Patent GB-1152416-A (GB)
Title: Improvements relating to Release Mechanism For Shutters, Doors And The Like
Inventor: THORP HERBERT CHARLES
IPC: B66B13/18
Filed: 1967-01-10
Abstract: 1,152,416. Door holders; remotely controlled fastenings. SOVEX Ltd. 10 Jan., 1968 [10 Jan., 1967], No. 1270/67. Heading E2A. Apparatus for releasing a closure device comprises means adapted for holding the device in a normal position and a releasing member which is normally held in an inoperative position by a continuously energised electromagnet, but is engageable with means for initiating release of the device upon deenergisation of the electromagnet, the latter being adapted to hold its armature in the attracted position but not for returning it to that position from the release position. As shown, shutters (not shown) are held open against gravity by cables 1 each of which is connected to a release plate 2 through which passes a cable 3. The cable is provided at the level of the plate 2 with a ferrule 4 which prevents release of the plate 2 from the cable 3 until the cable is moved to withdraw the ferrule from an opening 6 in the plate and allow the plate to be withdrawn laterally from the cable by means of a slot 8. The cable passes through a tubular member 12 which is freely embraced by the armature 13 of an electromagnet 14 which is fixed to a bracket 15. A part 16 is fixed to the member 12 and a spacing member 17 is guided freely in a fixed bracket 18 supporting a rubber stop 19 the member 17 resting on a stop 20 fast with the adjacent end of the cable 3. At its other end the cable 3 passes freely through a member 21 guided in a bracket 22, and a stop 23 fast with that end of the cable acts through a collar 24 on a spring 25. In use, de-energisation of the electromagnet releases the amature 13 which falls and engages with impact the part 16 which causes the part 17 and 20 and the cable 3 to be pulled down against the spring 25, thus withdrawing the ferrules 4 from the plates 2 which are thereby released from the cable 3 to allow the closure device to move to its release position. The apparatus is reset manually after re-energisation of the electromagnet 14. In another arrangement, Fig. 3 (not shown) for a vertically descending roller shutter, a drop bar (26) of the shutter is normally supported on pivoted bell cranks which are maintained in the supporting position by a rope (29) which is maintained under tension by a cable (1) leading to a release plate (2). In another arrangement, Fig. 4 (not shown) the cable 3 of Fig. 1 is replaced by a rod (3') composed of rod lengths coupled by the ferrules 4 and connected to a bar (36) having a member (40) thereon which is engaged by a latch member (37), the arrangement being such that when the armature is released it releases the latch member (37) before striking the member (40) to withdraw the ferrules 4 from the plates 2. In a further arrangement, Fig. 5 (not shown) the cable 3 of the Fig. 1 arrangement is carried around a pulley (43) to permit use of the apparatus for a horizontal sequence of doors. The apparatus is applicable to closure devices which are normally open or normally closed and to pivoted or vertical face devices.