioner may include a roller element positioned to interact with the elongated transmission member 19.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 2c, the overhead door operator system may include a spring structure 74. The lower end 68 of the elongated transmission member 19 may be attached to a fixed point by the spring structure 74. The fixed point may be a point on the frame or the floor. As shown in FIG. 2c, the spring structure 74 may be connected to a 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 positioned adjacent the floor of the opening and routed upward toward the spring structure 74.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 2d-e, the overhead door operator system may further include a resilient panel 91. The resilient panel 91 is attached to the door 8. The resilient panel 91 extends from a lower horizontal edge of the door 8 and is further positioned to contact the floor of the opening 2 when the door is in the closed position C. The resilient panel 91 deforms when it contacts the floor when the door 8 is closed, thereby protecting the door 8 from impact and abrasion caused by direct contact with the floor. Furthermore, the resilient 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 resilient panel 91 may be made of a rubber material.

[0080] 3 shows in more detail an overhead door operator system in which the drive unit includes two motors 11 a, 11 b. The first motor 11 a and the second motor 11 b may be located on the same horizontal section 9 e of the door 8. The first and second motors may be located on the bottom horizontal section 9 e of the door 8. The first motor 11 a and the second motor 11 b may be mounted on different vertical sides of the door 8; for example, the first motor 11 a may be installed on the vertical side of the door 8 proximate the first side 7 of the opening, and the second motor 11 b may be installed on the vertical side of the door 8 proximate the second side 5 of the opening.

[0081] In one embodiment, the drive unit 10 includes at least a first motor 11 a and a second motor 11 b, and the first motor 11 a and the second motor 11 b may be mounted on the same vertical side of the door 8. The first and second motors may be located in the same horizontal section of the door 8. The first and second motors may be located in the bottom horizontal section 9 e of the door 8.

[0082] In one embodiment, the first motor 11a is movably connected to a first elongated transmission member 19 by a first driven transmission member 18, and the second motor 11b is movably connected to a second elongated transmission member 19 by a second driven transmission member 18.

[0083] The motor 11 and the drive unit 10 are preferably arranged on the front face of the door 8, for example on the outer or inner face 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 face of the door 8 in the form of an inward-facing door face.

[0084] In one embodiment, the motor 11 of the drive unit 10 is a direct current DC motor 11 .

[0085] In a preferred embodiment, the motor 11 is a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor.

[0086] The control unit may be in operative communication with the drive unit 10. The control unit may be in wired or wireless communication with the two motors 11a, 11b.

[0087] 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 11 a, 11 b should move the door 8. The control unit is arranged to receive input as to whether the door 8 should be opened or closed. In one embodiment, the control unit is arranged to receive input from one or more of a user interface, mechanical buttons, or a remote control. In one embodiment, the control unit is arranged to receive input from a sensor for automatic operation of the door.

[0088] The drive unit may further include additional motors, which are further described below.

[0089] In one embodiment, as shown schematically in FIG. 4a, the drive unit 10 is mounted on the second horizontal section 9 of the horizontal sections and includes third and fourth motors 11c-d arranged to assist the first and second motors 11a-b in moving the sectional door 8 from the closed position C to the open position O. The third and fourth motors 11c-d are connected to a control unit 20 and configured to be controlled by the control unit in the same manner as described above for 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 and 11b are arranged on the second horizontal section 9e, and the third and fourth motors 11c and 11d are arranged on the other horizontal section 9c. To this end, the drive unit 10 may include a third driven transmission member 18 mounted on the door 8. The third driven transmission member 18 is movably connected to a first elongated transmission member 19 and is driven along the first elongated transmission member 19. The drive unit may further include a fourth driven transmission member 18 attached to the door 8. The fourth driven transmission member 18 is movably connected to the second elongated transmission member 19 and is driven along the second elongated transmission member 19. As will be described with reference to Figures 2a-c, the drive unit may further include guide wheels and guide rollers associated with the third and fourth driven transmission members.

[0090] In one embodiment, the first and second motors 11a, 11b are located in the section 9e of the door 9 closest to the floor in the closed position C of the section 9.

[0091] However, it should be noted that section 9e may also be section 9d, which is the section that is arranged next to the section closest to the floor in closed position C, for example.

[0092] In one embodiment, as shown schematically in FIG. 4b, the drive unit 10 is mounted on the third horizontal section 9c of the horizontal sections 9 and includes fifth and sixth motors 11e-f arranged to assist the other motors 11 in 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 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 and 11b are arranged in the section 9e, the third and fourth motors 11c and 11d are arranged in another section 9c, and the fifth and sixth motors 11e and 11f are arranged in another section 9d. To this end, the drive unit 10 may include a fifth driven transmission member 18 attached to the door 8. The fifth driven transmission member 18 is movably connected to the first elongated transmission member 19 and is driven along the first elongated transmission member 19. The drive unit may further include a sixth driven transmission member 18 attached to the door 8. The sixth driven transmission member 18 is movably connected to the second elongated transmission member 19 and is driven along the second elongated transmission member 19. As will be described with reference to Figures 2a-c, the drive unit may further include guide wheels and guide rollers associated with the fifth and sixth driven transmission members.

[0093] In an embodiment, motors are arranged in the additional sections 9a-e, and these motors may be arranged in all other sections, in all sections, or in one section arranged above section 9e.

[0094] In one embodiment, the first, second and third or first, second, third and fourth motors may be arranged in section 9. Preferably, the motors may be arranged in the lowest section 9e.

[0095] In one embodiment, at least one motor 11 of the drive unit 10 is configured to brake 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 first and second motors 11a and 11b are both configured to brake the movement of the door 8 when the door 8 is moved from the open position O to the closed position C.

[0096] 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. By rotating the at least one motor of the drive unit as the weight of the door 8 pushes the door towards the closed position, the motor may generate power to charge the energy storage device.

[0097] 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 a brake. In one embodiment, the rake is an electromagnetic brake. The brake is arranged to control / slow down 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 to prevent the door from moving at any position along the door trajectory between the closed and open positions.

[0098] In one embodiment, the drive unit 10 is mounted to section 9e of the door 8, i.e., one of the plurality of horizontally interconnected sections. The first motor 11a and the second motor 11b are disposed in the same section 9e. Preferably, the first motor 11a and the second motor 11b are disposed on different vertical sides of the section 9e. Thus, each motor 11a, 11b is disposed relative to the first frame section 4 and the second frame section 6, respectively. In one embodiment, the door 8 may be horizontal or at least at an angle relative to the closed position C, where the door 8 is positioned within and above 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. The sections 9 rotate and move relative to each other when moving from a vertical position to a horizontal position.

[0099] 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. As the sprocket 18 rotates, the generator 11 rotates. The generator 11 reduces the speed of the door 8. The generator 11 is connected to an energy storage device and charges the energy storage device when it is moved. The energy storage device is charged by using the kinetic energy of the moving door 8.

[0100] As will be explained in more detail with reference to Figures 5-7, the overhead door operator system includes a transmission mounting structure 100, 200, 300. The transmission mounting structure 100, 200, 300 is for mounting an elongated transmission member 19.

[0101] The transmission mounting structure 100, 200, 300 includes fixed points 101, 201, 301. The elongated transmission member 19 is attached to said fixed points 101, 201, 301. The fixed points 101, 201, 301 are arranged at a horizontal distance d from the vertical extensions 4b, 6b in the direction of the horizontal extensions 4b, 6b, at least when the door is in the open position O. The fixed points 101, 201, 301 may be in the form of a clamp connection or a fastening structure. In one embodiment, the fixed points 101, 201, 301 may be in the form of a plate. The plate is capable of supporting the entire weight of the door 8. The plate may be attached to a wall surrounding the opening 2 and / or the frame 3. The plate may be made of steel.

[0102] In one embodiment, the transmission mounting structure 100, 200, 300 is positioned proximate to the upper edge of the opening 2. The transmission mounting structure 100, 200, 300, i.e., the fixing points 101, 201, 301 of the transmission mounting structure 100, 200, 300, may be positioned higher than the door 8 when the door 8 is in the open position.

[0103] As described above with reference to Figures 2a-e, the overhead door system may include a first elongated transmission member 19 extending along a first side 7 of the opening 2 and a second elongated transmission member 19 extending along a second side 5 of the opening 2. 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 by being at least partially wrapped by the first and second elongated transmission members 19, respectively.

[0104] Thus, the transmission mounting structure may include first fixed points 101, 201, 301 and second fixed points 101, 201, 301. The first elongated transmission member 19 is attached to the first fixed point. The second elongated transmission member 19 is attached to the second fixed point. The first and second fixed points are respectively disposed at a horizontal distance d from the vertical extensions 4a, 6a in the direction of the horizontal extensions 4b, 6b, at least when the door is in the open position O.

[0105] Thus, the first fixing point is arranged at a horizontal distance d from the vertical extension 4a of said first frame section 4 in the direction of the horizontal extension 4b of said first frame section 4, at least when the door is in the open position O.

[0106] Correspondingly, the second fixing point is arranged at a horizontal distance d from the vertical extension 6a of said second frame section 6 in the direction of the horizontal extension 6b of said second frame section 6, at least when the door is in the open position O.

[0107] In one embodiment, the lower end 68 of the elongated transmission member 19 is attached to a fixed point by a spring structure 74. This allows for extension of the elongated transmission member 19, which is particularly advantageous in conjunction with the transmission mounting structures 100, 200, 300. The combination of the tensioned elongated transmission member and transmission mounting structure reduces wear on the components of the overhead door operator system.

[0108] In one embodiment, a second end opposite the first end is attached to a fixed point 101, 201, 301. In one embodiment, the elongated transmission member 19 may extend above the transmission mounting structure 100, 200, 300, such that a portion of the elongated transmission member 19 may be attached to the fixed point 101, 201, 301 of the transmission mounting structure 100, 200, 300.

[0109] To save space, the fixing points may be located below the horizontal extensions 4b, 6b of the frame sections 4, 6, at least when the door 8 is in the open position.

[0110] 5a-b, the transmission mounting structure 100 includes a fixed bracket 102. The fixed bracket 102 includes a fixed point 101. Therefore, the fixed point 101 is stationary. Therefore, the horizontal distance d is constant. In one embodiment, the horizontal distance d may be 0.05 to 1 meter.

[0111] 5a-b, the fixing bracket 102 may be disposed below the horizontal extensions 4b, 6b of the frame sections 4, 6. In other words, the fixing point 101 may be disposed below the horizontal extensions 4b, 6b of the frame sections 4, 6. Therefore, the fixing bracket 102 and / or the fixing point 101 may be disposed at a height relative to the floor of the opening that is lower than the height of the horizontal extensions 4b, 6b of the frame sections 4, 6. This makes it possible to install the overhead door operator system even when space above the opening is limited, and prevents wear on the parts of the overhead door operator.

[0112] The offset distance between the vertical extension and the fixed point in the vertical and horizontal directions increases the support provided by the elongated transmission member as the door moves through the curved interconnection of the frame sections.

[0113] Compared to conventional systems where the fixing point is aligned with the vertical extension of the frame sections, the offset positions the elongated transmission member to support movement of the door as it moves through the curved interconnection of the frame sections, thereby reducing strain and wear on the overhead door system components, i.e., the driven transmission member, the elongated transmission member, and the guide member, and increasing the useful life of the overhead door operator system.

[0114] Such a structure reduces wear without introducing additional moving parts and complexity into the overhead door operator system, and is particularly suited to situations where there is some space available to mount the transmission mounting structure 100, i.e., HL and SL overhead door operator systems.

[0115] As shown in Figures 5a-b, the drive unit may be attached to the bottom section of the door 8. This is particularly advantageous as it allows the bottom section to push against the remaining sections of the door 8, reducing wear on the overhead door operator system components and the torque required to move the door to the open position O.

[0116] Figure 5a shows the door in a partially open position, i.e., a partially open out-of-vertical position, so that the section of the door 8 on which the drive unit is mounted does not move up to the curved interconnections 4c, 6c of the frame sections 4, 6. The section of the door 8 on which the drive unit is mounted is therefore approximately vertical.

[0117] FIG. 5b shows the door 8 in an open position. The section of the door 8 on which the drive unit is installed has been moved up to the curved interconnection 4c. The section of the door 8 on which the drive unit is installed has an inclined orientation according to the shape of the curved interconnection 4c. Thus, due to the horizontal distance d between the vertical extensions 4a, 6a of the frame sections 4, 6 and the resulting offset, the portion of the elongated transmission member 19 extending between the fixed point 101 and the section on which the drive unit is installed can have a more vertical orientation than in a conventional structure in which the fixed point is aligned with the vertical extensions 4a, 6a of the frame sections 4, 6. This allows additional support for the section on which the drive unit is installed.

[0118] 6-7 show an embodiment with movable fixing points 201, 301. Thus, the fixing points 201, 301 are movable and are attached to elongated transmission members 19, which move in response to the movement of the door 8. The fixing points 201, 301 are arranged such that they are spaced a horizontal distance d from the vertical extensions 4a, 6a in the direction of the horizontal extensions 4b, 6b when the door (8) is in the open position (O).

[0119] Thus, a movement of the driven section, i.e. the section on which the drive unit is mounted, causes a movement of the fixed point due to the movement transmitted to said fixed point by the elongated transmission member 19 .

[0120] To this end, the fixed points 201, 301 are located on the movable members 202, 303. The movable members are arranged to move between a first position when the door 8 is in the open position and a second position when the door 8 is in the closed position. The fixed points 201, 301 are located at a horizontal distance d from the vertical extensions 4a, 6a in the direction of the horizontal extensions 4b, 6b. The movable members 202, 303 may be in the form of a lever arm 202 as shown in Figures 6a-d or in the form of a movable fixed member 303 of Figures 7a-d.

[0121] The movable fixing point allows for lift support without requiring a large amount of space above the door. Alternatively, the transmission mounting structure may be installed at a height substantially aligned with the horizontal extension of the track. This results in a more space-efficient overhead door operator system that is less susceptible to wear. This is particularly advantageous for SL or LL overhead door operator systems.

[0122] 6a-b, the transmission mounting structure 200 may include a lever arm 202. A fixed point is located at a first end of the lever arm 202, such that the elongated transmission member 19 is attached to the first end of the lever arm 202. A second end of the lever arm 202 is pivotally attached to a fixed lever bracket 203 of the transmission mounting structure 200, such that the lever arm 202 is in a first position when the door 8 is in an open position O, and in a second position when the door 8 is in a closed position C. The fixed point 201 is located at a horizontal distance d from the vertical extensions 4a, 6a in the direction of the horizontal extensions 4b, 6b when the lever arm 202 is in the first position.

[0123] Such a lever arm configuration is particularly advantageous in situations where only a small area is available above the door opening, i.e., for overhead door operator systems, i.e., SL or LL. In such systems, the curved section, i.e., the curved interconnection, is positioned low so that the bottom surface of the door moves partially or completely through the curved section when the door is fully open. Thus, the lever arm effectively helps drag the door section as it moves through the curved interconnection, reducing wear on the driven and elongated transmission members.

[0124] In one embodiment, the elongated transmission member 19 may have a generally vertical orientation when the lever arm 202 is in the second position. In one embodiment, the elongated transmission member 19 may be parallel to the vertical extensions 4a, 6a when the lever arm 202 is in the second position.

[0125] In one embodiment, the transmission mounting structure 200 further includes a damping element arranged to bias movement of the lever arm 202. In one embodiment, the damping element may be a torsion spring arranged to bias the lever arm 202 against the fixed lever bracket 203. The damping element may smooth movement and avoid sudden changes in tension in the elongated transmission member due to changes in length of said elongated transmission member due to movement of the lever, particularly when the elongated transmission member is biased.

[0126] 6a-b, the fixed lever bracket 203 may be disposed below the horizontal extensions 4b, 6b of the frame sections 4, 6. In other words, the second end of the lever arm 202, i.e., the end of the lever arm 202 pivotally connected to the fixed lever bracket 203, may be disposed below the horizontal extensions 4b, 6b of the frame sections 4, 6. Therefore, the fixed lever bracket 203 and / or the second end of the lever arm 202 may be disposed at a height relative to the floor of the opening that is lower than the height of the horizontal extensions 4b, 6b of the frame sections 4, 6. This allows the overhead door operator system to be installed even when space above the opening is limited, and prevents wear on the parts of the overhead door operator.

[0127] In one embodiment, the fixed lever bracket 203 may be attached to the frame 3. In one embodiment, the fixed lever bracket 203 may be attached to a wall surrounding the opening.

[0128] Figure 6a shows the door in a partially open position, i.e., a partially open vertical position. Therefore, the section of the door 8 on which the drive unit is mounted does not move up to the curved interconnections 4c, 6c of the frame sections 4, 6. The section of the door 8 on which the drive unit is mounted is therefore generally vertical. As will be further explained with reference to Figure 6c, the lever arm 202 is in a position that allows extension of the elongated transmission member 19.

[0129] The fixed lever brackets 203 may each have a rotation stop disposed to prevent the lever arm 202 from pivoting beyond the first and second positions. Thus, the lever arm 202 may be movable within an angular range defined by the rotation stop. In one embodiment, one of the stops may be formed by a wall surrounding the opening.

[0130] 6b shows the door 8 in an open position. The section of the door 8 on which the drive unit is installed may move up to and / or through the curved interconnection 4c. The section of the door 8 on which the drive unit is installed has an inclined orientation according to the shape of the curved interconnection 4c or a horizontal orientation aligned with the horizontal extensions 4b, 6b. Thus, the lever arm 202 moves from the second position to the first position, providing an offset distance to the fixed point 201 and an additional torque due to the lever effect provided by the lever.

[0131] 6c-d, the lever arm 202 is movable between a first position and a second position along an angle a relative to the vertical extensions 4a, 6a. The angle a is between 10° and 45° relative to the vertical in an outward direction away from the door 8 when the lever arm 202 is in the first position, and between 10° and 110° relative to the vertical in an inward direction toward the door 8 when the lever arm 202 is in the second position. The vertical plane may be substantially parallel to, and preferably aligned with, the door 8 when the door 8 is in the closed position C, i.e., the vertical closed position.

[0132] Thus, the rotation stop may be positioned to prevent the lever arm 202 from rotating outwardly away from the door 8 by more than 10° to 45° relative to the vertical plane, and inwardly towards the door 8 by more than 10° to 110° relative to the vertical plane.

[0133] 7a to 7d, the transmission mounting structure 300 may include a guide track 302 and a fixed element 303. The fixed element 303 is movably attached to the guide track 302. The fixed element 303 is located at a first position when the door 8 is in the open position, and at a second position when the door 8 is in the closed position, due to a fixed point 301 being located therebetween. When the fixed element 303 is located at the first position, the fixed point 301 is located at a horizontal distance d from the vertical extensions 4a and 6a in the direction of the horizontal extensions 4b and 6b.

[0134] Thus, when the driven section, i.e. the section on which the drive unit is installed, moves upwards when the door 8 is in the partially open position, the fixed element 303 is still in the second position because the portion of the elongated transmission element 19 connecting the section on which the drive unit is installed and the fixed element 303 is substantially vertical. When the driven section reaches the interconnection portions 4c, 6c, the elongated transmission element 19 assumes an inclined orientation, causing the fixed element 303 to move along the guide track 302 in a direction towards the horizontal extensions 4b, 6b. When the door 8 reaches the open position, the fixed element 303 is at a horizontal distance D.

[0135] In one embodiment, the locking element 303 may be spring-loaded to apply a biasing force returning the locking element 303 to the second position. Thus, the locking element 303 is guided along the guide track 302 to return to the second position when the door 8 moves toward the closed position. Thus, a desired tension is maintained on the elongated transmission member 19, and unstable closing movement of the door 8 is mitigated.

[0136] In one embodiment, the fixation point 301 located on the fixation element 303 is in the form of a clamp or loop connection attached to the elongate transmission member 19 .

[0137] In one embodiment, the guide track 302 is attached to the frame 3. In one embodiment, the guide track 302 is attached to a wall surrounding the opening. The guide track 302 may be located proximate to the upper edge of the opening 2. The guide track 302 may be positioned at a similar height to the horizontal portions 4b, 6b of the frame.

[0138] In one embodiment, the fixation element 303 includes sliding blocks or rolling elements that mate with the guide track 302. Thus, the fixation element 303 may have a sliding surface that makes sliding contact with the guide track 302 to allow movement of the fixation element 303. Alternatively, the fixation element 303 includes rolling elements that make rolling contact with the guide track 302 to allow movement of the fixation element 303.

[0139] As shown in detail in FIGS. 7c-d, the guide track 302 may be positioned at an upward incline relative to a horizontal plane. The inclined orientation of the guide track 302 supports the elongated transmission member 19 throughout its travel in the interconnections 4c, 6c of the sections in which the drive units are installed by maintaining a desired tension. In one embodiment, the guide track 302 may be oriented at an angle B of 5° to 45° relative to a horizontal plane. The horizontal plane may be aligned with the horizontal extensions 4b, 6b. The inclined orientation of the guide track 302 allows for easier closure of the door 8 and additional support for the opening movement of the door 8.

[0140] The guide track 302 is proximal to the interconnecting portions 4c, 6c to provide additional support for the movement of the door 8. In one embodiment, the guide track 302 is positioned at a similar height as the horizontal extensions 4b, 6b.

[0141] The present invention has been described in detail above with reference to embodiments thereof. However, as will be readily apparent to 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 in or to an entrance system having one or more movable door members, without being limited to a particular type. Such 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 door member.

Claims

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), the first frame section (4) and the second frame section (6) each including a vertical extension (4a, 6a), a horizontal extension (4b, 6b), and a curved interconnection (4c, 6c); a door (8) arranged to move between an open position (O) and a closed position (C), movably connected to said door frame (3), said door (8) including a plurality of horizontal interconnected sections (9a-e); a drive unit (10) attached to the door (8) including at least one motor (11) arranged to move the door (8) from the closed position (C) to the open position; and an elongated transmission member (19) extending along the first side (7) of the opening (2). Including, 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), the motor (11) driving 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); The overhead door operator system further includes a transmission mounting structure (100, 200, 300) for mounting the elongated transmission member (19), the transmission mounting structure (100, 200, 300) including fixed points (101, 201, 301) to which the elongated transmission member (19) is attached, the fixed points (101, 201, 301) being disposed at a horizontal distance (d) from the vertical extension portions (4a, 6a) in the direction of the horizontal extension portions (4b, 6b), at least when the door is in the open position (O); The overhead door operator system further includes a first set of guide rollers (17) and a second set of guide rollers (17) attached to the door (8), the first set of guide rollers (17) being arranged to interact with the first frame section (4), and the second set of guide rollers (17) being arranged to interact with the second frame section (6); The overhead door operator system further includes at least one guide member (92) arranged to interact with the elongated transmission member (19), the at least one guide member (92) guiding the door (8) along the elongated transmission member (19) by the elongated transmission member (19) wrapping at least partially around the at least one guide member (92).

2. 2. The overhead door operator system (1) of claim 1, wherein the elongated transmission member (19) is in the form of a bendable transmission member.

3. 3. An overhead door operator system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elongated transmission member (19) is in the form of a hanging transmission member.

4. 4. An overhead door operator system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the elongated transmission member (19) is biased.

5. 5. The overhead door operator system (1) of claim 4, wherein the lower end (68) of the elongated transmission member (19) is attached to a fixed point by a spring structure (74).

6. 6. The overhead door operator system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the drive unit (10) is mounted on the lowest section (9e) of the door (8).

7. a first elongated transmission member (19) extending along the first side (7) of the opening (2), a second elongated transmission member (19) extending along the second side (5) of the opening (2), and first and second driven transmission members (18), the first and second driven transmission members (18) being arranged to interact with the first and second elongated transmission members (19) by the first and second elongated transmission members (19) wrapping at least partially around the first and second driven transmission members (18), and the transmission mounting structure (100, 200, 300) 7. The overhead door operator system (1) of claim 1, further comprising: a first fixed point (101, 201, 301) to which the first elongated transmission member (19) is attached; and a second fixed point (101, 201, 301) to which the second elongated transmission member (19) is attached, wherein the first and second fixed points (101, 201, 301) are respectively positioned at a horizontal distance (d) from the vertical extension portions (4a, 6a) in the direction of the horizontal extension portions (4b, 6b), at least when the door is in the open position (O).

8. 8. The overhead door operator system (1) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the transmission mounting structure (100) includes a fixed bracket (102) including the fixed point (101), and the fixed point (101) is stationary.

9. 8. The overhead door operator system (1) of claim 1, wherein the fixed points (201, 301) are movable and attached to the elongated transmission member (19) so as to move in response to movement of the door (8), and the fixed points (201, 301) are arranged so as to be located at a horizontal distance (d) from the vertical extension portions (4a, 6a) in the direction of the horizontal extension portions (4b, 6b) when the door (8) is in the open position (O).

10. 10. The overhead door operator system of claim 9, wherein the transmission mounting structure includes a lever arm, the fixed point being located at a first end of the lever arm, and the second end of the lever arm being pivotally attached to a fixed lever bracket of the transmission mounting structure such that the lever arm is in a first position when the door is in the open position and in a second position when the door is in the closed position, and the fixed point is located at a horizontal distance d from the vertical extension portion in the direction of the horizontal extension portion when the lever arm is in the first position.

11. 11. The overhead door operator system of claim 10, wherein the lever arm is movable between the first and second positions along an angle relative to the vertical extension, the angle being between 10° and 45° relative to a vertical plane in an outward direction facing away from the door when the lever arm is in the first position, and between 10° and 110° relative to a vertical plane in an inward direction facing towards the door when the lever arm is in the second position.

12. 12. The overhead door operator system (1) of claim 10 or 11, wherein the transmission mounting structure (200) further comprises a torsion spring arranged to bias movement of the lever arm (202).

13. 13. The overhead door operator system (1) of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the fixed lever bracket (203) is provided with a rotation stop arranged to prevent the lever arm (202) from pivoting beyond the first position and the second position, respectively.

14. 10. The overhead door operator system (1) of claim 9, wherein the transmission mounting structure (300) includes a guide track (302) and a fixed element (303) movably mounted on the guide track (302), the fixed element (303) being in a first position when the door (8) is in the open position (O) and in a second position when the door (8) is in the closed position (C) because the fixed point (301) is installed, and the fixed point (301) is installed at a horizontal distance (d) from the vertical extension portion (4a, 6a) in the direction of the horizontal extension portion (4b, 6b) when the fixed element (303) is in the first position.

15. 15. The overhead door operator system (1) of claim 14, wherein the locking element (303) is spring biased to apply a biasing force returning the locking element (303) to the second position.

16. 16. The overhead door operator system (1) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the fixing element (303) comprises a sliding block or a rolling element that engages with the guide track (302).

17. 17. The overhead door operator system (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the guide track (302) is arranged at an upward incline with respect to a horizontal plane.

18. 18. The overhead door operator system (1) of claim 17, wherein the guide track (302) is oriented at an angle (B) of between 5° and 45° relative to the horizontal plane.

19. 19. The overhead door operator system (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the guide track (302) is proximal to the interconnection (4c, 6c).

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