Elevator car door interlock

US8960372B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• thyssenkrupp Elevator Corporation · US

Inventors

• Ernest Heath · Olive Branch, US
• Anthony Frank Hamlett · Bartlett, US
• Sang Mu Choi · Daejeon, KR
• Brian Chapman · Memphis, US
• Sang-Hyuk Lee · Suwon-si, KR
• Chet Willoughby · Savannah, US
• Jie Xu · Shanghai, CN
• Houston Patrick · Lake Cormorant, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 7, 2011
• Grant date: Feb 24, 2015
• Expiry date: Dec 27, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T70/7113
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus for use with an elevator car is operable to selectively lock an elevator car door. The apparatus verifies that the elevator car door is closed, locks the elevator car door, and verifies that a lock is engaged. Once conditions are met, the apparatus signals an elevator controller that the elevator car can move through a hoistway. The apparatus further ensures that passengers can safely disembark from the elevator car by detecting the position of the elevator car relative to a designated landing zone within the hoistway, and confirming the elevator car is stopped at a landing zone prior to disengaging the lock. The apparatus thus ensures that the elevator car door remains closed while the elevator car is in motion or between landing zones.