Revolving door system with support functionality

Abstract

A revolving door system (40) with support functionality comprising a door member (30) rotating about a centre axis (A). The door member (30) comprises a dividing hinge (32) around which the door member (30) folds to assume a normal use mode or an open use mode, respectively, wherein in the normal use mode the door member (30) is unfolded and in the open use mode the door member (30) is folded around the dividing hinge (32). The revolving door system further comprises a supportive wheel device (20) comprising a fastening device (26) attached to a bottom portion (B) of the door member (30), and a wheel (2) mounted to the fastening device (26). The fastening device (26) is fixedly attached at said bottom portion (B) such that the wheel (2) supports the door member (30) at least while said door member (30) is not in the normal use mode.

Description

[0001] REVOLVING DOOR SYSTEM WITH SUPPORT FUNCTIONALITY

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a revolving door system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a revolving door system with support functionality. The present invention also relates to an associated supportive wheel device, a method for installing a supportive wheel device, and a method for operating the revolving door system.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Revolving door systems are widely used as entrances in a variety of buildings because they can provide a way of steady flow of goods and persons. Over time, the need for larger revolving doors has grown, for example in order to accommodate for increasing flows of people entering and leaving buildings, carry additional equipment, or the like. Various elements of door members may, however, not be fully equipped to handle the increasing weight demands that are placed thereon due to the increasing size. The result may be that the revolving doors scrape against a ground surface, potentially increasing wear and tear of the ground surface, the revolving doors, and / or other associated components or structures in the vicinity. It also has the risk of compromising safety for people or vehicles enjoying the accessibility provided by the revolving door system.

[0006] It is in light of these deficiencies and others that the present inventors are herein suggesting improvements.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] The introduction of larger revolving doors to accommodate increased pedestrian and vehicular traffic has introduced specific operational challenges, particularly in non-standard use modes, herein referred to as an “open use mode”. In these use modes, door members are folded around a dividing hinge, allowing for an expanded passageway by being fold towards a centre area of the revolving door system. While this functionality enhances accessibility, it simultaneously introduces a problem: the structural support typically relied upon during normal operations is compromised when folded, folding or unfolding.

[0009] The usual structural support in a revolving door system typically includes the mechanisms that keep the door members aligned and balanced as they rotate about the centre axis. These include the central pivot and guide rails that stabilize the door during its normal revolving operation. However, when the door members are folded such that the open use mode is assumed, this structural support is diminished or absent because the doors are no longer revolving around the centre axis.

[0010] This absence of support during folding means the substantial weight of the door members can exert undue tension and strain, leading to an imbalance or tilting of the entire door system. The imbalance can cause the doors to scrape against the ground, resulting in potential damage to the floor surface, the door components, and adjacent structures. The compromised stability poses a safety risk because it can lead to sudden shifts or collapses of the door, which can be hazardous for individuals and vehicles passing through, especially during emergencies when quick and safe passage is necessary. Therefore, an improved support functionality is introduced herein to maintain stability and safety when the door members are not in their normal use mode.

[0011] An object of the present invention is therefore to provide one or more improvements in the field of revolving door systems relating to supportive functionalities.

[0012] In a first aspect, a revolving door system is provided. The revolving door system comprises a movable door member configured to rotate about a centre axis, said door member comprising a dividing hinge around which a portion of the movable door member may fold to assume an open use mode. When not folded, folding or unfolding, the door member assumes a normal use mode. In the normal use mode, the movable door member is unfolded, and in the open use mode, the movable door member is folded around the dividing hinge. A supportive wheel device comprises a fastening device fixedly attached to a bottom portion of the movable door member, and a wheel mounted to the fastening device. The fastening device is fixedly attached at said bottom portion such that the wheel supports the movable door member at least while said movable door member is not in the normal use mode. In other words, the wheel supports the movable door member during transition from the normal use mode to the open use mode, and vice versa: during transition from the open use mode to the normal use mode, and when the movable door member is in the open use mode. Thus, the wheel supports the movable door member when folding, when unfolding, and when the movable door barrier is in the folded state.

[0013] The first aspect addresses the technical problem of supporting the movable door member while not in normal use mode or during transitions between modes, ensuring stability and ease of operation, which is solved by integrating a supportive wheel device that provides necessary support during non-normal use modes. A technical effect may be seen in enhanced stability and reduced stress on the door mechanism during folding and unfolding operations, ultimately increasing the lifetime of the door system, surrounding structures, and ensuring safety for individuals in and around the door system.

[0014] In some embodiments, the movable door member further comprises a safety element attached to said bottom portion of the movable door member, the safety element comprising a deformable material and extending along said bottom portion. The supportive wheel device is arranged such that a bottom of the wheel extends below the safety element. A technical effect may be seen in the supportive wheel protecting the safety element, thereby prolonging the life of the safety element.

[0015] In some embodiments, the safety element is a safety strip made from an elastic material, e.g., rubber. A technical effect may be seen in improved impact absorption.

[0016] In some embodiments, the movable door member further comprises a deformable ground contact element attached to the bottom portion and protruding below the safety element so as to contact a ground surface when the movable door member is in its normal use mode, wherein the supportive wheel device is arranged such that the bottom of the wheel is situated between a bottom of the deformable ground contact element and a bottom of the safety element. The positioning between the bottom of these two elements allows for effective ground contact where needed as well as adequate protection of the safety element without hampering the functionality of the deformable ground contact element and the door member. In some embodiments, the fastening device comprises an attachment plate, and the supportive wheel device is fixedly attached to said bottom portion by attaching the attachment plate to said bottom portion via at least one first through hole using first fastening means. A technical effect may be seen in robust attachment of the supportive wheel device.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first fastening means comprises two or more screws. A technical effect may be seen in increased fastening strength and reliability.

[0018] In some embodiments, the supportive wheel device is fastened at least past the dividing hinge in a radial distance away from the centre axis. A technical effect may be seen in the reduction of the lever effect of the door member on the hinge.

[0019] In some embodiments, the fastening device comprises a vertically, in relation to a ground surface, movable plate, the plate being fixedly lockable in one or more vertical positions via second fastening means, wherein the wheels are fastened to the movable plate. A technical effect may be seen in simplifying the installation process, and obtaining a desirable ground clearance of the wheel.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second fastening means comprises two or more screws, the movable plate comprises a second through hole, and the wheel is attached by means of a shaft to a connecting plate connecting the wheel and the movable plate. A technical effect may be seen in enhanced structural integrity and wheel alignment.

[0021] In some embodiments, the supportive wheel device comprises a housing structure arranged to cover the fastening device and at least portions of the wheel. A technical effect may be seen in protection from debris and environmental exposure.

[0022] In some embodiments, the wheel comprises a polyurethane material. A technical effect may be seen in improved wheel durability and cost efficiency.

[0023] In some embodiments, the safety element is arranged a maximum distance of 8.0 mm from the ground surface. A technical effect may be seen in reduced impact on potential people in the revolving door, and thereby increased safety.

[0024] In a second aspect, a supportive wheel device for a revolving door system is provided. The supportive wheel device comprises a fastening device fixedly attached to a bottom portion of the movable door member, and a wheel mounted to the fastening device. The fastening device is fixedly attached at said bottom portion such that the wheel supports the movable door member at least while said movable door member is not in the normal use mode.

[0025] The second aspect addresses the technical problem of providing a means to support the door member during transitions and non-normal use modes, which is solved by the design of a supportive wheel device that can be easily integrated with the door system for stability. A technical effect may be seen in the prevention of sagging or misalignment of the door member, thereby extending the lifespan of the door system.

[0026] In a third aspect, a method for installing the supportive wheel device to a revolving door system is provided.

[0027] The third aspect solves the technical problem of ensuring correct installation of the wheel device to maintain support and functionality, which is addressed by providing clear installation steps. A technical effect may be seen in the reliable and secure retrofitting of the wheel device to the door system, ensuring consistent performance and safety of the revolving door system.

[0028] In some embodiments, the method comprises adjusting the vertical plate such that the bottom portion of the supportive wheel device does not contact the ground surface when the door is in the normal use mode. A technical effect may be seen in prevention of unnecessary contact and wear during normal operation.

[0029] In a fourth aspect, a method for operating a revolving door system is provided. The method comprises folding a movable door member of the revolving door system, and supporting the movable door member by means of a supportive wheel device in response to the movable door member tilting when folding, being folded, or being unfolded.

[0030] The fourth aspect addresses the technical problem of maintaining door member stability during operation, which is solved by employing a supportive wheel device to provide necessary support during critical movement phases. A technical effect may be seen in the smooth and controlled movement of the door member, decreasing operational noise and wear.

[0031] It should be emphasized that the term “comprises / comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof. All terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to “a / an / the [element, device, component, means, step, etc.]” are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated.

[0032] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Embodiments of the invention will be described in the following description of the present invention; reference being made to the appended drawings which illustrate non-limiting examples of how the inventive concept can be reduced into practice.

[0034] FIG. 1 A is a schematic top view of a revolving door system in a normal use mode.

[0035] FIG. IB is a schematic top view of a revolving door system in an open use mode.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a movable door member with a supportive wheel device attached thereon, according to some embodiments.

[0037] FIG. 3 A is a schematic exploded view of a supportive wheel device according to some embodiments.

[0038] FIG. 3B is a schematic view of a supportive wheel device, fastening device, and housing structure according to some embodiments.

[0039] FIG. 3C is a schematic view of a supportive wheel device with a covering housing structure, according to some embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 4A is a schematic cross section of a movable door member, supportive wheel device, safety element and ground contact element, according to some embodiments.

[0041] FIG. 4B is a schematic cross section of a movable door member, supportive wheel device, safety element, ground contact element, and housing structure according to some embodiments. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a method of installing a supportive wheel device to a revolving door system, according to some embodiments.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a method of supporting a revolving door system.

[0043] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete. The terminology used in the detailed description of the particular embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the invention. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

[0045] This disclosure aims to address one or more of the challenges discussed above by the introduction of a supportive wheel device affixed to a bottom portion of a movable door member of a revolving door system. The supportive wheel device includes a fastening device securely attaching it to the door member, and a wheel. When the door is in an open use mode or should transition to or from such mode, such as when it is folded, the wheel provides support, preventing the door from tilting or scraping against the ground. This design reduces strain and tension that are typically exerted on structural components of the door member in or when transitioning between such modes.

[0046] The advantages of this support system are manifold. It not only prevents damage to the floor and the doors themselves, thereby extending the lifespan of the revolving door system, but it also enhances user safety by ensuring that the doors remain stable and secure, regardless of their operational mode. Furthermore, this support system maintains the aesthetic and functional integrity of the building’s entrance by eliminating unsightly scratch marks and potential trip hazards. Hence, the support system incorporates a flexible support mechanism that addresses unique challenges posed by open use modes and transition between modes. This adaptability not only ensures continuous support but also enhances the overall functionality and safety of revolving door systems.

[0047] With reference to FIG. 1 A, a revolving door system 40 is shown in a schematic top view. The revolving door system 40 comprises three movable door members 30 (for reasons of brevity henceforth referred to as a door member 30) that rotates about a centre axis A. The door members 30 are typically adjoined to a centre structure at the centre axis A in a manner which allows for rotational movement. In this particular embodiment, the revolving door system 40 comprises three movable door members 30, however the person skilled in the art realises that the revolving door system 40 may comprise fewer, or additional, movable door members 30. The revolving door system 40 comprises two openings 42a, 42b, permitting access through the revolving door system 40 between the two openings 42a, 42b as the movable door members 30 rotate. A radially limiting cylinder involving two cylinder parts 44a, 44b encapsulate the revolving door system 40.

[0048] At least one door member 30 is provided with a dividing hinge 32 (for reasons of brevity henceforth also referred to as a hinge 32). The hinge 32 allows the door members 30 to be folded around the hinge 32 towards the centre axis A. In this context, “fold” refers to the action of bending or pivoting a door member 30 along the hinge 32 towards the centre axis A of the revolving door system 40. This folding motion temporarily changes shape or position of the door member 30, typically to allow for a different mode of operation or storage. When unfolded, the door member 30 returns to the normal use mode, enabling normal rotation and functioning for access.

[0049] When the door members 30 are unfolded, as in FIG. 1 A, the door members 30 rotate around the centre axis A as usual to permit access between the openings 42a, 42b. This is referred to as a normal use mode. The normal use mode may also be referred to as a rotation use mode, standard use mode, or the like. The term “use” here shall be interpreted in an operational context, i.e., how the door members 30 are operating in the door system 40.

[0050] When the door members 30 are folded, as can be seen in FIG. IB, the access between the openings 42a, 42b is unobstructed. This is referred to as an open use mode. The term “use” here shall be interpreted in an operational context, i.e., how the door members 30 are operating in the door system 40. The open use mode may also be referred to as a folded use mode, evacuation use mode, or the like. The open use mode is utilized for unrestricted flow of people or goods between the openings 42a, 42b. For example, the door members 30 may be folded as a large object is to be transferred through the revolving door system 40, during an emergency event when many people need to evacuate a building simultaneously, or other events necessitating an unusually large number of persons traveling through the revolving door system 40. This mode cold also be used to ventilate a building should that be required.

[0051] An important insight behind the concepts introduced herein relate to that the door members 30, in some situations, may tilt or otherwise not stay in its structural framework. This is especially accentuated when the door members 30 are not in their normal use mode, as the typical support mechanisms designed to maintain alignment and stability are not engaged. This is to say, the door members 30 have an increased risk of tilting when they are in, moving to, or moving from, the open use mode. This is because the hinge 32 may not be adapted to hold the weight of the door member 30. If the door member 30 starts tilting towards the ground surface G, it will rest on and scrape against the ground surface G, potentially causing damage to the ground surface G in the form of scratches. It may further cause damage to a bottom portion of the door member 30 itself, or various parts that are located on the bottom portion. Ultimately, the safety in the vicinity of the revolving door system 40 can potentially be compromised. In view of the above, the present inventors are thus herein introducing a support functionality for the revolving door system 40 by way of providing a supportive wheel device. This will now be discussed with further references to the other figures of this disclosure.

[0052] In FIG. 2, a portion of one of the three door members 30 is shown in more detail. The door member 30 is equipped with a wheel device 20. The wheel device 20 is supportive, meaning that it is a component specifically designed to provide additional structural support to the door member 30, when the door member 30 is not in its normal use mode. Herein the terms wheel device 20 and supportive wheel device 20 are used interchangeably. The door member 30 comprises a frame structure 36, including a bottom portion B. The bottom portion B thus refers to the bottom portion B of the frame structure 36. The wheel device 20 is attached to the bottom portion B in order to support the door member 30 when not in its normal use mode. The bottom portion B is a structural element located at the base of the door member 30. The size and dimensions of the bottom portion B can vary depending on the specific design and requirements of different door systems, but it typically includes the area at the lowest part of the door frame subjected to damage when the door member 30 tilts.

[0053] In order to support and simultaneously allow for movement between the bottom portion B of the door member 30, the wheel device 20 comprises a wheel 2. In some embodiments, the wheel device 20 is fastened to the bottom portion B in such a way that the wheel 2 will only contact the ground surface G if the door member 30 is tilting, such may be the case when the door member is folded, folding and unfolding. This may be done by fastening the wheel device 20 such that the wheel 2 is at a predetermined distance from the ground surface G when the door member 30 is in the normal use mode.

[0054] The predetermined distance can vary based on several considerations. For instance, the characteristics of the door member 30, such as its weight, material composition, and dimensions, can influence the distance the wheel 2 is positioned above the ground surface G. The type of ground surface G may also play a role; a softer or more uneven surface might necessitate a different greater distance to ensure effective support without premature contact. Additionally, the size and material of the wheel 2 itself can affect this distance. A larger wheel 2 may require more clearance to prevent unnecessary friction, while a wheel 2 made of a softer material might need to be positioned differently to avoid wear.

[0055] In some embodiments, such as the one shown in FIG. 2, the supportive wheel device 20 is fastened at least past the dividing hinge 32 in the radial direction (R) away from the centre axis. This can ensure that the supportive wheel device 20 supports a part of the movable door member 30 that is at increased risk of tilting when the door member 30 not in the normal use mode. In some embodiments (such as the one shown in FIG. 2), the wheel device 20 is fastened at least halfway from the dividing hinge 32 and an end E of the movable door member 30. Arranging the wheel device 20 towards the end E of movable door member 30 in relation to the centre axis A may reduce the torque that acts on the wheel device 20. Hence, the closer to the end E of the door member 30 the more preferable. In door configurations having multiple hinges 32, the supportive wheel device 20 may be arranged between any of the hinges 32, typically closer towards the end E.

[0056] While FIG. 2 shows one supportive wheel device 20 mounted to at least one of the door members 30, it shall be understood that variations may apply. For example, some door members 30 may include multiple supportive wheel devices 20, while others can include one or more. This may be the case where not all door members 30 folds towards the centre axis A, but those who do are relatively heavier than the others, thus necessitating yet additional supportive measures, or if some door members 30 are not sufficiently heavy to be influenced by tilt while folding. Typically, lighter door members 30 require less support than heavier door members 30.

[0057] Turning to FIG. 3 A, an exemplary exploded view of the wheel device 20 is shown. The wheel device 20 comprises a fastening device 26, which is used to fasten the wheel device 20 to a movable door member, such as the door member 30 shown and explained above. The fastening may be done using first fastening means 9 and an attachment plate 5 of the fastening device 26. In this example the first fastening means 9 includes two or more screws, screwed through first through holes 16 in the attachment plate 5. Examples using a single screw may also be envisaged. Examples using other first fastening means 9 may also be envisaged, including but not limited to bolts, knobs, adhesive solutions, such as industrial-grade glue or bonding agents, welding, epoxy, rivets, clamps, or magnetic fasteners.

[0058] The depicted wheel device 20 comprises two wheels 2; however, the wheel device 20 can be constructed with one, two, or more wheels. For reasons of brevity, the current disclosure will refer only to a single wheel 2. The breadth of the wheel 2, or the total breadth of several wheels 2, may be of such a width so as to facilitate a smooth rolling action over a rough ground surface G, such as a mat. The wheels 2 may be constructed from a polyurethane material. The wheels 2 are connected to the fastening device 26 by means of a shaft 13. The shaft 13 may connect to the attachment plate 5 via a through hole (not shown) in an extension of the attachment plate 5 being orthogonal to a plane in which the attachment plate 5 extends. The shaft 13 may further be tightened in two ends by nuts 11, 12. The wheel 2 has a bottom 2’, and the wheel device 20 is to be positioned in a revolving door system, such as the revolving door system 40 discussed herein. This is done such that the bottom 2’ of the wheel 2 makes contact with the ground surface G and supports the door member 30, especially where the movable door member 30 tilts when not in the aforementioned normal use mode.

[0059] The fastening device 26 further comprises a vertically movable plate 4, extending in a plane and with sides extruding perpendicular to the plane. The vertically movable plate 4 is attached to the attachment plate 5 through second fastening means 10. The second fastening means 10 in the figure comprises at least two screws, screwed in tracks 14a, 14b in the attachment plate 5 and a through hole 17b in the vertically movable plate 4. However, similar to the first fastening means 9 discussed above, the second fastening means 10 may include any of other aforementioned exemplary means. In the shown embodiment, the wheel 2 is attached by the shaft 13 to a connecting plate 1, comprising a fourth through hole adapted to receive the shaft 13. The connecting plate 1 is in turn connected to the vertically movable plate 4, for example by screws 3 adapted to be received in the vertically movable plate 4. As such, an installer of the wheel device 20 may loosen the second fastening means 10, correct the position of the vertically movable plate 4 along respective tracks 14a, 14b (in this example having two screws), in turn correcting the position of the wheel 2 relative the ground surface G.

[0060] The vertically movable plate 4 is further fastened by a vertical bolt 6 or other type of vertical member to the attachment plate 5, prohibiting movement of the vertically movable plate 4 in directions generally perpendicular to the extension of the vertical bolt 6. Thereby, to reposition the vertically movable plate 4, the bolt 6 and the fastening means 10 are loosened from the vertically movable plate 4. This also adds stability to the entire installation when fastened.

[0061] Turning to FIG. 3B, the wheel device 20 is seen with the wheel 2 being attached to the fastening device 26. Here, all components of FIG. 3 A have been put together. In the shown embodiment, the wheel device 20 thus comprises the vertically movable plate 4, fastened by the second fastening means 10 and the vertical bolt 6. An optional housing structure 28 is shown, which may be arranged over the wheel device 20 in accordance with FIG. 3C. The housing structure 28 is to be arranged over the wheel device 20 such that it covers the fastening unit 26, and at least a part of the wheel 2. The housing structure 28 in this example does not cover the bottom 2’ of the wheel 2, but variations may apply (typically in application areas with smooth ground surfaces where the housing structure 28 is not subjected to damage). The housing structure 28 protects the wheel device 20 from potential objects, dirt, moisture or other particles that may get stuck in the wheel device 20 which could prohibit the rotational movement of the wheel 2 or cause corrosion to metal parts of the installation. The housing structure 28 may be fastened to the fastening device 26 by means of two or more screws 29a, 29b arranged in fifth through holes 27 on the sides of the attachment plate 4. Variations may also be realized where only a single screw or other fasteners can be applied, such as those discussed above in relation to the first and second fastening means 9, 10.

[0062] FIG. 4 A shows another view of the movable door member 30 with a wheel device 20 attached to the bottom portion B. Here, the movable door member 30 comprises a safety element 22. The safety element 22 may be a safety strip, extending along the bottom B of the door member 30. The safety element 22 may be arranged a maximum distance of 8,0 mm from the ground surface. The safety element 22 is attached to the bottom portion B in order to protect persons traveling through the revolving door system. This, as a person moving through the revolving door system may, for example due to traffic, not be able to move faster than the movable door members 30. This means that in busy or crowded situations, individuals passing through the revolving door system might be unable to match the speed of the revolving door members due to congestion. As a result, there is a risk that the bottom portion B of the door could accidentally hit a foot of the person. The safety element 22 is therefore fastened to the bottom portion B to soften the impact. To this end, the safety element 22 may be constructed from a material comprising a deformable material such as a rubber.

[0063] However, if the movable door member 30 starts tilting, the safety element 22 will touch the ground surface G and potentially become damaged. Therefore, the wheel device 20 can also help with the protection of the safety element 22 where such a component is mounted to the door member 30. To this end, the wheel device 20 is fastened such that the bottom 2’ of the wheel 2 is arranged above the ground surface G but below a lower end 22’ of the safety element 22. This means that the safety element 22 does not touch the ground surface G if the movable door member 30 tilts. Instead, the movable door member 30 will rest on the bottom 2’ of the wheel of the wheel device 20.

[0064] In the shown embodiment, the movable door member 30 also comprises a deformable ground contact element 24. The movable door member 30 may include either one or both of the safety element 22 and the deformable ground contact element 24. The deformable ground contact element 24 is deformable in the sense that, as the movable door member 30 rotates, the deformable ground contact element 24 will harmlessly contact the ground surface by bending. To this end, the deformable ground contact element 24 may comprise a brush. In embodiments where the movable door member 30 comprises the deformable ground contact element 24, the wheel device 20 may be arranged such that the bottom 2’ of the wheel 2 is situated above a bottom 24’ of the ground contact element 24. In embodiments where the movable door member 30 comprises both the ground contact element 24 and the safety element 22, the wheel device 20 may be arranged such that the bottom 2’ of the wheel 2 is situated between a bottom 24’ of the ground contact element 24 and a lower end 22’ of the safety element 22.

[0065] FIG. 4B shows the same illustration as FIG. 4A, but with the added housing structure 28 discussed herein. The housing structure 28 covers the fastening device 26 and at least part of the wheel 2, whilst the bottom 2’ of the wheel is exposed.

[0066] FIG. 5 shows a schematic flowchart of a method 200 of installing the supportive wheel device 20 as described in the embodiments of the disclosure relating to a revolving door system 40. The method 200 optionally comprises adjusting 210 the movable plate according to FIG. 2, such that the bottom portion 2’ of the wheel 2 of the supportive wheel device 20 does not contact the ground surface G when the door member 30 is in the normal use mode. The method 200 provides the ability to retrofit existing systems and allows for the integration of new support functionality without needing to replace an entire revolving door system 40. This approach is not only cost- effective but can also reduce downtime and disruption to building operations. The optional step adjustment step 210 can be important because it secures that the wheel device 20 only engages when necessary, such as when the door member 30 is in a nonstandard mode and tilts, thereby preventing unnecessary wear.

[0067] This retrofitting capability is also flexible and practical, as it allows building owners and facility managers to upgrade their revolving door systems 40 to meet stipulated safety and operational standards without incurring the significant costs and complexities associated with installing entirely new systems.

[0068] FIG. 6 shows a schematic flowchart of a method 300 for operating the revolving door system of the disclosure. The method 300 comprises step 310 of folding the movable door member 30 of the revolving door system 40 and step 320 of supporting the movable door member by means of the supportive wheel device 20. The supportive wheel device 20 is arranged such that it supports the movable door member in response to the movable door member 30 tilting when folding, being folded, or being unfolded.

[0069] The method 300 provides a structured approach to operating the revolving door system 40, particularly focusing on transitioning between different operational modes, i.e., between the normal use mode and the open use mode. This method 300 is typically initiated in response to operator control, whereby an operator decides to switch the door member 30 from one mode to the other. The step 310 transforms the door from the normal use mode to the open use mode.

[0070] Following the step 310 of folding the door member 30 , the step 320 of supporting the door member 30 can ensure that the door member 30 maintains its structural integrity and balance during and after the transition. The supportive wheel device 20 is strategically positioned to engage the ground surface G and provide necessary support as soon as the door member 30 tilts, whether during the folding, while folded, or during unfolding.

[0071] Finally, the invention has been described above in detail with reference to embodiments thereof. However, as is readily understood by those skilled in the art, other embodiments are equally possible within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A revolving door system (40) with support functionality, comprising:A movable door member (30) configured to rotate about a centre axis (A), the movable door member (30) comprising a dividing hinge (32) around which a portion of the movable door member (30) is configured to fold to transition between a normal use mode and an open use mode, wherein in the normal use mode the movable door member (30) is unfolded, and in the open use mode the movable door member (30) is folded around the dividing hinge (32); and a supportive wheel device (20) comprising a fastening device (26) fixedly attached to a bottom portion (B) of the movable door member (30), and a wheel (2) mounted to the fastening device (26), wherein the fastening device (26) is fixedly attached at said bottom portion (B) such that the wheel (2) supports the movable door member (30) during transition from the normal use mode to the open use mode, and transition from the open use mode to the normal use mode, and when the movable door member is in the open use mode.

2. The revolving door system (40) according to claim 1, wherein the movable door member (30) further comprises a safety element (22) attached to said bottom portion (B) of the movable door member (30), the safety element (22) comprising a deformable material and extending along said bottom portion (B), and wherein the supportive wheel device (20) is arranged such that a bottom (2’) of the wheel (2) extends below the safety element (22).

3. The revolving door system (40) according to claim 2, wherein the safety element (22) is a safety strip made from an elastic material, e.g., rubber.

4. The revolving door system (40) according to any of claims 2-3, wherein the movable door member (30) further comprises a deformable ground contact element (24) attached to the bottom portion (B) and protruding below the safety element (22) so as to contact a ground surface (G) when the movable door member (30) is in its normal usemode, wherein the supportive wheel device (20) is arranged such that the bottom (2’) of the wheel (2) is situated between a bottom (24’) of the deformable ground contact element (24) and a bottom (22’) of the safety element (22).

5. The revolving door system (40) according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastening device (26) comprises an attachment plate (5), and wherein the supportive wheel device (20) is fixedly attached to said bottom portion (B) by attaching the attachment plate (5) to said bottom portion (B) via at least one first through hole (16) using first fastening means (9).

6. The revolving door system (40) according to claim 5, wherein the first fastening means (9) comprises two or more screws.

7. The revolving door system (40) according to any preceding claim, wherein the supportive wheel device (20) is fastened at least past the dividing hinge (32) in a radial direction (R) away from the centre axis (A).

8. The revolving door system (40) according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastening device (26) comprises a vertically, in relation to a ground surface (G), movable plate (4), the plate (4) being fixedly lockable in one or more vertical positions via second fastening means (10), wherein the wheels (2) are fastened to the movable plate (4).

9. The revolving door system (40) according to claim 8, wherein: the second fastening means (10) comprises two or more screws, the movable plate (4) comprises a second through hole (17), and the wheel (2) is attached by means of a shaft (13) to a connecting plate (1) connecting the wheel (2) and the movable plate (2).

10. The revolving door system (40) according to any preceding claim, wherein the supportive wheel device (20) comprises a housing structure (28) arranged to cover the fastening device (26) and at least portions of the wheel (2).

11. The revolving door system (40) according to any preceding claim, wherein the wheel (2) comprises a polyurethane material.

12. The revolving door system (40) according to any preceding claim, wherein the safety element (22) is arranged a maximum distance of 8,0 mm from the ground surface.

13. A method (200) for installing a supportive wheel device (20) to a revolving door system (40) according to any of the claims 1-12, comprising the step of adjusting (210) the movable plate (4) of claim 8 such that the bottom portion (2’) of the supportive wheel device (2) does not contact the ground surface when the door is in the normal use mode.

14. A method (300) for operating a revolving door system (40) according to any of the claims 1-12, comprising: folding (310) a movable door member (30) of the revolving door system (40), and supporting (320) the movable door member by means of the supportive wheel device (20) in response to the movable door member (30) tilting when folding, being folded, or being unfolded.

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