Abstract:
An apparatus for controlling the movement of a barrier is provided. The apparatus includes a governor with a preload member. The preload member provides a preload force that releasably and magnetically couples the preload member to the governor. The preload member is configured and arranged to provide a sufficient holding force to the governor in order to hold the barrier in place. The governor is configured and arranged to, upon the preload force being selectively decoupled from the preload member, allow for the downward movement of the barrier while also forming and applying an intentional braking force to the barrier to slow the downward movement of the barrier.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The field of the invention relates to moveable barrier systems and, more specifically, to controlling the movement of barriers within these systems. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Different types of moveable barrier systems have been sold over the years and these systems have been used to control the movement of various types of moveable barriers. For example, garage door operators have been used to move garage doors and gate operators have been used to open and close gates. In another example, fire doors and shutters are closed when a fire occurs in order to contain a fire within a building or other structure. 
         [0003]    Previous fire door and fire shutter systems were often configured so that they would naturally close due to the force of gravity. These previous approaches typically provided that the door closed when a fire occurred upon the release of some form of door holding mechanism. Some previous door holding mechanisms were controlled by cables that provided a link to the door and the link was constructed of a material that melted at high temperature. When the link melted, the door holding mechanism released the door and the door fell in a downward direction at a speed of decent controlled by a separate governor that was attached to the barrier. 
         [0004]    Other previous fire door and fire shutter systems used a separate control apparatus to control the door release system. In some of these previous systems, this function was performed by a separate electronic device that released a cable (that was attached to the door), while in others of these previous systems, a separate magnetic apparatus released the barrier. 
         [0005]    Unfortunately, in all of the above-mentioned previous systems the functions of holding the barrier, releasing the barrier, and controlling movement of the barrier (as the barrier moves in a downward direction) were implemented in separate complicated mechanisms or devices. The use of separate devices to provide each function increased the complexity of the system thereby increasing the maintenance costs and the overall cost of the system. These previous systems also became more difficult to operate as the number of parts and complexity of the individual parts increased. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    Approaches are provided whereby the holding, releasing, and movement halting capabilities of a barrier movement control system are combined into a single apparatus or device. These approaches use a single mechanism to perform these functions, are simple to use, and do not require use of a clutch or similar mechanism. In implementing the functions of the barrier control system in a single apparatus or device, the complexity of the system, cost of the system, and maintenance expenses associated with the system are significantly reduced. 
         [0007]    In many of these embodiments, an apparatus for controlling movement of a barrier is provided. The apparatus includes a governor with a preload member. The preload member provides a preload force that releasably and magnetically couples the preload member to the governor. The preload member is configured and arranged to provide a sufficient holding force to the governor in order to hold the barrier in place. The governor is configured and arranged to, upon the preload force being selectively decoupled from the preload member, allow for the downward movement of the barrier while also forming and applying an intentional braking force to the barrier to slow the downward movement of the barrier. 
         [0008]    The preload member and the governor can be coupled together using a variety of arrangements and components. In one approach, the preload member and the governor are coupled together via at least one coupling member and at least one magnetic member. In some examples, the coupling member includes at least one lever. 
         [0009]    The barrier may be any type of barrier. For example, the barrier may be a rolling garage door, rolling shutters, or a fire door. Other examples of barriers are possible. 
         [0010]    In some of these approaches, the magnitude of the preload force is adjustable. For instance, in some of these examples, the governor includes a centrally connected rod and the preload force is adjusted by varying a tension of the centrally connected rod. 
         [0011]    The governor may be structured in a variety of different ways and, in one example, may include a first centripetal member (e.g., a first centripetal weight), a second centripetal member (e.g., a second centripetal weight), and at least one brake pad. In this example, the first centripetal member and the second centripetal member are configured and arranged to form the braking force. The one or more brake pads are configured and arranged to receive the braking force and responsively slow the downward movement of the barrier. The first centripetal member and the second centripetal member are configured and arranged to form the braking force when speed of the downward movement of the barrier exceeds a predetermined threshold. 
         [0012]    In others of these embodiments, a barrier position is secured by a governor using a preload force to responsively cause a barrier to be held in place in the open position. The preload force is released from the governor and this release responsively allows the barrier to travel in a downward movement. The speed of the barrier is sensed and when speed of the barrier exceeds a predetermined threshold while traveling in the downward movement, a braking force in the governor is created and applied to the barrier so as to slow the speed of the barrier. 
         [0013]    The preload force may be transferred by a preload member. The governor may be magnetically coupled to the preload member. In some examples, the preload force may be adjusted. In other examples, the barrier may be returned to the open position. In still other examples, the holding force may be adjusted to be large enough to hold the barrier in place but small enough to be overcome by a force provided by a driving element. The driving element may be any variety of elements such as a manual hoist or a motor. 
         [0014]    Thus, approaches are provided whereby the holding, releasing, and movement halting capabilities of a barrier movement control system are combined into a single apparatus. These approaches are simple to use and employ a single brake and no clutch. In combining the functions of the barrier control system in a single apparatus, the complexity of the system, cost, and maintenance expenses associated with the system are significantly reduced. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  comprises a right side view of the moveable barrier apparatus according to various embodiments the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  comprises a right side perspective view of the moveable barrier apparatus of  FIG. 1  according to various embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  comprises left side view of the moveable barrier apparatus of  FIGS. 1 and 2  according to various embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  comprises a top view of the moveable barrier apparatus of  FIGS. 1-3  according to various embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  comprises a cut-away right side view of the moveable barrier apparatus of  FIGS. 1-4  according to various embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  comprises a perspective view of the moveable barrier apparatus of  FIGS. 1-5  according to various embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  comprises a perspective view of the moveable barrier apparatus of  FIGS. 1-6  according to various embodiments of the present invention; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  comprises a perspective view of the moveable barrier apparatus of  FIGS. 1-7  according to various embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0023]    Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present invention. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. 
       DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    Referring collectively now to  FIGS. 1-4 , one example of a single moveable barrier apparatus  100  that controls the movement of a barrier is described. In the examples that are described herein, the barrier is described as being a rolling door such as a fire door or the like. However, it will be appreciated that the approaches described herein can be extended and used with other types of barriers and can be used for a variety of purposes as well. 
         [0025]    The moveable barrier apparatus  100  includes a gear  101  that alternatively drives or is driven by a belt  102 . The movement of the belt  102  rotates a rotatable cylinder  103  that, in turn, responsively moves a rolling door  104 . More specifically, the rotation of the rotatable cylinder  103  in one direction causes the rolling door  104  to move in an upward direction while the rotation of the rotatable cylinder  103  in the opposite direction causes the rolling door  104  to move in a downward direction. 
         [0026]    A coupling arm or rod  110  is centrally connected between a magnetic plate  111  and a governor  114 . The magnetic plate  111  can be held in place by an electromagnet  112 . The coupling arm  110  is connected to the magnetic plate  111  by an adjustment bracket  107 . The coupling arm  110  is connected to a fulcrum  140 . The other end of the coupling arm  110  is connected to a preload member  113 . The position of the preload member  113  adjusts the holding force. Adjustment bracket  107  allows for adjustment of the distance between the plate  111  and the coupling arm  110 . In this regard, the bracket  107  moves within slots  138  and  139  thereby moving the magnetic plate  111  and varying the distance between the magnetic plate  111  and the coupling arm  110 . By adjusting the distance between the magnetic plate  111  and the coupling arm  110 , the position of the preload member  113  is also adjusted and, therefore, the holding force is adjusted. In some examples, a wire or cable  108  is connected to the coupling arm  110  and is used to apply tension to the position of the magnetic plate  111  as an alternate or a supplement to the forces supplied by the electromagnet  112 . 
         [0027]    The electromagnet  112  may be any suitable electromagnet, combination of magnets or electromagnets, or any type of magnetic device that is securable to another component. The coupling arm or rod  110  may be composed of metal or a similar strong material and is configured to be attached to the electromagnet  112  with the adjustment bracket  107 . 
         [0028]    The above-described elements act to regulate the movement of the rolling door  104  in a variety of ways. For example and as described in greater detail herein, the force provided by the preload member  113  is sometimes used to hold the rolling door  104  in place. Under these circumstances, the electromagnet  112  attaches to the magnetic plate  111  which holds the bracket  107  at a specific distance which is translated by the fulcrum  140  to a specific location for the preload member  113  (via the bracket or lever  107 ) and the force supplied by the preload member  113  holds the door in place via the preload member  113  applying the preload force to the governor  114 . 
         [0029]    Other configurations of the system allow free movement of the rolling door  104 . More specifically and as also described in greater detail herein, the functions provided by the electromagnet  112  may be supplemented or replaced by the wire  108 . The wire  108  holds the magnetic plate  111  in the same position that the electromagnet  112  would hold the plate. This allows either the electromagnet  112  or the wire  108  to keep the preload on the governor. When both the wire  108  and the electromagnet  112  are released, the rolling door  104  is free to move in a downward direction. 
         [0030]    In other examples, and also as described in greater detail herein, the speed of the rolling door  104  may be regulated. More specifically, as the rolling door  104  moves downward, its speed or acceleration may reach a level where it would be desirable to slow and/or halt the movement of the rolling door  104 . In this case, action by components of the governor  114  slows the movement of the rolling door  104  and may eventually halt its movement. 
         [0031]    The preload member  113  surrounds and receives a rotating governor member  121 . The force arm  113  and rotating governor member  121  are constructed of any suitable material such as metal or plastic or the like. 
         [0032]    Referring now collectively to  FIGS. 1-8 , the governor  114  includes centripetal weights  115 , cams  116 , a moving plate  117 , brake pads  118 , and a stationary plate  119 . These components are surrounded by a cover  106 . The brake pads  118  are positioned between the moving plate  117  and the stationary plate  119 . The centripetal weights  115  and cams  116  are attached to a first governor arm  140  and a second governor arm  142  and together rotate about the rotating member  121 . The first governor arm  140  and a second governor arm  142  are connected at a knuckle joint  144  and pivot symmetrically about the rotating governor member  121 . 
         [0033]    The centripetal weights  115  and cams  116  may be constructed from any suitable metal or similarly suitable material and move outward due to the speed that the governor  114  is rotating. This outward movement causes the moving plate  117  to press against the brake pads  118  and the brake pads  118  apply a thrust or braking force to the stationary plate  119 . In other words, the brake pads  118  are applied against the stationary plate  119  to eventually halt the movement of the rotatable cylinder  103 . Consequently, when the first governor arm  140  and second governor arm  142  extend outward, a braking force is applied to the rolling door  104 . 
         [0034]    A worm wheel  120  interacts with a worm  122 . More specifically, as the worm wheel  120  turns, it rotates the worm  122 , which in turns rotates the rotating governor member  121 . The worm  122  is coupled to or coextensive with the rotating governor member  121 . As described herein, when the speed of rotation increases above a threshold value, the first governor arm  140  and second governor arm  142  are extended outward. As the first governor arm  140  and the second governor arm  142  extend outward, the centripetal weights  115  also move outward and the cams  116  apply a force to the moving plate  117 . The moving plate  117  applies pressure on the brake pads  118 . The brake pads  118  slow the movement of the rotating governor member  121 . Through the worm  122 , this action slows and may eventually halt the movement of the worm wheel  120 , which in turn halts the movement of the rolling door  104 . 
         [0035]    The worm  122  and worm wheel  120  may be any standard worm and worm wheel. As an example, the reduction worm  122  and worm wheel  120  may be the reduction worm and worm wheel found in the Chamberlain Model PD612D garage door operator manufactured by the Chamberlain Group, Inc. of Elmhurst Ill. 
         [0036]    When the rolling door  104  needs to be reopened, the preload member  113  is reset (i.e., the magnet  111  is detached or the holding force overcome) and a person can use a chain hoist  132  to pull the rolling door  104  into an open position. Alternatively, a motor may be used rather than manual force. 
         [0037]    In one example of the operation of the system of  FIGS. 1-8 , the rolling door  104  is held in place. The electromagnet  112  attaches to the preload member  113 . The preload member  113  is pulled outward and the preload member  113  applies a force to the brake pads  118 . The force applied to the brake pads  118  prevents rotation of the rotating governor member  121  which ensures that the worm  122  can not turn. The prevention of rotation of the worm  122  in turn prevents rotation of the worm wheel  120 . This action holds the worm wheel  120  in place. Since the worm wheel  120  does not move, the belt  102  does not move and the rolling door  104  can not move. Consequently, the rolling door  104  is held in place. 
         [0038]    The amount of preload force can be adjusted. In one example, the amount of force can be set to a level that holds the rolling door  104  in place but which also allows a person to hoist the barrier into the open position. Adjustment of the preload force can be accomplished by adjusting the distance between the magnetic plate  111  and the coupling arm  110 . By adjusting the distance between the magnetic plate  111  and the coupling arm  110 , the position of the preload member  113  is changed. 
         [0039]    In another example of the operation of the system of  FIGS. 1-8 , the rolling door  104  is allowed to move in a downward direction. In this case, the magnet plate  111  is released from the electromagnet  112 . This can be accomplished by removing the current in the electromagnet  112  and releasing the wire  108 . With no preload force holding the governor  114  (and hence preventing rotation of the rolling door  104 ), the rolling door  104  is free to move in a downward direction as no force is applied to the brake pads  118 . 
         [0040]    In another example of the operation of the system of  FIGS. 1-8 , as the rolling door  104  moves, an excess speed is achieved. The excess speed may be determined when the cams  116  begin to apply a braking force. This, in turn, may be determined and adjusted according to a variety of factors such as the size and weight of the centripetal weights  115  and/or the dimensions of the first and second governor arms  140  and  142 . 
         [0041]    As the speed of the rolling door  104  reaches and exceeds a threshold value, the centripetal weights  115  (on the first governor arm  140  and second governor arm  142 ) are centripetally influenced outward due to the speed that the governor  114  is rotating. The cams  116  move inward causing the moving plate  117  to press against the brake pads  118  and apply a braking force to the stationary plate  119 . The stationary plate  119  is attached to the rotatable cylinder  103  and the action of the brake pads  118  halts the movement of the rotatable cylinder  103 . 
         [0042]    In still another example of the operation of the system of  FIGS. 1-8 , manual actuation of the rolling door  104  may be accommodated. A hoist wheel  130  attaches to a hoist chain  132 . As the hoist chain  132  is pulled by a user, the hoist wheel  130  is rotated, which in turn rotates the rotating governor member  121 . This causes the worm  122  to rotate which in turn rotates the worm wheel  120 . As has been described elsewhere herein, this action causes the movement of the rolling door  104 , this time in an upward direction. As also mentioned, the amount of holding force used to keep the rolling door  104  in place can be set to a level that holds the rolling door  104  in place but which also allows a person to overcome the holding force and hoist the barrier into the open position. The holding force may also be released to allow manual opening of the rolling door  104 , for instance, by a chain or rope. In still other examples, a motor may be used instead to hoist the rolling door  104 . 
         [0043]    Referring now especially to  FIGS. 5-8 , one example of decelerating the rolling door  104  is described. As the speed of the door increases above a threshold, the centripetal weights  115  are centripetally influenced outward in a direction indicated by arrows  146  due to the speed that the governor  114  is rotating about the rotating governor member  121 . The cams  116  move outward and cause the moving plate  117  to press against the brake pads  118 . This action applies a braking force to the stationary plate  119  thereby halting the movement of the rotating governor member  121 . 
         [0044]    Thus, approaches are provided whereby the holding, releasing, and movement halting capabilities of a barrier movement control system are combined into a single apparatus. These approaches are simple to use and use a single brake and no clutch. In combining the functions of the barrier control system in a single apparatus, the complexity of the system, cost, and maintenance expenses associated with the system are significantly reduced. 
         [0045]    Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the scope of the invention.