Elevator Door Lock Single Switch Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator car door systems require complex handling of two separate electric signals and switches for detecting and locking the centrally closing automatic elevator car door, which complicates maintenance and installation.
Innovation Solution
A mechanically controlled system where the electric lock indicator switch is activated only after both door leaves are closed, ensuring the first door hanger and leaf are in their closed positions before the lock is engaged, thus eliminating the need for two separate electric switches by integrating the switching mechanism with the door lock mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate electric switches are used to detect door closure and locking, then the door status detection is reliable, but the device complexity and maintenance effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate electric switches into a single integrated switch. The first switching element is mounted on the movable lock part, and the second switching element is mounted on the fixed structure. When the movable lock part engages with the fixed structure, it mechanically actuates the single switch to generate a unified door status signal that simultaneously confirms both door closure and locking status, eliminating the need for two separate switches while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single electric switch performs multiple functions: it detects both the closure status of the door leaf and the locking status of the door lock. By positioning the switching elements such that the movable lock part actuates the switch only when both closure and locking conditions are met, the system uses one switch to provide comprehensive door status information that previously required two separate switches.
2Measurement precision
If two separate electric signals are handled for door closure and locking detection, then the door control is precise, but the installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the handling of two separate electric signals into a single electric signal generated by one switch. The unified switching mechanism produces a single door status signal that encodes both closure and locking information, simplifying the installation process by reducing the number of signal wires and connections required while maintaining precise door status detection through the mechanical linkage between the lock part and switching element.
3Speed
If the lock part moves into locking position before door closure is confirmed, then the locking mechanism is responsive, but the safety control is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring the door leaf to be in the closed position before the movable lock part can move into the locking position to actuate the switching element. The geometry of the mechanism is designed such that the locking action is only possible after closure is achieved, ensuring that the door is properly closed before locking occurs. This maintains safety control reliability while keeping the locking response fast once the closure condition is met.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching mechanism acts as an intermediary that mechanically enforces the correct sequence of operations. The movable lock part serves as a mediator that can only reach the position to actuate the switch after the door closure condition is satisfied, thereby ensuring safety control without requiring complex electronic interlocks or additional sensors.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an elevator car having at least one centrally closing automatic elevator car door comprising at least one first door leaf supported on a door supporter (12) via at least one first door hanger (14) and at least one second door leaf supported on the door supporter (12) via at least one second door hanger (16), which first and second door hangers are configured to be driven by a door drive in opposite directions; a door lock (17; 51) comprising a first lock part (18; 58) arranged at one of the door hangers (14, 16) and interacting with a second lock part (40; 54) of the door lock located at a fixed structure (12) of the elevator car, whereby at least one (18; 54) of said lock parts is movable, and an electric lock indicator switch (30, 38; 60, 62) having a first switching element (30; 62) located at the second door hanger and a second switching element (38; 60) connected to a fixed structure (12) of the elevator car, one (30; 60) of those switching elements being movable, which electric lock indicator switch has a lock indicating position when the movable switching element (30; 60) contacts the other one (38; 62) after the elevator car door is locked, characterized in that the first lock part (18; 58) is located at the first door hanger (14), that the movable switching element (30; 60) is configured to be moved only by the movable lock part (18; 54) moving into its locking position and only after the second door hanger (16) has adopted its closed position, whereby in the final stage of the closing movement of the door hangers (14, 16) the movable lock part (18; 54) is configured to move into its locking position only after the first door hanger (14) has adopted its closed position. The invention only necessitates one electric switch to confirm closing and locking of the door leaves of an automatic centrally opening elevator door.