CA1306182C - Roll-up door - Google Patents
Roll-up doorInfo
- Publication number
- CA1306182C CA1306182C CA000602035A CA602035A CA1306182C CA 1306182 C CA1306182 C CA 1306182C CA 000602035 A CA000602035 A CA 000602035A CA 602035 A CA602035 A CA 602035A CA 1306182 C CA1306182 C CA 1306182C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- door
- tube
- roll
- coupled
- curtain
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
- E06B9/56—Operating, guiding or securing devices or arrangements for roll-type closures; Spring drums; Tape drums; Counterweighting arrangements therefor
- E06B9/68—Operating devices or mechanisms, e.g. with electric drive
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
- E06B9/56—Operating, guiding or securing devices or arrangements for roll-type closures; Spring drums; Tape drums; Counterweighting arrangements therefor
- E06B9/60—Spring drums operated only by closure members
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
- E06B9/56—Operating, guiding or securing devices or arrangements for roll-type closures; Spring drums; Tape drums; Counterweighting arrangements therefor
- E06B9/68—Operating devices or mechanisms, e.g. with electric drive
- E06B9/70—Operating devices or mechanisms, e.g. with electric drive comprising an electric motor positioned outside the roller
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Curtains And Furnishings For Windows Or Doors (AREA)
Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure A lightweight, high speed roll-up door, or curtain, is unrolled from and rolled upon a cylindrical tube disposed above or within an opening in a wall by a drive motor/drive shaft combination coupled to one end of he tube.
A non-rotating support shaft is attached to the other end of the tube which has disposed within respective ends thereof first and second coiled springs. A pair of belts are coupled to lower opposed ends of the door and are wrapped around respective pulleys positioned at each end of the tube and mounted to the drive and support shafts, respectively. With one end of each of the coiled springs coupled to the tube and each of the other ends respectively coupled to one of the pulleys, the coiled springs urge the two pulleys and the tube in opposite directions of rotation to maintain the door in a tightly stretched condition. Changes in the effective radius of each of the pulleys as the belts are unwound/wound as well as changes in the effective radius of the tube as the door is unwound/wound counterbalance the door's weight by compensating for changes in the weight of the withdrawn, or extended, portion of the door to ensure high speed door operation regardless of the length of door withdrawn from the tube.
A non-rotating support shaft is attached to the other end of the tube which has disposed within respective ends thereof first and second coiled springs. A pair of belts are coupled to lower opposed ends of the door and are wrapped around respective pulleys positioned at each end of the tube and mounted to the drive and support shafts, respectively. With one end of each of the coiled springs coupled to the tube and each of the other ends respectively coupled to one of the pulleys, the coiled springs urge the two pulleys and the tube in opposite directions of rotation to maintain the door in a tightly stretched condition. Changes in the effective radius of each of the pulleys as the belts are unwound/wound as well as changes in the effective radius of the tube as the door is unwound/wound counterbalance the door's weight by compensating for changes in the weight of the withdrawn, or extended, portion of the door to ensure high speed door operation regardless of the length of door withdrawn from the tube.
Description
3~ Z
IMPROVED_ROLL-UP DOOR
Backqround of the Invention This invention relates generally to overhead doors or curtains and is particularly directed to a lightweigllt roll-up door whioh can be lowered or raised at high speed.
Roll-type doors are frequently used in industr~al installations to isolate two rooms or the inside of a building from the outside environment while permitting tran~it between the two room3 or either out of or into the building. ~oll-up doors of the curtain type are generally secured at an uppex end thereof to a tube-like roller which i5 r~tated ln a ~irst direction to lower the door and in a second, opposite direction to retract the door. The roller is typically mounted in~ediately above the doorway and is generally rotationally displaced by an electric motor and drive assembly. Roll-type doors are generally comprised of a lightweight material to facilitate rapid displacement of the door and are also frequently transparent to allow for viewing through the doorway when the roll-type door is in the extended, closed position. These doors are typically comprised of a high strength plastic material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and may be displaced from the open to the closed position, or vice versa, in ju~t a few seconds.
As this type o door lacks the structural strength of heavier multi-section hinged roll-type doors, these lightweight roll-type doors are intended primarily for environmentally isolating two adjacent rooms or the inside of a building from ~he outside environment rather than for providing security by preventing transit through a doorway. A rapidly displaced overhead roll-type door having good insulating characteri~tics i~ particularly deslrable from an energy ~9~
~3 0 ~
conservat;on standpoint where there is a large diff~rential between 1nside and outside temperatures.
Pliable roll-type door tensioning arrangements typically include various combinations of springs~ pulleys and wei~hts to exert a downward force on the lower edge portion of the door in maintaining it generally planar acros3 the doorway when extended. The~e axrangementq in the past have tended to be overly complex and of limited reliability over extended periods of continued use. The present invention is intended to overcome the aforementioned limitations o the prior art by providing a high speed roll-type door which has a reduced number of parts while offering highly reliable performance.
Objects and SummarY of the Invention Accordingly, it is an ohject of the present invention to provide an improved high speed, roll-up door.
It is another object of the present invention ~o provide a high speed roll-up door having a reduced number of parts ~hich affords highly reliable operation.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide counterbalancing for the weight of a roll-up door by compensating for changes in door roll-up torque with differential compensating changes in door extension, or withdrawal, torque.
A further object of the present invention is to maintain a high speed, flexible curtain-like roll-up door in a tightly stretched condition wllen extended and to maintain the retraction and extension forces applied to the door in equilibrium re~ardless of the len~th of door in the extended position.
This invention contemplates a roll-up door disposed acro~s an aperture in a wall and comprised of a ~ 3~ 2 cylindrical tube disposed adjacent to an upper portion oi the aperture, a flexible curtain coupled to and wound around the tube in a first direction of winding; a first support shaft coupled to a first end of the tube and a second drive shaft coupled to a second end of the tube, the drive shaft further coupled to drive means for rotat~onally displacing the tube;
flrst and ~econd pulleys respectively mounted to the fir~t support shaft and the second dri~e shaft, first and second belt means respectively coupled to and wound around the f irst and second pulleys in a secondt opposed direction o winding for coupling the pulleys to a free end of the curtain; and biasing means coupled to the tube and the pulleys for rotationally urging the tube in the first direction of winding for rolling up the curtain on the tube and for rotationally urging the pulleys in the secondr opposed direction of winding for rolling up the belt means on the pulleys so as to maintain the curtain in a tightly stretched condition; wherein chanqes in the length of curtain unwound from the tube are compensated for by corre~ponding changes in a roll-up torque exerted on the belt means by the pulleys and biasing means so as to counterbalance the weight of curtain removed from the tube and maintain the curtain in equilibrium as it is unwound fr~m and wound onto~the tube.
8rief Description o the Drawin~s : The appended claims set forth those novel features which characterize the invention. However, the invention itself, as well as further objects and advantages thereof J
will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment taken in con~unction wlth the accompanying drawings, where like 130~3L8~
reference characters identify like elements throughout the various figuxes, in whichs FIG. 1 iB a plan view of a roll-up door installation in accordance with the princlples of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a partially c~taway side view of the roll up door of FIG. l;
FIG. 3 i~ a partlally cutaway planar view of a portion of the roll-up door of FIG~ llustrating details of a door control arrangem~nt for use in the present invention, FIG. 4 is a horizontal ssctional view of a sid2 panel of the roll-up door of FIG. 1 taken along sight line 4 4 therein;
FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view of a ro:Ll tube, and components associated therewith, for use in the roll-up door of the present invention; and FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway perspective view shown in simplified schematic form of a belt and pulley arrangement in combination with a roller tube for use in the roll-up door of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFE~RED EMBODIMENT
~ eferring to FIG. 1, there is shown a planar view of a roll-door lO.in accordance with the present invention.
The roll-up door lO includes first and second vertically aligned, parallel side frames 32 and 34 disposed on facing lateral edges of an opening 12 within a wall. Each o~ the first and second side frames 32, 34 is preferably comprised of metal and houses various components of the roll-up door lO
as descrlbed below. The side frames 32, 34 als~ provide suppor~ for the door positioned immediately ad~acent to or with~n the opening 12. Disposed above or in an upper portion of the openin~ 12 .i~ a generally horizont~lly orîent:ed tube, - ~3~?6~
or cylinder, 16 about which is wound a curtain 14. The curtain 14 is preferably comprised of a high strength, flexible, lightweight material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which may be transparent. One end of the curtain 14 i~ securely attached to the tube 16 along substantially ~ts entire length by conventional means suchl as by the ~ombination of a mounting strip and scre!w6~ The free, or lower, end of the curtain 14 is providecl with a bottom rail 15 which affords a degree of rigidity and pro~ects the curtain's lower ed~e from impact damage.
A first mounting bracket 20 is securely affixed to a first upper panel 42 at the upper end of the fir~t side frame 32. Similarly, a second mounting bracket 22 is securely affixed to a second upper panel 44 at the upper end of the second side frame 34. The first mounting bracket 20 is securely coupled to and provides support for a first end of the tube 16, while the second mounting bracket 22 is coupled to and provides support for a second end of the tube.
Each of the first and second mounting brackets 20, 22 includes a suitable bearing arrangement to allow the tube 16 to freely rotate relative to the mounting brackets.
Referring also to FIG. 2, which is a partially cutaway side planar view of the roll-up door 10, and FIG. 3, which is a partially cutaway planar view of a portion of the roll-up door, additional details of the roll-up door of the present invention will now be described. Also mounted to the second upper panel 44 at the uppe end of the second side frame 34 are an electric motor 24, a controll~r 26 and a gear reduction box 40. The electric motor 24 and controller 26 are coupled to an electrical power supply ~not shown) and are also coupled together. The electric motor 24 ls further coupled to the gear reduction box 40 whlch, in turn, i~
~3~ 2 coupled to and provides for th~ rotational displacement of a drive shaft 19 coupled to and extending from one end of the tube 16. The combination of the electric motor 24, the controller 26 and the gear reduction box 40 thus rotationally displace the tube 16 via the drive shaf1: 19 for raising and lowering the curtain 14. While the controller 26 i3 shown in the vario~s figures disposed in an upper portlon of a ~lde framel the controller may also be mounted to a lower portion of a wall adjacent to the roll-up door to facilitate operator access to the controller.
A first pulley~28 is coupled to a non-driven support shaft 18 and is free to rotate thereon. The support shaft 18 is coupled to the other end of the tube 16 and provides support therefor. Similarly, a second pulley 30 is rotationally mounted to the drive shaft 19. Positioned on and disposed about the first pulley 28 is a first belt 48, while a second belt 50 is positioned upon and disposed about the second pulley 30. With a first end of each of the first and second belts 48, 50 securely attached to the first and second pulleys 28, 30, respectively, the second end of each of these belts is attached to the bottom rail 15 of the curtain 14 as shown in FIG. 2 for the second belt. With the first and second pulleys 28, 30 coupled to the tube 16 in a manner described below, the curtain 14 may be wound onto or unwound from the tube while maintained in a stretched condition under tension. A lower pulley 60 is mounted in the lower portion of each of the side frames. A respective belt is wound around each of the lower pulleys 60 as shown for the case of belt 50 in FIG. 2. The manner in which ten9ion is applied to and maintained on the curtain 14 is described in detail below.
Referrin~ æpecifically to FIG. 3, there is shown additional details of the manner in which the operation of tho roll-up door lp is controlled. Disposed within the second side ~3~6~8;~
frame 34 are a plurality of sensor switches, each of which is coupled to the controller 26. These sensor switches include an upper open limit switch 66, an in~ermediate slow approach limit switch 68, and close limit switch 70. ~ach of the aforementionsd limit switches includes a trip arm which is engaged by an end portion 64 of the bottom rail 15. The end portion 64 of the bottom rail extends into the second ~ide frame 34. As the end por~ion 64 m~ves up and down within the second side frame 34 as the curtain 14 is retracted and extended, ths end portion of the bottom rail engages the respective trip arms of the various limit switches. Thus, upon retraction of the curtain 14, the end portion 64 fixst trips the slow approach limit switch 68 and then the open limit switch 66. Tripping of the slow approach limit switch 68 reduces the upward retraction speed of the curtain 14 and allows it to assume a lower speed just prior to reaching the full up position. The full up position of the curtain 14 is detected by the open limit switch 66 which provides an appropriate control signal to the controller 26 for terminating upward displacement of the curtain. The slow approach limit swi-tch 68 thus allows the roll-up door 10 of the present invention to operate at two speeds during retraction, i.e., an initial hi~h speed as curtain retraction is initiated and a reduced, slower speed as the cur~ain approaches the full up position. The slow approach limit switch 68 is not used during lowering of the curtain 14 to the closed position. The close limit switch 70 is tripped by ~he bottom rail's end portion 64 to provide detection of the curtain as it approaches the full down position and to terminate further downward displacement. The curtain 14 is thus displaced at two different speeds when retracted and is cxtended, or lowered, at a single lower speed.
~3~ 2 Referring to FIG. ~, thPre is shown a sectional view of the second side frame 34 taken along sight line 4-4 in FIG. 1. The first and second side frames 32,34 are essentially mirror images of one another. The side frame 34 includes first and s~cond flats 74 and 76 preferably comprised of steel and coupled together by conventional means such as a weldment to form an L-shaped structure.
Con~entional means such as mounting brackets and bolts are used for securely mounting the first flat 74 to a wall 72.
Disposed on a distal end of the second flat 76 is an angle 77 as well as a hinge 78. The hinge 78 pivotally couples a closure panel 80 to the distal end of the second flat 76.
The closure panel 80 is shown in solid lines in the closed position and in dotted lines in the open position. The capability to open up the second side frame 34 to allow access to the components of the roll-up door therein facilitates maintenance and repair of the door installation.
The inner portion of the second side frame 34 includes first and second box beams 84 and 86 to which are respectively coupled first and second guide rails 88 and 90.
The first box beam 84 may be securely coupled to the first flat 74 as well as to upper and lower portions of the second side frame 34 to ensure its secure and stable positioning therein. Similarly, the second box beam 86 may be securely coupled to upper and lower portions of the second side frame 34 to provide for its secure and stable positioning therein.
A third flat 82 is coupled to the second box beam 86 and is positioned so as to engage the closure panel 80 when in the closed position. With the closure panel 80 closed, the components of the roll-up door disposed within the second side frame 34 are protected from damage by contact with moving vehicles and are isolated from ,~.- , ~ , .
~3~6~
the surrounding environment which tends to improve the performance and increase the reliabllity of the roll-up door.
A guide slot 92 disposed between and defined by tlle first and second ~uide rails 88, ga is adapted to receive an end of the roll-up door's bottom rail. The roll-up door's end portion i~ freely movable between the first and second ~uide rails 88, 90 along the length thereof ye~ remains confined between these guide rails as the roll-up door i~
extended and retracted. The guide slot 92 which receive~ the end portion of the roll-up door'~ bottom rail thus ~nsuxe~
that the lower end of thP roll-up door is displaced substantially vertically with little or no latexal movement during extension and retxaction of the door. In addition, the first and second guide rails 88, 90 maintain the curtain laterally stretched and generally planar even when the curtain is subjected to a pressure diferential across the opening over which it is positioned. By thus maintaining an end portion of the roll-up door's bottom rail within a respective side frame, the roll-up door is provided with a high degree of wind resistance in a door construction which is lightweight and capable of being displaced at h}gh speeds without the requirement for reinforcin~ the curtain to increase its strength.
Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a longitudinal sectional ~iew of the drive mechanism used to roll and unroll a curtain as well as to maintain -the curtain in a stretched condition in accordance with the present invention. As preYiously described, the curtain (which is not shown in ~IG.
5 for simplicity) is disposed about the tube 16 along the length thereof in a rolled manner. Coupled to andl positioned within respective open ends of the tube 16 are flrst and second outer end hubs 114 and 134. Each of the fir~t and g ~3~
second outer end hubs 114, 134 i5 secured to a respective end of the tube 16 such as by weldments. Each of the first ~nd second outer end hubs 114 t 134 includes a respective center aperture within which are respectively disposed the non-driven support shaft 18 and the drive shaft 19. ~he support shaft lB further extends through an aperture in the first pulley 28, while the drive shaft 19 extends through an aper~ure in the second pulley 30~
Disposed about the support shaft 18 where it ; extends through the flrst pulley 28 and the f~rst outer end hub 114 is an inner anti-friction bearing 100. Disposed about and in contact with the inner anti-friction bearing 100 is an outer anti-friction bearing 102 which i9 securely coupled to the first pulley 28 as well as to a first inner hub 106 disposed within the tube 16. An outer bearing angle 104 is securely coupled to the first outer end hub 114 and iæ
d.isposed between the first outer end hub and the outer anti-friction bearing 102. The outer bearin~ angle 104 is further disposed between the first outer end hub 114 and the first inner hub 106 and allows for the relative rotational displacement therebetween. Therefore, the first pulley 28, the first outer end hub 114 and the first inner hub 106 are all free to rotate about the support shaft 18. In addition, the outer anti-friction bearing 102 is rigidly coupled to the firs~ pulley 28 and the first inner hub lQ6 to ensure that these two components rotate in unison about the axis of the support shaft 18.
; Disposed within and aligned along the length of the tube are first and second coiled torsion springs 1~8 and 128. One end of the first coiled tors.ion spring 11)8 i3 coupled to the first inner hub 106, while the second end of the fir~t coil ~pring i8 coupled to a second inner hub 110 within the tube 16. ~rhe second inner hub 110 ls securely coupled to the support shaft 18 as well as to the tube 16.
Similarly, a third inner hub 112 is securely and fixedly coupled to both the support shaft 18 and the tube 16. Each of the second and third inner hubs 110, 112 includes a respective center aperture through which the support shaft 18 is inserted, with the outer periphery o each of these hubs attached to the inner surface of the tube 16 by conventional means such as a weldment.
A similar arrangement is provided for at the other end of the tube 16. Thus, an inner anti-friction bearing 120 is disposed in contact with and about the drive shaft lg. Disposed about the inner anti-friction bearing 120 is an outer anti-friction bearing 122 which is securely coupled to the second pulley 30 as well as to a fourth inner hub 126 positioned within the tube 1~. Disposed about and positioned in contact with the outer anti-friction bearing 122 is an outer bearing angle 124 which is securely coupled to and rotates with the second outer end hub 134. As in the case of the first outer end hub 114, the second outer end hub 134 is securely coupled to the end of the tube 16 by conventional means such as a weldment. The inner, angled portion of the outer bearing angl~ 124 is disposed between the fourth inner hub 126 and the second outer end hub 134 and provides for proper spacing therebetween. In addition, the outer bearing angle 124 permits rotational displacement between the fourth inner hub 126 and the second outer end hub 134.
One end of the second coiled spring 128 is coupled to khe fourth inner hub 126, while the other end of the coiled spring is coupled to a fifth inner hub 130. The fifth inner hub 130 is securely coupled about its periphery to the inner surface of the tube 16 and includes a center aperture through which the drive shaft 19 extends. A sixth inner hub ... .
~ , ~3~
132 is similarly positioned within the tube and securely coupled about its outer perlphery to the inner surface of the tube. The sixth inner kub 132 also includes a center aperture through which the dr.ive shaft lY extends. The ifth and sixth inner hubs 130, 132 are both securely coupled to the drive shaft 19 so as to rotate therewith.
Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown in simplified schematic form a partially cutaway perspective vîew of a portion of the roll-up door o the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the curtain 14 is wound around the tube 16 and extends downward with the bottom rail 15 positioned on its lower edye. The bottom rail's end portion 64 is securely coupled to one end of the first belt 48 which is wound around tlle lower pulley 60. The first belt 48 extends upward to the first pulley 28 about which the belt i5 wound and to which it is securely coupled. The support shaft 18 extends through the first pulley 28 as well as through the first outer end hub 114 and the first inner hub 106. The inner end of the support shaft 18 is coupled to the second inner hub 110 shown in dotted line form in the figure. The coiled spring 108 is disposed about the support shaft 18 and is coupled at xespective ends thereof to the first inner hub 106 and the second inner hub 110..
The coil spring, tube and pulley arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 operates in the following manner to maintain the curtain 14 in a tightly stretched condition and to counterbalance the weight of the curtain withdrawn from the tube 16. The two belts 48, 50 are wound around respective pulleys 28, 30 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the curtain 14 is wound around the tube 16. Thus, a~ the curtain 14 is removed, or pulled of~ of, the tube 16 r eac:h of the belts i3 wound onto a respec:tive ~3~ 2 pulley. Similarly, as each of the belts is unwound from its respective pulley, the curtain 14 is wound around the tube 16. The first and second pulleys 28, 30 and the tube 16 are ur~ed in opposite directions of rotation by the first and second coiled springs 108,128. For example, with the outer end of the first coiled spring 108 coupled to the first pulley 28 via the first inner hub 106 and outer anti-friction bearing 102, the first pulley 28 is urged in a counterclockwise direction of rotation as viewed in FIG. 6.
On the other hand, with the other end of the first coiled spring 108 coupled to the tube 16 via the second inner hub 110, the tube is urged in a clockwise direction of rotation as viewed in FIG. 6. By thus urging the first and second pulleys 28 and 30 in an opposite direction of rotation from that of the tube 16, the curtain 14 as well as the first and sacond belts 48 and 50 are maintained in a tightly stretched condition. Although the first and second pulleys 28, 30 and the tube 16 are urged in opposite directions of rotation, the pulleys are rotated in the same direction as that of the tube during extension and retraction of the curtain.
However, during retraction and extension of the curtain the two pulleys rotate at a different rate, or velocity, then the tube, with the two larger pulleys always seeking to "catch up" to the rotating tube.
The assembly illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 operates in the following manner to counterbalance the weight of the curtain 14 as it is withdrawn from the tube 16. The length of the curtain 14 paid out with each revolution of the tube 16 is equal to 2~rC, where rC is the radius of the tube.
Similarly, the length of belt taken out by each of the two pullevs with each revolution of the tube 16 as the curtain 14 is withdrawn is also equal to 2~ rc. But the ~3~
circumference of the first pulley 28 is equal to 2 r3, and rB ~ rC. Therefore, with rB > rCl the two pulleys make only a partial revolution with each complete revolution of the tube 16 as the curtain 14 is withdrawn therefrom. Because the curtain end of each of the coil springC~ 108, 128, i.e., their respective inner ends which are coupled to inner hub 110, and 130, ~ake a full revolution with each revolution of the tube 16, and the pulley, or outer end, of each of these springs makes only a partial revolution with each revolution of the tube, each of these springs is maintained in a wound condition. The winding o~ ~he first and second coil springs 108, 128 produces a torque about the support shaft 18 as well as the drive shaft 19. This torque maintains the curtain 14 and belt 48 combination under tension as previously described.
In order to maintain this combination in balance, the tension in each leg i.e., in the two belts 48, 50 as well as in the curtain 14, must be equal. The tension is equal to the torque (TQ) divided by the radius arm~ In order for the belt tension (TB) to equal the curtain tension (TC), the two radii, i.e., rB and r~, must be equal. This torque, or tension, is calibrated by fixing r3 with the initial layers of the belts wrapped around the pulleys, such that rB_ 'C with the curtain 14 in the fully open position. If r~ =
rC, the tension in the belts and the curtain 14 is in balance. If rB > rC~ there is a resultant upward force exerted on the curtain 14 tending to retract the curtain to the full open position. If rB < rC, the curtain 14 is urged to the extended position and the belts will be wound around the pulleys. The changing effective radii of the first and second pulleys 28, 30 as their respective belts are wound around or unwound therefrom in combination with the changing , . ~, , ~ .
.
~3~
effective rad~us of the tube 16 a~ the curtain 14 i~ wound upon or unwound thererom provlde~ an efficient and ~ffective counterbalanclng arrangement to accommodate tho changing effective weight of the curtain as it is wound~u~wound.
There has thus been shown a r~ up door which is capable of hi~h 3peed operationt uses a reduced number o components, offers hlghly reliable operation, and i8 relatively insxpensive. The roll-up door includes a roller tube mounted flexible curtain which is maintained in a tightly stretched condition, with the wel~ht of the withdrawn curtain always counterbalanced to permit high speed movement of the curtain during extension and retraction.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its ; broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope o the invention. The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. The actual scope of the invention is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their pLOper perspective based on the prior art.
~ 15
IMPROVED_ROLL-UP DOOR
Backqround of the Invention This invention relates generally to overhead doors or curtains and is particularly directed to a lightweigllt roll-up door whioh can be lowered or raised at high speed.
Roll-type doors are frequently used in industr~al installations to isolate two rooms or the inside of a building from the outside environment while permitting tran~it between the two room3 or either out of or into the building. ~oll-up doors of the curtain type are generally secured at an uppex end thereof to a tube-like roller which i5 r~tated ln a ~irst direction to lower the door and in a second, opposite direction to retract the door. The roller is typically mounted in~ediately above the doorway and is generally rotationally displaced by an electric motor and drive assembly. Roll-type doors are generally comprised of a lightweight material to facilitate rapid displacement of the door and are also frequently transparent to allow for viewing through the doorway when the roll-type door is in the extended, closed position. These doors are typically comprised of a high strength plastic material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and may be displaced from the open to the closed position, or vice versa, in ju~t a few seconds.
As this type o door lacks the structural strength of heavier multi-section hinged roll-type doors, these lightweight roll-type doors are intended primarily for environmentally isolating two adjacent rooms or the inside of a building from ~he outside environment rather than for providing security by preventing transit through a doorway. A rapidly displaced overhead roll-type door having good insulating characteri~tics i~ particularly deslrable from an energy ~9~
~3 0 ~
conservat;on standpoint where there is a large diff~rential between 1nside and outside temperatures.
Pliable roll-type door tensioning arrangements typically include various combinations of springs~ pulleys and wei~hts to exert a downward force on the lower edge portion of the door in maintaining it generally planar acros3 the doorway when extended. The~e axrangementq in the past have tended to be overly complex and of limited reliability over extended periods of continued use. The present invention is intended to overcome the aforementioned limitations o the prior art by providing a high speed roll-type door which has a reduced number of parts while offering highly reliable performance.
Objects and SummarY of the Invention Accordingly, it is an ohject of the present invention to provide an improved high speed, roll-up door.
It is another object of the present invention ~o provide a high speed roll-up door having a reduced number of parts ~hich affords highly reliable operation.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide counterbalancing for the weight of a roll-up door by compensating for changes in door roll-up torque with differential compensating changes in door extension, or withdrawal, torque.
A further object of the present invention is to maintain a high speed, flexible curtain-like roll-up door in a tightly stretched condition wllen extended and to maintain the retraction and extension forces applied to the door in equilibrium re~ardless of the len~th of door in the extended position.
This invention contemplates a roll-up door disposed acro~s an aperture in a wall and comprised of a ~ 3~ 2 cylindrical tube disposed adjacent to an upper portion oi the aperture, a flexible curtain coupled to and wound around the tube in a first direction of winding; a first support shaft coupled to a first end of the tube and a second drive shaft coupled to a second end of the tube, the drive shaft further coupled to drive means for rotat~onally displacing the tube;
flrst and ~econd pulleys respectively mounted to the fir~t support shaft and the second dri~e shaft, first and second belt means respectively coupled to and wound around the f irst and second pulleys in a secondt opposed direction o winding for coupling the pulleys to a free end of the curtain; and biasing means coupled to the tube and the pulleys for rotationally urging the tube in the first direction of winding for rolling up the curtain on the tube and for rotationally urging the pulleys in the secondr opposed direction of winding for rolling up the belt means on the pulleys so as to maintain the curtain in a tightly stretched condition; wherein chanqes in the length of curtain unwound from the tube are compensated for by corre~ponding changes in a roll-up torque exerted on the belt means by the pulleys and biasing means so as to counterbalance the weight of curtain removed from the tube and maintain the curtain in equilibrium as it is unwound fr~m and wound onto~the tube.
8rief Description o the Drawin~s : The appended claims set forth those novel features which characterize the invention. However, the invention itself, as well as further objects and advantages thereof J
will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment taken in con~unction wlth the accompanying drawings, where like 130~3L8~
reference characters identify like elements throughout the various figuxes, in whichs FIG. 1 iB a plan view of a roll-up door installation in accordance with the princlples of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a partially c~taway side view of the roll up door of FIG. l;
FIG. 3 i~ a partlally cutaway planar view of a portion of the roll-up door of FIG~ llustrating details of a door control arrangem~nt for use in the present invention, FIG. 4 is a horizontal ssctional view of a sid2 panel of the roll-up door of FIG. 1 taken along sight line 4 4 therein;
FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view of a ro:Ll tube, and components associated therewith, for use in the roll-up door of the present invention; and FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway perspective view shown in simplified schematic form of a belt and pulley arrangement in combination with a roller tube for use in the roll-up door of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFE~RED EMBODIMENT
~ eferring to FIG. 1, there is shown a planar view of a roll-door lO.in accordance with the present invention.
The roll-up door lO includes first and second vertically aligned, parallel side frames 32 and 34 disposed on facing lateral edges of an opening 12 within a wall. Each o~ the first and second side frames 32, 34 is preferably comprised of metal and houses various components of the roll-up door lO
as descrlbed below. The side frames 32, 34 als~ provide suppor~ for the door positioned immediately ad~acent to or with~n the opening 12. Disposed above or in an upper portion of the openin~ 12 .i~ a generally horizont~lly orîent:ed tube, - ~3~?6~
or cylinder, 16 about which is wound a curtain 14. The curtain 14 is preferably comprised of a high strength, flexible, lightweight material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which may be transparent. One end of the curtain 14 i~ securely attached to the tube 16 along substantially ~ts entire length by conventional means suchl as by the ~ombination of a mounting strip and scre!w6~ The free, or lower, end of the curtain 14 is providecl with a bottom rail 15 which affords a degree of rigidity and pro~ects the curtain's lower ed~e from impact damage.
A first mounting bracket 20 is securely affixed to a first upper panel 42 at the upper end of the fir~t side frame 32. Similarly, a second mounting bracket 22 is securely affixed to a second upper panel 44 at the upper end of the second side frame 34. The first mounting bracket 20 is securely coupled to and provides support for a first end of the tube 16, while the second mounting bracket 22 is coupled to and provides support for a second end of the tube.
Each of the first and second mounting brackets 20, 22 includes a suitable bearing arrangement to allow the tube 16 to freely rotate relative to the mounting brackets.
Referring also to FIG. 2, which is a partially cutaway side planar view of the roll-up door 10, and FIG. 3, which is a partially cutaway planar view of a portion of the roll-up door, additional details of the roll-up door of the present invention will now be described. Also mounted to the second upper panel 44 at the uppe end of the second side frame 34 are an electric motor 24, a controll~r 26 and a gear reduction box 40. The electric motor 24 and controller 26 are coupled to an electrical power supply ~not shown) and are also coupled together. The electric motor 24 ls further coupled to the gear reduction box 40 whlch, in turn, i~
~3~ 2 coupled to and provides for th~ rotational displacement of a drive shaft 19 coupled to and extending from one end of the tube 16. The combination of the electric motor 24, the controller 26 and the gear reduction box 40 thus rotationally displace the tube 16 via the drive shaf1: 19 for raising and lowering the curtain 14. While the controller 26 i3 shown in the vario~s figures disposed in an upper portlon of a ~lde framel the controller may also be mounted to a lower portion of a wall adjacent to the roll-up door to facilitate operator access to the controller.
A first pulley~28 is coupled to a non-driven support shaft 18 and is free to rotate thereon. The support shaft 18 is coupled to the other end of the tube 16 and provides support therefor. Similarly, a second pulley 30 is rotationally mounted to the drive shaft 19. Positioned on and disposed about the first pulley 28 is a first belt 48, while a second belt 50 is positioned upon and disposed about the second pulley 30. With a first end of each of the first and second belts 48, 50 securely attached to the first and second pulleys 28, 30, respectively, the second end of each of these belts is attached to the bottom rail 15 of the curtain 14 as shown in FIG. 2 for the second belt. With the first and second pulleys 28, 30 coupled to the tube 16 in a manner described below, the curtain 14 may be wound onto or unwound from the tube while maintained in a stretched condition under tension. A lower pulley 60 is mounted in the lower portion of each of the side frames. A respective belt is wound around each of the lower pulleys 60 as shown for the case of belt 50 in FIG. 2. The manner in which ten9ion is applied to and maintained on the curtain 14 is described in detail below.
Referrin~ æpecifically to FIG. 3, there is shown additional details of the manner in which the operation of tho roll-up door lp is controlled. Disposed within the second side ~3~6~8;~
frame 34 are a plurality of sensor switches, each of which is coupled to the controller 26. These sensor switches include an upper open limit switch 66, an in~ermediate slow approach limit switch 68, and close limit switch 70. ~ach of the aforementionsd limit switches includes a trip arm which is engaged by an end portion 64 of the bottom rail 15. The end portion 64 of the bottom rail extends into the second ~ide frame 34. As the end por~ion 64 m~ves up and down within the second side frame 34 as the curtain 14 is retracted and extended, ths end portion of the bottom rail engages the respective trip arms of the various limit switches. Thus, upon retraction of the curtain 14, the end portion 64 fixst trips the slow approach limit switch 68 and then the open limit switch 66. Tripping of the slow approach limit switch 68 reduces the upward retraction speed of the curtain 14 and allows it to assume a lower speed just prior to reaching the full up position. The full up position of the curtain 14 is detected by the open limit switch 66 which provides an appropriate control signal to the controller 26 for terminating upward displacement of the curtain. The slow approach limit swi-tch 68 thus allows the roll-up door 10 of the present invention to operate at two speeds during retraction, i.e., an initial hi~h speed as curtain retraction is initiated and a reduced, slower speed as the cur~ain approaches the full up position. The slow approach limit switch 68 is not used during lowering of the curtain 14 to the closed position. The close limit switch 70 is tripped by ~he bottom rail's end portion 64 to provide detection of the curtain as it approaches the full down position and to terminate further downward displacement. The curtain 14 is thus displaced at two different speeds when retracted and is cxtended, or lowered, at a single lower speed.
~3~ 2 Referring to FIG. ~, thPre is shown a sectional view of the second side frame 34 taken along sight line 4-4 in FIG. 1. The first and second side frames 32,34 are essentially mirror images of one another. The side frame 34 includes first and s~cond flats 74 and 76 preferably comprised of steel and coupled together by conventional means such as a weldment to form an L-shaped structure.
Con~entional means such as mounting brackets and bolts are used for securely mounting the first flat 74 to a wall 72.
Disposed on a distal end of the second flat 76 is an angle 77 as well as a hinge 78. The hinge 78 pivotally couples a closure panel 80 to the distal end of the second flat 76.
The closure panel 80 is shown in solid lines in the closed position and in dotted lines in the open position. The capability to open up the second side frame 34 to allow access to the components of the roll-up door therein facilitates maintenance and repair of the door installation.
The inner portion of the second side frame 34 includes first and second box beams 84 and 86 to which are respectively coupled first and second guide rails 88 and 90.
The first box beam 84 may be securely coupled to the first flat 74 as well as to upper and lower portions of the second side frame 34 to ensure its secure and stable positioning therein. Similarly, the second box beam 86 may be securely coupled to upper and lower portions of the second side frame 34 to provide for its secure and stable positioning therein.
A third flat 82 is coupled to the second box beam 86 and is positioned so as to engage the closure panel 80 when in the closed position. With the closure panel 80 closed, the components of the roll-up door disposed within the second side frame 34 are protected from damage by contact with moving vehicles and are isolated from ,~.- , ~ , .
~3~6~
the surrounding environment which tends to improve the performance and increase the reliabllity of the roll-up door.
A guide slot 92 disposed between and defined by tlle first and second ~uide rails 88, ga is adapted to receive an end of the roll-up door's bottom rail. The roll-up door's end portion i~ freely movable between the first and second ~uide rails 88, 90 along the length thereof ye~ remains confined between these guide rails as the roll-up door i~
extended and retracted. The guide slot 92 which receive~ the end portion of the roll-up door'~ bottom rail thus ~nsuxe~
that the lower end of thP roll-up door is displaced substantially vertically with little or no latexal movement during extension and retxaction of the door. In addition, the first and second guide rails 88, 90 maintain the curtain laterally stretched and generally planar even when the curtain is subjected to a pressure diferential across the opening over which it is positioned. By thus maintaining an end portion of the roll-up door's bottom rail within a respective side frame, the roll-up door is provided with a high degree of wind resistance in a door construction which is lightweight and capable of being displaced at h}gh speeds without the requirement for reinforcin~ the curtain to increase its strength.
Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a longitudinal sectional ~iew of the drive mechanism used to roll and unroll a curtain as well as to maintain -the curtain in a stretched condition in accordance with the present invention. As preYiously described, the curtain (which is not shown in ~IG.
5 for simplicity) is disposed about the tube 16 along the length thereof in a rolled manner. Coupled to andl positioned within respective open ends of the tube 16 are flrst and second outer end hubs 114 and 134. Each of the fir~t and g ~3~
second outer end hubs 114, 134 i5 secured to a respective end of the tube 16 such as by weldments. Each of the first ~nd second outer end hubs 114 t 134 includes a respective center aperture within which are respectively disposed the non-driven support shaft 18 and the drive shaft 19. ~he support shaft lB further extends through an aperture in the first pulley 28, while the drive shaft 19 extends through an aper~ure in the second pulley 30~
Disposed about the support shaft 18 where it ; extends through the flrst pulley 28 and the f~rst outer end hub 114 is an inner anti-friction bearing 100. Disposed about and in contact with the inner anti-friction bearing 100 is an outer anti-friction bearing 102 which i9 securely coupled to the first pulley 28 as well as to a first inner hub 106 disposed within the tube 16. An outer bearing angle 104 is securely coupled to the first outer end hub 114 and iæ
d.isposed between the first outer end hub and the outer anti-friction bearing 102. The outer bearin~ angle 104 is further disposed between the first outer end hub 114 and the first inner hub 106 and allows for the relative rotational displacement therebetween. Therefore, the first pulley 28, the first outer end hub 114 and the first inner hub 106 are all free to rotate about the support shaft 18. In addition, the outer anti-friction bearing 102 is rigidly coupled to the firs~ pulley 28 and the first inner hub lQ6 to ensure that these two components rotate in unison about the axis of the support shaft 18.
; Disposed within and aligned along the length of the tube are first and second coiled torsion springs 1~8 and 128. One end of the first coiled tors.ion spring 11)8 i3 coupled to the first inner hub 106, while the second end of the fir~t coil ~pring i8 coupled to a second inner hub 110 within the tube 16. ~rhe second inner hub 110 ls securely coupled to the support shaft 18 as well as to the tube 16.
Similarly, a third inner hub 112 is securely and fixedly coupled to both the support shaft 18 and the tube 16. Each of the second and third inner hubs 110, 112 includes a respective center aperture through which the support shaft 18 is inserted, with the outer periphery o each of these hubs attached to the inner surface of the tube 16 by conventional means such as a weldment.
A similar arrangement is provided for at the other end of the tube 16. Thus, an inner anti-friction bearing 120 is disposed in contact with and about the drive shaft lg. Disposed about the inner anti-friction bearing 120 is an outer anti-friction bearing 122 which is securely coupled to the second pulley 30 as well as to a fourth inner hub 126 positioned within the tube 1~. Disposed about and positioned in contact with the outer anti-friction bearing 122 is an outer bearing angle 124 which is securely coupled to and rotates with the second outer end hub 134. As in the case of the first outer end hub 114, the second outer end hub 134 is securely coupled to the end of the tube 16 by conventional means such as a weldment. The inner, angled portion of the outer bearing angl~ 124 is disposed between the fourth inner hub 126 and the second outer end hub 134 and provides for proper spacing therebetween. In addition, the outer bearing angle 124 permits rotational displacement between the fourth inner hub 126 and the second outer end hub 134.
One end of the second coiled spring 128 is coupled to khe fourth inner hub 126, while the other end of the coiled spring is coupled to a fifth inner hub 130. The fifth inner hub 130 is securely coupled about its periphery to the inner surface of the tube 16 and includes a center aperture through which the drive shaft 19 extends. A sixth inner hub ... .
~ , ~3~
132 is similarly positioned within the tube and securely coupled about its outer perlphery to the inner surface of the tube. The sixth inner kub 132 also includes a center aperture through which the dr.ive shaft lY extends. The ifth and sixth inner hubs 130, 132 are both securely coupled to the drive shaft 19 so as to rotate therewith.
Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown in simplified schematic form a partially cutaway perspective vîew of a portion of the roll-up door o the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the curtain 14 is wound around the tube 16 and extends downward with the bottom rail 15 positioned on its lower edye. The bottom rail's end portion 64 is securely coupled to one end of the first belt 48 which is wound around tlle lower pulley 60. The first belt 48 extends upward to the first pulley 28 about which the belt i5 wound and to which it is securely coupled. The support shaft 18 extends through the first pulley 28 as well as through the first outer end hub 114 and the first inner hub 106. The inner end of the support shaft 18 is coupled to the second inner hub 110 shown in dotted line form in the figure. The coiled spring 108 is disposed about the support shaft 18 and is coupled at xespective ends thereof to the first inner hub 106 and the second inner hub 110..
The coil spring, tube and pulley arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 operates in the following manner to maintain the curtain 14 in a tightly stretched condition and to counterbalance the weight of the curtain withdrawn from the tube 16. The two belts 48, 50 are wound around respective pulleys 28, 30 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the curtain 14 is wound around the tube 16. Thus, a~ the curtain 14 is removed, or pulled of~ of, the tube 16 r eac:h of the belts i3 wound onto a respec:tive ~3~ 2 pulley. Similarly, as each of the belts is unwound from its respective pulley, the curtain 14 is wound around the tube 16. The first and second pulleys 28, 30 and the tube 16 are ur~ed in opposite directions of rotation by the first and second coiled springs 108,128. For example, with the outer end of the first coiled spring 108 coupled to the first pulley 28 via the first inner hub 106 and outer anti-friction bearing 102, the first pulley 28 is urged in a counterclockwise direction of rotation as viewed in FIG. 6.
On the other hand, with the other end of the first coiled spring 108 coupled to the tube 16 via the second inner hub 110, the tube is urged in a clockwise direction of rotation as viewed in FIG. 6. By thus urging the first and second pulleys 28 and 30 in an opposite direction of rotation from that of the tube 16, the curtain 14 as well as the first and sacond belts 48 and 50 are maintained in a tightly stretched condition. Although the first and second pulleys 28, 30 and the tube 16 are urged in opposite directions of rotation, the pulleys are rotated in the same direction as that of the tube during extension and retraction of the curtain.
However, during retraction and extension of the curtain the two pulleys rotate at a different rate, or velocity, then the tube, with the two larger pulleys always seeking to "catch up" to the rotating tube.
The assembly illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 operates in the following manner to counterbalance the weight of the curtain 14 as it is withdrawn from the tube 16. The length of the curtain 14 paid out with each revolution of the tube 16 is equal to 2~rC, where rC is the radius of the tube.
Similarly, the length of belt taken out by each of the two pullevs with each revolution of the tube 16 as the curtain 14 is withdrawn is also equal to 2~ rc. But the ~3~
circumference of the first pulley 28 is equal to 2 r3, and rB ~ rC. Therefore, with rB > rCl the two pulleys make only a partial revolution with each complete revolution of the tube 16 as the curtain 14 is withdrawn therefrom. Because the curtain end of each of the coil springC~ 108, 128, i.e., their respective inner ends which are coupled to inner hub 110, and 130, ~ake a full revolution with each revolution of the tube 16, and the pulley, or outer end, of each of these springs makes only a partial revolution with each revolution of the tube, each of these springs is maintained in a wound condition. The winding o~ ~he first and second coil springs 108, 128 produces a torque about the support shaft 18 as well as the drive shaft 19. This torque maintains the curtain 14 and belt 48 combination under tension as previously described.
In order to maintain this combination in balance, the tension in each leg i.e., in the two belts 48, 50 as well as in the curtain 14, must be equal. The tension is equal to the torque (TQ) divided by the radius arm~ In order for the belt tension (TB) to equal the curtain tension (TC), the two radii, i.e., rB and r~, must be equal. This torque, or tension, is calibrated by fixing r3 with the initial layers of the belts wrapped around the pulleys, such that rB_ 'C with the curtain 14 in the fully open position. If r~ =
rC, the tension in the belts and the curtain 14 is in balance. If rB > rC~ there is a resultant upward force exerted on the curtain 14 tending to retract the curtain to the full open position. If rB < rC, the curtain 14 is urged to the extended position and the belts will be wound around the pulleys. The changing effective radii of the first and second pulleys 28, 30 as their respective belts are wound around or unwound therefrom in combination with the changing , . ~, , ~ .
.
~3~
effective rad~us of the tube 16 a~ the curtain 14 i~ wound upon or unwound thererom provlde~ an efficient and ~ffective counterbalanclng arrangement to accommodate tho changing effective weight of the curtain as it is wound~u~wound.
There has thus been shown a r~ up door which is capable of hi~h 3peed operationt uses a reduced number o components, offers hlghly reliable operation, and i8 relatively insxpensive. The roll-up door includes a roller tube mounted flexible curtain which is maintained in a tightly stretched condition, with the wel~ht of the withdrawn curtain always counterbalanced to permit high speed movement of the curtain during extension and retraction.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its ; broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope o the invention. The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. The actual scope of the invention is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their pLOper perspective based on the prior art.
~ 15
Claims (17)
1. a roll-up door disposed across an aperture in a wall, said door comprising:
a cylindrical tube disposed adjacent to an upper portion of the aperture;
a flexible curtain coupled to and wound around said tube in a first direction of winding;
a first support shaft coupled to a first end of said tube and a second drive shaft coupled to a second end of said tube, said drive shaft further coupled to drive means for rotating said tube.
first and second pulleys respectively mounted to said first support shaft and said second drive shaft;
first and second belt means respectively coupled to and wound around said first and second pulleys in a second, opposed direction of winding for coupling said pulleys to a free end of said curtain; and biasing means coupled to said tube and said pulleys for rotationally urging said tube in said first direction of winding for rolling up said curtain on said tube and for rotationally urging said pulleys in said second, opposed direction of winding for rolling up said belt means on said pulleys so as to maintain said curtain in a tightly stretched condition;
wherein changes in the length of curtain unwound from said tube are compensated for by corresponding changes in a roll-up torque exerted on the belt means by the pulleys and biasing means so as to counterbalance the weight of curtain removed from said tube and maintain the curtain in equilibrium as it is unwound from and wound onto said tube.
a cylindrical tube disposed adjacent to an upper portion of the aperture;
a flexible curtain coupled to and wound around said tube in a first direction of winding;
a first support shaft coupled to a first end of said tube and a second drive shaft coupled to a second end of said tube, said drive shaft further coupled to drive means for rotating said tube.
first and second pulleys respectively mounted to said first support shaft and said second drive shaft;
first and second belt means respectively coupled to and wound around said first and second pulleys in a second, opposed direction of winding for coupling said pulleys to a free end of said curtain; and biasing means coupled to said tube and said pulleys for rotationally urging said tube in said first direction of winding for rolling up said curtain on said tube and for rotationally urging said pulleys in said second, opposed direction of winding for rolling up said belt means on said pulleys so as to maintain said curtain in a tightly stretched condition;
wherein changes in the length of curtain unwound from said tube are compensated for by corresponding changes in a roll-up torque exerted on the belt means by the pulleys and biasing means so as to counterbalance the weight of curtain removed from said tube and maintain the curtain in equilibrium as it is unwound from and wound onto said tube.
2. The roll-up door of claim 1 wherein said curtain is comprised of a lightweight polyvinyl chloride material.
3. The roll-up door of claim 2 wherein said polyvinyl chloride material is transparent.
4. The roll-up door of claim 1 wherein said b biasing means includes first and second coiled torsion springs, each coupled at their respective ends to said tube and to one of said pulleys.
5. The roll-up door of claim 4 wherein said first first and second inner hubs and third and fourth outer hubs, wherein each of said first and second inner hubs are coupled to a first inner end of a respective torsion spring and each ] of said third and fourth outer hubs are coupled to a second outer end of a respective torsion spring.
6. The roll-up door of claim 5 further comprising first and second inner hubs and third and fourth outer hubs, wherein each of said first and second inner hubs are coupled to a first inner end of a respective torsion spring and each of said third and fourth outer hubs are coupled to a second outer end of a respective torsion spring.
7. The roll-up door of claim 6 further comprising fifth and sixth end hubs disposed on respective ends of said tube and through which said first support and said second drive shafts extend.
8. The roll-up door of claim 7 further comprising first and second bearing means disposed respectively between said first inner hub and said first support shaft and between said second inner hub and said second drive shaft for facilitating rotational displacement between said tube and said pulleys.
9. The roll-up door of claim 8 further comprising first and second sleeves respectively disposed about said first support and said second drive shafts and coupling said first inner hub to said first pulley and said second inner hub to said second pulley, respectively.
10. The roll-up door of claim 9 further comprising seventh and eight innermost hubs coupled to said tube and further respectively coupled to an inner end of said first support and second drive shafts.
11. The roll-up door of claim 1 further comprising third and fourth pulleys positioned adjacent to respective lower side portions of the aperture and about which said first and second belt means are respectively wound.
12. The roll-up door of claim 1 further comprising a bottom rail attached to a lower end of said curtain.
13. The roll-up door of claim 12 further comprising first and second guide means disposed adjacent to respective lateral portions of the aperture for engaging respective ends of said bottom rail and maintaining said curtain in a laterally stretched condition.
14. The roll-up door of claim 1 further comprising control means coupled to said second drive shaft for rotationally displacing said drive shaft in extending and retracting said curtain.
15. The roll-up door of claim 14 wherein said control means includes a controller, an electric motor and a gear reduction mechanism.
16. The roll-up door of claim 15 further comprising detection means for detecting the position of the lower end of the curtain within the aperture.
17. The roll-up door of claim 16 wherein said detection means includes an open limit switch, a close limit switch, and a speed change switch.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US07/213,696 US4887660A (en) | 1988-06-30 | 1988-06-30 | Roll-up door |
US213,696 | 1988-06-30 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CA1306182C true CA1306182C (en) | 1992-08-11 |
Family
ID=22796143
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA000602035A Expired - Lifetime CA1306182C (en) | 1988-06-30 | 1989-06-07 | Roll-up door |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US4887660A (en) |
CA (1) | CA1306182C (en) |
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- 1989-06-07 CA CA000602035A patent/CA1306182C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US4887660A (en) | 1989-12-19 |
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MKLA | Lapsed | ||
MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20050811 |