Various components are needed for these systems to operate safely and efficiently. One of the most important of these components is the elevator door. So, what is an elevator door and what does it do? In this article, we will examine elevator doors in all their details.
History of Elevator Doors
The history of elevator doors, although not as old as the elevator itself, arose from the need for safety and ease of use. Early elevators were generally open platforms and did not have any doors. This situation posed both safety risks and reduced user comfort.
Towards the end of the 19th century, with the development of elevator technology, simple barriers and chains surrounding the cabins and closing the opening began to be used. These early examples formed the basis of the elevator door concept. However, these barriers were not fully automatic and had to be opened and closed manually.
In the early 20th century, with the widespread use of electric motors, automatic elevator door types began to be developed. The first automatic doors were usually simple sliding systems. Over time, different elevator door types and features such as telescopic, folding and revolving emerged. Today, with the advancement of technology, modern elevator doors equipped with smart sensors, security systems and aesthetic designs are used.
Types and Features of Elevator Doors
Elevator door types vary according to their usage areas, the architecture of buildings, and user needs. The most common elevator door types and features are:
- Manual Doors: One of the simplest elevator door types. They are generally used in freight elevators or low-traffic buildings. Manual doors are opened and closed by hand and are more economical than automatic systems. However, they are more disadvantageous than automatic doors in terms of ease of use and safety.
- Semi-Automatic Doors: In this type of door, the outer door is opened and closed manually, while the cabin door operates automatically. They are usually preferred in residences and small businesses. Semi-automatic doors are more convenient and safer than manual doors.
- Fully Automatic Doors: They are among the most common elevator door types used today. Both the outer door and the cabin door open and close automatically. Fully automatic doors are the ideal solution in terms of ease of use, safety and speed. They are frequently preferred in office buildings, shopping malls, hospitals and high-traffic residential projects.
Fully automatic elevator doors can also have different mechanisms:
- Center Opening (Sliding) Doors: The most common type of fully automatic door. Door panels open by sliding outwards from the center. They are mechanically simple and reliable. There are varieties with different numbers of panels (2-panel, 4-panel, etc.).
- Telescopic Doors: Ideal for use in narrow spaces. Door panels open by sliding inside each other and take up less space. They are generally preferred in hospitals, buildings requiring disabled access and projects with limited space.
- Folding Doors: Especially used in freight elevators and industrial areas. Door panels are connected to each other with hinges and open by folding. They are durable and suitable for wide openings.
- Revolving Doors: Preferred in projects where aesthetic appearance is prioritized. Door panels open by rotating in a circular motion. They are frequently used in hotels, luxury residences and prestigious buildings.
Structure of Elevator Doors
The structure of elevator doors is designed according to the principles of safety, durability and longevity. Basically, an elevator door consists of the following main components:
- Door Panels: These are the moving parts of the door. They are usually made of materials such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum or glass. The design of door panels varies according to elevator door types and features.
- Door Frame: It is the frame structure that carries the door panels and is mounted on the wall. The door frame ensures that the door operates smoothly and is compatible with the building's architecture.
- Door Mechanism: It is the system that provides the movement of the door panels. It consists of components such as motor, reducer, gearbox, belts, chains and sensors. The operating principle of elevator doors is realized thanks to this mechanism.
- Safety Sensors: These are important components that ensure the safe operation of doors. Different types of sensors such as photocells, light curtains and mechanical safety contacts are used. These sensors prevent the door from closing when an object or person enters the door gap and increase safety.
- Control System: It is the electronic system that manages the door mechanism and safety sensors. It works integrated with the elevator control panel and ensures that the doors open and close at the correct time.
Operating Principle of Elevator Doors
The operating principle of elevator doors is basically based on electric motors and control systems. The operating steps of a fully automatic elevator door are as follows:
- Call and Floor Leveling: When the user calls the elevator or the cabin reaches a floor, the elevator control system is activated. The control system confirms that the cabin is on the correct floor and level.
- Door Opening Command: The control system sends an opening command to the door mechanism. This command activates the electric motor.
- Mechanism Movement: The electric motor rotates the door mechanism (belt, chain, etc.) through the reducer and gearbox. This movement causes the door panels to open.
- Sensor Control: During and after opening, safety sensors (photocells, light curtains) continuously monitor the door gap. If any obstacle is detected, the door opening movement is stopped or the door reopens.
- Door Open Time: After the door remains open for a certain period of time (usually an adjustable time), the control system sends a closing command.
- Door Closing Command: The control system sends a closing command to the door mechanism. The electric motor works in the opposite direction, causing the door panels to close.
- Closing Control and Locking: Safety sensors perform control again during and after closing. When the door is completely closed, mechanical or electromagnetic locks are activated to securely lock the door.
Elevator Door Selection
Elevator door selection depends on many factors such as the type of building, purpose of use, traffic density, safety requirements and budget. Some important points to consider in elevator door selection are:
- Door Type: It should be decided which door type, manual, semi-automatic or fully automatic, is appropriate. Fully automatic doors should be preferred in high-traffic buildings where comfort is important.
- Door Mechanism: It should be determined which door mechanism, center opening, telescopic, folding or revolving, is suitable for the building architecture and usage area.
- Material: Door panels and frame material should be selected by considering factors such as durability, aesthetic appearance and fire safety.
- Safety Features: The type and quality of safety sensors used in the door are of critical importance in terms of user safety. Standard-compliant and certified safety systems should be preferred.
- Energy Efficiency: Especially in heavily used buildings, energy costs can be reduced by preferring energy-efficient door mechanisms and insulated door panels.
- Aesthetics and Design: The design of the doors should be compatible with the overall architecture and interior decoration of the building. An aesthetic appearance can be achieved by evaluating different color, pattern and material options.
- Brand and Quality: In elevator door selection, reliable and quality brands in the sector should be preferred. Factors such as warranty period, service network and spare parts supply should also be evaluated.
Elevator Door Usage and Rules to be Followed
Elevator door usage and rules to be followed are vital for a safe and trouble-free elevator experience. Some basic rules that users should pay attention to are:
- Do Not Lean or Rest on Doors: Leaning or resting on door panels can damage the door mechanism and prevent safety sensors from working properly.
- Do Not Force Doors: Wait for the doors to open and close and do not manually force the doors. Forcing can damage the door mechanism and safety systems.
- Do Not Wait in the Doorway: Avoid unnecessarily waiting in the doorway when getting on or off the elevator. Extending the door closing time reduces the efficiency of the elevator and may create safety risks.
- Pay Attention to Children: Do not allow children to play with elevator doors or enter the doorway. It is important that children are always under adult supervision for their safety.
- Be Careful When Carrying Loads: Be careful not to bump into doors when carrying heavy or large loads. Contact of loads with doors can damage door panels and the mechanism.
- Use the Emergency Button in Case of Emergency: In case of any emergency in the elevator (jamming, malfunction, etc.), ask for help by pressing the emergency button.
Elevator Door Maintenance
Elevator door maintenance should be performed regularly to ensure that the doors operate for a long time, safely and smoothly. Elevator door maintenance is usually performed within the scope of general elevator maintenance and is carried out by authorized elevator services. Basic maintenance steps are:
- Visual Inspection: Door panels, frame, mechanism and safety sensors should be visually inspected regularly. Signs of damage, wear or deformation should be detected.
- Cleaning and Lubrication: The door mechanism and moving parts should be cleaned and lubricated regularly. This ensures smoother and quieter operation of the mechanism and reduces wear.
- Sensor Tests: It should be periodically tested that the safety sensors (photocells, light curtains) are working correctly. If sensors are faulty, they should be repaired or replaced immediately.
- Control of Settings: Door opening and closing speeds, open time and leveling settings should be checked regularly and adjusted if necessary.
- Lock Mechanism Control: It should be checked that the door lock mechanism is working safely and properly. If any problems are detected in the locks, they should be repaired or replaced immediately.
- Professional Maintenance: In accordance with legal regulations, periodic (usually monthly or annual) maintenance of elevators should be performed by authorized elevator services. These maintenances include more comprehensive checks and necessary repairs.
In conclusion, the elevator door is an indispensable part of elevator systems. It plays an important role in terms of safety, ease of use and aesthetics. With correct elevator door selection, regular use and maintenance, long-lasting and safe operation of elevator systems can be ensured.