Abstract: A separating device for a door leaf that is moveable overhead has a coupling element movable between a coupling position, in which the coupling element couples an output element of the drive device to the structural component, and a freewheeling position, in which the output element of the drive device is decoupled from the structural component. A locking member is provided which is movable between at least one release position, in which the locking member allows a movement of the coupling element into the freewheeling position, and at least one locking position, in which the locking member counteracts a movement of the coupling element into the freewheeling position. The locking member can be coupled to the drive device.

Abstract: A plug for operatively connecting a torsion spring onto a corresponding component of a counterbalancing mechanism of a door assembly. The plug includes a connecting portion for removably connecting the plug onto the corresponding component, a substantially cylindrical collar insertable into an end portion of the torsion spring, an anchoring portion disposed on a bottom section of the collar for cooperating with a coil of the end portion of the torsion spring so as to pivotally anchor the collar onto the end portion of the torsion spring, and a clip projecting from a top section of the collar, and being disposed at a location on the collar substantially diametrically opposite from where the anchoring portion is disposed on the bottom section of the collar.

Abstract: A non-contact sensor system controls movement of a door moving in a first direction. The system includes a rigid mounting bracket attached to a leading edge of the door, a transmitter extending a distance beyond a leading edge of the door at a first door end for transmitting a signal toward a second door end. The transmitter is attached to the rigid mounting bracket by a first moveable member configured to engage a surface when the door closes and moving to a retracted position. The sensor system further includes a receiver extending a distance beyond the leading edge of the door at the second door end in alignment with the transmitter for detecting the signal and for generating an output signal. The receiver is attached to the rigid mounting bracket by a second moveable member configured to engage the surface when the door closes and moving to the retracted position.

Abstract: Doors and breakaway mechanisms for use with a door are disclosed. A disclosed door includes a panel; a guide located adjacent a doorway opening; a carriage; and a coupling releasably securing the carriage to the panel. The coupling releases the panel from the carriage in response to a breakaway force. The magnitude of the breakaway force is dependent on a condition such as the position of the door relative to the doorway or the position of a roller carried by the carriage.

Abstract: An overhead door assembly in which the door assembly has a vertical closed position and a horizontal opened position, the door assembly including a frame having a horizontal support member and first and second vertical members fixedly mounted to either end of the horizontal member, the vertical members are fixedly mounted to the ground. A one piece door member includes top and bottom horizontal ends and first and second vertical sides and is pivotally mounted to the horizontal member of the frame with the door member being movable from a closed position to an opened position about a pivot point. A hydraulic cylinder is pivotally mounted on a portion of either of the first or second vertical members and the second end of the hydraulic cylinder is pivotally mounted to the door member. The hydraulic cylinder includes a ram movably disposed within the cylinder and transmits an opening and closing force to the door member.

Abstract: A drive system is provided for a moveable barrier, such as a garage door, that limits unauthorized shifting thereof. The drive system includes a flexible actuator for raising and lowering the door. The flexible actuator is tensioned with a biasing mechanism to minimize actuator throw, and a stop assembly of the biasing mechanism limits unauthorized travel of the garage door from the closed position by a predetermined amount that is sufficiently small so as to keep intruders out of the garage. The flexible actuator may for example, be a cable, a belt or a chain.

Abstract: A device is provided to prevent unauthorized opening of the garage door by interrupting the flow of electrical power to the automatic garage door opener. A power-interrupting switch, suspended from a desired overhead location in the garage, is interposed between the power source and garage door opener to selectively interrupt or complete the flow of electricity to the garage door opener. By interrupting the electrical flow, the garage door opener is deactivated and will remain unresponsive to a possible unauthorized remote control signal.

Abstract: An operator (10, 210) for moving in upward and downward directions a sectional door (D) having a counterbalancing system (30) including a drive tube (31) interconnected with the door comprising, a reversible motor (41), a drive gear (52) selectively driven in two directions by the motor, a driven gear (54) freely rotatably mounted on the drive tube and engaging the drive gear, a slide guide (56) non-rotatably mounted on the drive tube, a disconnect (70) mounted on the slide guide and selectively movable between a first position rotatably connecting the driven gear and the slide guide and a second position disconnecting the drive gear and the slide guide, and an actuator (80) for selectively moving the disconnect between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A drive for doors, in particular garage doors, having door runners which are in each case arranged laterally and which are guided in fixed position rails, and having a drive unit having at least a motor and a driving gear. The drive unit has two rope pulleys arranged to oppositely rotate, with the two free ends of a respective rope being wound on each rope pulley. The rope ends cooperate with the door runners such that the door can be opened or closed via the rotational movement of the rope pulleys.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the novel placement of two pairs of vertical track disposed adjacent to each other together with a pair of radiused horizontal tracks being attached to the outer pair of vertical tracks allowing the use of a flexible lift and reverse cable system to open, close and reverse multi-paneled garage doors. Use of an inner and outer pair of vertical tracks disposed adjacent to each other allows the lowermost rollers to be guided on the inner vertical tracks and the remaining rollers to be guided on the outer vertical tracks and, ultimately, the horizontal tracks as the garage door opens. This configuration allows the lift cable a clear pathway to travel from the drum down the center of the inner vertical tracks to the connection with the shaft journal mounted near the bottom of the garage door.

Abstract: A plug for use in a counterbalancing mechanism of a cable-operated door. The plug is used for operatively connecting an overhead shaft to a torsion spring co-axially mounted thereon. The plug includes a cylindrical collar and a cylindrical flange. The cylindrical collar has opposite first and second portions and is provided with a hooking slot for hooking a free end of the torsion spring thereon, and the torsion spring having a segment coaxially mounted about the first portion of the collar. The cylindrical flange is rigidly affixed to the second portion of the collar and is used for transferring a torque between the torsion spring and the overhead shaft when the flange is securely fixed about the overhead shaft.

Abstract: A non-contact sensor system controls movement of a door moving in a first direction by actuation of a device. The system includes a transmitter extending a predetermined distance beyond a leading edge of the door at a first door end for transmitting a signal toward a second door end. The transmitter is attached to the door by a first moveable member which is capable of engaging a surface when the door closes and moving to a retracted position. The sensor system further includes a receiver extending a predetermined distance beyond the leading edge of the door at the second door end in alignment with the transmitter for detecting the signal, and for generating an output signal when the signal is blocked. The receiver is attached to the door by a second moveable member which is capable of engaging the surface when the door closes and moving to the retracted position.

Abstract: A system for raising and lowering a sectional overhead door between an open position and a closed position including, a counterbalance system adapted to be connected to the door, an operator motor assembly mounted proximate to the sectional overhead door in the closed position of the sectional overhead door, at least a portion of the operator motor assembly movable between a door operating position and a door locking position, and a locking assembly (370) having an engaged position to hold the motor assembly in the operating position and a disengaged position to release the motor assembly allowing it to move to the door locking position. The system may be provided with a remote light assembly having a switchable light source in sensing communication with the operator motor such that operation of the motor activates the light source.

Abstract: A drive system for closing devices, for example gates or shutters, with a variable speed output drive and a device for detecting a given characteristic of the drive, and is varied to maintain a substantially constant speed of the closing device as it moves between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A door system including, a door movable between a closed vertical position and an open horizontal position, a cable attached to the door and normally providing a counterbalancing force to the door, the cable extending along a vertical line adjacent the door and being normally substantially taut, and an anti-drop assembly having a pawl pivotally supported on the door and attached to the cable, a stop surface positioned adjacent to the door, and a spring operable to urge the pawl toward engagement with the stop surface, wherein when taut the cable opposes the biasing force of the spring and wherein upon the cable going slack the spring urges the pawl into engagement with the stop surface to decelerate the door.

Abstract: A balance control system comprises a motor, a transmission system providing connection between the motor and the door and adapted to move the door between a closed position and an open position located above the closed position, a counterbalance system to reduce power required to lift the door, an apparatus to generate first signal representing a force used to move the door from the closed position to the open position, and to generate a second signal representing a force used to move the door from the open position to the closed position, and a controller responsive to the first signal and to the second signal to indicate an imbalance of the door when a difference between the first signal and the second signal exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A barrier mount system is disclosed which opens and closes a barrier such as a gate or garage door in response to user generated commands. Obstruction detection apparatus is provided for safety of operator. When an obstruction is sensed, the barrier movement system is inhibited from responding to user generated commands until a predetermined event occurs. The event may be passage of a predetermined amount of time or barrier movement of a particular amount.

Abstract: A system for raising and lowering a sectional overhead door between an open position and a closed position including, a counterbalance system adapted to be connected to the door, an operator motor assembly mounted proximate to the sectional overhead door in the closed position of the sectional overhead door, at least a portion of the operator motor assembly movable between a door operating position and a door locking position, and a locking assembly (370) having an engaged position to hold the motor assembly in the operating position and a disengaged position to release the motor assembly allowing it to move to the door locking position. The system may be provided with a remote light assembly having a switchable light source in sensing communication with the operator motor such that operation of the motor activates the light source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a locking device and a door-drive device comprising a locking device for a door which can be secured against opening by unauthorized persons using force from the exterior. The locking device has a lever element consisting of two lever arms which pivot about a first pivoting shaft. A connecting element is hinged to the first lever arm for connecting the door and the second lever arm which has an engaging device.

Abstract: Guide track assemblies for upward acting doors include identical vertical and horizontal linear track sections and a curvilinear transition track section. The linear track sections include spaced-apart elongated slots formed at acute angles with respect to the longitudinal extent of the track sections for cooperation with retainer members mounted on angle-shaped jamb brackets. A header bracket also includes one or more retainer members thereon for disposition in similar elongated slots formed in the curvilinear track section. The linear track sections fit in telescoping relationship within enlarged end portions of the curvilinear track section. The configurations of the header brackets, jamb brackets and track sections facilitate quick assembly and easy positional adjustment of the track sections with respect to a door opening covered by a door guided by the track assemblies.

Abstract: A separating device for a door leaf that is moveable overhead has a coupling element movable between a coupling position, in which the coupling element couples an output element of the drive device to the structural component, and a freewheeling position, in which the output element of the drive device is decoupled from the structural component. A locking member is provided which is movable between at least one release position, in which the locking member allows a movement of the coupling element into the freewheeling position, and at least one locking position, in which the locking member counteracts a movement of the coupling element into the freewheeling position. The locking member can be coupled to the drive device.

Abstract: A counterbalance system (10) for an upwardly acting door (D) movable on tracks (T, T) between a closed position and an open position having, a drive tube (31) adapted to be mounted above the door in the closed position, a cable drum assembly (30) mounted proximate each end of the drive tube, a cable connecting each cable drum assembly and the door, a cylindrical member (40) on the cable drum assembly, a cable receiving surface (42) on the cylindrical member extending laterally between the door and the tracks and receiving multiple layers (F, S) of the cable during movement of the door from the closed position to the open position, whereby the cable avoids engagement with the door during movement between the closed position and the open position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive spindle, in particular to drive garage doors, having recesses or projections disposed on the circumferential surface which can be connected to corresponding projections or recesses of a guide element for the purpose of the axial movement. In accordance with the invention, the drive spindle consists of at least two components which can be detachably connected to one another.

Abstract: A drop-catch mechanism for preventing a door leaf of an overhead door from falling down upon breakage of a balancing spring thereof, the mechanism comprising an input member for coupling with a balancing spring of the overhead door, a ratchet wheel for coupling with a winding axle carrying the door leaf of the overhead door, a pawl, and means for moving the pawl from a free position that allows rotation of the ratchet wheel to a catching position that blocks rotation of the ratchet wheel, the means for moving the pawl being configured such that, in use, breakage of a balancing spring coupled to the input member causes the pawl to move from the free position to the catching position, characterized in that the means for moving the pawl from the free position into the catching position comprise a positive mechanical drive extending from the input member to the pawl.

Abstract: An operating system for controllably moving in upward and downward directions a sectional door (D) in relation to a door frame (12) having a pair of jambs (13, 14) and an interconnecting header (15), including a counterbalancing system (30) having a drive tube (31) interconnected with the sectional door proximate the ends thereof, a resonible motorized operator (10) mounted adjacent to the drive tube and between the ends of the sectional door, and a drive train (70) interconnecting the drive tube and the motorized operator for selectively driving the sectional door in upward and downward directions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive for doors, in particular garage doors, having door runners which are in each case arranged laterally at the moving part of the door and which are guided in fixed position rails, and having a drive unit consisting at least of a motor and a driving gear. In accordance with the invention, the drive unit has two rope pulleys arranged in counter rotating manner, with the two free ends of a respective rope being wound on each rope pulley. The rope ends cooperate with the door runners such that the door can be opened or closed via the rotational movement of the rope pulleys.

Abstract: A remote controllable dead bolt type of locking apparatus is to be retrofittedly mounted in conjunction with a conventional garage door which is to function to securely lock the garage door preventing unauthorized entry through the garage door. The locking apparatus uses an elongated draw bar assembly that connects between the right side door jamb and the left side door jamb which defines the transverse sides of the opening within which is mounted the garage door. The draw bar assembly is to be linearly moved by a draw bar drive which is to be electrically activated when operating of a hand held remote that operates the conventional garage door opening mechanism.

Abstract: An auxiliary closure operating device for manually operating an intermediate shaft normally driven by a motor in order to displace a closure between open and closed positions thereof. The device comprises a manual actuator and a driving member adapted to be freely mounted on the intermediate shaft so as to form a compact auxiliary device. The driving member is axially displaceable along the intermediate shaft between a first position in which the driving member and the intermediate shaft are independently rotatable relative to one another and a second position in which the driving member is engaged with the intermediate shaft and the manual actuator to transmit a torque from the manual actuator to the intermediate shaft.

Abstract: A garage door opener apparatus (10) with a transfer mechanism (50) is described. The transfer mechanism includes motor sprocket (59), chain (52, 52A), drive sprocket (53, 53A), shaft (54, 54A), driven sprocket (64, 64A) and chain (65, 65A) connected to a carriage assembly (20). The transfer mechanism enables positioning of the apparatus in a building (100) with an obstruction such as a beam (102) and safely allows transfer of the rotation of the motor sprocket to the door (101).

Abstract: A moveable structural reinforcement system is described including a moveable panel adapted to substantially close a building opening, the panel including variable shear load resistance means for regulating the shear stiffness of the building when the panel is in a closed position.

Abstract: An adapter for electric garage door openers including a sliding portion adapted for coupling with the track of the electric garage door opener. A pair of support bars extend between the sliding portion and the pair of outwardly opening garage doors.

Abstract: A system for servicing an overhead door having a spring counter balance mechanism, an operator and a directional control system. The servicing system includes a counter, information cards, and contact cards. The counter includes a counting device and a numeric display. The counting device records the number of full cycles of the springs used in the counter balance mechanism measured from the fully closed position of the door. The numeric display shows this number of full cycles. An inspector of the door compares this number to the cycle failure specification for the springs used in the counter balance mechanism listed on the information cards. If replacement or attention is required, the inspector uses the contact cards to inform the appropriate parties that the door is not functioning properly or that the springs require attention.

Abstract: A plug for use in a counterbalancing mechanism of a cable-operated door. The plug is used for operatively connecting an overhead shaft to a torsion spring co-axially mounted thereon. The plug includes a cylindrical collar and a cylindrical flange. The cylindrical collar has opposite first and second portions and is provided with a hooking slot for hooking a free end of the torsion spring thereon, the torsion spring having a segment coaxially mounted about the first portion of the collar. The cylindrical flange is rigidly affixed to the second portion of the collar and is used for transferring a torque between the torsion spring and the overhead shaft when the flange is securely fixed about the overhead shaft The plug is characterized in that the collar is eccentrically mounted about the overhead shaft, thereby allowing the plug to be used when the radial space between the plug and the overhead shaft is limited and also preventing the overhead shaft from being damaged by the free end of the torsion spring.

Abstract: An improved release mechanism for use in combination with an industrial door, which includes an extension member extending across the doorway opening when the door is in its doorway-blocking positions, the releasing mechanism including a roller mounted for movement with the extension member, and a track including a guideway for receiving the roller and guiding it during normal door operation, the roller and track being movable relative to each other upon application of a breakaway force to the extension member, thereby allowing the roller to escape from the track when a breakaway force is applied to the extension member, the breakaway force being defined as a force that has a component perpendicular to the plane of the door above a certain magnitude.

Abstract: A system for suspension in elongated bearing rails (1) of plate-shaped sound-absorbing elements (2) in such a manner that the elements, if desired, can be taken down for cleaning and disinfecting purposes. Sound-absorbing elements (2) are suspended in the bearing rails (1) by wheels (3). In this manner each plate-shaped element (2) can be moved along the carrier rail (1) and taken down at the end of the rail for cleaning and disinfecting purposes, and particular scaffoldings at various locations inside the factory building are no longer required.

Abstract: A moveable structural reinforcement system is described including a moveable panel, a metal frame structure connectable to the frame structure of a building opening, the frame structure including a top support member and lateral supports connected on a first end to the top support member, upper load members disposed on the top support member proximate the lateral supports, bottom load members disposed on the second ends of the lateral supports, and load transfer members disposed substantially diagonally on said panel and adapted to releasably engage the upper and lower load members. The load transfer members providing a substantially continuous load path when the panel is in a closed position and the building or structure is subjected to a lateral force.

Abstract: The mechanism comprises a bracket, to which are mounted a fixed roller shaft and a rotatable brake shaft. The roller shaft has a roller which runs in the door track. A cylindrical torsion spring is positioned on the brake shaft. One end of the spring is anchored to the brake shaft. The other end of the spring is connected to a tensioning ring, so that the tension of the spring can be adjusted. The tensioning ring is disengagably secured to the bracket. An arm protrudes from the brake shaft. The lift cable for the door extends through an eye carried by the arm. As long as the cable is taut, the brake shaft is prevented from turning. At its outer end, the brake shaft carries a cam member with braking teeth. The teeth are positioned to bite into the exterior surface of the track if the cable breaks and the spring rotates the brake shaft.

Abstract: An automatic overhead door opening system for a transport container whereby to operate the displacement of a panel door from a closed position to an open position. The system is housed in a restrained size housing which incorporates a motorized drive for driving an endless chain associated with an elongated central guide track on which the door is guidingly attached. The motorized drive is comprised of two small d.c. motors each having a drive gear drivingly coupled to a common driven gear of a gear drive which includes a worm gear in meshing engagement with a driven sprocket connected to a drive sprocket to displace the endless chain. The housing is of reduced thickness and access to the interior of the housing is provided through a non-obstructed removable bottom wall plate and accordingly it is not necessary to disconnect the endless chain and drive sprocket to have access to the components of the system.

Abstract: A garage door opener is provided with a drive mechanism formed by a chain that runs in a track. The track is mounted on the platform of a mounting support that is hinged to the vehicle entry wall of a garage directly above the garage door opening. The track includes a track opening directed straight out from the vehicle entry wall. The track extends in a curve from the track opening toward the vehicle entry wall, along a first proximal straight section that lies parallel to the vehicle entry wall, around a one hundred eight degree bend, and along another distal straight section that is located parallel to and spaced from the first, proximal section. The chain is formed with large links having flat upper and lower plates. Each link has a hinged side and an unhinged side and the links are joined together at their corners along their hinged sides. The chain can only be bent in an arc that is concave inwardly toward the hinged sides of the links.

Abstract: A cable control device (10) for a sectional overhead door (11) having a motor-driven counterbalance system (30) including, a spring-loaded drive shaft (31), cable drums (33) carried by the drive shaft, cables (C) attached to and interconnecting the cable drums and the door and forming and releasing cable wraps on the cable drums upon raising and lowering of the door, and retainers (60) associated with the cable drums engaging a portion of at least one cable wrap to maintain engagement of the cable wrap with the cable drums in the event of the development of slack in the cables.

Abstract: A counterbalance system for an upward acting door includes spaced apart wall brackets supporting a tubular shaft for spaced apart cable drums operable to wind counterbalance cables thereon to counterbalance the weight of the door. Torsion springs interconnect the cable drums and spring winder tubes sleeved over the springs and connected to the wall brackets by a winder mechanism including a support plate having spaced apart tabs adapted to register in corresponding slots formed in a wall bracket. The winder mechanism includes a worm gear drive including a ring gear which is connected to one end of the winder tube by an arrangement of radially inwardly projecting key portions in a bore of the ring gear which register with axial grooves formed in the winder tube and are adapted to slide into transverse slots intersecting the grooves. A removable lock pin is engageable with the ring gear or the worm of the worm gear drive.

Abstract: An upward acting sectional door formed of rectangular door sections which are interconnected to form a closure over a door opening. Opposed somewhat L-shaped bottom brackets are secured to opposed lower side edges of the bottom door section by fasteners which are not easily accessible for removal when the door is assembled and disposed between adjacent guide tracks. Opposed guide rollers connected to counterbalance cables are partially supported by the brackets and transfer upward lifting forces to the door through the brackets.

Abstract: A sectional gate assembly to move a sectional gate between an open position and a closed position by an upper and lower closing element. The upper closing element is flexibly connected with the lower closing element, and both the upper and lower closing elements each have a first and a second opposite side and one or more guides which are arranged on each of the first and second opposite sides of the closing elements. The sectional gate assembly includes a first and a second single track guide rail. The first and second guide rails each have a vertical section and a horizontal section connected with a curved portion. One or more of the guides on the upper and lower closing elements are adapted to move within the guide rail. A weight-counterbalancer is included in the sectional gate assembly.

Abstract: A roller bracket apparatus includes a roller assembly which includes a carriage portion and a link portion projecting from the carriage portion. A push/pull assembly is provided, and a pivot assembly is connected between the link portion of the roller assembly and the push/pull assembly. The carriage portion includes a wheel-support portion and a plurality of axle/wheel assemblies supported by the wheel-support portion. Each of the axle/wheel assemblies includes an axle and a roller wheel connected to the axle. The link portion extends from the carriage portion at an acute angle with respect to a plane common to the top surface of the carriage portion. In an alternatively preferred embodiment of the invention, the push/pull assembly includes a first side portion connected to the article being moved (e.g. an overhead door panel) and an integrated gusset plate portion orthogonally connected between the first side portion and the pivot assembly.

Abstract: A garage door operating system which includes a garage door, framing along which the garage door is positioned and travels between non-closed and closed positions, a signal generator which transmits a closed and or non-closed signal depending upon the position of the garage door, and finally includes an indicator which provides a suitable indicator signal upon receiving the signal.

Abstract: A new and improved garage door opening and closing system comprising a lower bar pivotably connected to the upper extent of a garage door. An associated intermediate bar is coupled with respect to the lower bar. An upper bar has an upper end pivotably connected to a door actuator. A piston is mounted to the lower end of the upper bar. A cylindrical housing encompasses the piston. An apertured upper cap at the top end of the housing slidably receives the upper bar. An apertured lower cap is releasably secured to the upper end of the intermediate rod. An upper coil spring is mounted between the piston and the upper cap. A lower coil spring is located between the piston and the lower cap.

Abstract: An apparatus that detects the occurrence of slack in a cable and that compensates for detected slack is disclosed. The apparatus includes body parts that are movable relative to each other between fully extended and fully retracted positions. A bias device biases the body parts toward the fully retracted position. However, normal tension conditions in the monitored cable overcome the bias and extend the body parts to their fully extended relation. If the cable becomes slack, the body parts retract to take up the slack. If the cable slack is to such an extent that the body parts move to a predetermined relative position, the apparatus generates a signal warning of extreme slack conditions. The present invention also is a cable slack control apparatus for a door operator, with such control apparatus including a cable slack detection and compensation device and a door motor drive control device.

Abstract: A carbon monoxide sensing system is provided including a garage having an automatic door adapted to open only upon the receipt of an activation signal. Further provided is a carbon monoxide sensor positioned within the garage and connected to the automatic door for transmitting the activation signal upon the detection of an amount of carbon monoxide which exceeds a predetermined amount. A light beam detector is adapted to generate the activation signal only upon the detection of vehicle within the garage. Also included is a control mechanism connected between the carbon monoxide sensor, light detection and the door opener for allowing the transmission of the activation signal to the door opener only upon the receipt of the activation signal from the light beam detector.

Abstract: A door opener includes a motor in mechanical communication with a door, a first gas source for powering the motor, and a control system interposed to the first gas source and the motor. The control system includes a first pilot valve communicating with the first gas source at an inlet port and the motor at a motor port. The first pilot valve also communicates with a first flow control valve at an exhaust port. The first flow control valve regulates the speed of the door during closing and communicates with the first pilot valve at an inlet port and communicates with the atmosphere at an exhaust port.

Abstract: The invention takes as its departure point a housing (10) for receiving electric drives (16, 18, 20), in particular garage-door drives, and/or the controls (24, 26) thereof, which housing exhibits at least two housing parts (12, 14). Provision is made on the housing parts for a latching device (34, 52, 68, 110) and guide elements (108, 112) for the reliable connection of the housing parts (12, 14) and for latching-in and retaining functional components (22, 28, 78) and/or circuit boards (24, 26) for the controls. Consequently, a structure with few individual parts and simple mounting and demounting is achieved.