Preparation for construction: drawings and diagrams
Installation of automatic gates should begin with drawing up a drawing. Using a pencil, you should draw a diagram of the gate taking into account the dimensions on a sheet of paper. It is advisable to indicate the main dimensions of the parts on the diagram.
The dimensions of the automatic design must be specified as accurately as possible. During the calculation process, the following requirements must be observed:
- when a vehicle enters the garage, a minimum of 30 cm must remain on each side;
- the higher this indicator, the easier it will be to enter the site;
- The width must be determined taking into account the type of vehicle.
For an ordinary passenger car, a width of 2.5 m and a height of 2 m are enough. For a minibus, the height should be about 2.5 m.
The automatic one differs from the standard swing design only in the presence of a drive. At this stage, you should decide on the type of device - whether it will be installed lever or linear. If you plan to install sliding gates, then most often a drive with levers is used. Linear is installed if there is a minimum distance from the extreme part of the support to the loop. If there is a gap of more than 15 cm, then it is advisable to use a lever device.
Automation installation diagram indicating the number of cable cores and their cross-sections
Sliding gates will be affected by wind loads, so it is important to take care of protecting the devices in advance.
If you plan to install automatic garage doors, then the ceiling level must be lowered by 25 cm. This should be taken into account, since installation will require space under the ceiling structure.
The design of the automatic recoil design is practically no different.
Layout of elements of automatic sliding gates
In this case, only one electric motor will be needed.
Sectional
In many European countries, sectional doors are the most common type of security devices for garages and the entrance area of a suburban area. In terms of technical equipment, their design consists of separate sections connected to each other by hinges, moving along guide rails fixed along the opening and shifted under the ceiling of the room. The movement of the garage door leaf of this type is carried out along a vertical plane. This is very convenient in everyday use, since no additional space is required to open the gate, even if the car is located directly in front of the entrance.
For ease of use, sectional doors can be equipped with a side door or a built-in wicket door.
A separate door significantly improves the convenience of everyday use of the garage, reduces heat loss in the room and increases the level of security of the facility. After all, if there is a door or gate, you do not need to lift the gate entirely to enter the box.
An important advantage of automatic sectional gates is the presence of a reliable and convenient access restriction system. You can first select a rotating latch or a special latch to open the system only from inside the room. To close the structure from the outside, an automatic deadbolt lock with a stable pin and a reliable snap washer is installed.
Varieties
A well-chosen control system will provide the facility with high reliability at an affordable price. When the gate leaves are closed, the installed drive additionally serves as a high-quality locking device.
Tips for choosing automation
Having decided to install automation, the owner of a private house assumes that it will serve for decades. A high-quality set can function for many decades, but low-quality components can become an extra headache. To make the right choice, you should consider the following recommendations:
Manufacturer's choice
Today in construction supermarkets you can find automation from Chinese and European factories. Chinese devices aim to significantly reduce cost at the expense of quality, but there are exceptions. Well-known Chinese companies offer high-quality products for the automation of various types of gates.
Among European manufacturers, it is worth giving preference to Italian and German fittings, but the latter is more expensive. Regardless of which manufacturer you choose, you should not buy a cheap part that no one has heard of. Automatic movements are purchased for a long time, so you should not save on it.
Selecting a gate drive
An automation installation specialist can recommend the best option, but you need to understand this issue yourself. As mentioned earlier, the drive can be worm or lever. The choice must first be made based on preferences for the appearance of the product. You should also consider which direction the structure will open - into the yard or the roadway.
The worm drive is easy to install, easy to maintain and has a long service life. This type of mechanism can be installed on gates that open both inside and outside the building. If the structure opens outward, then there are restrictions: the gate opening will decrease by approximately 30 cm. This is due to the installation features. If there is no free space, then such a drive is not suitable.
Using a drive with levers, gates that open into the territory are automated.
The lever drive can only open the gate inwards
The lever mechanism is more advanced in terms of manufacturability. The disadvantage is the high cost.
Accordingly, if the gate will open into the territory, then you can choose any type of drive. If outward, then only a worm mechanism can be used.
Drive power selection
When choosing automatic mechanisms, the weight of the sashes must be taken into account. The technical documentation indicates how much weight the device is designed for. It is recommended to install an electric drive that is designed for greater weight. Recommended power reserve is 30%. If the device operates at its power limit, the drive will overheat. This will entail failure of the mechanism before the time stated by the manufacturer.
Wind loads should also be taken into account. If the gate consists of a single piece, then the drive will have to overcome the influence of wind. Accordingly, a more powerful design will be needed.
Another problem is climate change during cold times. In summer, the design can easily open gates weighing 250 kg, but in winter, difficulties may arise, since the drive will operate in labor-intensive conditions. It is imperative to take into account that in some regions the power supply voltage drops during this period. In this case, drives without power reserve may not turn on.
Availability of additional functions
Manufacturers produce a wide selection of accessories. You should definitely purchase photocells that help stop the gate closing process if obstacles appear in the coverage area:
It is recommended to install photocells for sliding gates
It is also recommended to purchase an antenna that can increase the range of the remote control. Signal lamps can alert others when the gate is open. This function will be needed if the exit goes onto the sidewalk where people walk.
The choice of additional options depends on the operating conditions of the gate.
It is also important to take into account the technical parameters that are used to classify automatic mechanisms:
- Torque (Nm) is the basic automation parameter for a lever swing structure. This characteristic is not used for worm gear automatics. Torque can show how much weight the structure can open the actuator. The higher the indicator, the greater the weight of the valves that the automatic mechanism can open. For gates weighing up to 800 kg, the optimal torque is 3000 Nm.
- Intensity (%) – a parameter that shows the maximum intensity of use of the electric motor. Intensity is the ratio of the period of operation of the device to the total time. For example, if the parameter is 30%, then the structure can work 30% of the time, while the interruption in work will be 70% of the time. Typically this value is sufficient for standard parameter gates.
- Traction force (N) – the parameter will show with what force the mechanism presses on the doors. The higher the characteristic, the more powerful the drive. The optimal value for a 6 m gate is 400 N.
The maximum sash weight parameter should not be taken into account. The choice must be made based on traction and torque.
Drive types.
Another criterion that distinguishes automatic sectional doors from each other is the drive used. In addition to being divided into industrial and “civil” manufacturing options, these design elements will differ in operating principles.
So we can distinguish:
- Manual drives are the simplest and cheapest manufacturing options. To work, it is necessary to apply human muscular strength, which makes it possible to significantly simplify and, therefore, reduce the cost of the unit. Such drives can be installed both at industrial facilities and in private garages, however, due to the specifics of the work, they will have certain limitations and have less functionality.
- Automatic drives - this type of device is much more complex in design, since it requires the presence of an electric motor and a gearbox, which means that such a drive will be significantly more expensive than the analogue mentioned above. However, using such gates will be more convenient and easier, especially if you install a fully automatic control system equipped with motion sensors.
In the context of the material, it is the second drive option that will be considered, since it can be considered more advanced in a number of parameters.
In addition, the drives will differ in their operating principle:
- Ceiling drives. They ensure the movement of the door leaf inside the guide elements through its linear movement. This can be achieved, for example, through the movement of certain elements along a thread or a chain/belt drive.
- Axial drives. Used to move the canvas using an electric motor.
In private use, each of the options can be used, however, due to its greater prevalence, gates with the first type of drive will be considered below.
Step-by-step guide to making gate automation
There are many options for making a drive with your own hands from various materials.
How to build a drive for sliding gates?
You can make a drive from two carriages. You will need to do the following:
- The frame needs to be cut so that the vertical pipe that comes from the axis protrudes a few cm above the star.
- On one side, you need to dismantle the pedal, and on the other, remove the pedal and connecting rod.
- There should be 2 sprockets. Their dimensions and tooth pitch should be the same, since the drive will use a single chain.
- The carriages must be attached by welding to the top of the frame. Stars that are placed in the corners should be placed parallel to each other.
- The connecting rods should be placed at a short distance from the frame.
- It is recommended to select the rods that connect the connecting rods to the gate in accordance with the dimensions of the stars.
- When the sprockets move, the rod that connects the flaps to the connecting rods will move the blade.
- It is difficult to choose the exact length of the bar, since there are different models of bicycles. A design with a diameter of M-8 is suitable. The bar can be made from a metal strip.
- The chain must be put crosswise on the stars. As a result, they should scroll in different directions. The design is made from several chains from a bicycle. They will need to be fastened to each other.
- It is important to tension the chain well. However, this will not solve the problem that it may sag or come off. This can only be eliminated by welding several steel strips to the frame that can support the chain. The parts will also be used as guides. Another option is to fix large-width rollers along which the chain will move.
Homemade gate drive from a bicycle frame assembly
The chain is mounted exclusively on closed gates. After this, a design check should be performed. To do this, you need to push out one sash. The second will have to move symmetrically to the first. If there is overlap, the chain should be moved one tooth.
How to make a drive for sliding gates?
The lightweight sash can be driven by a drive from a modernized window lift mechanism. The advantages of the method include ease of manufacture and operation with virtually no noise. The following window lifters can be used as a drive:
- a drive that operates using a gear;
- a design in which a rack with teeth is used as a moving element.
In each case, the drive part must be installed on an iron platform, which is securely attached to the pole. The metal bar should move parallel to the base of the gate and extend towards it.
The window lift mechanism needs to be modified:
- If a rail is used, then the first step is to install an extended metal rod.
- When using a gear wheel, a knee lever must be installed.
- Next you need to connect the rod to the drive and the gate.
- The two parts of the knee lever are fixed in the form of a fork joint. The design is similar to that of a door closer.
The connection of the rod with the drive and the gate must be made in the form of a fork joint
It is recommended to make one side of the connection in the form of bonded plates. The parts are fixed with a bolt and nut.
Question about automation for sliding and sliding gates
The next step is to install the motor for the sliding gate.
After manufacturing the drive, you will need to install the gate automation
To open the gate, you will need to push one leaf or pull the chain towards you. To automate the design, you can install an electric motor and connect it to gearboxes from car wipers.
The electric motor will need to be connected to the car wiper gearboxes
An old battery can be used as an energy source. Due to this device, the automation will not depend on electricity. The disadvantage of an old battery is that it will open the doors slowly.
Another option is to use an electric motor from a washing machine. The average power of the device is 105–115 W, the scrolling speed is 1500 rpm. A screw jack for passenger vehicles can be used as a gearbox. The jack will need to be improved. To do this, you need to install a pulley from a washing machine behind the bevel gear. In this way you can turn the jack into a linear gearbox.
The jack must be welded parallel to the chain so that the slider pulls the chain while moving. Iron wire is used to fasten the parts together.
It is important to know: if the electricity is turned off, you will have to unwind the wire each time to open the gate.
To connect the electric motor to the pulley, you will need a belt from a washing machine. The engine speed will be reduced by approximately 1:4, so the pulley diameter should be minimal.
To remotely control the gate, you will need to buy a single-channel 12 V car alarm and connect it.
You can connect the radio control using a car alarm using this diagram
If you have no experience, it is recommended to entrust the task to an electrician.
Automation for sliding gates consists of the same elements. The only difference is that you will need 2 electric motors. They are located in the side parts of the gate. You will also need to install levers. They can be made from a profile pipe.
General description.
Automatic sectional doors are a system consisting of a rigid frame, a drive and the door leaf . Depending on the specific model, control can be carried out either using a special switchboard, which is installed indoors, or a remote control . If installation rules are followed and a quality manufacturer is selected, this type of device combines excellent performance characteristics, strength and durability.
How to set up automation?
Each mechanism has its own characteristics. In order for the structure to serve for a long time, you will need to correctly program the control device. Different manufacturers have different parameters, but the most commonly adjusted parameters are:
- Current sensitivity. The parameter is responsible for starting the protective device. If an obstacle appears, the gate stops.
- Change speed. The speed of movement of the shutters can be changed by reducing or increasing the power of the electric motor. It is not recommended to set a fast pace, as this can lead to equipment failure. To increase speed, you can increase the voltage to 38 V.
- Automatic closing. To implement this function, the design must include a timer. It is best to purchase the part ready-made.
Other functions can be implemented by adding appropriate parts to the design diagram.
Operating principle of automatic design
Automatic systems today come in a wide variety. Despite this, they share a similar operating principle.
- From the control device, if necessary, a signal is sent to the main control board.
- The signal is necessary to start the drive mechanism.
- The device activates the mechanisms that open the doors.
The automatic drive system consists of the main elements:
- A remote control that emits a signal.
- A special antenna receiver receives the signal.
- Equipment that transmits impulses.
- Directly the control unit itself.
More expensive models of automatic mechanisms may include additional sensors that demonstrate the condition of the product. Locking mechanisms. Photocells control the passage of vehicles. If the machine does not pass on time, they can stop the closure. If the roadway is too narrow, you will need to install warning lights that will notify you when the roadway is opening. The set of additional elements is selected individually.
Tips for use
To ensure that these gates serve for a long time, you need to adhere to the following tips for use:
- From time to time the mechanisms need to be serviced. The process involves lubricating moving elements. Only anti-freeze lubricants may be used.
- The guides should be inspected periodically and cleaned of debris. If ice forms, the blade may jam.
- Automation mechanisms are also subject to inspection. Parts need to be checked at least once a year. If any of the elements fails, it is recommended to entrust the repair to specialists.
- You need to keep an eye on the canvas. It has an anti-corrosion coating, but it is often damaged. It is recommended to promptly clean the gate from dirt using water and soap solution. If any of the sections is bent or scratched, it should be treated with special anti-corrosion agents or replaced.
It often happens that some of the do-it-yourself parts are easier and cheaper to replace with others.
General points.
First of all, it is necessary to take into account that one of the main conditions for the proper operation of automatic gate mechanisms is the maximum geometric accuracy of the installation of elements. This is especially true for the supporting frame, on which the blade and drive will be installed.
This means that the main frame elements must be in the same plane and level. This is necessary to ensure that there are no distortions during installation of the structure.
Another point that is important to consider when installing automatic sectional doors is the need for electricity for the system to operate. To ensure uninterrupted operation, some purchase a diesel generator, while others install a mechanical opening system, which will duplicate the main one in the event of a power outage. The question seems obvious, but requires immediate attention.
Among other things, when choosing the optimal drive for your gate, it is worth purchasing models with some power reserve. The more powerful the device, the more weight of the canvas it can move, but it is also more expensive. It is important to maintain a balance here - it is unlikely to be advisable to overpay for excess power, but you should not save on this element either. In most cases, a 30% margin will be sufficient. This will be enough to cope with additional load (icing of the lower edge of the canvas, fallen snow), and will also ensure a longer service life of the entire system.
Briefly about the main thing
Automation of swing gates greatly simplifies the life of car owners living outside the city in their homes. The gate to the site or to the garage is controlled from a remote control, which allows you not to leave your house or car in the rain and waste time manually opening and locking the doors. Such mechanisms come in linear and lever types and can be installed not only on gates, but also on gates and other outdoor swing doors. They are selected taking into account the weight and dimensions of the door leaf, design features of the gate, opening direction and other factors.
