Elevator door coupler system

Abstract

An elevator door coupler system (1) comprises a door hanger (12) for connection to an elevator car door (2) and at least one roller (14a, 14b) mounted to the door hanger (12). The door hanger (12) comprises a first elongate opening (54a, 54b, 60a, 60b, 62a, 62b, 64a, 64b, 66a, 66b, 68a, 68b, 70a, 70b) for fixedly mounting a coupling assembly (16) arranged to engage the landing door so as to actuate movement of the landing door with movement of the elevator car door (2), the first elongated opening (54a, 54b, 60a, 60b, 62a, 62b, 64a, 64b, 66a, 66b, 68a, 66b, 68a, 68b, 70a, 70b) is configured such that a position of the coupling assembly (16) relative to the door hanger (12) is adjustable by mounting the coupling assembly (16) at different positions within the first elongated opening (54a, 54b, 60a, 60b, 62a, 62b, 64a, 64b, 66a, 66b, 68a, 68b, 70a, 70b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an elevator door connector system and a method for installing the elevator door connector system into an elevator system. Background Technology

[0002] An elevator door connector system is known to be provided, which enables the elevator car door to be driven between an open position and a closed position, and is connected to a corresponding set of landing doors to open and close the landing doors as the elevator car door opens or closes.

[0003] It is known that landing doors are installed during the initial installation of the elevator system, and therefore the installed landing doors are compatible with the installed elevator, and in particular with the elevator door connector system.

[0004] However, if an elevator is installed in an existing system (e.g., replacing an existing elevator with a more modern system), the landing doors of that system will be one of many different types of landing doors with different placements of landing door rollers. To accommodate these different arrangements, it is known to elevator system suppliers to manufacture a variety of different elevator door connector systems, select the most suitable one with those manufacturing options, and install it in a given elevator system. However, manufacturing these many different kinds of elevator door connector systems is time-consuming and costly. This disclosure attempts to provide an improved elevator door connector system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an elevator door connector system is provided, comprising:

[0006] Door hangers for connecting to elevator car doors; and

[0007] At least one roller is installed on the door hanger;

[0008] The door hanger includes a first elongated opening for fixedly mounting a connecting assembly arranged to engage a landing door so as to actuate the landing door as the elevator car door moves, such that the position of the connecting assembly relative to the door hanger can be adjusted by mounting the connecting assembly at different positions within the first elongated opening.

[0009] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a method for installing an elevator door connector system into an elevator system is provided, the method comprising:

[0010] At least one roller is mounted to a door hanger adapted for connection to an elevator car door; and

[0011] Installing the connecting assembly to the door hanger includes selecting a suitable position of the connecting assembly relative to the door hanger by selecting a suitable installation position within a first elongated opening of the door hanger, and fixing the connecting assembly to the door hanger at the selected position.

[0012] An elevator door connector is provided by providing a first elongated opening in the door hanger, wherein the connecting component can be installed in multiple locations, i.e., across a range of (continuous) locations. This provides versatility in the installation location of the connecting component, allowing the elevator door connector system to be adapted for compatibility with different landing door systems (i.e., with several, many, or even all landing door systems present in or applicable to the elevator system). It is advantageous to specifically provide the first elongated opening in the door hanger (i.e., the portion arranged to move the elevator car door by means of at least one roller) (e.g., rather than in a portion of the connecting component) because it conveniently utilizes existing space in the area of ​​the door hanger without significantly increasing the area, height, or width of the door hanger. It also avoids the need to significantly enlarge the components of the connecting component to accommodate one (or more) elongated openings for installation, and also avoids the risk of reducing the strength of those critical components by removing additional material from them. Providing at least one elongated opening in the door hanger also makes it easier to install the connecting component in the desired location (i.e., the correct location for a given landing door system of a particular elevator device). The applicant has recognized that a single door hanger design may be able to accommodate the different sizes of many (or even all) landing doors that may exist in a building equipped with a given elevator. Providing such door hangers avoids the need to produce different door hangers specific to one or several landing door designs, or even an entire elevator door connector system.

[0013] Such adjustment of the installation position of the coupling assembly can be performed at the factory during the initial construction of the elevator door coupling system, or it can be performed during the installation of the elevator door coupling system in the elevator system, or the adjustment can be performed partly during the initial construction and partly during the later installation. For example, during construction, the coupling assembly can be installed through a first elongated opening (or any opening determined to be most suitable as discussed further below). Then, during installation at the elevator system, the installer can set the precise position of the fixed coupling assembly within the elongated opening (i.e., along the elongated direction). Therefore, in some examples, the method includes adjusting the coupling assembly to the suitable installation position by moving the fixing device of the coupling assembly within the first elongated opening.

[0014] In use, the door hanger is connected to the elevator car door of the elevator system. It also has rollers mounted thereto. It will be understood that in use, the hanger is capable of movement by means of at least one roller, and the door hanger moves the elevator car door by means of the movement of at least one roller. It will be understood that when installed to the door hanger, the connecting assembly is arranged to move together with the door hanger, and thus actuates the landing door to move together with the door hanger (which moves the elevator car door in use).

[0015] The first elongated opening is used to securely mount the connecting assembly to the door hanger. By secure mounting, it will be understood that once installed (i.e., in use), the mounting position of the connecting assembly is fixed. Therefore, the mounting point will not move relative to the door hanger during use (although other parts of the connecting assembly can, of course, still move relative to the door hanger). Thus, although the mounting position of the connecting assembly to the door hanger is adjustable (i.e., selectable), it is fixed (i.e., immutable) after installation, such that once the connecting assembly is securely mounted in the selected mounting position (i.e., in use), the connecting assembly (i.e., its fasteners) cannot (or at least should not) move.

[0016] The first opening is elongated (i.e., elongated along a first direction). It will be understood that it is longer along its length (or elongation) than perpendicular to that direction (i.e., across its width). The width of the first elongated opening perpendicular to its length direction may be substantially equal to the width of the fastening device (e.g., screw or nut) used to secure the connecting assembly to the door hanger. Therefore, its length along its elongated direction is longer than that width, optionally by several times (or more), i.e., such that the fastening device can be installed at different locations along the elongated direction of the first elongated opening, but at only one location perpendicular to that direction (e.g., height) (for a given opening).

[0017] It will be understood that at least one roller enables the door hanger to move along the direction of movement (e.g., laterally or horizontally) so that, in use, the elevator car door can move parallel to the direction of movement (e.g., laterally or horizontally).

[0018] In some examples, the first elongated opening is elongated along a direction (basically) parallel to the direction of movement. Therefore, the position of the connecting assembly along the direction of movement (i.e., its lateral position) is adjustable. The position of the connecting assembly can be adjusted horizontally (i.e., relative to the elevator car).

[0019] In some examples, the first elongated opening has a length of at least 5 cm, optionally at least 10 cm, and further optionally at least 15 cm (i.e., along the elongated direction). This allows for a relatively wide range of adjustments (e.g., along the lateral direction), improving the adaptability of the elevator door connector system.

[0020] In some examples, the gantry hanger further includes a second elongated opening spaced apart from the first elongated opening along a direction perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., the direction of movement). The second elongated opening may also be elongated along the first (e.g., the direction of movement) direction, i.e., it may extend parallel to the first elongated opening. This allows for the possibility of mounting the coupling assembly at two different heights relative to the gantry hanger (i.e., at two different distances along a second (e.g., vertical) direction perpendicular to the first / movement direction). Therefore, the position of the coupling assembly can be adjusted both along the height direction (perpendicular to the first direction) by selecting an elongated opening for installation (e.g., from the first and second elongated openings, and optionally one or more other openings), and along the first direction by selecting an installation position along the length of the elongated opening. The second elongated openings at different heights also allow for the possibility of installing the coupling assembly more safely and stably by installing it at both the first and second elongated openings (e.g., through both the first and second elongated openings). It will be recognized that whether installation can be made through two openings may also depend on the structure of one or more parts of the connecting component, for example, whether it provides multiple mounting openings.

[0021] In some examples, the first elongated opening and the second elongated opening span different distance ranges along the first direction; that is, they span different lengths along the first (e.g., movement) direction. However, they can cover the overlapping portion along the first direction. Since both different heights and different lateral positions are possible, this difference in the distance range along the first (movement) direction provides greater versatility for the installation location. Furthermore, the positioning of the elongated openings can be selected to account for different lateral positions (along the first direction) preferred for different installation heights. The first elongated opening and the second elongated opening can have the same length (i.e., but not exactly vertically one above the other) or can have different lengths.

[0022] In some examples, the gantry hanger includes at least three elongated openings (e.g., first, second, and third), and optionally at least six elongated openings, each positioned at a different height perpendicular to the first direction (i.e., its elongated direction). This allows the connecting assembly to be installed at many different heights.

[0023] In some examples, the method further includes selecting one (or more) suitable elongated openings (first and second, optionally three or more) for installing the coupling assembly based on the desired installation height of the coupling assembly perpendicular to the first direction. The method may further include selecting a (lateral) installation position within the selected elongated opening to install the coupling assembly. The first stage (selecting the installation height by choosing the opening for installation) can be performed at the factory during construction, and the second stage (selecting and securing the lateral position within the elongated opening) can be performed at the elevator system during installation.

[0024] In some examples, the first and second elongated openings span the same distance along a first (e.g., movement) direction (i.e., they are vertically positioned one above the other, or in other words, they have the same length along the first direction and are aligned relative to that direction). In some examples, the connecting assembly is arranged to be securely mounted to the door hanger simultaneously through both the first and second elongated openings. Simultaneous secure mounting through both the first and second elongated openings means that when the connecting assembly is fixed in place for use, it is secured to the door hanger through both openings. It will be appreciated that this does not require the installation actions themselves to be performed simultaneously. Installing at two locations in this manner improves the stability of the connecting assembly's installation. Therefore, in some examples, the method further includes securing the connecting assembly to the door hanger at selected locations by connecting the connecting assembly to the door hanger at both elongated openings (e.g., both the first and second elongated openings) (i.e., through both elongated openings).

[0025] In some examples, the first elongated opening and the second elongated opening provide a first mounting opening pair, that is, a first mounting opening pair used together in use to mount the coupling assembly. The first elongated opening and the second elongated opening are separated by a first separation distance along a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0026] The elevator door connector system may further include a second pair of mounting openings, which includes a third elongated opening and a fourth elongated opening. The fourth elongated opening may be spaced apart from the third elongated opening along a direction perpendicular to the first (e.g., movement) direction. The third elongated opening and the fourth elongated opening may span the same distance range along the first direction.

[0027] The third and / or fourth elongated openings may be spaced apart from the first and / or second elongated openings (each of which) along a direction perpendicular to the first direction (i.e., all four openings are at different heights). Therefore, the door hanger may include a first pair of elongated openings (vertically one above the other) located at a first lateral position and corresponding first and second heights, and a second pair of elongated openings (vertically one above the other) located at different second lateral positions and corresponding third and fourth heights different from the first and second heights.

[0028] The third and fourth elongated openings can be separated by a second separation distance along a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second separation distance can be equal to the first separation distance. Therefore, pairs of spaced-apart elongated openings separated by the same separation distance can be provided, such that each pair of openings can accommodate the installation of the connecting assembly, i.e., accommodate a fixed separation between two installation positions.

[0029] The elevator door connector system may include more than two such pairs of mounting openings, for example, at least three, optionally at least five, and further optionally six. All pairs of mounting openings may be located at different heights (e.g., where the centers of the openings are equidistant from each other at different heights), and / or at different lateral locations (i.e., where their horizontal centers are at different locations) and / or span different lateral ranges.

[0030] In some examples, the door hanger further includes roller mounting holes, wherein at least one roller (i.e., a wheel) is mounted to the door hanger through the roller mounting holes (i.e., via a fixing device extending through the roller mounting holes). In some examples, the elevator door connector system includes a first roller and a second roller (i.e., at least two rollers). The door hanger may further include a second roller mounting hole, wherein the second roller is mounted to the door hanger through the second roller mounting hole.

[0031] In some examples, the elevator door connector system further includes at least one (optionally two) elevator car door mounting holes for connecting the door hanger to the elevator car door. The elevator car door mounting holes may be aligned below the roller mounting holes, i.e., aligned on an axis perpendicular to the first direction.

[0032] In some examples, the elevator door connector system further includes a stopping component to prevent the elevator car door from opening during use when the connector is not engaged with the landing door. This effect can be achieved by the stopping component in any suitable manner (e.g., in any known manner). For example, when the elevator car door is closed, the stopping component may be held in an upward position. As long as the landing door is properly positioned relative to the elevator door connector system, friction or pressure generated by the landing door rollers contacting a portion of the stopping component can hold the stopping component in this upward position during door opening. In contrast, when no landing door rollers are in contact with the stopping component (e.g., by a portion of the connector assembly pressing against the stopping component), as the door begins to open, the stopping component will fall from the upward position to a lower position, causing it to engage with a locking element, for example, a protrusion of the stopping component may fall into a slot in a latching mechanism. The stopping component may include a stopping stop (e.g., a stopping screw). This can be arranged to define the lower position of the stopping component, for example, to limit how far the stopping component (or a portion thereof) falls.

[0033] In some examples, the door hanger further includes a stop component mounting opening for securely mounting the stop component to the door hanger, wherein the stop component mounting opening is elongated, such that the position of the stop component relative to the door hanger can be adjusted by mounting the stop component at different positions within the stop component mounting opening. The stop component mounting opening may be elongated along a first direction (i.e., parallel to a first elongated opening), and optionally along a direction of movement (i.e., along a horizontal or lateral direction). The door hanger may include a first stop component mounting opening and a second stop component mounting opening (each of which may have the features described above). Both may span the same distance range along the first direction, i.e., have the same length and be aligned relative to the first direction. Therefore, the stop component can be mounted through two stop component mounting openings.

[0034] In some examples, the method further includes installing the stopping component to the door hanger, including selecting a suitable location for the stopping component by selecting a suitable installation location within the stopping component installation opening, and fixing the stopping component to the door hanger at the selected location, optionally by installing it through both the first stopping component installation opening and the second stopping component installation opening.

[0035] In some examples, the stopping component further includes a stopping guard disposed at the top of the stopping component. The top of the stopping component is understood to be the highest end in a direction perpendicular to the first / movement direction (e.g., vertical). As described above, the stopping guard may provide a protrusion that engages with a slot in the latching mechanism.

[0036] In some examples, the stopping component (e.g., the mounting plate of the stopping component) includes at least two (optionally at least three) mounting holes (optionally paired mounting holes) spaced apart along a first / lateral spacing direction. This can be the same first / lateral direction mentioned above (i.e., when the stopping component is installed, the mounting holes are spaced apart along a first direction parallel to the direction along which the first elongated opening extends). Therefore, in some examples, the (e.g., lateral) position of the stopping component relative to the door hanger can be adjusted by installing the stopping component using selected mounting holes from the at least two mounting holes. It will be understood that at least two holes can be used for installation simultaneously, and therefore more than one (e.g., a pair) of openings can be selected for installation.

[0037] The stopping component may include a (first) connecting mechanism having a first end that mounts to a mounting hole in the stopping component mounting plate and a second end that mounts to a stopping component mounting opening in the door hanger. The stopping component may further include a second connecting mechanism having a first end that mounts to a mounting hole in the stopping component mounting plate and a second end that mounts to a stopping component mounting opening in the door hanger. As is known in the art, this (or each) connecting mechanism may be a swing arm that enables upward and downward movement of the stopping component in conjunction with associated lateral movement. Therefore, the corresponding mounting holes do not need to be directly aligned with the corresponding stopping component mounting openings in the door hanger for mounting the stopping component (i.e., because they are offset by the connecting mechanism).

[0038] In some examples, the stopping component (e.g., a mounting plate for the stopping component) further includes at least two (optionally at least three) stopping stop mounting holes (optionally paired mounting holes) spaced apart along a first / lateral spacing direction. Thus, in some examples, the stopping stop's position relative to the stopping component (i.e., and therefore relative to the door hanger) can be adjusted by mounting the stopping stop to the stopping component using selected mounting holes from the at least two stopping stop mounting holes. Therefore, these stopping stop mounting holes can allow the stopping stop to be installed in the appropriate position (e.g., relative to the connecting mechanism) based on the lateral position where the stopping component is installed to the door hanger. Each stopping stop mounting hole may correspond to a mounting hole for mounting the stopping component (e.g., the connecting mechanism), such that when a mounting hole (or pair of mounting holes) for mounting the stopping component is selected, the corresponding stopping stop mounting hole is selected, which places the stopping stop in the appropriate position. The connecting mechanism (or one of the connecting mechanisms) may be positioned to contact the stop stop during its movement that causes the stopping component to move downward, thereby preventing further downward movement in a known manner.

[0039] In some examples, the elevator door connector system further includes, for example, a connector assembly that is fixedly mounted to the door hanger.

[0040] In some examples, the connecting assembly includes a first blade arranged to engage a (first) landing door roller of a (building) landing door in use. In some examples, the first blade includes at least two first mounting holes (i.e., a first set of mounting holes) spaced apart along a spacing direction, so that the first blade can be mounted at different locations along the spacing direction (i.e., relative to another part of the connecting assembly or relative to the door hanger). The spacing direction may be a first direction, such as a direction of movement. Thus, the first at least two mounting holes may be spaced apart along the first direction, optionally only along that direction, i.e., at the same height but different lateral locations.

[0041] In some examples, the connecting assembly further includes a second blade arranged to engage a (second) landing door roller of the (building's) landing door in use. In some examples, the second blade includes at least two second mounting holes (i.e., a second set of mounting holes) spaced apart along the spacing direction, allowing the second blade to be mounted at different locations along the spacing direction. Thus, the corresponding first at least two mounting holes and second at least two mounting holes allow the first and second blades to be mounted at different distances apart along the spacing direction (e.g., allowing the first and second blades to be mounted separately at different lateral angles).

[0042] The first set of mounting holes and / or the second set of mounting holes may include at least three mounting holes. The first set of mounting holes and / or the second set of mounting holes may include mounting holes in a first sub-group at a first height (i.e., along a distance perpendicular to the first direction in the (second) direction) and mounting holes in a second sub-group at a second different height. This allows the first blade / second blade to be mounted at two different mounting points, improving mounting stability. Two of the holes in the first set and / or the second set may partially overlap.

[0043] In some examples, the method further includes mounting the first blade and / or the second blade to the door hanger (i.e., directly or indirectly via one or more intermediate members). Mounting the first blade and / or the second blade may include: selecting a suitable (e.g., lateral) position of the first blade and / or the second blade relative to the door hanger by selecting a suitable one of a first at least two holes and / or a second at least two holes for mounting the first blade and / or the second blade (respectively), and fixing the first blade and / or the second blade to the door hanger at the selected position. Thus, the method may include selecting an appropriate separation distance (along a separation / first direction) between the first blade and the second blade and mounting them accordingly.

[0044] In some examples, the coupling assembly further includes a coupling mechanism connected between the first blade and the second blade, the coupling mechanism being arranged to actuate the first blade and / or the second blade in use to change the separation distance between the first blade and the second blade, for example, along a separation / first direction. The coupling mechanism may be arranged to increase the separation distance between the first blade and the second blade in use (i.e., attributable to the action of the door drive system), and thereby cause the blade to engage with the corresponding landing door roller.

[0045] In some examples, the first blade and / or the second blade may be mounted to the connecting mechanism, for example, via a first set of holes and / or a second set of holes. The connecting mechanism may be arranged to pivot about a fixed mounting point in response to a force applied by the door drive system. The fixed mounting point may be a point where the connecting assembly is secured to the door hanger via a first (and optionally a second) elongated opening.

[0046] In some examples, the connecting assembly further includes a connecting plate to which the connecting mechanism is mounted, and the connecting plate is mounted to the door hanger. This advantageously provides easier assembly, as the blades and / or connecting mechanism can be mounted to the connecting plate, and then the connecting plate is mounted to the door hanger. Thus, the component can be mounted to the connecting plate in its desired configuration, and then the connecting plate can be installed in the desired location based on the position achieved by one or more elongated openings in the door hanger. The connecting plate may also provide other functions, such as accommodating a latch for the door opening / closing mechanism.

[0047] In some examples, the coupling assembly includes a coupling arm, with a first end of the coupling arm coupled to the drive belt in use. A second end of the coupling arm can be coupled to another component of the coupling assembly, such as a blade, optionally indirectly via a connecting mechanism. Thus, the second end can be coupled to the connecting mechanism. This coupling arm allows other parts of the coupling assembly (e.g., the connecting mechanism and the blades to which they are connected) to be separated from the drive belt of the door drive system by a variable distance, i.e., a greater distance than possible in prior art systems. Because the coupling arm can be positioned at a variable angle, the distance between the other components and the belt can vary in both the vertical and lateral directions.

[0048] It will be understood that the connecting arm can be indirectly connected to the drive belt. In some examples, the connecting assembly further includes a belt anchor for attachment to the drive belt of the door drive mechanism. The belt anchor can be clamped around the drive belt. The connecting arm can be (directly) connected to the belt anchor. The aforementioned stop and protection device can be arranged to cover the belt anchor, i.e., to surround the belt anchor on one or more sides.

[0049] It will be appreciated that this disclosure also extends to an elevator car including an elevator car door and the elevator door connector system described herein, wherein the elevator door connector system is connected to the elevator car door. The method may also include connecting a door hanger to the elevator car door.

[0050] This disclosure is further extended to a building including an elevator system comprising an elevator car as described above, and the building further comprising at least two landings, each landing comprising a corresponding set of landing doors, wherein each set of landing doors comprises a corresponding set of landing door rollers, wherein the aforementioned coupling components (optionally, the first blade and the second blade) are arranged to engage with the landing door rollers in use.

[0051] It will be appreciated that the method may include any of the features described above in the context of a door connector system (e.g., it may include steps of forming or providing such features, or steps of assembling the mentioned components together). Similarly, according to this disclosure, a door connector system may include any of the features described in the reference method. Attached Figure Description

[0052] Some preferred embodiments of this disclosure will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0053] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an elevator system is shown, illustrating various exemplary elevator door connector systems that may employ the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing certain components of an elevator car, including an elevator door connector system according to a first example of this disclosure;

[0055] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 Front view of the components (excluding the elevator car door panel);

[0056] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 and Figure 3 Exploded view of the elevator door connector system;

[0057] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 and Figure 3 Front view of the hanger of the elevator door connector system;

[0058] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Side view of the hanger;

[0059] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 and Figure 3 Front view of the elevator door connector system;

[0060] Figure 8 This is a front view of an elevator door connector system according to a second example of this disclosure;

[0061] Figure 9 This is a front view of an elevator door connector system according to a second example of this disclosure;

[0062] Figure 10 and Figure 11 It comes from and Figure 2 A perspective view from the opposite angle shows certain components of the elevator door connector system; and

[0063] Figure 12 This is a perspective view from the rear, showing some components of the door hanger and stopping assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0064] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of elevator system 101, which includes elevator car 103, counterweight 105, tension member 107, guide rails 109, machine 111, position reference system 113, and controller 115. Elevator car 103 and counterweight 105 are connected to each other by tension member 107. Tension member 107 may include or be configured as, for example, ropes, cables, and / or coated steel strips. Counterweight 105 is configured to balance the load of elevator car 103 and to facilitate simultaneous and opposite movement of elevator car 103 relative to counterweight 105 within elevator shaft 117 and along guide rails 109.

[0065] The tension member 107 engages with the machine 111, which is part of the top structure of the elevator system 101. Although a rope system including the tension member 107 has been shown and described, elevator systems employing other methods and mechanisms for moving the elevator car within the elevator shaft may also utilize the examples of this disclosure.

[0066] Machine 111 is configured to control the movement between elevator car 103 and counterweight 105. As shown, controller 115 is located in controller room 121 of elevator shaft 117 and is configured to control the operation of elevator system 101 and, in particular, elevator car 103. When moving up or down along guide rails 109 within elevator shaft 117, elevator car 103 can stop at one or more floors 125 as controlled by controller 115. Although shown in controller room 121, those skilled in the art will recognize that controller 115 may be located and / or constructed in other locations or positions within elevator system 101. In one example, the controller may be located remotely or in the cloud.

[0067] Each floor 125 includes a set of floor doors. The floor doors do not have their own motors to drive their opening and closing. Instead, the elevator car 103 is provided with door motors to drive the elevator car doors to open and close, as well as an elevator door coupling system that engages with the floor doors when the elevator car 103 is located at the corresponding floor, causing the floor doors to open or close together with the elevator car doors.

[0068] Reference below Figures 2 to 7 An exemplary elevator door connector system 1 according to this disclosure will be described in more detail.

[0069] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing some components of an elevator car 103, including an elevator car door 2, a door drive system 4, and an elevator door connector system 1.

[0070] The door drive system 4 includes a motor 6 and a drive belt 8. When actuation of the elevator car door is desired, the motor 6 is driven to rotate. This causes the ridged outer surface 10 of the motor 6 to rotate, which engages with the drive belt 8 via friction, and thus drives the belt 8 to move (wherein the direction of movement depends on the direction of the driving motor). As further described below, the movement of the drive belt 8 drives the elevator car door 2 to move along the direction of movement 9, and also drives a set of landing doors if suitably engaged via the elevator door coupling system 1. The elevator car 103 may include a single elevator car door 2 directly driven by the door drive system 4, or the elevator car 103 may also include a second door (i.e., two doors that open symmetrically away from each other). The second elevator car door may have its own separate door drive system, or it may be suitably connected to the first door drive system or the first elevator car door, such that the two car doors open and close together. For clarity, only a single door is shown and described herein, but it will be understood that this disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0071] Elevator door connector system 1 from Figure 3 and Figure 7 The front view in the middle, and Figure 4 As seen in the exploded view, the elevator door connector system 1 includes a door hanger 12 and two rollers 14a and 14b. The rollers 14a and 14b are attached to the door hanger 12, allowing the door hanger 12 to move back and forth by means of the rollers 14a and 14b.

[0072] The elevator door connector system 1 further includes a connection component 16 and a stop component 18.

[0073] The coupling assembly 16 includes a first blade 20a and a second blade 20b (which may also be referred to as a cam). The coupling assembly 16 also includes a connecting mechanism, which in this example includes a first pivot arm 22a and a second pivot arm 22b. Each pivot arm 22a, 22b is connected to both the first blade 20a and the second blade 20b.

[0074] Both pivot arms 22a and 22b are connected to a connecting plate 24, which may also be referred to as a mounting plate. As further described below, the connecting plate 24 is mounted to the door hanger 12.

[0075] The connecting assembly 16 is also connected to the drive belt 8 so that the drive belt 8 can drive the movement of the elevator car door 2 and the landing door to which the connecting assembly 16 is connected. Specifically, the connecting assembly 16 includes a belt anchor 26 directly attached to the belt 8. It further includes a connecting arm 28, which is connected at a first end 27 to a connecting mechanism (specifically, to a first pivot arm 22a) and at a second (opposite) end 29 to the belt anchor 26. The connecting arm 28 is a rigid connecting arm. Because it eliminates the need to directly connect the connecting mechanism to the belt anchor or the belt, it allows for greater versatility in the placement of the rest of the connecting assembly 16.

[0076] Now refer to Figure 2-7 Describe the operation of elevator door connector system 1 during the opening and closing of a set of elevator landing doors.

[0077] The door begins to open by activating motor 6. This drives motor 6 to rotate belt 8. In this example, for the door to open, refer to... Figure 3 The view, with 8 rotating clockwise, drives the anchor 26 to the left.

[0078] The leftward movement of the anchor 26 applies a force to the rigid connecting arm 28, which is transmitted to the first pivot arm 22a. This causes the first pivot arm 22a to rotate counterclockwise, thus moving the first blade 20a downward and the second blade 20b upward, while simultaneously moving them away from each other.

[0079] This movement also causes the second pivot arm 22b to rotate counterclockwise around its mounting point (because it is also connected to the two blades 20a, 20b).

[0080] Assuming the elevator car is already stopped at a suitable height relative to a set of landing doors, the movement of blades 20a and 20b away from each other causes them to... Figure 3 The floor door rollers 36a and 36b are seen engaging.

[0081] Then, once the blades 20a and 20b have rotated to be level with each other, the lower edge of the first pivot arm 22a is horizontally aligned, and the anchor 26 moves further to the left, causing the latch 31 to release. Once released, the latch 31 rotates and engages with a protrusion (not visible) of the first pivot arm 22a to hold the blades 20a and 20b in their relative configuration.

[0082] As the anchor 26 moves further to the left, the first pivot arm 22a, and therefore the blades 20a and 20b, are also conveyed to the left. This causes the landing door rollers 36a and 36b to move to the left, opening the landing door. Since the elevator car door 2 is connected to the door hanger 12, which in turn is connected to the connecting assembly 16, this movement also opens the elevator car door 2.

[0083] For door closing, the process is essentially the reverse, driving the anchor 26 to the right. The latch 31 holds the blades 20a and 20b in their aligned position, ensuring that the movement of the anchor 26 translates into lateral movement of the door until the door is fully closed. At this point, the protrusion 33 engages the upper edge of the latch 31, turning it out of its engaged position to release the pivot arm 22a and allow it to rotate clockwise, moving the blades 20a and 20b closer together, thus releasing the landing door rollers 36a and 36b. Although not shown, a biasing spring may be provided, connected between the first pivot arm 22a and the second pivot arm 22b, biasing them to rotate clockwise so that once the latch 31 is released, they return to their original positions. Figure 3 The location shown.

[0084] The elevator door connector system 1 further includes a stopping assembly 18. The stopping assembly 18 includes a stopping mounting plate 30, through which the stopping assembly 18 is mounted to the door hanger 12. It also includes a stopping tab 32 extending forward (i.e., protruding) from the stopping mounting plate 30. Figure 3 (see view), and the stopping protection device 34 (such as) positioned on top of the stopping component 18 (particularly the stopping mounting plate 30) and arranged to cover the anchor 26. Figure 3 (See in the middle).

[0085] refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 Briefly explain the operation of component 18. Figure 10 and 11 It is a perspective view from above the stopping component, to be consistent with Figure 2 The opposite direction of the perspective.

[0086] The top edge of the elevator car door panel 2 includes a latch 45. The latch 45 includes a ramp portion 47 and a groove 49. The stop and protection device 34 includes a protrusion 35 (which may also be referred to as a hook).

[0087] Figure 10 The position of the stop assembly 18 when the elevator car door is closed is shown. In this position, the protrusion 35 rests on the ramp portion 47, holding the stop assembly 18 in the upward position (i.e., upward relative to the elevator car door panel 2).

[0088] As described above, when the elevator door connector system 1 is properly engaged with the landing door, the landing rollers 36a and 36b are pressed outward by the blades 20a and 20b. This causes one of these rollers 36a (i.e., Figure 2 and Figure 3 The left roller (in the view) is pressed and comes into contact with the stop plate 32 of the stop assembly 18. This pressure and friction, resulting from contact with the landing door roller 36a, holds the stop assembly 18 in the upward position, preventing the protrusion 35 from protruding when the door is opened (when the stop assembly 18 is...). Figure 10 When the viewpoint moves to the right, it falls into slot 49. It will be appreciated that this can be achieved by controlling the arrangement of the restraining component 18 in a way that it must move inward toward the connector assembly so that it also falls according to the height.

[0089] In contrast, if the landing door roller 36a does not contact the stop plate 32, the stopping assembly 18 will attribute the door opening to movement (towards) when it begins to open. Figure 10 (On the right side) causing the stopping component to fall when it moves away from the ramp section 47. As a result, as Figure 11 As can be seen, the protrusion 35 will fall into the groove 49, thereby preventing the stopping component 18 from moving further, and thus preventing the entire elevator door connector system 1 from moving further in the door opening direction.

[0090] Go to Figure 4 The exploded view shows how the elevator door connector system 1 is assembled.

[0091] Two rollers 14a and 14b are mounted to the door hanger 12 via corresponding roller screws or bolts 38a and 38b. Corresponding roller nuts 40a and 40b are tightened to the corresponding roller screws or bolts on opposite sides of the door hanger 12. The roller screws 38a and 38b pass through corresponding roller mounting holes 50a and 50b located in the upper section of the door hanger 12, facing each outer edge. Figure 5 (See in the middle). For example Figure 2 As seen in the image, a first pair of external openings are arranged directly below these roller mounting holes 50a, 50b, providing elevator door mounting openings 52a, 52b for attaching the door hanger 12 to the elevator car door 2 (i.e., via screws passing through these holes). A pair of internal openings 52c, 52d are arranged at the center of the hanger 12, providing another pair of openings for attaching the elevator car door 2 to the door hanger 12.

[0092] The door hanger 12 also includes another opening 53, which is arranged at the center height in the left side portion of the door hanger 12. This other opening 53 is used to accommodate a fastener that provides a fixed connection point between the fast hanger and the slow hanger when the elevator car door 2 is extended or retracted.

[0093] The connecting assembly 16 (particularly the connecting plate 24) is mounted to the door hanger 12 via two connecting screws 42a and 42b. The stopping assembly 18 (particularly the mounting plate 30) is mounted to the door hanger 12 via two stopping screws 44a and 44b. See reference... Figure 5 To elaborate further, these screws can be positioned in different locations so that the connecting assembly 16 can be installed in different locations.

[0094] The door hanger 12 includes a number of elongated openings that allow the connecting assembly 16 and the stopping assembly 18 to be installed in various different locations, allowing the elevator door connector system 1 to be adapted to be compatible with various landing doors with different landing door roller positions.

[0095] The door hanger includes a first pair of stop component mounting openings 54a, 54b, each of which is an elongated opening (i.e., a slot) extending horizontally along the direction of movement 9. Of course, the stop screws 44a, 44b can pass through the openings in any lateral position, meaning that the mounting point for the stop component 18 can be any point along its lateral span. Since the openings in the stop mounting plate 30 are vertically positioned one above the other (i.e., aligned relative to the direction of movement), the lateral positions for mounting will be identical in both openings 54a, 54b. By using these elongated stop component mounting openings 54a, 54b, the position of the stop component 18 to the left or right (depending on...) Figure 7 The view is adjustable, allowing it to be positioned in a way that is compatible with a wide range of landing doors.

[0096] In addition, such as Figure 7 As seen in the image, the stop assembly mounting plate 30 includes three pairs of mounting holes 71a, 71b, 73a, 73b, 75a, and 75b, each pair located at a different lateral position across the stop assembly mounting plate 30. All holes in all three pairs are at the same height. By selecting which pair of holes 71a, 71b, 73a, 73b, 75a, and 75b are used to mount the stop assembly 18, the position of the stop assembly can be adjusted more precisely. In this example, the connecting mechanism 81a (in...) Figure 4 The middle part is visible, and Figure 12As seen in the image, the first end 83a is connected via one of the mounting holes 71a, 73a, and 75a, and the second end 83b is connected via the stop assembly mounting opening 54a. Similarly, the second connecting mechanism 81b is connected at the first end via one of the lower mounting holes 71b, 73b, and 75b (which correspond to the holes for mounting the upper connecting mechanism), and at the second end via the lower stop assembly mounting opening 54b. These connecting mechanisms 81a and 81b operate in a known manner to provide swing arm movement, which allows the stop assembly 18 to swing downward and laterally inward (towards the connecting assembly 16) or move upward and laterally outward (away from the connecting assembly 16).

[0097] Figure 12 It shows the relationship with Figure 10 and 11 A similar perspective, also from behind the gantry crane, but this time from a lower angle.

[0098] like Figure 12 As seen in the image, the stopper 77 ( Figure 7 and 12 (As seen in the image) is provided to limit the range of motion of the stopping component 18 by contacting the connecting mechanism 81a during movement of the stopping component 18. Three mounting holes 79a, 79b, and 79c are provided for mounting the stopping stop 77 through the stopping component mounting plate 30 in different lateral positions.

[0099] Three stopper mounting holes 79a, 79b, and 79c allow the stopper to be mounted in different lateral positions relative to the stopper assembly mounting plate 30. This allows the stopper 77 to be mounted in an appropriate lateral position relative to the connecting mechanisms 81a and 81b. Therefore, depending on which pair of mounting holes 71a, 71b, 73a, 73b, 75a, and 75b are used to mount a pair of connecting mechanisms to the mounting plate 30, the corresponding stopper mounting holes 79a, 79b, and 79c are used to mount the stopper 77.

[0100] The gantry 12 includes a set of openings 56 for mounting the connecting assembly 16. In this example, the set of openings 56 includes six pairs of elongated openings: a first pair of elongated openings 60a, 60b; a second pair of elongated openings 62a, 62b; a third pair of elongated openings 64a, 64b; a fourth pair of elongated openings 66a, 66b; a fifth pair of elongated openings 68a, 68b; and a sixth set of elongated openings 70a, 70b.

[0101] like Figure 5 As can be seen, each pair of openings is vertically aligned above each other and has the same length. Therefore, both openings in a pair allow for the same lateral range of possible positions. Furthermore, the openings in each pair are separated by the same height difference 61. This corresponds to the separation between the two mounting holes of the connecting plate 24.

[0102] Therefore, this set of paired openings 56 allows the coupling assembly 16 to be mounted at six different heights corresponding to the relative heights of the six pairs of openings. It will be understood that the reference point used to define the height of each pair of openings is irrelevant. For example, the height of the pair of openings could be defined as the height of the upper elongated opening, the height of the lower elongated opening, or the height of the midpoint between the openings. Thus, by selecting one pair of openings from this set of openings, the height at which the coupling assembly is mounted is selected. This stage can be completed during manufacturing, wherein the coupling screws 42a, 42b are inserted through the two selected openings.

[0103] Then, for each pair of openings 60a, 60b, 62a, 62b, 64a, 64b, 66a, 66b, 68a, 68b, 70a, 70b, a range of lateral mounting positions are possible at any location along the elongated length of the opening. This lateral positioning can be selected during installation by fully tightening the connecting screws 42a, 42b when the connecting assembly is in the desired position. Therefore, the mounting position of the connecting assembly 16 is very versatile.

[0104] like Figure 6 In the side view of the middle door hanger 12, a hook portion 72 extends from the door hanger 12 on the side opposite to the connecting assembly 16 (i.e., towards the elevator car door 2, rearward from the door hanger 12). The function of the hook portion 72 is to hold the door hanger 12 and the panel of the elevator car door 2 in place in the event of a violent impact, so as to prevent them from falling into the shaft.

[0105] To allow for greater flexibility in the elevator door connector system 1, blades 20a and 20b are also provided with several mounting holes through which blades 20a and 20b are mounted to each of the pivot arms 22a and 22b. This allows blades 20a and 20b to be installed at different (horizontal) separation distances between them.

[0106] These mounting holes are in Figure 7 As seen in the image, the first blade 20a includes a first set of three mounting holes 80a, 82a, and 84a, all located on a single line (i.e., at the same height) and at different lateral positions, and a second set of three mounting holes 86a, 88a, and 90a, located at different (lower) heights and at different lateral positions. Each hole in the first set is vertically aligned above the corresponding hole in the second set.

[0107] Similarly, the second blade 20b includes a first set of three mounting holes 80b, 82b, and 84b, all located in a straight line (i.e., at the same height) and at different lateral positions, and a second set of three mounting holes 86b, 88b, and 90b, located at different (lower) heights and at different lateral positions. Each of the holes in the first set is vertically aligned above the corresponding hole in the second set.

[0108] To demonstrate the versatility provided by the elevator door connector system 1 described herein, in Figure 7 , 8 Figures 9 and 1 show three possible arrangements of the elevator door connector system 1. In each of these examples, all the components are the same (i.e., the door hanger 12 and the blades 20a, 20b are the same), but the installation positions of the various components differ. Figure 7 It shows the location with Figure 2-6 The components in the examples are in the same installation locations, therefore the same reference figures as in these figures have been used. For those respectively in Figure 8 and Figure 9 The other two examples in the text use different reference figures for clarity. Figure 8 In, the same as Figure 2-7 The first example corresponds to the reference number, but its value has been increased by 200. Figure 9 In, the same as Figure 2-7 The first example corresponds to the reference number, but its value has been increased by 300.

[0109] exist Figure 7 In the example, the connection component 16 is connected via, as shown in the example... Figure 5 The fifth pair of elongated openings 68a, 68b shown are mounted to the door hanger. The stopper is mounted in the first pair of stopper assembly mounting openings 54a, 54b at a position facing its left end, but not at the leftmost position. Blades 20a, 20b are mounted to pivot arms 22a, 22b through their central mounting holes 82a, 82b, 88a, 88b. It can be seen that these central mounting holes 82a, 82b, 88a, 88b have the form of two overlapping circular holes, and in this example, blades 20a, 20b are mounted through the inner portion of the holes. This overlapping arrangement allows the holes to be closer together, and thus makes the two available adjacent lateral positions closer together.

[0110] exist Figure 8 In the example, the stopping component 218 is now installed to the far right of the first pair of stopping component mounting openings 54a, 54b, but not at the far right position. The connecting component 216 is installed in the third pair of elongated openings. Figure 5 The views are marked as 64a and 64b, and therefore installed more... Figure 7In the example, it is higher. Blades 220a and 220b are again mounted to pivot arms 222a and 222b through their central mounting holes, but in this case, they are mounted through the outer portions of these central holes. Therefore, blades 220a and 220b are higher than... Figure 7 In the example, they are slightly closer together.

[0111] exist Figure 9 In this example, the stopping component 18 is now installed in the leftmost position, i.e., at the leftmost end of the stopping component mounting openings 54a, 54b. The connecting component 316 is installed in the first pair of slots 60a, 60b at the highest possible position. Because the connecting component 316 is installed so high, the connecting arm is omitted in this example, and instead, the anchor 326 is directly connected to the first pivot arm 322a.

[0112] In this example, blades 320a and 320b pass through the innermost opening (corresponding to...) Figure 7 The innermost openings 84a, 84b, 90a, 90b shown are mounted to the first pivot arm 322a and the second pivot arm 322b. As a result, blades 320a and 320b are... Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the example, the spacing is significantly greater. Due to the use of the innermost mounting hole, the central openings 382a, 382b, 388a, and 388b of blades 320a and 320b are more clearly visible in this figure. It can be clearly seen that they have the form of two overlapping circular holes as described above.

[0113] It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that this disclosure has been described by way of one or more specific aspects, but the disclosure is not limited to these aspects; many variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An elevator door connector system (1; 201; 301), comprising: Door hangers (12; 212; 312) for connecting to the elevator car door (2); and At least one roller (14a, 14b) is installed on the door hanger (12; 212; 312); The door hanger (12; 212; 312) includes a first elongated opening (54a, 54b, 60a, 60b, 62a, 62b, 64a, 64b, 66a, 66b, 68a, 68b, 70a, 70b) for fixedly mounting a connecting assembly (16; 216; 316), the connecting assembly being arranged to engage the landing door so as to actuate the landing door as the elevator car door (2) moves. They move together such that the position of the connecting assembly (16; 216; 316) relative to the gantry (12; 212; 312) can be adjusted by installing the connecting assembly (16; 216; 316) at different positions within the first elongated opening (54a, 54b, 60a, 60b, 62a, 62b, 64a, 64b, 66a, 66b, 68a, 68b, 70a, 70b).

2. The elevator door connector system (1; 201; 301) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one roller enables the door hanger (12; 212; 312) to move along the direction of movement (9) so that the elevator car door (2) can move parallel to the direction of movement (9) in use, and wherein the first elongated opening (54a, 54b, 60a, 60b, 62a, 62b, 64a, 64b, 66a, 66b, 68a, 68b, 70a, 70b) is elongated along a direction parallel to the direction of movement.

3. The elevator door connector system (1; 201; 301) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The first elongated opening (54a, 54b, 60a, 60b, 62a, 62b, 64a, 64b, 66a, 66b, 68a, 68b, 70a, 70b) has a length of at least 5cm.

4. The elevator door connector system (1; 201; 301) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The first elongated opening (54a, 54b, 60a, 60b, 62a, 62b, 64a, 64b, 66a, 66b, 68a, 68b, 70a, 70b) is elongated along a first direction, and wherein the door hanger (12; 212; 312) further includes a second elongated opening (54a, 54b, 60a, 60b, 62a, 62b, 64a, 64b, 66a, 66b, 68a, 68b, 70a, 70b), the second elongated opening being spaced apart from the first elongated opening along a direction perpendicular to the first direction (9).

5. The elevator door connector system (1; 201; 301) according to claim 4, wherein, The first elongated opening (54a, 54b, 60a, 60b, 62a, 62b, 64a, 64b, 66a, 66b, 68a, 68b, 70a, 70b) and the second elongated opening span different distance ranges along the first direction.

6. The elevator door connector system (1; 201; 301) according to claim 4, wherein, The first elongated opening (54a, 54b, 60a, 60b, 62a, 62b, 64a, 64b, 66a, 66b, 68a, 68b, 70a, 70b) and the second elongated opening span the same distance range along the first direction, and the connecting assembly (16; 216; 316) is arranged to be fixedly mounted to the door hanger (12; 212; 312) simultaneously through both the first elongated opening and the second elongated opening.

7. The elevator door connector system (1; 201; 301) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a stopping component (18; 218; 318) for preventing the elevator car door (2) from opening during use when the connecting component (16; 216; 316) is not engaged with the landing door, and wherein the door hanger (12; 212; 312) further comprises components for securely mounting the stopping component (18; 218; 318). The stop component mounting openings (54a, 54b) of the door hanger (12; 212; 312) are elongated, such that the position of the stop component (18; 218; 318) relative to the door hanger (12; 212; 312) can be adjusted by mounting the stop component (18; 218; 318) at different positions within the stop component mounting openings (54a, 54b).

8. The elevator door connector system (1; 201; 301) according to claim 7, wherein, The stopping component (18; 218; 318) includes at least two mounting holes spaced apart along the first direction, such that the position of the stopping component (18; 218; 318) relative to the door hanger (12; 212; 312) can be adjusted by mounting the stopping component (18; 218; 318) using a selected mounting hole from the at least two mounting holes.

9. The elevator door connector system (1; 201; 301) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a connector assembly (16; 216; 316).

10. The elevator door connector system (1; 201; 301) according to claim 9, wherein, The connecting assembly (16; 216; 316) includes a first blade (20a; 220a; 320a) and a second blade (20b; 220a; 320a) arranged to engage the respective floor gate rollers of the floor gate in use.

11. The elevator door connector system (1; 201; 301) according to claim 10, wherein, The first blade (20a; 220a; 320a) includes at least two first mounting holes (80a, 82a, 84a) spaced apart along the spacing direction, and the second blade (20b; 220a; 320a) includes at least two second mounting holes spaced apart along the spacing direction, so that the first blade (20a; 220a; 320a) and the second blade (20b; 220b; 320b) can be mounted at different distances apart along the spacing direction.

12. The elevator door connector system (1; 201; 301) according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein, The connecting assembly (16; 216; 316) further includes a connecting mechanism (22a, 22b; 222a, 222b; 322a, 322b) connecting the first blade (20a; 220a; 320a) and the second blade (20b; 220a; 320a) in use, the connecting mechanism being arranged to actuate the first blade (20a; 220a; 320a) and / or the second blade (20b; 220a; 320a) in use to change the separation distance between the first blade (20a; 220a; 320a) and the second blade (20b; 220a; 320a).

13. The elevator door connector system (1; 201; 301) according to claim 12, wherein, The connecting assembly (16; 216; 316) further includes a connecting plate (24; 224; 324), wherein the connecting mechanism (22a, 22b; 222a, 222b; 322a, 322b) is mounted to the connecting plate (24; 224; 324), and the connecting plate (24; 224; 324) is mounted to the door hanger (16; 216; 316).

14. The elevator door connector system (1; 201; 301) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein, The connecting assembly (16; 216; 316) includes a connecting arm (28; 228), wherein a first end of the connecting arm (28; 228) is connected to the drive belt (8) in use.

15. A method for installing an elevator door connector system into an elevator system, the method comprising: At least one roller (12; 212; 312) is mounted to a door hanger (12; 212; 312), which is adapted for connection to an elevator car door (2); as well as Installing the connecting assembly (16; 216; 316) to the door hanger (12; 212; 312) includes: selecting a suitable installation position of the connecting assembly (16; 216; 316) relative to the door hanger (12; 212; 312) by selecting a suitable installation position within a first elongated opening of the door hanger (12; 212; 312), and fixing the connecting assembly (16; 216; 316) to the door hanger (12; 212; 312) at the selected position.

Images