It is not easy to install automatically opening gates on the site on your own, which requires both knowledge and skills from the master. It will not be possible to complete such a large-scale project in one day. However, it is quite possible. You just need to carefully think over everything to the smallest detail and act according to plan.
Features of automation
Automatic gates, in accordance with their design features, are divided into swing and sliding (sliding) gates. Depending on which of them the owner chooses, the type of automation is set, which is provided for this type.
So, when installing a swing type, the following types of electric drives can be used:
- linear;
- lever;
- hydraulic.
The main condition for choosing is the useful area occupied by the door leaf. Also taken into account are such criteria as:
- how often they will be used;
- wind load on them;
- with opening inward or outward, they are arranged;
- weight and length of the flaps.
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Advantages of the drive for the swing structure:
- remote control;
- fixing the door leaf in the closed position is so reliable that there is no need to install additional locking devices;
- the unlocking system will easily open the device if the power is cut off;
- the design works stably, even if the power grid is not;
- can be used both at subzero and at high temperatures.
Such gates are conveniently located near a private house. If they open outward, be sure to clear the street area in front of them from snow. If they open into the courtyard, the snow must be cleaned only in the courtyard.
A chain drive is provided for sliding gates. It is good for the following reasons:
- availability of remote control;
- if there is no electricity, the unlocking system can easily open the gate;
- for gates, the leaves of which open in different directions, it is enough to install one drive;
- a board and a control unit are integrated into the drive. The board does not fail in case of voltage surges. The block does not lose its useful properties in conditions of unstable network operation.
When choosing a drive, you need to consider its ability to operate smoothly at low temperatures.
Operating principle
A gate should be understood as a mechanical structure that is built into a wall or fence in order to restrict and regulate free access to the controlled area.
By their structure, they are conventionally divided into:
- automation - it controls the operation of the drive system (its main parts);
- drive - opens and closes the leaves and fixes their position;
- mechanical protective part - is attached to the elements of a fence or building, making up with it a stationary or movable structure.
There are two ways to control the shutters of an automatic gate:
- manually;
- automatically using electricity.
The second method is the main one, and the first one is backup. It is used when there is a power outage in the network. Each type of gate has its own type of drive, which will ensure the movement of the mechanism to the required distance. The drives are installed on the surface construction elements embedded in the foundation.
This condition is indispensable in order to ensure the quality work of the entire structure. Before starting the installation and adjustment of the automation, this work should be carried out. Otherwise, repairs will be required in the spring.
When all mechanisms have been debugged and manually checked, the sash works in automatic mode with high quality. That is why these works are carried out at the final stage of construction work.
Automation works:
- from the stationary control panel;
- from the remote control (key fob) by transmitting radio commands;
- with a combination of methods 1 and 2.
Remote control follows the same principles as stationary control. The gate leaves are moved or moved apart by the gate drive when the voltage is applied to the electric motor. When the engine shuts down, the action stops. The automation unit works on the basis of this principle.
Automatic swing gate devices can be divided into:
- linear;
- lever.
Linear ones are also called "worm gear", as they work on the basis of a worm gear with a motor-reducer. The principle of lever devices is similar to the principle of the human hand. Two parts connected by a hinge form a working arm. The linear drive is suitable for swing gates. They are inexpensive and easy to use. The lever drive will allow you to open the gate hanging 20-40 cm from the edge of the post.
Anyone who knows how to handle a saw-grinder and a welding machine can make a sliding gate by himself. The number of opening / closing cycles for which the operating system of such gates is designed is on average 50 thousand.
You can choose almost any material: from corrugated board to polycarbonate. Such gates can be either with a solid leaf, or a wicket can be built into the leaf.
Types of structures
Of course, automatic gates are a very convenient thing that is in great demand on the market. And demand, as you know, gives rise to supply, so their assortment on the market is large. But all the variety of gates can be divided into three types:
- swing;
- sliding (sliding);
- garage.
If we talk about swing gates, then these are the standard, most common gates. They are double-leafed, each sash is a supporting frame, which is filled with a canvas and is attached with pivoting hinges to a vertical base. The doors, at the request of the owner, can be made both opening outward and inward.
If the project provides for a wicket, it must be similar in design to the gate. The wicket can be cut into the door leaf, or it can be installed next to them.
This type of gate is popular in private homes, but is also used for commercial properties. Automatic swing gates look good as entrance gates, providing additional security for cottages and garden plots.
The advantages of this type of gate:
- They are inexpensive (the cost depends on the size of the shutters);
- They are easy to make;
- High degree of protection against burglary;
- The canvases have a low level of thermal conductivity;
- It is possible to embed a wicket with an additional locking device.
They also have disadvantages. Chief among them is the need for sufficient space to open such gates. If there is no space, the structure cannot be installed. Also, strong wind can harm the gate wings, deforming them.
Sliding gates are roller construction, most often single-leaf. There is no difficulty in its technical device, so you can do it yourself. Moreover, the operation of such devices is rather complicated. The main advantage of this type of gate is that it saves space.and there is no need to clean the area in front of them. The canvas for such gates can be made of any material suitable for the manufacture of fences - wood, metal, corrugated board and others. The sliding gates are designed in such a way that they can work smoothly during snowfall and strong winds. Ice is not a hindrance to them either. Moreover, they are very compact.
In the place where it is planned to install this type of structure, it is necessary to prepare the base-foundation by, for example, driving screw piles. The wicket is mounted separately.
The advantages of this type of gate are as follows:
- it is possible to mount a viewing window or a built-in wicket;
- there are no restrictions on the height of the opening;
- free space near the gate is saved (both in front and behind);
- resistant to wind;
- burglar resistant.
As for garage doors, they can be:
- roller shutter type;
- lift-and-turn type;
- sectional folding.
The main difference between garage doors and other types is that they are vertical and folding. The roller shutter structure consists of metal-plastic rails, which are connected by a movable lock. When the gate is opened, the slats "go" upward, forming a right angle in the area of the junction of the wall and ceiling and overcoming it. The lift-and-turn mechanism is very difficult to install and operate; when the door is opened, the structure goes up parallel to the ceiling and frees the entrance to the garage.
In addition to the three types listed, swing gates can also be installed. Their design is standard and not much different from classic swing gates.
There is another type of garage door - rolling. Unlike other types, they do not require free space for their installation. The canvas is flexible and easy to handle, the raw material for their manufacture is polyurethane foam. This structure can be installed on both sides of the opening - both from the outside and from the inside. The dimensions of rolling shutters are significantly increased relative to any other types. The width can be up to 1.2 m and the height up to 1 m.
Rolling shutters are very compact both folded and open. They can be installed (in addition to the garage) in warehouses and trade pavilions.
Of course, an electric drive is installed on every gate. It is thanks to this that the automation works. The only difference is in their types, for example, a ceiling-type electric drive is installed on the structure in the garage doors.
Control
Automatic gates of any kind can be opened and closed either manually or with the help of special devices that drive an electric motor.
There are several types of devices for opening them:
- remote;
- magnetic card;
- electronic key;
- combination lock;
- key switch.
Each of them has an automatic component. The remote control is a kind of remote control known to everyone. This method is the most dangerous in terms of the possibility of hacking. It is enough to lose the remote control for any other person to open the lock. A magnetic card is carried through a special device, only in this case the gate can be opened.
The same is with the electronic key, only the key is attached to the device, not the card. In order to get inside with a combination lock, you need to dial a certain combination of numbers on the panel with buttons. The key switch operates on the principle of a conventional door lock, which can be opened to open the gate. Combinations of closing devices are also possible, for example a code keypad and a key. But, of course, to dial a combination of numbers and then open it with a key, you will need to get out of the car.
Also recently, the combination of an electromechanical lock with an intercom is gaining popularity. For some people, it is convenient to open both the gate and the house at the same time. However, it should be noted that this method is not always safe.
It is believed that a contactless card is one of the most modern and safest ways to unlock a gate. But he demands that in the cottage community where the gates are installed, there should be a security service with its obligatory computerization. Then, in addition to the card, when opening the automatic gate, the identification of the person using the card will also be carried out by comparing his image with a photograph in the security database.
Manufacturers and reviews
There are many manufacturers of automatic gates on the market today. There are, of course, one-day companies, but there are also those who have established themselves for a long time in the production of good quality products.
The leader among domestic manufacturers is the Doorhan company, which sells high-quality automatic gates for both individuals and legal entities. Any product is made to order, this makes it possible for the customer to get exactly what he needs. The main advantage of Doorhan gates is their full adaptation to work in low temperatures. The company's products consist of the following types of gates:
- fire-fighting;
- street;
- garage;
- sectional;
- made of PVC;
- non-standard designs.
Alutech is one of the largest manufacturers of automatic gates in Western Europe … Their products are popular not only in Russia, but also in neighboring countries - Ukraine, Belarus, and also in Germany. The company was founded in 1996. Now she manufactures all kinds of automatic gates. The company's products are deservedly popular with consumers.
The most expensive automatic gates are manufactured by Hormann. They are durable, reliable, in addition, they are distinguished by high decorative qualities. If the customer wishes, the gate can be decorated with decorative glass inserts, as well as elements of precious wood. It may be of little interest to enterprises, but for customers - individuals it can be useful.
The main disadvantage of the company is that it does not have production facilities in Russia. Nevertheless, there are a lot of customers who want to use the company's products.
If you do install a Hormann door and use it often, sooner or later a breakdown will occur. In this case, the repair can be delayed and cost a lot, since all the necessary components will be delivered from abroad.
Nice also produces automatic gates. Due to the use of high quality materials, their products are resistant to corrosion and retain their properties for a long time. The lowest temperatures will not harm the automation in Nice. Its products are recognized as the most economical and do not require major repairs, and they are also ergonomic and comfortable to use. Accordingly, there is always a demand for the company's gates. Consumer reviews about them are extremely positive.
The Italian company Came has been on the market since 1972. In addition to the production of all kinds of gate automation, the company is engaged in burglar alarms, and also develops a "smart home" system. Due to the constant search for innovative solutions and the development of new areas of activity, the company constantly acquires new brands and includes them in its composition. The firm has an official representative office in Russia. Its products are in demand among customers who want to get the latest developments in the company's field of activity.
The domestic company KAV manufactures prefabricated gates. This is a new solution in the production of automatic gates. Such sliding gates become available for self-assembly. The consumer appreciated this original offer, it is in demand. The structure is easy to assemble, this process is easy and quick. Bolt-on mounts eliminate welding and save time.
Complete assembly will not take more than 2 hours. The set uses a console system. The maximum sash weight for which it is designed is 400 kg. The frame together with the beam weighs about 120 kg. It is not hard to assume that the support system is strong and resistant to wear and tear. The consumer chooses the direction in which the sash will open. This happens before the start of the installation.
In addition, the structure is powder coated, which extends its service life.
How to choose?
The choice of gate type depends on the needs of the consumer. If you need a structure equipped with an automation system that can be easily mounted and configured, it is better to stop at roller shutter or sectional automatic gates. They can be installed in a short time using specially developed instructions. Nonetheless, before buying, you need to ask the seller about the properties of automation and control incorporated in the selected design.
Before buying, you should study the documentation that comes with the gate, as well as the compliance of the purchased structure with Russian standards. In addition, the gate must be secure.
Also, the gate must meet a number of requirements:
- the outer surface of the gate must exclude abrasions and cuts;
- have a built-in mechanism that would protect your fingers from being pinched;
- uncontrolled movement of the canvas is unacceptable;
- it should be easy to manage the structure, and the fastening of all parts should be reliable;
- gaps in the canvas are a marriage, they are unacceptable;
- fixation of the web must be tight and reliable.
It is also important to study the information about the manufacturer, its reputation, the duration of its presence on the market, the quality of the manufactured products.
How to install by yourself?
If you want to make and install swing-type gates with your own hands for the purpose of operating in the country or at home, you need to act consistently.
A steel pipe is useful for making fastening posts. If the pipes cannot withstand the weight of the gate, there is a way out - to make a frame of steel in the shape of the letter P. Then the structure will not lead in the future. To secure the sashes, you can use metal or polymer hinges. There are usually 4 or 6. The component parts of the sash are the frame and the infill panel. The frame can be made from a metal profile yourself, and the sections can be made from sandwich panels or metal picket fences. Metal and steel parts must be painted. Closers can be installed on swing gates.
It is better not to engage in self-installation of automatic swing devices, especially if the design is not cheap. It would be more correct to invite professionals for this. If it is supposed to make homemade sliding gates, you need to follow a certain sequence of actions. Usually, first you need to decide what size gate you plan to make. The final weight of the structure depends on the length, width and height of the sashes, and hence the range of accessories - rollers, slats, guides. The size of the structure also dictates the amount of distance required to move the sash (or sashes). It is best if it is 1.5 times the length of the goal.
Digging in the support pillars is the first stage. In order to do this, a profile pipe (material - steel), oak beams, channel bars, concrete or brick are suitable, in extreme cases. The depth to which they are dug is 1 m. Otherwise, displacement is likely to occur, which will complicate opening and closing.
This is followed by the laying of the foundation, which will become the basis for the future structure. A "banquet" is laid there - a channel, a sash will ride on it. After installation, the "banquet" is poured with concrete, the following actions are possible only after a week, when the concrete has settled. Every day for a week, concrete needs watering to prevent cracking.
From the so-called profile for the gate, you will get a supporting frame. The frame is painted, and the door leaf is sewn up. Painting should be done immediately after the soil has dried. The most practical option would be alkyd paint, it is applied in two layers, each of which must dry. For stitching, choose the material that the owner likes best. Assembly is done with screws or rivets.
For installation, the following sequence of actions is provided:
- the rollers are installed on the "bench" surface.
- There is a guide in the door leaf, rollers are inserted into it.
- Next, the gate is checked for compliance with the level.
- welding attaches the lower rollers on the trolley to the channel. The same actions are performed with the upper rollers.
- After that, the catchers are welded to the pillars of the support.
- Upon completion of all of the above activities, the installation of automation and testing of the finished structure is carried out.
The most difficult thing to make is the roller shutter type, since the lamellas of which they are composed are made only industrially.
Operating tips
Having installed an automatic gate (on a garage door, on a fence, in an industrial building), it is necessary to ensure the safety of the structure of its properties. To do this, they need to be treated with special chemicals. They will protect the structure from the destructive effects of environmental factors such as hail, snow, ice, water.
Not all malfunctions that are revealed during use can and should be eliminated on their own. For example, problems in the torsion mechanism are extremely difficult to fix without the help of professionals, since the spring can be replaced only by calculating the individual parameters of the system before starting work. If the automation system is out of order, the reason for this may be network congestion. The limit switches may need to be reprogrammed.
The appearance of serious breakdowns in the structure most often occurs if minor malfunctions are not eliminated for a long time or if a routine inspection is ignored. If a breakdown is identified, it is better to contact the masters of the company that installed the gate to eliminate it. After the installation is made, you need to study the design device (if you did not install it yourself). The area where the system is located must be kept clean.
Periodic scheduled inspections must be carried out. Also, it is necessary to replace consumables on time, adjust mechanisms, lubricate moving parts, clean parts from dust and oil. If the installer guaranteed the maintenance of the structure, this should not be neglected.
In the next video you will see an overview of automatic gates from Alutech.