Coupling unit for adjusting a door of an elevator system

Abstract

The following embodiments relate to a coupling unit (11.1, 11.2, 11.3) for adjusting a first door (8, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4) of an elevator system (1), having a guide trajectory (12) delimited by a first stop (12.1) on a first side and by a second stop (12.2) on a second side, a movement element (13) which can be moved along the guide trajectory (12) between the first stop (12.1) and the second stop (12.2), a motor (14) which acts on the movement element (13) so as to drive same and has an incremental encoder, a first transceiver unit (18.1) for contactlessly coupling to and carrying out a signal transmission with a second transceiver unit (18.2) of the first door (8, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4), and a control device (16) which is connected to the motor (14), the incremental encoder, and the first transceiver unit (18.1) so as to transmit signals, the coupling unit (11.1, 11.2, 11.3) being designed to be mounted on the first door (8, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4) independently of an additional door of the elevator system (1).

Description

[0001] TD 41897 - 1 - July 2025

[0002] Coupling unit for adjusting a door of an elevator system

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The following explanations concern a coupling unit for adjusting the first door of an elevator system.

[0005] Furthermore, the following explanations concern a procedure for adjusting the first door of an elevator system with such a coupling unit.

[0006] Technical background

[0007] Elevator systems for transporting people and / or goods are an integral part of modern residential and commercial buildings. A typical elevator system comprises one or more elevator shafts, in each of which one or more cars are moved between landing positions by means of drives such as suspension drives or linear drives.

[0008] In such elevator systems, it is known that the car door is coupled to the shaft door when the car is at the shaft door, in order to operate the car door and the shaft door synchronously. This is usually achieved through a mechanical coupling, with only one door motor on the car side to drive both doors.

[0009] However, a contactless coupling of the car door and the shaft door is also known, with each door having its own door motor. A corresponding device is known, for example, from EP 1 418 149 A1. A disadvantage of contactless coupling, however, is that during the installation of the elevator system, the doors must be adjusted to each other to ensure synchronization during operation. This adjustment is time-consuming and can only be carried out once the car is in the elevator shaft, i.e., at the end of the elevator system's installation. As a disadvantage (TD 41897-2-July 2025), this delays the commissioning of the elevator system and increases the installation costs due to the additional effort.

[0010] Description - Technical Solution

[0011] Given this situation, the task at hand is to reduce the installation time and simplify the installation process when installing an elevator system with contactless coupled doors.

[0012] The present problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Where technically feasible, the teachings of the dependent claims can be combined arbitrarily with those of the main and dependent claims.

[0013] In particular, the problem is solved by a coupling unit for adjusting a first door of an elevator system, comprising a guide trajectory limited to a first side by a first stop and to a second side by a second stop, a moving element movable along the guide trajectory between the first stop and the second stop, a motor with an incremental encoder acting on the moving element to drive it, a first transmitter-receiver unit for contactless coupling and signal transmission with a second transmitter-receiver unit of the first door, and a control device connected to the motor, the incremental encoder, and the first transmitter-receiver unit via a signal, wherein the coupling unit is designed to be arranged on the first door independently of any further door of the elevator system.

[0014] The following sections explain advantageous aspects and subsequently describe preferred modified embodiments. Explanations, particularly regarding advantages and definitions of features, are essentially descriptive and preferred, but not limiting, examples. If an explanation is limiting, this will be explicitly stated.

[0015] Where ordinal numbers, for example "first," "second," etc., are used, for instance to designate a component, an element, a process step (TD 41897-3-July 2025), or a process action, these ordinal numbers are intended solely for differentiation in the designation and do not indicate any dependencies or sequences. This means, in particular, that, for example, a device does not need to have a "first component" to have a "second component." A device can also have a "first component" and a "third component" without necessarily having a "second component." Multiple units of the same ordinal number can also be provided, for example, multiple "first components."

[0016] According to the present understanding, an elevator system is, for example, designed with at least one vertical, horizontal, and / or diagonal elevator shaft formed by shaft walls and at least one elevator car. However, it can also have several elevator shafts and / or several elevator cars, in particular several elevator cars per elevator shaft. The installation of such an elevator system is essentially carried out by constructing the elevator shaft, for example during the construction of a building, installing shaft doors and shaft fittings in the elevator shaft, and placing the elevator cars into the elevator shaft.

[0017] For example, a car is held and driven by a load-bearing element, wherein a drive device transmits a drive torque to the load-bearing element via a drive shaft. The load-bearing element is then preferably connected to a counterweight associated with the car. A drive device is, in particular, arranged in a machine room or in the shaft head. A load-bearing element is, in particular, designed as a rope, belt, strap, chain, or the like and carries tensile loads in the direction of its longitudinal extension. Alternatively, a car is held and driven by a linear drive. A linear drive is, for example, formed from a primary part extending along the elevator shaft and a secondary part located on the car.The primary part consists of coils arranged in a line, each with its own converter. An electric current is applied to the coil to generate a magnetic field when the elevator car is within the area of ​​the respective coil, thus moving the car. The secondary part consists of a permanent or electromagnet that interacts with the magnetic fields of the coil.

[0018] A linear-drive elevator system may, in particular, have vertical, horizontal and / or diagonal shaft sections and / or different tracks of different orientations (TD 41897-4-July 2025). In this context, contactless coupling of the car door(s) with the shaft doors via two transmitter-receiver units is particularly advantageous for linear-drive elevator systems, since mechanical coupling is difficult due to the different directions of movement.

[0019] Setting up the first door of an elevator system involves, in particular, synchronizing the motor of the first door with the motor of a second door. If the first door is a shaft door, this means synchronizing it with a car door as the second door, and vice versa. The relationship between the movement of each motor and the respective door is determined and must be adjusted so that the doors operate synchronously. Crucially, the motors' incremental encoders detect the respective door opening movements and must be calibrated accordingly.Furthermore, setting the first door can include, for example, the synchronization of sensor signals, in particular from blockage or other safety sensors, and / or the transmission of other data such as speed profiles of door opening and closing processes, a maximum closing force of a door, a maximum motor current, trigger signals, timestamps, or time signals. A door motor is specifically designed as an electric motor. Setting the first door of the elevator system using the coupling unit can also include an automatic self-learning process, which may, for example, utilize AI.

[0020] When adjusting the doors, each door has a fully closed position and a fully open position, with the movement of each door between the fully open and fully closed positions being synchronized. To achieve this, the current position of each door during opening or closing is monitored by an incremental encoder, which represents the relative position between the fully open and fully closed positions as an increment. To determine the actual position of each door from this increment, the increment for each fully open position and the number of increments between these positions must be known. TD 41897 - 5 - July 2025

[0021] Insofar as the coupling unit has a first stop and a second stop for the moving element, the stops limit the movement space of the moving element in order to replicate a fully closed position of a second door and a fully open position of the second door as well as the movement sequence of the second door between these positions, without having to arrange a second door on the first door.

[0022] A guide trajectory can be any arbitrarily shaped path for the moving element, by which the path of a second door between a fully closed position and a fully open position can be actually or merely simulated. Insofar as the moving element is guided along the guide trajectory, its position in at least one spatial direction is determined by the guide trajectory.

[0023] A motion element is, for example, a translationally or rotationally movable element that is preferably movable in such a way as to replicate the mechanical, and in particular the dynamic, properties of a second door. For this purpose, the motion element can be provided with a corresponding resistance that is modeled on or replicates the systematic resistances encountered when a second door moves. The motion element can, for example, be guided with appropriate friction, or a brake or resistance can be provided that acts on the motion element. The motor can act directly or indirectly on the motion element via a force and / or torque transmission, wherein the force or torque transmission particularly includes a gear ratio and / or a transmission mechanism.

[0024] An incremental encoder, also commonly referred to as an encoder, is a sensor for detecting changes in position (linear) or angle (rotary). It can measure distance and direction, or angle change and direction of rotation. Other names for rotary encoders include incremental rotary encoder, rotary pulse encoder, or simply rotary encoder. Incremental encoders have a scale with repeating, periodic graduations. The measurement is based on determining direction and counting. Rotary optical encoders are most commonly used. Incremental encoders must be referenced for adjustment because they always measure the position only as a relative value, i.e., as the graduation count during the position change between two positions. An incremental encoder is connected to the motor, specifically to a motor shaft or a motor component that moves linearly relative to the motor shaft.

[0025] A transmitter-receiver unit can operate, for example, optically, in particular by means of infrared radiation or radiation in the visible light spectrum, electromagnetically, in particular by means of induction, or acoustically, in particular by means of ultrasound. Beyond the aforementioned examples, a transmitter-receiver unit can be based on any contactless signal transmission principle known in principle to those skilled in the art. Insofar as two transmitter-receiver units are coupled, they are positioned relative to each other in such a way that they can exchange signals reliably and without loss, and can detect each other using signal technology. The first transmitter-receiver unit and the second transmitter-receiver unit, or the two transmitter-receiver units of a shaft door and a car door, can, for example, detect or verify whether they are coupled and positioned relative to each other by means of an initial or continuous exchange of positioning signals.A coupling of the transmitter-receiver units of the car door and the shaft door can be set as an operating requirement for the door motors in the operation of an elevator system.

[0026] Insofar as the coupling unit is designed for placement at the first door independently of any other door of the elevator system, it includes, in particular, means for attachment or placement at the second door independently of any other door. The coupling unit can therefore, for example, be positioned, at least partially, in the shaft or on an installation basket, or be designed, at least partially, for manual holding or placement on a surface. The coupling unit is designed to be self-contained or compact enough to be used independently for coupling with the first door or the second transmitter-receiver unit. During installation, the coupling unit can utilize space at the first door that will later be occupied by other components of the elevator system.The coupling unit is specifically designed for exclusive coupling with the first door during the adjustment of the first door. After adjustment, the coupling unit is subsequently removed from the first door.

[0027] The solution to the problem with the aforementioned coupling unit now includes the teaching that the coupling unit simulates or replicates the behavior of a second door in such a way that the first door can be set to such a second door by the coupling unit, without the second door actually having to be present at the first door. It is then possible to set a first door using the coupling unit at a time when a car has not yet been placed in or installed in an elevator system and the first and second doors are therefore not yet positioned together. At such a time, a shaft door, as the first door, is still without a car in the elevator shaft, and a car is, for example, still in a production hall away from the elevator system.The solution described above thus ensures that, at the time towards or at the end of the elevator installation, when the car is placed in the elevator shaft, the time-consuming adjustment of the car door(s) and / or the shaft doors can be eliminated or at least largely eliminated, as this has already been done by the coupling unit, and the elevator can therefore be put into operation more quickly. During the preceding installation, the adjustment of the doors can be carried out in parallel with or between other tasks and thus without delaying the installation process.

[0028] By providing moving parts—namely, the motion element, the guide trajectory, and the motor—the actual behavior of a second door can be replicated advantageously simply and with particular accuracy. In particular, the components used in the coupling unit are the same as those used in a second door, so that behavior corresponding to the second door is readily achieved. In an alternative embodiment of a coupling unit, which is outside the scope of the present teaching, the moving components are omitted, and a signal output at a first transmitter-receiver unit is generated purely by computer simulation. For this purpose, such a coupling unit provides sufficient computing power, for example, integrated into the control device. Thus, the moving components are digitally simulated, with the mechanical behavior being represented to a corresponding approximation.Advantageously, the moving parts themselves and their maintenance can then be dispensed with, and the coupling unit can be designed to be significantly more compact. This eliminates the need for fine-tuning of the first door after the car has entered the elevator car, which would otherwise be necessary or even more extensive due to the coupling unit only approximating the door behavior in the alternative embodiment. TD 41897 - 8 - July 2025.

[0029] The installation of the elevator shaft can be carried out much faster than a completely new adjustment of the first door.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, the first transmitter-receiver unit can be designed for optical data transmission. In this case, the first transmitter-receiver unit is specifically configured as an infrared transmitter and receiver and includes, in particular, means for generating infrared radiation and for receiving and decoding infrared radiation. Optical data transmission between the transmitter-receiver units can be advantageously reliable and independent of interference during the operation of the elevator system and can also be used simply for positioning two transmitter-receiver units relative to each other.By providing an optical first transmitter-receiver unit on the coupling unit, the coupling unit can then be used in such an elevator system with a corresponding second transmitter-receiver unit, whereby the aforementioned advantages are also achieved for data transmission between the coupling unit and the second transmitter-receiver unit.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, the position of the first stop and / or the second stop can be adjusted to set the length of the guide trajectory. The guide trajectory can then be adjusted to suit a specific second door of a specific elevator system and can thus be used in different elevator systems with different shaft doors and / or different car doors.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, the guide trajectory can be designed to extend along a straight line. In this case, the guide trajectory corresponds to the trajectory along which a typical shaft door and a typical car door are opened and closed, so that the second door is modeled with particular accuracy by a straight guide trajectory. This precise modeling results in a movement behavior of the moving element that corresponds very closely to that of the second door.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, the guide trajectory can be formed by a rail, with the moving element being a carriage guided along the rail. The stops are designed, for example, as pins or blocks arranged on the rail at a specific point. For instance, a pin can be inserted into a selected hole in a hole pattern to adjust its position (see TD 41897 - 9 - July 2025). Using a carriage and a guide rail, a second door can be replicated with particular accuracy, assuming that a conventional door is guided by a rail.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally, the coupling unit can be provided with a drive element, in particular a drive belt, whereby the motor acts on the moving element via the drive element to drive it. In this way, the motor can be positioned simply, variably, and in a fixed position relative to the moving element. Furthermore, the drive element can provide a transmission ratio, enabling a relatively short guide trajectory with a relatively large number of increments from the incremental encoder. The coupling unit can then be designed to be compact for handling and positioning, while the signal from the incremental encoder allows for reliable and high-resolution position determination.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, the guide trajectory can extend along a circular path. This allows for a particularly compact design of the coupling unit, making it especially easy to handle and position. Furthermore, the moving element can be designed and mounted in a particularly simple manner, for example, by means of a central bearing on a shaft or axle.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally, the moving element can be designed as a gear and mesh with a pinion connected to the motor. This provides a reliable drive for the moving element, and the moving parts of the coupling unit can be arranged in a particularly compact manner.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, the coupling unit may be provided with a housing containing the guide trajectory, the motion element, and the motor with the incremental encoder. In particular, the housing then has means for mounting and / or attaching it to the first door or in its vicinity. The housing may also contain the control device, or the control device may be located on an outer side of the housing. The first transmitter-receiver unit is, for example, flexibly connected to the housing or to the TD 41897 - 10 - July 2025 by a cable.

[0038] The control device is connected and can therefore be arranged variably in the vicinity of the coupling unit.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, the coupling unit may include a fastening device arranged on the first transmitter-receiver unit, the fastening device being designed to align the first transmitter-receiver unit relative to the second transmitter-receiver unit. The fastening device is, for example, designed as a plate, hook, or clamp that forms a positive fit with a corresponding counterpart on the second transmitter-receiver unit, thus determining the position of the first transmitter-receiver unit. This allows for precise positioning of the first transmitter-receiver unit within the coupling unit, independent of the positioning of the rest of the coupling unit. The rest of the coupling unit can then be positioned relatively freely and without further requirements.

[0040] Alternatively or additionally, the control device may be provided with operating elements and / or at least one data port for connecting operating elements. The coupling unit can then be operated via the operating elements or by an operating element or control unit connected to the data port, such as a laptop or a specific control unit for setting the first door. The data port may, for example, be configured for a CAN bus or an RS232 connection. Alternatively, the control device or the coupling unit may have a module for wireless data transmission with a control unit, for example, via radio, WLAN, Bluetooth, NFC, or other known data transmission protocols. The control device or the coupling unit may also have a display, for example, a screen, on which data can be displayed, such as data on the position of the moving element.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally, the coupling unit may also include a reset element acting on the moving element to return it to its initial stop. Such a reset element is, for example, designed as a spring element. Since a reset element is also provided for a second door to automatically close it in the event of a power failure at the motor, the reset element of the coupling unit TD 41897 - 11 - July 2025 can achieve a more accurate simulation of the actual behavior of the second door. In particular, such a reset element can influence the resistance of the moving element as it moves along the guide trajectory, and, in the case of an actual second door, a reset element can resist the movement of the door when opening or closing.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, the coupling unit may be designed for installation on a first door configured as a shaft door. For this purpose, a mounting device for the coupling unit, or at least for the first transmitter-receiver unit, is provided in the area of ​​the shaft door, for example, on a shaft wall. The coupling unit has a corresponding mounting device. Such mounting devices are, at their simplest, designed as hooks, eyelets, or clamps. Alternatively, the coupling unit may have fastening means, such as screw clamps or hooks, for attachment to an installation cage, i.e., a car that can be moved within the elevator shaft as a temporary work platform during the installation of the elevator system.

[0043] Alternatively or additionally, the coupling unit can be designed for installation on a first door configured as a car door. In the simplest case, the coupling unit is then largely enclosed in a housing to stand next to the car on a floor, table, or other surface in a production hall, with only the first transmitter-receiver unit being positioned in alignment with the second transmitter-receiver unit. Alternatively, the car or car door can also have a corresponding mounting device for the coupling unit, with the coupling unit having a corresponding mounting device.

[0044] The problem is further solved by a method for adjusting the first door of an elevator system, comprising the steps of: positioning a coupling unit described above at the first door independently of any other door of the elevator system, aligning the first transmitter-receiver unit for coupling with the second transmitter-receiver unit of the first door; coupling the first transmitter-receiver unit with the second transmitter-receiver unit; and adjusting the first door by actuating the coupling unit. It is preferred that the sequence of method steps can be varied, unless technically required in an explicit sequence (TD 41897 - 12 - July 2025). However, the aforementioned sequence of method steps is particularly preferred. The advantages described above with respect to the coupling unit are achieved accordingly with this method.In particular, the initial door adjustment can be performed during elevator installation even before a car has been placed in the shaft. After the car(s) are installed, essentially concluding the installation process, little or no further time or effort is required to adjust the first door or all pre-set doors.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, the procedure may include the step of adjusting the position of the first stop and / or the second stop depending on the first door. This step is performed, in particular, before positioning the coupling unit on the first door or, at least, before adjusting the first door by actuating the coupling unit. This adjusts the coupling unit to simulate or mimic precisely the second door, which will actually interact with the first door during the subsequent operation of the elevator system.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, the coupling unit can be positioned at a shaft door, particularly at an installation cage or on the shaft wall of an elevator shaft. For this purpose, the coupling unit and the shaft wall or door can be designed as described above. Positioning the coupling unit at the shaft door as the first door allows for advantageous adjustment of the shaft door along with the coupling unit.

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, the coupling unit can be positioned at a car door, particularly away from an elevator shaft. For this purpose, the coupling unit and the car or car door can be designed as described above. Positioning the coupling unit at the car door, as the first door, allows this car door to be adjusted using the coupling unit.

[0048] It is particularly advantageous that all shaft doors and all car doors of an elevator system are adjusted by means of the coupling unit before the car(s) are placed in the elevator shaft TD 41897 - 13 - July 2025, in order to achieve the shortest possible installation process for the elevator system.

[0049] Brief description of the drawings

[0050] A preferred technical solution is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. The term "figure" is abbreviated as "Fig." in the drawings.

[0051] The drawings show

[0052] Fig. 1a is a schematic front view of an elevator system in one embodiment;

[0053] Fig. 1b a schematic side view of an elevator system according to the elevator system in figure 1a;

[0054] Fig. 2a shows a perspective view of a coupling unit according to a first embodiment in a first position;

[0055] Fig. 2b shows another perspective view of the coupling unit according to Figure 2a in a second position;

[0056] Fig. 3a shows a perspective view of a coupling unit according to a second embodiment from a first perspective;

[0057] Fig. 3b shows another perspective view of the coupling unit according to Figure 3a from a second perspective;

[0058] Fig. 4a shows a detailed view of the coupling unit according to Figures 3a and 3b in a first position;

[0059] Fig. 4b shows a detailed view of the coupling unit according to Figures 3a and 3b in a second position;

[0060] Fig. 5a shows a perspective view of a shaft door with a coupling unit attached to it;

[0061] Fig. 5b shows a detailed view of the coupling unit arranged at the shaft door according to Figure 5a;

[0062] Fig. 5c shows a detailed view of a first transmitter-receiver unit in a coupling unit arranged at the shaft door according to Figures 5a and 5b; TD 41897 - 14 - July 2025

[0063] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a car door with a coupling unit attached to it;

[0064] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a coupling unit according to a third embodiment; and

[0065] Fig. 8 shows a diagram of a preferred method for adjusting a first door of an elevator system.

[0066] Detailed description of the drawings

[0067] The described embodiments are merely examples that can be modified and / or supplemented in various ways within the scope of the claims. Each feature described for a particular embodiment can be used independently or in combination with other features in any other embodiment. Each feature described for an embodiment of a particular claim category can also be used accordingly in an embodiment of a different claim category.

[0068] Figures 1a and 1b show an elevator system 1 (Figure 1a in its entirety in a front view and Figure 1b in part in a side view) in an embodiment with an elevator shaft 2 extending in a vertical direction V. A primary part 3 of a linear drive with vertical [unclear] is mounted on a first wall 2.1 in the elevator shaft 2.

[0069] Primary section strands 3.1, 3.2 and horizontal primary section strands 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, on which elevator cars 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 are movably arranged, are arranged. The primary section strands 3.1, 3.2,

[0070] 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 thus form tracks for the elevator cars 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, whereby such tracks can also extend through vertical, horizontal and / or diagonal shaft sections. Not shown in detail, they can run parallel to or be integrated with the primary sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3.

[0071] 3.4, 3.5 Guide rails are arranged on which the carriages 5.1 5.2, 5.3 are guided by means of guide rollers.

[0072] The elevator cars 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 are each equipped with a carriage 6 and an elevator car cabin 7 mounted thereon (shown in more detail in Figure 1b) and have elevator car doors 8 facing a second wall 2.2 of the elevator shaft 2, in order to form access to the respective elevator car cabin 7 via shaft doors 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4 there. The elevator cars 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 can travel along all primary sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 and, in particular, can be transferred between vertical primary sections 3.1, 3.2 and horizontal primary sections 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 by means of transfer units 10. In particular, the elevator cars 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 can move in a continuous loop on the primary section 3. For example, in the levels of the shaft doors 9.1, 9.2, where transfer units 10 are arranged, the shaft doors 9.1, 9.2 can be moved towards the shaft doors 9.1, 9.2 both horizontally and vertically.The coupling of the car doors 8 with the respective shaft doors 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4 therefore takes place independently of the direction from which the car 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 approaches the shaft doors 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4 by means of contactless transmitter-receiver units, as described below with reference to coupling units 11.1, 11.2, 11.3.

[0073] The car doors 8 and the shaft doors 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4 are each equipped, in a manner not shown in detail, with their own motor and a transmitter-receiver unit for contactless coupling. When a car 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 with its respective car door 8 is positioned at one of the shaft doors 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, the opening of the car door 8 and the shaft door 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4 is synchronized by means of the two coupled transmitter-receiver units. For this purpose, the car door 8 and the shaft doors 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4 are calibrated to each other so that, through signal exchange via the coupled transmitter-receiver units, they open and close simultaneously and uniformly, and also react in the same way to a malfunction, blockage, or the like. Typically, one of the elevator car door 8 and shaft door 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4 is defined and set as the master and the other as the slave.The adjustment to each other usually takes place initially and once during the installation of the elevator system 1 and / or can be repeated completely or partially during maintenance.

[0074] For the initial adjustment of the car doors 8 and / or the shaft doors 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4 at a time when the cars 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 are not yet in the elevator shaft 2, coupling units 11.1, 11.2, 11.3 are used according to the present disclosure described below with reference to Figures 2a to 7.

[0075] Figures 2a and 2b show a coupling unit 11.1 in a first exemplary embodiment in two positions. The coupling unit 11.1 has a guide trajectory 12 formed by a rail with a first TD 41897 - 16 - July 2025 arranged at one end.

[0076] The device consists of a stop 12.1 and a second stop 12.2 located at a second end. A sliding element 13 is movable between the stops 12.1 and 12.2. This sliding element is shown in Figure 2a in a first stop position against the first stop 12.1 and in Figure 2b in a second stop position against the second stop 12.2. The sliding element 13 is driven by a motor 14 with an incremental encoder (not shown in detail) attached to it via a drive element 15 designed as a belt. The drive element 15 is connected to the sliding element 13 at a receptacle 15.1.

[0077] The first stop 12.1 and / or the second stop 12.2 can be offset along the rail forming the guide trajectory 12 to adjust the length of the guide trajectory 12 for the movement element 13. In this way, the coupling unit 11.1 can be precisely adjusted to replicate the travel of a car door 8 or a shaft door 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4. The coupling unit 11.1 also includes a return element 19, designed as a spring element, for returning the movement element 13 to the first stop 12.1.

[0078] The coupling unit 11.1 further comprises a control device 16 which is signal-connected to the motor 14, in particular to the incremental encoder. The control device 16 generates a control signal for the motor 14 according to a specific algorithm, whereby the algorithm, for example, maps a speed profile of the motion element 13 with maximum acceleration and maximum deceleration. The algorithm also processes data acquired by the incremental encoder. Other parameters determined and / or processed by the algorithm include, for example, time signals, timestamps, a maximum motor force, and / or a maximum motor current. The control device 16 is also signal-connected to a first transmitter-receiver unit 18.1, wherein the first transmitter-receiver unit 18.1 is configured for coupling with a second transmitter-receiver unit 18.2, which is shown in more detail in Figures 5a and 6.The control device 16 is configured to send data to the first transmitter-receiver unit 18.1, such as data from the incremental encoder or regarding the speed profile, and to receive and process data from the first transmitter-receiver unit 18.1 that it has received or is receiving from the second transmitter-receiver unit 18.2. TD 41897 - 17 - July 2025.

[0079] The coupling unit 11.1 is designed to be positioned on a shaft door 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4 or a car door 8 and to replicate or simulate the second door that interacts with this door, which is considered the first door, during the operation of the elevator system 1. For this purpose, the coupling unit 11.1 is positioned, for example, in the area of ​​the second door on a shaft wall 2.2, an installation basket, a bracket, a scaffold, or on a shelf, and the first transmitter-receiver unit 18.1 is positioned and aligned with the second transmitter-receiver unit 18.2 in such a way that coupling occurs or can occur. The coupling unit 11.1 is then operated like the second door it simulates, in order to adjust the first door based on this operation.

[0080] Figures 3a and 3b show a second embodiment of a coupling unit 11.2 in a front view and a rear view. The coupling unit 11.2 has a housing 20 in which a gear-shaped motion element 13 is rotatably mounted between two legs of a bearing plate 21. The guide trajectory 12 is thus formed by a circumferential path of the motion element 13, along which the motion element 13 rotates. A return element 19 is arranged coaxially with the motion element 13 or the bearing plate 21. The motor 14 has a pinion 14.1 that meshes with the motion element 13 and forms a transmission ratio. The control device 16 is arranged on top of the housing 20 and has operating elements 16.1 visible in Figure 3a, as well as a data connection 16.2 covered by a cover, for example, a CAN bus connection. By means of the operating elements 16.1 or one connected to the data port 16.The coupling unit 11.2 can be operated via the 2 connected control elements (not shown). The coupling unit 11.2 also has a flexibly positionable first transmitter-receiver unit 18.1, which is signal-connected to the control device 16.

[0081] With reference to Figures 4a and 4b, the guide trajectory 12 of the coupling unit 11.2 will now be explained in more detail. A first stop 12.1 is formed between the bearing plate 21, of which only the edges are shown in Figures 4a and 4b, and the moving element 13 by a stop block screwed to the bearing plate 21. The moving element 13 has a bolt 13.1 that abuts the first stop 12.1 in a first stop position shown in Figure 4a, so that the moving element 13 cannot rotate further in the corresponding direction. TD 41897 - 18 - July 2025

[0082] The guide trajectory 12 is formed by the circumference along which the bolt 13.1 rotates. Furthermore, a cantilever arm 22 is rotatably mounted on the bearing plate 21. This cantilever arm extends through the bearing plate 21 at a recess 21.1 and forms a second stop 12.2 for the bolt 13.1 between the moving element 13 and the bearing plate 21. The bolt 13.1 abuts the second stop 12.2 in a second stop position shown in Figure 4b, preventing the moving element 13 from rotating further in the corresponding direction. The recess 21.1 is designed as a radially extending elongated slot, allowing the cantilever arm 22 to rotate along the recess 21.1. By fixing the cantilever arm 22 in a rotational position by means of a locking pin 23, for which several receiving holes 24 are provided in the bearing plate 21, the distance between the two stops 12.1, 12.2 and thus the length of the guide trajectory 12 can be adjusted.

[0083] Figures 5a to 5c show the coupling unit 11.2 on a shaft door 9.1. The coupling unit 11.2 can, for example, be held on an installation cage or connected to the shaft wall 2.2 in a manner not shown in detail. As shown in more detail in Figures 5b and 5c (and also evident in Figures 3a and 3b), the first transmitter-receiver unit 18.1 has a fastening device 25 designed as a sheet metal clamp, which is precisely positioned on a sheet metal bracket 26 of the shaft door 9.1 to align the transmitter-receiver units 18.1 and 18.2 with each other. Figure 6 shows a corresponding arrangement of the coupling unit 11.2 on a car door 8.

[0084] Figure 7 shows a third embodiment of a coupling unit 11.3, which largely corresponds to the coupling unit 11.2 in the second embodiment, except that the moving element 13 is designed as a rotating disk instead of a gear. The moving element 13, designed as a rotating disk, is arranged coaxially to the motor shaft of the motor 14 and is, for example, flanged to the motor shaft or otherwise directly connected to it. In this way, the moving element 13 can be made smaller, so that the coupling unit 11.3 can be designed more compactly.

[0085] Figure 8 shows a sequence of a method 30 for adjusting a first door of an elevator system 1 with a coupling unit 11.1, 11.2, 11.3. In a first step 31, the position of the first door of a coupling unit 11.1, 11.2, 11.3 is adjusted.

[0086] The first stop 12.1 and / or the second stop 12.2 is positioned depending on a first door, for example, a car door 8 or a shaft door 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4. In a second step 32, the coupling unit 11.1, 11.2, 11.3 is positioned at the first door independently of any other door of the elevator system 1, whereby the first transmitter-receiver unit 18.1 is aligned for coupling with the second transmitter-receiver unit 18.2 of the first door, for example by means of a fastening device 25. In a third step 33, the first transmitter-receiver unit 18.1 is coupled with the second transmitter-receiver unit 18.2, whereby the transmitter-receiver units 18.1, 18.2 recognize each other and exchange signals or data. In a fourth step 32, the first door is adjusted by actuating the coupling unit 11.1, 11.2, 11.3.

[0087] TD 41897 - 20 - July 2025

[0088] Reference symbol list

[0089] 1 elevator system

[0090] 2 Elevator shaft of the elevator system

[0091] 2.1 Shaft wall of the elevator shaft

[0092] 2.2 Shaft wall of the elevator shaft

[0093] 3 Primary part of a linear actuator

[0094] 3.1 Vertical primary strand

[0095] 3.2 Vertical primary strand

[0096] 3.3 horizontal primary strand

[0097] 3.4 horizontal primary strand

[0098] 3.5 horizontal primary strand

[0099] 5.1 Elevator car

[0100] 5.2 Elevator car

[0101] 5.3 Elevator car

[0102] 6 carriages of a car

[0103] 7. Car cabin of an elevator car

[0104] 8 Car door of an elevator car

[0105] 9.1 Shaft door of the elevator shaft

[0106] 9.2 Shaft door of the elevator shaft

[0107] 9.3 Shaft door of the elevator shaft

[0108] 9.4 Shaft door of the elevator shaft

[0109] 10 conversion units

[0110] 11.1 Coupling unit (first embodiment)

[0111] 11.2 Coupling unit (second embodiment)

[0112] 11.3 Coupling unit (third embodiment)

[0113] 12 Guide trajectory

[0114] 12.1 First stop of the guide trajectory

[0115] 12.2 Second stop of the guide trajectory

[0116] 13 Movement element

[0117] 13.1 Bolt of the moving element

[0118] 14 engine

[0119] 14.1 Pinion gear of motor TD 41897 - 21 - July 2025

[0120] 15 propulsion devices

[0121] 15.1 Mounting point for the drive mechanism on the moving element

[0122] 16 Tax device

[0123] 16.1 Control elements of the control device

[0124] 16.2 Data connection of the control device

[0125] 18.1 first transmitter-receiver unit

[0126] 18.2 second transmitter-receiver unit

[0127] 19 Return element

[0128] 20 Housings of the coupling unit

[0129] 21 bearing plate

[0130] 21.1 Recess in the bearing plate

[0131] 22 Cantilever

[0132] 23 Detent pin

[0133] 24 mounting holes

[0134] 25 Mounting device of the first transmitter-receiver unit

[0135] 26 sheet metal angles

[0136] 30 methods for setting a first door

[0137] 31 First step - Setting the position of the stops

[0138] 32 Second step - Positioning the coupling unit at the first door

[0139] 33 Third step - Pairing the transmitter-receiver units

[0140] 34 Fourth step - Adjusting the first door by operating the coupling unit

[0141] V vertical direction

Claims

TD 41897 - 22 - July 2025 Claims 1. Coupling unit (11.1, 11.2, 11.3) for adjusting a first door (8, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4) of an elevator system (1), comprising a guide trajectory (12) bounded on a first side by a first stop (12.1) and on a second side by a second stop (12.2); a moving element (13) movable along the guide trajectory (12) between the first stop (12.1) and the second stop (12.2); a motor (14) with an incremental encoder acting on the moving element (13) to drive it; a first transmitter-receiver unit (18.1) for contactless coupling and signal transmission with a second transmitter-receiver unit (18.2) of the first door (8, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4); and a control device (16) signal-connected to the motor (14), the incremental encoder and the first transmitter-receiver unit (18.1); wherein the coupling unit (11.1, 11.2, 11.3) is for arrangement on the first door (8, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4) is designed independently of any other door of the lift system (1).

2. Coupling unit (11.1, 11.2, 11.3) according to claim 1, wherein the first transmitter-receiver unit (18.1) is configured for optical data transmission.

3. Coupling unit (11.1, 11.2, 11.3) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a position of the first stop (12.1) and / or the second stop (12.2) is adjustable for setting a length extension of the guide trajectory (12).

4. Coupling unit (11.1, 11.2, 11.3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide trajectory (12) extends along a straight line.

5. Coupling unit (11.1, 11.2, 11.3) according to claim 4, wherein the guide trajectory (12) is formed by a rail and wherein the movement element (13) is formed as a slide guided on the rail. TD 41897 - 23 - July 2025 6. Coupling unit (11.1, 11.2, 11.3) according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising a drive means (15), in particular a drive belt, wherein the motor (14) acts via the drive means (15) on the moving element (13) to drive it.

7. Coupling unit (11.1, 11.2, 11.3) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the guide trajectory (12) extends along a circular path.

8. Coupling unit (11.1, 11.2, 11.3) according to claim 7, wherein the moving element (13) is designed as a gear and meshes with a pinion (14.1) connected to the motor (14).

9. Coupling unit (11.1, 11.2, 11.3) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a fastening device (25) arranged on the first transmitter-receiver unit (18.1), wherein the fastening device (25) is designed to align the first transmitter-receiver unit (18.1) relative to the second transmitter-receiver unit (18.2).

10. Coupling unit (11.1, 11.2, 11.3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (16) has operating elements (16.1) and / or at least one data port (16.2) for connecting operating elements.

11. Coupling unit (11.1, 11.2, 11.3) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a return element (19) acting on the moving element (13) for returning the moving element (13) to the first stop (12.1).

12. Coupling unit (11.1, 11.2, 11.3) according to one of the preceding claims, configured for arrangement on a first door (8, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4) configured as a shaft door (9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4).

13. Coupling unit (11.1, 11.2, 11.3) according to claim 12, configured for arrangement on an installation basket or on a shaft wall (2.1, 2.2) of an elevator shaft (2).

14. Coupling unit (11.1, 11.2, 11.3) according to one of claims 1 to 11, designed for arrangement on a first door (8, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4) designed as a car door (8). TD 41897 - 24 - July 2025 15. Method (30) for adjusting a first door (8, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4) of a lift installation (1), comprising the steps: Positioning (32) a coupling unit (11.1, 11.2, 11.3) according to one of the preceding claims at the first door (8, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4) independently of any further door of the elevator system (1), wherein the first transmitter-receiver unit (18.1) is aligned for coupling with the second transmitter-receiver unit (18.2) of the first door (8, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4); Coupling (33) the first transmitter-receiver unit (18.1) with the second transmitter-receiver unit (18.2); Setting (34) the first door (8, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4) by actuating the coupling unit (11.1, 11.2, 11.3).

16. Method (30) according to claim 15, further comprising the step of adjusting (31) the position of the first stop (12.1) and / or the second stop (12.2) depending on the first door (8, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4).

17. Method (30) according to one of claims 14 or 15, wherein the coupling unit (11.1, 11.2, 11.3) is positioned on a shaft door (9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4), in particular on an installation basket or on a shaft wall (2.1, 2.2) of an elevator shaft (2).

18. Method (30) according to one of claims 14 or 15, wherein the coupling unit (11.1, 11.2, 11.3) is positioned at a car door (8), in particular away from an elevator shaft (2).

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