Automation for swing gates: the pros and cons

Automation in the modern world has become so developed that even the gate is no longer required to open and close with your own hands. For this action, it is enough to have a remote control. The control of the gate with his help made from home or car. Many people decided to equip their yard with a similar solution, but for this it is necessary to study the principle of operation of automatic equipment for swing gates, its pros and cons.

Installation of automated swing gates is considered an extremely difficult event, for which limiting accuracy, accuracy and appropriate qualification are important. Many companies are engaged in the sale of these products, offering already finished products.If you have a sufficient amount of money, it is better to purchase an electric drive from a specialized manufacturer, rather than make an improvised device.

If the installation of the doors is an easy task that every person is able to cope with, then the automation for swing gates should be installed in compliance with numerous requirements and conditions.

The drive for automated swing gates has features that must be considered when installing:

• the location of the valves relative to the post;
• principle of opening the gate. There is a design with opening inwards or outwards;
• use of supports for the valves in case the device of the system is used without a limit switch.

If you decide to neglect any of these indicators, in the future there will be a gap between the fasteners or the electric motor may fail. In the automatics for the gate there are several electric drives, which carry out their work at the expense of a special board. Such a decision reduces the chances of successful installation of automation by a person without appropriate qualifications.

The design of swing gates has a long service life., durability and versatility. The mechanism is characterized by simplicity in care and simplicity, and the gate opens at a speed of up to 15 seconds. During installation, it should be noted that even minor obstacles in the opening area of ​​the gate are not allowed. When colliding with a barrier mechanism may jam. Therefore, you need to take care of the cleanliness of the site.

To prevent the occurrence of faults, timely preventive work will be required. Do not forget to lubricate all the necessary parts and do not apply force when opening or closing the valves.

This design is popular because it withstands continuous operation, which allows installation in areas with heavy traffic. If a large load is placed on the mechanism, the gates are equipped with reinforced elements. Such a fence is considered the best option for areas where it is impossible to equip a sliding-type gate.

The automatic system for swing gates has the following advantages:

• You can install automation on a limited site.This quality is due to the special design of the system, which does not limit the entry and exit of vehicles, working on a minimum area in front of the doors. The door structure itself can occupy a large area;
• affordable cost of production, if compared with other types of systems;
• there are two types of opening: outside or inside the yard;
• the underground electric drive has a wide opening angle, which is 180 degrees;
• large selection of technical equipment, which takes into account the various options for building structures.

Despite numerous advantages, the device has some disadvantages:

• such automation refers to an obsolete type of structure;
• equipment may sag. To eliminate this drawback, you will need to constantly monitor the state of the loops and pillars. If we neglect the procedure, they will come into contact with the ground, which in the future will lead to malfunction of the automation;
• short period of operation of the locking system.

The key shortcomings of automation relate to the unreliability of the pillars on which the gates are mounted.This feature requires strengthening the design, which will require additional material investments. This imperfection of automation for the gate is compensated by comparing them with the need to equip the platform, rollers and carrier beam under the sliding gate. The price of such work will be much more than the cost of the process of strengthening the supports and hinges of the swing construction.

To install an automated mechanism for sectional fencing, you will need to equip the gate with a special design.which cannot be operated on unequipped territory. With the help of such swing systems, you can automate any doors on the site, because most of them belong to the category of swing doors.

You can use different materials for the finishing of the gate. The design can be combined with forged metal, metal profiles and even sandwich panels.

There are three types of systems on the market, which are divided into two subspecies.

The drive mechanism is of the following types:

• lever;
• linear. This type is divided into two categories: hydraulic and electromechanical systems;
• underground opening mechanism.

Based on the parameters of the fence and the options assigned to them, the design can be divided into several categories:

• Household. It houses devices used for light shutters of country houses;
• Industrial. In this category there are reinforced models designed for heavy fencing with an intensive throughput system;
• To extend the linear equipment, manufacturers use a telescopic system.

This design is considered the most popular. The device of the mechanism is a box of oblong shape, which resembles a pipe in its appearance.

It contains the entire mechanism of the system, the set of which is:

• linear drive;
• Electrical engine;
• as part of the mechanism there is no gearbox and levers. Connecting devices is carried out using control units and the power grid.

The engine rotates without auxiliary mechanisms. The screw moves the nut along the threaded rails.With this method, the transformation of rotational energy in the movement of the nut, which carries the impact.

The housing with functioning elements is fixed on the leaf itself.

There are several types of worm gear:

• electromechanical;
• hydraulic.

The device of the first type was described earlier. The hydraulic model is considered the most reliable and expensive. The device has a reversible hydraulic drift, working from gears, which carry out their action at the expense of the engine.

The pump discharges hydraulic fluid into the working cylinders. Oil lubrication exerts pressure on the cuff, and the body attached to the gate acts as a lever. It can withstand heavy weight and sail.

Lever drive is also popular with fans of automatic swing works, despite the larger sizes. The power unit using a gear reducer transmits the force to the vertical shaft.On this shaft is attached a lever that acts on the opposite end of the door.

The design immediately laid smoothness. The energy of the power unit using the gear unit is transmitted to the drive shaft connected to the lever transmission. These levers set in motion the flaps.

An automated mechanism installed on a swing gate under the ground is considered the most expensive and advanced type of product. It provides the gate with an attractive appearance, as the mechanism is present underground. The device is quite quiet, which adds to its popularity.

Installation of the gadget is made in a special box, which is located underground. It is located at the level of the road, right under the loops of the structure. This solution allows you to make the structure invisible even during operation.

When choosing an automated system, questions are often asked about how long the mechanism will work and how reliable it is. Products from foreign manufacturers are designed to work in a mild climate, coupled with competent installation of the gate structure itself. Some users believe that such products in the Russian conditions will fail, but it is not.

Operation of automation for swing works has the following features:

• most manufacturers produce mechanisms that are aimed at the harsh Russian climate. On sale there are special series of automatic systems with auxiliary devices that allow you to eliminate problems that arise during the operation of the structure;
• the service life of automation is 7-10 years;
• the mechanism can operate at temperatures from -20 to +50 degrees. There is a separate type of model that can function at -40 degrees. On sale there are special options for heating the device;

• The control unit and the drive are IP54 rated. This suggests sufficient protection from moisture, dust and dirt.Underground automation has a high IP64 coefficient and is leakproof;
• the device uses a voltage of 24-220 V. The choice of a system that operates on 24V will ensure safe operation and greater periodicity of cycles. Such control units are considered “smart”, as they contain innovative developments in terms of configuration and security. However, such automatic equipment is not suitable for wired doors, since sensitive sensors of obstacles can be triggered by strong winds;
• An automated system that functions from 220 V is considered a more reliable and simple mechanism. There are no modern security solutions, as the emphasis is on the mechanical principle of operation.

Despite the variety of automatic systems, it should be understood that this equipment belongs to the category of complex. You will need not only competent installation of the device, but also the right choice of technical parameters.

Automatic swing gates can be installed anywhere. This type of construction is used by owners of private houses, at the entrance to industrial zones. In apartment buildings, this type of fence is mounted directly in the arch in order to prevent strangers from being in the territory.

To automate served for a long time, you should consider the weather conditions of your climate zone. If the region has severe frosts, pay attention to the characteristics of the device. The gearbox is prone to freezing, so the direct drive is more reliable. However, if you lubricate the gearbox, it will not freeze.

Using the resistor of the control unit, you can set the period of work and the speed of movement of the gate. Drive force can be set by setting the transformer pointer to the desired value. If you have selected automatics to control simple doors, a minimum position will suffice. Stoppers are required so that after the shutters stop, a signal is received to close the gate.

Continuous shutters peculiar to a large level of windage,therefore, they should choose a powerful electric drive. Directly windage is capable of disabling equipment. Even if the gate has a small size, a significant level of load is formed, which breaks the automatic system.

With a small gust of wind mechanisms with a small capacity is not able to open the door. Strong wind can disable the mechanism. For wired doors, you should purchase a device whose power margin is five times the required value.

Plastic and silumin gearboxes do not differ in reliabilityTherefore, you should purchase products with metal gears. Experts recommend purchasing a combined version in which there is a worm made of steel and brass gear.

If you want to install a linear device, but you can not make the installation because of the wide pillars, you need to disassemble part of the masonry and cut the bricks.

To ensure the smooth operation of the mechanism, you should observe the following precautions:

• The force of the system must be adjusted according to the weight of your gate. Too much force causes significant loads on the nodes, which leads to rapid wear. In the options of the device, photographic components are provided that are able to respond to movement and stop the operation of the valves, so as not to hurt passersby;
• If a protective system is not installed in the construction, a collision with a barrier will result in jamming. In the worst case, the drive can fail. With the help of protective sensors, motion stops, but inertia is maintained. For this reason, the value of the force should be correctly set;
• The equipment of automatic gates is sensitive to distortions. If there is an unequal opening of the valves, the protective system will perceive this action as an obstacle and stop work. For this reason, it is recommended to choose reinforced loops;

• For a significant mass of the door, a simple mechanical lever-type gate bolt is used. Such a solution will guarantee the safety of the structure when swinging the gate closed;
• Choose a kit in which the drive gear locks in the event of a power outage, failure of the mechanism, and manual mode. The lock will not allow unauthorized persons to open the gate. The supply line must be insulated with pipes and equipped with backup cables;
• Lubrication of the necessary elements will significantly extend the life of the structure.

In order for your swing construction to work efficiently, you will need to choose the most reliable kits.

When choosing a device, pay attention to the following characteristics:

• The automatic mechanism can be installed on any type of swing construction. The choice should be made on the basis of the weight of the structure, the dimensions of the supporting pillars, the windage, the width of the door and the direction of opening — outwards or inwards, and the power of the system;
• The main condition for choosing a mechanism is considered the windage of the wired doors, so this parameter should be considered first;
• An important condition is resistance to frost, as the drive may jam when it freezes.With severe frosts, it is better to purchase an electromechanical drive, which is guaranteed to open at any temperature. The electric mechanism may fail in this situation;

• the linear system needs to ensure that the distance from the edge of the column to the sash is 5-10 or 20-25 cm. The choice is influenced by the stroke, the dimensions of the drive itself, which can touch the supports;
• lever mechanisms capable of withstanding heavy loads. Remember that an expensive and powerful linear system is better than a cheap lever system;
• underground mechanisms are the most reliable, but they are most prone to freezing;
• hydraulic linear devices can withstand loads up to 900 kg and an intensive throughput system. For industrial facilities it is better to choose this system.
• When choosing a kit, pay attention to the average of each type. Quality data may influence purchase.

If you carry out a competent installation of the automatic system on your gate and will carefully use the mechanism, the device will serve you for a long time. Choose systems with a small power margin to eliminate the possibility of malfunctions under increased loads.

Automatics for swing gates are produced by many manufacturers. To make the right choice, you should study the review of popular manufacturers and get acquainted with customer reviews.

This is a Russian company that manufactures linear and lever automation. The drive of this brand is able to move the sash, the mass of which is up to one ton with a maximum width of 5 meters.

According to customer reviews, the automatic system is able to withstand severe frosts, and the engine is not prone to overheating. Most users leave positive feedback on the Doorhan mechanism, citing its quality and smooth operation.

Fadini is an Italian brand, in the assortment of which there is automation of any type. The equipment is able to withstand a mass of valves up to two tons with a width of up to 10 meters. Automatic equipment works at a temperature up to -25 degrees.

Many buyers choose products of this manufacturer, as it offers mechanisms developed based on the needs of each segment of the population.However, in harsh conditions, where the temperature drops below -40, such automation can fail.

The Italian manufacturer Came offers the most reliable automation for swing gates. The brand has a long history, in its assortment there are all three types of drives that are installed on the gate. Among the countries where the production of automation is carried out, there are England, Italy, Spain, Germany and other countries.

Buyers choose this brand, as the mechanism for swing gates is reliable, long service life and safety. A wide range of products increases the popularity of products, as each customer can choose the right option for themselves.

This brand contains in its assortment any types of mechanisms for swing gates. User feedback reports that products perform well in temperate and northern climates. Automation pleases with uninterrupted work and simple solutions.

Horman is a German manufacturer who recently entered the domestic market. The range of the brand consists of sets of any type for swing constructions.However, some customers leave negative comments about the design of the device, as it contains a lot of electronic components to which it is impossible to connect elements from other manufacturers.

You will learn more about how to select the automatic for swing gates, from the following video.