Device, elevator and method

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to devices, electrical and methods. A device (100) for controlling a lock (1) of a highest floor door (2) of an elevator (200), an elevator and a method. The device (100) comprises an actuator (3) arranged to be activated due to activation of a service limit device (4) of the elevator, the actuator (3) is connected to the lock of the highest floor door (2), and activation of the actuator (3) is arranged to open the lock (2).

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This invention relates to a device for controlling the lock of the top floor door of an elevator.

[0002] The present invention also relates to an elevator, which includes an elevator shaft and an elevator car arranged in the elevator shaft.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a method for controlling the lock of the top floor door of an elevator.

[0004] Elevators with low headroom, such as NHR (no headroom) elevators, are becoming increasingly popular. In this article, headroom refers to the gap between the top of the elevator car and the top of the elevator shaft when the elevator car is at its highest position. In advantageous solutions, the headroom can be so low that the height of the elevator shaft equals the height of the building's floors. In this case, the elevator shaft can be located entirely within the building.

[0005] Elevators with low headroom require devices to prevent the elevator car from moving upwards, ensuring a safe working space between the top of the elevator car and the top of the elevator shaft when inspection and maintenance personnel access the machinery and shaft components. This device is sometimes called a service stop. Service stop devices typically stop the elevator car at a height approximately 50 cm below the height of the top floor door. One problem is that if the elevator car is stopped by the service stop device, the top floor door may not open or may be impossible to open. This can interfere with the work of inspection and maintenance personnel. Additionally, if the service stop device stops an elevator car carrying passengers for any reason, passengers may not be able to evacuate through the top floor door. Summary of the Invention

[0006] From a first perspective, a device for controlling a lock on the top-floor door of an elevator can be provided, the device comprising:

[0007] -Actuator, the actuator is arranged to be activated by the activation of the elevator's service limit device;

[0008] - The actuator is connected to the lock on the top-floor door; and

[0009] The activation of the actuator is arranged to open the lock.

[0010] This allows for a device that simplifies elevator inspection and maintenance and / or elevator car evacuation.

[0011] On the other hand, an elevator, including an elevator shaft, could be provided.

[0012] - The elevator car arranged in the elevator shaft; and

[0013] -The apparatus described above.

[0014] Thus, it is possible to create an elevator that makes elevator inspection and maintenance easy and / or simplifies elevator car evacuation.

[0015] From a further perspective, a method for controlling the lock of the top-floor door of an elevator can be provided, the method comprising:

[0016] - The actuator is activated due to the activation of the elevator's service limit device; and

[0017] - The activation of the actuator opens the lock on the top-level door.

[0018] This allows for a method that facilitates elevator inspection and maintenance and / or elevator car evacuation.

[0019] The invention may also consist of several separate inventions, particularly if the invention is examined based on explicit or implicit sub-tasks or in view of the advantages or set of advantages obtained. Within the scope of the basic inventive concept, features of different embodiments of the invention can be applied to other embodiments.

[0020] In one embodiment, the device includes a mechanical connecting element for connecting the actuator to a lock on the top-floor door. One advantage is that the connection from the actuator to the lock can be provided in a simple manner.

[0021] In one embodiment, the mechanical connection element includes a cable. One advantage is that the cable is flexible, which simplifies the wiring of the mechanical connection element.

[0022] In one embodiment, an actuator is arranged to a reaction plate disposed in the elevator shaft. The reaction plate is configured to receive a contact element from a service limiting device of the elevator car disposed in the elevator shaft. The received contact element is arranged to activate the actuator. This combination of the reaction plate and the service limiting device is intended to stop the elevator car from moving upward, thereby ensuring the safety of personnel inside the elevator car. For example, during elevator inspections or maintenance in elevators with low or no headroom, the reaction plate and the service limiting device ensure that the elevator car stops moving upward, thus leaving sufficient space between the elevator car and the top of the elevator shaft, allowing maintenance personnel to work safely above the elevator car.

[0023] On the other hand, if a malfunction occurs during normal elevator operation, the reaction plate receives the contact element from the service limit device, causing the elevator car to stop near the top floor door. The actuator then unlocks the top floor door, allowing people to evacuate from the elevator car through it.

[0024] Therefore, one advantage of this embodiment is that it can ensure the safety of people in the elevator car.

[0025] In one embodiment, the reaction plate includes at least one opening arranged to receive a contact element. One advantage is its simple and reliable structure.

[0026] In one embodiment, a reaction plate is movably attached to the elevator shaft in the direction of the elevator shaft, such that the reaction plate can move upward with the received contact element, and said movement of the reaction plate is arranged to be transmitted to the lock via a mechanical connecting element to open it. One advantage is that the lock can be activated very simply and instantly.

[0027] In one embodiment, the actuator is electrically connected to the lock of the top-floor door, and the activation of the actuator is arranged to be electrically transmitted to the lock's electrically operated opening mechanism for opening the lock. One advantage is that the device requires virtually no maintenance. Another advantage is that additional functions can be easily associated with activation (e.g., an alarm signal).

[0028] In one embodiment, the device includes a wire from the actuator to the electrically operated opening mechanism of the lock. One advantage is that the wire is a simple device for transmitting power or signals.

[0029] In one embodiment, the actuator is provided with a wireless transmitter for generating an electrical signal in response to activation of the actuator, and wherein the electrically operated unlocking device is provided with a wireless receiver for receiving the electrical signal, the electrically operated unlocking device being arranged to unlock the lock upon receiving the electrical signal. One advantage is that no physical connection is required between the actuator and the electrically operated unlocking device, thus allowing for great flexibility in implementation of the device.

[0030] In one embodiment, actuator activation is arranged to be transmitted as an electrical data signal. One advantage is that the device can be connected to or linked to the elevator's electrical function control system.

[0031] In one embodiment, the actuator is connected via optical fiber to the lock of the top-floor door, and the activation of the actuator is arranged as optical transmission to the electrically operated opening device of the lock for opening the lock. One advantage is that the device can be connected to or linked to the elevator's optical function control system.

[0032] In one embodiment, the elevator has an operating mode and an inspection or maintenance mode, and the actuator can be activated in the inspection or maintenance mode. One advantage is that it can improve the safety of inspection or maintenance personnel.

[0033] In one embodiment, the elevator is a no-headspace (NHR) elevator. One advantage is that it can improve the safety of NHR elevators.

[0034] In one embodiment, the method includes transmitting activation of the actuator from the actuator to the lock of the top-floor door via a mechanical connecting element. One advantage is that the connection from the actuator to the lock can be provided in a simple manner.

[0035] In one embodiment, the method includes electrically transmitting activation of the actuator. One advantage is that the device requires virtually no maintenance. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Some embodiments used to illustrate this disclosure are described in more detail in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0037] Figure 1 It is a schematic three-dimensional view of a partial cross-section of the apparatus and method;

[0038] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Detailed perspective view of the apparatus and method shown;

[0039] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Another detailed schematic perspective view of the apparatus and method shown;

[0040] Figure 4 It is a schematic three-dimensional view of a partial cross-section of another arrangement and method;

[0041] Figure 5 It is a schematic three-dimensional view of a partial cross-section of the third arrangement and method; and

[0042] Figure 6 This illustrates a method for controlling the door lock on the top floor of an elevator.

[0043] In the figures, some embodiments are shown simplified for clarity. Similar parts are indicated by the same reference numerals in the figures. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic 3D view of a partial cross-section of an elevator. Figure 2 It is a detailed schematic perspective view of the device and method used in elevators, and Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Another schematic perspective view showing details of the apparatus and method. The elevator 200 may have a low ceiling, but this is not necessary.

[0045] Elevator 200 includes an elevator car 9 that defines an interior space for accommodating passengers. The elevator car 9 is arranged in an elevator shaft 7. In one embodiment, the elevator is a no-headspace (NHR) elevator.

[0046] The elevator is equipped with a device 100 for controlling the lock 1 of the top-floor door 2. The device 100 includes an actuator 3, which is activated by the elevator's service limit device 4. The actuator 3 is connected to the lock 1 of the top-floor door. After the actuator 3 is activated, the lock 1 is positioned to open. With the lock open, the top-floor door 2 can be opened from both the interior and exterior of the elevator car 9.

[0047] In one embodiment, the device 100 includes a mechanical connection element 5 for connecting the actuator 3 to the lock 1 of the top-floor door. In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the mechanical connecting element 5 includes a cable.

[0048] In other embodiments, the mechanical connection element 5 includes a rope, chain, and / or belt.

[0049] In one embodiment, for example Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, mechanical connecting elements 5 (such as cables), or at least a portion thereof, are arranged within housing 15. The housing may be a simple tube with a single-layer or multi-layer structure.

[0050] In one embodiment, the mechanical connecting element 5 is guided by at least one pulley or other type of mechanical guide.

[0051] In one embodiment, actuator 3 is arranged to reaction plate 6, which is arranged in elevator shaft 7. In one embodiment, reaction plate 6 (or service limit device reaction plate) and service limit device 4 (such as...) Figure 2 Connected to the elevator car 9 (as shown), the service limit device 4 is arranged to prevent the elevator car 9 from moving too high within the elevator shaft 7. The service limit device 4 is typically activated during elevator inspection or maintenance. The reaction plate 6 includes a receiving device adapted to receive the contact element 8 of the activated service limit device 4 from the elevator car 9. In one embodiment, the contact element 8 is a trigger for a pre-triggered device. As the receiving device receives the contact element 8, the actuator 3 is activated.

[0052] In one embodiment, the receiving device arranged in the reaction plate 6 includes at least one opening 10 arranged to receive the contact element 8. In one embodiment, two or more openings 10 (such as six or eight) are arranged consecutively in the direction of travel of the elevator car 9. The idea of ​​multiple openings 10 is that the length of the reaction plate 6 can be extended, and thus ensures that the contact element 8 (in the moving elevator car) hits one of the openings 10.

[0053] In one embodiment, the reaction plate 6 is movably attached to the elevator shaft 7, allowing the reaction plate 6 to move in the direction of the elevator shaft 7. Therefore, the reaction plate 6 can move upward together with the received contact element 8 (and the elevator car 9). In one embodiment, this movement of the reaction plate 6 is arranged to be transmitted to the lock 1 for unlocking. For example, this movement can cause a mechanical connecting element 5 (such as a cable) to pull open the lock 1.

[0054] In one embodiment, a reaction plate 6 movably attached to the elevator shaft 7 is arranged to activate a clamping device that stops the elevator car from moving.

[0055] Figure 4 It is a schematic three-dimensional view of a partial cross-section of another arrangement and method.

[0056] In one embodiment, actuator 3 is electrically connected to the lock of the top-floor door 2, and lock 1 is provided with an electrically operated opening device 11. In this embodiment, activation of actuator 3 is arranged to be electrically transmitted to lock 1 to open the lock.

[0057] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the electrical connection between the actuator 3 and the electrically operated opening device 11 is achieved via a wire 12. In one embodiment, electrical activation may be based on power (current or voltage) delivered to the opening device 11 via the wire 12. In another embodiment, activation of the actuator 3 is transmitted as an electrical data signal that causes the opening device 11 to unlock the lock 1.

[0058] Figure 5 This is a schematic three-dimensional view of a partial cross-section of the third arrangement and method.

[0059] In one embodiment, the actuator 3 is provided with a wireless transmitter 13 for generating an electrical signal in response to activation of the actuator 3, and the electrically operated opening device 11 is provided with a wireless receiver 14 arranged to receive the electrical signal. When the electrical signal is received, the electrically operated opening device 11 unlocks the lock 1.

[0060] In one embodiment, actuator 3 is connected to the lock of the top-floor door 2 via an optical fiber (not shown). Activation of actuator 3 is arranged such that optical transmission is sent to the electrically operated opening device 11 of the lock to open the lock.

[0061] In one embodiment, elevator 200 has multiple modes, such as an operating mode and an inspection or maintenance mode. In operating mode, elevator 200 operates for its intended purpose, transporting people or goods between floors, heights, or decks of a building or other structure. In inspection or maintenance mode, elevator 200 does not transport people or goods, but rather performs testing, inspection, adjustment work, maintenance, or repair within the elevator. In inspection or maintenance mode, one or more maintenance personnel may be present in the elevator car. Typically, the elevator's properties depend on the current mode; for example, the elevator car's speed in inspection or maintenance mode may be lower than its speed in operating mode.

[0062] In one embodiment, actuator 3 can only be activated in inspection or maintenance mode. In other words, actuator 3 cannot be activated in operating mode. However, in another embodiment, actuator 3 can also be activated in operating mode.

[0063] Figure 6 This illustrates a method for controlling the lock on the top floor door of an elevator.

[0064] According to one aspect, a method for controlling the lock 1 of the top floor door 2 of an elevator includes activating (300) an actuator 3 due to the activation of the elevator's service limit device 4. This activation (300) then causes the lock 1 of the top floor door 2 to open (301) via the activation of the actuator 3.

[0065] In one embodiment of the method, the method includes transmitting (302) activation of actuator 3 from actuator 3 to lock 1 of top door 2 via mechanical connection element 5. In another embodiment of the method, the method includes electrically transmitting (302) activation of actuator 3. This electrical activation may be based on, for example, electrical power (current or voltage) supplied from actuator to opening device 11, or based on electrical data signals.

[0066] In another embodiment of the method, the method includes optical transmission (302) of optical data signals from actuator 3.

[0067] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above; rather, many variations are possible within the scope of the inventive concept as defined by the following claims. Within the scope of the inventive concept, attributes of different embodiments and applications may be used in combination with or in lieu of attributes of another embodiment or application.

[0068] The accompanying drawings and related descriptions are for illustrative purposes only. Detailed variations may be made within the scope of the inventive concept defined in the following claims.

[0069] Figure Labels

[0070] 1 lock

[0071] 2. Top floor door

[0072] 3 Actuators

[0073] 4 Service limit devices

[0074] 5 Mechanical connecting elements

[0075] 6. Reaction plate

[0076] 7. Elevator shaft

[0077] 8 Contact elements

[0078] 9. Elevator car

[0079] 10 Openings

[0080] 11 Electrically operated opening device

[0081] 12 electrical wires

[0082] 13 Wireless transmitter

[0083] 14 Wireless Receiver

[0084] 100 devices

[0085] 200 elevator

Claims

1. A device (100) for controlling a lock (1) of the top floor door (2) of an elevator (200), the device (100) comprising: -Actuator (3) is arranged to be activated by the activation of the service limit device (4) of the elevator; - The actuator (3) is connected to the lock of the top door (2); as well as - The activation of the actuator (3) is arranged to open the lock (1). The actuator (3) is arranged in a reaction plate (6), which is located in the elevator shaft (7) of the elevator. - The reaction plate (6) is arranged to receive the contact element (8) from the service limiting device (4) of the elevator car (9) arranged in the elevator shaft (7); - The received contact element (8) is arranged to activate the actuator (3).

2. The device according to claim 1, comprising a mechanical connecting element (5) that connects the actuator (3) to the lock (1) of the top-level door.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the mechanical connection element (5) comprises a cable.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reaction plate (6) includes at least one opening (10) arranged to receive the contact element (8).

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: - The reaction plate (6) is movably attached to the elevator shaft (7) in the direction of the elevator shaft (7); - This allows the reaction plate (6) to move upward along with the received contact element (8); as well as The movement of the reaction plate (6) is arranged to be transmitted to the lock (1) for opening the lock.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein - The actuator (3) is electrically connected to the lock of the top door (2), and - The activation of the actuator (3) is arranged to be electrically transmitted to the electrically operated opening device (11) of the lock for opening the lock.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, comprising a wire (12) from the actuator (3) to the electrically operated opening device (11) of the lock.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: - The actuator (3) is provided with a wireless transmitter (13) for generating an electrical signal as a response to activation of the actuator (3), and wherein: - The electrically operated activation device (11) is equipped with a wireless receiver (14) for receiving the electrical signal; - The electrically operated opening device (11) is arranged to open the lock (1) upon receiving the electrical signal.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6-8, wherein activation of the actuator (3) is arranged to be transmitted as an electrical data signal.

10. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: - The actuator (3) is connected to the lock of the top-level door (2) via an optical fiber; as well as - The activation of the actuator (3) is arranged to transmit light to the electrically operated opening device (11) of the lock for opening the lock.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-8 and 10, wherein: - The elevator (200) has an operating mode and an inspection or maintenance mode; and - The actuator (3) can only be activated in the inspection or maintenance mode.

12. An elevator (200), comprising: - Elevator shaft (7); - The elevator car (9) is arranged in the elevator shaft (7); as well as - The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1-10.

13. The elevator according to claim 12, wherein the elevator is a no-headspace (NHR) elevator.

14. A method for controlling a lock (1) on the top floor door (2) of an elevator, the method comprising: - The actuator (3) is activated due to the activation of the elevator's service limit device (4); as well as - The activation of the actuator (3) opens the lock (1) of the top-level door (2). The actuator (3) is arranged in a reaction plate (6), which is located in the elevator shaft (7) of the elevator. - The reaction plate (6) is arranged to receive the contact element (8) from the service limiting device (4) of the elevator car (9) arranged in the elevator shaft (7); - The received contact element (8) is arranged to activate the actuator (3).

15. The method of claim 14, comprising: - The activation of the actuator is transmitted from the actuator (3) to the lock (1) of the top door (2) via the mechanical connection element (5).

16. The method of claim 14, comprising: - Electrically transmit the activation of the actuator (3).

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