Well      03/04/2020

Do-it-yourself electric motor for swing gates. Automatic swing gates. Selection and calculation of engines

Swing. In this article we will tell you how to make swing gates with your own hands, look at the example of making metal and automatic gates, and provide explanatory photos, diagrams and drawings.

Regardless of the chosen design, you reserve the right to choose the method of opening them - into the yard or out. Making swing gates is not difficult at all. Classic shape swing gates have a number of distinctive features:

  • Functionality.
  • Ease of use.
  • Compactness.
  • No beams or guide rollers.
  • There are no size restrictions.
  • Possibility to use different materials for the manufacture of.
  • Possibility to use all kinds of details for decoration.

Types of metal structures

Before you start making gates, it is important to decide on their design. The choice depends on the frequency of their use. Several types of gates can be made from metal; we will consider each separately.

This type of design is not as popular. They are one continuous fabric. In order for them to function well, the support pillar must be reliably strengthened, which will require a lot of money. If such gates are installed on a garage, then it is necessary to build a powerful metal frame and reinforced hinges. Moreover, the disadvantage is that it is necessary to provide sufficient space to open single-leaf swing gates.

The most common and convenient type swing gates. Without any effort, they can be made at home. Moreover, their design includes two identical canvases. Therefore, a frame is made from two frames, sheathed sheet material. Unlike the previous design, less free space is required to open.

For daily use, these gates are very convenient. Moreover, they are made according to the same principle as regular ones. double gates. The only difference is that you attach an additional beam and support to install the gate in the right place on one of the leaves. If a gate of this type is mounted on a garage, then a mortise type of gate is used. In this case, the required hole is cut out in one of the gate leaves and the door is installed.

Forged swing gates are made more for aesthetic effect. If the structure is made in the form of closed elements, then decorative forging is used, but is often used open type gate

As for the garage, it is mainly used for their construction closed type gate with separate elements forging

Regardless of the type of construction, garage doors can be insulated. Due to this, heat will be retained in the garage. And your car will not be subject to corrosion due to sudden temperature changes.

By following the guide below, you will be able to make metal swing gates with your own hands. But for this it is important to closely adhere to the drawing/diagram of the design you have chosen. If it is difficult for you to design your own drawing of swing gates, then at the end of the article you will find many diagrams that you can use as a basis. The basis of the gate will be a metal frame, the fastening of which is carried out in entrance opening. If you decide to make a gate in your yard, then you can immediately design a gate with a built-in wicket. But to do this, you will need to install strong poles that will support the weight of additional sashes. You also need to install supports, for this you will need:

  • building level and tape measure;
  • metal pipe 3 pcs. Ø 100 mm;
  • shovel;
  • facing brick (in case the supports will be covered);
  • cement, sand, crushed stone and water;
  • plumb line

Installation of supports

The work on making supports looks like this:

  1. Measure the entrance opening between the edges of the fence.
  2. Place marks for installing pillars.
  3. In the chosen location, dig a hole to install the support post.
  4. The thickness of the support pipes is selected based on the weight of the swing gates.
  5. After installing the pillars in the hole, adjust them to the level. But first fill the bottom of the hole with crushed stone.
  6. The installed pillars should be filled with prepared concrete.
  7. In order for the pillars to initially stand securely, they should be lined with bricks in the hole itself, and at the same time adjust the vertical level.
  8. So, the installation and concreting of the support pillars has been completed.

If the gate is 2 m high, then the depth of the pit should be about 1 m, and the diameter should be 100 mm wider than the diameter of the pipe.

Now is the time to start making the gate frame. To do this you will need:

  • metal sheet, 2–3 mm thick;
  • metal profile, angle and pipe;
  • measuring instruments (level, tape measure);
  • metal loops;
  • welding machine.

If you are making swing gates for a garage, then first of all you need to make a frame and install it in the opening. It is made from a metal corner of a rectangular or square shape, depending on the garage opening.

As for making a frame for a garage, it is better to make them in duplicate. Secure one on the outside of the opening, and the second on the inside. They are connected to each other by metal strips and welding.

The manufacturing process for gate leaves is as follows:

  1. On flat surface lay out the corners or profile pipe and weld the sash shape according to the drawing.
  2. To increase the strength of the structure, strengthen the resulting sashes with diagonal beams.
  3. When the frame is ready, you can sheathe it.
  4. To cover the gate, use a sheet of metal 2 mm thick. It is not recommended to take sheets that are too thick, because in this case it will be necessary to strengthen the support posts.
  5. Next you need to install the hinges. Weld one half of the hinge in the right place on the gate frame, and the other on the support post.
  6. Finally, all that remains is to install mortise lock and a gate made according to the same principle as the main frame.
  7. Painting of swing gates is carried out on the ground or already in a suspended position. There isn't much difference. The only thing worth considering is that painting in a suspended state can cause the formation of drips and sagging. Therefore, be careful when performing this work process.

Every person has a desire for comfort. And this even applies to the use of gates. Modern technologies allowed us to automate the process of opening swing gates. And there are many advantages to this. For example, when you are in a hurry, you should not waste time getting out of the car to open/close the shutters. If it's raining outside, you can avoid getting wet by going outside again. Reflecting on these positive aspects, we invite you to consider the manufacturing technology and some features of automatic gates.

First, let's highlight some of the features of such a structure:

  • Strength.
  • Versatility.
  • Long service life.
  • The mechanism is unpretentious and simple.
  • The opening/closing speed is around 15 s.

For the sake of objectivity, consider the disadvantages:

  • If there is an obstacle in the way while opening/closing the gate leaves, this will disable the automation and the leaves will jam.
  • It is necessary to regularly check the gate opening path, otherwise breakdown is inevitable.

In addition, it is worth highlighting the frequent breakdowns of automation. Although manufacturers claim that this or that mechanism is extremely reliable, nothing lasts forever. However, by carrying out preventive maintenance, any troubles can be avoided.

If during operation the automation stops working, then you should not forcefully close the gate. It may be necessary to reverse the process from opening to closing. When pressed again, the mechanism can start working.

Although this does not solve the problem in all cases. Often you have to turn to specialists to repair automation. Considering all this, do not be afraid of this design. As they say: “If you are afraid of the wolf, do not go into the forest.” You shouldn't give up the benefits of comfort.

It’s worth noting right away that the installation procedure for automatic gates is quite labor-intensive. This requires some qualifications, accuracy and precision. Therefore, if you doubt your abilities, it is better to choose a company that will do everything efficiently and quickly. If you have experience in such work, then following the guide, you will be able to achieve your goal.

The manufacturing process of swing gates was described above. Therefore, we will devote Special attention automation, which is equipped in accordance with certain standards.

So, when installing automation, it is necessary to take into account the following indicators:

  • the position of the valves relative to the support column;
  • if automation is used without the use of limit switches, then a sash stop is used.

Not taking these into account important factors, the automation will fail, which will lead to rupture of the bracket, breakdown of the electric motor and other unpleasant consequences.

If you really want to, you can make an automatic gate opener yourself. Especially for amateurs, this business will become a real hobby. This is especially true for those people who want to save money.

In any case, the basis of such a drive will be the mechanism that is installed on the gate from the satellite dish. It, in turn, is equipped with a worm gear. As a result, this will completely replace the conventional electric drive.

The satellite television system in its design has a rotating mechanism (this applies to old-type systems). This mechanism is an electric motor that can be used for installation on swing gates. As for the worm gear, its operating principle is similar to the drive. But as for the first option (worm gear), it is more profitable, since a voltage of 36V is sufficient for its operation; conventional magazine drives require a voltage of 220V.

Speaking from the safety point of view, the use of such a step-down transformer plan is more profitable. Moreover, if the voltage increases, then the opening/closing of the gate leaves increases. However, with prolonged increased voltage, the mechanism may fail.

So, to assemble homemade automation, take 2 drives from a satellite dish in working condition. Give preference to those that have long stems.

This mechanism can be purchased at a relatively low price from a specialized company. Plus, you will need to buy a remote control and a transformer with a power of 36–40V.

The remote control will act as a signal to the electric drive to open/close the gate through the leaf. This system can also be installed on Garage Doors. The remote control range can reach up to 50 m. The entire drive is assembled within 6 hours. To ensure that all automation works properly, supplement it with a current relay. It will prevent possible breakdowns in case a stone or other object gets under the gate leaf. Automation will return the doors back. If the relay is missing, then after several times the motor may burn out and the door leaf may become unusable.

This is how you can make your own automation for swing gates. If you do not have the opportunity and desire to do all this, then you can buy a ready-made mechanism.

First of all, you should consider the method of opening swing gates. For example, the doors can open inward or outward. Based on this, you should select the appropriate automation. Immediately before installation, prepare next material and tool:

  • hammer;
  • insulating tape;
  • roulette;
  • screwdriver;
  • pliers;
  • drill.

An appropriate electric drive is also selected. It comes in two types:

  1. Linear.
  2. Lever.

How to determine which one you need? If the internal distance between support pillars is up to 1.5 m, then a linear one is required. In this case, the automation will not have levers and, accordingly, will take up less space on the gate. If the distance is more than 1.5 m and reaches up to 3 m, then you should purchase a lever mechanism. This drive is also unpretentious and is simply designed for heavy loads. Among other things, you should select the necessary components. To do this, it is necessary to take into account the wind load.

During installation, make sure that the doors open freely. It is very important to monitor this, since after installing the electric drive it may be too late to configure anything.

If you find that the movement of the valves is difficult, then identify the problem and fix it immediately. One of the possible problems is the movement of the shutters out of level. The reason for this is the tilted support column. As a result, this negatively affects automation. When all the shortcomings have been eliminated, you can begin installing automation on the gate.

If you bought the gate automation in a store, then closely follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing it. In this case, it will work properly for a long time.

It is believed that opening the gate into the yard is a standard scheme. Therefore, any drive will be suitable for this project. So, if the support pillars are made of steel, then it is preferable to use a linear drive. It’s a completely different matter if you have brick supports and swing gates are located in the center of the column. In this case, a linear actuator is not suitable. You will have to install and buy a lever electric drive. The automation itself is mounted on poles, and the levers will allow you to open swing gates, even if the distance from the pole to the gate is 200 mm.

If we compare them with each other, then both linear and lever ones are suitable for externally opening gates. But based on the price, preference, of course, falls on a linear electric drive. The only thing to consider is the method of attaching the drive to the pole when opening from the outside.

In most cases, the drive is attached to a brick, which can quickly crumble. It’s worse if the drive is mounted to an almost destroyed pole. Under such conditions, the automation will disappear along with part of the pole.

Taking this into account, such a pillar requires additional reinforcement. For example, you can weld around metal carcass. Next, the outward opening drive is set to manual mode, and the mounting brackets are attached to the gate by welding. If you are using a linear drive, then after welding, open the gate completely and leave free movement up to 1 m. After this, check the movement of the leaf and the correct operation of the drive. If everything works properly, then you can connect the automation and connect the engine.

All automation and remote control are configured according to the attached instructions. If one of the doors opens in the wrong direction, then just move the wire in the connection. But if you follow the connection diagram, then no problems should arise.

So it's important to do right choice the necessary automation, taking into account which direction the swing gates will open. From this article you learned that it is possible to make automation yourself. An easier option is to purchase a ready-made kit. But one thing is certain, regardless of the choice you make, having automatic gates will make your life easier. Therefore, when building a gate in a country house, think about what method of opening it will be - automatic or manual. If you have own experience in the arrangement of automatic gates, then write comments on this article.

Video

The video provided tells in more detail about the manufacture of swing gates:

Photo

The photographs show possible options swing gates:

Schemes and drawings

The diagrams will help you design your own model of swing gates:

Autonomous gates are safe and easy to enter areas or garages. The electric drive can be controlled directly from the car. And to let your guests’ car into the yard, you don’t have to leave cozy home and throw yourself into the rain. All you have to do is press the button on your key fob.

Yes, you may be put off by the high price, but if you have at least a little experience in repair and construction, then you can easily build automatic gates with your own hands. Everything that is needed for this has long been lying around idle in the garage or given away practically for nothing in the markets.

Types and features of designs

There are many projects of varying degrees of complexity. However, they always have something in common. What kind of automatic gates are there, if we put aside all sorts of excessive original designs, almost every site owner knows.

Swing gates

Simply put, these are two doors that are attached to the side support posts using hinges. They are as reliable and simple as possible. It is easiest to make such electric swing gates with your own hands.

But they have a number of disadvantages:

Recoil mechanism

There are also sliding gates, which are very convenient. They have a special canvas that can be moved close to the fence . Depending on the support, they are divided into 3 types:

Drive automation methods

There are several popular types of drives that will operate gate leaves. Such drives can be designed with your own hands, and this is their main advantage. The mechanisms are as follows:

  • Crank mechanism;
  • With screw or worm gear;
  • Working by means of racks or gears;
  • Chain or belt drive mechanism.

In the manufacture of classic swinging gates, linear drives are used - screw and worm. You can make them yourself from simple electric motor and lever, or you can use satellite antenna actuators, automatic windows, and windshield wipers. These are cheap parts that may remain after the car is repaired.

Making your own gates

Since swing gates are one of the most popular among homeowners, different companies produce a large number of various mechanisms. They differ in quality, but the price may be off-putting common man- for just one set you will have to pay several hundred not even rubles, but euros. It is at this stage that people wonder whether it is possible to make such a gate themselves.

Before any work it is necessary to carry out preparatory measures. Among other things, you should not skip the planning stage:

Only after the above points have been sorted out can construction begin.

Optimal sash size

When choosing their size, you should rely primarily on the type of cars that you will have in your garage. For ordinary cars, gates with a width of 2.5 meters or more will be sufficient, while freight vehicles and tractors may require more than just a width of more than 4 meters. In addition to measuring the opening itself, you should also take care of the width of the driveway. If it is impossible and difficult to perform any necessary maneuvers on it, then it is expanded approximately one and a half to two times. And it’s worth thinking about the future and making large gates in advance.

Selection of materials

Profile pipes have optimal strength and rigidity for creating a gate frame. Most often they are used.

But for the gate leaf itself there is no clear answer best material. Some people turn to traditional boards, metal sheets, someone - to polycarbonate and corrugated sheets. It all depends solely on your financial capabilities, since each of the materials is quite capable of providing reliable protection.

The support posts are made from steel pipes, beams, reinforced concrete, stone or brick pillars. Again, it all depends solely on the finances you have. More expensive material will last longer, but its repair will cost a considerable amount.

Resources for work

So, we can move on to a specific calculation of the necessary materials, tools and mechanisms. The entire list may seem quite impressive, however, it is quite difficult to do without any of its elements:

If the scope of work also includes the installation of support structures, then you also need to think about tools such as shovels and picks. You will also need wheelbarrows for removing soil and containers for materials that will be used to create foundations.

Construction stages

The first stage will be the construction of supporting structures. They should be as deep as possible. A simple rule works with support pillars - the deeper they are installed, the more stable the entire structure.

Their installation is quite simple - two maximally deep holes are dug, and the pillars themselves are placed in them. Using a level, they are given a strictly vertical position, after which crushed stone, sand or concrete is poured into the holes. If necessary, all this is compacted. And hinges are attached to the supporting structure.

The second stage is the manufacture of the gate leaves themselves. First, the place where welding will take place is prepared. It is necessary to ensure the stability of the structure during work, as well as the geometric accuracy of the connection of all parts. After this, the prepared pipes are cut into pieces of the required size. They are then welded into a rectangular or square frame. Strengthening occurs using additional diagonal crossbars and reinforcing the corners of the structure with metal plates. After stripping and sanding the seams, the prepared material for the canvas is attached.

The main characteristic that a gate should have is rigidity. The main reason for deformation of a structure after construction is wind load. You should consider ensuring that the frame provides rigidity to the structure over its entire area. You also need to avoid materials that are too thin and plastic.

Third and the last stage is the manufacture and fastening of the drive. The main difficulty for most people at this stage is the choice between a lever and a linear mechanism. However, this is quite simple to do - you need to measure the distance between the beginning of the surface of the canvas and the outer edge of the supporting structure. If it is greater than or equal to 150 mm, then a lever drive is used. If the distance is less than the specified value, a linear actuator is used.

When installing mechanisms on massive support structures you need to prepare niches in the masonry for them in advance. It is also necessary to take into account the entire structure, and if it exceeds 100-120 kg, add one more drive to each of the columns.

Creating your own drive

And now the fun part. The manufacture of such a homemade drive can be carried out by people even without special skills. What you will need for this:

  • 2 screw jacks from a VAZ car;
  • 2 windshield wiper mechanisms;
  • Parts of profile pipes suitable in length;
  • Sheets of steel 5 mm thick;
  • Screws 6x10 mm;

The first step is to dismantle the jack's support platform. There is no need to throw away anything - all the details will be used in the future. Then you need to disassemble the windshield wiper mechanisms and put aside the electric motors with gearboxes. They are what will be needed for the manufacture of drives.

A connecting coupling 5-7 cm long is made from a part of the pipe, then it is attached to the screw of the VAZ jack. And in its upper part, an 8x8 cm plate is welded to attach the windshield wiper motor mechanism. Then fastening mechanisms are made from other parts of the pipes and threads are cut into them.

Installation of automation occurs in the following order:

After installation, you must manually (without the drive) open and close the gate several times to check its mobility. The drive must only be adjusted when the power is turned off. The mechanism itself can be placed in a housing for additional protection. It can be purchased separately, however, the best option will also make it from available materials.

So, to make the gate itself, only skills in handling welding machine. However, the manufacture of a drive that automates the movement of the sashes forces many people to retreat from the idea self-made. However, the design looks complicated only at first glance. With due diligence you can study everything necessary materials and easily make automatic gates with your own hands.

Many car enthusiasts are wondering: is it possible to build automatic gates with your own hands? Automation of gate control greatly simplifies the process of entering a car into a garage or yard. The driver does not need to get out of the car to open them (and having driven into the yard, get out again to close them). It is not surprising that car enthusiasts want to automate this process.

Many homeowners make their own gates. Of course, welding a frame and sheathing it with corrugated sheets is a simple matter. Any man, if desired, will learn to use a welding machine, drill and other simple tools.

Automation is another matter. To build a working system, you must have knowledge of electrical engineering and other fields of science. An inexperienced person should not take on such work. But purchase a ready-made automation kit and mount it on the gate home handyman I can do it. The main thing is to choose a device in accordance with the design of the gate and the weight of its moving leaves.

What does the automation kit consist of?

Devices automatic control gates differ from each other in the design of the drive, but the set of basic elements is the same. The kit includes:

  • self-locking drives (left- and right-handed);
  • control unit (consisting of a transformer and a control board);
  • fasteners;
  • mechanical stops;
  • keys for emergency gate unlocking;
  • Remote Control;
  • receiver;
  • set of photocells.

Types of drives

For swing gates

To automate the control of swing gates, two types of drives are available:

  • linear;
  • lever

Linear drives are used more often due to their simplicity of design and low cost. The linear drive is compact: all working parts fit into its housing, so the device can be placed on the gate leaf post. There are two types of linear actuators:

  • electromechanical;
  • hydraulic.

Hydraulic drives are less sensitive to low temperatures and are more reliable than electromechanical drives, but they are also more expensive.

The average price for automation for swing gates is about 25,000 rubles. Drives can be purchased good quality for only 12,000 rubles.

Installation of the kit is carried out according to the included instructions and should not cause any difficulties.

For sliding gates

Metal-intensive, they consist of one or two heavy doors. The drives for them are designed to move structures weighing from 600 to 2500 kg. They consist of an electric motor and a gear and rack. Through it, the gear transmits force to the gate leaves.

Drive cost for sliding gates ranges from 18,000 to 45,000 rubles (depending on effort).

For garage doors (up and over)

Lift-and-turn drives are the most complex of existing gate automation systems. Their design includes an electric motor and a system of levers or guides in the case of sectional doors. It is difficult to link separately purchased gates and automation, so they are immediately purchased as a set. If you already have a gate without a drive, look for an automatic gate from the same manufacturer.

Rules for installing gate automation

Swing gates

The automation is mounted on gate posts. In this case, carefully read the manufacturer's instructions. If you show excessive initiative, the opening angle of the valves may change, and not in better side. Experts advise installing drives at the top of the gate. They explain this simply: a drive installed at the bottom or in the middle of the pole height can become an obstacle when a car enters. If you hit the automation, you will disable it and damage the body. And the drive on top does not interfere with anyone and does not limit the maneuverability of the car.

Often used as goalposts brick columns large section. The gate leaves are suspended in the center of the post. It's not really good option for installation of linear automation. But if you still want to get away from the lever system, arrange niches on the columns for drives 150 - 250 mm high, 250 mm wide and 120 mm deep.

For security purposes, photocells are installed on the gates. They block the movement of the gate leaves if the photo beam crosses a car or person. Photocells are mounted on poles at a distance of 500-600 mm from the bottom of the support.

Sliding gates

The sliding gate drive is mounted on a guide channel, which you have concreted in advance before installing the gate. The drive installation location is between the roller carriages (as close to the opening as possible). If you need to raise the drive, weld a profile pipe to the channel and mount the device on it.

Limit switches are mounted on a rack. Photocells can, as in the case of swing gates, be installed on poles, or separate pedestals can be built for them. The main thing is that they are placed strictly opposite each other (on the same line).

If you decide to install a warning light, place it on the outside of the gate. She will inform passing cars that a car is leaving the yard. It can be mounted on the top of the gate leaf.

Currently, many owners country houses and dachas have fully experienced all the advantages and advantages that automatic gates provide. Their installation allows the car enthusiast to quickly and easily enter the territory of his site, without wasting precious time opening complex and heavy entrance gate. The main thing is to correctly select and install the gate design and equip it with a reliable and durable automatic system. Initially, you need to decide on the gate model and its installation technology.

In many European countries, sectional doors are the most common type protective devices for garages and entrance areas suburban area. In terms of technical equipment, their design consists of separate sections connected to each other by hinges, moving along guide rails fixed along the opening and shifted under the ceiling of the room. The movement of the garage door leaf of this type is carried out according to vertical plane. This is very convenient in everyday use, as it is not required extra space, allowing you to open the gate even if the car is located directly in front of the entrance.

For ease of use, sectional doors can be equipped with a side door or a built-in wicket door.

A separate door significantly improves the convenience of everyday use of the garage, reduces heat loss in the room and increases the level of security of the facility. After all, if there is a door or gate, you do not need to lift the gate entirely to enter the box.

An important advantage of automatic sectional gates is the presence of a reliable and convenient access restriction system. You can first select a rotating latch or a special latch to open the system only from inside the room. To close the structure from the outside, an automatic deadbolt lock with a stable pin and a reliable snap washer is installed.

A properly selected control system will provide the facility with high reliability at an affordable price. When the gate leaves are closed, the installed drive additionally serves as a high-quality locking device.

The gates are controlled electrically using a remote control remote control or a stationary device.

If there is a possibility of a permanent or temporary power outage, the device is equipped with a special system for prompt emergency shutdown of the automatic electric drive and activation of manual control mode.

Sliding gates

To protect the entrance area to any territory and its arrangement, sliding gates operating in automatic mode are increasingly being used. A steel cantilever pipe is welded to their lower part. During the operation of the structure, it moves on roller carts, which are installed on a specially organized foundation. The lower corner of the sliding gate in the closed position is rolled into the catcher by an end roller. This movement prevents lateral vibrations of the device during opening of the leaf.

Installation of sliding gates requires the construction of an independent foundation.

The following should be considered:

  • Installation begins with the construction of an independent foundation, a base located in the opening and to the side of it, in the direction of the opening of the structure.
  • The frame of sliding gates and their fastenings must be highly wind resistant.
  • It is necessary to install a special retaining part, which increases the width of the door leaf structure towards the opening of the gate.
  • Sliding gates should be provided with an effective anti-burglary system and special protection from adverse external factors.

Video

The following video material will help you understand in more detail the design and installation of sliding gates:

Swing

For many decades, the most common type of entrance gate remained traditional swing designs. As before, they are still very popular today thanks to affordable price, guarantees of system safety and reliability. In addition, they are very convenient, functional and have a wide range of design and architectural solutions.

Today, beautiful and prestigious swing gates made of forged canvas, equipped with a durable and comfortable automatic opening system, are in widespread demand. The frames themselves and the filling can be made from any building materials.

The design of swing gates consists of the following elements:

  • Metal frame made of steel pipes. The cross-section of the frame is selected taking into account the dimensions of the structure, wind and operational load of the canvas.
  • Steel internal frame intended for finishing decoration with openwork forged products, sandwich panels, special wood or corrugated sheeting.

Limitations in the choice of electric drive are related to the width of the gate leaves and the total weight of each individual structure. Special attention should be paid to the location of the automatic drive, which can be located in different places. The drive can be attached to the gate leaves or posts, to the supporting columns of the structure, or to the outside of the entire system.

Lift gates

As for sliding and swing gates, they are used both for arranging garages and for entering the yard. Lifting gates are installed exclusively in garages. They are a canvas that rises and slides to the ceiling of the room.

Lifting gates are in great demand among consumers, as they are easy to use, have high protective properties against unauthorized entry, and are also affordable.

Lifting gates can be divided into 2 subtypes: rotary and sectional. Generally speaking, the design of these gates is similar; there are differences in the set of components, as well as the order and method of their installation.

The significant difference is that sectional doors are more movable and flexible, and are more reliable, while swinging structures are simpler. The safety of the latter is ensured only due to the integrity of the canvas.

Sectional doors are made from sandwich panels and nothing more, but for rotary doors, corrugated sheets, wood or insulated panels can be used.

There are 2 options for saving without losing quality:

  • Install gates from the manufacturer according to the diagram attached to them.
  • Manufacture up-and-over gates yourself according to the drawings.

Which of these options to choose is up to you. However, if you decide on the second option, then it is better to immediately give preference to the simpler design of up and over gates.

To save as much as possible on materials, you should accurately calculate them in order to purchase the amount actually needed.

To save money you can donate appearance gates, refusing to decorate them. As for the lifting mechanism, you can also save money by installing manual drive. But, you see, using an automatic electromechanical device is more convenient. I wouldn't want to save money at the expense of comfort.

Essential elements overhead gates– frame, canvas and lifting mechanism. The canvas can be any material that matches the exterior of your home. The frame is made from metal profile or square pipes. They can be fastened together by welding or bolting. As for the lifting mechanism, the choice here will be more difficult:

  • Hinge-lever mechanism - involves precise alignment of the guides vertically, ensuring smooth movement of the gate up/down.
  • The counterweight system involves passing the cable through a block to which the counterweight is attached. This design has the right to life in cases where it comes to installing heavy gates.

So, you will need:

  1. Profile/square pipe for frame.
  2. Fasteners
  3. Channel bracket.
  4. Pins.
  5. Spring.

First you need to make a frame. Bury it in concrete base by a few centimeters. It must be installed in the opening and secured with pins. After this, assemble the canvas, which needs to be sheathed with a metal shield. Make holes in the shelves to install the spring bracket and mount to the racks. In addition, you need to make holes for the channel bracket on which the spring will rest.

Now you need to work with the spring. It needs to be connected to the bracket. This can be done using a metal adjusting plate. Then make the hooks and add a tension adjuster at the bottom.

The next step is to make and secure the hinge unit and the plate with the hole to the frame, and, accordingly, the end of the lever. Then make rails from the corners. One end of the rail must be welded to the plate mentioned above, to which the channel is welded. Then it needs to be fixed to the ceiling part of the frame.

It is important to install the guides as horizontally as possible. This way, you will ensure the smooth opening/closing of overhead gates. Now the installation of the canvas, as well as automation, is underway.

Video

Photo

In the photographs you can clearly see the options for manufacturing automatic gates:

You drive up to your garage or personal plot, press the button on the remote control (or the built-in transmitter in the car), and the entrance opens automatically. This is convenient: there is no need to get out of the car (especially in the rain).

Of course, there are also disadvantages that can negate all possible advantages:

  • Automatic gates with remote opening reduce the level of security of your home. The signal from the remote control can be intercepted. Attackers, using simple devices, read the radio code and can gain access to the territory after your departure.
  • The electric drive in a sense limits freedom: in the event of a malfunction, or a banal lack of electricity, opening the doors manually can be problematic.
  • The installed actuator takes up a certain place and spoils the aesthetics of the fence of your home.
  • Mechanical doors with incorrectly configured automation are an object of increased danger: animals or even people can fall under their influence.
  • A guaranteed free area along the trajectory of the valves is required.
  • The main disadvantage is that automation for swing or garage doors costs a lot of money.

While installing automatic gates with your own hands is still possible, making actuators and a gate control system is quite difficult. You will need a factory engine, mechanical rods, possibly gears, etc. Of course, the sliding gate mechanism can be purchased at a specialized store.

However, the cost of such a set most often exceeds the cost of manufacturing the doors themselves. In addition, installing automation on ready-made swing gates with your own hands can be complicated by incompatibility in geometry.

However, automatic garage doors are created with your own hands and can be easily installed both in the fence (fence) and in the garage door. The savings in this case are significant, plus moral satisfaction after successfully completed work.

Main types of automatic gates

To understand the amount of work, consider the main types of automatic gates

Hinged doors

This is a true classic: casement structures have been around since people learned how to make fences and fortress walls. Do-it-yourself automatic swing gates are usually made on the basis of an existing fence with an entrance. You have been using the doors for a long time, and at some point you wanted to install a remote control.

The wiring diagram looks like this:

WITH inside, between the leaves and support pillars, actuators are installed: one for each half of the gate. Depending on the remote control, an antenna or an infrared signal receiver is installed. In the second case, direct visibility to the signal is ensured. There must be a warning light in a visible place that lights up when the mechanism starts operating. When making swing gates with your own hands, many people forget about this essential safety element.

Another element that is often ignored is photo sensors. If the trajectory of the gates is crossed by any object (car, animal, person), the gate should not operate in closing mode. Together with sensors, do-it-yourself gate automation should ensure that the voltage supply to the motor is stopped when the doors reach their extreme positions: open/closed.

If the drive can be activated by manual force (without supplying power), for safety, you should install a lock or other locking device that can be used if the yard is left unattended for a long period of time.

Recoil systems

In fact, it is a part of the wall (fence) that moves to the side using a support roller mechanism. This design was originally intended for a mechanized drive; manual gates are too heavy. Automation for sliding gates with your own hands is easier to manufacture, but the implementation of the project will require a large amount of materials.

Sliding gates must be installed on a strong foundation. Regardless of the material (metal, wood, plastic), the canvas has a lot of weight. The soft soil under the support rollers will sooner or later sag, and the opening mechanism may jam due to distortion.

For sliding gates made by yourself, you can select an actuator from various industrial and household components. There is an opportunity to save on the purchase of expensive drives. There is no need to create high-risk areas: the free space for moving the blade is not delicate. However, the control mechanism for do-it-yourself sliding gates requires the installation of photo sensors. When an object appears in the plane of the gate, movement should be blocked: just as precisely as in swing gates.

Sectional lifting mechanisms

Such systems are most often implemented in a garage. In essence, these are ordinary roller blinds, only the sections are made of more durable material. Lifting gates move along guides and, as they open, are placed along the ceiling.

Making a drive for sectional doors with your own hands is easier than making the door leaf itself. This element must fit perfectly to the guides. In addition, the slightest misalignment of the hinge joints can block the entire structure. Considering the fact that many (not all!) home craftsmen order canvas (regardless of the design) from professionals, making overhead garage doors with your own hands is not difficult. In this case, you will only have to make the actuator.

Particular attention should be paid to various sensors. If, when entering (entering) the garage, the roller blinds unexpectedly go down, the damage to the car will be significant. Not to mention the possible injury to a pedestrian, on whom a heavy structure will literally fall.

The main problem with do-it-yourself lifting gates is the drive power. To move swing or sliding gates horizontally, relatively little effort is required. And to lift a heavy sectional structure, the engine power must be many times greater.

Practical implementation

There is no point in telling how to make automatic gates with your own hands, based on finished projects in complex. Each design is purely individual, and it is not always possible to repeat it exactly in your own backyard.

As we have already said, the easiest way is to make swing gates with your own hands. Most likely, you already have gate leaves. Let's consider possible designs drive elements.


The question of how to make automatic swing gates has been resolved.

How to move the sliding structure

There are two concepts:


The lift gate drive needs no description. This is a regular winch with a steel cable. When wound on a pulley, the sections rise and are lowered under the influence of gravity.

Important: General rules safety when installing automation

Do-it-yourself automatic gates are made bypassing GOST standards and safety certificates. Responsibility lies with the author of the design, as well as the performer of the work (most often, this is the same entity). If damage or injury occurs, all problems will fall on you.

  • The presence of photo sensors prevents injuries and the leaves from pinching objects in the gate’s area of ​​operation.
  • Limit switches turn off the motor when the final positions of the flaps are reached.
  • In addition, the installation of automatic gates must provide electrical overload protection. If the photosensors or limit switches fail to operate for some reason, the motor overload should trigger the shutdown circuit.
  • It is possible to install mechanical torque limiters (like on a screwdriver gearbox). It may be frictional or ratchet. The operating principle is as follows: the sash (leaf) rests against an obstacle (object or person), the drive shaft begins to slip. By adjusting, it is necessary to achieve a force balance: the limiter must overcome the resistance of the reference or suspension mechanism gate, and operate when slightly exceeded.

Video on the topic