Patent Description:
Ground mounted motor-driven block systems for blocking, preventing or hindering an opening motion of a pivotable closure wing are known. Known systems typically comprise a frame; a blocking member comprising a contact surface configured to be raised or lowered with respect to the frame, the blocking member being rotatably mounted on the frame about a pivot axis between a retracted position in which the contact surface does not hinder a pivoting motion of said closure wing and an extended position in which the contact surface hinders a pivoting motion of said closure wing; a moveable actuation rod mounted on the frame and configured to cooperate with the blocking member to rotate the blocking member between its retracted position and its extended position; and a motorized drive mechanism configured to move the moveable actuation rod.

Such a system is for example disclosed in <CIT>. The known system relies on a pivotable actuation rod which is pivotally connected to a frame on one end and is connected to the blocking member at its opposing end, in particular via a shaft extending through an elongated slot in the blocking member. The blocking member is pivotally fixed to the frame on one end and its opposing end forms the contact surface, i.e. the contact surface provided by the blocking member is formed by a tangential surface. A similar kind of blocking member is disclosed in <CIT>, albeit with a different actuation mechanism.

A downside of such a blocking member is the leeway it allows for closure wing movement. More specifically, since the contact surface is in essence tracing a circular path upwards, the contact surface moves farther away from the closure wing the higher it goes. As such, once in its extended position, there is room between the closure wing and the contact surface which is undesirable.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved ground mounted motor-driven block systems.

To this object, the ground mounted motor-driven block systems according to the present invention is characterized in that the contact surface is formed by a leading surface of the blocking member when the blocking member rotates from its retracted position to its extended position, the contact surface being configured to rotate from an upwardly facing lying position to a closure wing facing upstanding position when the blocking member rotates from its retracted position to its extended position and vice versa, and in that the blocking member forms a first order lever having a fulcrum coinciding with the second pivot axis, an effort arm providing said contact surface and a load arm cooperating with the moveable actuation rod.

By having the contact surface formed by a leading edge of the blocking member, the contact surface moves closer to the closure wing the higher is goes with respect to the frame. As such, once in its extended position, any room between the closure wing and the contact surface can be fully avoided. Moreover, a first order lever, when compared to the third order levers used in the known block systems, allows for a more accurate force multiplication control.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the contact surface rotates over an angle of at least <NUM>°, particularly at least <NUM>° and more particularly at least <NUM>° when the blocking member rotates between its retracted position and its extended position, said angle being at most <NUM>°, particularly at most <NUM>° and more particularly at most <NUM>°, said angle being preferably about <NUM>°. Such angles allow to fully retract the blocking member and still obtain a near-vertical contact surface when extended thus minimizing the risk that the blocking member damages a person or vehicle passing over it.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the contact surface extends substantially radially outwards with respect to said second pivot axis. In other words, the contact surface is substantially planar which is advantageous when retracted as there are no bumps and/or holes in the surface and is also advantageous when extended as the blocking member is then easy to use for different height differences between the frame and the closure wing.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the motorized drive mechanism is an electrically operated drive mechanism. This avoids the use of fuel and/or hydraulic systems reducing maintenance requirements and improving user convenience.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the system further comprises a drive rod which is rotatably mounted on the frame about a third pivot axis which is substantially parallel to the second pivot axis, the moveable actuation rod being interposed between the drive rod and the blocking member. In other words, the blocking member is actuated by a two-rod actuation mechanism. When compared to a single-rod actuation mechanism, this avoids leeway as each connection may be pivotal and no sliding elements are required to transfer a driving motion of the motor to the blocking member.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the moveable actuation rod and the drive rod are substantially parallel with one another when the blocking member is in its extended position. The rods are thus in or near a dead point with respect to one another causing the blocking member to be maintained in the extended position without or with minimal force exerted on the motorized drive mechanism.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the moveable actuation rod has a first end which is pivotally connected to the drive rod and a second end which is pivotally connected to the blocking member. Thus no sliding parts are used in the actuation mechanism, which may become jammed due to dirt, snow, etc., especially in outdoors use.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the motorized drive mechanism comprises a drive shaft mounted to the frame, the drive rod being fixedly mounted on the drive shaft. The drive rod is thus directly driven by the motor reducing the number of parts required.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the blocking member comprises a circular sector, the circular sector having a central angle which is particularly between <NUM>° and <NUM>° and more particularly between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, the central angle being most particularly about <NUM>°.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the moveable actuation rod has a first end which is rotatably mounted on the frame about a third pivot axis which is substantially parallel to the second pivot axis and a second end which engages the blocking member. In other words, the blocking member is actuated by a single-rod actuation mechanism. This reduces the number of parts required.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the blocking member comprises an elongated slot extending between a first extremity and a second extremity, the first extremity being nearer the second pivot axis than the second extremity, the second end of the moveable actuation rod being connected to the blocking member at least by means of said elongated slot, wherein the elongated slot preferably extends radially outwards with respect to said second pivot axis. An elongated slot ensures that there is always a connection between the actuation rod and the blocking member and avoids that a biasing member would be needed to urge the blocking member back to its retracted position.

In an embodiment of the present invention, when the blocking member rotates between its retracted position and its extended position, the moveable actuation rod moves along said elongated slot, said movement preferably comprising a movement in a first direction during a first part of the rotation and in a second direction, which is opposite the first direction, during a second part of the rotation. Such a two-stage sliding movement allows an accurate control of the blocking member rotation.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the motorized drive mechanism comprises a drive shaft mounted to the frame, the moveable actuation rod being fixedly mounted on the drive shaft. The actuation rod is thus directly driven by the motor reducing the number of parts required.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the contact surface and the elongated slot are located substantially opposite one another with respect to the second pivot axis.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a smallest angle between the load arm and the effort arm is at least <NUM>°, particularly at least <NUM>° and more particularly at least <NUM>°, the smallest angle being preferably about <NUM>°.

In an embodiment of the present invention, when the blocking member is in its extended position, the moveable actuation rod is oriented tangentially with respect to a circle about the second pivot axis. As such, a pushing force exerted on the contact surface causes no or only a minimal torque on the moveable actuation rod causing the blocking member to be maintained in the extended position without or with minimal force exerted on the motorized drive mechanism.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the contact surface is configured to rotate towards the closure wing when the blocking member rotates from its retracted position to its extended position.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are substantially perpendicular to one another.

The object according to the present invention is also achieved with a closure system comprising a closure wing which is pivotable about a first pivot axis and a ground mounted motor-driven block system as described above for blocking said closure wing. Since the closure system includes the block system, the same advantages are realized.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the closure system comprises a further closure wing adjacent said closure wing and which is pivotable about a second pivot axis which is parallel to the first pivot axis, the closure system being moveable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the closure system further comprises a further ground mounted motor-driven block system as described above is provided for blocking said second closure wing, the ground mounted motor-driven block system being provided on one side of the closure system when the closure system is in its closed position and the further ground mounted motor-driven block system being provided on the other side of the closure system when the closure system is in its closed position. This provides a double swing gate with fully retractable blocking members.

Other particularities and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of some particular embodiments of a mortice lock and of a keep according to the present invention. The reference numerals used in this description relate to the annexed drawings wherein:.

Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes. The terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and the embodiments of the invention described herein can operate in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

Furthermore, the various embodiments, although referred to as "preferred" are to be construed as exemplary manners in which the invention may be implemented rather than as limiting the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

The present invention generally relates to a ground mounted motor-driven block system for blocking a movement of a pivotable closure wing.

The term "blocking" should be interpreted broadly as resisting an opening movement of the closure wing with the aim of preventing the opening rotation of the closure wing during normal use. Naturally, when a sufficient force is exerted on a closure wing (e.g. when someone attempts a forced entry), it may occur that the closure wing opens despite the presence of a ground mounted motor-driven block system.

The term "closure wing" (or a closure leaf) is used in the present specification to embrace all kinds of closure members such as doors (i.e. having a full panel), gates, etc. The closure wing is pivotally attached to a support (e.g. a post, a wall, another closure wing, etc.) and is pivotable about a first pivot axis. Typically, the first pivot axis is oriented vertically, but other inclined orientations are also possible.

In the following description, the ground mounted motor-driven block system will be described with reference to a double swing gate. However, the invention should not be considered as limited to only double gates and may also be used in the context of a closure system having only a single closure wing.

<FIG> shows a closed closure system having two closure wings <NUM> with a ground mounted motor-driven block system <NUM> according to the present invention being provided for each closure wing <NUM>. Each closure wing <NUM> is pivotally attached to a respective tubular support <NUM> by means of hinges <NUM>. In other words, each closure wing <NUM> pivots about a hinge axis which is oriented along the vertical direction <NUM>. Actuation means <NUM> are provided for opening or closing a respective closure wing <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, use is made of motor-driven actuation means. However, in other embodiments, each closure wing <NUM> may be opened manually (e.g. by a user pushing against the closure wing <NUM>) and a hydraulically damped actuator (e.g. as disclosed in <CIT>) may be provided to close each closure wing <NUM>.

<FIG> further illustrates a ground surface <NUM> in which the ground mounted motor-driven block system <NUM> is placed. The block system <NUM> is shown in its blocking position in <FIG> which means that the closure wings <NUM> are prevented from opening. The block system 6a is positioned on a first side of the closure system and acts as a stop for stopping a closing motion of the right-hand closure wing <NUM>. The right-hand closure wing <NUM> is provided with a gate stop <NUM> for stopping a closing motion of the left-hand closure wing <NUM>. A second block system 6b is provided on the other side of the closure system and blocks an opening movement of the left-hand closure wing <NUM>.

The closure system is shown in its opened position in <FIG>. In this position, both block systems 6a, 6b are in their unblocking position and do not (or only minimally) protrude with respect to the ground surface <NUM>. As such, the block systems <NUM> do not hinder the opening or closing movements of the closure wings <NUM>.

In order to transition from the closed position shown in <FIG> to the opened position in <FIG>, the block system 6b is moved from its blocking position to its unblocking position thereby allowing to open the left-hand closure wing <NUM> and subsequently the right-hand closure wing. Although the ground mounted motor-driven block system 6a could also be replaced by a stationary block, the illustrated embodiment is advantageous since a stationary block remains protruding from the ground surface <NUM> and may cause injury to unaware people or may damage a vehicle passing through the closure system. The block system 6a may be from its blocking position to its unblocking position at the same time as the block system 6b or it may occur at a later stage during opening of the closure wings <NUM> as desired.

In order to transition from the opened position shown in <FIG> to the closed position in <FIG>, the block system 6a is moved to its blocking position and the right-hand closure wing <NUM> is closed. Both movements may occur simultaneously or sequentially as long as the block system 6a is in its blocking position when the right-hand closure wing <NUM> is nearing its closed position. The left-hand closure wing <NUM> is closed with some time delay after the right-hand closure wing <NUM>. Once both closure wings <NUM> are closed, the block system 6b is moved to is blocking position.

It will be readily appreciated that either one of the closure wings <NUM> in the system shown in <FIG> and <FIG> may be replaced by a fixed wing.

In another embodiment, a double swing gate may be provided with two block systems on the same side and a stationary block on the opposing side against which each closure wing abuts when closed. This avoids having to provide the gate stop <NUM>. In another embodiment, a double swing gate may be provided with four block systems, namely two on each side of the closure system.

A first embodiment of a ground mounted motor-driven block system <NUM> according to the present invention will be described by reference to <FIG>.

The block system <NUM> comprises a frame <NUM> having a cover plate <NUM> at its top. The cover plate <NUM> is meant to sit flush with the ground surface <NUM>. An elongated slot <NUM> is provided in the cover plate <NUM> and is provided to allow a blocking member <NUM> to protrude therethrough. The blocking member <NUM> is generally pivotally mounted to the frame <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by providing a shaft <NUM> on the blocking member <NUM> with mounting brackets <NUM> to fix the shaft <NUM> to the frame <NUM>. Bearings may be provided between the mounting brackets <NUM> and the shaft <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> thus forms the pivot axis of the blocking member <NUM>. It will be readily appreciated that other mechanisms are possible to pivotally mount the blocking member on the frame.

The block system <NUM> according to the present invention further comprises an actuation mechanism to rotate the blocking member <NUM> about its pivot axis from its retracted position (shown in <FIG>) to its extended position (shown in <FIG>). In the first embodiment of the block system <NUM>, the actuation mechanism comprises a drive rod <NUM> and an actuation rod <NUM>.

The drive rod <NUM> is pivotally mounted to the frame <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by providing a shaft <NUM> on (a first end of) the drive rod <NUM> with mounting brackets <NUM> to fix the shaft <NUM> on support elements <NUM> which are part of or are fixed to the frame <NUM>. Bearings may be provided between the mounting brackets <NUM> and the shaft <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> thus forms the pivot axis of the drive rod <NUM>. Shaft <NUM> preferably forms a drive shaft connected to a motor (not shown). It will be readily appreciated that other mechanisms are possible to pivotally mount the drive rod on the frame.

The actuation rod <NUM> is pivotally mounted to the blocking member <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by providing a shaft <NUM> which extends through (a first end of) the actuation rod <NUM> and through the blocking member <NUM>. Bearings may be provided about the shaft <NUM> and the actuation rod <NUM> and/or the blocking member <NUM>. It will be readily appreciated that other mechanisms are possible to pivotally connect the actuation rod and the blocking member (e.g. providing protruding shaft-forming elements integrally on the blocking member).

The actuation rod <NUM> and the drive rod <NUM> are pivotally connected to one another, in particular these are connected at opposing ends with respect to their connection to either the blocking member <NUM> or the frame <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by providing a shaft <NUM> which extends through (a second, opposite its first end, end of) the actuation rod <NUM> and through (a second, opposite its first end, end of) the drive rod <NUM>. Bearings may be provided about the shaft <NUM> and the actuation rod <NUM> and/or the drive rod <NUM>. It will be readily appreciated that other mechanisms are possible to pivotally connect the actuation rod and the drive rod (e.g. providing protruding shaft-forming elements integrally on either rod).

In the illustrated embodiments, all shafts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are parallel to one another. This allows the rods <NUM>, <NUM> and the blocking member <NUM> to rotate in a single plane. However, non-aligned shaft orientations are possible.

The illustrated actuation mechanism allows to rotate the blocking member <NUM> over about <NUM>° to move between its retracted position (shown in <FIG>) and its extended position (shown in <FIG>). When the blocking member <NUM> is in its extended position it prevents a pivoting motion of the closure wing <NUM>, in particular as the blocking member <NUM> provides a contact surface <NUM> against which the closure wing <NUM> abuts when pivoting. It will be readily appreciated that the blocking member <NUM> may rotate over other angles between its retracted position and its extended position.

According to the present invention, the contact surface <NUM> of the blocking member <NUM> is formed by a leading surface when the blocking member <NUM> rotates from its retracted position to its extended position. In this way, the contact surface <NUM> rotates from an upwardly facing lying position (shown in <FIG>) to a closure wing facing upstanding position (shown in <FIG>) when the blocking member <NUM> rotates from its retracted position to its extended position and vice versa.

In the first embodiment, the blocking member <NUM> is shaped as a quarter disc. However, other shapes are also possible and are mainly dependent on the configuration of the rods <NUM>, <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the contact surface <NUM> extends substantially radially outwards with respect to the shaft <NUM>. More specifically, when considering the blocking member <NUM> as part of circle with a centre coinciding with shaft <NUM>, the contact surface <NUM> is formed by a chord.

As shown in <FIG>, in the extended position of the blocking member <NUM>, the rods <NUM>, <NUM> form a straight rod, i.e. the rods <NUM>, <NUM> are parallel to one another. In this way, the rods <NUM>, <NUM> are in their dead point. As such, a pushing force exerted on the contact surface <NUM> does not cause a pivoting movement of the rods <NUM>, <NUM>.

A second embodiment of a ground mounted motor-driven block system <NUM> according to the present invention will be described by reference to <FIG>. Elements or components previously described with reference to <FIG> bear the same last two digits but preceded by '<NUM>'.

The block system <NUM> according to the present invention further comprises an actuation mechanism to rotate the blocking member <NUM> about its pivot axis from its retracted position (shown in <FIG>) to its extended position (shown in <FIG>). In the second embodiment of the block system <NUM>, the actuation mechanism comprises an actuation rod <NUM>.

The actuation rod <NUM> is pivotally mounted to the frame <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by providing a shaft <NUM> on (a first end of) the actuation rod <NUM> with mounting brackets <NUM> to fix the shaft <NUM> on support elements <NUM> which are part of or are fixed to the frame <NUM>. Bearings may be provided between the mounting brackets <NUM> and the shaft <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> thus forms the pivot axis of the actuation rod <NUM>. Shaft <NUM> preferably forms a drive shaft connected to a motor (not shown). It will be readily appreciated that other mechanisms are possible to pivotally mount the drive rod on the frame.

The actuation rod <NUM> is further connected to the blocking member <NUM>, in particular in a pivotal and slideable fashion. In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by providing a shaft <NUM> which extends through (a second, opposite the first end, end of) the actuation rod <NUM> and through the blocking member <NUM>, in particular through an elongated slot <NUM> provided in the blocking member <NUM>. Bearings may be provided about the shaft <NUM> and the actuation rod <NUM>. It will be readily appreciated that other mechanisms are possible to connect the actuation rod and the blocking member.

In the illustrated embodiments, all shafts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are parallel to one another. This allows the actuation rod <NUM> and the blocking member <NUM> to rotate in a single plane. However, non-aligned shaft orientations are possible.

In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated slot <NUM> is straight and advantageously extends radially outwards from the shaft <NUM>. However, curved slots are also possible. As illustrated in <FIG>, when the blocking member <NUM> moves between its retracted position and its extended position, the shaft <NUM> performs a double sliding motion along the elongated slot <NUM>. That is, in an initial stage of the movement, the shaft <NUM> slides from end of the slot <NUM> to the other end and in a subsequent stage of the movement, the shaft <NUM> slides from the other end of the slot <NUM> back to the original end. Concurrently, the actuation rod <NUM> is pivoting with respect to the shaft <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the contact surface <NUM> extends substantially radially outwards with respect to the shaft <NUM>. More specifically, when considering the blocking member <NUM> as part of circle with a centre coinciding with shaft4310, the contact surface <NUM> is formed by a chord.

As shown in <FIG>, in the extended position of the blocking member <NUM>, the actuation rod <NUM> is tangentially oriented with respect to a circle having shaft <NUM> as its centre. As such, a pushing force exerted on the contact surface <NUM> does not cause a pivoting movement of the actuation rod <NUM>.

In both of the embodiments of the ground mounted motor-driven block system <NUM>, <NUM>, the blocking member <NUM>, <NUM>, when in its extended position, forms a first order lever having a fulcrum coinciding with the shaft <NUM>, <NUM>. The effort arm of the lever is extending from the fulcrum to an area on the contact surface <NUM>, <NUM> and the load arm is extending from the fulcrum to the actuation rod <NUM>, <NUM>.

The ground mounted motor-driven block system <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> according to the present invention may be driven by different kinds of motors. However, an electrical motor is preferred both for user convenience and reliability when compared to a fuel-based motor or a hydraulic motor.

Claim 1:
A ground mounted motor-driven block system (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for a closure wing (<NUM>), the closure wing being pivotable about a first pivot axis between an opened position and a closed position, the system comprising:
- a frame (<NUM>, <NUM>);
- a blocking member (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a contact surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to be raised or lowered with respect to the frame, the blocking member being rotatably mounted on the frame about a second pivot axis between a retracted position in which the contact surface does not hinder a pivoting motion of said closure wing and an extended position in which the contact surface hinders a pivoting motion of said closure wing;
- a moveable actuation rod (<NUM>, <NUM>) mounted on the frame and configured to cooperate with the blocking member to rotate the blocking member between its retracted position and its extended position; and
- a motorized drive mechanism configured to move the moveable actuation rod,
characterized in that the contact surface is formed by a leading surface of the blocking member when the blocking member rotates from its retracted position to its extended position, the contact surface being configured to rotate from an upwardly facing lying position to a closure wing facing upstanding position when the blocking member rotates from its retracted position to its extended position and vice versa, and
in that the blocking member forms a first order lever having a fulcrum coinciding with the second pivot axis, an effort arm providing said contact surface and a load arm cooperating with the moveable actuation rod.