EP3328776B1

EP3328776B1 - Cabin door for an elevator

Info

Publication number: EP3328776B1
Application number: EP16745827.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Paolo Giorgioni
Original assignee: Wittur Holding GmbH
Current assignee: Wittur Holding GmbH
Priority date: 2015-07-31
Filing date: 2016-06-22
Publication date: 2019-07-31
Anticipated expiration: 2036-06-22
Also published as: CN107848762A; CN107848762B; ES2746135T3; EP3328776A1; ITUB20152691A1; WO2017021796A1

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates to a cabin door for an elevator. As known, inside an elevator shaft a vertically sliding cabin is arranged. Said cabin has one or more gaps or openings with which a door is associated, called "cabin door".
"Floor doors" are installed on the various floors of the building, at the openings of the shaft.
In this context, reference is made to sliding cabin doors, in which the movement of the door panels is achieved by means of absolutely cumbersome mechanisms.

Background art

A traditional solution provides for applying to one of the door panels of the cabin door - called main door panel - a motor-belt-pulley system which allows it to slide. The other door panels are in turned dragged in opening and closure by means of the same number of belt-pulley systems and by a synchronisation mechanism which hooks them to the motor of the main door panel.
The system - which may be installed above or below the gap - provides for trolleys supported by a plate, the height of which may even reach 750 mm. Said dimensions make installation of the cabin door difficult on new or existing systems.
Figures 1a and 1b show a cabin door 1 with sliding door panels 2, 3 and a movement mechanism 20 of the traditional type, respectively positioned above and below the door panels 2, 3.
Starting in the mid-Nineties, the market began shifting towards solutions which reduce the vertical dimensions as much as possible. In this context, the object of manufacturers is achieving small dimensions at the head and in the pit within some years.
JP2009249116 shows an elevator door gap closing mechanism that does not require a separate power source in order to be driven into and out of position. JP2006225131 shows a similar mechanism, which, however, does require a separate power source.

Disclosure of the invention

In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to propose a cabin door for an elevator which obviates the drawbacks in the known art as described above.
In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a cabin door for an elevator in which the dimensions in height are reduced with respect to the known solutions.
A further object of the present invention is to propose a cabin door for an elevator having a simplified structure and lower costs with respect to the known solutions.
The technical task and the objects specified are substantially achieved by a cabin door for an elevator comprising:

at least two sliding door panels provided with corresponding profiles, each of which is arranged beneath the corresponding door panel and is integrally constrained to it, said profiles being partially counter-shaped so as to slide with respect to one another;
motorised means operatively active on said profiles to slide them with respect to one another so that said door panels are indirectly moved between a first configuration wherein the cabin door is closed and a second configuration wherein the cabin door is open.

In a first embodiment, the motorised means comprise:

a motor or a gearmotor operatively active on one of said profiles to move it;
a pulley;
a motion transmitting organ from the motor or the gearmotor to the pulley, said motion transmitting organ being operatively active on the other of said profiles to move it.

For example, the shaft of the motor or gearmotor extends in an orthogonal direction to the planes of the door panels.
Alternatively, the shaft of the motor or gearmotor extends in a parallel direction to the planes of the door panels.
In a second embodiment, the motorised means comprise at least one linear magnetic induction motor operatively active on one of the profiles to move it.
For example, the motorised means comprise:

a magnetic bar;
at least one slider sliding along the magnetic bar, said slider being integrally constrained to one of the profiles.

In a variant of the second embodiment, the motorised means also comprise a pulley and a motion transmitting organ from the slider to the pulley. The motion transmitting organ is operatively active on the other profile to move it.
In a variant of the second embodiment, the motorised means comprise a further slider sliding along the magnetic bar and integrally constrained to the other profile.
Preferably, in all embodiments guide means are provided which are operatively active on the door panels to guide their sliding in the passage from the first to the second configuration and vice versa.
For example, the guide means consist of a rail placed above said door panels. According to the invention, each profile comprises a first portion integrally constrained to the corresponding door panel and a second projecting portion, as a result of sliding of the profiles said second projecting portions assuming a position of minimum distance when the door panels are in the second configuration, so that the second projecting portions form a cabin threshold, and a position of maximum distance when the door panels are in the first configuration wherein the cabin threshold is disassembled.

Brief description of drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following indicative, and hence nonlimiting, description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a cabin door for an elevator, as illustrated in the appended drawings, in which:

figures 1a and 1b show a cabin door for an elevator with a movement mechanism of the door panels, according to two variants of the state of the art;
figure 2 shows a first embodiment of a cabin door for an elevator, according to the present invention;
figure 3 shows a variant of the embodiment of figure 2, according to the present invention;
figure 4 shows a second embodiment of a cabin door for an elevator, according to the present invention;
figure 5 shows a variant of the embodiment of figure 4, according to the present invention;
figure 6 shows the cabin door of figures 2-5, in a plan view, in which the motorised means have been removed;
figure 7 shows the cabin door of figures 2-5, in partially open condition, in a perspective view;
figure 8 shows the cabin door of figure 7, in a plan view;
figure 9 shows the cabin door of figures 2-5, in totally open condition, in a perspective view;
figure 10 shows the cabin door of figure 9, in a plan view;
figure 11 shows the first profile of the cabin door of figures 2-5, in a perspective view;
figure 12 shows the second profile of the cabin door of figures 2-5, in a perspective view.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

With reference to the figures, number 1 indicates a cabin door for an elevator comprising at least two sliding door panels 2, 3.
In the embodiments described here, there are two door panels 2, 3 and the opening is central. Alternatively, the opening of the door panels 2, 3 is lateral, i.e. telescopic.
Advantageously, the cabin door 1 comprises a profile 6, 7 for each door panel 2, 3.
In other words, the same number of profiles 6, 7 as door panels 2, 3 are present.
Each profile 6, 7 is arranged beneath the corresponding door panel 2, 3 and is integrally constrained to it.
Therefore, with respect to the ground, each profile 6, 7 is at a lower horizontal level with respect to the corresponding door panel 2, 3.
For example, the profiles 6, 7 are made of metal or plastic or marble or glass or wood.
In particular, the profiles 6, 7 are partially counter-shaped so as to slide with respect to one another.
Advantageously, the cabin door 1 comprises motorised means 20 operatively active on the profiles 6,7 to slide them with respect to one another so that said door panels 2,3 are indirectly moved between a first configuration wherein the cabin door 1 is closed and a second configuration in which the cabin door 1 is open.
In a first embodiment, shown in figure 2, the motorised means 20 comprise:

a motor or a gearmotor 21 operatively active on one of said profiles 6, 7 to move it;
a pulley 22 (idle);
a motion transmitting organ 23 from the motor (or gearmotor) 21 to the pulley 22.

Said motion transmitting organ 23 is operatively active on the other profile 6, 7 to move it.
For example, the motion transmitting organ 23 is formed of a belt or rope or cable or cord.
For example, the motor 21 is a traditional or a "pancake" type disc motor.
In the first embodiment, the shaft of the motor or the gearmotor 21 extends orthogonally to the door panels 2, 3. For example, figure 2 shows the motor or the gearmotor 21 arranged substantially horizontally, at a lower level with respect to the door panels 2, 3.
In a variant embodiment, the shaft of the motor or the gearmotor 21 extends parallel to the planes of the door panels 2, 3. For example, figure 3 shows the motor or the gearmotor 21 arranged substantially vertically, at a lower level with respect to the door panels 2, 3.
In the embodiments shown here, the motor or the gearmotor 21 is depicted at one of the lateral lower ends of the cabin door 1. However, it is possible to arrange the motor or the gearmotor 1 in any other position beneath the profiles 6, 7.
In a second embodiment, shown in figure 4, the motorised means 20 comprise a linear magnetic induction motor operatively active on one of the profiles 6, 7 to move it.
In particular, the motorised means 20 comprise:

a magnetic bar 25;
a slider 26 sliding along the magnetic bar 25, which is integrally constrained to one of the profiles 6, 7.
a pulley 22 (idle);
a motion transmitting organ 23 from the slider 26 to the pulley 22.

Said motion transmitting organ 23 is operatively active on the other profile 6, 7 to move it.
For example, the motion transmitting organ 23 is formed of a belt or rope or cable or cord.
The magnetic bar 25 and the slider 26 form the linear magnetic induction motor.
In a variant embodiment, shown in figure 5, two sliders 26a, 26b are present, sliding along the magnetic bar 25. Each of said sliders 26a, 26b is integrally constrained to a corresponding profile 6, 7.
In this variant embodiment, the motion transmitting organ is not necessary, since the two door panels 2, 3 are moved independently from one another. In figures 4-5, the magnetic bar 25 is mounted on a support plate 27 situated beneath the door panels 2, 3.
Preferably, the cabin door 1 comprises guide means 24 operatively active on the door panels 2, 3 to guide their sliding in the passage from the first to the second configuration and vice versa.
Preferably, the guide means 24 consist of a rail placed above said door panels 2, 3. According to the invention, each profile 6, 7 has a first portion 6a, 7a which is integrally constrained to the corresponding door panel 2, 3.
In the embodiments described and shown here, the first portions 6a, 7a of the profiles 6, 7 are constrained to the corresponding door panels 2, 3 by means of fastening elements 8 such as screws or rivets.
In variant embodiments not shown, the door panels 2, 3 are welded to the first portions 6a, 7a of the corresponding profiles 6, 7.
Each profile 6, 7 has a second projecting portion 6b, 7b, i.e. protruding towards the plane.
The second projecting portions 6b, 7b assume two limit positions:

a position of minimum distance when the door panels 2, 3 are in the second configuration (therefore the cabin door 1 is open);
a position of maximum distance when the door panels 2, 3 are in the first configuration (therefore the cabin door 1 is closed);

In the position of minimum distance, the second projecting portions 6b, 7b form a cabin threshold 5.
The cabin threshold 5 thus obtained protrudes towards a plane threshold 50 (see figures 9-10).
In the position of maximum distance, the cabin threshold 5 is dismantled or disassembled (see figures 6 to 8).
In the embodiments described and shown here, there are two profiles 6,7, thus as there are door panels 2, 3.
In this case, one of the profiles (indicated for ease of reference as "first profile" 6) has a groove 9 afforded in its second projecting portion 6b, as shown in figure 11.
In said groove 9, the first portion 7a of the other profile (indicated for ease of reference as "second profile" 7 and shown in figure 12) is slidingly inserted.
Preferably, the cabin door 1 comprises means to detect the load (not shown) operatively active on the profiles 6, 7 to detect the presence of a weight and a safety device (not shown) associated with the load detection means.
In particular, in response to detection of a weight higher than a pre-established value during passage of the door panels 2, 3 from the second to the first configuration (i.e. when the cabin door 1 is closing), the safety device commands to return to the second configuration (i.e. it reopens the cabin door 1) or arrest of movement of the profiles 6, 7 (and therefore the door panels 2, 3) up until removal of said weight.
In the embodiments described and shown here, the cabin door 1 has a linear opening so that the profiles 6, 7 extend along a prevalent direction which is longitudinal and parallel to the door panels 2, 3.
Alternatively, the cabin door 1 has a circular opening so that the profiles 6, 7 develop along a prevalent direction which is arched.
Functioning of the cabin door 1, according to the present invention, is described below.
The cabin, initially with closed door ( door panel 2, 3 in the first configuration) is moved vertically inside the elevator shaft.
When the cabin reaches the desired floor, the cabin door 1 is facing the corresponding floor door.
At this point, the motorised means 20 slide the profiles 6, 7, which drag the door panels 2, 3 integral to them.
Thus, the door panels 2, 3 move from the first to the second configuration. In particular, the first portion 7a of the second profile 7 slides with respect to the groove 9 present in the second projecting profile 6b of the first profile 6. Said reciprocal sliding causes approach of the second projecting portions 6b, 7b of the profiles 6, 7 which thus form the cabin threshold 5 (see figures 9-10).
Preferably, the second projecting portions 6b, 7b approach until they are alongside one another to define a cabin threshold 5 in which no discontinuity is perceived by anyone stepping on it.
The cabin threshold 5 thus formed protrudes towards the floor threshold 50 and is 1 mm to 5 mm apart from it.
During opening of the cabin door 1, the load detection means detect passage across the gap 11 of people, animals or objects (e.g. pushchairs). If their weight is greater than a pre-established value, the safety device which controls reopening of the cabin door 1 or arrest of the profiles 6, 7 (and therefore the door panels 2, 3) intervenes until the object or person or animal is removed. Thus, there is no interference with the second projecting portions 6b, 7b which are approaching one another.
The characteristics of the cabin door for an elevator according to the present invention are clear from the description.
In particular, the predisposition of motorisation means of the door panels (duly shaped) determines a reduction of the vertical dimensions. For example, a height of around 750 mm is reduced to around 70 mm. Furthermore, the presence of lower profiles integral with the door panels and shaped so as to slide reciprocally allows:

a space of 25-30 mm to be maintained between the cabin and the floor door during vertical movement of the cabin in the elevator shaft;
a cabin threshold to be created during opening of the door and for the entire time during which it remains open, thus reducing the space of 25-30 mm to 1-5 mm, corresponding with the distance between the cabin threshold thus obtained and the floor threshold.

Compared with traditional solutions which provide for an auxiliary threshold (extractable/retractable), the invention described here provides a further advantage, i.e. assembling and disassembling the cabin threshold when necessary. In practice, when the cabin door is closed, the threshold is not needed, so it does not exist (it is disassembled). Said cabin threshold is formed, i.e. assembled, when the door opens.
In fact, the projecting portion of the two profiles are positioned inside the zone of the gap only when the door opens.
Furthermore, cables for sliding the door panels are no longer necessary. At most, to ensure correct sliding of the door panels, upper guide rails are optionally provided.
Therefore, the proposed solution is not affected by problems of dirt accumulating in the cavities (as they are absent).
In conclusion, the presence of load detection means and the safety device avoids tripping during opening of the cabin door, i.e. when the cabin threshold is forming. Thus, not only are obstacles detected when the door closes (as already happens in the known solutions), but information can also be produced for system diagnostics, due to detection of obstacles when the elevator is stationary and the door is open.

Claims

Cabin door (1) for an elevator comprising:
at least two sliding door panels (2, 3) provided with corresponding profiles (6, 7), each of said profiles (6, 7) being arranged beneath the corresponding door panel (2, 3) and being integrally constrained to it, said profiles (6, 7) being slidable with respect to one another;

motorised means (20) operatively active on said profiles (6, 7) to slide them with respect to one another so that said door panels (2, 3) are indirectly moved between a first configuration wherein the cabin door (1) is closed and a second configuration wherein the cabin door (1) is open,

characterised in that each of said profiles (6, 7) comprises a first portion (6a, 7a) integrally constrained to the corresponding door panel (2, 3) and a projecting second portion (6b, 7b), as a result of sliding of the profiles (6, 7) said projecting second portions (6b, 7b) assuming a position of minimum distance when the door panels (2, 3) are in the second configuration, so that said projecting second portions (6b, 7b) form a cabin threshold (5), and a position of maximum distance when the door panels (2, 3) are in the first configuration, so that said cabin threshold (5) is disassembled.
Cabin door (1) according to claim 1, wherein said motorised means (20) comprise:
a motor or a gearmotor (21) operatively active on one of said profiles (6, 7) to move it;

a pulley (22);

a motion transmitting organ (23) from the motor or the gearmotor (21) to the pulley (22), said motion transmitting organ (23) being operatively active on the other of said profiles (6, 7) to move it.
Cabin door (1) according to claim 2, wherein the shaft of said motor or gearmotor (21) extends in a direction orthogonal to the planes of said door panels (2, 3).
Cabin door (1) according to claim 2, wherein the shaft of said motor or gearmotor (21) extends in a direction parallel to the planes of said door panels (2, 3).
Cabin door (1) according to claim 1, wherein said motorised means (20) comprise at least a linear magnetic induction motor operatively active on one of said profiles (6, 7) to move it.
Cabin door (1) according to claim 5, wherein said motorised means (20) comprise:
a magnetic bar (25);

at list a slider (26; 26a) mounted for sliding along said magnetic bar (25), said slider (26; 26a) being integrally constrained to one of said profiles (6, 7).
Cabin door (1) according to claim 6, wherein said motorised means (20) further comprise a pulley (22) and a motion transmitting organ (23) from the slider (26) to the pulley (22), said motion transmitting organ (23) being operatively active on the other of said profiles (6, 7) to move it.
Cabin door (1) according to claim 6, wherein said motorised means (20) comprise a further slider (26b) mounted for sliding along said magnetic bar (25), said further slider (26b) being integrally constrained to the other of said profiles (6, 7).
Cabin door (1) according to any one of the previous claims, further comprising guide means (24) operatively active on said door panels (2, 3) to guide its sliding in the passage from the first to the second configuration and vice versa.
Cabin door (1) according to claim 9, wherein said guide means (24) consist of a rail placed above said door panels (2, 3).