Coupling and centering system for closed hollow metal plate guide rails

Abstract

The invention provides a coupling and centering system for enclosed hollow metal plate elevator rails, each two adjacent rails and coupling plate forming a block, and wherein each rail comprises a slide, a side wing and a base having an outer surface, and the coupling plate is arranged on the outer surface of each two adjacent rails, connecting the rails together with the edges of the rails facing each other; wherein: a) each rail has a cutout on the edge of the base facing the adjacent rail, so that the cutouts of the adjacent rails form a recessed through hole; b) the coupling plate has a central hole corresponding to the recessed through hole; c) a clip comprising: c1) a main body located in the adjacent rails in the area where the edges of the main body face each other, which is sized to pass through the recessed through hole; and c2) one or more upper components in continuous contact with the inner walls of the slides of the two adjacent rails facing each other; and c3) means connected to the block of the two adjacent rails and the plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a connection and centering system for enclosed hollow metal plate guide rails used in elevators and lifts. Background Technology

[0002] During elevator operation, the guide rails used for the sliding car and counterweight are among the main components. These guide rails have a limited length; therefore, it is necessary to use several longitudinally continuous guide rails.

[0003] There are two types of guide rails: solid guide rails for the movement of the car and counterweight, and metal plate guide rails for the counterweight.

[0004] Metal plate guide rails are divided into open profiles and closed profiles; the latter has longitudinal welding, which connects the two longitudinal edges of the metal plate to make it a closed profile.

[0005] In the prior art, there are already systems for connecting and centering elevator guide rails. The applicant has developed this type of system and is the owner of patents such as WO / 2001 / 047796 and EP2514705.

[0006] In addition to the applicant's own system, connection systems are also known in the prior art, such as those described in patents EP1743863 and EP0381852.

[0007] When assembling between two consecutive sheet metal guides, gaps usually appear on the rolling surfaces. This is because the guides are manufactured with tolerances, resulting in differences between them, or because even if the guides are identical, no component can position the guide with perfect precision relative to the other, or even if they do, there are gaps between them and the guides, making it impossible to definitively determine their relative positions.

[0008] Furthermore, this gap value can be modified because during the movement of the counterweight or the car, horizontal X and Y components are generated. Due to the different lateral deformations between two adjacent guide rails, gaps will occur at the joints of the guide rails. To minimize these gaps, auxiliary components must be introduced to prevent the lack of continuity on the guide rail surface or relative movement between the guide rails due to deformation, thereby reducing noise and improving comfort.

[0009] In known solutions, any component inserted between the two to achieve the described functionality requires longitudinal movement relative to the guide rail. Because it is a closed profile, it is impossible to assemble or disassemble the guide rail relative to its adjacent guide rail in the transverse direction of the guide rail cross-section. In other words, to assemble or disassemble two adjacent guide rails, relative longitudinal movement must occur between the guide rails or between the guide rail and the component inserted into the profile to control the gap between the guide rail surfaces.

[0010] Unlike solid guide rails, hollow guide rails cannot have mortise and tenon joints across the entire cross-section because they are hollow, meaning there is no material inside.

[0011] Because the dimensions of the components inserted into the guide rail holes are fixed and cannot withstand the strain generated when the counterweight moves, it limits the control or reduction of the clearance on the guide rail surface; therefore, misalignment may occur when the counterweight or car passes through the misalignment area, resulting in noise, vibration, etc. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The purpose of this invention is to connect metal plate guide rails in a manner that ensures minimal possible clearance after assembly and when the guide rails are subjected to different stresses, and allows for disassembly of the guide rails within the elevator shaft without causing longitudinal movement of any components involved in the connection (guide rails, internal parts, screws, etc.). In addition to ensuring the above, this invention also has the capability to accommodate different manufacturing tolerances defined in the parameters of these guide rails via elastic wings.

[0013] Regarding the assembly method, if the U-shaped connecting plate or the clamps used thereon deteriorate due to external factors such as earthquakes, or corrosive or abrasive substances, the system of the present invention does not affect the disassembly of any metal plate rails.

[0014] The purpose of this invention is to provide a connection and centering system for enclosed hollow metal plate elevator guide rails, wherein every two adjacent guide rails and a connecting plate form a block, and each guide rail includes a slide plate, side wings, and a base with an outer surface, the connecting plate being arranged on the outer surface of every two adjacent guide rails to connect the guide rails together such that the edges of the guide rails face each other; characterized in that:

[0015] a) Each guide rail has a cutout on its base edge facing the adjacent guide rail so that the cutouts of the adjacent guide rails form a groove through hole;

[0016] b) The connecting plate has a central hole corresponding to the through hole in the groove;

[0017] c) A clip, which includes:

[0018] c1) The main body, located within the adjacent guide rail in its facing edge region, is sized to pass through the grooved through-hole; and

[0019] c2) The upper assembly, which is in continuous contact with the inner walls of the slide plates of two adjacent guide rails facing each other; and

[0020] c3) A device for connecting two adjacent guide rails and plates.

[0021] The improvement provided by the connection system for the purpose of this invention compared to the prior art is based on:

[0022] • A symmetrical connection system, therefore, the two ends of the guide rail are identical, and it can be assembled in two possible directions.

[0023] • Adapts to the internal shape of the guide rail using elastic wings.

[0024] • The guide rails already installed on the rolling surface of the elevator shaft can be removed without moving any components longitudinally.

[0025] Reducing assembly time can be achieved not only by minimizing the number of different part types, but also by preventing errors that may occur during the assembly sequence.

[0026] • Reduce / eliminate the gaps on different axes XX and YY relative to the direction of motion.

[0027] • Reduce the cost of using the same machines required to manufacture both ends of the guide rail.

[0028] • Because there is no need to disassemble or move the metal plate rails, maintenance is reduced when replacing major components.

[0029] Other configurations and advantages of the invention can be inferred from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To better understand the purpose of the invention, preferred embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, but subsidiary modifications may be made thereto without altering its essential nature. In this case:

[0031] Figure 1 An exploded view showing an actual embodiment of the system for which the present invention is intended.

[0032] Figure 2 This shows a detailed view of the interior of a guide rail with fasteners.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing two adjacent guide rails and connecting plates forming a block in an actual embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4 A perspective view showing the components of the clip.

[0035] Figure 5This is another perspective view showing a clip with different parts.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing an actual embodiment of the system for the purpose of this invention, with all components of the system assembled on guide rails.

[0037] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of the clip shown. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The following are examples of practical, non-limiting embodiments of the invention. Other embodiments are not excluded, in which supplementary changes that do not substantially alter the invention are introduced.

[0039] The purpose of this invention is to provide a connection and centering system for enclosed hollow metal plate elevator guide rails, wherein every two adjacent guide rails (1) (1') and connecting plate (3) form a block (P).

[0040] According to the present invention, and according to the identified embodiments, the connection system that is the object of the present invention includes at least two adjacent guide rails (1) (1'), fastening plate (2), connecting plate (3) and clamp (4).

[0041] The hollow metal plate guide rail includes at least one or more through holes on the base (b) of the guide rail (1). The holes in the base (b) are identical at each end of the guide rail (1), and they are positioned and defined to enhance stress resistance. The edge of the base (b) has cutouts (7), and the combination of the cutouts (7) (7') of adjacent guide rails (1) (1') forms a recessed through hole (30), which allows a clip (4) to pass through, so that no major components need to be moved or disassembled when replacing the guide rail (1), connecting plate (3) or clip (4) under different circumstances.

[0042] The connecting plate (3) includes one or more through holes (18) preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to its central axis, and a recessed through hole (30) corresponding to the adjacent guide rail (1) (1'), but the size of the central hole (11) may or may not allow the clip (4) to pass through, depending on the user's needs.

[0043] The fastening plate (2) has several insert threaded holes (9) and embossing (10) in the central area to prevent contact with the weld seam at the connection with the metal plate guide.

[0044] The fastening plate (2) may be made of a single plate extending from the guide rail (1) to the guide rail (1') for each connection of adjacent guide rails (1) (1'), or may be made of a plate at each end of each guide rail (1).

[0045] exist Figure 2 In the middle, the fastening plate (2) is a single plate, in Figure 1 In the middle, the fastening plate (2) is composed of half plates, one for each guide rail (1) (1`).

[0046] The fastening plate (2) is located on the inner surface (28) of the base (b), and its opening refers to the through hole of the base (b) of the guide rail (1) and the opening of the connecting plate (3).

[0047] The fastening plate (2) may have threaded holes (37) and corresponding screws for fixing it to the guide rail (1), or it may have another fastening method, such as riveting, welding with fastening clamps, etc., to prevent the fastening plate (2) from falling off during transportation and handling.

[0048] The clip (4) has a basic structure including a body (c) located in adjacent guide rails (1) (1') in the region where their edges face each other and through a groove through hole (30); an upper assembly (s) in continuous contact with the inner walls of the slide plates (24) (24') of the two adjacent guide rails (1) (1') facing each other; and means for connecting to the block (P).

[0049] according to Figure 4 In the actual embodiment shown, the clip (4) has an upper assembly (s) forming a head, including a side wing (36) that protrudes from its side and presses against the inner wall of the slide plate (24) (24') of two adjacent guide rails (1) (1') facing each other.

[0050] The side wing (36) is fully adapted to the interior of the skateboard (24) (24`) with the elastic guide rail (1) (1`); however, the reaction force generated on the inner wall of the skateboard (24) (24`) is sufficient to prevent the lateral movement of the guide rail and to align it as much as possible, but it is not capable of significantly changing the shape of the guide rail by deformation.

[0051] Similarly, according to Figure 4 In the embodiment, at the rear part of the outrigger (14), some lower wings (15) protrude and are connected to the connecting plate (3) by means of screws.

[0052] according to Figure 5 The clamp (4) of the actual embodiment shown has an upper component (s) located inside the slide plate (24) (24') with a width (a) similar to the width (ha) inside the slide plate (24) (24') so as to make contact with its wall.

[0053] At the bottom, the support leg (14) has some connecting flanges (16) which are characterized by raised cuts whose openings coincide with the area in which they are located, namely the center hole (11) of the connecting plate (3). The purpose of the connecting flanges (16) is to prevent the clamp (4) from moving.

[0054] according to Figure 6 and 7 The clamp (4) of the actual embodiment shown has an upper assembly comprising two tubular or semi-open halves (32) facing each other, the outer walls (33a) and (33b) of which contact (24') the inner wall of the slide plate (24); a body (c) is located within the tubular halves (32) and includes a head (31) longitudinally positioned within the slide plate (24) (24') of two opposing guide rails (1) (1'), the head (31) extending from a rod (34) connected to a connecting plate (3). In this actual embodiment, preferably, the size of the central hole (11) of the connecting plate (3) does not allow the clamp (4) to pass through.

[0055] The guide rail (1) is usually manufactured in sections to ensure proper operation during installation. The different sections are connected together to achieve the required height inside the well. The different sections are connected by connecting plates (3) to ensure that the strength of the guide rail is maintained.

[0056] The installation method involves connecting multiple hollow elevator guide rails (1) (1') in the elevator shaft. Therefore, a connection system is necessary for the purposes of this invention.

[0057] Figure 6 , 7 The clip (4) shown is expandable.

[0058] The clamp (4) includes a head (31) having a rod (34) passing through a grooved through-hole (30) of the connecting plate (3) and screwed onto some nuts (38) below the connecting plate (3).

[0059] The clamp (4) also includes two flat-walled (32a) tubular halves (32) arranged parallel to the inner wall of the slide (24).

[0060] In the initial position, the head (31) extends out of the tubular body (32). In the assembled position, acting on the nut (38), the rod (34) moves, and the head (31) is inserted between the two tubular halves (32).

[0061] To bring the outer walls (33a) and (33b) into contact with the inner walls of the slide plate (24) (24') and to apply sufficient pressure to secure the clamp (4) to the guide rail (1) (1'), as previously described, the head (31) moves inward toward the half-body (32), causing the outer walls (33a) and (33b) to expand, as... Figure 6 As shown, it is fixed inside the skateboard (24) (24').

[0062] The fastening plate (2) is used to create a threaded area in which the connecting plate (3) can be anchored in a "U" shape. Different possibilities were considered for generating these threads. One is to drill threaded holes in the fastening plate (2). Another option is to insert rivet nuts into the guide rails (1) (1'). The corresponding nuts can also be welded to the metal plate, avoiding the need to thread the fastening plate (2). Another method is to create burrs by rubbing holes in the metal plate, which then forms the threads.

[0063] The clip (4) is a folding piece with elastic side wings (36). The function of the elastic side wings is to contact the lower part of the hollow guide rail so that the two guide rails (1) (1') can be moved to a position with the smallest possible gap when assembling the unit. At the same time, when in contact, it absorbs the stress generated on the guide rail due to the passing of the counterweight.

[0064] The metal plate guide includes a variable number of holes positioned in a specific manner, varying according to possibilities, and cuts (7) in the end regions of its edges to allow components to pass through. These holes are preferably circular, rectangular, square, or similar shapes, and are through holes.

[0065] One possibility is that the hole is not a through hole; therefore, a rivet screw is inserted instead of a fastening plate (2).

[0066] Another possibility is that, if the hole is a through hole, a welded or riveted nut may be included on the inside to avoid fastening the plate (2).

[0067] These holes are threads created by a circular friction system in the burrs produced. The holes are located in two places at the ends and one in the middle.

[0068] Generally, materials, dimensions, proportions, and other ancillary or minor details that do not fundamentally change, alter, or modify the proposal may vary.

[0069] The terminology used in this report is a true and accurate reflection of the objects described and must be understood in the broadest sense, not in a limited way.

Claims

1. A connection and centering system for enclosed hollow metal plate elevator guide rails, wherein every two adjacent guide rails (1) (1') and a connecting plate (3) form a block (P), and wherein each guide rail (1) includes a sliding plate (24), side wings, and a base (b) having an outer surface (27), and the connecting plate (3) is arranged on the outer surface (27) (27') of every two adjacent guide rails (1) (1') to connect the guide rails (1) together such that the edges of the guide rails face each other; characterized in that: a) Each guide rail (1) (1') has a cutout (7) (7') on the edge of its base (b) facing the adjacent guide rail (1) (1') so that the cutout (7) (7') of the adjacent guide rail (1) (1') forms a groove through hole (30). b) The connecting plate (3) has a center hole (11) corresponding to the groove through hole (30); c) Clip (4), which includes: c1) The main body (c), located within the adjacent guide rails (1) (1') in the region where its edges face each other, is sized to pass through the groove through-hole (30); and c2) One or more upper components that are in continuous contact with the inner walls of the slide plates (24) (24') of two adjacent guide rails (1) (1') facing each other; and c3) A connecting device for connecting two adjacent guide rails (1) (1') and plates (3) to a block; the body (c) of the clamp (4) has legs (14) that are connected to the top inside of the slide plate (24) (24') to form a head, i.e., the upper component of the clamp (4); the connecting device includes some elastic wings (36) that protrude laterally from the head and press against the inner wall of the slide plate (24) (24').

2. The connection and centering system for elevator guide rails according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting device includes a number of lower wings (15) connected to the connecting plate (3).

3. The connection and centering system for elevator guide rails according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting device includes a connecting flange (16) on the leg (14) of the clamp (4) connected to the connecting plate (3).

4. The connection and centering system for elevator guide rails according to claim 1, characterized in that, It includes at least one fastening plate (2) having embossing (10) in the central region, the embossing being arranged on the inner surface (28) of the base (b) of two adjacent guide rails (1) (1') and connected to the connecting plate (3) by screws.

5. The connection and centering system for elevator guide rails according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outrigger (14) adapts to the inner wall of the slide plate (24) (24') by pressure.

6. The connection and centering system for elevator guide rails according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fastening plate (2) is shared for two adjacent guide rails (1) (1') and has an opening conjugate to the groove through hole (30) of the guide rail (1) (1').

7. The connection and centering system for elevator guide rails according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base (b) of each adjacent guide rail (1) (1') has a series of holes for screws or rivets to be connected to the connecting plate (3).

8. The connection and centering system for elevator guide rails according to claim 7, characterized in that, The connection between the guide rail (1) (1') and the connecting plate (3) is accomplished by rivets and screws.

9. The connection and centering system for elevator guide rails according to claim 7, characterized in that, The holes arranged on the base (b) of each guide rail (1) (1') are through holes containing welded or riveted nuts.

10. The connection and centering system for elevator guide rails according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fastening plate itself includes a folded portion for securing it to the guide rail (1) (1').

11. A connection and centering system for enclosed hollow metal plate elevator guide rails, wherein every two adjacent guide rails (1) (1') and a connecting plate (3) form a block (P), and wherein each guide rail (1) includes a sliding plate (24), side wings, and a base (b) having an outer surface (27), and the connecting plate (3) is arranged on the outer surface (27) (27') of every two adjacent guide rails (1) (1') to connect the guide rails (1) together such that the edges of the guide rails face each other; characterized in that: a) Each guide rail (1) (1') has a cutout (7) (7') on the edge of its base (b) facing the adjacent guide rail (1) (1') so that the cutout (7) (7') of the adjacent guide rail (1) (1') forms a groove through hole (30). b) The connecting plate (3) has a center hole (11) corresponding to the groove through hole (30); c) Clip (4), which includes: c1) The main body (c), located within the adjacent guide rails (1) (1') in the region where its edges face each other, is sized to pass through the groove through-hole (30); and c2) One or more upper components that are in continuous contact with the inner walls of the slide plates (24) (24') of two adjacent guide rails (1) (1') facing each other; and c3) A device for connecting two adjacent guide rails (1) (1') and a plate (3) to a block; In the clip (4): a) The one or more upper components include two tubular halves (32) facing each other, the outer walls (33a) (33b) of which face the inner wall of the slide plate (24) (24'); b) The main body (c) is located inside the tubular half (32) and includes a head (31) that contacts the interior wall of the tubular half (32) and moves laterally thereto, thereby contacting and pressing against the inner walls of the slide plates (24) (24') of the two guide rails (1) (1') facing each other, the head (31) extending by a rod (34) connected to the connecting plate (3).

12. The connection and centering system for elevator guide rails according to claim 11, characterized in that, The size of the clip (4) allows it to pass through the groove through-hole (30), but not through the center hole (11) of the connecting plate (3).

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