GB2460711A

GB2460711A - Actuator override for a barrier-moving actuator

Info

Publication number: GB2460711A
Application number: GB0809541A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Colin Percival Luke
Original assignee: TAMAR DESIGNS Ltd
Current assignee: TAMAR DESIGNS Ltd
Priority date: 2008-05-27
Filing date: 2008-05-27
Publication date: 2009-12-16
Anticipated expiration: 2028-05-27
Also published as: GB2460711B; GB0809541D0

Abstract

An actuator override 1 for a barrier-moving actuator, the actuator override comprising; a resilient spring 110 having a resilient force and a first end pivotally fixed with respect to a barrier, an actuator arm 50 having a first end pivotally attached to a second end of the resilient spring and a second end pivotally attached to the actuator 40. The resilient spring 110compresses when the turning moment of the actuator arm 50 causes a compressive force greater than the resilient force. The actuator arm 50 may be pivotally fixed to the barrier 10. A stop 80 may be fixed to a second support and located such that the arm abuts the stop when the resilient spring is fully extended. The second support may comprise at least one aperture 62 for receiving a locking pin. The compressive force may occur consequent to an obstacle such as a person in the path of the moving barrier 10.

Description

ACTUATOR OVERRIDE

Background to the invention

The present invention relates to an actuator override for a barrier-moving actuator.

A correctly operating device not only provides a convenient method for a driver to open a gate without exiting the vehicle or a pedestrian carrying a load to open a door but can make a significant difference to the accessibility of buildings and areas to disabled people.

However, a defective device can present a significant barrier to entry. Although such devices are generally equipped with means to override a defective mechanism such as a key or a removable link the person trying to gain entry may not have access to the key or may not be competent or able to remove the link. Additionally a defect which causes the gate or door to close whilst a vehicle or person is still in the threshold may cause property damage or personal injury.

Summary of the Invention * **

The present invention seeks to address the problems of the prior art. *.S.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention provides an actuator override for a barrier-moving actuator, the actuator override comprising a resilient spring having a resilient force and a first end pivotally fixed with respect to a barrier, an actuator arm having a first end pivotally attached to a second end of the resilient * 25 spring and a second end pivotally attached to the actuator, wherein the resilient spring compresses when the turning moment of the actuator arm causes a compressive force greater than the resilient force.

In a preferred embodiment, the resilient spring is a gas spring.

Preferably, the first end of the actuator arm is pivotally fixed with respect to the barrier by an actuator arm pivot.

Further, the actuator override comprises a base-plate having means for attachment to the barrier, a first support for receiving the pivot of the first end of the resilient spring, and a second support for receiving the actuator arm pivot.

The barrier to which the base-plate can be attached may be a hinged gate or door.

Preferably, the actuator override further comprises a stop fixed to the second support and located such that the actuator arm abuts the stop when the resilient spring is fully extended.

Advantageously, the resilient spring also allows a closed gate, being held closed by a defective automatic gate-opener to be easily pushed open using a force achievable by a person of normal strength.

*: * : :* In addition, the second support has at least one aperture for receiving a locking pin. *.. S * S *S.*

Preferably, the actuator arm has at least one first locking pin aperture positioned :*:::. such that the locking pin inserted through the at least one aperture of the second * * support and through the at least one first locking pin aperture of the actuator arm holds the actuator arm in a first fixed position relative to the base plate.

* 25 In order to insert the locking pin to maintain the actuator arm in the first fixed position, the resilient spring is extended. Consequently, the resilient spring is disabled thereby allowing the actuator to hold the barrier in the closed position.

Furthermore, the actuator arm has at least one second locking pin aperture positioned such that the locking pin inserted through the at least one aperture of the second support and through the at least one second locking pin aperture of the actuator arm holds the actuator arm in a second fixed position relative to the base plate.

In order to insert the locking pin to maintain the actuator arm in the second fixed position, the resilient spring is compressed. Consequently, the resilient spring is disabled thereby allowing the actuator to hold the barrier in the open position.

Also, the actuator arm may comprise an actuator main arm and an actuator support arm substantially parallel to the actuator main arm.

Preferably, where the compressive force occurs consequent to an obstacle in the path of the moving barrier, then the resilient force of the resilient spring is predetermined to minimise the force of the barrier on the obstacle. Thereby avoiding damage to the person or object obstructing the path of the moving gate.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a barrier-moving actuator comprising an actuator override according to a first aspect of the present invention. * *. **** * * ***.

The present invention avoids the potential inconvenience, damage to property and :.: : :* personal injury as may be caused by a defective gate or door opener. * *

The present invention allows a closed door or gate being held closed by a defective *. ** * opener to be easily pushed open using a force achievable by a person of normal *: * 25 strength. Additionally the present invention reduces the force exerted by a gate or door which unexpectedly begins to shut to a level that will not damage property or cause personal injury.

An advantage of the present invention is that it may easily be deactivated if security becomes the prime concern.

A further advantage of the present invention is that it reduces the tolerances which an installer needs to achieve when fitting an automatic gate or door opener and reduces the strain placed on the actuator mechanism thus prolonging the life of the actuator.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the actuator override attached to a gate. The gate is in the partially open position, the actuator is partially extended and the gas spring is fully extended.

Figure 3 is a plan view of the actuator override attached to a gate. The gate is in the closed position. The actuator is fully extended and the gas spring is **, *** partially compressed.

Figure 4 is a plan view of the actuator override attached to a gate. The gate **SS is in the partially open position. The actuator is fully extended and the gas spring is :.:::. fully compressed.

Figure 5 is a plan view of the actuator override attached to a gate. The gate is in the fully open position. The actuator is fully extended and the gas spring is . :,*; partially compressed.

* ** 25

Detailed Description of the Invention

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of an actuator override 1 according to the present invention. Actuator override 1 comprises a base plate 100 defining a plurality of apertures 101 which receive means of attachment to a gate. Main support plates 90 and 91 extend from the base plate 100. Actuator arm 50 is pivotably coupled to support plates 90, 91 by means of actuator arm pin 70 which extends through apertures in the actuator main arm 51 and actuator support arm 52 of actuator arm 50.

Gas spring support lugs 120 extend from base plate 100 to which a first end 111 of gas spring 110 is pivotably attached. The opposing second end 112 of gas spring is pivotably attached to a first end of actuator arm 50. Main support plates 90 and 91 also define apertures 81 and 82 respectively to receive main stop 80 which restricts the angle of pivot of the actuator arm 50 relative to base plate 100. Main support plates 90 and 91 also define locking pin aperture 60 and locking pin aperture 61 (not shown) respectively. Further, actuator main arm 51 defines locking pin aperture 62 (not shown) and actuator support arm 52 defines locking pin aperture 63. Locking pin apertures 60, 61, 62 and 63 may be aligned to receive a locking pin (not shown) which retains the actuator arm 50 in a first position relative to the base plate 100.

* *** Figure 2 shows a plan view of actuator override 1 attached to a gate 10 which is partially open. Gas spring 110 is fully extended and holding actuator arm 50 in abutment with main stop 80. Actuator 40 is partially extended. Further extension of :: actuator 40 applies a clockwise turning moment to actuator arm 50 which acts as a :. lever pivoted on actuator arm pin 70 causing a compressive force to be applied to gas spring 110 and a lateral force to be applied to gate 10. The resilient force of gas spring 110 is selected to substantially resist compression before the combined *.. 25 inertia of gate 10 and friction of the gate hinge is overcome resulting in gate 10 moving towards the closed position with the air spring 110 remaining fully extended.

In the event that gate 10 is obstructed before it reaches the closed position the total resilient force of gate 10 will increase. As actuator 40 attempts to continue to extend the clockwise turning moment applied to actuator arm 50 increases, increasing the compressive force applied to gas spring 110. If the resilient force of gas spring 110 is overcome before the total resilient force of gate 10 and the obstruction is overcome, gas spring 110 compresses allowing actuator arm 50 to rotate about actuator arm pin 70, thus allowing actuator 40 to continue to extend to its full extent with no further movement of gate 10. The resilient force of gas spring is selected to avoid damage to the obstruction.

Figure 3 shows a plan view of actuator override 1 attached to gate 10 which is in the closed position. In the closed position gate 10 abuts gate stop 11. In the event that gate 10 abuts gate stop 11 before actuator 40 has reached its full extension actuator 40 attempts to continue to extend applying an increased clockwise turning moment to actuator arm 50 which increases the compressive force applied to gas spring 110 sufficiently to partially compress gas spring 110. This feature avoids the necessity for the installer to precisely align the full extension of actuator 40 with the closed position of gate 10 so making installation easier.

Retraction of actuator 40 will apply an anticlockwise turning moment to actuator arm 50. In the event of gas spring 110 not being fully extended gas spring 110 will *S..

extend until actuator arm 50 abuts main stop 80. Further retraction of actuator 40 will pull gate 10 towards the open position. *..

I

* In the event that, with gate 10 in the closed position, actuator 40 or its controller :. *. 1: (not shown) becomes defective, preventing actuator 40 from retracting, gate 10 * * 25 may be manually opened by applying a lateral force to gate 10 in the direction of arrow A. If actuator 40 resists the movement of gate 10 the force applied in the direction of arrow A will apply a clockwise turning moment to actuator arm 50 about actuator arm pin 70 which will apply a compressive force to gas spring 110.

If the force applied to gate 10 is sufficient the resilient force of gas spring 110 will be overcome and gas spring 110 will be compressed allowing gate 10 to be moved in the open direction while actuator 40 remains fully extended. In this position first end 111 of gas spring 110 is, actuator arm pin 70 and second end 112 of gas spring are not in linear alignment. The relative positions of first end 111 of gas spring 110, second end 112 of gas spring 110 and actuator arm pin 70 will result in the resilient force of gas spring 110 creating an anticlockwise turning moment on actuator arm 50 about actuator arm pin 70. If lateral force A is removed this anticlockwise turning moment about actuator arm pin 70 will move the gate 10 in the closed direction until the gate 10 abuts gate stop 11.

Figure 4 shows a plan view of actuator override 1 attached to gate 10 which has been manually opened to an angle of substantially 70 degrees from the closed position. In this position actuator arm pin 70, first end 111 of gas spring 110 and second end 112 of gas spring 110 are linearly aligned and gas spring 110 is fully compressed. Further movement of gate 10 in the open direction by the application of lateral force A will cause first end 111 of gas spring 110, actuator arm pin 70 and second end 112 of gas spring 110 to move out of linear alignment. The relative positions of first end 111 of gas spring 110, second end 112 of gas spring 110 and *. *. actuator arm pin 70 will result in the resilient force of gas spring 110 craeting a clockwise turning moment on actuator arm 50 about actuator arm pin 70 moving .* 20 the gate further in the open direction without the further application of lateral force Figure 5 shows a plan view of actuator override 1 attached to gate 10 which has been manually opened. Gate 10 is in the open position, gas spring 110 is partially compressed and actuator 40 is fully extended. The resilient force of gas spring 110 will hold gate 10 in the open position.

Gate 10 may be manually returned to the closed position by applying a lateral force B sufficient to overcome the resilient force of gas spring 110 until gate 10 has been moved to an angle of substantially 70 degrees from the closed position. As gate 10

S

is manually moved past this position, due to the relative positions of first end 111 of gas spring 110, second end 112 of gas spring 110 and actuator arm pin 70, the resilient force of gas spring 110 will create an anticlockwise turning moment on actuator arm 50 about actuator arm pin 70 moving gate 10 in the closed direction and holding gate 10 closed without further application of lateral force B The resilient force of gas spring 110 is selected to allow a person of normal strength to open and close the gate manually in this way.

Gas spring 110 may be disabled. Figure 2 shows locking pin apertures 60 and 62 to be aligned. Although not shown, locking pin apertures 61 and 63 are similarly aligned. The alignment of locking pin apertures 60, 61 62 and 63 allows a locking pin to be received theretbrough which retains actuator arm 50 in a fixed position relative to base plate 100. Extended gas spring 110 is therefore disabled allowing actuator 40 to hold gate 10 in the closed position.

Although aspects of the invention have been described with reference to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the * ** *,., invention is not limited to the precise embodiment shown and that various changes and modifications may be effected without further inventive skill and effort, for ::::. example, the angle at which the resilient force of the gas spring replaces the lateral * forces A and B could be selected to be other than substantially 70 degrees. (* *. * * * ** * * S * * *)

Claims

CLAIMS1. An actuator override for a barrier-moving actuator, the actuator override comprising; a resilient spring having a resilient force and a first end pivotally fixed with respect to a barrier, an actuator arm having a first end pivotally attached to a second end of the resilient spring and a second end pivotally attached to the actuator, wherein the resilient spring compresses when the turning moment of the actuator arm causes a compressive force greater than the resilient force.
2. An actuator override according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the * actuator arm is pivotally fixed with respect to the barrier by an actuator arm pivot. * * ****
3. An actuator override according to claim 1 or 2, the actuator override further : comprising a base-plate having; means for attachment to the barrier, * a first support for receiving the pivot of the first end of the resilient spring, and a second support for receiving the actuator arm pivot.
4. An actuator override according to any preceding claim, the actuator override further comprising a stop fixed to the second support and located such that the actuator arm abuts the stop when the resilient spring is fully extended.
5. An actuator override according to any preceding claim, wherein the second support has at least one aperture for receiving a locking pin.
6. An actuator override according to claim 5, wherein the actuator arm has at least one first locking pin aperture positioned such that the locking pin inserted through the at least one aperture of the second support and through the at least one first locking pin aperture of the actuator arm holds the actuator arm in a first fixed position relative to the base plate.
7. An actuator override according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuator arm comprises an actuator main arm and an actuator support arm substantially parallel to the actuator main arm.
8. An actuator override according to any preceding claim, wherein the compressive force occurs consequent to an obstacle in the path of the moving *: * : :* barrier and the resilient force of the resilient spring is predetermined to minimise the force of the barrier on the obstacle. *..I

*
9. A barrier-moving actuator comprising an actuator override according to any * 20 preceding claim. ** **
10. An actuator override substantially as hereinbefore described and with * U reference to the accompanying drawings.
11. A barrier-moving actuator substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.