WO2025045611A1

WO2025045611A1 - Roll door system for low temperature environments

Info

Publication number: WO2025045611A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/073140
Authority: WO
Inventors: Holger Siewert; Helmut Wuestner; Michael Bergmann
Original assignee: Assa Abloy Entrance Systems Ab
Priority date: 2023-08-29
Filing date: 2024-08-16
Publication date: 2025-03-06

Abstract

The present invention relates to a roll door system particularly for low temperature environments and to a method for operating said roll door system. The roll door system (1) comprising a multi-layer roll door curtain (10). The multi-layer roll door curtain including a first flexible wall portion and a second flexible wall portion. The first and second flexible wall portions form a cushion. The cushion has at least one air inlet opening (72) and at least one air outlet opening. The roll door system further comprises an air flow device (70), wherein the air flow device, provides an air flow to the air inlet opening of the cushion and to a flexible bottom profile (16) and/or to a side frame element (42, 44) of the roll door curtain.

Description

ROLL DOOR SYSTEM FOR LOW TEMPERATURE ENVIRONMENTS

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a roll door system particularly for low temperature environments and to a method to operate said roll door system.

Background

Roll doors, also known as rolling doors or roller doors, are a type of door commonly used for industrial, commercial, and residential applications. Conventional roll doors close vertically (closing direction: up-down) or horizontally (closing direction: left-right or vice versa).

Known roll doors comprise as a main component a curtain (e.g. connected slats or a flexible curtain). The slats are typically made of plastic or metal (such as steel or aluminum), wherein flexible curtains are oftentimes made of or include PVC. The slats are joined together by hinges, allowing the door to roll up and down as needed. Further a roll-up mechanism is provided, which allows the roll door to be rolled-up into a compact coil above/beneath a door opening, allowing for maximum use of the available space. The roll-up mechanism is typically powered by an electric motor, which can be controlled automatically, remotely and/or manually, e.g. by a wall-mounted switch. Further, roll doors are known that include multiple (e.g. two) curtains that run substantially parallel. For opening/closing the door, all curtains have to be opened/closed simultaneously.

Further, a roll door comprises lateral tracks or a side frame. Those are oftentimes extruded from a plastic material or aluminum or may be made of bent and cut sheet metal. For opening/closing, the roll door is guided along those tracks/side frame that keep the slats/the curtain in place as they roll up and down. These tracks and side frame are typically attached to the wall opening e.g. a door frame or another building structure.

When being used in environments of low temperature (e.g. about or even below 0°C), such as in winter conditions and/or in cold storage applications, known roll doors tend to be covered in ice. This icing may hinder the door to open/close properly and/or may even harm people or vehicles passing the door when falling off.

Icing oftentimes occurs in case of a relatively high humidity (up to 100%) on a warmer side of the door that condensates and freezes on the door or parts of the door. In a typical cold storage application, a space on a warmer side of the door may be higher than 0°C (e.g. about 5 °C) and a space on a colder side of the door may have a temperature of about -5 °C, of about -10 °C of about -15 °C, of about -20 °C, of about -25 °C or even about or below -30 °C.

To prevent icing sometimes blower systems (e.g. located above the door opening) are used. Said blower systems blow air towards and over the door’s curtain on the warmer side of the door.

However, it had shown that these systems may not provide for a proper deicing. For example, the curtain can get stuck in iced a side frame and/or may freeze to ground.

Summary

It is therefore the object of the invention to provide an improved roll door system and a method for operating said system, that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks at least partially.

The object is achieved by a roll door system according to claim 1 and by a method to operate said roll door system according to claim 24. Further aspects of the invention are given in the dependent claims and throughout the following description. In particular, the object is achieved by a roll door system which may be used in low temperature environments, i.e. in environments, wherein at least a space on one side of the roll door system is about or even below 0° C. For example, a space on a warmer side of the roll door system may have a temperature higher than 0°C (e.g. about 20°C, or about 15°C, or about 5°C) and a space on a colder side of the roll door system may have a temperature of about -5 °C, of about -10 °C, of about -15 °C, of about -20 °C, of about -25 °C or even about or below -30 °C.

The roll door system comprises a multi-layer roll door curtain. The multi-layer roll door curtain is movable from a closed position to an open position by rolling the multi-layer roll door curtain up, so as to open a door opening at least partially. In other words, the multi-layer roll door curtain is adapted to be rolled up and unrolled for opening and closing a door opening, respectively. The multi-layer roll door curtain includes a first flexible wall portion and a second flexible wall portion. The first and second flexible wall portions form a cushion. The multi-layer roll door curtain may include further flexible wall portions. Further, the cushion has at least one air inlet opening and at least one air outlet opening. Via the air inlet opening, the cushion can be pressurized. When pressurized, the cushion forms an inflated air cushion. Said inflated air cushion is more rigid compared to the flexible first and second wall portions, as such. Hence, the roll door curtain can withstand higher forces, particularly wind loads, when being closed. Further, the inflated air cushion provides for an improved insulation compared to the flexible first and second wall portions, as such.

The pressure within the cushion may be 0.001 to 0.1 bar, or 0.002 to 0.05 bar or 0.002 to 0.005 bar above the environmental pressure of the roll door system.

The roll door system further comprises a flexible bottom profile and at least one side frame element. The flexible botom profile is in ground contact in case the roll door curtain is in its closed position (i.e. the roll door curtain is closed). The flexible botom profile may provide for an improved sealing between the roll door curtain and the flooring (or a respective lateral side wall) in case the roll door curtain is in its closed position. Further, the flexible botom profile may include at least one sensor, which is adapted to sense a contact and/or an upcoming contact between the roll door curtain and a person, an object and/or a vehicle passing the roll door or being located in the door opening. In case a contact or an upcoming contact is sensed, the actual movement of the door can be reversed, stopped or slowed down.

The at least one side frame element is adapted to guide a movement of the roll door curtain from the closed position to the open position and/or vice versa (closing and opening movement of the roll door curtain). Typically, at least two side frame elements are provided on lateral sides of the roll door curtain, so as to guide the closing and opening movement. It is to be noted, that the closing and opening movement may e.g. be an upward/downward movement or a left side/right side movement. Accordingly, the side frame elements may be oriented substantially vertically or substantially horizontally.

The roll door system further comprises an air flow device. The air flow device, provides an air flow to the air inlet opening of the cushion and/or to the flexible botom profile and/or the at least one side frame element.

It is to be noted that multiple air flow devices may be provided. A first air flow device may provide an air flow to an air inlet opening of the cushion, while a second air flow device may generate an airflow onto/over the outside of the roll door curtain. Hence, the first air flow device may serve for pressurizing the cushion. At the same time icing inside the cushion may be prevented. The second air flow device may prevent icing on the outside of the roll door curtain. The air flow device(s) may be positioned freely. For example, an air flow device may be provided at a first or second side of the roll door curtain, or may be integrated in a structure of the roll door system, e.g. a side frame element.

Further, via ducts being in communication with the air flow device(s) the air flow may be sucked in and/or discharged out at different positions. The ducts may include valves, distributors and/or couplings so that air can be sucked in/discharged at different position, optionally with different flow rates. In a particular aspect, the different flow rates are achieved without using valves. For achieving different flow rates ducts and/or nozzles may be provided having respective dimensions (length and/or cross section) and/or the fan speeds may be adjustable.

The air flow into the cushion not only pressurizes the cushion but also prevents the icing of the roll door curtain. Further, the air flow to the flexible bottom prevents the flexible bottom profile from icing. Thus, freezing on the ground can be prevented. Further, it can be prevented that the flexible bottom profile becomes rigid (due to icing). In other words, the flexible bottom profile remains flexible even in low temperature environments, thereby reducing the risk of damaging objects/vehicles in case of a collision and the risk of harming people.

Further, by directing an air flow to the side frame element, icing of the side frame element can be prevented so that the roll door curtain can be operated reliably even in low temperature environments.

In a particular aspect, the air flow may be guided into the cushion (via the air inlet opening) and through the flexible bottom profile and/or through the at least one side frame element. For example, the flexible bottom profile/the at least one side frame element may include at least one air guiding duct, which may be formed at least in part by the flexible bottom profile (or the at least one side frame element respectively) and/or the roll door curtain. The air flow may be guided through the flexible bottom profile and/or through the at least one side frame element prior to entering the inlet opening of the cushion and/or after leaving the air outlet opening. Further, parallel air flows may be established. For example, an air flow may be provided that goes at first through a first side frame element and is then directed to the air inlet opening of cushion and in parallel to the bottom profile. After leaving the outlet opening of the cushion, the air flow may be guided through a second side frame element and/or other parts of the roll door system. It is to be noted that this way of guiding the air flow with in the roll door system is only exemplarily. Further non-limiting ways of guiding the air flow within the roll door system are given in more detail below.

The air flow device may be adapted to provide, direct and/or control the air flow. Accordingly, the air flow device may include at least one fan and/or pump. The at least one fan and/or pump may be adapted to provide the air flow. Particularly, the at least one fan/pump may also direct and/or control the air flow.

For example, the air flow device may include a first fan/pump being assigned to the air inlet opening of the cushion and a second fan/pump being assigned to the air outlet opening of the cushion, wherein at least one of the first and second fans/pumps is adapted to change its air flow direction. The at least one fan may be an axial fan (where air flows parallel to the axis of rotation) or a centrifugal fan (where air flows perpendicular to the axis of rotation). The at least one pump may be a piston pump or a membrane pump.

According to a further aspect, at least one fan/pump of the air flow device may be assigned to the flexible bottom profile, to the at least one side frame element and/or to an outer face of the roll door curtain.

Further, the fan/pump may be an intake fan/pump and/or an exhaust fan/pump. It is to be understood, that the air flow device may include a combination of different fans and/or pumps. For controlling the air flow, speed (e.g. 0% to 100%) and direction (e.g. intake direction or exhaust direction) of the fan/pump may be adjusted.

For example, the flow direction of the first and second fan (or pump) may be directed into the cushion (i.e. the cushion is rapidly filled with air), or the flow direction of the first fan is directed into the cushion and the flow direction of the second fan is directed out of the cushion (i.e. the cushion may be constantly pressurized), or the flow direction of the first and second fan may be directed out of the cushion (i.e. the cushion is rapidly emptied).

The air flow device may further include at least one duct. The at least one duct may be at least partially integrally formed by the roll door curtain, the flexible bottom profile and/or the side frame element and/or combinations thereof. For example, at least one side frame element may sandwich a lateral section of the roll door curtain, wherein the roll door curtain and the side frame element build an air flow duct. Further, separate ducts may be provided, such as pipes and/or hoses. By designing and arranging the at least one duct, the air flow can be directed to specific parts of the roll door system, e.g. to the roll door curtain, to the flexible bottom profile and/or the side frame element(s). The at least one duct can be equipped with a damper and/or an adjustable fan to control and/or redirect the air flow.

The air flow device may further include at least one nozzle. The at least one nozzle may direct, accelerate and/or shape the air flow. In a particular aspect, a nozzle may be provided for focusing the air flow on to a particular part of the roll door system (e.g. the bottom profile) or for dispersing the air flow substantially evenly (e.g. onto an outer face of the roll door curtain).

The air flow device may further include at least one valve. The at least one valve may be adapted to direct or control the air flow.

The air flow may be directed to at least one of the air inlet opening of the roll door curtain, the at least one side frame element, the flexible bottom profile, an outer face of the first flexible wall portion and/or an outer face of the second flexible wall portion.

Further, the at least one air inlet opening of the cushion may be provided in a first lower lateral section (e.g. a first edge of the roll door curtain or a lower third of the roll door curtain) and/or in a bottom section of the roll door curtain. In a particular aspect, the at least one air inlet opening may be provided on a first lower comer of the roll door curtain. The at least one air outlet opening may be provided in a second lower lateral section (e.g. a second edge of the roll door curtain, opposite to the first edge or a lower third of the roll door curtain) being opposite to the first lower lateral section and/or in a bottom section of the roll door curtain opposite to the air inlet opening. In a particular aspect, the at least one air outlet opening may be provided at a second lower comer of the roll door curtain, wherein the second comer being opposite to the first comer. Thus, the air flow being provided to the air inlet opening passes the cushion from the first lateral section to the second, opposite lateral section. Within the cushion, the air flow may be guided by respective guiding means. This allows a proper deicing and/or preventing the icing of the roll door curtain.

In a particular aspect, the air inlet opening and/or the air outlet opening may be in direct air flow communication with the flexible bottom profile and/or the at least one side frame element. Thus, the air flow may not only serve for a proper deicing and/or preventing the icing of the roll door curtain but also of the flexible bottom profile and/or the at least one side frame element. The air flow may be guided over and/or within the flexible bottom profile and/or the at least one side frame element. Even further, the air flow (or at least parts thereof) may be circulated. Accordingly, at least a portion of the air flow leafing the air outlet opening is guided back (directly or indirectly) to the air inlet opening, thereby saving energy for e.g. accelerating the air flow, heating the air flow and/or dehumidifying the air flow. The roll door system may further comprise at least one port. The port being adapted to couple with the air inlet opening and/or the air outlet opening so as to provide a direct air flow communication with the air inlet opening and/or the air outlet opening. Optionally, the air inlet opening and/or the air outlet opening may include a counter port. The counter port being adapted to couple with the port of the roll door system. For example, an air intake duct of the air flow device may include a first port being assigned to the counter port of the air inlet opening and an air exhaust duct of the air flow device may include a second port being assigned to the counter port of the air outlet opening. During or after having closed the roll door curtain, the ports and counter ports may couple and a direct air flow communication from the air intake duct to the air inlet opening and/or from the air outlet opening to the air exhaust duct is established, respectively. The coupling is preferably sealed so that there is no or barely no air flow leakage.

In a particular aspect, the at least one port is provided in or at the at least one side frame element. Thus, the not only the opening and closing movement is guided but also the coupling may be guided or at least supported by the at least one side frame element.

Further, the air flow device may receive air from a first side of the roll door curtain and/or a second side of the roll door curtain, wherein the second side being opposite to the first side, and wherein the first side may have a lower temperature than the second side. In other words, the first side may be cold side and the second side may be a warm side. It is to be noted that the terms “warm” and “cold” are to be understood relative. For example, the warm side may have a temperature higher than 0°C (e.g. about 20°C, or about 15°C, or about 5 °C) and the cold side may have a temperature of about -5 °C, of about -10 °C of about -15 °C, of about -20 °C, of about -25 °C or even about or below -30 °C. The temperature is measured in the respective rooms (spaces) separated by the roll door system. The air received by the air flow device is used for generating the air flow. For receiving the air, the air flow device may include at least one air intake opening at the warm and/or the cold side of the roll door curtain.

Further, the first side of the roll door curtain and the second side of the roll door curtain may have temperatures which are both blow 0°C (e.g. about -5 °C, about -10 °C, about -15 °C, about -20 °C, about -25 °C or even about or below -30 °C). Still there may be a warm side and a cold side. Further, both sides of the roll door curtain may have substantially the same temperature.

In a further aspect, the roll door system may include at least one heating device. The heating device is adapted to temper the air flow. Further, the heating device may be adapted to temper air received from the first side of the roll door curtain (e.g. the cold side). Thus icing can be effectively prevented or removed. For example, the air flow can be heated by the heating device by at least 5 °C, or by at least 10 °C, or by at least 15 ° C, or by at least 20 °C or by at least 25 °C or by at least 30°C. In a particular aspect, the heating device may be adapted to control the temperature of the tempered air. Thus, the air flow may be tempered in a way that the air flow leaving the air outlet opening has a minimum temperature greater than -10°C, or a minimum temperature greater than -5 °C, or a minimum temperature greater than 0°C, or a minimum temperature greater than 5 °C, or a minimum temperature greater than 10°C. Thus, icing can be effectively prevented or removed.

Further, the at least one heating device may be provided in the at least one side frame element. Accordingly, the heating device may be adapted to heat the air flow being guided through the side frame element.

The heating device may be an electric heater (e.g. including resistive heating elements), a heat pump and/or a fluid based heater guiding a tempered heating fluid, such as water or oil.

The roll door system may further include a dehumidifying device for dehumidifying the air flow. The dehumidifying device may be adapted to dehumidify air received from the second side of the roll door curtain, and/or wherein the heating device may be adapted to control the humidity level of the dehumidified air. Using a dehumidified air flow allows to prevent icing even if the temperature of the air flow is below 0°C, as moisture can be effectively removed from the roll door curtain, particularly the cushion, the side frame element(s) and/or the flexible bottom profile.

For example, the air flow can be dehumidified by the dehumidifying device by at least 10%, or by at least 25%, or by at least 50%, or by at least 90 %. Further, the air flow may be dehumidified in a way that the air flow entering the air inlet opening has a maximum humidity of at most 25 %, or of at most 15% or of at most 10% or of at most 5% or of at most 1 %. Thus, icing can be effectively prevented.

Further, the dehumidifying device may be configured for dehumidifying a portion of the air flow only. For example, only air taken from the warmer side of the roll door curtain may be dehumidified, thereby saving energy. Even further, only a portion of the air flow, that is taken from the warmer side of the roll door curtain and that is guided into the cushion and/or onto the outer surface of the roll door curtain on the colder side may be dehumidified.

The air flow device may further comprise at least one drive. Wherein the drive of the air flow device may be adapted to be controlled to provide a desired air flow, e.g. a predefined, constant air flow rate. Further, the drive may be controlled to provide an air flow rate that varies over time. Said drive may a fan’s drive. The air flow rate may be in a range between 50 m³/h and 250 m³/h, or in a range between 80 m³/h and 200 m³/h, or about 150 m³/h. Further, the rotation direction of the drive may be reversed, so as to reverse the direction of the airflow or at least of parts of the air flow.

Further, the drive may be controlled to provide a desired pressure with the cushion and/or a desired air outflow rate. For example, immediately after closing the roll door curtain, the desired air flow may be set to a first value (e.g. 180m³/h), thereby inflating the cushion. After a certain amount of time (e.g. 20 seconds), or after having reached a predefined pressure level within the cushion, the air flow may be reduced to a second value (e.g. 100 m³/h).

Additionally, or alternatively, the air flow device may include at least one controlled valve that is adapted to be controlled to provide a constant air flow. Said valve may act as damper and/or may be used to redirect the air flow. For example, the controlled valve may allow to control the amount of air flow being direct to either ones of the inlet opening, the flexible bottom profile and/or at least one side frame element and/or leaving the air out let opening.

As outlined above, controlling the air flow is also possible without using valves, as different air flow rates may be achieved by providing ducts and/or nozzles having respective dimensions (length and/or cross section) and/or the fan speeds may be adjustable.

Further, the at least one air outlet opening may be configured to provide a predefined outlet air flow, and/or wherein a port being assigned to the air outlet opening may be configured to provide a predefined outlet air flow. Thus, the pressure level within the cushion can be controlled (together with the air flow entering the cushion). For example, the port may include a controllable valve. Thus, by widening/closing the air outlet opening, the outlet air flow can be adjusted or even controlled.

In a further aspect, the air flow device may be adapted to provide an air flow onto an outer face of the first flexible wall portion and/or an outer face of the second flexible wall portion. For providing an air flow onto an outer face of the first flexible wall portion and/or an outer face of the second flexible wall portion additional fan(s) and/or nozzle(s) may be provided.

In a particular aspect, the air flow may be guided within the cushion from top to bottom (or vice versa) and on an outer face or the outer faces from bottom to top. Further, the outer air flow may be directed sideward. In a particular aspect, the air flow onto the outer face of the first and/or second flexible wall portion may be guided by the at least one side frame element. In this aspect, the at least one side frame element may be configured to receive an air flow from the air flow device and to distribute the received air flow onto the outer face of the first and/or second flexible wall portion (e.g. via one or multiple nozzles) and optionally into the cushion (e.g. using a port).

Further, the at least one side frame element may be configured to receive the air flow at a lower section of the side frame element (e.g. at ground level) and to output the air flow onto the outer face of the first and/or second flexible wall portion at at least one upper section of the side frame element. The air flow onto the outer face of the first and/or second flexible wall portion may exit the at least one side frame element via nozzles, being arranged at different heights. This allows to distribute the air flow uniformly.

Further, the air flow leaving the at least one air outlet opening may be directed to the at least one of

• the air inlet opening of the roll door curtain;

• the at least one side frame element;

• the flexible bottom profile;

• the outer face of the first flexible wall portion, and/or

• the outer face of the second flexible wall portion.

Thus, the air flow (or at least parts thereof) may be circulated. This may be a direct or an indirect circulation. In case of a direct circulation, the air flow is directed directly to the air inlet opening after having left the air outlet opening. In case of an indirect circulation, the air flow may pass further components of the roll door system. Further, at least one air outlet opening of the cushion may be provided at an upper section of the roll door curtain, when the curtain is closed. Thus, an air flow onto an outer face of the flexible wall portion(s) can be created. To properly direct the air flow (e.g. downwards onto an outer face), nozzle(s) may be assigned to this air outlet opening. The nozzles may be integrally formed in the respective flexible wall portion or may attached thereon. For example, the nozzle may at least partially be formed of a flexible material (e.g. a PVC film), that is attached to the flexible wall portion, e.g. by welding, gluing, suturing and/or the like.

Likewise, at least one air outlet opening of the cushion may be provided at a lower section of the roll door curtain (e.g. in close proximity to the flexible bottom profile or in the flexible bottom profile), when the curtain is closed. Thus, an air flow onto an outer face of the flexible wall portion(s) can be created. To properly direct the air flow (e.g. upwards onto an outer face), nozzle(s) may be assigned to this air outlet opening. The nozzles may be integrally formed in the respective flexible wall portion or may attached thereon, or the nozzles may be provided at or in the flexible bottom profile.

Further, the roll door curtain may comprise at least one flexible spacing element, such as a fiber, a thread, a ribbon, an internal flexible wall and/or the like. Combinations of different flexible spacing elements may also be provided.

The at least one flexible spacing element connects the first flexible wall portion and the second flexible wall portion so as to limit a distance between the first flexible wall portion and the second flexible wall portion when the cushion is filled with air. In a particular aspect multiple spacing elements are provided. Hence, the first and second flexible wall portions can be arranged substantially parallel to each other, when the cushion is pressurized. For example, the roll door curtain may be a drop-stitch curtain. In a drop-stitch curtain, the first and second flexible wall portions are joined by a multitude of threads or stitches. These threads create a reinforced structure that can withstand high internal pressure when inflated.

Further, the flexible spacing elements prevent a deformation of the roll door curtain even under high pressures within the cushion. Even further, the roll door curtain with inflated cushion can withstand higher wind loads and higher air flow rates onto the outer face of the first and/or second flexible wall portion. Thus, air flows into the cushion and onto the outer surface(s) can be chosen so as to prevent icing effectively. As the inflated roll door curtain is very stable, high air flow rates to the outer surfaces can be provided.

Further, the at least one flexible spacing element may guide the air flow through the cushion. For example, a duct may be formed within the cushion, that connects the air inlet opening with the air outlet opening, thereby defining the path of the airflow within the cushion.

In a particular aspect, the roll door curtain includes a plastic foil, a non-woven and/or a fabric, wherein the roll door curtain may be a PVC curtain or may be PVC based curtain. In a further aspect, the roll door curtain may be a TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) curtain or may be TPE based curtain. The TPE may include at least one of

• Styrenic block copolymers, TPS

• Thermoplastic polyolefinelastomers, TPO

• Thermoplastic Vulcanizates, TPV

• Thermoplastic polyurethanes, TPU

• Thermoplastic copolyester, TPC

• Thermoplastic polyamides, TPA. For example, at least the first and second flexible wall portions may be PVC based. In a further aspect, the roll door curtain may be formed by a seamless sleeve, the seamless sleeve including the first and second wall portions. This allows to provide a robust curtain, as no lateral sutures, welding or gluing seams and/or the like are required.

Further, the roll door system may include one top or side roll for rolling up and unrolling the roll door curtain. Hence, the roll door curtain may be rolled on a single roll.

Further the roll door curtain may comprise at least one window section (e.g. in form of a transparent or semitransparent foil portion). The window section may have any shape, e.g. circular or rectangular.

Further, the object is achieved by a method for operating a roll door system as described above. The method includes closing a roll door curtain, and while or after closing the roll door curtain providing an air flow to the air inlet opening of the cushion and optionally to the air outlet opening of the cushion, and providing an air flow to the flexible bottom profile and/or the at least one side frame element. Thus icing can be reduced or even prevented.

Further, by providing an air flow to the air inlet opening of the cushion and to the air outlet opening of the cushion while or after closing the roll door curtain allows to rapidly fill the cushion with air (compared to filling the cushion only via the air inlet opening).

The method may further include providing an air flow onto the outer face of the first and/or second flexible wall portion, wherein the air flow onto the outer face of the first and/or second flexible wall portion may be guided by the at least one side frame element. In this aspect, the at least one side frame element receives an air flow from the air flow device and distributes the received air flow onto the outer face of the first and/or second flexible wall portion and optionally into the cushion. In a particular aspect, the at least one side frame element may receive the air flow at a lower section of the side frame element and may output the air flow onto the outer face of the first and/or second flexible wall portion at at least one upper section of the side frame element.

The method may further include opening a roll door curtain, and while or prior to opening the roll door curtain retracting an air flow from the air inlet opening of the curtain and the air outlet opening of the curtain. This allows to rapidly emptying the cushion (compared to refracting the air via the air outlet opening, only). Thus, the door can be opened faster.

Brief description of the figures

The present disclosure will be more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description when being considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic front view of a roll door system, wherein the roll door curtain is opened;

Fig. 2 shows a schematic front view of a roll door system, wherein the roll door curtain is closed;

Fig. 3 shows a schematic cut view of a roll door system;

Fig. 4 shows a schematic detailed cut view of a roll door system;

Fig. 5 shows a schematic detailed cut view of a further roll door system;

Fig. 6 shows a schematic air flow diagram of a roll door system at an air inlet side;

Fig. 7 shows a schematic air flow diagram of a roll door system at an air outlet side; Fig. 8 A shows a schematic view of a roll door system, the roll door curtain getting filled with air;

Fig. 8B shows a schematic view of a roll door system, the roll door curtain is filled with air;

Fig. 8C shows a schematic view of a roll door system, the roll door curtain being emptied;

Fig. 9 shows a further schematic view of a roll door system;

Fig. 10 shows a further schematic view of a roll door system;

Fig. 11 shows a further schematic view of a roll door system, and

Fig. 12 shows a further schematic view of a roll door system.

Detailed description of the figures

Figs. 1 and 2 show a roll door system 1 in different opening states. While Fig. 1 shows the roll door system 1 in an open state, Fig. 2 shows a roll door system 1 havening a closed roll door curtain.

The roll door system 1 comprises a roll door curtain 10 and a top roll 20 for rolling up and unrolling the roll door curtain 10. The top roll 20 is attached to a wall 110 with brackets (not shown) above a door opening 100. It has to be noted that the figures are only schematically. The size ratio of the top roll 20 to the door opening 100 should be understood as exemplary only and in no way limiting. It is possible, for example, that the top roll 20 has a significantly smaller and/or larger diameter in relation to the door opening 100 than shown in the figures.

The top roll 20 is an actuated top roll, i.e. the top roll 20 is driven by an actuator 30, such as electric drive. Said electric drive may be connected via a shaft 32 and/or a gearing with a shaft of the top roll 20. When being actuated, the top roll 20 rotates around axis A.

Depending on the direction of rotation, the roll door curtain 10 is unrolled and the roll door curtain 10 closes the door opening 100 at least partially (cf. Fig. 2) In case the direction of rotation is reversed, the roll door curtain 10 is rolled up and the door opens (again), cf. Fig. 1.

Further, the unrolling and up rolling can be guided by first and side frame elements 42, 44, which may be guide rails. A flexible bottom profile 16 may be provided on a bottom edge of the roll door curtain 10, that serves for sealing the roll door curtain 10 against the bottom.

Further, the roll door system 1 comprises an air flow device 70. The air flow device can be positioned e.g. on a first (colder) or a second (warmer) side of the roll door curtain. The air flow device 70, provides an air flow to an air inlet opening of a cushion 15 formed by the first and second flexible wall portions 12, 14 and to the flexible bottom profile 16 and/or the at least one side frame element 42, 44 (as shown in Figs. 4-11).

Further, the roll door system 1 includes at least one heating device 76 which may be part of the air flow device 70. The heating device 76 is adapted to temper the air flow 90. In an alternative aspect, or additionally the at least one heating device may be provided in the at least one side frame element 42, 44. For example, resistive heating elements may be provided in or at the at least one side frame element, thereby heating the side frame element. The air flow may pass the heated side frame element and may get tempered. After being tempered, the air flow may be guided to the air inlet opening. The roll door system 1 may further include a dehumidifying device 78 for dehumidifying the air flow. Thus, icing can be prevented or even removed.

As best shown in Fig. 3, the roll door curtain 10 comprises a first flexible wall portion 12 and a second flexible wall portion 14. The first flexible wall portion 12 faces away from the wall opening 100, while the second flexible wall portion 14 faces the wall opening 100. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the first flexible wall portion 12 faces a first side 102, which may be a cold side of the roll door system. The second flexible wall portion 14 faces a second side 104, which may be a warm side of the roll door system.

The first and second flexible wall portions 12, 14 form a cushion 15 that is adapted to filled with air, i.e. pressurized (e.g. via air flow device 70) when the roll-door curtain 10 is at least partially unrolled. An air flow guided through this cushion 15 prevents the roll door curating from icing. Further, the air flow is guided through and/or onto at least one of the at least one side frame element 42, 44, the flexible bottom profile (16), the outer face of the first flexible wall portion 12, and/or the outer face of the second flexible wall portion 14.

In Fig. 3, the side frame elements 42, 44 have a substantially U-formed cross section. This U-form receives a lateral section of the roll door curtain so that a duct 82 is formed. This duct 82 serves for guiding the airflow towards the air inlet opening of the cushion and/or away from the air outlet opening of the cushion.

Further, the roll door curtain 10 comprises multiple flexible spacing elements 18 (e.g. threads of a drop stich curtain). The flexible spacing elements 18 connect the first flexible wall portion 12 and the second flexible wall portion 14 and thereby limit a distance between the first flexible wall portion 12 and the second flexible wall portion 14 when the cushion 15 is pressurized. The thickness of the roll door curtain is defined by the length of the flexible spacing elements 18.

The flexible spacing elements 18 prevent a deformation of the roll door curtain 10 even under high pressures within the cushion. Even further, the inflated roll door curtain 10 can withstand higher wind loads and higher air flow rates onto the outer face of the first and/or second flexible wall portion, without getting substantially deformed.

Further, the flexible spacing elements 18 may be arranged to guide the air flow along a predefine path through the cushion.

In Fig. 4, a possible path of the air flow 90 is shown, which may include partial air flows 90a to 90f. The roll door system and in particular the roll door curtain 10 is assigned to a wall opening 100 being provided in a wall 110. A first side 102 of the roll door curtain 10 is a cold side, wherein a second side 104 of the roll door curtain 10 is a warm side. In Fig. 4, the air flow device receives air from the warm side 104 via air intake ducts 82a, 82b and provides an air flow 90. The air flow 90 includes partial air flows 90a to 90f. The partial air flow 90a is directed to a side frame element 42. The partial air flow 90b is directed into the cushion 15. The partial air flow 90c is directed into the flexible bottom profile 16 and/or onto an outer face of the flexible wall portion 14 of the curtain 10. The partial air flow 90d is directed to a side frame element 44. The partial air flow 90e is directed into the cushion 15. The partial air flow 90f is into the flexible bottom profile 16 and/or onto an outer face of the flexible wall portion 14 of the curtain 10.

In Fig. 5, a further possible path of the air flow 90’ is shown, which may include partial air flows 90a’ to 90f . The roll door system and in particular the roll door curtain 10 is assigned to a wall opening 100 being provided in a wall 110. A first side 102 of the roll door curtain 10 is a cold side, wherein a second side 104 of the roll door curtain 10 is a warm side. In Fig. 5, the air flow device receives air from the warm side 104 via air intake duct 82c and air from the air from the cold side 102 via air intake duct 82a. The air received from the cold side 102 may be tempered via a heating device and the air received from the warm side 104 may be dehumidified using a dehumidifying device. It is to be noted that in other embodiments air may be received from the warm or cold sides only. As cold air typically contains less moisture than warm air, this cold air is particularly suited for being guided into the cushion of the roll door curtain. Further, as cold air typically has low humidity, dehumidifying is not absolutely necessary, while heating is optional.

The air flow 90’ includes partial air flows 90a’ to 90f . The partial air flow 90a’ is directed to a side frame element 42. The partial air flow 90b’ is directed into the cushion 15. The partial air flow 90c’ is directed into the flexible bottom profile 16 and/or onto an outer face of the flexible wall portion 12 of the curtain 10. The partial air flow 90d’ is directed to a side frame element 44. The partial air flow 90e’ is directed into the cushion 15. The partial air flow 90f’ is into the flexible bottom profile 16 and/or onto an outer face of the flexible wall portion 12 of the curtain 10.

It is to be noted that the air flow 90, 90’ and in particular the partial air flows 90a to 90f (90a’ to 90f , respectively) may be generated by a common fan or pump or by individual fans and/or pumps. For example, air partial flow 90a and partial flow 90b may have a common source (e.g. a common fan or pump) and air flow 90c may have an individual source (e.g. a fan or pump). Likewise, partial flow 90b and partial flow 90c may have a common source or partial flow 90a and partial flow 90c may have a common source.

Further, the air flow / the partial air flows may be guided, directed and/or controlled by fans, pumps, ducts, valves, dampers, nozzles and/or the like. In a particular aspect, at least one of the partial air flows shown in Fig. 4 or 5 may be reversed.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic air flow diagram of a roll door system at an air inlet side and Fig. 7 shows a schematic air flow diagram of a roll door system at an air outlet side.

As shown in Fig. 6, a fan 79 or a pump of the air flow device 70 may provide an air flow 90 which may be separated into partial air flows 90a, 90b, 90c. The partial air flow 90a is directed towards the side frame element 44, wherein the partial air flow 90c is directed towards the bottom profile 16. The partial air flow 90b is directed via the air inlet opening 72 into the cushion of the curtain 10. The airflow 90 may be generated from air received form the cold and/or warm side of the roll door system.

In Fig. 7 the air outlet opening 74 is shown, which may be arranged on an opposite side of the air inlet opening. The partial air flow 90b that has passed the cushion of curtain 10 is divided in partial air flows 90z and 90y. The partial air flow 90y is directed towards the side frame element 42, wherein the partial air flow 90z is directed towards the bottom profile 16. It is to be understood, that the partial air flow 90y and 90z could also be generated by additional fans/pumps of the air flow device.

Figs. 8A to 8C show different modes of operating the roll door system 1. The roll door system 1 may be the system described with respect to Figs. 1 and 2. The system 1 comprises a curtain 10, a flexible bottom profile 16, at least two side frame element 42, 44 and a top roll 20.

As shown in Figs. 8A to 8C, an air inlet opening 72 is provided on a first lower comer of the roll door curtain 10 and an air outlet opening 74 is provided at a second lower comer of the roll door curtain, wherein the second comer being opposite to the first comer.

In Fig. 8A the curtain was just closed. After or while the closing of the roll door curtain 10 an air flow 90 is provided, that enters the cushion of the roll door curtain 10 via the air inlet opening 72 of the cushion and via the air outlet opening 74 of the cushion. Thus, the cushion can be rapidly filled. Additionally, the air flow may be directed to the flexible bottom profile 16 and/or the at least one side frame elements 42, 44.

In Fig. 8B, the roll door curtain 10 is filled with air. The air flow enters the cushion of the roll door curtain 10 at the air inlet opening and leaves the cushion at the air outlet opening. Compared to Fig. 8 A, the air outlet flow is reversed.

In Fig. 8C, also the air inlet flow is reversed. Thus, air is retracted via the air outlet opening 74 and via the air inlet opening 72. This allows a fast emptying of the cushion. After or while being emptied, the curtain can be rolled up.

In a particular aspect, if e.g. a vehicle or a person intends to pass the door, the roll door curtain 10 is opened. Just with the beginning (or even before, or slightly after) of the opening movement, the air flow into the cushion 15 is stopped or even reversed. Thus, there is no need to delay the opening of the roll door curtain 10 until it is emptied.

In Fig. 9 an alternative configuration of the roll door system is shown. Here, an air intake duct 82d is provided above the door opening, in close proximity to the top roll 20. . An air flow can be sucked in via the air intake duct82d by means of a duct 82 and a fan 79. The air flow is the directed towards the air inlet opening 72, to the flexible bottom profile 16 and/or to the side frame element 44.

In Fig. 10 two air inlet openings 72a, 72b are provided at respective lower comers of the curtain 10. Via fans 79a, 79b (or pumps) an air flow is generated and provided to the air inlet openings 72a, 72b and to the flexible bottom profile 16 and/or to the side frame elements 42, 44, respectively. At an upper section of the curtain and/or on lateral sections of the curtain, at least one or multiple (at least two) air outlet openings 74a to 74f are provided. The air outlet openings 74a to 74f are position to provide a substantially uniform air flow through the cushion of the curtain 10.

Fig. 11 shows a further schematic view of a roll door system. Within or at the side frame elements 42, 44 additional fans or nozzles 80 may be provided to generate an air flow through the respective side frame elements 42, 44. Further, additional nozzles and/or fans 79 may be provided that generate an air flow onto an outer face of the curtain. Even further, these air flows may be tempered using additional heating devices (not shown) or may be dehumidified using additional dehumidifying devices (not shown).

Fig. 12 shows a further schematic view of a roll door system 1. As shown, the air flow device (not shown) is adapted to provide an air flow onto an outer face of the first flexible wall portion and/or an outer face of the second flexible wall portion of the roll door curtain 10.

The air flow onto the outer face of the first and/or second flexible wall portion is guided by the at least one side frame element 42, 44. Here, both side frame elements provide a respective air flow, however the air flow onto the outer faces of the first and/or second flexible wall portions may be guide by one side frame element only. Further, the first side frame element 42 may provide an airflow onto the outer face of the first flexible wall portion and the second side frame element 44 may provide an airflow onto the outer face of the second flexible wall portion.

The at least one side frame element 42, 44 is configured to receive an air flow from the air flow device via nozzle 80 and to distribute the received air flow onto the outer face of the first and/or second flexible wall portion and optionally into the cushion (e.g. via a port).

As shown, the nozzle 80 is provided at ground level so that the at least one side frame element 42, 44 is configured to receive the air flow at a lower section of the side frame element 42, 44. Output nozzles 79a, 79b, 79c, 79d are provided at upper sections of the side frame elements 42, 44. This allows outputting the air flow onto the outer face of the first and/or second flexible wall portion at upper sections and to provide an even air flow distribution over the entire roll door curtain 10. The present invention may, of course, be carried out in other ways than those specifically set forth herein without departing from essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

List of reference signs

1 roll door system

10 roll door curtain

12 first flexible wall portion (first curtain layer)

14 second flexible wall portion (second curtain layer)

15 cushion

16 bottom profile

18 flexible spacing element

20 top roll

30 actuator

32 shaft

42 first side frame element

44 second side frame element

70 air flow device

72 air inlet opening

74 air outlet opening

76 heating device

78 dehumidifying device

79 fan

79a nozzle

79b nozzle

79c nozzle

79d nozzle

80 nozzle

82 duct

82a intake duct

82b intake duct 90 air flow

100 door opening

102 first side (cold)

104 second side (warm) 110 wall

A axis of rotation

Claims

1. A roll door system (1) particularly for low temperature environments, the roll door system (1) comprising a multi-layer roll door curtain (10), the multi-layer roll door curtain (10) being movable from a closed position to an open position by rolling the multi-layer roll door curtain (10) up, so as to open a door opening (100) at least partially, the multi-layer roll door curtain including a first flexible wall portion (12) and a second flexible wall portion (14), the first and second flexible wall portions (12, 14) forming a cushion (15), the cushion (15) having at least one air inlet opening (72) and at least one air outlet opening (74); the roll door system (1) further comprising a flexible bottom profile (16) and at least one side frame element (42, 44), and an air flow device (70), wherein the flexible bottom profile (16) is in ground contact in case the roll door curtain (10) is in its closed position, and wherein the at least one side frame element (42, 44) is adapted to guide a movement of the roll door curtain (10) from the closed position to the open position and/or vice versa, wherein the air flow device (70), provides an air flow (90) to the air inlet opening (72) of the cushion (15) and/or to the flexible bottom profile (16) and/or the at least one side frame element (42, 44).

2. The roll door system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the air flow (90) is guided through the flexible bottom profile (16) and/or through the at least one side frame element (42, 44).

3. The roll door system (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least one air inlet opening (72) is provided in a first lower lateral section and/or in a bottom section of the roll door curtain (10), particularly at a first lower comer of the roll door curtain, and wherein the at least one air outlet opening (74) is provided in a second lower lateral section being opposite to the first lower lateral section and/or in a bottom section of the roll door curtain (10) opposite to the air inlet opening (72), particularly at a second lower comer of the roll door curtain (10), the second comer being opposite to the first comer.

4. The roll door system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the air inlet opening (72) and/or the air outlet opening (74) are in direct air flow communication with the flexible bottom profile (16) and/or the at least one side frame element (42, 44).

5. The roll door system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the roll door system (1) further comprises at least one port, the port being adapted to couple with the air inlet opening (72) and/or the air outlet opening (74) so as to provide a direct air flow communication with the air inlet opening and/or the air outlet opening, and wherein optionally, the air inlet opening (72) and/or the air outlet opening (74) include a counter port, being adapted to couple with the port of the roll door system (1).

6. The roll door system (1) according to claim 5, wherein the at least one port is provided in or at the at least one side frame element (42, 44).

7. The roll door system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the air flow device (70) receives air from a first side (102) of the roll door curtain (10) and/or a second side (104) of the roll door curtain (10), the second side being opposite to the first side, and wherein the first side having a lower temperature than the second side.

8. The roll door system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the roll door system (1) includes at least one heating device (76) for tempering the air flow, wherein the heating device (76) may be adapted to temper air received from the first side (102) of the roll door curtain (10), and/or wherein the heating device (76) may be adapted to control the temperature of the air flow (90).

9. The roll door system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the roll door system (1) includes a dehumidifying device (78) for dehumidifying the air flow (90), wherein the dehumidifying device (78) may be adapted to dehumidify air received from the second side (104) of the roll door curtain (10), and/or wherein the heating device (78) may be adapted to control the humidity level of the air flow (90).

10. The roll door system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a drive of the air flow device (70) is adapted to be controlled to provide a predefined air flow and/or wherein the air flow device (70) includes at least one controlled valve that is adapted to be controlled to provide a constant air flow.

11. The roll door system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one air outlet opening (74) is configured to provide a predefined outlet air flow, and/or wherein a port being assigned to the air outlet opening (74) is configured to provide a predefined outlet air flow.

12. The roll door system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the air flow device (70) is adapted to provide an air flow onto an outer face of the first flexible wall portion (12) and/or an outer face of the second flexible wall portion (14).

13. The roll door system (1) according to claim 12, wherein the air flow onto the outer face of the first and/or second flexible wall portion (12, 14) is guided by the at least one side frame element (42, 44), wherein the at least one side frame element (42, 44) is configured to receive an air flow from the air flow device (70) and to distribute the received air flow onto the outer face of the first and/or second flexible wall portion (12, 14) and optionally into the cushion.

14. The roll door system (1) according to claim 13, wherein the at least one side frame element (42, 44) is configured to receive the air flow at a lower section of the side frame element (42, 44) and to output the air flow onto the outer face of the first and/or second flexible wall portion (12, 14) at at least one upper section of the side frame element (42, 44).

15. The roll door system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the air flow leaving the at least one air outlet opening (74) is directed to at least one of the air inlet opening (72) of the roll door curtain; the at least one side frame element (42, 44); the flexible bottom profile (16); the outer face of the first flexible wall portion (12), and/or the outer face of the second flexible wall portion (14).

16. The roll door system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein at least one air outlet opening (74) of the cushion (15) is provided at an upper section of the roll door curtain (10), when the curtain is closed.

17. The roll door system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein at least one heating device (76) is provided in the at least one side frame element (42, 44), the heating device being adapted to heat the air flow being guided through the side frame element (10).

18. The roll door system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the air flow device (70) includes at least one fan (79) and/or pump for providing, controlling and/or directing the air flow; at least one duct for directing the air flow; at least one valve for directing and/or controlling the air flow, and/or at least one nozzle (80) for directing the air flow, wherein the air flow may be directed to at least one of the air inlet opening (72) of the roll door curtain; the air outlet opening (74) of the roll door curtain; the at least one side frame element (42, 44); the flexible bottom profile (16); the outer face of the first flexible wall portion (12), and/or the outer face of the second flexible wall portion (14).

19. The roll door system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the air flow device (70) includes a first fan being assigned to the air inlet opening of the cushion and a second fan being assigned to the air outlet opening of the cushion, wherein at least one of the first and second fans is adapted to change its air flow direction.

20. The roll door system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the at least one side frame element (42, 44) sandwiches a lateral section of the roll door curtain (10), wherein the roll door curtain and the side frame element build an air flow duct (82).

21. The roll door system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the roll door curtain (10) further comprises at least one flexible spacing element (18), the at least one flexible spacing element (18) connecting the first flexible wall portion (12) and the second flexible wall portion (14) so as to limit a distance between the first flexible wall portion (12) and the second flexible wall portion (14) when the cushion (15) is filled with air; and wherein the at least one flexible spacing element (18) may guide the air flow (90) through the cushion (15).

22. The roll door system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the roll door curtain (10) is a drop-stitch curtain.

23. The roll door system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the roll door curtain (10) includes a plastic foil, a non-woven and/or a fabric, wherein the roll door curtain may be a PVC curtain or may be a PVC based curtain, or wherein the roll door curtain may be a TPE curtain or may be a TPE based curtain.

24. The roll door system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the roll door curtain (10) may be formed by a seamless sleeve, the seamless sleeve including the first and second wall portions (12, 14).

25. The roll door system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 24, further comprising one top or side roll (20) for rolling up and unrolling the roll door curtain (10).

26. A method for operating a roll door system according to any one of claims 1 to 25, the method including closing a roll door curtain (10), and while or after closing the roll door curtain providing an air flow (90) to the air inlet opening (72) of the cushion and optionally to the air outlet opening (74) of the cushion, and providing an air flow (90) to the flexible bottom profile (16) and/or the at least one side frame element (42, 44).

27. The method for operating a roll door system (1) according to claim 26, further comprising providing an air flow onto the outer face of the first and/or second flexible wall portion (12, 14), wherein the air flow onto the outer face of the first and/or second flexible wall portion (12, 14) is guided by the at least one side frame element (42, 44), wherein the at least one side frame element (42, 44) receives an air flow from the air flow device (70) and distributes the received air flow onto the outer face of the first and/or second flexible wall portion (12, 14) and optionally into the cushion.

28. The method for operating a roll door system (1) according to claim 26 or 27, further including opening a roll door curtain (10), and while or prior to opening the roll door curtain (10) retracting an air flow (90) from the air inlet opening (72) of the curtain and the air outlet opening