Automation for swing gates: design features

Now manufacturers provide ample opportunities for automation of swing gates. You can not open the gate with your own hands, leaving the car or at home, but remotely, using the control panel or the button. Thus, with the help of automation for swing gates, you can simplify your life. It is only necessary to choose the right mechanism.

Automation for swing gates allows you to make their use more convenient and comfortable. They are a mechanism with flaps that opens the gate out or in. But there are many models that differ in their quality characteristics and some properties. Presented and models that have different levels of possible loads.

Characteristics differ depending on the type of door to be used.what will be the width of the valves, what is the total weight of the gate as a whole. So, there are models that allow you to open the gate only inside, and there is automatic, which allows you to open them both inwards and outwards. Models are presented that are intended only for single-leaf doors, and there are products for double-leaf gates.

Automation has different characteristics depending on the weight of the gate: there are models with a maximum weight of up to 200, up to 400, up to 600 and up to 900 kg. It is necessary to take into account the level of loads that will fall on the automation. So, an excellent option for the use of automated systems are gates with corrugated doors. It is also necessary to take into account the intensity of operation.

If you plan to open the gate infrequently and purchase them exclusively for home use, it is better to opt for models that are designed for 50% of the operation. But for production facilities, where the gate mechanism often works, it is better to select automation with an intensity of 100%. According to the characteristics of the model are divided and depending on the time that is spent on the full cycle of opening the valves.In this case, manufacturers specify the exact time in seconds based on the weight and size of the gate.

This figure is calculated despite the fact that the gate will open 90 degrees. But there are more interesting models that can be opened at 110 and even 180 degrees. Automation may vary depending on the stroke. Thus, the maximum step makes the use of the design more comfortable. It is better to use the most convenient models, which are characterized by smoothness and braking before the maximum opening. This is necessary in order to preserve the doors and prevent them from being damaged.

Automation for swing gates has several advantages:

• First of all, it simplifies the process of opening the gate. This is especially important in bad weather: when it snows, rains or severe frost. You do not have to go out to manually open the gate.
• In addition, you will not need to use force for this.
• You will also save time: just press the button to open the gate yourself. If you opened the gate manually, it would take more time.And the average time of opening the swing gate with the help of automation is 15 seconds.
• Another great advantage - the gate is securely fixed drive. Thus, the design is completely safe.

• A number of products has an important advantage in the form of lighting. When the gate opens, the backlight automatically turns on and highlights the entire local area to make it easier for you to enter by car. So you can see who enters or enters the territory, close the door at the right moment.
• Automation allows you to make the opening of the gate more smooth and silent. So, the doors move quietly and do not wake up the household even at night.
• The automatic door opening system is reliable and durable. It can last for decades with proper maintenance and care.
• Many systems have a sash lock feature. Thus, you will be able to ensure complete safety of operation and will not worry about breaking such gates.
• Although the doors are fully automatic, they can be opened without electricity. So, many models are equipped with a special key that will help you open them manually.Therefore, you will not have unpleasant and embarrassing situations, because of which you can not get home.

Some buyers are faced with the disadvantages of automatic systems:

• Many systems do not work in severe frost. Therefore, sometimes you have to open the gate with your hands so as not to spoil the mechanism.
• Inexpensive automated drives do not move too smoothly, even, on the contrary, jerky, therefore, they wear the gate structure faster.
• High-quality and reliable systems require the presence of wide pillars in order to be able to fix the unit with the gearbox. For the normal operation of the system it is necessary to provide some conditions. It will be necessary to take into account the weight of the gate, the size of the valves, as well as the width of the pillars.
• Some also experience mechanical breakdowns in automation. Usually this is due to jamming of the doors because there are any obstacles in the way of the gate when opening. Thus, it is necessary to transfer the mechanism to manual mode and independently adjust the gate.

Automation includes a few elements that affect the operation of the mechanism as a whole.

This system includes:

• system control unit;
• drives;
• electronic remote control.

In addition, many manufacturers provide operating instructions with which you can install an automatic drive yourself. For the normal functioning of the mechanism, you can purchase remote charms, remote control antennas, lamps for illumination, as well as a radio receiver.

Many devices also have an electromechanical lock that allows you to block the gate after it is closed. Some mechanisms include a set of warning lights, with which you can notify everyone who is near the gate that the sash begins to open.

Linear models are opened by reciprocating rod movements. The basis of the design is the gearbox, which brings it into action. This mechanism has a peculiarity of work: it slows down a bit at the end of the opening and closing cycle.Thus, this automatic system works longer than other types. All of these mechanisms also allow the door to be opened manually.

Automation is divided into different types depending on the drives:

• Linear drive models.
• Lever drive models.
• Underground drive models.

They are the most common and easy to use. As a rule, automation is located in the lower part of the sash. But there are options with the location of the mechanism in the center or above. The choice is not limited, it all depends on the convenience of users.

Linear drive is characterized by the presence of a worm gear. Another element is the engine. It works from a special power supply. The motor is supplied with direct or alternating current.

The big advantage of this system is that the linear actuator is able to slow down the sash when opening and closing the door. In this way, it increases the service life of the door and increases the wear resistance of the engine and the power supply unit. In addition, the linear actuator can be opened by hand in case of problems with electricity, thanks to an emergency opening system.

The linear drive allows you to open the gate in any direction: both in and out. But at the same time, the break-up is possible only by 90 degrees. Thus, they can slightly block the passage and not give freedom of movement. This is especially important if you have large equipment. A standard linear actuator is perfect for doors with a leaf that weighs about 600 kg. These models are suitable for gates with a width of about 3 m.

A standard linear actuator weighs approximately 8 kg. With such a ratio of weight and quality characteristics of the drive and the gate, the opening of the leaf takes about 16 seconds.

In case your gate is wider than 3 m, you should use a telescopic linear actuator. It is also designed for gates weighing up to 600 kg, and the opening time is 17 seconds.

There are more reliable hydraulic drives. This linear actuator is suitable for gates weighing not more than 900 kg. But the opening time of the sash is about 30 seconds.

The linear-type automation itself includes an engine with a control unit, two actuators, and a remote control or a button to activate its operation. Linear drive has some limitations for use. They mainly relate to temperature and weight. In addition, each manufacturer represents a different model.

On average, products with a linear drive can withstand temperatures from - 20 to +50 degrees. Therefore, in the bitter cold, such automatic equipment will work intermittently, in this case it is better to refuse its use.

This is another common type of automation, which has a democratic cost and good quality. It is also a model with alternating and direct current. The drive itself weighs about 13 kg, it is more massive than the previous design. But it works quite differently.The main engine in this case is a lever that ensures smooth opening and closing of the structure. That is why this system has no function of slowing down.

Lever type drive can be easily set by hand. And many manufacturers are models that have a backup battery inside. When access to electricity is interrupted, the system can operate in standard mode, regardless of a power outage. That is why it is more convenient and reliable. But it is possible to install a lever drive basically only on columns of medium width and wide.

This type of drive is used only for monolithic gates. And also for the gate width of not more than 4.5 meters. The average weight that this design can withstand is 600 kg, but there are also weaker models. It all depends on the specific manufacturer.

It also includes a remote control unit, a unit, and two hinged drives. Indicators limiting temperature conditionsare similar to the linear type of drive: from - 20 to + 50 degrees. That is why in the cold such automation is not very practical.

This is a very convenient and newest automation. It involves the installation of the entire system that regulates the opening and closing of the gate, underground. Thus, the appearance of the gate will not be spoiled. The drive itself is hidden in a box that reliably protects it from rust, moisture and dirt. It is installed under the hinges of the valves, which is why it is completely invisible from the side. The system can be installed both on square and rectangular gates, as well as on structures in the form of an arch.

An important advantage of automation is that it is more practical. So, the angle of opening of a gate makes 110 degrees if you take standard model. But there are more interesting products with an expanded set, the opening angle of which can even be 360 ​​degrees. This is a convenient planetary drive.

Such automation assumes a quiet and smooth opening and closing of the gate, so a preliminary stop before the end of these cycles is not required. The mechanism is fully protected and therefore serves for quite some time.The maximum weight of the leaf, which is valid for the gate when using this type of drive, is 900 kg.

The width of the gate is also large compared to the previous types of automation: 5 m. In addition, such automation can be installed by hand. It is safe and of high quality. But these products are more expensive.

Automatics for gates are manufactured by many manufacturers, they are distinguished by high quality products and a wide range.

• Now popular in Russia brand doorhanwhich represents automation for gates of different types. Basically, these models belong to the economy-class systems, so their cost is low. Among the drives popular models of the series Sectional. The company represents its own development of a drive system for various types of gates, including swing doors. The manufacturer gives a 3 year warranty.

• No less famous german brand hormann, which is the automation of the ProMatic and SupraMatic series.The manufacturer relies on the reliability of the system, indicating that it is almost impossible to crack. Thus, the brand Hormann introduced a system that protects against jacking mechanism. The manufacturer offers a 5 year warranty.

• Came - Italian company, which occupies a leading position in the market for sales of automation for gates. All models have a modern design and are designed for all types of swing gates.

For small gates, you can choose a sliding drive for outdoor installation. Amico, and for medium-sized valves, the ATI model drive. For metal doors, the Krono model with a steel cylindrical body is separately provided. The company also introduces low-voltage drives that even work when power supply problems occur. The brand Came guarantees the safety and functionality of its structures.

• Another popular Italian company - Nice. Drives of this brand are durable, wear-resistant and modern in design. The manufacturer indicates that the installation of such systems is simple, this will be enough to read the manual. In addition, it is very easy to control such automation: you can pick up any control panels that have a wide range for the signal.

Many good reviews are left by buyers about the Came brand automatics. Many people like the price / quality ratio of these systems. Their reliability and durability are also noted.

Some buyers mention Chinese AN-Motors because it offers functional models at affordable prices. But many complain that such automation is unstable in the cold.

The quality of frost resistance and protection from overheating buyers allocate models from Doorhan.

Choosing automatic for swing gates, you must consider the rules for its use. So, it is better to buy models that are designed to open inwards, they are more convenient to use. In this case, you can apply automation with any drives. Even electric drives made of satellite dishes will do.

Applying automation, also consider the characteristics of materialsof which the pillars are made. So, if they are made of bricks, the brackets can ruin them, and over time the pillars will begin to crumble and even crumble. That is why it is necessary to additionally strengthen the pole, and the brackets should be welded along the entire perimeter.

The same applies to concrete drives. For them, it is better to use a lever mechanism. In addition, it is better to use drives with a maximum stroke length. Such a mechanism will preserve its qualities and characteristics longer.

Before using the mechanism in operation, it must be tested and checked if there will be a move after the door leaves open to the desired angle. Thus, you will avoid damage to the gate and configure the automation correctly. Only after you check all the features of the device and the application of this system, it will be possible to mount it on the gate.

During the operation of automatic gates, it is necessary to provide that when opening them there are no obstacles. Therefore, in this radius should not install buildings and structures.If a gate is built into the gate, it is necessary to check how tightly it is closed before the gate movement.

For a good mechanism, it is better to set up and adjust the drive in advance.by selecting the desired mode of operation. When operating models that are powered by a signal using a key fob, you should examine where the active zone of the signal is located. And with the automatic opening of the gate should be in this area.

Separate rules are provided for the manual opening of the gate in case of any damage to the mechanism or problems with the supply of electricity. This should be done smoothly, without sudden jerks. In no case do not push the gate during their automatic movement, especially at the time of the beginning of the opening of the sash. The fact is that it is at the initial stage that the drive develops more power, therefore, intervention can lead to mechanism breakage.

If your gate does not have photo sensors that react to the appearance of a person at the sash, who suddenly got there during closing, you must follow a number of rules. It is best to switch to manual control mode and open the doors with your own hands. To do this, unlock the drive.

It is important to systematically maintain the entire mechanism of the gate, including torsion bars, choosing the most reliable and high-quality types of lubricant. To lubricate the gate, you need to use special tools. When you inspect or lubricate the gate, be sure to turn off the drive power.

For information on how to choose automatic for swing gates, see the following video.