Sill signaling unit of a mobile plant

Abstract

 The sill signalling unit (10) of a unit (20,20') movable between predefined stoppage positions is characterised in that it comprises at least one sill marker (11) applicable to a sill bulkhead (24) of a cabin door sill (23) of the mobile unit (20,20'), the at least one sill marker (11,15) being connected to electronic processing means (14) suitable for driving the switching on and off the at least one sill marker (11) in relation to an activation signal (13) received as input and corresponding to the presence of the mobile unit (20,20') at at least one landing platform (30).

Description

[0001] The present invention refers to a sill signalling unit of a mobile unit between predefined stoppage positions, in particular a vertically or horizontally moveable unit, as well as to a mobile plant using such a unit.

[0002] By unit that is vertically moveable between predefined stoppage positions we mean any kind of lifting device such as a lift for transporting people or things vertically or a freight elevator for transporting materials vertically, both configured to make stops at predetermined heights, in general at a specific floor.

[0003] By mobile unit that is horizontally moveable between predefined stoppage positions we mean all transportation devices by rail or guideways that foresee stops within well-defined spaces, like at an unloading platform in a stopping station. A typical example of such transportation devices are underground railways, underground or long-distance trains and so on.

[0004] Both in lifting devices and in rail or guideway transportation devices the stops of the devices take place at a landing platform, in one case consisting of the stopping floor of the lift and in the other case consisting of the unloading platform of the station.

[0005] The stopping of such mobile units does not always take place in perfect vertical alignment with the corresponding landing platform, sometimes creating a difference in level such as to be able to cause accidents in the passing of people and goods, as well as having objects fall in the gap that is formed between the mobile unit and the platform.

[0006] In the field of lifts it is known to insert a light signal into the sill profile of the floor door and/or into the sill profile of the cabin door, which is activated whenever there is a displacement between the stopping height of the cabin and the floor. Examples of such a solution are described in documents WO 2006/045211 and DE 10 2007 049548.

[0007] Solutions of this kind make it possible to visually highlight the sill itself and in particular the presence of the difference in level, in such a way trying to draw the user's attention to the presence of the gap between the cabin door sill and the floor sill in order to prevent objects from falling into the lift shaft or possible accidents due to the possible step that is formed.

[0008] The insertion of lights signals in the sill profiles of the cabin and/or floor doors requires major interventions on the plant, such as, in some cases, the replacement of parts of the mobile unit, actually making it not very convenient to install the light signal on pre-existing plants.

[0009] The purpose of the present invention is to avoid the aforementioned drawbacks and in particular to devise a sill signalling unit of a unit moveable between predefined stoppage positions that is easy to install even on pre-existing plants.

[0010] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a sill signalling unit of a unit moveable between predefined stoppage positions that is capable of signalling the presence of a difference in level in a reliable and clearly visible manner.

[0011] A further purpose of the present invention is to make a mobile plant using a sill signalling unit of a unit moveable between predefined stoppage positions that is simple, cost-effective and particularly functional.

[0012] These and other purposes according to the present invention are accomplished by making a mobile plant as outlined in claim 1 as well as by a sill signalling unit of a unit moveable between predefined stoppage positions as defined in claim 10.

[0013] Further characteristics of the mobile plant and of the sill signalling unit of a unit moveable between predefined stoppage positions are the object of the dependent claims.

[0014] The characteristics and advantages of a mobile plant and of a sill signalling unit of a unit moveable between predefined stoppage positions according to the present invention will become clearer from the following description, given as an example and not for limiting purposes, referring to the attached schematic drawings in which:

• figure 1 is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of the sill signalling unit according to the present invention;
• figure 2 is a schematic section view of a mobile plant comprising a vertically moveable unit provided with a sill signalling unit according to the present invention;
• figure 3 is a schematic view of a mobile plant comprising a horizontally moveable unit provided with a sill signalling unit according to the present invention.

[0015] With reference to the figures, a mobile plant using a sill signalling unit 10 of a unit 20,20' moveable between predefined stoppage positions is shown, wholly indicated with 100.

[0016] In general, a unit that is moveable vertically 20 or horizontally 20' between predefined stoppage positions comprises at least one transport cabin 21 equipped with at least one opening 25 selectively closable through a respective cabin door 22, each provided with at least one wing 22a,22b moveable between an open position and a closed position.

[0017] The at least one opening 25 of the transport cabin 21 lowerly defines, at the floor of the cabin 21, a cabin door sill 23.

[0018] Such mobile units 20,20' also comprise a sill bulkhead 24, i.e. a skirt surface that, from a cabin door sill 23 of the mobile unit 20,20', projects at the bottom to close the slit that, in the case of vertical misalignment between the cabin door sill 23 and a corresponding landing platform 30, would be created between the mobile unit 20,20' and such a platform 30, possibly also shielding the components of the mobile unit 20,20' beneath the cabin 21.

[0019] In general, the unit 20,20' is moveable inside a sliding compartment 31 that, in the case of vertically moveable units 20 consists of a closed shaft extending vertically provided, at each floor, with a shaft opening, generally closable through a respective shaft door 32. In this case, each floor constitutes a landing platform 30.

[0020] In the case of horizontally moveable units 20', the term sliding compartment 31 identifies the space defined on one side by an unloading platform 30, extending parallel and in general at a lower level with respect to it 30, on the bottom of which, in the case of rail transportation devices, the sliding tracks of the mobile unit 20' are housed.

[0021] The sill signalling unit 10 comprises at least one sill marker 11 having characteristics such as to be able to be applied onto the sill bulkhead 24 of a mobile unit 20,20' without hindering its movement.

[0022] Preferably, the at least one sill marker 11 comprises at least one light source 11.

[0023] A light source 11 that is particularly suitable for the purpose consists of a strip led, i.e. circuits made in a strip, comprising at least one LED and integrating the connections to it, where the at least one LED faces a first side of the strip and on the opposite side a layer of adhesive material is provided for the application of the strip circuit onto a surface.

[0024] Such a type of light source 11 is able to provide sufficient lighting power to ensure good visual indication whilst occupying particularly small bulks that simplify its positioning even in restricted environments.

[0025] The at least one sill marker 11 is connected to electronic processing means 14 suitable for driving the switching on and off of the at least one sill marker 11 in relation to an activation signal 13 corresponding to the stopping of the mobile unit 20,20' at a landing platform 30 that determines an opening signal of the at least one cabin door 22 and/or of the corresponding shaft door 32.

[0026] For this purpose, the electronic processing means 14 are preferably connected to a cabin door 22 opening sensor 16, for example of the magnetic type, where the opening signal of the cabin door 22 generated by the opening sensor 16 is used as activation signal 13 received as input to the electronic processing means 14.

[0027] Alternatively, the electronic processing means 14 are connected to the electronic piloting means (not illustrated) of the transport cabin 21 in order to take the opening signal of the at least one cabin door 22 generally generated when the cabin 21 is present at a landing platform 30.

[0028] In the case of a vertically mobile unit 20 with manually-opened cabin doors 22, the electronic processing means 14 are connected to an electromechanical device (not illustrated) to command the opening of the shaft door 32, like for example an electric shoe, which provides a power off signal to indicate that the mobile cabin 21 is at the floor.

[0029] The sill signalling unit 10 also preferably comprises at least one level difference sensor 12 for determining a vertical misalignment between the cabin door sill 23 and the landing platform 30.

[0030] Such a level difference sensor 12 is preferably of the magnetic type, being made up of a first magnetic element 12a able to be constrained to the mobile unit 20,20', for example in association with each cabin door sill 23, and at least one second magnetic element 12b able to be associated with the at least one landing platform 30.

[0031] According to an embodiment specifically suitable for horizontally moveable units 20', the second magnetic element 12b is made in the form of a continuous magnetic strip or a plurality of magnetic strips applied at the vertical wall with which the unloading platform 30 defines the sliding compartment 31 of the mobile unit 20', to substantially cover the entire development of such a platform 30 parallel to the direction of movement of the unit 20'.

[0032] According to an alternative embodiment, specifically suitable for vertically moveable units 20, the first magnetic element 12a is installed on the transport cabin 21, above the cabin door 22. The second magnetic elements 12b, on the other hand, are constrained one for the shaft opening, above it, as well as facing inside the sliding compartment 31 of the vertically mobile unit 20.

[0033] In a totally equivalent manner, the first and the second magnetic element 12a,12b are installed, respectively, below the cabin door 22 and below the compartment openings.

[0034] In particular, the installation of the second magnetic element 12b takes place at the position in which ideally, in order to have perfect vertical alignment, the first magnetic element 12a constrained to the transport cabin 21 would be positioned.

[0035] A substantial alignment of the two magnetic elements 12a,12b of the magnetic sensor 12 therefore determines that the mobile unit 20,20' has stopped in the absence of vertical misalignment between the cabin door sill 23 and the landing platform 30.

[0036] On the other hand, a vertical misalignment of the two magnetic elements 12a,12b of the magnetic sensor 12 determines a difference in level between the cabin door sill 23 and the landing platform 30, thus generating a corresponding signal.

[0037] In alternative embodiments, the level difference sensor 12 is of the photo-cell type.

[0038] The sill signalling unit 10 also comprises at least one level difference marker 11,15, preferably coinciding with the sill marker 11.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, in addition or as an alternative to the sill marker 11, the at least one level difference marker 11,15 comprises an acoustic signalling means 15.

[0040] The level difference sensor 12 and the at least one level difference marker 11,15 are connected to the electronic processing means 14 suitable for driving the switching on and off of the at least one level difference marker 11,15 as a function of the activation signal generated by the level difference sensor 12 in the case in which a vertical misalignment between the cabin door sill 23 and the landing platform 30 is actually detected.

[0041] Both the light source 11, and the at least one acoustic signalling means 15 can be activated continuously or intermittently. Moreover, the light source 11 is optionally of the type that can be activated in many distinct colours, in order to distinguish the sill marker from the level difference marker.

[0042] The operation of the sill signalling unit 10 of a mobile unit between predefined stoppage positions is as follows.

[0043] Once the mobile unit 20,20' reaches a landing platform 30, the cabin door 22 opening sensor 16, the electronic piloting means of the transport cabin 21 or the electromechanical device for commanding the opening of the shaft door 32 generate an opening signal of the at least one cabin door 22 or a release signal of the relative shaft door 32.

[0044] Such an opening or release signal acts as an activation signal 13 received as input to the electronic processing means 14, which therefore proceed to activate the sill marker 11.

[0045] The sill signalling unit 10 is therefore able to highlight the position of the cabin door sill 23 of the mobile unit 20,20' drawing the attention of passengers in relation to the potentially hazardous position taken up by it 23 through a light signal.

[0046] In embodiments also comprising the level difference sensor 12, the activation signal 13 received by the electronic processing means 14 also acts as activation of the level difference sensor 12.

[0047] In the case of a level difference sensor 12 of the magnetic type, the first magnetic element 12a constrained to the mobile unit 20,20' detects the presence of the second magnetic element 12b associated with the landing platform 30.

[0048] In the case in which the two magnetic elements 12a,12b are substantially vertically aligned, no activation signal of the at least one sill marker 11,15 is normally generated.

[0049] Differently, in the case of vertical misalignment between the two magnetic elements 12a,12b an activation signal of the at least one sill marker 11,15 is generated, where, preferably, in relation to the at least one light source 11 the activation signal after it has been determined that there is a level difference is distinguishable from the activation signal due to the presence of the mobile unit 20,20' at the landing platform 30, for example in terms of continuous or intermittent activation or in terms of colour.

[0050] The level difference marker 11,15, advantageously positioned on the sill bulkhead 24, is easily applicable even to pre-existing transportation cabins 21 still providing a valid light and/or acoustic signal of the potential danger consisting of a vertical misalignment between the cabin door sill 23 and the landing platform 30.

[0051] Advantageously, in the case of horizontally mobile units 20', the level difference sensor 12 generates an activation signal of the light source 11 and/or of the acoustic signalling means 15 also in the case in which there is a gap between the landing platform 30 and the cabin door sill 23 of a size such as not to allow the first magnetic element 12a to detect the presence of the second magnetic element 12b, even in the presence of vertical alignment between them 23,30.

[0052] The sill signalling unit 10 is therefore also able to signal the presence of such a gap, warning passengers of the relative situation of potential danger through a light and/or acoustic signal.

[0053] From the description that has been made, the characteristics of the mobile plant and of the sill signalling unit of a unit moveable between predefined stoppage positions object of the present invention are clear, just as the relative advantages are also clear. The sill signalling unit according to the present invention can also be easily installed on pre-existing mobile plants thanks to the particular architecture adopted, whilst still offering high reliability of signalling of a potential hazard at the sill, for example deriving from a vertical misalignment of the door sill of the cabin and of the landing platform or from an excessive gap between them.

[0054] Finally, it is clear that the mobile plant and the sill signalling unit of a unit moveable between predefined stoppage positions thus conceived can undergo numerous modifications and variants, all of which are covered by the invention; moreover, all of the details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials used, as well as the sizes, can be whatever according to the technical requirements.

Claims

1. A mobile plant (100) comprising a unit (20,20') vertically or horizontally movable between predefined stoppage positions inside a sliding compartment (31) at least partly delimited by at least one landing platform (30), said mobile unit (20,20') comprising at least one transport cabin (21) equipped with at least one opening (25) selectively closable through a respective cabin door (22), the at least one opening (25) defining below a cabin door sill (23), a sill bulkhead (24) downwardly protruding from said cabin door sill (23), characterized in that it comprises at least one sill marker (11) applied to said sill bulkhead (24), said at least one sill marker (11) being connected to electronic processing means (14) suitable for driving the switching on and off of said at least one sill marker (11) in relation to an activation signal (13) received as input and corresponding to a presence of said mobile unit (20,20') in correspondence with said at least one landing platform (30).

2. The mobile plant (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one sill marker (11) comprises at least one light source (11).

3. The mobile plant (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that said at least one light source (11) is a strip led.

4. The mobile plant (100) according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that said electronic processing means (14) are connected to a cabin door (22) opening sensor (16), said opening sensor (16) generating an opening signal acting as said activation signal (13) received as input to said electronic processing means (14).

5. The mobile plant (100) according to any of the claims from 1 to 3, characterized in that said electronic processing means (14) are connected to electronic piloting means of said transport cabin (21), said electronic piloting means generating a door cabin (22) opening signal, said opening signal acting as said activation signal (13) received as input to said electronic processing means (14).

6. The mobile plant (100) according to any of the claims from 1 to 3, characterized in that said electronic processing means (14) are connected to an electromechanical device for generating a presence signal of said cabin (21) in correspondence with said at least one landing platform (30), said presence signal acting as said activation signal (13) received as input to said electronic processing means (14).

7. The mobile plant (100) according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one level difference marker (11,15) and at least one level difference sensor (12) for revealing a vertical misalignment between said cabin door sill (23) and said at least one landing platform (30), said at least one level difference marker (11,15) and at least one level difference sensor (12) being connected to said electronic processing means (14), said electronic processing means (14) being suitable for driving the switching on and off of said at least one level difference marker (11,15) in relation to an activation signal generated by said at least one level difference sensor (12).

8. The mobile plant (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that said at least one level difference marker (11,15) coincides with said at least one sill marker (11).

9. The mobile plant (100) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that said at least one level difference marker (11,15) comprises at least one acoustic signalling means (15).

10. The mobile plant (100) according to any of the claims from 7 to 9, characterized in that said level difference sensor (12) is of the magnetic type made of a first magnetic element (12a) constrainable to said mobile unit (20,20') and at least one second magnetic element (12b) associable with said at least one landing platform (30).

11. The mobile plant (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that said unit (20) is of the vertically movable type, said sliding compartment (31) consisting of a closed compartment with a vertical development equipped with a plurality of compartment openings, each in correspondence with a landing platform (30) situated on a different floor, said first magnetic element (12a) being installed on said transport cabin (21), above said cabin door (22), a plurality of second magnetic elements (12b) each being constrained above one of said compartment openings and facing the interior of said sliding compartment (31).

12. The mobile plant (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that said unit (20') is of the horizontally movable type, said sliding compartment (31) being a space delimited on one side by said landing platform (30) with a development parallel to a horizontal sliding direction of said mobile unit (20'), said sliding compartment (31) having a development parallel to said horizontal sliding direction, said at least one second magnetic element (12b) being in the form of a continuous magnetic strip or a plurality of magnetic strips applied in correspondence with a vertical wall with which said landing platform (30) delimits said sliding compartment (31) substantially along the whole development of said landing platform (30).

13. A sill signaling unit (10) of mobile unit (20,20') movable between predefined stoppage positions, characterized in that it comprises at least one sill marker (11) that can be applied to a sill bulkhead (24) of a cabin door sill (23) of said mobile unit (20,20'), said at least one sill marker (11) being connected to electronic processing means (14) suitable for driving the switching on and off of said at least one sill marker (11) in relation to an activation signal (13) received as input and corresponding to a presence of said mobile unit (20,20') in correspondence with at least one landing platform (30).

14. The sill signaling unit (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that said at least one sill marker (11) comprises at least one light source (11).

15. The sill signaling unit (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that said at least one light source (11) is a strip led.

16. The sill signaling unit (10) according to any of the claims from 13 to 15, characterized in that it comprises a cabin door (22) opening sensor (16) connected to said electronic processing means (14), said opening sensor (16) generating an opening signal acting as said activation signal (13) received as input to said electronic processing means (14).

17. The sill signaling unit (10) according to any of the claims from 13 to 16, characterized in that it comprises at least one level difference marker (11,15) and at least one level difference sensor (12) for revealing a vertical misalignment between said cabin door sill (23) and said at least one landing platform (30), said at least one level difference marker (11,15) and at least one level difference sensor (12) being connected to said electronic processing means (14), said electronic processing means (14) being suitable for driving the switching on and off of said at least one level difference marker (11,15) in relation to an activation signal generated by said at least one level difference sensor (12).

18. The sill signaling unit (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that said at least one level difference marker (11,15) coincides with said sill marker (11).

19. The sill signaling unit (10) according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that said at least one level difference marker (11,15) comprises at least one acoustic signalling means (15).

20. The sill signaling unit (10) according to any of the claims from 17 to 19, characterized in that said at least one level difference sensor (12) is of the magnetic type made of a first magnetic element (12a) constrainable to said mobile unit (20,20') and at least one second magnetic element (12b) associable with said at least one landing platform (30).

Drawing