Door mechanism assembly for an elevator

Abstract

Door mechanism assembly (100) for an elevator comprising a first frame (1) which extends along a main direction (X) and a second frame (2) slidably movable with respect to the first frame and engaged to an elevator door. The door mechanism assembly (100) further comprises at least a wheel (3), in particular a synchronization wheel, mounted on the second frame (2) in a position arranged between the first frame (1) and the second frame (2) and movable along the main direction (X) along with the second frame (2). The first frame (1) has a covering panel (1a) presenting at least a mounting aperture (4, 5, 6), configured for mounting the wheel (3) on the second frame (2) or unmounting the wheel (3) from the second frame (2) through the mounting aperture (4, 5, 6).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] DOOR MECHANISM ASSEMBLY FOR AN ELEVATOR

[0003] Technical field

[0004] This invention relates to a door mechanism assembly for an elevator. The invention is therefore in the field of mechanisms for moving doors along a predetermined direction, such as elevator doors. The present invention finds application in both the landing and cabin doors.

[0005] Background art

[0006] In general, a door mechanism assembly for an elevator comprises at least a wheel connected by appropriate means of connection to a first door of the elevator and configured to define an opening and a closing position of the first door and another wheel, in particular a synchronization wheel, connected by appropriate means of connection to a second door of the elevator and movable along a predetermined direction, in order to define an opening and a closing position of the second door in such a way that the movement or the second door (between the opening and closing position) is synchronized with the movement of first door (between the opening and closing position).

[0007] For example, this type of wheels can be employed in telescopic elevator doors, wherein a first door is moved at a first velocity, and a second door is moved in a synchronized way with respect to the first door, preferably at a second velocity which is lower than the first velocity.

[0008] It is known that this type of wheels, in particular the synchronization wheels, is susceptible to wear and tear due to their use, and that therefore is necessary their substitution.

[0009] Nowadays, the substitution of these wheels is operated by means of an arduous and long maintenance intervention.

[0010] More specifically, to replace these wheels it is generally necessary to disassemble the door and the door mechanism assembly, resulting in an impractical operation requiring many man-hours from operators.

[0011] The known door mechanism assemblies are therefore affected by the disadvantage of difficult as well as expensive maintenance.

[0012] A disassembly of the door mechanism assembly and of the doors of an elevator therefore causes high maintenance costs, as well as a long period of disruption to the use of the elevator, causing considerable inconvenience for users.

[0013] Disclosure of the invention

[0014] In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to propose a door mechanism assembly for an elevator which overcomes the drawbacks in the prior art described above.

[0015] In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a door mechanism for an elevator, which is simpler and quicker to install as well as to maintain, in particular in the case of necessity of substitution of its wheels.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a door mechanism for an elevator, which is less expensive to install and / or to maintain.

[0017] The stated technical task and specified objects are substantially achieved by a door mechanism assembly for an elevator comprising a fixed frame, which has a covering panel, and at least a wheel, in particular a synchronization wheel, facing the covering panel, wherein the covering panel presents at least a mounting aperture, configured for mounting and / or unmounting the wheel through the mounting aperture.

[0018] The mounting aperture therefore allows to insert and extract the wheel directly through the mounting aperture itself, without any necessity of disassembling the door mechanism and the door of the elevator.

[0019] Advantageously, the mounting aperture allows a fast and easy substitution and installation of the wheel as well as lower maintenance and installation costs for the elevator.

[0020] The wheel is movable along the covering panel between an opening position and a closing position.

[0021] According to an aspect of the present invention, the covering panel presents a mounting aperture which is disposed in a position corresponding to the wheel in the opening position.

[0022] This allows mounting the wheel and / or removing the wheel from the door mechanism assembly through the mounting aperture at the opening position, advantageously allowing a practical and fast maintenance and / or installation procedure.

[0023] According to an aspect of the present invention, the covering panel presents a mounting aperture which is disposed in a position corresponding to the wheel in the closing position.

[0024] This allows mounting the wheel and / or removing the wheel from the door mechanism assembly through the mounting aperture at the closed position, advantageously allowing a faster and more practical maintenance and / or installation procedure.

[0025] According to an aspect of the present invention, the covering panel presents two opposite mounting apertures, one corresponding to a first mounting position of the wheel on the movable frame and the other corresponding to a second mounting position of the wheel, the first and second mounting positions corresponding to different way of operation or movement of the elevator doors.

[0026] Advantageously, this allows the use of the door mechanism both for the left door and for the right door of an elevator.

[0027] According to an aspect of the present invention, the door mechanism assembly comprises a rolling wheel bounded to a nut which is disposed in a position facing the covering panel, and the covering panel comprises a nut mounting aperture configured to allow mounting the nut and / or removing the nut from the door mechanism assembly through the nut mounting aperture.

[0028] Advantageously, this allows an easier and faster assembling and disassembling of the rolling wheel.

[0029] Preferably, at least a portion of the mounting aperture has an outline that is counter-shaped, preferably offset, with respect to at least a portion of the wheel. Preferably, the mounting aperture has a shape which is elongated along the main direction of the covering panel.

[0030] Preferably, the mounting aperture is partly defined by an arcuate portion, which is more preferably extending along the covering panel.

[0031] More preferably, the mounting aperture further comprises an elongated portion extending away from the arcuate portion.

[0032] Preferably, the mounting aperture has a “P-shape”, more preferably the “P-shape” is oriented along the covering panel.

[0033] Brief description of drawings

[0034] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the non-limiting description of a preferred embodiment of a door mechanism assembly for an elevator as illustrated in the appended drawings, in which:

[0035] - Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a portion of the door mechanism assembly in perspective view;

[0036] - Figure 2 illustrates a portion of the door mechanism assembly of figure 1 in a zoomed view;

[0037] - Figure 3 illustrates the portion of the door mechanism assembly of figure 1 in a partially sectioned and zoomed view.

[0038] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0039] With reference to the figures 1-3, the number 100 indicates a door mechanism assembly for an elevator, which, for simplicity, will be referred to as “door assembly 100”.

[0040] The door assembly 100 is configured for use in an elevator, in particular the door assembly 100 is configured to move the doors of an elevator between an opening position and a closing position. In particular, the door assembly 100 here described is adapted to move the door leaves of the elevator door, preferably telescopic doors.

[0041] The door assembly 100 may be used to move both the car and the landing doors of an elevator.

[0042] The door assembly 100 is configured to move a left or a right door of the elevator, preferably, the door assembly 100 is configured to move a plurality of elevator doors moving in the same direction while opening and while closing.

[0043] With reference to figure 1 , the door assembly 100 comprises a first frame 1 which extends along a main direction “X” between a first end 1a and a second end 1 b.

[0044] The first frame 1 is fixed, in detail the first frame 1 is fixed on an upper portion or on a lower portion of an elevator car.

[0045] The first frame 1 has a covering panel 10a which extends between the first and second end 1a, 1b of the first frame 1 itself.

[0046] More specifically, the front panel 10a is oriented to face the elevator shaft walls so that an operator can directly access a front surface 10b of the front panel 10a during installation or maintenance of the elevator.

[0047] Preferably, the first frame 1 has a top panel 11a which is arranged above and transverse to the front panel 10a, in particular disposed in an opposite position with respect to the front surface 10b of the front panel 10a, to define, with the front panel 10a, an housing configured to contain at least some components of the door assembly 100.

[0048] The door assembly 100 further comprises a second frame 2, which is in particular a movable frame.

[0049] More specifically, the second frame 2 is slidably movable with respect to the first frame 1 and is engaged, or can be engaged, to an elevator door in such a way to move the elevator door between an opening and a closing position. The elevator door to which the second frame 2 is connected can be a floor landing door or a car door.

[0050] The second frame 2 is mounted on the first frame 1 , preferably disposed into the housing defined by the covering and the top panel 10a, 11a, in a position which is opposite with respect to the front surface 10b of the front panel 10a.

[0051] Consequently, an operator can directly access a front surface 10b of the front panel 10a during installation or maintenance of the elevator but cannot access the second frame 2 except through the front surface 10b of the front panel 10a.

[0052] The door assembly 100 further comprises at least a wheel 3 mounted on the second frame 2 in a position arranged between the first frame 1 and the second frame 2, in detail, the wheel 3 is arranged between the second frame 2 and the covering panel 10a.

[0053] More specifically, the wheel 3 is facing a surface of the covering panel 10a which is opposite to its front surface 10b (which is directly accessible by an operator).

[0054] The wheel 3 is movable along the main direction “X”, along with the second frame 2, in approach with respect to one of the first or second end 1a, 1 b of the first frame 1 , to reach an opening position of the elevator door, and in approach with respect to the other of the first or second end 1a, 1 b, to reach a closing position of the elevator door.

[0055] According to the preferred embodiment, illustrated in figures, the wheel 3 is a synchronization wheel. The wheel 3 is therefore connected to a first door leaf of the elevator to define a translation of the first door leaf between the opening and closing positions, and this translation is synchronized with a translation, defined by a pulley, of a second door leaf of the elevator door.

[0056] In particular, the door mechanism assembly 100 comprises synchronization means for synchronizing the opening / closing movement of the door leaves of the elevator door. The wheel 3 is known as synchronization wheel and is part of the synchronization means, which are known to a skilled man in the field and will not be further detailed.

[0057] Therefore, the reference to a synchronization wheel is precise in geometry and location in a door mechanism assembly. The synchronization wheel is not a generic wheel.

[0058] According to a peculiar aspect of the present invention, the covering panel 10a presents at least a mounting aperture 4, 5, 6, configured for mounting the wheel 3 on the second frame 2 or unmounting the wheel 3 from the second frame 2 through the mounting aperture 4, 5, 6 itself. More specifically the mounting aperture 4, 5, 6 is through the front panel 10a, in correspondence of its front surface 10b.

[0059] Advantageously an operator during installation or maintenance can directly access a mounting aperture 4, 5, 6 of the front panel 10a and, through the mounting aperture 4, 5, 6, can directly access the wheel 3 to remove it and mount a new one, consequently the maintenance of the elevator, as well as its installation, is faster and easier, resulting at least in a more economic elevator maintenance.

[0060] In particular, the mounting aperture 4, 5, 6 is configured to allow an insertion, and / or an extraction, of the wheel 3, in particular by tilting the wheel 3 and sliding it in, and / or out, of the mounting aperture 4, 5, 6.

[0061] With reference to figure 1 , one mounting aperture 4 is disposed in a position corresponding to the wheel 3 in the opening position, to allow mounting of the wheel 3 on the second frame 2, and / or removing the wheel 3 from the second frame 2, through the mounting aperture 4 at the opening position.

[0062] With reference to figure 1 , one mounting aperture 5 is disposed in a position corresponding to the wheel 3 in the closing position, to allow mounting of the wheel 3 on the second frame 2, and / or removing the wheel 3 from the second frame 2, through the mounting aperture 5 at the closing position.

[0063] Advantageously, these technical features allow to access the wheel 3 when the latter is in a predetermined operating position, in particular in the opening or in the closing position, therefore an operator to substitute the wheel 3 has to move the wheel 3 in an usual position, that is either the opening or the closing position. This results in a less costly, as well as less arduous and less time-consuming, maintenance operation.

[0064] According to an aspect of the present invention, with reference to figure 1 , the covering panel 10a presents a first mounting aperture 4 and a second mounting aperture 5. In detail, the first mounting aperture 4 is disposed in a position corresponding to the wheel 3 in the opening position, to allow mounting of the wheel 3 on the second frame 2, and / or removing the wheel 3 from the second frame 2, through the first mounting aperture 4 at the opening position, while the second mounting aperture 5 is disposed in a position corresponding to the wheel 3 in the closing position, to allow mounting the wheel 3 on the second frame 2, and / or removing the wheel 3 from the second frame 2, through the second mounting aperture 5 at the closing position.

[0065] Advantageously, this technical feature allows to access the wheel 3 when the latter is in a predetermined operating position, either in the opening or the closing position, an operator can therefore access the wheel 3 through the most suitable mounting aperture 4 or 5. This results in a more practical maintenance operation.

[0066] With reference to figure 1 , the covering panel 10a presents two opposite mounting apertures 4, 6, one corresponding to a first mounting position of the wheel 3 on the movable frame 2 and the other corresponding to a second mounting position of the wheel 3 on the movable frame 2. In detail the first and second mounting positions correspond to different way of operation or movement of the elevator doors, in particular corresponding to different movements of a same door in opposite directions.

[0067] For example, the door assembly 100 can be used to move either a left group of elevator doors, moving the wheel 3 to reach an opening position in a first direction, or a right group of elevator doors, moving the wheel 3 to reach an opening position in a second direction opposite with respect to the first direction.

[0068] Considering the left group of doors, it is necessary to mount the wheel 3 in such a way that a translation of the wheel 3 in a direction from the second end 1 b to the first end 1a defines opening of the left group of doors, the opening position of the wheel 3 is then proximal with respect to the first end 1a. On the contrary, considering the right group of doors, it is necessary to mount the wheel 3 in such a way that a translation of the wheel 3 in a direction from the first end 1a to the second end 1 b defines opening of the right group of doors, the opening position of the wheel 3 is then proximal with respect to the second end 1b.

[0069] The different mounting positions of the wheel 3 are therefore a first mounting position, wherein the wheel 3 is disposed proximally to the first end 1a in the opening position, and a second mounting position, wherein the wheel 3 is disposed proximally to the second end 1 b in the opening position.

[0070] Advantageously, the two opposite mounting apertures 4, 6 (corresponding respectively to the first and the second mounting position) make the door assembly 100 mountable and adaptable both to the left group of doors and to the right group of doors, without any structural modifications. The door assembly 100 is therefore versatile.

[0071] With reference to figure 2 and 3, the movable frame 2 comprises a mounting panel 20a facing the covering panel 10a, in particular facing a surface of the covering panel 10a which is opposite with respect to its front surface 10b.

[0072] The wheel 3 is mounted on the mounting panel 20a.

[0073] The door assembly 100 further comprises a running wheel 200 bound to the mounting panel 20a by means of a nut 7, in such a way that the mounting panel 20a is interposed between the running wheel 200 and the wheel 3.

[0074] More specifically both the nut 7 and the wheel 3 are arranged between the mounting panel 20a and the covering panel 10a in such a way to face a surface of the covering panel 10a which is opposite with respect to its front surface 10b.

[0075] Preferably, the covering panel 10a further comprises a nut mounting aperture 41 configured for allowing an insertion and / or a removal of the nut 7 from the nut mounting aperture 41 . This technical feature allows an operator to directly access the nut 7 and to mount, or unmount, the running wheel 200 in an easier way, since it is necessary to unscrew the nut 7, remove the top panel 11a and slip out the running wheel 200.

[0076] In addition to the above, the mounting aperture 4, 5, 6 comprises a wheel mounting aperture 40, configured to allow mounting and unmounting of the wheel 3.

[0077] Preferably, the wheel mounting aperture 40 and the nut mounting aperture 41 form a single mounting aperture 4, 6.

[0078] Structurally, at least a portion of the mounting aperture 4, 5, 6 has an outline that is counter-shaped, and preferably offset, with respect to at least a portion of the wheel 3.

[0079] More specifically, at least a portion of the mounting aperture 4, 5, 6 is overlapping the rotation axis of the wheel 3 and, preferably, extends up to a diametral end of the wheel 3. The rotation axis of the wheel is transverse, preferably perpendicular, to the main direction “X”.

[0080] Preferably, the mounting aperture 4. 5, 6 is partly defined by an arcuate portion 8, which is preferably extending along the main direction X of the covering panel 10a.

[0081] Preferably, the arcuate portion 8 has a diameter which is greater than the diameter of the wheel 3.

[0082] More preferably, the diameter of the arcuate portion 8 is greater than the diameter of the wheel 3 by no more than 2 cm, preferably 1 cm, even more preferably 0.5 cm. This ensures that the covering panel 10a has a mechanical resistance compatible with the load imposed on it.

[0083] Preferably, at least a portion of the mounting aperture 4, 5, 6 has an outline that is counter-shaped, even more preferably offset, with respect to one half of the wheel 3.

[0084] This allows a practical insertion and extraction of the wheel 3 from the mounting aperture 4, 5, 6.

[0085] Preferably, the mounting aperture 4, 5, 6 has a shape which is elongated along the main direction “X” of the covering panel 10a.

[0086] This allows a practical insertion and extraction of the wheel 3, and eventually of the nut 7 from the mounting aperture 4, 5, 6.

[0087] Preferably, the first mounting aperture 4, corresponding to the first mounting position of the wheel 3, and the second mounting aperture 6, corresponding to the second mounting position of the wheel 3, are specular with respect to each other.

[0088] More preferably, the mounting aperture 4, 6 comprises the arcuate portion 8 and an elongated portion 9 extending away from the arcuate portion 8. Preferably the elongated portion 9 is oriented along the main direction “X” of the covering panel 10a.

[0089] More preferably, the mounting aperture 4, 6 has a “P-shape”, in particular defined by the arcuate and the elongated portions 8, 9.

[0090] Preferably the “P-shape” is oriented along the main direction “X” of the covering panel 10a.

[0091] More preferably, the “P-shape” of the first mounting aperture 4, corresponding to the first mounting position of the wheel 3, and the “P- shape” of the second mounting aperture 6, corresponding to the second mounting position of the wheel 3, are specular with respect to each other. According to an embodiment of the door assembly 100 shown in figure 1 , the covering panel 10a comprises the first mounting aperture 4, corresponding to the first mounting position of the wheel 3, the second mounting aperture 6 corresponding to the second mounting position of the wheel 3, and a third mounting aperture 5 interposed between the first and the second mounting aperture 4, 5 and corresponding to the wheel 3 closing position. Preferably, the first and the second mounting apertures 4, 6 are “P-shaped” and specular with respect to each other while the third mounting aperture has an arc of circle outline.

[0092] The present invention further provides an elevator door comprising the door assembly 100 above described. Preferably, the elevator door comprises a plurality (two or more) of door leaves. The opening / closing movement of the door leaves is preferably synchronized by synchronization means. In particular, the wheel 3 is connected to a first door leaf of the elevator to define a translation of said first door leaf between said opening and closing positions. The translation is synchronized with a translation, defined by a pulley, of a second door leave of the elevator.

[0093] The synchronization means are known to a skilled man in the field, therefore they will not be further described.

[0094] The present invention further provides an elevator comprising the door assembly 100 above described.

[0095] The characteristics of the door assembly 100 according to the present invention emerge clearly from the above description, as do the advantages.

[0096] In particular, the mounting aperture allows a practical and fast assembly and disassembly of the wheel, eventually together with the nut, from the door assembly.

[0097] More specifically, the mounting aperture is directly accessible by an operator which to access the wheel, eventually together with the nut, have only to insert his hands end / or his tools into the mounting aperture without any need to remove parts of the first and / or the second frame.

[0098] Therefore, the mounting aperture allows a faster and an easier maintenance and installation operation, ensuring at the same time lower installation / maintenance costs for the door assembly.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Door mechanism assembly (100) for an elevator, comprising:- a first frame (1 ) which extends along a main direction (X) between a first end (1a) and a second end (1 b),- a second frame (2), wherein the second frame (2) is slidably movable with respect to the first frame (1 ) and is engageable to an elevator door;- at least a wheel (3) mounted on said second frame (2) in a position arranged between the first frame (1 ) and the second frame (2), said wheel (3) being movable along the main direction (X) along with the second frame (2) in approach with respect to one of the first or second end (1a, 1 b) of the first frame (1 ), to reach an opening position of the elevator door, and in approach with respect to the other of said first or second end (1a, 1 b), to reach a closing position of the elevator door, wherein the first frame (1 ) has a covering panel (10a), the at least a wheel (3) being arranged between the second frame (2) and the covering panel (10a), and wherein the covering panel (10a) presents at least a mounting aperture (4, 5, 6), configured for mounting the wheel (3) on the second frame (2) or unmounting the wheel (3) from the second frame (2) through said mounting aperture (4, 5, 6).

2. The door mechanism assembly (100) according to claim 1 , wherein one mounting aperture (4) is disposed in a position corresponding to the wheel (3) in the opening position, to allow mounting of the wheel (3) on the second frame (2) and / or removing the wheel (3) from the second frame (2) through the mounting aperture (4) at the opening position.

3. The door mechanism assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one mounting aperture (5) is disposed in a position corresponding to the wheel (3) in the closing position, to allow mounting of the wheel (3) on the second frame (2) and / or removing the wheel (3) from the second frame (2) through the mounting aperture (5) at the closing position.

4. The door mechanism assembly (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the covering panel (10a) presents a first mountingaperture (4) and a second mounting aperture (5), the first mounting aperture (4) being disposed in a position corresponding to the wheel (3) in the opening position, to allow mounting of the wheel (3) on the second frame (2) and / or removing the wheel (3) from the second frame (2) through the first mounting aperture (4) at the opening position, and the second mounting aperture (5) being disposed in a position corresponding to the wheel (3) in the closing position, to allow mounting of the wheel (3) on the second frame (2) and / or removing the wheel (3) from the second frame (2) through the second mounting aperture (5) at the closing position.

5. The door mechanism assembly (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the covering panel (10a) presents two opposite mounting apertures (4, 6), one corresponding to a first mounting position of the wheel (3) on the movable frame (2) and the other corresponding to a second mounting position of the wheel (3) on the movable frame (2), said first and second mounting positions corresponding to different way of operation or movement of the elevator doors, in particular corresponding to different movements of a same door in opposite directions.

6. The door mechanism assembly (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein wheel (3) is a pulling wheel (3), wherein the movable frame (2) comprises a mounting panel (20a) facing the covering panel (10a) wherein the wheel (3) is mounted on the mounting panel (20a), and wherein a running wheel (200) is bound to the mounting panel (20a) by means of a nut (7) in such a way that the mounting panel (20a) is interposed between the running wheel (200) and the wheel (3), and in such a way that the nut (7) and the wheel (3) are arranged between the mounting panel (20a) and the covering panel (10a), the covering panel (10a) further comprising a nut mounting aperture (41 ), configured for allowing an insertion and / or a removal of said nut (7) from the nut mounting aperture (41 ).

7. The door mechanism assembly (100) according to claim 6, wherein the mounting aperture (4, 6) comprises a wheel mounting aperture (40),configured to allow mounting and unmounting of the wheel (3), the wheel mounting aperture (40) and the nut mounting aperture (41 ) forming a single mounting aperture (4, 6).

8. The door mechanism assembly (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least a portion of the mounting aperture (4, 5, 6) has an outline that is counter-shaped, and preferably offset, with respect to at least a portion of the wheel (3), said portion of the mounting aperture (4, 5, 6) being overlapping the rotation axis of the wheel (3) and preferably extending up to a diametral end of the wheel (3).

9. The door mechanism assembly (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting aperture (4, 5, 6) has a shape which is elongated along the main direction (X) of the covering panel (10a).

10. The door mechanism assembly (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting aperture (4, 5 ,6) comprises an arcuate portion (8) and an elongated portion (9) extending away from the arcuate portion (8).

11. The door mechanism assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising synchronization means for synchronizing the opening / closing movement of door leaves of the elevator door, the synchronization means comprising the wheel (3).

12. Elevator, comprising the door mechanism assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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