Automatic door opener for delivery trucks

摘要

An automatic door opener for delivery trucks may include a door opener motor, clutch, and transmission which are connected to a door opener rail. The automatic door opener is attached to the roof of a delivery truck cargo bay and the door opener motor is operable to open and close a cargo door. The clutch and motor are controlled by a motor control computer which may be programmed to automatically operate the clutch, close the cargo bay door, and disengage the clutch as desired. A rail carriage may be connected to the cargo bay door by a door connector arm which includes a quick release connection to the carriage and which may be operated from the outside of the cargo bay door. A sensor may be connected to the door opener rail and to the motor control computer such that the motor control computer tracks the position of the carriage along the door opener rail independent of the operation of the motor.

主权项

1. A method of operating an automatic door opener to control operation of a door comprising:
supporting an automatic door opener adjacent a door, the door opener comprising:
a door opener motor which is operable to open and close a door;a motor control computer connected to the door opener motor to operate the door opener motor;a drive mechanism which connects the door opener to the door, the drive mechanism having an input which is driven by the door opener motor and an output which selectively opens and closes the door;a sensor connected to the drive mechanism and to the motor control computer such that the motor control computer determines the position of the door from the sensor; anda clutch which disconnects the door opener motor from the drive mechanism such that the door opener motor is disconnected from the drive mechanism while the sensor remains connected to the drive mechanism and wherein the method comprises the computer tracking movement of the door via the sensor when the motor is disconnected from the drive mechanism via the clutch; programming a stop location for opening or closing the door in the motor control computer by;
placing a stop at a desired location to block movement of the door;operating the door so that the movement of the door is stopped by the stop;the motor control computer detecting an increase in motor current at the stop location; andthe motor control computer identifying the stop location from the sensor.