WO2022043018A1

WO2022043018A1 - Sectional door leaf

Info

Publication number: WO2022043018A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/071844
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kaj SØNDERGAARD
Original assignee: Assa Abloy Entrance Systems Ab
Priority date: 2020-08-26
Filing date: 2021-08-05
Publication date: 2022-03-03

Abstract

A sectional door leaf (11) for a sectional door system (10), the sectional door leaf (11) comprising a plurality of interconnected sections (17), wherein a first section (17) and a second section (17) adjacent to the first section (17) of the plurality of interconnected sections each comprises an elongated recess (71), the sectional door leaf (11) further comprising an elongated joint member (80) arranged in the elongated recess (71) of the first section (17) and second section (18), the elongated joint member (80) extending between and along the first section (17) and second section (18).

Description

SECTIONAL DOOR LEAF

Technology field

Present invention relates a sectional door leaf and a sectional door system comprising such a sectional door leaf.

Background

A door operator system for a sectional door typically comprises a door connected to a door frame and a drive unit mounted on the door frame and arranged to move the door along the door frame between an open and closed position for opening and closing the opening. A sectional door is typically used as a garage door or as an industrial door. The door operator system can comprise a motor. The door operator can comprise a mechanical unit such as a spring to move the door. Thus, the door may either be manually or electrically operated. The mechanical unit in the form of a spring may further be utilized to balance the door.

The sectional doors have multiple interconnected sections. The interconnected sections are associated with a risk for pinching. To prevent pinching, each section of the sectional door may be asymmetric. The upper edge of each section has a protrusion and a lower edge of each section has a recess. The protrusion is received by the recess of an adjacent section and the recess receives the protrusion of another adjacent section. The asymmetrical shape has drawbacks. For example, the uppermost section has to be machined in order for adapting the door to the opening. This is expensive, complex and poor from an environmental perspective.

It is therefore desired to provide a sectional door leaf which is more cost- efficient and requires no additional machining.

Summary

An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a solution to the above- mentioned problems, addressing the disadvantages of prior art solutions. An idea of the present invention is to provide a sectional door leaf for a sectional door system. The sectional door leaf comprises a plurality of interconnected sections. The plurality of interconnected sections form a first outer surface of the sectional door leaf and a second outer surface of the sectional door leaf opposite to said first outer surface.

A first section and a second section adjacent to the first section of the plurality of interconnected sections each comprises an elongated recess. The sectional door leaf further comprises an elongated joint member arranged in the elongated recess of the first section and second section. The elongated joint member extends between and along the first section and second section.

Embodiments of the invention are defined by the appended dependent claims and are further explained in the detailed description section as well as in the drawings.

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.

Brief description of the drawings

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

Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary sectional door system comprising a sectional door leaf according to one embodiment.

Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a part of the sectional door leaf according to one embodiment.

Detailed description of embodiments

Present invention relates to a sectional door leaf and a sectional door system comprising such a sectional door leaf.

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a one side of the sectional door system 10, i.e. as seen from one side of the sectional door system, with the features of the invention in a closed state, i.e. when door is in a closed position. The sectional door system 10 has a sectional door leaf 11 for covering a door opening in a wall 12, running in a side frame. Thus, the sectional door leaf 11 is movably connected to the side frame 21 for guiding the sectional door leaf 11 between an open and closed position.

In the shown example, the sectional door leaf 11 covers a door opening surrounded double-sided by the side frame 21, the wall 12 and by a ceiling above. The side frame 21 has double-sided a vertical track 13, provided as a guiding element on the left and on the right side of the sectional door leaf 11, respectively. Further, the side frame has double-sided a horizontal track 14. The horizontal track 14 runs transversely, in this execution example perpendicular to the vertical track 13, extending rearward to the sectional door leaf 11. A connecting portion 15 with a curved shape connects the vertical track 13 and the horizontal track 14, providing a guideway 16. The horizontal tracks 14 of the side frame are fixed at a rear side under the ceiling. At a front side the horizontal tracks 14 are fixed at the vertical tracks 13 of the side frames, respectively. Accordingly, the sectional door system comprises a pair of vertical tracks 13 and a pair of horizontal tracks 14 connected by a pair of connecting track portions 15. Guiding arrangements 70 are attached to the sectional door leaf 11 for interfacing with the tracks. The sectional door leaf 11 may be movable between a vertical closed position and a horizontal, opened or overhead position within the side frame.

In one embodiment, the guiding arrangements 70 may comprise wheels interfacing with the tracks of the side frame 21.

In one embodiment, the sectional door leaf 11 comprises a plurality of sections 17, 18, 19, 20. The shown sectional door leaf 11 comprises four sections 17, 18, 19, 20, consisting of a rigid material. The height of the sections may for example vary, making it possible to suit the door’s style to that of the building. As the skilled person recognizes, the sections may be of any size suitable for the application of the sectional door system.

At least one of the sections 17 is connected to a driving member 8 connected to a motor 25 for operating the sectional door leaf 11 along the side frame 21, i.e. the tracks of said side frame. In one embodiment, one of the topmost sections 19, 20 may be connected to the motor 25 by means of a lifting arm 8. Said lifting arm 8 is arranged to transfer the torque from the motor 25 to one of the sections to pull and push the sectional door leaf along the tracks. With reference to Figure 1, the lifting arm 8 is connected to the topmost section 17.

In one embodiment, the driving member may be a driven belt. Accordingly, one belt may connect end pieces of the sections 17, 18, 19, 20 on both sides of the sections 17, 18, 19, 20, respectively. Thereby the belts work as lifting devices. The belts may be constructed as flexible, flat belts. The motor 25 may be connected to a belt drive for operating the belts. The motor 25 may be connected to a gear box for transferring torque from the motor 25 to the belt drive.

In one embodiment, the driving member may be a cable, preferably in steel. The cable connects to at least one of the sections 17, 18, 19, 20. Thereby the cable works as a lifting device. Further, one cable may connect end pieces of the sections 17, 18, 19, 20 on both sides of the sections 17, 18, 19, 20 respectively. The motor 25 may be connected to a cable drum for operating the cable. The motor 25 may be connected to a gear box for transferring torque from the motor 25 to the cable drum. In one embodiment, the belt or cable may only be connected to the bottommost section of the sectional door leaf 11. Hence, the sectional door leaf 11 is lifted by means of the belt or cable working as a lifting device for lifting the bottommost section of the sectional door leaf 11 and consequently lifting the entire sectional door leaf by means of the lifting force applied to said bottommost section.

Turning to Figure 2, a side view of a pair of sections and a joint member according to the invention is depicted. The sectional door leaf 11 comprises a plurality of interconnected sections 17, 18, 19, 20. The plurality of interconnected sections 17, 18, 19, 20 forms a first outer surface of the sectional door leaf 11. The plurality of interconnected sections 17, 18, 19, 20 further forms a second outer surface of the sectional door leaf 11. The second outer surface is opposite to the first.

The first and second outer surface forms door planes for covering an opening.

The sectional door leaf 11 comprises a first section 17 and a second section 18 of the plurality of interconnected sections 17, 18, 19, 20. The second section 18 is adjacent to the first section 17. Each of the first section 17 and the second section 18 comprises an elongated recess 71.

The sectional door leaf 11 further comprises an elongated joint member 80. The elongated joint member is arranged in the elongated recess 71 of the first section 17 and the elongated recess 71 of the second section 18. The elongated joint member 80 extends between the first section 17 and the second section 18. Accordingly, the elongated joint member 80 is adapted to form a joint between the first section 17 and the second section 18.

Having the joint member arranged in recesses of adjacent sections is associated with a number of advantages. Firstly, the joint member covers the gap between the sections. This reduces the risk for pinching. Secondly, the joint allows for guiding and supporting of the relative movement between the adjacent sections. Thus, a safer and more robust sectional door leaf is achieved.

Preferably, the elongated joint member 80 is in a resilient material such as a composite material. The resilient material allows a more wear resistant joint member. Further, the resilient material allows for a tight fit of the joint member in the recesses of the sections, thereby improving the sealing and insulating properties of the sectional door leaf.

Preferably, the elongated joint member 80 is in an insulating material. In one embodiment, the elongated joint member 80 may be in a resilient and insulating material. The material of the elongated joint member 80 preferably has a relatively high strength.

The elongated joint member 80 may be in a polymeric material, such as a composite material for example polyamide.

Advantageously, the sectional door leaf 11 comprises a plurality of elongated joint members 80. Each elongated joint member 80 may be arranged between adjacent sections of the plurality of sections of the sectional door leaf 11. The adjacent sections each comprises elongated recesses 71 for receiving the elongated joint members 80. The elongated recess are preferably the same elongated recesses described with reference to Figure 2.

The elongated joint member 80 may extend along the entire length of the elongated recesses 71 of the first section 17 and the second section 18. Accordingly, the elongated joint member 80 may extend along the width of the sectional door leaf 11 and preferably along the entire width of the section door leaf 11.

In one embodiment, an elongated joint member 80 is arranged between each pair of adjacent sections of the sectional door leaf 11. Accordingly, each of the adjacent sections may comprise the elongated recesses 71 for receiving the elongated joint members 80.

In one embodiment, the elongated joint member 80 is arranged to provide a distance between the first section 17 and the second section 18. The distance extends in a direction perpendicular to the first section 17 and the second section 18, i.e. a direction perpendicular to the width of the sectional door leaf 11. Thus, the elongated joint member 80 and the elongated recesses 71 of the first section 17 and the second section 18 are arranged such that a gap is formed between said first section 17 and second section 18. Thus, the elongated joint member 80 covers said gap between the first section 17 and the second section 18. Said gap thus extends between the first and second section 17, 18 along the height of the sectional door leaf 11. Further referencing Figure 2, the elongated joint member 80 comprises an outer structure 81. The outer structure is adapted to be at least partially in contact with the inner surfaces of the elongated recess 71 of the first section 17 and the elongated recess 71 of the second section 18. In other words, the elongated joint member 80 has an outer surface at least partially in contact with the inner surfaces of the elongated recess 71 of the first section and the second section 18. Hence, the elongated member may provide sealing and insulation by being in contact with the recesses in the sections. Further, the risk for pinching is mitigated since the risk for a gap forming between the elongated joint member and the adjacent section is reduced.

The outer structure 81 thus extends along the elongated joint member 80. The outer structure 81 may extend along the entire length of the elongated joint member 80.

The outer structure 81 may form an outer surface of the elongated joint member 80.

The outer structure 81 may be adapted to be in contact with the inner surfaces of the elongated recesses 71 of the first section 17 and the second section 18. The outer structure 81 may thus be abutting to said inner surfaces.

Accordingly, the inner surfaces of the elongated recess 71 of the first section 17 comprises a first inner surface 73 and a second inner surface 72. The first inner surface 73 and the second inner surface 72 extends substantially perpendicular to the first section 17 and second section 18 at a distance from each other. Similarly, the inner surfaces of the elongated recess 71 of the second section 18 comprises a first inner surface 73 and a second inner surface 72. The first inner surface 73 and the second inner surface 72 extends substantially perpendicular to the first section 17 and second section 18 at a distance from each other.

Again referencing Figure 2, the outer structure 81 may comprise a planar portion 82. The planar portion 82 extends perpendicular to the first section 17 and the second section 18. In other words, the planar portion 82 extends perpendicular to the width of the sectional door leaf 11, the planar portion 82 thus extends along the height of the sectional door leaf 11.

Further, the outer structure 81 may comprise a curved portion 83. The curved portion extends parallel to the planar portion 82. Thus, the outer structure 81 may in one embodiment have a D-shape. The rounded portion allows for additional support for the relative movement between the first and second section, whereby a more durable sectional door leaf 11 is achieved.

In one embodiment, the outer structure 81 may further comprise intermediate portions extending between the curved portion 83 and the planar portion 82. Said intermediate portions 87, 88 may extend in a direction orthogonal to said curved portion 83 and planar portion 82.

In one embodiment, a first intermediate portion 87 is arranged parallel and at a distance from a second intermediate portion 88. In one embodiment, the first intermediate portion 87 is arranged to be at least partially in contact with the elongated recess 71 of the first section 17. In one embodiment, the second intermediate portion 88 is arranged to be at least partially in contact with the elongated recess 71 of the second section 18.

A first end of the curved portion 83 is connected to the first intermediate portion 87 and a second end of the curved portion 83, opposite to said first end of the curved portion 83, is connected to the second intermediate portion 88.

The curved portion 83 may protrude outwardly relative the intermediate portion and the planar portion 82.

In one embodiment, the first inner surface 73 of the elongated recess 71 of the first section 17 has a substantially planar portion. The first inner surface 73 of the elongated recess 71 of second section 18 may also have a substantially planar portion. The second inner surface 72 of the elongated recess 71 of the first section 17 may have a curved section. The second inner surface 73 of the elongated recess 71 of the second section 18 may also have a curved section.

The first inner surface 73 of the elongated recess 71 of the first section 17 may be adapted to be at least partially in contact with the planar portion 82 of the elongated joint member 80. The first inner surface 73 of the elongated recess 71 of the second section 18 may be adapted to be at least partially in contact with the planar portion 82 of the elongated joint member 80.

The second inner surface 72 of the elongated recess 71 of the first section 17 may be adapted to be at least partially in contact with the curved portion 83 of the elongated joint member 80. The second inner surface 72 of the elongated recess 71 of the second section 18 may be adapted to be at least partially in contact with the curved portion 83 of the elongated joint member 80.

The second inner surface 72 of the elongated recess 71 of the first section 17 and the second section 18 may be arranged to form a D-shaped recess, i.e. a curved surface.

In one embodiment, the second inner surface 72 of the elongated recess 71 of the first section 17 and the curved portion 83 of the elongated joint member 80 are arranged proximal to the second outer surface of the sectional door leaf 11. The second inner surface of the elongated recess 71 of the second section 18 and the curved portion 83 of the elongated joint member are arranged proximal to the second outer surface of the sectional door leaf 11.

The first section 17 and the second section 18 may be interconnected to allow relative pivoting between the first section 17 and the second section 18 in a direction extending from the first outer surface towards the second outer surface. Accordingly, the curved portion of the elongated member and the curved section of the recesses guides will guide the pivoting giving additional support for the pivoting. This is particularly advantageous in a sectional door system which is an up and over sectional door system, wherein the sectional door leaf is guided between a vertical open position and a horizontal closed position, since the elongated joint member and recesses may provide support for the pivoting of the sections through the bend of the track (side frame).

Further referencing Figure 2, the first section 17 and the second section 18 may be connected by means of a pivot connection 90. In one embodiment, the pivot connection 90 is aligned with the elongated joint member 80. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of interconnected sections 17, 18, 19, 20 are interconnected by means of a pivot connection 90.

The pivot connection 90 may comprise a hinge member 93 and a control pin 95. The control pin 95 forms a pivot axis between the first section 17 and the second section 18. The control pin 95 may be arranged in the hinge member 93. The control pin 95 extends in a direction extending along the elongated joint member 80. In one embodiment, the pivot connection 90 is arranged proximal to a first outer surface of the sectional door leaf 11. Thereby, the elongated joint member 80 may extend through almost the entire thickness of the sectional door leaf 11 ensuring proper sealing and insulation.

To ensure contact and consequently a proper sealing between the recesses and the elongated joint member, the elongated joint member may be provided with an inner support structure. Accordingly, the elongated joint member 80 further comprises an inner support structure 60. The inner support structure 60 is connected to the outer structure 81. The inner support structure 60 extends along the elongated joint member 80.

The inner support structure 60 may comprise a first supporting member 61. The first supporting member 61 extends along the elongated joint member 80. The first supporting member 61 has a first end and a second end. The second is opposite to the first end. The first and second end are connected to the outer structure 81.

The first supporting member 61 may be parallel to the sectional door leaf 11. The first supporting member 61 may extend substantially from the first section 17 to the second section 18.

In one embodiment, the first supporting member 61 may be connected to the intermediate portions 87, 88 of the outer structure 81. The first end of the first supporting member 61 is connected to the first intermediate portion 87 of the outer structure 81. The second end of the first supporting member 61 is connected to the second intermediate portion 88 of the outer structure 81.

In one embodiment, the first end of the first supporting member 61 is arranged proximal to the curved portion 83 of the outer structure 81. The second end of the first supporting member 61 may be arranged proximal to the curved portion 83 of the outer structure 81.

The inner support structure 60 comprises a second supporting member 62. The second supporting member 62 extends along the elongated joint member 80. The second supporting member 62 is substantially orthogonal to the first supporting member 62. The second sealing member 62 has a first end and a second end. The second end is opposite to the first end. The first end and second end are connected to the outer structure 81.

The second supporting member 62 may be orthogonal to the height of the sectional door leaf 11. The second supporting member 62 may be aligned with the distance between the first and second section.

In one embodiment, the second supporting member 62 may be connected to the planar portion 82 and the curved portion 83. The first end of the second supporting member 62 is connected to the planar portion 82 of the outer structure 81. The second end of the second supporting member 62 is connected to the curved portion 83.

In one embodiment, the first end of the second supporting member 62 is connected to a central point of the planar portion 82, i.e. a point centrally arranged on the planar portion 82 relative the first and second intermediate portions 87,88 of the outer structure. The second end of the second supporting member 62 may be connected to a central point of the curved portion 83, i.e. a point centrally arranged on the curved portion 83 relatively the first and second intermediate portions 87, 88 of the outer structure.

In one embodiment, the inner support structure 60 further comprises interconnecting supporting members 63, 64, 65, 66. The interconnecting supporting members 63, 64, 65, 66 interconnects the first and second end of the first supporting member 61 with the first and second end of the second supporting member 62. The interconnecting supporting members 63, 64, 65, 66 together with the first and second supporting members enable the elongated joint member to withstand forces in multiple directions. This is particularly advantageous since the sectional door leaf often is subjected to loads in several directions. For example, the sectional door leaf may be subjected to horizontal forces created by wind load and bending due to sun exposure and vertical forces created by the weight of the sectional door leaf. The above described design with the interconnecting supporting members mitigates the effects of said forces.

In one embodiment, the interconnecting supporting members 63, 64, 65, 66 may form a rhombic structure. The first supporting member 61 may extend between a first comer and a second opposite comer of the rhombic structure formed by the interconnecting supporting member 63, 64, 65, 66. The first and second comer may be a bottom corner and a top comer. The second supporting member 62 may extend between a third comer and a fourth opposite corner of the rhombic structure formed by the interconnecting supporting member 63, 64, 65, 66. The third comer may be proximal to the first outer surface of the sectional door leaf 11. The fourth comer may be proximal to the second outer surface of the sectional door leaf.11.

According to an aspect a sectional door system 10 is provided. The sectional door system is for covering the door opening in the wall 12. The sectional door system comprises a side frame 21 and a sectional door leaf according to any of the previously described embodiments. The sectional door leaf is movably connected to the side frame 21 for guiding the sectional door leaf 11 between an open and closed position.

It should be appreciated that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the description is only illustrative and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the scope of the invention to the full extent indicated by the appended claims

Claims

1. A sectional door leaf (11) for a sectional door system (10), the sectional door leaf (11) comprising a plurality of interconnected sections (17, 18, 19, 20) forming a first outer surface of the sectional door leaf (11) and a second outer surface of the sectional door leaf (11) opposite to said first outer surface, wherein a first section (17) and a second section (18) adjacent to the first section (17) of the plurality of interconnected sections (17, 18, 19, 20) each comprises an elongated recess (71), the sectional door leaf (11) further comprising an elongated joint member (80) arranged in the elongated recess (71) of the first section (17) and second section (18), the elongated joint member (80) extending between and along the first section (17) and second section (18).

2. The sectional door leaf (11) according to claim 1, wherein the elongated joint member (80) comprises an outer structure (81) adapted to be at least partially in contact with the inner surfaces of the elongated recess (71) of the first section (17) and the second section (18).

3. The sectional door leaf (11) according to claim 2, wherein the inner surfaces of the elongated recess (71) of the first section (17) and the second section (18) comprises a first inner surface (73) and a second inner surface (72) extending substantially perpendicular to said first section (17) and second section (18) at a distance from each other.

4. The sectional door leaf (11) according to claim 2 or 3, the outer structure (81) comprising a planar portion (82) extending perpendicular to the first section (17) and the second section (18) and a curved portion (83) extending parallel to the planar portion (82).

5. The sectional door leaf (11) according to claim 4, wherein the first inner surface (73) of the elongated recess (71) of the first section (17) and the second section (18) has a substantially planar portion and the second inner surface (72) has a curved section , whereby the first inner surface (73) is adapted to be at least partially in contact with the planar portion (82) of the elongated joint member (80) and the second inner surface (72) is adapted to be at least partially in contact with the curved portion (83) of the elongated joint member (80).

6. The sectional door leaf (11) according to claim 5, wherein the second inner surface (72) of the elongated recess (71) of the first section (17) and the second section (18) and curved portion (83) are arranged proximal to the second outer surface of the sectional door leaf (11), whereby the first section (17) and the second section (18) are interconnected to allow relative pivoting between the first section (17) and the second section (18) in a direction extending from the first outer surface towards the second outer surface.

7. The sectional door leaf (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first section (17) and the second section (18) are connected by means of a pivot connection (90).

8. The sectional door leaf (11) according to claim 7, wherein the pivot connection (90) is arranged proximal to the first outer surface of the sectional door leaf (H).

9. The sectional door leaf (11) according to any one of claim 2 to 8, the elongated joint member (80) further comprising an inner support structure (60) connected to the outer structure (81), said inner support structure (60) extending along the elongated joint member (80).

10. The sectional door leaf (11) according to claim 9, wherein the inner support structure (60) comprises a first supporting member (61) extending along the 15 elongated joint member (80), said first supporting member (61) having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, said first and second end being connected to the outer structure (81).

11. The sectional door leaf (11) according to claim 10, wherein the inner support structure (60) comprises a second supporting member (62) extending along the elongated joint member (80) and substantially orthogonally to the first supporting member (62), said second supporting member (62) having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, said first and second end being connected to the outer structure (81).

12. The sectional door leaf (11) according to claim 11, the inner support structure (60) further comprising interconnecting supporting members (63, 64, 65, 66) interconnecting the first and second end of the first supporting member (61) with the first and second end of the second supporting member (62).

13. The sectional door leaf (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated joint member (80) is in a resilient material.

14. The sectional door leaf (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein elongated joint member (80) is arranged to provide a distance between the first section (17) and the second section (18) in a direction extending perpendicular to said first section (17) and second section (18).

15. The sectional door leaf (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of elongated joint members (80), each elongated joint member (80) being arranged between adjacent sections of the plurality of sections (17, 18, 19, 20), said adjacent sections each comprising elongated recesses (71) for receiving the elongated joint members (80). 16

16. A sectional door system (10) for covering a door opening in a wall (12), the sectional door system comprising a side frame (21) and a sectional door leaf (11) according to any one of the preceding claims being movably connected to the side frame (21) for guiding the sectional door leaf (11) between an open and closed position.