Automatic door opener with magnetic clutch
First Claim
1. A self-contained clutch mounted on a rotatable member having a hub, the clutch comprising:
- a clutch hub comprising an annular drive plate and a clutch post of reduced diameter relative to the drive plate;
a hub of the rotatable member mounted on the clutch post;
pressure means mounted on the clutch post for pressing the hub of the rotatable member towards the drive plate to generate friction to engage the rotatable member with the drive plate for rotation therewith; and
a retaining cap to secure at least the hub of the rotatable member and the pressure means on the clutch post;
wherein the generated friction to engage the rotatable member with the drive plate is sufficient to overcome drag, induced by wind or weather-stripping, on a door driven by the rotatable member.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An automatic door opener (10) for opening or closing a door (28) includes a motor (14) driving a drive shaft (50) and an opener arm (18) connected to the door (28) and being responsive to rotation of the drive shaft (50) for moving the door (28) to an open or closed position. A clutch (46) operable to disengage the drive shaft (50) from the opener arm (18) is provided in the event of the door (28) engaging an obstacle, electric power being unavailable, or the door being fully open or fully closed. The door opener (10) may also include a brake (48) for selectively preventing movement of the door (28). Various embodiments of the invention are provided, including an electromagnet (80) and an electromagnetic brake (114).
58 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A self-contained clutch mounted on a rotatable member having a hub, the clutch comprising:
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a clutch hub comprising an annular drive plate and a clutch post of reduced diameter relative to the drive plate; a hub of the rotatable member mounted on the clutch post; pressure means mounted on the clutch post for pressing the hub of the rotatable member towards the drive plate to generate friction to engage the rotatable member with the drive plate for rotation therewith; and a retaining cap to secure at least the hub of the rotatable member and the pressure means on the clutch post; wherein the generated friction to engage the rotatable member with the drive plate is sufficient to overcome drag, induced by wind or weather-stripping, on a door driven by the rotatable member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A self-contained clutch mounted on a rotatable member having a hub, the clutch comprising:
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a clutch hub comprising an annular drive plate and a clutch post of reduced diameter relative to the drive plate; a hub of the rotatable member mounted on the clutch post; pressure means mounted on the clutch post for pressing the hub of the rotatable member towards the drive plate to generate friction to engage the rotatable member with the drive plate for rotation therewith; and a retaining cap to secure at least the hub of the rotatable member and the pressure means on the clutch post; wherein in response to the pressure means causing the hub of the rotatable member to press towards the drive plate, the generated friction to engage the rotatable member with the drive plate is capable of being overcome by a user'"'"'s hand exerting a back-driven force on a door driven by the rotatable member.
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11. A self-contained clutch assembly for opening and closing a side-hinged door, the assembly comprising:
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a self-contained clutch mounted on a rotatable member, the rotatable member having a hub at a first end and a pivotal connection at a second end, the pivotal connection at the second end being attachable to a drive arm for opening and closing the side-hinged door; wherein the drive arm is attachable to the side-hinged door; wherein the clutch comprises; a clutch hub comprising an annular drive plate and a clutch post of reduced diameter relative to the drive plate; the hub of the rotatable member mounted on the clutch post; pressure means mounted on the clutch post for pressing the hub of the rotatable member towards the drive plate to generate friction to engage the rotatable member with the drive plate for rotation therewith; and a retaining cap to secure at least the hub of the rotatable member and the pressure means on the clutch post. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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Specification