SLIDING DOOR

Abstract

 A door is described for stopping up or clearing an access opening, in particular a door mounted in the facade of a ship.
The door is slidable horizontally relative to a linear guide fixed with respect of the opening, and comprises a manual mechanism for lifting the door, a lifting member and an electric drive for moving the door laterally along a second horizontal axis parallel to the first which is mounted integral with the door.

Description

[0001] The invention refers to a sliding door, in particular for the facade of a ship e.g. a cruise ship.

[0002] EP 2 993 291 A1 describes a door which from the cabin of a ship gives access to the balcony or a deck and has a mechanism capable of lifting the door and then moving it sideways. For this purpose a lever, having two V-shaped arms, is swingingly hinged to the upper part of the door. A wheel is mounted on one arm of the lever, so that the latter rests and can slide constantly on a fixed horizontal guide, while the other arm is connected via a rod to a handle that can be operated by the user.

[0003] The rod which rotates the lever is pushed by operating the handle. The wheel presses on the guide and rotates, thereby lifting the entire door which can then slide sideways.

[0004] EP 2 993 291 has a rotary motor mounted on the fixed frame and connected to a horizontal axis worm screw, rotably fixed between two points of the fixed frame. The screw engages a nut screw of a threaded block integral with the door, so that a rotation of the worm screw causes the lateral displacement of the door.

[0005] This construction may be cumbersome for certain applications. It also has a low speed, which generally is constant and/or not easily modifiable, and can lead to the deposit of dirt and salt (from sea water) on the worm screw, causing corrosion thereof. This limits the life time and increases the frequency of maintenance and cleaning.

[0006] Obviating at least one of these problems is the main object of the invention, which is defined in the attached claims, in which the dependent claims define advantageous variants.

[0007] A door is therefore proposed to stop up or clear an access opening, in particular a door mounted in the facade of a ship. The door is slidable horizontally with respect to a linear guide fixed with respect to the opening, and comprises:

• a manual mechanism for lifting the door,
• a lifting member that is
  • mounted so as to swing about a first, (in use) horizontal axis having a fulcrum on the door,
  • provided with a member slidable on the fixed guide (e.g. a rolling member such as a wheel or a runner), and
  • connected to the manual mechanism for receiving from it a force so as to be rotated about the axis, so that the slidable member presses on the fixed guide thereby lifting the door,
• an electric drive for moving the door laterally along a second horizontal axis (parallel to the first axis),

wherein the electric drive is mounted integral with the door, i.e. the electric drive moves together with the door.

[0008] The manual mechanism is very useful in case of emergency and/or if the electric lifting system fails (see below).

[0009] An advantage compared to a known fixed drive, which moves the door while remaining integral with the fixed guide, is the absence of moving dragging members, e.g. belts, chains, worm screws, etc. Thus the displacement of the door is quieter and safer.

[0010] Another advantage is that the presence of an obstacle can be more easily detected through the increase in the current absorbed by the electric drive. Furthermore, in the event of electrical power failure, the lifted door can be opened by hand thanks to the reversibility of the system (the worm screw is irreversible and cannot be operated by hand).

[0011] The electric drive integral with the door is very compact, especially if it is inserted inside a casing applied to the frame which contains the lateral movement mechanisms.

[0012] The electric drive may be a linear or rotary actuator (provided with a rotating shaft).

[0013] To compact the bulk of a rotary electric drive, which usually has an elongated body and a rotating shaft coming out from it, the electric drive is preferably arranged so that the axis of the rotary shaft is oriented parallel to a direction of lateral translation of the door, and the door comprises a transmission connected to the rotating shaft for receiving rotary motion therefrom and drive a pinion rotating about an axis which is

rotated by 90 degrees relative to the axis of the rotating shaft and preferably substantially horizontal, and

more preferably oriented orthogonally to the imaginary plane on which the door's major surface lies.

[0014] Preferably said manual mechanism is mounted on the sliding door.

[0015] The rotation of the pinion is exploited to move the door.

[0016] In particular, the door comprises an inextensible belt wrapped around the pinion without slipping, the belt being mounted fixed and taut between two anchoring points on a fixed frame external to the opening. When the pinion rotates it slides along the belt and drags the door with it.

[0017] While the electric drive moves with the door, the belt always remains still and stationary with respect to the access opening.

[0018] Preferably the pinion is toothed, for greater grip on the belt. The belt may be toothed or a chain.

[0019] Preferably the door comprises a means or member for tensioning the belt, in order to prevent the belt from lowering in the event of its lengthening over time (the slack in the belt is compensated). The means or member for tensioning the belt is preferably an elastic member connected between one said anchoring point and the belt, e.g. a spring, but it could also be a means or member for pulling the belt in an adjustable and non-elastic way, such as for example a wire tensioner.

[0020] Note that an advantage of the aforementioned belt is that it does not rotate, does not move, does not form closed loops to which brackets are attached which drag the door when the belt itself rotates. Fewer moving parts mean less noise, less wear on parts and greater safety.

[0021] To aid grip and precise dynamic positioning of the belt on the pinion, the door or said transmission preferably comprises one or more idle wheels, on which the belt can slide, to guide the belt around the pinion.

[0022] In particular, the door or said transmission comprises two idle wheels to guide the belt, wherein the rotation axes of the pinion and the idle wheels are arranged like the vertices of a, e.g. equilateral, triangle or a polygon. This way the belt is kept in a horizontal position and also the winding of the belt on the pinion is maximized.

[0023] Note that the aforementioned door may also be opened manually once lifted: the structure of the electric drive allows a forced manual movement in case of emergency.

[0024] To minimize overall dimensions, the electric drive is contained (and hidden) inside a casing or upper frame of the door, wherein the casing or frame extends horizontally (in use) on the upper edge of the door. More specifically, the belt and said transmission are contained (and hidden) inside the casing or upper frame too, to increase space saving.

[0025] The power cables of the electric drive are preferably inserted into a catenary mounted to follow the horizontal motion of the door, ensuring correct arrangement of the cables even during motion.

[0026] Preferably the door comprises an electronic control unit to drive the electric drive. E.g. the door comprises a sensor for detecting an end-of-travel position of the door, the control unit being connected to the sensor to deactivate the electric drive when the end-of-travel position is reached.

[0027] Another aspect of the invention refers to a method for operating a sliding door mounted on the facade of a ship, having the characteristics defined above. The method comprises the step of moving the door laterally by means of an electric drive mounted integral with the door.

[0028] Another aspect of the invention relates to a mounting method for a sliding door mounted on the facade of a ship. The sliding door has one or each of the characteristics defined above, and the method comprises the step of mounting an electric drive inside the door and integral therewith, the drive being destined to motorize the door to make it move laterally.

[0029] The lifting of the door may also occur by means of an electric linear drive which collaborates with the manual mechanism and is mounted in parallel with it. In known systems, the manual mechanism and the electric linear drive are mounted in series, i.e. the electric linear drive is mounted above the manual movement mechanism and mechanically connected in a totally integral manner. In particular, the electric linear drive is placed between the manual mechanism and a lifting rod.

[0030] In the event of an electrical power failure, the manual mechanism can be operated by pushing the electric linear drive together with the lifting rod upwards. Essentially, the electric linear drive becomes a piece of the lifting rod.

[0031] However, in this series-connected system there is the problem that the forces and/or displacements caused by the two drives can add to each other, potentially causing damage if the lifting induced by the motor and that induced by the manual mechanism are added.

[0032] To solve this problem the door comprises:

• a manual rod lifting mechanism permanently coupled to the rod to raise it,
• an electric linear drive for displacing the lifting rod, and
• non-permanent coupling means between the electric linear drive and the rod configured to couple the electric linear drive and the rod only to transfer to the rod a thrust generated by the electric linear drive and only for a limited displacement of the rod.

[0033] Thus, if the two movements given by the manual mechanism and the electric linear drive occur simultaneously, they do not damage the system.

[0034] In a preferred variant, the electric linear drive is provided with a pushing member or arm which is linearly movable and terminating with a head configured to abut against an abutment integral with the rod. The pushing member or arm, when operated by the electric linear drive, can reach the abutment to push it and lift the rod. The pushing member or arm extends around the manual mechanism, preferably along one side of the manual mechanism, to go around two ends of the manual mechanism and reach the stop integral with the rod.

[0035] In a preferred variant, the electric linear drive is configured to generate on the rod a force directed along a first direction and the manual lifting mechanism is configured to generate on the rod a force directed along a second direction, the first and second directions being parallel, in particular coincident therewith.

[0036] The advantage of the above system with parallel connection is the possibility of manually operating and lifting the door to open it even if the electric linear drive does not work. Furthermore, the movement of the rod, regardless of how it is operated, never exceeds a maximum stroke, avoiding damage to the mechanisms.

[0037] To minimize overall dimensions, the pushing member preferably comprises a cavity in which the rod can slide.

[0038] In a preferred variant, said manual rod lifting mechanism, the electric linear drive for displacing the lifting rod, and said coupling means are mounted inside one - in use, vertical - side of a perimeter frame of the sliding door.

[0039] Note that the technical solution to the problem of operating the rod is independent of - or supplementary with respect to - that relating to the translation of the door.

[0040] The advantages of the invention will be clearer from the following description of a preferred embodiment of sliding door, referring to the attached drawing in which

• Fig. 1 shows a frame in three-dimensional view with some front components removed;
• Fig. 2 shows a portion of fig. 1 with some components removed;
• Fig. 3 shows fig. 2 with some components removed;
• Fig. 4 shows a portion of fig. 1 in three-dimensional view with some components removed;
• Fig. 5 shows fig. 4 in side view.

[0041] In the figures, same numbers indicate the same or conceptually similar parts, and the door is described as in use.

[0042] Fig. 1 shows a fixture 10 formed of a sliding door 12 and a fixed panel 14 surrounded by a fixed external frame 16. The sliding door 12 is capable of

sliding horizontally (along an X axis) in front of, and parallel to, the fixed panel 14, which e.g. it is a stained glass window; and

raising vertically (along a Y axis perpendicular to the X axis) with respect to the fixed external frame 16 to slide more easily.

[0043] The sliding along X is guaranteed by the translating mechanism 30 of Figs. 2-3, while the lifting along Y is guaranteed by the lifting mechanism 70 of figs. 4-5. Both mechanisms 30, 70 are mounted on the sliding door 12 integral with it.

[0044] The lifting mechanism 70 comprises in a known manner a rod 82, vertical in use and contained in the frame of the sliding door 12, connected to a V-shaped lever 22 mounted oscillating about an axis X2 which is (in use) horizontal and parallel to the X axis.

[0045] We define the Z axis as an axis perpendicular to a plane containing the X and Y axes, or X2 and Y.

[0046] The lever 22 is pivoted on a bracket 98 which supports the door 12 and is fixed to the upper corners of the frame 18.

[0047] The lever 22 has a first arm 23 and a second arm 25, which make up the two "wings" of the V that converge towards the X2 axis.

[0048] Wheels 24 mounted on the arm 23 slide on a fixed guide 26 provided on the fixed external frame 16 which surrounds the fixture 10. The second arm 25 is connected to the lifting mechanism 70 to receive from it a push which causes the lever 22 to rotate about the X2 axis, so that the wheels 24 press on the fixed guide 26 lifting the sliding door 12 with respect to the fixed external frame 16.

[0049] When the sliding door 12 is lifted, the translating mechanism 30 can move it along the X axis.

[0050] The translating mechanism 30 comprises a rotary electric motor 32 mounted integral with the upper frame 18. The motor 30 comprises a rotating shaft which has a rotation axis parallel to the X2 axis, to take up less space and exploit the longitudinal space above the upper frame 18. Said shaft is connected to a transmission 34 provided with a pinion 36. The transmission 34 is constructed to receive rotary motion from the motor shaft 30 and rotate the pinion 36 about the Z axis by means of it.

[0051] An inextensible belt 40 mounted along the upper frame 18 wraps around the pinion 36 without slipping. The belt 40 is mounted fixed and tensioned between two anchoring points 44 to the fixed external frame 16. Preferably one or each of the anchoring points 44 is connected to the fixed external frame 16 via a means for tensioning the belt 40, such as an elastic member 46 (e.g. a spring, a hydraulic piston or a wire tensioner). The anchoring points 44 are e.g. brackets 42 protruding from the fixed external frame 16 parallel to the Z axis.

[0052] To improve the grip and positioning of the belt 40 on the pinion 36, the drive 34 preferably comprises one or more idle wheels 45 to guide and hold the belt 40 around the pinion 36. In the illustrated example the drive 34 has two idle wheels 45 whose rotation axes and that of the pinion 36 are preferably arranged as the vertices of a triangle, e.g. equilateral. In this way the winding of the belt 40 on the pinion 36 is maximized.

OPERATION

[0053] By activating the motor 32, the pinion 36 rotates and slides by reaction along the belt 40, dragging with it the door 12 forwards or backwards along the X axis. The motor 32 moves together with the door 12, and the belt 40 remains stationary with respect to the external fixed frame 16.

[0054] Preferably the pinion 36 is toothed, for greater grip on the belt 40. The belt 40 may be toothed or a chain.

[0055] To minimize overall dimensions, the motor 32 is preferably mounted (and hidden) inside a casing fixed on the upper part of the fixture 10, to cover the mechanisms of the upper frame 18.

[0056] The power cables of the motor 32 are preferably inserted into a catenary 50 mounted to follow the horizontal motion of the door 12.

[0057] Turning now to the lifting mechanism 70, see Figs. 4-5.

[0058] It comprises a linear electric motor 72 and a known manual mechanism 74 which can be operated by a handle (not shown) connected to it.

[0059] The rod 82 is connected directly to the manual mechanism 74, and is moved up and down along the Y axis by moving the handle. On the rod 82, at a certain distance from the manual mechanism 74, a block 84 is mounted integrally therewith. The motor 72 is loosely coupled to the rod 82 via an arm 76 which, at its free end, has a fork 78 which embraces the rod 82. The fork 78 is positioned between the block 84 and the manual mechanism 74, and so that both the rod 82 can slide inside the cavity formed by the fork 78 and the fork 78 can slide parallel to the rod 82 without mutual contact.

[0060] Through the arm 76 and the fork 78 the motor 72 can transfer linear motion to the rod 82 in parallel to the manual mechanism 74, independently of the action of the latter. A translation of the arm 76 brings the fork 78 closer to the block 84, and when they meet the fork 78 will push the block 84 and consequently will lift the rod 82. If the motor 72 does not work, the door 12 can always be lifted manually to open it with the manual mechanism 74. In any case the maximum stroke of the rod 82 does not change.

Claims

1. Door for stopping up or clearing an access opening, in particular a door mounted in the facade of a ship, the door being slidable horizontally relative to a linear guide fixed with respect of the opening, comprising:

- a manual mechanism for lifting the door,

- a lifting member that is

• mounted so as to swing about a first, in use horizontal axis having a fulcrum on the door,

• provided with a member slidable on the fixed guide, and

• connected to the manual mechanism so as to receive from it a force so as to be rotated about the axis, so that the slidable member presses on the fixed guide consequently lifting the door,

- an electric drive for moving the door laterally along a second horizontal axis parallel to the first,

wherein the electric drive is mounted integral with the door.

2. Sliding door according to claim 1, wherein the electric drive comprises a rotary shaft arranged so that the axis of the rotary shaft is oriented parallel to a direction of lateral translation of the door, and the door comprises a transmission connected to the rotary shaft for receiving rotary motion and drive a pinion rotating about an axis which is rotated 90 degrees relative to the axis of the rotary shaft.

3. Sliding door according to claim 2, comprising an inextensible belt wrapped around the pinion without slipping, the belt being mounted fixed and tensioned between two anchoring points on a fixed frame external to the opening.

4. Sliding door according to claim 3, comprising a means or member for tensioning the belt.

5. Sliding door according to claim 4, wherein the means or member for tensioning the belt is an elastic member connected between one said anchoring point and the belt.

6. Sliding door according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the door or said drive comprises one or more idle wheels, on which the belt can slide, for guiding the belt around the pinion.

7. Sliding door according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric drive is contained within a casing or upper frame of the door, where the casing or frame extends in use horizontally over the upper edge of the door.

8. Sliding door according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electric drive is mounted interposed between the manual mechanism and a lifting rod,
the door comprising:

- a manual rod lifting mechanism permanently coupled to the rod to raise it,

- an electric linear drive to displace lifting rod, and

- non-permanent coupling means between the electric linear drive and the rod, configured to couple the electric linear drive and the rod only to transfer to the rod a thrust generated by the electric linear drive and only for a limited displacement of the rod.

9. Sliding door according to claim 8, wherein the electric linear drive is provided with a pushing member or arm which is linearly movable and terminating with a head configured to abut against an abutment integral with the rod.

10. Method of operating a sliding door, e.g. mounted on the facade of a ship, with the step of moving the door laterally via an electric drive mounted integral with the door.

Drawing