Automatic gates: types, photos, differences

Driving a car provides comfort of movement, so car owners try to automate as much as possible the processes associated with the movement and maintenance of the vehicle. One of the nice options that allows you to drive into a yard or garage without leaving your car is automatic gate opening. And if the process of manufacturing the structure itself is not very difficult, then the control system is not implemented by every car owner. Therefore, we will look at the basic principles and details that will allow you to make automatic gates with your own hands.

What types of automatic gates are there?

First of all, having decided what exactly the gate is for, you should understand that there are different models of automatic gates for the house and for the garage. It depends on the design and the functions they perform.

If we talk about gates for the house, the most common options are:

Swing,
Recoil,
Rolled,
Sectional.

As a rule, such models are widely represented on the construction market and among their assortment you can choose what is right for you.

When choosing automatic garage doors, pay attention to the following models:

Lifting - rotating,
Sectional,
Rolled.

Each of these options has its own advantages over others, and only the buyer himself can take into account how important this or that nuance is, correctly assessing the circumstances of the installation and operation of the gate. In this article we will dwell in detail on automatic gates for residential buildings, and for those who are also interested in automatic garage doors, the article on overhead garage doors, which can be read here, will be useful.

Recommendations for choosing remote controls

Remote controls for gate movement come in the following varieties:

With fixed encoding. A certain frequency of the signal is recorded in the electronic memory, and when applied, the desired action is performed. Such a code can easily be considered a special device, which will allow attackers to enter the site in the absence of the owners. In addition, the number of frequencies involved is limited, and various electronics can be controlled from remote controls and your neighbors. Therefore, when arriving at your country house, you can see an open gate, often even without malicious intent. There is only one way out - to perform reprogramming, but whether this will solve the problem is unknown for a long time, since there may again be receiving devices nearby with your frequency.
Remote controls with a floating code. The remote control's memory contains several hundred thousand or even millions of different codes. The current code, after completing each operation, spontaneously changes to the next one following it in the programmed row. The operation will be performed only on an effective signal. An attacker would have to write down the entire series of sequential codes in strict order, which is practically impossible. Most companies offer a choice of both options; naturally, the second is more complex and will cost more.

If permanent entry will be carried out by two or more people, then in addition to the remote control, additional programmable key fobs are purchased.

Swing automatic gates

Perhaps the most common gate option. The popularity of this model is ensured by the simplicity of the design; many owners even install such gates on their own.

In addition, swing gates do not require the purchase of complex and expensive fittings, which means they will cost quite a budget.

Advantages of swing gates:

Simplicity of design and installation,
It is possible to manufacture and install them yourself,
Low cost of both ready-made and home-made designs.

Disadvantages of swing gates:

Requires free space. Since swing gates open with entire leaves, they certainly need space.
Inconvenient in terms of atmospheric conditions. For example, snow - it must be removed from the gate trajectory, otherwise the snow will interfere with its operation. Or sharp gusts of wind - due to the high windage of the doors, the wind can be dangerous.

Automation for swing gates

Swing gates are, in fact, the leaf itself (or two), which opens inward or outward, the frame on which it is installed and an automatic drive. The automation of swing gates is also as simple as possible and consists of:

Drive - separate for each leaf,
control unit,
Control panel.

Additionally, you can also install motion sensors and other security elements.

The drive for swing gates can be of two types:

Lever

In this case, the kit includes a gearbox, an electric motor and a lever system. When installing swing gates, in this case, the levers are mounted on the leaves, and the drives are mounted on the support posts to which the gate is attached. Through the electric motor, the drive force is transmitted to the levers, and therefore to the gate leaves, opening and closing them.

Linear

This system is based on a main gearbox, which is driven by an electric motor. The gearbox, through a worm gear, drives the rod mounted on the gate leaf. Modern linear actuators have a compact appearance, the gearbox and electric motor are neatly hidden in a cylinder, the retractable part of which, the rod, is attached to the gate.

It would seem that it is easy to choose from two drive options, but not everything is so simple. Automation for swing gates is selected based on certain nuances:

Installation method . It is clear that if it is possible to install a simple linear drive, it is convenient and easy to do. But often the installation of swing gates also requires underground installation of the gearbox. Therefore, first of all, it is worth considering exactly what method the swing gates will be installed.
Sash weight . It is also important - after all, to open a small gate or a two-meter sash, drives of varying power will obviously be needed.
Opening - closing frequency . In particular, for swing gates, you can purchase a drive designed for one thousand openings/closings per day!

From all of the above, we can draw a small conclusion: of the two possible drives for swing gates, for lighter ones installed on small metal supports, it would be more correct to use a linear drive. This drive is installed directly on the gate leaves from the inside, it is not particularly noticeable, and it is convenient and durable in operation. But for large gates mounted on high columns, doors with a lot of weight and windage, you are guaranteed to need an automatic lever system. Lever automation is also recommended to be installed from the inside, as there is a possibility of the drive being stolen.

Brands and manufacturers

If you decide to open your gate automatically, you will not have any problems choosing the appropriate equipment - it is produced by both our and foreign manufacturers. We list the most popular brands and their features.

DoorHan is the most famous domestic brand of lever and linear mechanisms.

The automation from this company was initially developed taking into account the climatic conditions of Russia, so it copes well even with severe frosts without breakdowns or overheating of the engine. The Doorhan line has models for different loads, the most powerful ones can be installed on doors with an area of up to 5 m² and weighing up to 1000 kg.

Lever type mechanism from Dorhan Source parkvorot.ru

Fadini is an Italian automatic for any budget.

From this European manufacturer you can find mechanisms in a wide range of price categories and power. The most powerful equipment doubles the capabilities of Russian analogues - it works with a weight of up to 2000 kg with a door area of up to 10 m. But it fails in severe frosts, since it is designed for a maximum of 25 degrees of frost.

Came is one of the oldest brands with an excellent reputation.

Another Italian brand of gate automation, known throughout Europe. It is valued for its exceptional reliability and large selection of models, including underground mechanisms.

Linear drive from Came Source otkatnyevorota-mo.ru

Horman - smart automation.

The mechanisms of this German manufacturer are still little known to domestic consumers, as they appeared on our market not so long ago. The range of models is large, represented by all types of drives, and the products are also very modern, with many electronic gadgets. But this is precisely what does not suit many buyers, since it is difficult to repair too “smart” equipment with your own hands, and you have to order spare parts.

Sliding automatic gates

Also a very popular model for entrance gates to households. They work on the principle of a closet-compartment, that is, when the gate leaf is opened, it moves to the side.

In the classic version, sliding gates consist of:

Opening structures,
The gate itself,
Accessories,
Automatic control system.

Sliding gates have a number of advantages over swing gates:

They don't take up free space. That is, unlike swing gates, sliding gates open onto a solid fence wall and do not require free space in front of the entrance or inside.
Automation for sliding gates will be more cost effective than for similar swing models.

The durability and good operation of sliding gates directly depends not only on the quality of the materials from which it is made, but also on the quality of installation. Despite its rather simple design, making swing gates is not as simple as it might seem at first glance. And, although some craftsmen still install them themselves, it would be safer to order the installation of ready-made gates.

The cost of such a model will depend on the materials used (metal thickness, etc.) and on the manufacturer. It will approximately fluctuate around 40,000 rubles.

Automation for sliding gates

As for automatic drives installed on automatic sliding gates, they also come in two types: linear and lever, the same as in the previous case. Both of these drives can be mounted on sliding gates, both during their construction and after their construction, if, for example, the gate was installed several years ago.

When choosing an automatic system for sliding gates, you should definitely consider the following nuances:

Gate leaf weight.
Counterweight . Typically the counterweight makes up thirty to fifty percent of the travel area of a sliding gate leaf. If the counterweight is chosen incorrectly, this will immediately affect the operation of the gate as a whole - it will cause more wear on the rollers and bearings. Therefore, the counterweight device for sliding automatic gates must have a decent power reserve.
Atmospheric phenomena . For example, rime, hoarfrost or ice. They can interfere with the smooth operation of the automatic drive on sliding gates. There is a way out of this situation - when choosing automation, you should give preference to systems with a magnetic limit switch - it is not afraid of weather conditions.
Accessories . It is necessary to pay special attention to the guides and the soft rolling of the rollers along them. If the rollers work hard, brake or rest, this inevitably increases the load on the entire automatic drive system and its service life is reduced significantly. Preference should be given to trusted manufacturers.
Installation quality . When installing sliding automatic gates, it is imperative to observe the strict geometry of the structure, especially with regard to the parallelism of the trolleys. The sash should move smoothly, without jerking or jamming.

The automatic sliding gate system is controlled using an electric motor, which is usually mounted on the concrete base of the fence, not far from the gate leaves themselves.

To open/close the sash, you need to press the switch or use the control panel. When turned on, the electric drive drives a toothed rack through the drive gear, which is attached to the gate. Moving smoothly, the rail opens or closes the gate.

Automation for sliding gates is sold both as a complete set with manufactured leaves and frame, and separately. It can be installed at any time during the operation of the gate. Of course, it is better to give preference to European manufacturers of proven brands.

Sliding gates for the home, equipped with automation, can confidently be called the most convenient model to use today. In order to leave the yard, just one press of the remote control button is enough!

The installation of sliding gates is usually carried out by professionals. What is important here is the accuracy of registering parts and the absence of unnecessary gaps. Otherwise, the mechanism will quickly wear out and fail prematurely. Successful manufacturers of automatic sliding systems provide guarantees for their products for several years, and this directly speaks to the quality of the product.

Prices for sliding automatic gates for homes vary from 45,000 rubles and above

Structure composition

Two support pillars on a solid foundation, buried at least 1/3 of the height of the gate. The pillars may consist of:
ceramic brick with a stand placed in the center of the masonry in the form of an I-beam, channel, profile or round pipe. The masonry is done in two or one and a half bricks with bandaged seams. To weld the hinges and fix the automatic drive, at least three steel embedded parts made of metal with a thickness of ≥ 4 mm are left in the masonry;
reinforced concrete.

For strong fixation in a strictly vertical position and uniform distribution of loads from the weight of the sashes, the pillars can be connected at the top with a horizontal cross member made of a rolled profile. For a single passage of freight transport, it is possible to dismantle the crossbar, for which the connection to the poles is made with bolts.

In the presence of weak and water-saturated soils at the base of the foundations, it is practiced to tie the pillars at the bottom with a reinforced concrete strip placed in trenches under the driveway.
Sash frames (profile pipe or corner).
Sheathing material with a set of fasteners (screws or rivets).
Gate hinges.
Bottom stopper.
Electric opening mechanism.
Devices for control and safety of operation.

Sectional automatic gates

It is also a convenient and frequently used gate option for both garages and homes. In fact, the sash here consists of several horizontal sections fastened together.

At the joints, the sections can bend, which makes the sash flexible. Opening with the help of rollers, the gate rises, gathering in a specially designated space under the ceiling.

Gates are necessarily equipped with torsion springs or extension springs, and it is important to select them for each gate individually, depending on the weight of the structure. This allows you to open and close the sash as often as needed.

This model of gate can also be opened manually, but it is much more convenient to equip it with an automatic drive.

And for gates larger than 10 square meters, automation is strongly recommended, since opening them manually will simply not be comfortable.

The advantages of sectional automatic gates are obvious:

Universal . Such gates can be placed in any ready-made opening. That is, there is no need to build a special frame for them or remodel an existing one.
Safe to use . Such gates are not afraid of gusts of wind, rain and the like. They are completely reliable in their work. To prevent the sash from breaking and falling down, there are special blockers in all sectional systems.
Attractive appearance . Sectional doors consist of sandwich panels; they look modern and presentable. Manufacturers are constantly expanding the range of colors and textures of materials from which gate leaves are made.
Durability . Sectional gates for a home, if they are properly installed and carefully operated, can operate without breakdowns or repairs for about twenty years, regardless of the frequency of openings.
Economical . Such gates are perfect where there is no free space inside the yard or on the street - in the private sector, if the street is narrow or the area is cluttered, etc. The doors of these gates do not open to the side, which significantly saves space.
Easy to use . The shutter opens and closes easily, there is no need for additional work - clearing snow, protecting from wind, and so on, as in other models. The automatic drive makes the operation of sectional doors as comfortable as possible - pressing a button on the remote control or key fob is enough to operate the gate.
Reliability . Sectional gates are excellent protection against burglary and entry into private territory.

If we talk about shortcomings , then it is difficult to identify them as such. Sectional doors are good for everyone, except, perhaps, for the cost. They are more expensive than previous models, but this is fully justified by the cost of the materials and components from which the gates are made.

Automation for sectional doors

In general, prices for sectional door operators are not as high as for some other models - this factor also works in favor of this home gate option. And installing an automatic drive for a sectional sash is not particularly difficult. At the same time, the drives for this model are compact in size and high in power. They come with or without a compensator, as well as with different control methods: external or built-in.

You can choose from several options:

Ceiling type

This format is usually chosen in case of a small gate area and is suitable for installation in the private sector.

Shaft drive

This automation is of good power and is designed for frequent use; it is usually used by industrial facilities - car services, parking lots, warehouses.

The most common automation kit for sectional doors consists of:

Electromechanical drive. As a rule, a self-locking gearbox is built into it.
Rail.
Electronic control unit . Modern control units are equipped with a radio transmitter and backlight.

Additionally, the automatic system includes photocells and motion sensors, a lighting lamp, and so on. There are quite a few options for automation for sectional doors on sale; a wide range is provided by manufacturers from Europe and China.

Sectional doors are comfortable and look attractive - this is their absolute advantage. Until recently, they were popular mainly in Europe, but in recent years they have been actively used in our country, gaining popularity.

The cost of sectional automatic gates will largely depend on their size and type of drive; in general, it ranges from 35,000 rubles and above.

You can read more about sectional doors here.

How to save money?

Many people also ask how to save money when buying automation? What to do to avoid overpaying? We will give some simple but very useful tips:

Buy automation kits. Drive with remote controls, lamp, photocells, etc. When you take the drive separately, after some time you will still realize that you need a lamp and photocells, but if you buy it separately you will overpay.
Don't forget to look at the intensity of the drives. Sometimes people take a low-intensity drive, but misuse it as a high-intensity drive, and it fails. Again you overpay (repairs, replacement of parts).
If the area under the gate is already paved, take wireless photocells!
Don't take too much! Many people buy everything without knowing whether they will need it, and end up not using these accessories.
Pay attention to the operating frequency of the receiver and remote control, it should be the same. 433 MHz remotes will not work with 868 MHz receivers.

Rolling automatic gates

If it is not possible to install sectional gates for your home, then you can always opt for roller doors. This usually happens if the gate opening is too wide. Roller gates allow you to close an opening about eleven meters wide and nine meters high - for household consumers this is a huge size.

The operating principle of rolling gates is similar to sectional ones, but much more compact. The gate is rolled up - hence the name - and put into a protective box, which is attached above the gate structure. The sash is made of special aluminum alloys that are resistant to corrosion, frequency of closing or any atmospheric phenomena. The sash consists of a roller shutter profile, which allows it to be flexible and roll up.

Automation in rolling gates, as a rule, is provided by the manufacturer and comes complete with the entire structure. Depending on the type of operation, automation for rolling gates can operate from a simple switch on the wall, next to the shutter, to a button on the remote control or key fob.

When choosing a roller gate drive, the only thing you need to pay attention to is the power reserve. First of all, this is important considering the weight and area of the sash leaf. After making calculations, you should prefer a drive with a power reserve of at least 30%, and if the gate leaf occupies an area of more than 15 square meters, then an industrial-scale drive is needed.

Automation may also include additional elements. For example, a signal lamp - when it turns on, passers-by or people driving by will know that the gate has opened and it is necessary to provide passage. It is important to provide for the possibility of emergency unlocking of the gate. Usually it is installed outside the fence, and it may be needed in the event of a lack of electricity or some unforeseen situation. Photocells are also convenient as a kind of security system. They will not allow the gate to be opened if there is an obstacle in the exit area.

The appearance of rolling gates - depending on the wishes of the buyer, can be from classic to modern. Depending on the overall design of the site, you can choose the appropriate color and model.

There are quite a few manufacturers of automatic roller gates and every day they improve their products, adding new items to their range. Rolling gates are convenient, safe, reliable and beautiful, which is why their popularity is growing every year. The price of this model is not the cheapest, but it is completely justified by its long service life, technical characteristics and impressive appearance.

In our country, roller gates for a home, depending on the manufacturer, can be purchased for 35,000 rubles.

Additional devices

Photocells that react to the appearance of various obstacles in the opening (animals, children and adults, vehicles). Gate movement stops until the obstacle disappears.
Signal lights that serve to warn passing drivers and pedestrians that you are leaving.
Device for adjusting the speed of movement of the blades. Allows a rational reduction in speed at the beginning and end of movement, which will significantly reduce the noise accompanying closing/opening operations.
Touch sensor for monitoring the outside air temperature, which allows you to automatically increase the applied effort in the cold months when the lubricant thickens.
Devices for connecting backup external power supplies.
Built-in batteries ensure operation of the mechanisms during a power outage.

Installation of automatic swing gates should be carried out by professionals who have all the necessary equipment and sufficient experience in carrying out the work. A specialized company will provide free service during the warranty period and, for a small fee, after its expiration. Even small deviations during installation work can lead to failure of the automatic system.

Of course, with a certain skill, you can build automatic swing gates with your own hands. But even if you purchase the entire automation kit from specialized companies, there is no guarantee that in case of breakdowns the cause will not be found in improper installation of building structures. In most cases, free warranty repairs will not be performed, and the cost of repairs may exceed the cost of all work performed independently. It is advisable to purchase automatic devices from companies that have been working in this field for a long time, which will guarantee quality and allow you to avoid purchasing low-grade devices and fakes.

Fences

Drives for underground installation

It is considered the most expensive system. This type of electric drive can open the sash up to 180°. When installing this type of drive, the appearance of the sash does not change. The drive is located in a steel box buried in the ground, a shaft with a lever protrudes from it, and it is already connected to the sash. 0