Elevator switch adapter

Abstract

An elevator switch adapted that ambidextrously attaches to either side of an emergency elevator off-on-off car safeties switch that biases the switch into the on position while blocking one of the off positions. The elevator car safeties temporarily, electrically limits elevator function in an over-speed situation.

Claims

1. An elevator switch adapter comprised of a plate, a stop flange and a spring; the plate is affixed to an exterior surface of an elevator switch box in either a first orientation or a second orientation; the elevator switch box houses an off-on-off switch with an operable switch arm; the switch arm selectably moves between a first off position, a center on position and a second off position; when the plate is affixed to the elevator switch box in the first orientation then the stop flange is fixed adjacent to the switch arm to block the switch arm from moving into the first off position; when the plate is affixed to the elevator switch box in the second orientation then the stop flange is fixed adjacent to the switch arm to block the switch are from moving into the second off position; the spring biases the switch arm into the center on position; an elevator car safety is linked to the switch arm to selectively force the switch arm to the first or second off position.

2. The elevator switch adapter of claim 1 where the spring biases the switch arm through a pivoting arm with a bar in contact with the switch arm.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) With the above and other related objects in view, the invention exists in the details of construction and combination of parts as will be more fully understood from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 shows an elevation view of the components of a typical elevator system.

(3) FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an example of the accessory device isolated from the prior art switch.

(4) FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an un-triggered prior art elevator switch.

(5) FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an activated safety trigger prior art elevator switch.

(6) FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the present invention affixed to a prior art switch in an un-triggered mode.

(7) FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the present invention affixed to a prior art switch in a triggered mode.

(8) FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present device affixed to a prior art switch box in an un-activated mode.

(9) FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present device affixed to a prior art switch in an activated mode.

(10) FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present device isolated from the prior art switch box.

(11) FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present elevator switch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(12) While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there are described in detail herein specific embodiments of the invention. This description is exemplary of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated and described.

(13) For the purpose of this disclosure, like reference numerals in the figures shall refer to like features unless otherwise indicated or is obvious by context.

(14) The subject device and method of use is sometimes referred to as the device, the invention, the elevator switch, the automatic switch, the stopping switch, the overspeed switch, the car safety switch, the safety operator which, the machine or other similar terms. These terms may be used interchangeably as context requires and from use the intent becomes apparent. The masculine can sometimes refer to the feminine and neuter and vice versa. The plural may include the singular and singular the plural as appropriate from a fair and reasonable interpretation in the situation.

(15) Referring now to the drawings, where the present invention is generally referred to with numeral 10, it can be observed that it basically includes a motor 12, a main pulley 14, a main cable 16, a governor rope 18, a car 20, a safety shoes 22, a rail guide 24, a guide Rail 26, a governor pulley 28, a speed governor 29, a plank 30, a brake linkage 32, a frame 34, a switch adapter 36, a stop flange 38, a spring 40, a plate 42, a support 44, a brace flange 46, a trigger 48, a switch box 50, a switch arm 52, and aperture 54, a fastener 56, a pivot 58, a bar 60, an arm 62, a pivot 64, a spring 66, and anchor 68, a plate 70, eight switch adapter 72, a stop flange 74, a fastener 76, and alignment flange 78, an arm 80, a spring 81, a pivot 82 and a bar 86.

(16) FIG. 1 shows a typical elevator assembly. The car 20 is suspended in the elevator shaft by the main cable 16. The main cable 16 is wound around the main pulley 14 and is raised and lowered with the motor 12. The plank 30 is the structural element onto which the frame 34 of the car 20 is assembled. Guide wheels 24 on each side of the car 20 ride in guide rails 26 to keep the car 20 aligned vertically.

(17) A governor rope 18 rides along the upper and lower governor pulleys 28 to the side of the car 20 the governor rope 18 connects to the safety brake 22. A brake linkage 32 interconnects the safety brake 22 to the elevator switch assembly 10. If the car 20 descends at or above a specified rate a centrifugal mechanism on the speed governor 29 trips locking the governor rope 18. As the car continues to descend, the stopped governor rope 18 pulls the linkage of the car safeties 32. The movement of the linkage actuates the trigger 48 to rotate downward thus tripping the switch lever 52. Cutting the power to the elevator motor 12 by activating switch assembly 10.

(18) A governor rope 18 rides along the upper and lower governor pulleys 28 to the side of the car 20 the governor rope 18 connects to the safety brake 22. A brake linkage 32 interconnects the safety brake 22 to the elevator switch assembly 10. If the car 20 descends at or above a specified rate a centrifugal mechanism in the safety brake 22 moves the brake linkage 32 to turn off the power to the motor 12 by activating the switch assembly 10.

(19) During elevator testing the car safety 22 is actuated to cause the linkage 32 to interact with the elevator switch 10 to cut off power to the motor 12. Once the functioning of the car safety 22 is proven, the elevator is lifted a short distance to disengage the car safety 22. The switch assembly 10 then must be turned back on to allow the normal operation of the elevator 12.

(20) Looking now at FIGS. 3 and 4, prior art elevator switches are shown. In FIG. 3 the switch arm is at the horizontal position as it would be in normal operation. The trigger 48 is near the switch arm 52 but does not engage the switch arm 52. If the switch arm 52 is moved either up or down, the power to the elevator is interrupted. This normally happens during an event where the elevator descends too quickly or during a periodic inspection and the safety brake 22, through the brake linkage 32, moves the trigger 48 that in turn activates the switch arm 52.

(21) These prior art switches are ambidextrous in that they can be placed either on the right side or left side of the elevator. On one side of the switch is inverted. This way a single style of switch box 50 can be used on both the left and right side of the elevator. A problem in the design is that the switch arm 52 does not automatically return to a middle, on position. Once the switch arm 52 is moved up or down, depending on the side of the elevator, the switch box 50 prevents power from reaching the motor 12 until the switch arm 52 is manually moved to the middle, a horizontal position by a technician under the elevator cab.

(22) FIG. 2 shows an example of the essential components of the present elevator switch adapter 36. FIGS. 5 and 6 show the switch adapter 36 affixed to a switch box 50. The switch box 50 is prior art equipment that the switch adapter of FIG. 2 enhances. The apertures 54 are used with fasteners 56 to attach the elevator switch to the switch box 50 the trigger 48 rotates around pivot 58 that is connected to the linkage 32 of the elevator system.

(23) The switch arm 52, allows normal operation of the elevator when in the center, a horizontal position. This operational position is demonstrated in FIG. 5. The switch arm is prevented from being in the up off position by the stop flange 38. And the switch arm 52 is biased in the central, horizontal operational position by the spring 40. FIG. 5 shows the switch adapter 36 and switch box 50 as would be in normal elevator operation where the trigger 48 is not affecting the switch arm 52.

(24) During periodic testing or in an emergency dissent of event the safety brake 22 actuates the brake linkage 32 to push the trigger 48 against the switch arm 52, overcoming the spring 40 bias and enforcing the switch arm 52 to the lower position to interrupt the electrical control of the elevator. In the position shown in FIG. 6, the electronics are disabled and the safety brake has wedged the elevator and position preventing further dropping. This is evidenced by the trigger 48 being rotated down against the switch 52 caused by the brake linkage 32.

(25) After an emergency descent is arrested, the elevator is then reset by raising the cab of a few inches to release the wedge blocks that also in turn releases the safety linkage pressure. Then, the spring 40 automatically returns the switch arm 52 to the middle, horizontal normal operating position, as shown in FIG. 5.

(26) FIGS. 2, 5 and 6 demonstrate the switch adapter 36 as it would be positioned on one side of the elevator shaft. Like the switch arm 52 that operates off-on-off in the prior art switch box 50, so that it can be placed with either end up to accommodate the position of the trigger 48, so can the switch adapter 36 be fitted onto the switch box 50 with either end up as needed to correctly engage with the switch arm 52. In this way, one design of switch adapter 36 can be used for either left or right side of the elevator by simply inverting it and attaching it to the switch box 50.

(27) FIGS. 7 and 8 show a switch adapter 72 with similar performance to the switch adapter's discussed above, but in a slightly different embodiment. In this configuration the spring 66 biases the switch arm 52 to the middle, on position against the stop flange 74. As the safety brake linkage 32 causes the trigger 48 to move about pivot 50, during periodic testing or an emergency desent, the trigger 48 presses against the switch arm 52 thereby cutting power to the elevator.

(28) The switch adapter 72 is fitted to the prior art switch box 50 through plate 70 by means of fasteners 76. Optionally an alignment flange 78 is provided on the plate 72 add strength and aid in alignment of the fasteners 76 when attaching the plate 72 the switch box 50.

(29) The spring 66 is connected at one end to the anchor 68 on the plate 70 and on the other end to the arm 62. the arm 62 rotates freely around pivot 64. The bar 60 biases of the switch arm 52 into the central on position against the stop flange at 74. When the emergency brake is actuated the trigger 48 pushes against the switch arm 52 to disable the elevator. When the elevator is locked in position after actuation of the safety shoes 22 it is then lifted to return the trigger 48 to the normal position that does not press on the switch arm 52. The spring 66 then automatically pushes the switch arm 52 into the Central arm position where normal electrical operation of the elevator can resume.

(30) FIG. 10 shows another configuration of the elevator switch that attaches to a switch box 50. Similar to the other designs, the switch arm 50 is held biased and an arm position by the spring 81 under tension pulling the arm 80 and bar 86 against the switch arm 52. As the trigger 48 is activated and moved by the safety brake linkage 32 the switch arm 52 is temporarily forced down to the off position in opposition to the force of the spring 81. As the trigger 48 is relieved when the elevator emergency brakes are removed the switch arm 52 automatically returns to the central on position to permit continued normal operation of the elevator.

(31) All of the designs contained herein are configured to be ambidextrous. Each can amount onto a switch box to allow the switch arm to be normally held in the Central arm position yet be allowed to have the trigger push against the switch arm 52 against the pressure of the spring to temporarily prevent electrical movement of the elevator when the elevator is in an emergency brake situation.

(32) The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Different embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention. It is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.