Patent ID: 12227389

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples of systems and methods are described herein. It should be understood that the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or feature described herein as being an “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or features. In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying figures, which form a part thereof. In the figures, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein.

The example embodiments described herein are not meant to be limiting. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

FIG.1Ais a perspective view of a telescopic linear operator100in a fully retracted position. The linear operator100includes a body105and an arm110. The arm110is movably attached to the body105such that the arm110can translate, or “telescope,” in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis115of the body. InFIG.1A, the arm110is translated toward the body105to a maximum extent, thereby placing the arm in a fully retracted position which, in the example ofFIG.1A, places the arm110within the bounds of the body105. As can be further seen fromFIG.1A, the arm110includes a multiple of arm through-holes120, e.g., arm through-holes120aand120b. The body105includes a multiple of body through-holes which may be selectively aligned with the arm through-holes120, although the body through-holes are not visible inFIG.1A. The arm110may be fixed to the body105when the arm110is in a desired translation position, e.g., the fully retracted position ofFIG.1A, by aligning one or more of the arm through-holes120with one or more of the body through-holes and inserting one or more fasteners, e.g., bolts125aand125b, into the aligned through-holes. Moreover, as shown inFIG.1Athe arm through-holes120may have an oval shape to allow for an increased range of positions at which the arm110is fixable to the body105.

The linear operator100ofFIG.1Afurther includes a first wheel130rotatably attached to the body105at a first position135on the body105, a second wheel140rotatably attached to the arm110at a second position145on the arm110, and a conveyor150extending between the first wheel130and the second wheel140. The conveyor150is movable about the first wheel130and the second wheel140. In theFIG.1Aconfiguration, the conveyor150has a first end155aand a second end155b, which are configured for attachment to a conveyor clamp (not shown), the conveyor clamp filling a space160between the first end155aand the second end155bsuch that the conveyor150and conveyor clamp form a closed loop about the first wheel130and the second wheel140. The conveyor clamp is configured for attachment to a door bracket (not shown) which is, in turn, configured for attachment to a door (not shown). When the conveyor150is attached to a door through a conveyor clamp and a door bracket, movement of the conveyor150about the first wheel130and the second wheel140moves the door, and may move the door between a fully opened position and a fully closed position.

It should be noted that, the conveyor150may not have a first end155aor a second end155b, and may itself form a closed loop. In such configuration, a conveyor clamp may be attached to the closed loop conveyor, thereby providing an attachment point at which a door may be attached to the conveyor150through a door bracket so that the conveyor150may move the door. It should be further noted that the conveyor150may take many alternative forms. For instance, the conveyor150may take the form of a belt, a cable, or a chain.

Still further, it should be noted that one or both of the first wheel130and the second wheel140may be a sprocket-type wheel. In such case, the conveyor150may include grooves or holes for engaging sprocket teeth on the first wheel130and/or second wheel140. In this manner, the conveyor150may rotate with the first wheel130and/or second wheel140without slippage.

Referring back toFIG.1A, the linear operator100may include a motor165. The motor165may drive a shaft170that is located at the first position135and operates to rotate the first wheel130, thereby moving the conveyor150. Thus, the motor165may supply the force to move a door coupled to the conveyor150. In theFIG.1Aarrangement, the shaft170is a central axel of the motor165, however it should be noted that other arrangements are possible. For example, the motor165may be offset from the shaft170and connected to the shaft170through one or more gears. Further, the embodiments are not limited to use of one motor. For example, some embodiments may include two motors, one motor attached to the body105and operable to drive the first wheel130and a second motor attached to the arm110and operable to drive the second wheel140.

In any event, the linear operator100may further include a drive unit175for controlling the one or more motors. For example, the drive unit175may control motor165. To this end, the drive unit175may include a power supply, electrically connected to the motor165, and a processor for selectively switching power from the power supply to the motor165as needed by the motor165to open and close a door operated by operator100.

In addition, the linear operator100may include a base180. As shown inFIG.1A, the base180may be integral with, or attached to, the body105. The base180is provided to facilitate secure attachment of the linear operator100proximate one or more doors to be controlled by the operator100. For example, the base180may be secured to an elevator car door header when the operator is installed to control a door of the elevator car.

Turning now toFIG.1B, the figure shows a perspective view of the telescopic linear operator100ofFIG.1Ain a fully extended position.FIG.1Bdoes not show fixation of the linear operator100in the fully extended position; however, as can be seen fromFIG.1B, one or more of arm through-holes205a,205b, and205ccould be used to fix arm110to body105in the fully extended position. That is, each of arm through-holes205a,205b, and205caligns with a corresponding body through-hole, and the arm110may be fixed to the body105by inserting one or more fasteners in one or more of the aligned through-holes, e.g., by placing a bolt in one of the aligned through-holes and securing the bolt with a nut. Further, in theFIG.1Bconfiguration a longer conveyor is required to accommodate the increased distance between the first position135and the second position140, and thus in theFIG.1Bconfiguration the linear operator100employs a conveyor210which is longer than conveyor150. Nevertheless, the conveyor210may have the same or similar structure as that of conveyor150. Regardless, the conveyor210extends between the first wheel130and the second wheel140, is movable about the first wheel130and the second wheel140, and has a first end215aand a second end215b. The first end215aand the second end215bmay be configured for attachment to a conveyor clamp (not shown), the conveyor clamp filling a space220between the first end215aand the second end215bsuch that the conveyor210and conveyor clamp form a closed loop about the first wheel130and the second wheel140. The conveyor clamp is configured for attachment to a door bracket (not shown) which is, in turn, configured for attachment to a door (not shown). When the conveyor210is attached to a door through a conveyor clamp and a door bracket, movement of the conveyor210about the first wheel130and the second wheel140may move the door between an opened position and a closed position. As compared to the linear operator configuration ofFIG.1A, the linear operator configuration ofFIG.1Bprovides for a greater range of door movement.

Turning now toFIG.2, the figure is a perspective view of the telescopic linear operator100ofFIGS.1A and1Bas used in a side sliding elevator car door arrangement300of an elevator car. The view ofFIG.2is from outside the elevator car, looking at the front of the elevator car from inside the elevator hoistway. In theFIG.2arrangement the linear operator100is secured in a desired translation position that is between the fully retracted position ofFIG.1Aand the fully extended position ofFIG.1B. In theFIG.2arrangement, the linear operator100is configured to move a side sliding door310in a closing direction, represented by arrow315, and in an opening direction, represented by arrow320, both the closing direction315and the opening direction320being parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis115of the linear operator100. The operator100may move the door310between a fully closed position and a fully opened position. InFIG.2, the door310is shown in the fully opened position.

To allow for movement of the door310, the door310is attached to two rollers325aand325b. The rollers325aand325bare, in turn, positioned within a track330, and the track330is secured to a header335of the elevator car, with the header335being attached to a car wall340of the elevator car. The rollers325aand325ballow the door310to move along the direction of the track330between the fully closed position and the fully opened position. As can be seen fromFIG.2, when in the fully opened position the door310is positioned behind the car wall340—from the perspective of a viewer inside the car.

To provide the desired movement of the door310, the linear operator100may be oriented parallel to, or substantially parallel to, the track330and secured to the header335. In theFIG.2arrangement, the base180of the linear operator100is secured to the top of the header335, although other configurations are possible. Further, the door310is attached to the linear operator100through a door bracket345and a conveyor clamp350, with the conveyor clamp350being part of, or attached to, a conveyor355of the linear operator100. When motor165rotates the first wheel130, the first wheel130moves the conveyor355which, in turn moves the conveyor clamp350, door bracket345, and door310. Rotation of the first wheel130in the counterclockwise direction moves the door310in the closing direction315, and rotation of the first wheel130in the clockwise direction moves the door310in the opening direction320.

Also shown inFIG.2is a gate switch360for providing an indication that the door310is in the fully closed position. The gate switch360may be provided as part of the linear operator100or as an attachment to the linear operator100. In any event, the gate switch360may be electrically coupled to the drive unit175and activated by a roller (not shown) attached to the conveyor clamp350. When the roller activates the gate switch360, the gate switch sends a signal to the drive unit175indicating that the door310is in the fully closed position. Thereby, providing a failsafe that prevents the elevator car from moving without the door310being fully closed.

Referring now toFIG.3, the figure is a profile view of the telescopic linear operator100ofFIGS.1A,1B, and2as used in a center parting elevator car door arrangement400. The view ofFIG.3is from outside the elevator car, looking at the front of the elevator car from inside the elevator hoistway. In theFIG.3arrangement, the linear operator100is secured in a desired translation position that is between the fully retracted position ofFIG.1Aand the fully extended position ofFIG.1B. In theFIG.3arrangement, the linear operator100is configured to move a first elevator car door405aand a second elevator car door450bin respective closing directions and respective opening directions. For the first door405a, the closing direction is represented by arrow410aand the opening direction is represented by arrow410b. For the second door405b, the closing direction is represented by arrow415aand the opening direction is represented by arrow415b. Each of the closing directions410aand415aand the opening directions410band415bare parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis115of the linear operator100. The operator100may move the doors405aand405bbetween a fully closed position, represented by dashed line420, and a fully opened position. InFIG.3, the doors405aand405bare shown in the fully opened position.

To allow for movement of the doors405aand405b, the doors405aand405bare attached to respective pairs of rollers425and430. The pairs of rollers425and430are, in turn, positioned within a track435, and the track435is secured to a header440of the elevator car, with the header440being attached to a car wall (not shown) of the elevator car. The pairs of rollers425and430respectively allow the doors405aand405bto move along the direction of the track435between the fully closed positions of the doors405aand405band the fully opened positions of the doors405aand405b. Typically, when in the doors405aand405bare in their fully opened positions the doors405aand405bare positioned behind the car wall—from the perspective of a viewer inside the car.

To provide the desired movement of the doors405aand405b, the linear operator100may be oriented parallel to, or substantially parallel to, the track435and secured to the header440. In theFIG.3arrangement, the base180of the linear operator100is secured to the top of the header440, although other configurations are possible. Further, the first door405ais attached to the linear operator100through a first door bracket445aand a first conveyor clamp450a, with the first conveyor clamp450abeing part of, or attached to, a conveyor455of the linear operator100; and the second door405bis attached to the linear operator100through a second door bracket445band a second conveyor clamp450b, with the second conveyor clamp450bbeing part of, or attached to, the conveyor455of the linear operator100. Notably, the first conveyor clamp450ais attached to the conveyor455at a lower conveyor position455a, and the second conveyor clamp450bis attached to the conveyor455at an upper conveyor position455b. In this manner, when motor165rotates the first wheel130in the counterclockwise direction, the first wheel130moves the conveyor455such that the conveyor clamp450a, door bracket445a, and door405amove in the closing direction410aof door405a; and such that the conveyor clamp450b, door bracket445b, and door405bmove in the closing direction415aof door405b. Similarly, when motor165rotates the first wheel130in the clockwise direction, the first wheel130moves the conveyor455such that the conveyor clamp450a, door bracket445a, and door405amove in the opening direction410bof door405a; and such that the conveyor clamp450b, door bracket445b, and door405bmove in the opening direction415bof door405b.

In the configuration ofFIG.3, the conveyor455is formed of a first portion460and a second portion465. The first portion460has a first end460aand a second end460b, and the second portion465has a first end465aand a second end465b. The first conveyor clamp450acouples the first end460aof the first portion460to the first end465aof the second portion465. The second conveyor clamp450bcouples second end460bof the first portion460to the second end465bof the second portion465.

It should be noted that, the configuration of conveyor455as depicted inFIG.3is merely illustrative. The conveyor455need not be formed of two portions. For example, the conveyor455may itself form a closed loop, without the first conveyor clamp450aand the second conveyor clamp450b. In such configuration, first and second conveyor clamps may be attached to the closed loop conveyor455, with the first conveyor clamp being attached to the conveyor455at the lower conveyor position455aand the second conveyor clamp being attached to the conveyor455at the upper conveyor position455b. Thereby providing for respective attachment of door brackets445aand445band doors405aand405bso that the conveyor455can move the doors405aand405bin a center parting fashion. Moreover, as in the case ofFIGS.1A,1B and2, the conveyor455may take many alternative forms, such as the form of a belt, a cable, or a chain.

Embodiments of the present technology include, but are not restricted to, the following.(1) A linear operator for a sliding door including a body; a first wheel rotatably attached to the body at a first position on the body; an arm movably attached to the body, translatable in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body, and fixable to the body at a desired translation position; a second wheel rotatably attached to the arm at a second position on the arm; and a conveyor extending between the first wheel and the second wheel, movable about the first wheel and the second wheel, and operable for attachment to a door, wherein when the arm is at a desired translation position, a distance between the first position and the second position corresponds to a desired movement distance of the door when the door is attached to the conveyor.(2) The linear operator according to (1), further including a motor for driving the first wheel.(3) The linear operator according to (2), wherein the motor drives a shaft located at the first position and is operable to rotate the first wheel.(4) The linear operator according to (2), further including a drive unit for supplying power to the motor.(5) The linear operator according to (4), wherein the drive unit includes a power supply, and a processor for selectively switching power from the power supply to the motor.(6) The linear operator according to (1), wherein the body includes a base for attaching the linear operator to a door header.(7) The linear operator according to (1), wherein the arm includes a plurality of arm through-holes, and the body includes a plurality of body through-holes, the plurality of arm through-holes and the plurality of body through-holes being operable to fix the arm to the body when the arm is in the desired translation position by aligning at least one of the arm through-holes with at least one of the body through-holes and securing one or more fasteners in the aligned through-holes.(8) The linear operator according to (7), wherein the arm through-holes have an oval shape to allow for an increased range of positions at which the arm is fixable to the body.(9) The linear operator according to (1), wherein the conveyor is in the form of a closed loop.(10) The linear operator according (9), wherein the linear operator further includes at least one conveyor clamp coupled to the conveyor.(11) The linear operator according to (10), wherein the at least one conveyor clamp is configured for attachment to a door bracket, and the door bracket is configured for attachment to the door.(12) The linear operator according to (1), wherein the conveyor has a first end and a second end, and the linear operator further includes a conveyor clamp for coupling the first end to the second end.(13) The linear operator according to (12), wherein the conveyor clamp is configured for attachment to a door bracket, and the door bracket is configured for attachment to the door.(14) The linear operator according to (1), wherein the conveyor includes at least one of a belt, a cable, or a chain.(15) The linear operator according to (1), wherein at least one of the first wheel and the second wheel is a sprocket-type wheel.(16) The linear operator according to (1), further including a gate switch.(17) The linear operator according to (1), wherein the conveyor is in the form of a closed loop, and wherein the linear operator further includes a first conveyor clamp coupled to a lower portion of the conveyor and a second conveyor clamp coupled to an upper portion of the conveyor.(18) The linear operator according to (17), wherein the first conveyor clamp is configured for attachment to a first door bracket, and the first door bracket is configured for attachment to the door, and wherein the second conveyor clamp is configured for attachment to a second door bracket, and the second door bracket is configured for attachment to a second door.(19) The linear operator according to (1), wherein the conveyor includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having first end and a second end, and the second portion having a first end and a second end, and wherein the linear operator further includes a first conveyor clamp for coupling the first end of the first portion to the first end of the second portion, and a second conveyor clamp for coupling the second end of the first portion to the second end of the second portion.(20) The linear operator according to (19), wherein the first conveyor clamp is configured for attachment to a first door bracket, and the first door bracket is configured for attachment to the door, and wherein the second conveyor clamp is configured for attachment to a second door bracket, and the second door bracket is configured for attachment to a second door.

Although the present disclosure herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.