Compensation guide, counterweight panel, elevator and method

Abstract

This invention discloses a compensation guide (31), a counterweight screen (30), a traction elevator (1), and a method for guiding a compensation element (13). The compensation guide includes a horizontally (H) oriented guide opening (32) through which the compensation element passes. Furthermore, the guide is vertically movably mounted to the counterweight screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a compensation guide for guiding compensation elements arranged between a counterweight frame and an elevator car.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a counterweight screen, a traction elevator, and a method for using a compensating element to support the traction elevator. Background Technology

[0003] In high-rise buildings, traction elevators require compensating elements, such as chains, ropes, cables, or belts, that connect the counterweight and the bottom of the car. The compensating elements are suspended in the elevator shaft below the vertically movable counterweight and car. The purpose of the compensating elements is to balance the weight of the suspension ropes. Because the compensating elements may begin to sway, different compensating guides have been developed. However, known solutions have shown some drawbacks. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a novel and improved compensating guide, counterweight screen, traction elevator, and method for guiding the compensating element.

[0005] The disclosed solution involves a compensating guide or guiding device installed at the bottom of the elevator shaft into a counterweight screen or protective device. Furthermore, the compensating guide is allowed to move vertically relative to the fixedly installed counterweight screen. The guide is configured to provide support for the annular portion of the compensating element suspended in the elevator shaft. Therefore, the guide opening through which the annular portion passes is horizontally oriented. During normal elevator operation, the compensating guide is initially located at the lower part of the screen bottom. If a so-called buffer impact causes the compensating element to bounce (i.e., suddenly move upward), the compensating guide moves upward and continues to provide appropriate support for the compensating element. Therefore, the guide can be considered to be dynamically movable vertically during operation.

[0006] The advantages of the disclosed compensating guide are that the horizontal compensating guide provides proper support for the annular portion of the compensating element during normal elevator operation and in the event of impact from the buffer. It allows the guide to move vertically together with the annular horizontal portion of the compensating element. The guide is not located below the vertically moving counterweight, so no collision occurs between the counterweight and the guide when the counterweight impacts the buffer installed in the counterweight's movement space. Therefore, there is no need to maintain an excess vertical clearance distance below the counterweight to prevent collisions, allowing for an increase in the height of the counterweight frame, which offers several advantages for elevator design. Due to the disclosed structure, more options are available for designing space-saving, low-pit elevator configurations. While the disclosed solution allows for an increase in the effective vertical dimension of the counterweight assembly, it also allows for the use of different materials for the counterweight plates or boxes in a more versatile manner.

[0007] Because the compensating guide is supported on a fixedly installed counterweight screen, the guide is well supported and its vertical movement is properly guided.

[0008] Another advantage is its simple structure, low cost, and durability.

[0009] Because the guide is supported by the counterweight protection device, rather than by the cushioning component of the counterweight, there is no need to use any specially designed cushioning component and its connected support structure. This allows for the use of a simpler, lower-cost, standard cushioning component.

[0010] According to the embodiments, the disclosed compensation guide is only supported to the screen and does not require additional support devices.

[0011] According to embodiments, the disclosed compensation guide can be installed onto any counterweight screen or protective device. The screen can be made of metal, composite material, plastic, or any suitable material to provide adequate protection and meet the set requirements. Furthermore, the disclosed guide can be adapted to any existing screen. The screen may already include an opening at its bottom, thereby allowing the guide to be installed relatively easily into the opening. Where a vertical opening is not present, it can be easily cut open with common tools.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the guide can move freely in the vertical direction. In the event of a shock to the buffer element, the guide only follows the movement of the annular portion of the compensating element.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the guide can move freely in the vertical direction along a vertical range of motion due to the bearing element, thereby providing the guide with a floating mount relative to the support structure.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the guide has a two-part form comprising two halves that are connectable to each other. In other words, the structure of the guide can be opened for easy installation. The guide can be opened, arranged around the compensating element, and ultimately reassembled.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the guide includes more than two parts that can be connected to each other. In other words, the structure of the guide can be assembled from three, four, or even more components for easy installation. The guide can be opened, arranged around the compensating element, and eventually reassembled.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the bearing element of the guide includes sliding surfaces on opposite vertical sides of the body. The sliding bearing provides the guide with a simple, reliable, and inexpensive bearing.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the main body is provided with removable sliding bearing elements. The sliding bearing elements can then be manufactured individually, and desired sliding bearing materials can be used. The bearing elements can also be replaced later if needed.

[0018] According to an embodiment, both sliding bearing elements include grooves configured to receive edge portions of a plate-like support structure. The inner side and bottom of the grooves are then part of the sliding bearing element.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the sliding surface is made of a sliding bearing plastic material, such as polyamide (nylon), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyacetal (POM), or polyethylene.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the bearing elements of the guide include bearing rollers on opposite vertical sides of the body. Side rollers facing the edge portion may also be present, with the edge rollers facing the edge of the opening.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the guide includes a bearing assembly that is a combination of a sliding bearing solution and a bearing roller solution. In other words, different bearing solutions can be utilized in a versatile manner.

[0022] According to an embodiment, a vertical sliding element, a corresponding vertical bearing, or a guide rod is provided in the opening at the bottom of the screen. Furthermore, the guide rod or support rod can reinforce the edge portion of the opening.

[0023] According to an embodiment, a frame element configured to frame the opening is provided at the bottom of the screen. The frame element may include a bearing surface. Furthermore, the frame element may reinforce the edge portion of the opening.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the edge portion of the horizontally oriented opening of the guide is provided with a sliding bearing plastic material, such as polyamide (nylon), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyacetal (POM), or polyethylene. A plastic bearing ring may surround the opening. Due to lower friction, the plastic bearing ring or bushing can facilitate the movement of the compensating element relative to the guide and can also reduce potential noise caused by the compensating element.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the bearing ring may alternatively be made of a metallic sliding bearing material, such as sliding bearing bronze.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the bearing ring may be a single uniform part, or alternatively, it may comprise two, three, or even more parts that can be connected to each other.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the solution relates to a counterweight screen that can be installed to the bottom of an elevator shaft and configured as a partition wall for preventing objects from entering the vertically moving space of the counterweight of the traction elevator. In other words, the counterweight screen is a safety cover. The screen includes a rectangular panel having two vertical side edges, a horizontal top edge, and a horizontal bottom edge. The panel is provided with at least one longitudinal opening extending a distance from the bottom edge to the top edge. Furthermore, the screen is provided with at least one compensating guide that is vertically movably mounted to the opening. The compensating guide conforms to the features disclosed herein.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the screen may be made of, for example, metal, plastic or composite material.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the screen is a planar object.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the screen may be transparent, or it may be a mesh-like object with openings.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the longitudinal edge of the opening in the screen is configured to provide support for the guide.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the guide includes a groove with a vertical edge facing a longitudinal opening. The groove provides suitable support and guidance for the guide.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the disclosed solution relates to a traction elevator, comprising: a car assembly having an elevator car; a counterweight assembly having a counterweight frame and at least one filling element; a first guide assembly and a corresponding second guide assembly, the first guide assembly having a first vertical guide rail mountable to an elevator shaft and a first guide shoe mountable to the car assembly, the second guide assembly having a second vertical guide rail and a second guide shoe for the counterweight frame, wherein the guide shoe is supportable against the guide rail; a lifting mechanism including an electric motor and a traction sheave driven by the electric motor; at least A suspension rope connects the car assembly and the counterweight assembly and is arranged to pass over a traction sheave; at least one compensating element is arranged between the bottom of the car assembly and the counterweight assembly, and includes two vertically suspended sections in the elevator shaft and an annular portion connecting these vertical sections; at least one compensating guide for providing support to the compensating element, and includes at least one guide opening through which the compensating element is arranged; a counterweight screen is arranged at the bottom of the elevator shaft and configured as a protective structure to prevent objects from entering the movement path of the counterweight assembly. Furthermore, the compensating guide is arranged at the annular portion of the compensating element, whereby the compensating element is configured to be guided through the horizontally oriented guide opening. The guide and screen conform to the features disclosed herein.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the counterweight screen divides the bottom of the pit into a counterweight space and a car space, thereby serving as a protective structure between these spaces. The screen can be mounted to the aforementioned second vertical guide rail arranged on the counterweight frame. Alternatively, the screen can be mounted to the wall of the pit bottom.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the disclosed solution relates to a method for guiding a compensating element of a traction elevator. The compensating element is arranged between the bottom of the elevator car assembly and the counterweight assembly, and includes two vertically suspended portions in the elevator shaft and an annular portion connecting the vertical portions. The method includes orienting the annular portion of the compensating element through a guide opening that is horizontally oriented by at least one compensating guide.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the method further includes vertically and movably supporting the compensation guide to the elevator's counterweight screen.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the method further includes providing a floating mount for the horizontal compensation guide and allowing the compensation guide to move vertically upward from its initial normal position. The guide moves together with the compensation element.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the method further includes allowing a compensating guide to move vertically upwards while the counterweight assembly moves against the buffer, the vertical length of which is configured to shorten due to the impact of the buffer.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the disclosed solution includes at least one detection device, sensor, or measuring device connected and mounted to a compensation guide or screen to sense movement of the guide. The generated sensing data is transmitted to at least one control unit or electronic terminal device configured to control or monitor elevator operation.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the disclosed solution includes at least one spring element arranged to connect with a compensating guide. The spring element can be an elastic element or a mechanical spring. The spring element can hold the guide element in a desired vertical position under normal operating conditions and allow movement of the guide element under special conditions. One or more spring elements influencing the vertical movement of the guide element can be arranged between the guide element and the screen, or between the guide element and the bottom surface of the pit.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the disclosed solution includes at least one damper, damping element, or damping device arranged to be connected to the compensation guide. The damper is configured to dampen possible vibrations in the compensation guide. The damper of the guide may be arranged between the guide and the screen, or between the guide and the bottom surface of the pit bottom.

[0042] According to an embodiment, because the volume of the counterweight assembly can be larger than before, the volumetric weight of the counterweight can be lower. This larger volume allows for the use of less expensive filler materials. Filler elements or filler plates made of lower specific gravity materials are also easier and safer to handle when loaded onto the load support frame of the counterweight assembly. The larger counterweight volume is possible because the counterweight can be sized to extend a greater distance in the lower direction, eliminating the risk of collision between the counterweight assembly and the guide.

[0043] The disclosed embodiments can be combined to form a suitable solution with the desired features described above. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Some embodiments are described in more detail in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic and highly simplified side view of a traction elevator.

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic top view of the elevator car assembly, counterweight assembly, and their guidance system.

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic side view of the compensation device.

[0048] Figure 4 This is a schematic side view of the compensation guide.

[0049] Figure 5 This is a schematic side view of a counterweight screen, which is equipped with a vertically movable compensation guide. Figure 6 The counterweight screen under impact conditions of the buffer component was disclosed.

[0050] Figure 7 It is a schematic top view of a compensation guide with grooves, and

[0051] Figure 8 This is a schematic side view of a guide member equipped with bearing rollers.

[0052] For clarity, the accompanying drawings illustrate some embodiments of the disclosed solution in a simplified manner. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements. Detailed Implementation

[0053] Figure 1A traction elevator 1 installed in an elevator shaft 2 of a building is disclosed. The elevator 1 includes an elevator car 3 for receiving a load to be transported. The car 3 and counterweight assembly 4 are suspended from a suspension rope 5 passing through a hoisting mechanism 6. The hoisting mechanism 6 includes a traction sheave 7 driven by a motor M. Friction is generated between the suspension rope 5 and the traction sheave 7, which is used to transmit lifting power to the elevator system. The hoisting mechanism 6 may include one or more additional pulleys 8 for guiding and controlling the suspension rope 5. Furthermore, different rope schemes and feed rates can be implemented. The hoisting mechanism 6 may be located in an upper machine room 9, or alternatively, the system may be a so-called machine room-less elevator. The car 3 can be driven to a desired height 10 or floor under the control of one or more control units CU. Additionally, at the bottom of the pit bottom 12 of the shaft 2 are buffers 11a, 11b. Buffer 11 is a device configured to stop the car 3 and counterweight 4 from falling beyond their normal limits. Buffer 11 is arranged to soften the force of the elevator 1 entering the pit bottom 12 under special circumstances. Furthermore, the bottom of the car 3 and the bottom of the counterweight assembly 4 are connected by a compensating element 13 (e.g., chain, wire, or belt). The compensating element 13 can pass through a compensating pulley 14 located at the bottom of the pit. The compensating element 13 can be supported and guided as disclosed herein. Details of the solution are disclosed in other figures.

[0054] Figure 2 The car assembly 17 is shown, which includes an elevator car 3 and a support element 18. The car assembly 17 is supported to the elevator shaft 2 by a first guide assembly 19, which includes a first vertical guide rail 20 mounted to the inner surface of the elevator shaft 2 and a first guide shoe 21 mounted to the support element 18. A breakaway shoe 22 or device and safety devices may also be present at the guide assembly 19.

[0055] The counterweight assembly 4 includes a counterweight frame 15 and a filling element 23. The frame 15 is supported to the elevator shaft 2 by a second guide assembly 24 including a second vertical guide rail 25 and a second guide shoe 26. Similarly, the counterweight assembly 4 may be provided with a break shoe 27 to slow down the movement of the counterweight assembly 4.

[0056] Figure 2 Further shown, guide components 19 and 24 can be supported to the elevator shaft 2 via beam structure 28. Of course, the elevator shaft 2 and car 3 are equipped with a door system 29. For clarity, in Figure 3 The suspension rope and pulley are not shown.

[0057] Figure 2The document also discloses a counterweight assembly 4 equipped with a counterweight screen 30, which can be mounted on the guide rail 25 or the beam structure 28. The counterweight screen 30, or protective device, is a safety cover designed to protect the path of the counterweight 4 and prevent any object from entering its path. The screen 30 is equipped with a compensation guide 31 through which a compensation element 13 passes. The compensation element 13 can be a steel wire rope or a chain coated with plastic, which is installed to compensate for the weight of the suspension rope. One end of the counterweight element 13 is secured to the bottom side of the elevator car 3, and the other end is fixed to the counterweight 4.

[0058] Figure 3 A compensating element 13 is disclosed, which is arranged between the counterweight 4 and the bottom of the car 3, and includes two straight vertical portions 13a and 13b and an annular portion 13c. A counterweight screen 30 is vertically mounted at the bottom portion of the pit between the movement paths of the car 3 and the counterweight 4. The screen 30 is provided with a compensating guide 31, which provides support for the annular portion 13c. It can be seen that the annular portion 13c passes through an opening 32 in the guide, which is horizontally H-oriented. The guide 31 can move from its initial normal position in an upward direction relative to the screen 30. The displacement positions of the guide 31' and the annular portion 13c' are shown in dashed lines.

[0059] Figure 4 A compensation guide 31 is disclosed, which is mounted to an opening 33 formed in the counterweight screen 30. The opening 33 may have a longitudinal shape and include opposing vertical edges 34. The guide 31 includes a body 35 having a two-part construction and may include two halves 36 fastened to each other by screws 37. A sliding bearing 38 may be present for supporting the guide 31 to the edge 34 of the opening 33. The sliding bearing 38 may be as disclosed herein. The guide opening 32 receives the compensation element 13. The guide opening 32 may or may not be provided with a sliding bearing ring 39 or a corresponding structure. The guide 31 is provided with a guide portion 46 having the guide opening 32.

[0060] Figure 5 The compensation guide 31 in its normal operating position is disclosed. The guide 31 is installed into the opening 33 of the counterweight screen 30. The opening 33 extends a certain distance from the bottom edge 40 to the top edge 41 of the screen 30.

[0061] exist Figure 6 In the middle, the guide 31 moves to its uppermost position. Therefore, the guide 31 has a vertical movement range.

[0062] Figure 7 It is disclosed that the guide 31 may be provided with a groove 42 on the edge of the opening 33 facing the screen 30. These features have been discussed in detail in the above sections of this document.

[0063] Figure 8 An alternative solution for supporting the guide 31 to the opening 33 of the screen 30 is disclosed. The guide may include multiple roller elements 43 and 44 for supporting the guide 31 to the edge portion 34 of the opening 33. In addition, the opening 33 may be provided with a frame 45 or a corresponding support structure to reinforce the edge portion or provide a supporting surface.

[0064] Figure 8 Further disclosure reveals that the guide 31 can consist of multiple parts connected by a connector 47. In this case, for example, there are four parts that can be connected to each other via quick connectors. Furthermore, the guide 31 can include a uniform sliding bearing ring 39, or alternatively, the ring 39 can be formed from several connectable components. The ring 39 can be made of a sliding bearing material and can include a rounded edge to ensure smooth contact with the compensating element.

[0065] Between the screen 30 or the bottom surface, there may be a spring element 48 and a damper 49, both of which affect the vertical movement of the guide 31. The transmission element 50 is shown in a simplified manner. However, the transmission element may include a wire rope, a rod, or any other suitable element.

[0066] The accompanying drawings and related descriptions are intended only to illustrate the idea of ​​the invention. In detail, the invention may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A counterweight screen (30) that can be installed at the bottom (12) of an elevator shaft (2) and configured to serve as a partition wall for preventing objects from entering the vertical moving space of the counterweight (4) of the traction elevator (1); And among them, The screen (30) includes a rectangular panel having two vertical side edges, a horizontal top edge (41), and a horizontal bottom edge (40); and The panel is provided with at least one longitudinal opening (33), which extends a certain distance from the bottom edge (40) to the top edge (41); Its features are, The screen (30) is provided with at least a compensation guide (31), which is vertically movable and installed into the opening (33); The compensation guide (31) includes: Body (35), which is used to install the compensation guide to the support structure; A guide portion (46) is connected to the main body (35) and is provided with a guide opening (32) through which the compensation element (13) can be installed; The guide portion (46) has a vertically pointing operating position, wherein the guide opening (32) points horizontally (H), such that the horizontal portion of the compensation element (13) is configured to pass through the guide opening (32); and The body (35) of the compensation guide (31) includes bearing elements (38, 43, 44) on its opposite vertical side, thereby enabling the guide to move vertically relative to the support structure.

2. The counterweight screen according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide (31) is able to move freely in the vertical direction along a vertical range of motion due to the bearing element, thereby providing the guide (31) with a floating mount relative to the support structure.

3. The counterweight screen according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The guide portion (46) of the guide (31) includes at least two separate components that can be connected to each other.

4. The counterweight screen according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The bearing element (38) includes a sliding surface on the opposite vertical side of the body (35).

5. The counterweight screen according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The bearing elements include bearing rollers (43, 44) on opposite vertical sides of the body (35).

6. The counterweight screen according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The guide portion (46) of the guide (31) includes a sliding bearing ring (39) comprising a sliding bearing material.

7. The counterweight screen according to claim 1, characterized in that, The longitudinal edge (34) of the opening (33) of the screen (30) is configured to provide support for the guide (31).

8. The counterweight screen according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that, The compensation guide (31) is connected to at least one spring element (48) configured to enable vertical movement of the guide (31) relative to the screen (30).

9. A traction elevator (1), comprising: Car assembly (17), which is equipped with an elevator car (3); The counterweight assembly (4) is provided with a counterweight frame (15) and at least one filling element (23); A first guide assembly (19) and a corresponding second guide assembly (24), the first guide assembly (19) being provided with a first vertical guide rail (20) for installation into the elevator shaft (2) and a first guide shoe (21) for installation into the car assembly (17), the second guide assembly (24) being provided with a second vertical guide rail (25) and a second guide shoe (26) for the counterweight frame (15), wherein the guide shoes (21, 26) are supported against the guide rails (20, 25); The lifting mechanism (6) includes an electric motor (M) and a traction sheave (7) driven by the electric motor (M); At least one suspension rope (5) connects the car assembly (17) and the counterweight assembly (4) and is arranged to pass over the traction sheave (7); At least one compensation element (13) is arranged between the bottom of the car assembly (17) and the counterweight assembly (4), and includes two vertical portions (13a, 13b) suspended vertically in the elevator shaft (2) and an annular portion (13c) connecting the vertical portions (13a, 13b). At least one compensation guide (31) for providing support for the compensation element (13), and includes at least one guide opening (32) through which the compensation element (13) is arranged; A counterweight panel (30) is arranged at the bottom (12) of the elevator shaft (2) and configured as a protective structure to prevent objects from entering the movement path of the counterweight assembly (4). Its features are, The compensation guide (31) is arranged at the annular portion (13c) of the compensation element (13), thereby the compensation element (13) is configured to be guided through the horizontally (H) oriented guide opening (32) of the guide (31); The compensation guide (31) includes: Body (35), which is used to install the compensation guide to the support structure; A guide portion (46) is connected to the main body (35) and is provided with the guide opening (32); The guide portion (46) has a vertically oriented operating position; and The body (35) of the compensation guide (31) includes bearing elements (38, 43, 44) on its opposite vertical side, thereby enabling the guide to move vertically relative to the support structure.

10. The traction elevator according to claim 9, characterized in that, The guide (31) is able to move freely in the vertical direction along a vertical range of motion due to the bearing element, thereby providing the guide (31) with a floating mount relative to the support structure.

11. The traction elevator according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The guide portion (46) of the guide (31) includes at least two separate components that can be connected to each other.

12. The traction elevator according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The bearing element (38) includes a sliding surface on the opposite vertical side of the body (35).

13. The traction elevator according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The bearing elements include bearing rollers (43, 44) on opposite vertical sides of the body (35).

14. The traction elevator according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The guide portion (46) of the guide (31) includes a sliding bearing ring (39) comprising a sliding bearing material.

15. The traction elevator according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The elevator shaft (2) includes at least one counterweight buffer (11b) disposed at the bottom of the pit bottom (12) on the movement path of the counterweight assembly (4); and The compensation guide (31) is located at a horizontal distance from the buffer (11b).

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