Safety gear and safety arrangement for an elevator and elevator
The hydraulic pressure-actuated safety clamp addresses space and maintenance issues of conventional clamps by offering energy-efficient and flexible activation, enhancing elevator safety and efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- HK · HK
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KONE OYJ
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-10
AI Technical Summary
Conventional elevator safety clamps face challenges with space efficiency, maintenance complexity, and energy consumption due to mechanical and electrical actuation, and lack flexibility in activation speed levels.
A hydraulic pressure-actuated safety clamp with a frame, braking element, and release mechanism that allows energy-efficient operation by using hydraulic pressure to switch between release and clamping positions, and can be triggered independently for different elevator directions.
The solution provides a space-efficient, easily maintainable, and energy-efficient safety clamp that can activate at various speed levels, reducing energy consumption and ensuring precise control over elevator movement.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
(19) State Intellectual Property Office (12) Invention Patent Application (10) Application Publication Number (43) Application Publication Date (21) Application Number 202380099091.6 (22) Application Date 2023.06.09 (85) PCT International Application Entering National Phase Date 2025.12.04 (86) PCT International Application Application Data PCT / FI2023 / 050339 2023.06.09 (87) PCT International Application Publication Data WO2024 / 252060 EN 2024.12.12 (71) Applicant KONE AG Address Helsinki, Finland (72) Inventors T. Kornan, V. Milleyrenan, J. Mistarati, M. Mingkinen (74) Patent Agency King & Wood Mallesons, Beijing 11256 Patent Attorneys Yi Yongmei, Yin Jingjuan (51) Int.Cl. B66B 5 / 22 (2006.01) (54) Invention Title: Safety Gripper and Safety Device for Elevator and Elevator (57) Abstract: A safety gear (40) for an elevator includes a frame (41), a braking element (44), a mating part (48), a bias spring (50), and a safety gear release mechanism (51), wherein the braking element (44) has a face guide rail (2). The brake surface (45) of the guide surface and the wedge surface (46) of the wedge surface (42) facing the frame (41) are movable in a direction (A) perpendicular to the guide surface of the guide rail (2) and in a direction (B) parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail (2) to allow the brake element (44) to move between the release position and the clamping position; the mating part has a brake surface (49) facing another guide surface of the guide rail (2), the bias spring biases the brake element (44) toward the guide rail (2), the safety clamp release mechanism (51) includes a cylinder (52) and a piston (53) and is connected to the brake element (44) such that when hydraulic pressure is applied to the piston (53) to move the brake element (44) to the release position and hold the brake element (44) in the release position, a force is applied to the brake element (44) against the force of the bias spring (50). Claims 3 pages, Description 8 pages, Drawings 6 pages, CN 121241020 A 2025.12.30 CN 1 21 24 10 20 A 1. A safety clamp (40) for an elevator, the elevator including a guide rail (2) having a first guide surface and a second guide surface for guiding an elevator car (3) or a counterweight of the elevator, the first guide surface and the second guide surface of the guide rail (2) facing opposite directions, the safety clamp (40) being configured to be mounted on the elevator car (3) or the counterweight of the elevator and being configured to cooperate with the guide rail (2) of the elevator to stop the elevator car (3) or the counterweight when actuated.The safety clamp (40) includes: a frame (41) configured to be attached to the elevator car (3) or counterweight, the frame (41) having at least a first wedge-shaped surface (42) inclined relative to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail (2) at the mounting position of the safety clamp (40); and a braking element (44) having a braking surface (45) and a first wedge-shaped surface (46), the braking surface (45) being configured to face the first guide surface of the guide rail (2), the first wedge-shaped surface (46) facing and parallel to the first wedge-shaped surface (42) of the frame (41), the braking element (44) being capable of braking relative to the frame (41) in a first direction (A). The safety clamp (40) moves in a second direction (B), wherein the first direction (A) is perpendicular to the guide surface of the guide rail (2) at the mounting position of the safety clamp (40), and the second direction (B) is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail (2) at the mounting position of the safety clamp (40) to allow the braking element (44) to move between a release position and a clamping position, wherein in the release position the braking element (44) allows the elevator car (3) or counterweight to move; and in the clamping position the braking element (44) is wedged between the frame (41) of the safety clamp (40) and the first guide surface of the guide rail (2) to prevent the elevator car (3) or counterweight from moving; a mating member (48) is arranged at a distance from the braking element (44) along the first direction (A) and has a braking surface (49) configured to face the second guide surface of the guide rail (2) at the mounting position of the safety clamp (40); At least one bias spring (50) configured to bias the braking element (44) toward the guide rail (2) in a first direction (A); and a safety clamp release mechanism (51) comprising at least one cylinder (52) and a piston (53) movable within the cylinder (53), the safety clamp release mechanism (51) being connected to the braking element (44) such that when hydraulic pressure is applied to the piston (53) to remove the braking element (44) from the guide rail (2) and move it to the release position and hold the braking element (44) in the release position, the safety clamp release mechanism (51) is able to apply a force to the braking element (44) in the first direction (A) against the force of the bias spring (50). 2. The safety clamp (40) according to claim 1, wherein the frame (41) further includes a second wedge surface (43), the braking element (44) includes a second wedge surface (47) facing and parallel to the second wedge surface (43) of the frame (41), and the first wedge surfaces (42, 46) of the frame (41) and the braking element (44) are configured to cooperate with each other.The elevator car (3) or counterweight is stopped when it moves in the first direction of movement; the second wedge surfaces (43, 47) of the frame (41) and the braking element (44) are configured to cooperate with each other to stop the elevator car (3) or counterweight when it moves in the second direction of movement. 3. The safety clamp (40) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one connecting spring (54) is arranged between the piston (53) and the braking element (44) such that when the braking element (44) is in the clamped position and sufficient hydraulic pressure is applied to the piston (53), the piston (53) can be moved away from the braking element (44) in the first direction (A). 4. The safety clamp (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the safety clamp (4) includes at least one positioning spring (55, 56) for positioning the braking element (40) relative to the frame (41) in the second direction (B). Claims 1 / 3 Page 2 CN 121241020 A 5. A safety device for an elevator, the safety device comprising a safety clamp (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, and a pressurizing mechanism (11) configured to pressurize hydraulic fluid and arranged in fluid communication with at least one cylinder (52) of the safety clamp release mechanism (51) to allow pressurized hydraulic fluid to be supplied to the at least one cylinder (52); A fluid reservoir (22), which is arranged in fluid communication with at least one cylinder (52) of the safety clamp release mechanism (51) and with the pressurizing mechanism (11), is used to supply hydraulic fluid to the pressurizing mechanism (11) and to receive hydraulic fluid from at least one cylinder (52) of the safety clamp release mechanism (51), and at least one safety valve (16, 17) having a closed state and an open state, the at least one safety valve (16, 17) being arranged between at least one cylinder (52) of the safety clamp release mechanism (51) and the fluid reservoir (22), such that in the open state of the safety valve (16, 17) flow from at least one cylinder (52) into the fluid reservoir (22) is permitted, and in the closed state of the safety valve (16, 17) flow from at least one cylinder (52) into the fluid reservoir (22) is prevented. 6. The safety device according to claim 5, wherein the device comprises at least two safety valves (16, 17) arranged in parallel, such that when at least one of the safety valves (16, 17) is in the open state, flow from at least one cylinder (52) of the safety clamp release mechanism (51) into the fluid reservoir (22) is permitted. 7. The safety device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein...The safety device includes at least two safety clamps (40), which are arranged in fluid communication with the pressurizing mechanism (11) and the fluid reservoir (22). 8. The safety device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the safety clamps (40) are mounted on the elevator car (3), and the safety device includes at least one braking device (4) mounted on the elevator car (3), the braking device (4) comprising: at least one movable braking element (5), the at least one braking element (5) having a braking position and a release position, wherein in the braking position, the braking element (5) is configured to engage with a guide rail (2) of the elevator car (3) for stopping the elevator car (3) and / or preventing the elevator car (3) from moving; and in the release position, the braking element (5) allows the elevator car (3) to move; At least one biasing spring (6) configured to bias the braking element (5) toward the braking position; and a brake release mechanism (7) comprising at least one cylinder (8) and a piston (9) movable within the cylinder (8), the brake release mechanism (7) being configured to move the at least one braking element (5) to the release position when a hydraulic pressure overcoming the biasing force caused by the at least one biasing spring (6) is applied to the piston (9); wherein the pressurizing mechanism (11) is arranged in fluid communication with the at least one cylinder (8) of the brake release mechanism (7) to allow pressurized hydraulic fluid to be supplied to the at least one cylinder (8) of the brake release mechanism (7); The fluid reservoir (22) is arranged in fluid communication with at least one cylinder (8) of the brake release mechanism (7) for receiving hydraulic fluid from at least one cylinder (8) of the brake release mechanism (7); and at least one safety valve (16, 17) is arranged between at least one cylinder (8) of the brake release mechanism (7) and the fluid reservoir (22), such that, in the open state of the safety valve (16, 17), flow from at least one cylinder (8) into the fluid reservoir (22) is permitted, and in the closed state of the safety valve (16, 17), flow from at least one cylinder (8) into the fluid reservoir (22) through the safety valve (16, 17) is prevented. 9. The safety device according to claim 8, wherein,The brake release mechanism (7), safety clamp release mechanism (51), and bias springs (6, 50) of the braking device (4) and the safety clamp (40) are configured such that the hydraulic pressure required to hold the safety clamp (40) in the released position is lower than the hydraulic pressure required to hold the braking device (4) in the released position. 10. The safety device according to any one of claims 5-9, wherein the pressurizing mechanism (11) comprises a hydraulic cylinder (12) and a piston (13), the hydraulic cylinder (12) and the piston (13) being configured to move relative to each other to pressurize the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic cylinder (12). 11. The safety device according to claim 10, wherein the pressurizing mechanism (11) comprises a linear actuator (14) for driving the piston (13) or the hydraulic cylinder (12). 12. The safety device according to claim 11, wherein the linear actuator (14) is provided with a brake. 13. The safety device according to any one of claims 5 to 12, wherein the device is configured to monitor one or more predetermined trigger events and, upon detecting a trigger event, cut off the power supply to the at least one safety valve (16, 17) to switch the at least one safety valve (16, 17) to an open state. 14. An elevator comprising the safety device according to any one of claims 5 to 13. Claims 3 / 3 Page 4 CN 121241020 A Safety clamp and safety device for elevator and elevator technology
[0001] The present invention relates to a safety clamp for an elevator, the elevator comprising the guide rail as defined in claim 1. The present invention also relates to a safety device for an elevator and an elevator. Background Art
[0002] Elevators have safety clamps to stop the movement of the elevator car in an emergency, such as in the event of elevator car overspeed. Conventional safety clamps are activated by a mechanical overspeed regulator having an regulator rope connected to the safety clamp and running via a regulator pulley. In the event of overspeed, the safety gear is activated by stopping the regulator pulley and regulator rope, causing the wedge mechanism of the safety gear to move to a clamping position close to the guide rail of the car.
[0003] Typically, an elevator car has two such safety gears arranged on opposite sides of the car. They are interconnected by a common synchronizing shaft to ensure that both safety gears are activated when the overspeed regulator is running. The synchronizing shaft and safety gears need to leave space above or below the car to ensure normal operation. On the other hand, space efficiency is an increasingly important factor in modern elevators.
[0004] Because the overspeed regulator components are arranged separately from the safety gears in the elevator system, maintenance and inspection can be difficult and laborious, as maintenance personnel need to go to different locations in the elevator system to perform maintenance or inspection work.
[0005] Conventional mechanical overspeed regulators have only one trip speed, for example,This could exceed the elevator car's rated speed by 25%. For safety reasons, it would be advantageous to enable the safety clamp to activate at different speed levels, for example, under different operating conditions or at different elevator car positions within the elevator shaft.
[0006] For the reasons stated above, a safety clamp with an electrically controlled actuator has been introduced. The electrically controlled actuator can be controlled by an electronic overspeed regulator, i.e., a programmable safety device that includes an overspeed monitoring function for the elevator car. Such an actuator may include an electromagnet that, when energized, keeps the safety clamp's wedges separated from the elevator guide rails, i.e., in an inactive position. Activating the safety clamp by disconnecting the power supply to the electromagnet causes the wedges within the safety clamp to move to a clamping position close to the guide rails to prevent car movement. This operating principle results in continuous power loss in the electromagnet, which contradicts the general need to reduce elevator energy consumption.
[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved safety clamp for an elevator, the elevator including a guide rail having a first guide surface and a second guide surface for guiding an elevator car or a counterweight of the elevator, the first guide surface and the second guide surface of the guide rail facing opposite directions. The safety clamp is configured to be mounted on the elevator car or the counterweight of the elevator and is configured to cooperate with the guide rail of the elevator to stop the elevator car or the counterweight upon startup. Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved safety device for an elevator. Furthermore, the present invention also aims to provide an improved elevator.
[0008] The safety clamp according to the invention comprises: a frame configured to be attached to the elevator car or counterweight, the frame having at least a first wedge-shaped surface inclined relative to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail in the mounting position of the safety clamp; a braking element having a braking surface and a first wedge-shaped surface, the braking surface being configured to face a first guide surface of the guide rail, the first wedge-shaped surface facing and parallel to the first wedge-shaped surface of the frame, the braking element being movable relative to the frame in a first direction and a second direction; wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the guide surface of the guide rail in the mounting position of the safety clamp, and the second direction is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail in the mounting position of the safety clamp, to allow the braking element to move between a release position and a clamping position; in the release position, the braking element allows the elevator car or counterweight to move; in the clamping position, the braking element is wedged between the frame of the safety clamp and the first guide surface of the guide rail to prevent the elevator car or counterweight from moving; A mating member, arranged at a distance from the braking element along a first direction, and having a braking surface configured to face a second guide surface of the guide rail at the mounting position of the safety clamp; at least one biasing spring configured to bias the braking element along the guide rail in the first direction; and a safety clamp release mechanism comprising at least one cylinder and a piston movable within the cylinder.The safety clamp release mechanism is connected to the braking element such that when hydraulic pressure is applied to the piston to remove the braking element from the guide rail and move it to the release position and hold the braking element in the release position, the safety clamp release mechanism can apply a force to the braking element in a first direction to resist the force of the bias spring.
[0009] Therefore, the safety clamp according to the invention can be released and held in the release state by hydraulic pressure. This allows the safety clamp to be held in the release state without energy consumption or with minimal energy consumption. The safety clamp is opened by releasing pressure from the cylinder of the safety clamp release mechanism. When the pressure is released from the cylinder, the bias spring contacts the braking element with the guide rail. The safety clamp according to the invention helps to avoid the problems of mechanical and electrical safety clamps.
[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, the frame further includes a second wedge-shaped surface, and the braking element includes a second wedge-shaped surface facing and parallel to the second wedge-shaped surface of the frame. The first wedge-shaped surfaces of the frame and the braking element are configured to cooperate to stop the elevator car or counterweight when the elevator car or counterweight moves in a first direction of movement, and the second wedge-shaped surfaces of the frame and the braking element are configured to cooperate to stop the elevator car or counterweight when the elevator car or counterweight moves in a second direction of movement. Therefore, the safety clamp can be configured to operate in both directions of movement of the elevator. However, the elevator can also be equipped with separate safety clamps for different directions of movement.
[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one connecting spring is arranged between the piston and the braking element such that when the braking element is in the clamped position and sufficient hydraulic pressure is applied to the piston, the piston can be moved away from the braking element in the first direction. To release the safety clamp from the wedge-clamped position, the elevator car or counterweight needs to be moved to allow the braking element to move. To move the car and counterweight, the elevator brake needs to be released. The connecting spring allows the elevator brake (such as the elevator car brake) to be arranged in the same hydraulic circuit as the safety clamp release mechanism.
[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the safety clamp includes at least one positioning spring for positioning the braking element relative to the frame in a second direction. The positioning spring is capable of holding the braking element in the center and moving the braking element from a wedge-locked position back to an initial position.
[0013] The safety device according to the invention includes the safety clamp defined above. The safety device further includes: a pressurizing mechanism configured to pressurize hydraulic fluid and arranged in fluid communication with the at least one cylinder of the safety clamp release mechanism to allow pressurized hydraulic fluid to be supplied to the at least one cylinder; a fluid reservoir arranged in fluid communication with the at least one cylinder of the safety clamp release mechanism and with the pressurizing mechanism for supplying hydraulic fluid to the pressurizing mechanism and for receiving hydraulic fluid from the at least one cylinder of the safety clamp release mechanism; and at least one safety valve having a closed state and an open state.The at least one safety valve is arranged between at least one cylinder of the safety clamp release mechanism and the fluid reservoir, such that in the open state of the safety valve, flow from the at least one cylinder into the fluid reservoir is permitted, and in the closed state of the safety valve, flow from the at least one cylinder into the fluid reservoir is prevented through the valve in the safety manual page 2 / 8 6 CN 121241020 A.
[0014] The safety clamp can be triggered by at least one safety valve and released by the pressurization mechanism.
[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the device includes at least two safety valves arranged in parallel, such that when at least one safety valve is in the open state, flow from at least one cylinder of the safety clamp release mechanism into the fluid reservoir is permitted. The two safety valves provide redundancy and ensure that the safety clamp is triggered when at least one safety valve is in operation.
[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the safety device includes at least two safety clamps, which are arranged in fluid communication with the pressurization mechanism and the fluid reservoir. For example, the safety clamps on both sides of an elevator may be arranged in the same hydraulic circuit to ensure simultaneous activation of the safety clamps.
[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a safety clamp is installed on an elevator car, and the safety device includes at least one braking device installed on the elevator car. The braking device includes: at least one movable braking element having a braking position and a release position. In the braking position, the braking element is configured to engage with the guide rail of the elevator car for stopping the elevator car and / or preventing the elevator car from moving. In the release position, the braking element allows the elevator car to move. At least one biasing spring configured to bias a braking element toward a braking position, and a brake release mechanism comprising at least one cylinder and a piston movable within the cylinder, the brake release mechanism being configured to move the at least one braking element to a release position when hydraulic pressure overcoming the biasing force caused by the at least one biasing spring is applied to the piston, wherein a pressurizing mechanism is arranged in fluid communication with the at least one cylinder of the brake release mechanism to allow pressurized hydraulic fluid to be supplied to the at least one cylinder of the brake release mechanism, a fluid reservoir is arranged in fluid communication with the at least one cylinder of the brake release mechanism for receiving hydraulic fluid from the at least one cylinder of the brake release mechanism, and at least one safety valve is arranged between the at least one cylinder of the brake release mechanism and the fluid reservoir such that, in the open state of the safety valve, flow from the at least one cylinder into the fluid reservoir is allowed, and in the closed state of the safety valve, flow from the at least one cylinder into the fluid reservoir is prevented through the safety valve.
[0018] Therefore, the elevator car's brake can be arranged in the same hydraulic circuit as the safety clamp.This allows the same hydraulic components to be used to control the brake and safety clamp.
[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the brake release mechanism, safety clamp release mechanism, and bias spring of the braking device and safety clamp are configured such that the hydraulic pressure required to hold the safety clamp in the released position is lower than the hydraulic pressure required to hold the braking device in the released position. This ensures that when the brake is released, the braking element of the safety clamp generally moves before the braking element of the braking device, and when braking, it generally moves after the braking element of the braking device. Therefore, the braking device can be used for controlled deceleration and controlled opening movement of an elevator car or counterweight.
[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pressurizing mechanism includes a hydraulic cylinder and a piston, which are configured to move relative to each other to pressurize the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic cylinder. The pressure in the hydraulic circuit can be easily controlled by the cylinder and piston to achieve precisely controlled deceleration. Furthermore, the piston and cylinder help achieve a lower noise level compared to a hydraulic pump.
[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pressurizing mechanism includes a linear actuator for driving the piston or hydraulic cylinder. Linear actuators allow for precise control of the pressurization mechanism.
[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the linear actuator is provided with a brake. By means of the brake, the pressure in the hydraulic system can be maintained with minimal energy consumption.
[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the device is configured to monitor one or more predetermined trigger events, and upon detecting a trigger event, cut off the power supply to the at least one safety valve to switch the at least one safety valve to the open state. For example, the trigger event can be monitored by a mechanical switch and / or different sensors.
[0024] The elevator according to the invention includes the above-described safety device. Brief Description of the Drawings
[0025] Embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein FIG1 schematically shows a safety clamp according to an embodiment of the invention in the released position; FIG2 shows the safety clamp of FIG1 in the contact position; FIG3 shows the safety clamp of FIG1 in the clamped position; FIG4 shows the safety clamp of FIG1 in the clamped position,A safety clamp release mechanism with pressurization; FIG5 schematically illustrates a safety device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG6 illustrates an elevator car with a safety device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description
[0026] FIG1 to FIG4 schematically illustrate a safety clamp 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The safety clamp 40 forms part of the safety device of the elevator. FIG5 schematically illustrates part of the safety device including the safety clamp 40. FIG6 schematically illustrates an elevator car 3 provided with a safety clamp 40 according to the present invention. The safety clamp 40 according to the present invention is intended for use in an elevator including at least one guide rail 2.
[0027] The elevator includes an elevator car 3 arranged in an elevator shaft. The elevator car 3 can move vertically in the elevator shaft. The elevator also includes a counterweight (not shown). The elevator car 3 is connected to the counterweight via a lifting member. The lifting member can be, for example, a wire, a belt (such as a toothed belt or a flat belt), a carbon fiber rope, or a coated rope. The elevator may include multiple lifting members. The elevator car 3 and the counterweight are connected to each other in such a way that they move in opposite directions relative to each other. The elevator also includes a lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism may include an electric motor. A motor drives a pulley, which can be directly or via gears connected to the motor. As the pulley rotates, the lifting components move, and the elevator car 3 and counterweight are moved. The motor can be located in a machine room above the elevator shaft. Alternatively, the elevator can be a machine room-less elevator, in which case the motor can be located in the elevator shaft.
[0028] The elevator car 3 is guided in the elevator shaft by guide rails 2. A pair of guide rails 2 are arranged on opposite sides of the elevator shaft. The guide rails 2 can have, for example, a T-shaped profile. The arms of the profile are attached to the walls of the elevator shaft, for example, via guide rail brackets. The main body or nose of the profile forms two guide surfaces for guiding the elevator car 3. The guide rails 2 have a first guide surface and a second guide surface. The guide surfaces face opposite directions. The elevator car 3 can be provided with rollers or other elements that roll or slide against the guide surfaces of the guide rails 2. The counterweight of the elevator can be guided by similar guide rails.
[0029] A safety clamp 40 can be used as a safety device for the elevator car 3. Safety clamp 40 can stop the elevator car 3 in an emergency (e.g., in case of overspeed). Safety clamp 40 can also be used as a safety device for the counterweight. Safety clamp 40 is configured to be installed on the elevator car 3 or the elevator counterweight and is configured to cooperate with the elevator guide rails 2 to stop the elevator car 2 or the counterweight upon startup. The elevator car 3 can be equipped with two or more safety clamps 40. For example, safety clamps 40 can be installed on both sides of the elevator car 3, each safety clamp 40 being configured to cooperate with one of the guide rails 2. Furthermore, the elevator car 3 can be equipped with individual safety clamps 40 for downward and upward movement of the elevator car 3. Safety clamp 40 can also be installed on the counterweight. Furthermore, the counterweight can be equipped with two or more safety clamps 40. In the following text,The safety clamp 40 is described with reference to the safety clamp of the elevator car 3, but the counterweight safety clamp 40 may have a similar construction and may operate in a similar manner.
[0030] The safety clamp 40 includes a frame 41 configured to be attached to the elevator car 3. The frame 41 has at least a first wedge-shaped surface 42, which is inclined longitudinally relative to the guide rail 2 at the mounting position of the safety clamp 40. The safety clamp 40 also includes a braking element 44 having a braking surface 45 and a first wedge-shaped surface 46, wherein the braking surface 45 is configured to face a first guide surface of the guide rail 2, and the first wedge-shaped surface 46 faces and is parallel to the first wedge-shaped surface 42 of the frame 41. The braking element 44 may apply a frictional force to the first guide surface of the guide rail 2.
[0031] The braking element 44 is movable relative to the frame 41 in a first direction A, which is perpendicular to the guide surface of the guide rail 2 at the mounting position of the safety clamp 40. Therefore, the first direction A is horizontal. The braking element 44 can also move in a second direction B, which is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 2 at the mounting position of the safety clamp 40. Therefore, the second direction B is vertical.
[0032] The braking element 44 can move between a release position and a clamping position. In the release position, the braking element 44 allows movement of the elevator car 3, and in the clamping position, the braking element 44 is wedged between the frame 41 of the safety clamp 40 and the first guide surface of the guide rail 2 to prevent movement of the elevator car 3. Figure 1 shows the braking element 44 in the release position, and Figure 3 shows the braking element 44 in the clamping position.
[0033] The safety clamp 40 also includes a mating member 48, which is arranged at a distance from the braking element 44 along the first direction A. The mating member 48 has a braking surface 49, which is configured to face the second guide surface of the guide rail 2 at the mounting position of the safety clamp 40. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the mating member 48 is attached to the frame 48 by a spring 57. The mating member 48 may also be part of the frame 41. Alternatively, the mating member 48 may be similar to the braking element 44.
[0034] The safety clamp 40 includes a bias spring 50 configured to bias the braking element 44 toward the guide rail 2 in a first direction A. The bias spring 50 may be a mechanical spring, such as a coil spring. Only one bias spring 50 is shown in the figures, but the safety clamp 40 may include two or more bias springs 50.
[0035] The safety clamp 40 also includes a safety clamp release mechanism 51, which includes a cylinder 52 and a piston 53 movable within the cylinder 52. The figures show one cylinder 52 and one piston 53, but the safety clamp release mechanism 51 may include two or more cylinders and pistons. In particular,The safety clamp 40 may include similar braking elements 44 on both sides of the guide rail 2, one of which forms the aforementioned mating member 48. In this case, the safety clamp release mechanism 51 may include similar cylinders and pistons for both braking elements. The safety clamp release mechanism 51 is connected to the braking element 44 such that when hydraulic pressure is applied to the piston 53 to move the braking element 44 away from the guide rail 2 to the release position and hold the braking element 44 in the release position, the safety clamp release mechanism 51 may apply a force to the braking element 44 in a first direction A to resist the force of the bias spring 50. Hydraulic fluid may be supplied to and released from the cylinder 52 via a fluid line 58.
[0036] In the embodiment of the figures, the frame 41 of the safety clamp 40 also includes a second wedge surface 43, and the braking element 44 includes a second wedge surface 47 facing and parallel to the second wedge surface 43 of the frame 41. The first wedge surfaces 42, 46 of the frame 41 and the braking element 44 are configured to cooperate with each other to stop the elevator car 3 when the elevator car 3 or the counterweight moves downward. The second wedge-shaped surfaces 43, 47 of the frame 41 and the braking element 44 are configured to cooperate with each other to stop the elevator car 3 when it moves upward. Therefore, the safety clamp 40 operates in both directions of elevator movement. However, the elevator could have separate safety clamps for each direction of movement. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide two wedge-shaped surfaces for the frame 41 and the braking element 44.
[0037] The safety clamp 40 includes positioning springs 55, 56 for positioning the braking element 44 relative to the frame 41 in the second direction B. When no force is applied to the braking element 44 in the second direction B, the positioning springs 55, 56 hold the braking element 44 centered relative to the frame 41. The positioning springs 55, 56 allow the braking element 44 to move to the clamped position.
[0038] As the elevator moves, hydraulic pressure overcoming the biasing force of the biasing spring 50 is maintained in the cylinder 52 of the safety clamp release mechanism 51. Therefore, the braking element 44 is held in the released position shown in FIG. 1. When the pressure is released from the cylinder 52, the bias spring 50 can push the brake element 44 against the guide rail 2 to reach the contact position, as shown in FIG2. If the elevator car 3 does not move when the brake element 44 contacts the guide rail 2, the brake element 44 remains in the contact position shown in FIG2. If the elevator car 3 continues to move downward, the frictional force causes the brake element 44 to move relative to the frame 41 of the safety clamp 40. Therefore, the brake element 44 is wedged in the clamping position between the frame 41 and the guide rail 2, as shown in FIG3. In addition, the mating member 48 is pulled against the guide rail 2, and the elevator car 3 stops.
[0039] In order to move the brake element 44 back to the release position, pressurized hydraulic fluid is introduced into the cylinder 52 of the safety clamp release mechanism 51.The piston 53 moves against the biasing force of the biasing spring 50. To allow the braking element 44 to move in the first direction A, the frame 41 of the safety clamp 40 needs to move relative to the braking element 44 in the second direction B. This can be accomplished by moving the elevator car 3. Alternatively, if the position of the frame 41 of the safety clamp 40 is adjustable, the frame 41 can move relative to the elevator car 3.
[0040] The safety device according to the invention includes the aforementioned safety clamp 40. The safety clamp 40 is operated via a hydraulic circuit. The hydraulic circuit includes a pressurizing mechanism 11 configured to pressurize hydraulic fluid. The pressurizing mechanism 11 is arranged in fluid communication with the cylinder 52 of the safety clamp release mechanism 51 to allow pressurized hydraulic fluid to be supplied to the cylinder 52 via a fluid line 58.
[0041] The hydraulic circuit also includes a fluid reservoir 22, which is arranged in fluid communication with the cylinder 52 of the safety clamp release mechanism 51 and with the pressurization mechanism 11 for supplying hydraulic fluid to the pressurization mechanism 11 and for receiving hydraulic fluid from the cylinder 52 of the safety clamp release mechanism 51. The hydraulic circuit also includes safety valves 16 and 17. Each safety valve 16, 17 has a closed state and an open state, and safety valves 16 and 17 are arranged between the cylinder 52 of the safety clamp release mechanism 51 and the fluid reservoir 22. If at least one of the safety valves 16, 17 is in the open state, flow from the cylinder 52 of the safety clamp release mechanism 51 into the fluid reservoir 22 is allowed. If all the safety valves 16, 17 are in the closed state, flow from the cylinder 52 of the safety clamp release mechanism 51 into the fluid reservoir 22 is prevented.
[0042] In the embodiment of the figures, the safety device includes two safety valves 16, 17 to provide redundancy. However, the device may include a single safety valve 16, 17 or two or more safety valves 16, 17.
[0043] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, safety valves 16 and 17 are normally open valves. Therefore, safety valves 16 and 17 are biased to the open position, for example, by a spring. Each of valves 16 and 17 is provided with an electric actuator for switching valve 16 or 17 to the closed state. If the electric actuator fails or there is a power failure, valve 16 or 17 automatically switches to the open state. This releases the pressure from cylinder 52 of safety clamp release mechanism 51 and switches safety clamp 40 to the clamped state. Therefore, the safety device operates safely in the event of a power outage and other malfunctions.
[0044] FIG. 5 shows only one safety clamp 40. However, there may be two or more safety clamps 40 in the same hydraulic circuit. FIG. 6 shows an embodiment in which the elevator car 3 is provided with two safety clamps 40. Each safety clamp 40 engages with one of the guide rails 2 that guide the elevator car 3. Both safety clamps 40 are arranged in the same hydraulic circuit.
[0045] In the embodiment shown in the figures,The pressurizing mechanism 11 includes a hydraulic cylinder 12 and a piston 13, which is configured to be driven in the hydraulic cylinder 12 to pressurize hydraulic fluid supplied to the cylinder 52 of the safety clamp release mechanism 51. The pressurizing mechanism 11 includes a linear actuator 14 for driving the piston 13. Instead of moving the piston 13, the linear actuator 14 can be configured to move the hydraulic cylinder 12. Therefore, the piston 13 can be stationary. The linear actuator 14 can be an electrically powered linear motor.
[0046] The linear actuator 14 can be provided with a brake. For example, the brake can be electrically actuated. When the brake is in the locked state, movement of the linear actuator 14 is prevented. Therefore, mutual movement between the piston 13 and the hydraulic cylinder 12 of the pressurizing mechanism 11 is also prevented. Therefore, even if the linear actuator 14 is not powered, the pressure in the hydraulic system of the safety device can be maintained. This allows the safety clamp 40 to be held in the released state with minimal energy consumption.
[0047] In the embodiment of FIG5, the safety clamp 40 is mounted on the elevator car 3. The safety device also includes a braking device 4 mounted on the elevator car 3. FIG5 shows one braking device 4, but the safety device preferably includes at least one braking device 4 located on each side of the elevator car 3. The braking device 4 can operate during normal elevator operation to stop the elevator or hold the elevator car 3 in the correct position at a landing, and can also act as an emergency brake to stop the elevator in case of overspeed. Therefore, the braking device 4 can be used as the primary mechanism for stopping the elevator car 3, and the safety clamp 40 operates as a secondary mechanism to ensure that the elevator car 3 stops.
[0048] The braking device 4 includes a movable braking element 5 having a braking position and a release position. In the braking position, the braking element 5 is configured to engage with the guide rail 2 of the elevator car 3 to stop the elevator car 3 and / or prevent movement of the elevator car 3; in the release position, the braking element 5 allows movement of the elevator car 4. The braking device 4 includes a bias spring 6 and a brake release mechanism 7. The bias spring 6 is configured to bias the braking element 5 toward the braking position. The brake release mechanism 7 includes a cylinder 8 and a piston 9 movable within the cylinder 8. The brake release mechanism 7 is configured to move the braking element 5 to the release position when a hydraulic pressure overcoming the biasing force caused by the bias spring 6 is applied to the piston 9. Therefore, the braking device 4 operates in a manner similar to that of the safety caliper 40.
[0049] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the braking device 4 includes two braking elements 5. The braking elements 5 are arranged on opposite sides of the guide rail 2. However, the braking device 4 can also be implemented with a single braking element 5.
[0050] The bias spring 6 of the braking device 4 can be a mechanical spring, such as a coil spring. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the braking device 4 includes two braking elements 5.Each braking element 5 is biased toward the braking position by a bias spring 6. The braking device 4 may include two or more bias springs 6 for each braking element 5. The braking elements 5 and bias springs 6 may be arranged in the brake caliper.
[0051] The brake release mechanism 7 may be integrated into the brake caliper. If the braking device 4 includes two braking elements 5, the brake release mechanism 7 may include two cylinders 8. However, the number of braking elements 5 and cylinders 8 need not be the same.
[0052] The pressurizing mechanism 11 is arranged in fluid communication with the cylinders 8 of the brake release mechanism 7 to allow pressurized hydraulic fluid to be supplied to the cylinders 8 of the brake release mechanism 6. The fluid reservoir 22 is arranged in fluid communication with the cylinders 8 of the brake release mechanism 7 for receiving hydraulic fluid from the cylinders 8 of the brake release mechanism 6. Safety valves 16 and 17 are arranged between the cylinder 8 of the brake release mechanism 7 and the fluid reservoir 22, such that when at least one of the safety valves 16 and 17 is open, flow from the cylinder 8 into the fluid reservoir 22 is permitted, while when all the safety valves 16 and 17 are closed, flow from the cylinder 8 into the fluid reservoir 22 is prevented. Therefore, the same safety valves 16 and 17 control the operation of the safety caliper 40 and the brake device 4.
[0053] The brake release mechanism 7, safety caliper release mechanism 51, and bias springs 6 and 50 of the brake device 4 and safety caliper 40 are configured such that the hydraulic pressure required to hold the safety caliper 40 in the released position is lower than the hydraulic pressure required to hold the brake device 4 in the released position. This can be achieved by appropriately sizing the pistons 53 and 9 of the safety clamp release mechanism 51 and the brake release mechanism 7, and by setting appropriate stiffness in the bias springs 50 and 6 of the safety clamp release mechanism 51 and the brake release mechanism 7.
[0054] As the pressure in the hydraulic circuit decreases, the braking element 5 of the braking device 4 moves to the braking position before the braking element 44 of the safety clamp 40 contacts the guide rail 2. This ensures that the braking of the elevator car 3 is performed in a controlled manner. Similarly, when the brake and safety clamp 40 are released, the braking element 44 of the safety clamp 40 moves to the release position before the braking element 5 of the braking device 4.
[0055] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the connecting spring 54 is arranged between the piston 53 and the braking element 44 of the safety clamp release mechanism 51, such that when the braking element 44 is in the clamped position and sufficient hydraulic pressure is applied to the piston 53, the piston 53 can move away from the braking element 44 in the first direction A. When the braking element 44 of the safety clamp 40 is in the clamped position as shown in FIG3,Elevator Manual Page 7 / 8 11 CN 121241020 A The car 3 needs to move upward to allow the movement of the braking element 44. If the braking device 4 of the elevator car 3 is arranged in the same hydraulic circuit as the safety clamp 40, as shown in the embodiment of FIG5, the cylinder 52 of the safety clamp release mechanism 51 and the cylinder 8 of the brake release mechanism 7 are pressurized simultaneously. Even when the braking element 44 is wedged between the frame 41 and the guide rail 2, the connecting spring 54 allows the piston 53 of the safety clamp release mechanism 40 to move. This ensures that the pressure in the hydraulic circuit rises in a similar manner, regardless of the position of the braking element 44.
[0056] The safety device can be configured to monitor one or more predetermined trigger events and, upon detecting a trigger event, cut off the power supply to the safety valves 16 and 17 to switch the safety valves 16 and 17 to the open state. Trigger events may include, for example, overspeed of the elevator car 3 or the counterweight or the opening of the landing door of the elevator 1. Safety devices may include different switches and / or sensors to detect trigger events.
[0057] To switch the safety clamp 40 and the braking device 4 to the release state, safety valves 16 and 17 are closed. A brake release command is sent to the drive unit of the linear actuator 14. The drive unit supplies power to the linear actuator 14 that drives the pressurizing mechanism 11. The pressurizing mechanism 11 is driven until the relative positions of the piston 13 and the hydraulic cylinder 12 of the pressurizing mechanism 11 correspond to a predetermined target value. Then, the brake of the linear actuator 14 switches to the braking state. Thus, the pressure in the system is maintained with minimal energy consumption.
[0058] To switch the braking device 4 to the braking state, a braking command is sent to the brake of the linear actuator 14 and to the drive unit. The brake of the linear actuator 14 is released. The motor of the linear actuator operates as a generator and resists the relative mutual movement of the piston 13 and the hydraulic cylinder 12 of the pressurizing mechanism 11. By controlling the pressure release in the hydraulic circuit, the elevator car 3 can be braked in a controlled manner by the braking device 4. When the braking device 4 is in the braking state, safety valves 16 and 17 are opened to balance the pressure between the fluid reservoir 22, the pressurizing mechanism 11, the braking device 4, and the safety clamp 40. Furthermore, although the braking element 44 of the safety clamp 40 is in contact with the guide rail 2,However, it will not move to the clamping position. (Instruction manual page 8 / 8, 12 CN 121241020 A, Figure 1; Instruction manual figure 1 / 6, 13 CN 121241020 A, Figure 2; Instruction manual figure 2 / 6, 14 CN 121241020 A, Figure 3; Instruction manual figure 3 / 6, 15 CN 121241020 A, Figure 4; Instruction manual figure 4 / 6, 16 CN 121241020 A, Figure 5; Instruction manual figure 5 / 6, 17 CN 121241020 A, Figure 6; Instruction manual figure 6 / 6, 18 CN 121241020 A)
Claims
1. A safety gear (40) for an elevator, the elevator comprising a guide rail (2) having a first guide surface and a second guide surface for guiding an elevator car (3) or a counterweight of the elevator, the first and second guide surfaces of the guide rail (2) facing in opposite directions, the safety gear (40) being configured to be mounted to the elevator car (3) or the counterweight of the elevator and to cooperate with the guide rail (2) of the elevator to stop the elevator car (3) or the counterweight when actuated, the safety gear (40) comprising: a frame (41) configured to be attached to the elevator car (3) or the counterweight, the frame (41) having at least a first wedge surface (42) inclined with respect to a longitudinal direction of the guide rail (2) in a mounting position of the safety gear (40); a brake element (44) having a brake surface (45) configured to face the first guide surface of the guide rail (2) and a first wedge surface (46) facing and parallel to the first wedge surface (42) of the frame (41), the brake element (44) being movable relative to the frame (41) in a first direction (A) perpendicular to the guide surfaces of the guide rail (2) in the mounting position of the safety gear (40) and in a second direction (B) parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail (2) in the mounting position of the safety gear (40) to allow the brake element (44) to move between a release position in which the brake element (44) allows the elevator car (3) or the counterweight to move and a clamping position in which the brake element (44) is wedged between the frame (41) of the safety gear (40) and the first guide surface of the guide rail (2) to prevent the elevator car (3) or the counterweight from moving; a counterpart (48) arranged at a distance from the brake element (44) along the first direction (A) and having a brake surface (49) configured to face the second guide surface of the guide rail (2) in the mounting position of the safety gear (40); at least one biasing spring (50) configured to bias the brake element (44) in the first direction (A) towards the guide rail (2); and a safety gear release mechanism (51) comprising at least one cylinder (52) and a piston (53) movable within the cylinder (53), the safety gear release mechanism (51) being connected to the brake element (44) such that, when hydraulic pressure is applied to the piston (53) to move the brake element (44) away from the guide rail (2) and into the release position and to hold the brake element (44) in the release position, the safety gear release mechanism (51) is able to apply a force to the brake element (44) in the first direction (A) to counteract the force of the biasing spring (50).
2. The safety shackle (40) of claim 1, wherein, The frame (41) further comprises a second wedge surface (43), the brake element (44) comprises a second wedge surface (47) facing and parallel to the second wedge surface (43) of the frame (41), the first wedge surfaces (42, 46) of the frame (41) and the brake element (44) are configured to cooperate with each other to stop the elevator car (3) or counterweight when the elevator car (3) or counterweight is moving in a first direction of movement, the second wedge surfaces (43, 47) of the frame (41) and the brake element (44) are configured to cooperate with each other to stop the elevator car (3) or counterweight when the elevator car (3) or counterweight is moving in a second direction of movement.
3. The safety shutter (40) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein At least one connection spring (54) is arranged between the piston (53) and the brake element (44) such that the piston (53) can be moved away from the brake element (44) in the first direction (A) when the brake element (44) is in a clamping position and applies sufficient hydraulic pressure to the piston (53).
4. The safety shield (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The safety gear (4) comprises at least one positioning spring (55, 56) for positioning the brake element (40) in a second direction (B) relative to the frame (41).
5. A safety arrangement for an elevator, the safety arrangement comprising a safety gear (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, and a pressurizing mechanism (11) configured to pressurize hydraulic fluid and arranged in fluid communication with the at least one cylinder (52) of the safety gear release mechanism (51) to allow supply of pressurized hydraulic fluid into the at least one cylinder (52); a fluid reservoir (22) arranged in fluid communication with the at least one cylinder (52) of the safety gear release mechanism (51) and with the pressurizing mechanism (11) for supplying hydraulic fluid to the pressurizing mechanism (11) and for receiving hydraulic fluid from the at least one cylinder (52) of the safety gear release mechanism (51), and at least one safety valve (16, 17) having an open state and a closed state, the at least one safety valve (16, 17) being arranged between the at least one cylinder (52) of the safety gear release mechanism (51) and the fluid reservoir (22) such that in the open state of the safety valve (16, 17) flow from the at least one cylinder (52) into the fluid reservoir (22) is allowed and in the closed state of the safety valve (16, 17) flow from the at least one cylinder (52) into the fluid reservoir (22) through the safety valve (16, 17) is prevented.
6. The security apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The arrangement comprises at least two safety valves (16, 17) arranged in parallel such that when at least one of the safety valves (16, 17) is in the open state, flow from the at least one cylinder (52) of the safety gear release mechanism (51) into the fluid reservoir (22) is allowed.
7. The security device of claim 5 or 6, wherein, The safety device comprises at least two safety shoes (40) arranged in fluid communication with the pressurizing mechanism (11) and the fluid reservoir (22).
8. A security device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, The safety shoes (40) are mounted on the elevator car (3), the safety device comprises at least one brake device (4) mounted on the elevator car (3), the brake device (4) comprises: a movable at least one brake element (5) having a braking position, in which the brake element (5) is configured to engage with a guide rail (2) of the elevator car (3) for stopping and / or preventing movement of the elevator car (3), and a release position, in which the brake element (5) allows movement of the elevator car (3); at least one biasing spring (6) configured to bias the brake element (5) towards the braking position; and a brake release mechanism (7) comprising at least one cylinder (8) and a piston (9) movable within the cylinder (8), the brake release mechanism (7) being configured to move the at least one brake element (5) to the release position when a hydraulic pressure, which overcomes a biasing force caused by the at least one biasing spring (6), is applied to the piston (9); wherein, the pressurizing mechanism (11) is arranged in fluid communication with the at least one cylinder (8) of the brake release mechanism (7) to allow pressurized hydraulic fluid to be supplied into the at least one cylinder (8) of the brake release mechanism (7); the fluid reservoir (22) is arranged in fluid communication with the at least one cylinder (8) of the brake release mechanism (7) for receiving hydraulic fluid from the at least one cylinder (8) of the brake release mechanism (7); and the at least one safety valve (16, 17) is arranged between the at least one cylinder (8) of the brake release mechanism (7) and the fluid reservoir (22) such that in an open state of the safety valve (16, 17) a flow from the at least one cylinder (8) into the fluid reservoir (22) is allowed and in a closed state of the safety valve (16, 17) a flow from the at least one cylinder (8) into the fluid reservoir (22) through the safety valve (16, 17) is prevented.
9. The security apparatus of claim 8, wherein, The brake release mechanism (7), the safety shoe release mechanism (51) and the biasing spring (6, 50) of the brake device (4) and the safety shoes (40) are configured such that a hydraulic pressure required to maintain the safety shoes (40) in the release position is lower than a hydraulic pressure required to maintain the brake device (4) in the release position.
10. The security device of any of claims 5-9, wherein, The pressurizing mechanism (11) comprises a hydraulic cylinder (12) and a piston (13) configured to be movable relative to each other to pressurize hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic cylinder (12).
11. The security apparatus of claim 10, wherein, The pressurizing mechanism (11) comprises a linear actuator (14) for driving the piston (13) or the hydraulic cylinder (12).
12. The security apparatus of claim 11, wherein, The linear actuator (14) is provided with a brake.
13. The security apparatus of any one of claims 5 to 12, wherein, The device is configured to be able to monitor one or more predetermined trigger events and, in the event of detection of a trigger event, to cut the power supply to the at least one safety valve (16, 17) to switch the at least one safety valve (16, 17) to an open state.
14. An elevator comprising a safety device according to any one of claims 5 to 13.