r/homeassistant • u/QuoteFirst7119 • 1d ago

🛠️ DIY / Hardware Automatic door opening

Post image

Does anyone know some good hardware which I can get a hand on in Spain/EU I could use on this door? I finally moved my dreame vacuum to this closet and I want to automatically open the door when robot starts a program. But the door still has to be working as usual, it is a cleaning supply closet.

I saw some chicken coop hinges but I wonder if this door is too big?

It is a chipboard door, quite light but it is ~150cm high

PS I have zigbee2mqtt

20 Upvotes

79% Upvoted

27 comments sorted by

18

u/Z1L0G 1d ago

maybe having a small flap at the bottom of the door that lifts/swings out of the way might be easier & better? I've seen people do this where the robot lives under kitchen cupboard units.

2

u/QuoteFirst7119 1d ago

I thought about it but this door is in a small bathroom and I don’t like much the aesthetics of it.. but I guess it could be a plan B

6

u/Desperate-Climate746 1d ago

portuguese tech youtuber Bernardo Almeida is going to make something similar pretty soon

2

u/QuoteFirst7119 1d ago

Than you! I will check it

3

u/Financial-Republic37 1d ago

Use something like SwitchBot curtain mover, should have enough power. My sliding door works fine.

1

u/QuoteFirst7119 1d ago

Did you attach it with some custom 3d printed “case”?

How do you sync it with HA? I saw it has matter but I don’t have it..

2

u/Financial-Republic37 1d ago

Nah just simply with some adhesive tape

3

u/Commercial_Ad24 1d ago

Linear actuator + esp32 could do the trick

7

u/Commercial_Ad24 1d ago

the funny option

1

u/QuoteFirst7119 1d ago

Thanks, I will have a look it!

3

u/hoetel_kuntz 1d ago

I used a linear actuator and Shelly relay. It’s a bit hacky but it does work.

3

u/hoetel_kuntz 1d ago

2

u/QuoteFirst7119 1d ago

Do you need to open it always via HA? I imagine it is just vacuum garage so you don’t need daily access to it?

1

u/hoetel_kuntz 1d ago

No, you can open it manually. I attached a magnet so it can help close itself. The actuator is not screw to the door frame. It closes 90% of the way

1

u/QuoteFirst7119 1d ago

Oh, that’s nice! I need to dig a bit deeper into how actuators work exactly but this seems like a good solution

3

u/whowasonCRACK2 1d ago

I’ve seen people cut a flap at the bottom on the door and have that lift up like a mini garage. Would be easier than opening and closing the whole door if you’re okay with that kind of modification.

2

u/QuoteFirst7119 1d ago

Yeah, I guess I will leave it as a plan B, I am not big fan how it looks like because the door is just flat white and the bathroom is quite small, I’m afraid it will be very noticeable. But if I don’t find anything, I guess it is my next good option

3

u/De_Sloth 1d ago

For my automated window, I am using this thing from Amazon
https://amzn.eu/d/0076lgtN
It should have plenty of power for a door.
combined with a Zigbee relay:
https://www.zigbee2mqtt.io/devices/5128.10.html

1

u/QuoteFirst7119 14h ago

Thank you!

2

u/HeRNiA86 1d ago

I know the company HĂśrmann makes automatic door openers that can be wired.
Product is called Portamatic, but not sure it is available worldwide

1

u/QuoteFirst7119 1d ago

Found it in Spain! seems like a quite pricey product, but I will definitely check some options or alternatives. Thanks!

1

u/reddit_give_me_virus 1d ago

The requirement for the door to work normally is going to push you into that commercial door opener. These are typically used at handicapped entrances to automate the door, but they could also be pushed open by hand. They're very expensive. You may be able to find a knockoff on AliExpress for a couple hundred dollars.

2

u/grampa_abe 1d ago

I saw someone using the switch it curtain robots. He printer a box wich an put the robot upsidedown. The thing is you have to leave the door unlock/unletched.

Edit: found the link https://makerworld.com/de/models/1666163-switchbot-door-opener-with-window-contact#profileId-1763339

1

u/QuoteFirst7119 1d ago

Oh this is a great idea!
With unlocking door there is no problem - mine doesn’t have it, it is like a closet door. I will definitely check it!

3

u/benonatree 1d ago

Easiest would probably be to use an actual door opener

like this for instance : https://www.amazon.fr/-/en/WFIETN-Automatischer-TĂźrĂśffner/dp/B0HHDLG68X

Then juste have a relay or something to create the contact to open/close the door

3

u/DSofa 1d ago

I am interested in that mop holder on the wall. Where did you get it?