Patent Publication Number: US-10322910-B2

Title: Elevator door coupler assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a nonprovisional patent application, which claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/274,573, filed Jan. 4, 2016, which is herein incorporated in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present disclosure generally relates to door assemblies for elevator systems, and more particularly, an elevator door coupler system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS 
     Elevator systems are in widespread use for carrying passengers between various levels in buildings, for example. Access to an elevator car requires that elevator car doors, which are attached to the elevator car and move with the elevator car as it travels within the hoist ay, open when the car is at a landing at which a passenger desires to board the elevator car, for example. Each landing includes hoistway doors that do not move with the elevator car, but do move synchronously with the elevator car doors between open and closed positions. 
     There are various known arrangements for coupling the elevator car doors to the hoistway doors so that the door mover that causes movement of the elevator car doors also causes desired movement of the hoistway doors. Most arrangements include a pair of vanes, each having a vane surface, supported on the elevator car door structure and a set of rollers supported on the hoistway door structure. When the rollers are received adjacent the vanes when the elevator car arrives at the landing, it is possible to move both the elevator car doors and the hoistway doors together. The movement of the elevator car doors causes one of the vanes to push on one of the rollers to move the hoistway door in one direction and the other vane to push on the other roller to move the hoistway door in the other direction. 
     Typically, when an elevator car is outside the unlocking zone, the hoistway doors or elevator car doors are arranged such that they cannot be opened more than 4 in. (102 mm) from inside the elevator car. The hoistway doors or elevator car doors may be unlocked when the elevator car is within 3 in. (76 mm) above or below the landing and may be permitted to be unlocked up to 7 in. (178 mm) above or below the landing. 
     Previously, elevator car doors were permitted to be unlocked up to 18 in. (457 mm) above or below the landing. In the prior art configuration shown in  FIG. 1 , the hoistway interlock roller  2  is shown with respect to the coupler  4  when the opening height is 8 feet. In the present arrangement, a passenger may manually attempt to unlock the car and hoistway doors if the elevator car is within 18.1 inches of the landing in the up direction. 
     In the prior art configuration shown in  FIG. 2 , the hoistway interlock roller  2  is shown with respect to the coupler  4  when the opening height is 7 feet. In this arrangement, a passenger may manually attempt to unlock the car and hoistway doors if the elevator car is within 17.5 inches of the landing in the up direction. Each arrangement in the prior art allows for the car and hoistway doors to be opened beyond the required distance. Because the unlocking zone has been reduced, and with different opening heights in the hoistway, the coupler shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  will be less effective. Due to the change in the unlocking zone, systems with different hoistway opening heights may require multiple door couplers, and as such, increase the cost of the elevator system. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for an elevator door coupler that can accommodate multiple hoistway opening heights. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS 
     In one aspect, an elevator assembly is provided. The elevator assembly includes an elevator car door configured to be arranged in a door open and a door closed configuration, a coupling assembly operably coupled to the elevator car door. The coupling assembly includes a first vane, including a first surface extending longitudinally vertically to the elevator car door, a second vane, including a second surface and a third surface extending longitudinally vertically in parallel with the first vane; wherein the second surface is laterally spaced to the first surface by a first coupling length, and the third surface is laterally spaced to the first surface by a second coupling length, an elevator hoistway door positioned parallel to the elevator car door, the elevator hoistway door configured to operate in concert with the elevator car door in a door open and door closed configuration, and an interlock assembly operably coupled to the elevator hoistway door. The interlock assembly includes a first engaging member and a second engaging member laterally spaced from the first engaging member by an engagement length. The first engaging member is configured to engage the first vane and the second engaging member is configured to engage the third surface in the door open configuration. 
     In any embodiment of the elevator assembly, the engagement length is equal to approximately 4.5 inches. 
     In any embodiment of the elevator assembly, the second coupling length is equal to approximately 3.75 inches in a door closed configuration. In any embodiment of the elevator assembly, the second coupling length is equal to approximately 4.92 inches in a door open configuration. 
     In another aspect, a coupling assembly for an elevator door is provided. The coupling assembly includes a first vane, including a first surface extending longitudinally vertically to the elevator car door and a second vane, including a second surface and a third surface extending longitudinally vertically in parallel with the first vane. The second surface is laterally spaced to the first surface by a first vane length, and the third surface is laterally spaced to the first surface by a second vane length. 
     In any embodiment of the coupling assembly, the second coupling length is equal to approximately 3.75 inches in a door closed configuration. In any embodiment of the coupling assembly the second coupling length is equal to approximately 4.92 inches in a door open configuration. 
     In one aspect, an interlock assembly for an elevator door is provided. The interlock assembly includes a first engaging member and a second engaging member laterally spaced from the first engaging member by an engagement length, wherein the engagement length is equal to approximately 4.5 inches. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments and other features, advantages and disclosures contained herein, and the manner of attaining them, will become apparent and the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following description of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of an interlock and coupler assembly in the prior art; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of an interlock and coupler assembly in the prior art; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of a coupling assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of an interlock assembly that may be used with tall openings height according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram of an interlock assembly that may be used with a typical openings height according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of an elevator car in a hoistway at a taller hoistway opening height in a door closed position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram of an elevator car in a hoistway at a taller hoistway opening height in a door partially open position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram of an elevator car in a hoistway at a typical hoistway opening height in a door closed position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram of an elevator car in a hoistway at a typical hoistway opening height in a door partially open position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of the coupling assembly, generally indicated at  10 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to accommodate varying hoistway openings heights. The coupling assembly  10  shown in a door closed position. The coupling assembly  10  includes a first vane  12 , including a first surface  14 . The coupling assembly  10  further includes a second vane  16  including a second surface  18  and a third surface  20 . The second vane  16  extends longitudinally, vertically in parallel with the first vane  12 . The second vane  16  is, in this position, spaced laterally from the first vane  12 . The second surface  18  and third surface  20  extend longitudinally vertically in parallel with the first surface  14 . The third surface  20 , is, in this position, spaced laterally from the first surface  14  by a coupling length  22  equal to approximately 3.75 in. (95 mm.). 
       FIGS. 4 &amp; 5  illustrate embodiments of an interlock assembly  24  and  24 ′ according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The interlock assembly  24  may be used to accommodate taller hoistway openings, for example 8 foot (approximately 2.4 meters) openings, whereas interlock assembly  24 ′ may be used to accommodate typical hoistway opening heights, for example 7 foot (approximately 2.1 meters) openings. 
     The interlock assembly  24  ( 24 ′) includes a first engaging member  26  ( 26 ′) and a second engaging member  28  ( 28 ′). The first engaging member  26  ( 26 ′) and the second engaging member  28  ( 28 ′) are laterally spaced apart by an engagement length  30  ( 30 ′). The engagement length  30  for interlock assembly  24  is equal to approximately 4.5 inches (approximately 115 millimeters). The engagement length  30 ′ for interlock assembly  24 ′ is equal to approximately 1.5 inches (approximately 38 millimeters). The engaging members  26  ( 26 ′),  28  ( 28 ′) may be any sort of raised boss, bumper, rod, roller, etc. and which provides a simple and effective means for enabling the elevator door coupling assembly  10  to engage and move the hoistway doors  42 ,  44  (as shown in  FIGS. 6-9 ). 
       FIG. 6  provides a simplified schematic illustration of an elevator car  32  disposed in a vertical hoistway  34  and positioned so as to correspond to a landing having a taller hoistway opening  36 . Elevator car doors  38 ,  40  are shown in correspondence with laterally sliding hoistway doors  42 ,  44 . As is typical in such installations, the elevator car doors  38 ,  40  are actuated by a door opener  46  shown here disposed atop the elevator car  32  or at the top of the elevator car doors  38 ,  40 , and having a drive linkage, or the like (not shown). 
     The coupling assembly  10  is secured to the elevator car door  38 ,  40  and extends longitudinally vertically with respect thereto. The first surface  14  is positioned proximate to first engaging member  26  of the interlock assembly  24  and the third surface  20  is positioned proximate to second engaging member  28  of the interlock assembly  24  when the hoistway doors  42 ,  44  are also fully closed. The first vane  12  and the second vane  16  are supported relative to the elevator car doors  38 ,  40  by pivoting links (not shown) which enable both horizontal and vertical movement of the first vane  12  and the second vane  16  relative to the movement of the elevator car doors  38 ,  40  and relative to one another, while at all times remaining parallel to one another. 
     The coupling assembly  10  is disposed on the elevator car doors  38 ,  40  is shown engaged with a corresponding interlock assembly  24  which extends inward from the hoistway doors  42 ,  44 . As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, it is desirable that the coupling assembly  10  firmly engage the interlock assembly  24  when the elevator car doors  38 ,  40  and the hoistway doors  42 ,  44  are operated, and also desirable that the coupling assembly  10  completely release the interlock assembly  24  and maintain sufficient running clearance as the elevator car  32  moves vertically 
     When disposed in the configuration as shown in  FIG. 6 , the coupling assembly  10  is well adapted to permit vertical movement of the elevator car  32  within the hoistway  34 . The first surface  14  and third surface  20  permit the first engaging member  26  and the second engaging member  28  of the respective landings to be passed easily without danger of interference or contact. 
       FIG. 7  shows the arrangement of  FIG. 6 , wherein the elevator car doors  38 ,  40  and hoistway doors  42 ,  44  are shown in a partially opened condition. When the elevator car doors  38 ,  40  are retracted a small distance from its closed position, the combined action of the pivoting links laterally move the first vane  12  and the second vanes  16  such that the first engaging member  26  contacts the first surface  14  and the second engaging member  28  contacts the third surface  20 . As will be appreciated, further motion of the elevator car doors  38 ,  40  in the opening direction, i.e., to the left for elevator car door  38  and right for elevator car door  40 , in this example, will result in the engagement of the first engaging member  26  and the second engaging member  28 , and hence the hoistway door  42  being also moved leftward and open, and the hoistway door  44  being also moved rightward and open. 
       FIG. 8  provides a simplified schematic illustration of an elevator car  32  disposed in a vertical hoistway  34  and positioned so as to correspond to a landing having a typical hoistway opening  36 ′. Elevator car doors  38 ,  40  are shown in correspondence with laterally sliding hoistway doors  42 ′,  44 ′. 
     The coupling assembly  10  is shown engaged with a corresponding interlock assembly  24 ′ which extends inward from the hoistway doors  42 ′,  44 ′ such that the first surface  14  of the coupling assembly  10  is positioned proximate to first engaging member  26 ′ of the interlock assembly  24 ′ and the second surface  18  of the coupling assembly  10  is positioned proximate to second engaging member  28 ′ of the interlock assembly  24 ′ when the hoistway doors  42 ′,  44 ′ are also fully closed. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, it is desirable that the coupling assembly  10  firmly engage the interlock assembly  24 ′ when the elevator car doors  38 ,  40  and the hoistway doors  42 ′,  44 ′ are operated, and also desirable that the coupling assembly  10  completely release the interlock assembly  24 ′ and maintain sufficient running clearance as the elevator car  32  moves vertically 
     When disposed in the configuration as shown in  FIG. 8 , the coupling assembly  10  is well adapted to permit vertical movement of the elevator car  32  within the hoistway  34 . The first surface  14  and second surface  18  permit the first engaging member  26 ′ and the second engaging member  28 ′ of the respective landings to be passed easily without danger of interference or contact. 
       FIG. 9  shows the arrangement of  FIG. 8 , wherein the elevator car doors  38 ,  40  and hoistway doors  42 ′,  44 ′ are shown in a partially opened condition. When the elevator car doors  38 ,  40  are retracted a small distance from its closed position, the combined action of the pivoting links laterally move the first vane  12  and the second vanes  16  such that the first engaging member  26 ′ contacts the first surface  14 ′ and the second engaging member  28 ′ contacts the second surface  18 . As will be appreciated, further motion of the elevator car doors  38 ,  40  in the opening direction, i.e., to the left for elevator car door  38  and right for elevator car door  40 , in this example, will result in the engagement of the first engaging member  26 ′ and the second engaging member  28 ′, and hence the hoistway door  42 ′ being also moved leftward and open, and the hoistway door  44 ′ being also moved rightward and open. 
     It will therefore be appreciated that the present embodiments include a coupling assembly  10  including a first surface  14 , a second surface  18 , and a third surface  20  to accommodate taller and typical hoistway openings in a building without the need of additional components. 
     While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only certain embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.